We're delighted to present our conversation with the remarkable Benjamín Labatut for Episode 81, in which we primarily discuss his 2023 non-fiction novel The MANIAC, its primary figure John von Neumann, the madness and magic of fiction, and the limits and future of science and the human mind. Run, don't walk to buy Benjamín's two English-language b…

For episode 80, we welcome Jessica Anthony back to the show. She has long been one of our favorite writers and she returns this month with a new novel titled The Most (out July 30 from Little Brown). Jessica Anthony is the author of three books of fiction, most recently the novel Enter the Aardvark, a finalist for the New England Book Award in Fict…

In this episode, Matt Bucher interviews Matt Lowell of the band Lo Moon. They discuss the genesis of Lo Moon's new hit song, "Water." Lowell shares how he discovered David Foster Wallace's writing and he also breaks down his collaborative writing process. Later, he digs into some of his literary influences and the two Matts discuss Salinger, Fitzge…

In this episode, Matt interviews Don Hough. Don is the author of a collection of short stories titled The Funeral Girl, a collection of essays called The Exact Right Word, and a new correspondence collection called All the Best. They discuss how The Funeral Girl is influenced by David Foster Wallace’s work, how Don discovered DFW, James Cameron’s T…

In this episode, Dave and Matt sit down with Adam Levin to discuss the publication of the Bar Mitzvah edition of that great novel, The Instructions. They discuss growing up in the land of Bar Mitzvahs, the writing process, and what happens to Gurion, among other things. Adam Levin's website is: https://www.adamlevinadamlevin.com/ You can order the …

Comedians Mark Schiff and Daniel Lobell host their friend Comedian Darren Carter to kick off the first episode of We Think It's Funny.By Mark Schiff and Lowell Benjamin

It's our favorite annual episode on the show, when we get to look back at the best of our year in reading with someone else who has read cool stuff. This time it's with Ben Diamond, a very keen listener and patron from London, who for three years running has sent us an annual best of his year recording, always full of interesting books, shows, musi…

In Episode 75 we welcome poet Diego Báez back onto the show, to discuss his fantastic forthcoming book of poetry, Yaguareté White, which releases from University of Arizona Press on February 20, 2024. You can pre-order it directly from the publisher or from Bookshop.org Follow Diego on Twitter Contact Dave & Matt: Email - concavityshow@gmail.com Tw…

In this episode with speak with bestselling writer and journalist David Lipsky. To David Foster Wallace fans, Lipsky is, of course, familiar as the author of Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself which was the basis of the 2015 film The End of the Tour. David Lipsky is a contributing editor at Rolling Stone. His fiction and nonfiction hav…

The only thing better than a Harland Williams episode is two Harland Williams episodes! We hope you enjoy Part 2 of our conversation with Harland. Harland is a talented comedian, actor, author, writer, producer, creator, director, illustrator, podcaster, musician, and t-shirt designer. And that's just what he can fit on his tax return. Harland is l…

On this week's episode of "You Don't Know Schiff," Mark and Lowell talk about "unwanted comments." Mark doesn't like when people make unwanted comments to him, but he realizes sometimes he can be guilty of make them to other people. Your hosts: markschiff.com Twitter: @markschiff Instagram: markschiff1 Lowell Benjamin Twitter: @lowellcbenjamin Inst…

Episode 12: Florida Lottery Ticket Wins $1.58 Billion In Episode #12 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin point out the absurdity of using a vice like gambling to help schools and ask why school districts don't use more extreme vices to raise money. Enjoy this week’s episode and tune in for future episodes that will …

Episode 11: Poop patrols: dogs to face DNA testing in French town In Episode #11 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin discuss how a French town is using DNA testing to track down dog owners who don't pick up after their dogs. Gil and Lowell agree that this isn't nearly enough to curb this terrible behavior. Enjoy thi…

This is a very special episode of "You Don't Know Schiff" with our esteemed guest, Jane Wolfe. Jane is best known as the owner of Melba's restaurant in New Orleans. Melba's is the home of the only restaurant literacy program in the World! Melba's is also the busiest po' boy shop in America. Jane, through Melba's, reaches people in need where they a…

In Episode #10 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin discuss a woman who got drunk, caused $10 Million in damages, and wants the bar that served her drinks to pay for it. Enjoy this week’s episode and tune in for future episodes that will take a comedic look at the “biggest” issues of the day that somehow end up in th…

You know him, you love him. Harland Williams is our guest this week. We had such a great time talking with Harland. Harland is a talented comedian, actor, author, writer, producer, creator, director, illustrator, podcaster, musician, and t-shirt designer. And that's just what he can fit on his tax return. Harland is loved for many of his memorable …

In Episode #9 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin discuss people who are doing "beer yoga" in Copenhagen Harbor. Enjoy this week’s episode and tune in for future episodes that will take a comedic look at the “biggest” issues of the day that somehow end up in the news. Follow “Funny You Should Mention It” on Apple Po…

On this week's episode of "You Don't Know Schiff," Mark and Lowell talk while Mark is in a car in Iceland and at a waterfall. Fingers crossed that Mark didn't fall into a fjord and that he made it back home safely. Your hosts: markschiff.com Twitter: @markschiff Instagram: markschiff1 Lowell Benjamin Twitter: @lowellcbenjamin Instagram: @lowellcben…

This week on "You Don't Know Schiff," Mark and Lowell sat down to interview one of the greatest interviewers of our generation, Bill Boggs. Entertainer Bill Boggs is the author of two well-reviewed, laugh-packed, Post Hill Press satirical novels "The Adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog," (2020), and "Spike Unleashed" The Wonder Dog Returns (2023). H…

Is that your emotional support animal? No, that's my significant other. In Episode #8 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin discuss the possibility that Spain may legalize bestiality. Enjoy this week’s episode and tune in for future episodes that will take a comedic look at the “biggest” issues of the day that somehow…

In this bonus episode, we have a special audio production from British literary scholar Saul Leslie and American writer Wendy Liu. What do you think David Foster Wallace was really like in a tennis match? You are invited to listen to a tennis commentary of a fictional match played between David Foster Wallace and Martin Amis. This audio piece was p…

This week's esteemed guest of the podcast "You Don't Know Schiff Podcast" is David Fuhrer. David is recognized as one of the leading innovators in the worldwide toy industry. A combination inventor, consultant and agent, he has been responsible for licensing more than 300 toys (including the Aqua Doodle, Nerf Vortex Football, and Twisty Pets) which…

Whatever happened to "thank you for flying with us"? In Episode #7 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin discuss the flight attendant who told a passenger that she has a "stupid face." Enjoy this week’s episode and tune in for future episodes that will take a comedic look at the “biggest” issues of the day that someho…

Well, there goes his diet. In Episode #6 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin discuss how a death row inmate ate a 29,000-calorie last meal. In fairness, he didn't have to worry about waking up the next morning with a stomachache. Enjoy this week’s episode and tune in for future episodes that will take a comedic look…

Phil Rosenthal is back for Part 2 (sadly the final part) of Mark and Lowell's delightful conversation with Phil. It's too bad they can't talk with Phil every week. :) Phil is a television writer and producer who is the creator, writer, and executive producer of the all-time great sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." And now he stars in "Somebody Feed …

Mazel tov to Al Pacino who just became a dad again at 83-years-young. In Episode #5 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin discuss how Al Pacino just had a baby at 83 and his friend Robert De Niro welcomed a new baby at the comparatively young age of 79. Enjoy this week’s episode and tune in for future episodes that wi…

We are so excited to share with you Part 1 of our conversation with the immensely talented and incredibly nice Phil Rosenthal. Mark and Lowell had a blast talking with Phil. Phil is a television writer and producer who is the creator, writer, and executive producer of the all-time great sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." And now he stars in "Somebod…

In Episode 73, Dave welcomes special guest Matt Bucher on the show to discuss his debut novel, The Belan Deck. Buy Matt's book here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-belan-deck-matt-bucher/19943822?ean=9798888623428 Biblioklept review: https://biblioklept.org/2023/06/02/matt-buchers-the-belan-deck-is-an-unexpectedly-moving-argument-for-humanity-and…

Woman has ‘loud and full body orgasm’ during LA Philharmonic concert In Episode #4 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin discuss the report that a woman had peak enjoyment of the symphony. You'll never think of Mozart the same way again. Enjoy this week’s episode and tune in for future episodes that will take a comedi…

By Mark Schiff and Lowell Benjamin

Your hosts: markschiff.com Twitter: @markschiff Instagram: markschiff1 Lowell Benjamin Twitter: @lowellcbenjamin Instagram: @lowellcbenjaminBy Mark Schiff and Lowell Benjamin

Florida bill would ban dogs from sticking their heads out car windows In Episode #3 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin get legal and discuss a proposed ban that would make riding in cars a whole lot more boring for dogs. If it passes, it will be "ruff" on dogs. Enjoy this week’s episode and tune in for future episo…

Uber published its list of the items most commonly forgotten in its vehicles. In Episode #2 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin break down the list of missing Uber items with the amount of attention a hard-hitting story like this deserves. If you're lucky, the next time you ride in an Uber, you may just find a slush…

This week Mark breaks down his recent breakdown. Your hosts: markschiff.com Twitter: @markschiff Instagram: markschiff1 Lowell Benjamin Twitter: @lowellcbenjamin Instagram: @lowellcbenjaminBy Mark Schiff and Lowell Benjamin

“ChatGPT AI robots writing church sermons causing hell for pastors” In Episode #1 of “Funny You Should Mention It,” hosts Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin discuss a very serious topic. While many people fear that Artificial Intelligence will cause the demise of humanity, people overlook that it may be making sermons difficult for pastors. Enjoy this we…

This week we share Part 2 of our fabulous conversation with the great entertainer Hiram Kasten. Hiram started his stand-up career in 1978, when Jerry Seinfeld passed him on an audition at "The Comic Strip." He went on to be a regular in the New York and New Jersey area, eventually emceeing at Dangerfields for five years, while continuing to work th…

This week on the podcast, Mark and Lowell speak with the ultimate professional actor, performer and raconteur Hiram Kasten. Hiram started his stand-up career in 1978, when Jerry Seinfeld passed him on an audition at "The Comic Strip." He went on to be a regular in the New York and New Jersey area, eventually emceeing at Dangerfields for five years,…

This week Lowell tries to get to the bottom of why Mark rarely laughs. Your hosts: markschiff.com Twitter: @markschiff Instagram: markschiff1 Lowell Benjamin Twitter: @lowellcbenjamin Instagram: @lowellcbenjaminBy Mark Schiff and Lowell Benjamin

At long last, we are releasing Part 2 of our discussion with the legendary performer and Frank Sinatra's favorite comedian, Tom Dreesen. Be sure to listen to the end to hear Tom's brilliant advice and philosophies on life! Tom has been in show business for over 50 years. He's a stand-up comedian, an actor, writer, and motivational speaker. Tom has …

If you’re enjoying “You Don’t Know Schiff”, please do us a big favor and let a friend know about the podcast. And if you don’t already follow the podcast, click this link to go to Apple Podcasts and click the “+ Follow” button in the upper right hand corner: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-dont-know-schiff/id1592741666 This week on the po…

In Episode 72, we welcome friend of the show, Edith Wharton scholar, accordion/bagpiper extraordinaire, and prolific writer, Sheila Liming on to talk about her new book Hanging Out, delving into the myriad ways that unstructured hang time is a radical, life-affirming act that resists capitalist commodification. The New York Times article on Sheila …

This week we are thrilled to bring you another special live episode recorded at the world famous Hollywood Improv. Our guest is the truly inimitable comic genius Jake Johannsen. And a special thanks to the crew at the Improv who made this event possible. To get more of Jake’s content, check him out here: Website: jakethis.com Instagram: instagram.c…

This week Mark and Lowell continue the conversation with the fabulous, funny friend Tom Mabe. Tom Mabe is a hysterical comedian, but even more impressive, he can declare himself a "prankster" on his taxes. Tom's original and brilliant pranks have earned him more than a billion views on social media (yes, you read that correctly, a billion!). Tom wa…

The multitalented Daniel Lobell is back on the podcast! Since we last spoke with him, he's turned his Fair Enough Comic Book into a podcast, and his documentary "Reconquistador" will have a special showing with a live Q&A in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. To buy tickets for the live in-person showing of Reconquistador, head over to…

Tom Mabe is a hysterical comedian, but even more impressive, he can declare himself a "prankster" on his taxes. Tom's original and brilliant pranks have earned him more than a billion views on social media (yes, you read that correctly, a billion!). Tom was nice enough to join Mark and Lowell at the "studio" (we use that term lovingly for Mark's of…

This week’s episode is Part 2 of our conversation with the hilarious standup comedian, the talented artist, and long-time friend of Mark’s, Carol Siskind. In part 2, Carol talks more about comedy, art, and her philosophies on life. Carol started her stand-up career in New York, honing her skills in all of the comedy clubs in the City. She then move…

Trailer episode for the exciting new podcast you don't want to miss, Funny You Should Mention ItBy Gil Rief and Lowell Benjamin

This week’s guest is the hilarious standup comedian, the talented artist, and long-time friend of Mark’s, Carol Siskind. Carol started her stand-up career in New York, honing her skills in all of the comedy clubs in the City. She then moved on to Los Angeles and has appeared on television more than 200 times. She was on "The Tonight Show with Johnn…

Lowell asks Mark about his recent shows in NYC with Jerry Seinfeld. They performed four shows at the world famous Beacon Theatre on the Upper West Side.

This week Mark and Lowell discuss the comedy of the legendary Richard Belzer and the huge role he played in Mark's career.By Mark Schiff and Lowell Benjamin