Best Knope Podcasts (2025)

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Comedian Mark Knope joins host Rich Stein 1:05:02

7 days ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Comedian Mark Knope has the distinction of getting divorced and doing his first stand up comedy spot on the same day. It was in Albuquerque, N.M. at the New China Town Restaurant, way back in 1986. That sounds more like the start of a Farrelly Brothers comedy film but for Mark it was the start of a new life and his comedy career has been going stro…

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Bruce Fine joins host Rich Stein 1:04:55

20 days ago1:04:55

1:04:55

Bruce graduated from Boston University with a business degree in marketing in 1988 and quickly headed to Los Angeles to try his hand at stand up comedy and acting. From the first time I met Bruce he always had a smile on his face and a positive spirit and determination that whatever he was doing it was going to work. He took his training in competi…

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Comic Rick D'Elia joins host Rich Stein 57:17

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about a year ago57:17

57:17

Comic Rick D’Elia is on the podcast this week. Born and raised in Boston he came up in comedy in his freshman class with Bill Burr, Dane Cook, Patrice O’Neal and many other notables. A booker told him early on to work clean as he was opening up for Joe Rogan and Louie C.K. Afterwards the booker told Rick those two guys are funny but they will never…

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Comic Jeff Wayne joins host Rich Stein 1:21:00

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about a year ago1:21:00

1:21:00

Born and raised in Northern Kentucky and the oldest of six boys, Jeff brought a certain wisdom to his stand up as he witnessed many comics, singers and entertainers in a club his father introduced him to as a young teen; The Beverly Hills Night Club just outside of Cincinnati. Not only did he see young comics like Kelly Monteith but he also got to …

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Comedian, writer, producer Paul Boland joins host Rich Stein 1:17:50

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about a year ago1:17:50

1:17:50

Paul Boland joins me on the podcast this week. Paul was interested in the theater as a young man and acted, sang and performed in plays and musicals during high school and later in college and community theater. He grew up on the east coast but visited his Dad in Los Angeles when he was 22 and decided to just stay and see what he could do in the LA…

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Comedian Ritch Shydner joins host Rich Stein 1:00:38

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about a year ago1:00:38

1:00:38

Stand up Comedian, writer and show biz historian RITCH SHYDNER comes on the podcast this week. A native of Pennsville, New Jersey, oldest son of a large family and his Dad was funny and showed his oldest boy the comedy of Jackie Gleason from his first sketch show on TV. By the time Ritch was of college age he was a fan of the brilliant comedy of Pr…

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Comedian Darren Carter joins host Rich Stein 1:11:36

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about a year ago1:11:36

1:11:36

Darren Carter joins me this week on Catching Up With Comedians. Darren is a natural upper and one of those people who represent the comedy profession in the most positive way. Despite his youthful appearance and high energy style, it’s hard to believe he has been performing for over thirty years. Growing up in Fresno, his first years in comedy were…

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Comedian Steven Lolli joins host Rich Stein 58:31

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about a year ago58:31

58:31

Welcoming Steven Lolli to the podcast this week. Steven is a big personality and a very strong comedian who after 20 years is headlining around the country and really starting to create some heat. He performed on NETFLIX IS A JOKE last summer on the same bill as Whitney Cummings, Nikki Glaser with Howie Mandel and Arsenio headlining. He has a starr…

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Comic Phil Tag joins host Rich Stein 1:11:52

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about a year ago1:11:52

1:11:52

Phil Tagliaferri bounced onto the stage of the Emerald Princess this past October while the wife and I were celebrating our second honeymoon// empty nest vaca. This was a fourteen day cruise and the first one we had gone on without friends, relatives or castaways so we were determined to see every comedy show and as many of the large shows as we co…

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Comic David Testroet joins host Rich Stein 58:46

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about a year ago58:46

58:46

David started out as a deejay but as is often the case it took only a dare from friends for him to try out comedy and take second place on his very first try. Born and raised in Dubuque,Iowa, David was on his way to the west coast when he stopped in Colorado on advice from his brothers and that has been his homeland and home base in comedy ever sin…

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Pawnee Spotlight: With Mike Scully 1:52:58

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about a year ago1:52:58

1:52:58

Leave it to Mark and Allen to wait until the podcast is almost done to deliver an interview like this. It was so great to meet with Mike Scully - what a nice guy, a great conversationalist, and a good sport! Not only is his body of work fascinating, but he doesn't mind when we accidentally add credits to his resume that don't even exist (keep your …

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Comic Linda Markus Smith joins host Rich Stein 52:15

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about a year ago52:15

52:15

Comedienne Linda Markus Smith came to national attention during the pandemic when she started her Zoom podcast "Comics Spot." Most comics weren't working much, if at all, so her timing was perfect. She had no agenda other than to just interview comics and hear their stories. She had only started her comedy career maybe five years prior to the Pande…

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Steve Klasky joins host Rich Stein 50:30

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about a year ago50:30

50:30

Steve Klasky grew up in Los Angeles and remembers using his early school years as his first stage for entertaining his peers. Always looking for laughs and vying for the attention from the fairer sex, he found theater and drama in high school and became his high school’s most celebrated actor. In College, beyond simply acting, he also took to learn…

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Holiday Values Hitlist 21:09

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about a year ago21:09

21:09

Yes, they are here already. We know it's overwhelming to get through the holiday season and there's a lot of pressure on moms to Do It All. What we'd like to propose is using your values to guide your prioritization and schedule this holiday season. By focusing on what really matters to you and your family and consciously letting some things go, yo…

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Scott Shimamoto joins host Rich Stein 1:02:25

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about a year ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Scott Shimamoto the oldest of three boys was raised in the San Gabriel Valley and unlike many comedians he was a happy, energetic and industrious kid. Always a funny kid he did what he could as a smaller lad to keep his classmates and friends laughing as opposed to giving beat downs. His natural friendliness was his best anti-fight kryptonite as he…

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comic Mark Cordes joins host Rich Stein 1:37:11

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about a year ago1:37:11

1:37:11

Mark Cordes originally, from the midwest, had made a good living in real estate with Coldwell Banker and one night he took the dare to go up at a comedy open mic night. He caught the bug immediately and within a short time he let his realtor license lapse and told his guys he was burning the boats and they replied that he could always come back if …

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Chris Lewis joins host Rich Stein 1:29:36

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about a year ago1:29:36

1:29:36

Chris Lewis started out his show biz career as a child actor which he describes in the podcast. He was even a contestant on a famous kids show which is even more interesting given the career trajectory of the once popular host. Chris has been continuing to audition and act in commercials and indie films while also making a name for himself in the L…

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Pawnee Spotlight: With Jim O'Heir 1:47:47

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about a year ago1:47:47

1:47:47

You know, true professionals wouldn't hold out until the very end of their podcast series to deliver the "big guns" like this ... but Mark and Allen have never been accused of being true professionals, have they? Oh my gosh ... Talking with Jim O'Heir was truly a pleasure, and an outright blast! He was so easy to talk to, so friendly, that we proba…

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Frances Dilorinzo joins host Rich Stein 51:03

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about a year ago51:03

51:03

Frances DiLorinzo one of four siblings never fancied a comedy career but with encouragement from a professor at Saddleback College she found out she had a gift for public speaking and getting some laughs. She plowed through her Undergraduate degree thinking it was just a phase but the spark was re lit when she stopped by the Laff Stop comedy club o…

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S07E12 - One Last Ride (Part 2) 1:22:08

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about a year ago1:22:08

1:22:08

This week Mark and Allen continue (and finish) the Episode where we see what ultimately happens ... to everyone. TO RECAP: As Leslie and the gang face their last day together in Pawnee before everyone goes their own ways, one final little job crosses their path ... fixing a broken swing. Mundane though it may seem, Leslie throws herself into it wit…

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Chance Langton talks MUSIC & Comedy with host Rich Stein 1:32:52

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about a year ago1:32:52

1:32:52

Chance Langton had been writing and playing music since a young boy. Long before his comedy career, he was a working musician and his journey took him from Massachusetts to New York, Nashville, Los Angeles and many parts in between. His story is interesting, to say the least and Chance is such a great storyteller that I felt it very important that …

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S07E12 - One Last Ride (Part 1) 1:19:32

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about a year ago1:19:32

1:19:32

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where we see what ultimately happens ... to everyone. As Leslie and the gang face their last day together in Pawnee before everyone goes their own ways, one final little job crosses their path ... fixing a broken swing. Mundane though it may seem, Leslie throws herself into it with her typical level o…

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Greg Hilbers joins host Rich Stein 1:15:07

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about a year ago1:15:07

1:15:07

Greg "Hilby" Hilbers a proud Oregonian and fan of comedy made his way to the Comedy Store in 1974, just two short years after it opened its doors on April 7, 1972. Although getting laughs and a strong response on his first stage performance, he headed back to Portland to develop more in his local scene but returned in 1976 to re establish his stand…

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Pawnee Spotlight: Jim Meskimen 1:08:34

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about a year ago1:08:34

1:08:34

Once again, Mark and Allen were extremely lucky to spend time with another fantastic guest during a Pawnee Spotlight interview, this time around the middle of May 2024. It was fascinating to talk to Jim about not only his take on the always entertaining M.C. Martin Housely, but also voice overs and impressions, his childhood growing up as the son o…

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Comedienne Julie Kidd joins host Rich Stein 1:03:55

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about a year ago1:03:55

1:03:55

Julie Kidd raised three kids as a single mom, taught dance at night and started doing comedy once she re connected with her step sister Cindy Burns. They struggled for years but eventually helped form The Laff Pack and that led to co-founding The Funniest Housewives of Orange County. It took off pretty quickly and they were soon filling up large ve…

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Season 7 Finale Teaser 5:15

about a year ago5:15

5:15

Okay, look. Let's face facts. The series is ending. This wonderful, beloved sitcom, full of equal parts laughs and heart, is coming to a close. No doubt, it's a hard thing to contemplate for anyone, but it's just POSSIBLE that one of the guys is having a harder time than the other. Look, you have to understand, this isn't just a silly little hobby …

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Michael Jovanovski. aka JOVO joins host Rich Stein 1:03:59

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about a year ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Please welcome JOVO to the podcast today. After working as a Set Designer/ Decorator and Lead dresser behind the camera for thirty years, Jovo threw caution to the wind and took the plunge into full time acting in 2020. The first time I met Jovo was on a movie set and I could instantly tell he had the chops of an actor and a funny one at that. The …

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S07E11 - Two Funerals 1:45:35

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about a year ago1:45:35

1:45:35

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where FINALLY, after all this time ... we get a visual of the often talked about but never seen Mayor Gunderson! Right after the gang tells each other about their immediate plans for the future (Donna & Joe moving to Seattle, April & Andy leaving for DC, Leslie & Ben splitting their time between DC & …

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Comic Willie Randolph joins host Rich Stein 1:20:23

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about a year ago1:20:23

1:20:23

Willie Randolph was fresh out of the air force and looking to go pre-med when he strolled into the Claremont, Ca. Laff Stop one night. An Ohio native, his family had transplanted to San Bernadino, California and Willie had never planned to be a comic but his natural talents, charm and likability gained him quick amateur status and before long he be…

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S07E10 - The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show 2:06:03

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about a year ago2:06:03

2:06:03

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where Andy and Ben are knighted! This is an episode that nearly defies description, and is unlike ANY other episode in the entire series ... it truly stands alone. Things get very meta as we actually watch an entire show within a show ... specifically, the final episode of Andy's "Johnny Karate" show!…

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Ron Coleman joins host Rich Stein 1:28:10

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about a year ago1:28:10

1:28:10

Ron Coleman started his comedy career in southern California around 1989. He found success quickly and before long he was a sought after opening and feature act on the road. Once he started working he was picked up by The Improv, Catch a Rising Star and other chain clubs and he was working week long engagements. By the late nineties comedy had cool…

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Sam Fedele joins host Rich Stein 54:06

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about a year ago54:06

54:06

I first met Sam Fedele in the early nineties. I had been working the stand up circuit for at least five years but he came in with nothing but pure energy and enthusiasm. As it turns out Sam had grown up in New Jersey and after serving his country as a marine, he had married young, and started his own blueprint business. He had grown dissatisfied wi…

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Pawnee Spotlight: Mara Marini 44:30

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about a year ago44:30

44:30

Mark and Allen were once again very lucky to spend time with another great person during a Pawnee Spotlight interview, this time near the end of March 2024. It was fascinating to talk to the person behind Brandi Maxxxx, and a joy to discover what a total gem she is! Nice, funny, talented, easy to talk to ... who could ask for more? Yet another in a…

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Chance Langton joins host Rich Stein 1:31:16

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about a year ago1:31:16

1:31:16

Chance Langton was born and raised in Quincy Mass. Music and songwriting were his first loves and he had been writing songs and performing music as a pro when he was performing at The Troubadour in Los Angeles and one day happened to drive past the Comedy Store in the late seventies. Doing 6-7 minutes was like a walk in the park for Chance so when …

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Gene Hamm joins host Rich Stein 1:10:30

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about a year ago1:10:30

1:10:30

Like most Artistic youngsters, Gene never understood why his teachers always said that, "You Can Only Do One Thing!" Gene loved Drawing, Acting and Music, so one day he wrote them all on a piece of paper and threw them into the air and when they landed they opened up the portal for ANIMATION. Gene had some great mentors early on and along the way h…

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S07E09 - Pie-Mary 1:53:34

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about a year ago1:53:34

1:53:34

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where Ron first learns April and Andy will be moving away to Washington DC! With the Harvest Festival once again in full swing, Ben's busy congressional campaign continues, and he and Leslie make the call to skip a few Festival-related things, one of which is the "Pie-Mary", a Southern Indiana traditi…

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Jaz Kaner joins host Rich Stein 1:26:35

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about a year ago1:26:35

1:26:35

Jaz Kaner was a guitar player working in clubs and bars in Hawaii and eventually even worked for Don Ho. After getting a few laughs while on stage he eventually moved to the San Francisco area to try out his musical variety / comedy act amongst the Robin Williams', Paula Poundstone's and other up and comers who made up that scene. Jaz worked for ma…

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Actor/ Comic Brad Slaight joins host Rich Stein 1:14:12

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about a year ago1:14:12

1:14:12

Brad Slaight was raised in Cedar Springs just outside of Grand Rapids Michigan. After completing two years as a high school teacher and just shy of tenure, he was asked by his older brother to join him for a life changing trip to California. He thought about it for five minutes before saying YES! All these years later and Brad has carved out quite …

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S07E08 - Ms. Ludgate-Dwyer Goes to Washington 1:37:57

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about a year ago1:37:57

1:37:57

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where we actually meet one of Ron's brothers in person! Leslie and April are headed to Washington D.C. to convince a bunch of senators to support the National Parks. They've prepped, and Leslie is excited, convinced that April will show how thorough and hardworking she truly is. However, April is quie…

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Comedienne KAT SIMMONS joins host Rich Stein 1:28:39

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about a year ago1:28:39

1:28:39

Kat Simmons is a 32 year veteran of the international comedy club circuit. She has appeared on numerous comedy shows on television such as Comedy Tonight and Candid Camera. Her clean and conversational style have made her a regular top draw on the corporate circuit both as a keynote speaker and a person who can connect with a specific group and get…

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Steve Mazan joins host Rich Stein 1:09:10

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about a year ago1:09:10

1:09:10

Comedian Steve Mazan has fit a lot of living into his 25 year career. Hailing from The Hanover Park section of Chicago, and inspired by SNL, Richard Pryor and other greats he went after his dream to be a stand up comic. His career was moving along nicely when at age 34 he was given the scary diagnosis of stage four liver cancer. Being always the po…

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Keith Ross Nelson joins host Rich Stein for stories and laughs 48:35

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about a year ago48:35

48:35

Comedian Keith Ross Nelson joins Rich to talk about his early years in track and field and trying out his comedy in college lecture classes. Keith discusses over thirty years of touring, including funny stories about legendary road warriors and his current work producing, acting and writing for series and comedy specials.…

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Slade Ham 1:29:32

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about a year ago1:29:32

1:29:32

Slade Ham is here to discuss his comedy special that airs on YouTube on 4/2/24. We discuss his journey from South Texas to 44 USO Tours covering 60 countries and six continents. A powerful, high energy comic who wears many hats, also executive produced and filmed Andy Huggins comedy special currently streaming as well as appearing in Jordan Brady's…

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S07E07 - Donna and Joe 1:34:27

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about a year ago1:34:27

1:34:27

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where Craig first meets Typhoon! Donna and Joe's wedding is tomorrow! We find Leslie and Ben preparing to leave for the rehearsal dinner that night, only to find Jennifer Barkley at their door. Assuming Jen is once again going to ask her to run for office, Leslie is surprised when instead, Jen turns t…

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Tommy Moore remembers Shecky Greene 53:31

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about a year ago53:31

53:31

Tommy Moore returns to tell stories about Shecky Greene. We discuss Shecky's long career including Las Vegas, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, the mob and so much more. A must listen for any comedy fan!By richscomedy

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Tommy Moore remembers Pat Cooper 30:36

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about a year ago30:36

30:36

Philly Comedian Tommy Moore recalls his start in the business and regales us with great stories about working with legends Pat Cooper, Don Rickles and many more.By richscomedy

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S07E06 - Save JJ's 1:30:25

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about a year ago1:30:25

1:30:25

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where we first learn about Johnny Karate's older, more serious brother, Jonathan Karate! With Pawnee angry at Gryzzl for their invasion of privacy while data mining, Leslie senses weakness, and wants to capitalize on it. Unfortunately, before they can do so, Jessica Wicks makes a live announcement on …

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Pawnee Spotlight: Yvans Jourdain 57:07

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about a year ago57:07

57:07

Celebrate a very rare LEAP DAY with a very rare and awesome Pawnee Spotlight! Once again, Mark and Allen managed to snag a great person to interview, and what an interview it was! We were extremely lucky to have this opportunity to chat with Yvans in early January 2024. Nice, funny, talented, down-to-earth, a great conversationalist, and just a fas…

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S07E05 - Grizzlbox 1:46:00

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about a year ago1:46:00

1:46:00

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where we learn Craig sees therapist Dr. Richard Nygard, thereby adding him to the known list of Nygardians! Frustrated, but still looking for a way to defeat Gryzzl, Leslie is surprised when she receives a free gift box at her front door via a Gryzzl "SKYPAL" drone. Leslie and Ben find out later that …

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S07E04 - Leslie and Ron 1:21:57

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about a year ago1:21:57

1:21:57

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where we learn Craig is now head of the Parks department! Leslie and Ron have been trapped together by the gang in their old stomping grounds, the Parks Department. The gang refuses to let them out until [a] they work out their differences, or [b] 8:00 am the next morning is here. Neither wants to be …

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