Episode 190 – Ritch DuncanThis week’s guest is Ritch Duncan — comedian, writer, former Weekend Update joke contributor, and one of the founders of Deathbed, the wonderfully twisted horror platform created by comedy writers.Ritch and Mike have a fantastic conversation about how Ritch found his way into stand-up, his time going to school in Indiana, and the enormous influence David Letterman had on him creatively. They also dig into his work with the Stangle Brothers before they became head writers for Letterman, and the path that eventually led him into some truly memorable corners of the comedy world.That includes being on hand for Dave’s unforgettable Billy on the Street segment, shot and featured on Late Show just before Dave retired.Ritch also shares the origin story of Deathbed, which he co-founded with Ben Zelevansky and others, and talks about the unique creative lane it occupies — where comedy writers get to let their darker instincts roam. Mike and Ritch also discuss the latest story featured on the platform, written by none other than prolific Letterman writer Steve Young.To close the episode, Mike shares the full Billy on the Street clip discussed during the conversation, and we extend our sincere thanks to Worldwide Pants for the many ways they continue to support the show by allowing us to use these pieces of Letterman history.Then, as always, if you feel like doing something noble today, head over to Hello-Deli.com — the only place on Earth to get official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, courtesy of the one and only Rupert Jee. A deli, a gift shop, a state of mind.And if this episode gave you a laugh, a memory, or even a mild smirk, please like, share, subscribe, and leave a positive comment. We continue to shamelessly ask because it works slightly better than not asking.

Episode 189 of The Letterman PodcastThis week’s guest is Steve Singer, who worked in the audio department at Late Night with David Letterman from 1986 to 1993, right in the thick of the NBC years. As a trusted member of the Studio 6A team, Steve helped shape the sound of the show night after night, handling live audio and contributing to what viewers at home heard during one of the most beloved eras in late night history.Steve and Mike take a lovely trip down memory lane as Steve reflects on what he considers his favorite chapter from a remarkable 40-year run at 30 Rock. He talks fondly about some of his favorite musical moments, including seeing Sonny and Cher up close, mixing the show, helping mic guests for signature segments like Stupid Pet Tricks and Stupid Human Tricks, and working around the unforgettable performances that featured Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band.It’s a warm, funny, and highly specific behind-the-scenes conversation with someone who helped make the chaos sound smooth.Before you go, make your way to Hello-Deli.com — the one and only home of official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, lovingly maintained by the legendary Rupert Jee. Buy a mug, buy a shirt, buy a memory.And if you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, subscribe, and leave a positive comment. We’re not above asking. In fact, we’re getting pretty good at it.

Episode 188 – Vancouver, Part Two: The Show ItselfEpisode 188 of The Letterman Podcast picks up right where last week left off.In Part One, Mike, Len, and Rob recounted the unforgettable experience of meeting David Letterman — and even Paul Shaffer — before Dave took the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver for his sold-out conversation with Zach Galifianakis.This week, the focus shifts to the show itself.Len and Rob join Mike once again for a one-of-a-kind report on a one-of-a-kind evening, as the three of them break down the entire event from top to bottom. They discuss the surprise appearance by Paul Shaffer, the tone and rhythm of Dave’s conversation with Zach, and a delightfully odd, very Andy Kaufman-esque bit that Zach may or may not have sprung on Dave in real time.If there’s a more complete account of this Vancouver appearance anywhere online, we haven’t seen it. This episode may well stand as the most definitive recap of the night — a David Letterman enthusiast’s-eye document of a truly special show.For David Letterman enthusiasts, this is the kind of episode that preserves the magic.Before you go, make a stop at Hello-Deli.com — the one and only home of official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, lovingly kept alive by the legendary Rupert Jee. Buy something classy. Or weird. Rupert contains multitudes.And if this episode brought you even a fraction of the joy that the show itself brought our little Vancouver wolfpack, please like, share, subscribe, and leave a positive comment. We’re not above begging — but we prefer to think of it as charming persistence.