42 - Joe Toplyn, author; former writer/producer for Leno, Letterman

Allow a few seconds for buffering. Yahoo! player or right click HERE to download | Launch pop-up player Four-time Emmy winner Joe Toplyn joins Art. Toplyn has been a writer for Late Night with David Letterman, head writer and producer for The Late Show with David Letterman, and co-head writer and producer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has now authored a book called Comedy Writing for Late-Night TV. The comedy writing legend candidly answers questions such as: What was it like creating revolutionary TV in the early days of Late Night with David Letterman? Did the "GE Handshake" bit really end Letterman's chances of getting The Tonight Show? What famous Late Night bit nearly suffocated a fellow writer? How did Jay Leno turn the tables to become the new king of late night? Is the late night talk show obsolete in the Internet age? Mr. Toplyn also discusses his whirlwind months as head writer for the short-lived but infamous The Chevy Chase Show, and gives a few tips on how YOU can write funny! 1 hr. 24 mins. Art's comments : "I hope there's a section in Mr. Toplyn's book about how to ask a question without lots of stammering. I need to read it. You should buy it, too, because this guy let me talk his ear off for two hours. In the end I think the key takeaway from this show is: Carbon dioxide is heavier than air. Now, won't you please enjoy a hot towel?" Joe Toplyn links: Comedy Writing for Late-Night TV on Amazon Joe Toplyn.com Toplyn's résumé on IMDB.com The PIT class sign up Relevant video links: GE Handshake Larry "Bud" Melman and hot towels Letterman talks about Cycle dog food on Tonight Show Suit of Alka-Seltzer

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42 - Joe Toplyn, author; former writer/producer for Leno, Letterman is an episode from Art Howard at Night by Art Howard.

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This episode was published on Aug 1, 2014.

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