I'm Sean. I'm a comedian and a writer. I've written TV for over twenty years, and comedianed for way longer than that- stand-up, sketch, improv, one-person shows, podcasts... If you want to learn to write a sitcom pilot, I'm gonna share some of the insights I wish I had when I was starting (maybe even all). I'm also gonna talk to lots of writers about career paths, comedy, and writing habits. We're gonna talk extensively about the craft of television writing, and of comedy writing in general. Performing, too. And the art! Comedy is an art! Check out the show. See you there.
Matt Besser On The Logic of Absurd Ideas and Killing Your Bad Sketches
I sit down with Matt Besser, co-founder of the legendary Upright Citizens Brigade, to talk about what happens when your college advisor trashes your shock comedy thesis, Adam McKay calls your sketch "a little jackass," and a studio writer tells you single-lead sitcoms are dead. Matt talks about everything from the early days of alt-comedy at Chicago’s Roxy to creating Comedy Central’s chaotic cult hit Crossballs and hunting ducks with rocks (the famous gun episode). He explains why sometimes you don’t need to pitch your sketch before you write it, how you protect an absurd comic vision, and how nowadays if you really love something you’re written maybe you can make it work in an audio format, rather than waiting for a network to give you permission to make it. Enjoy.
31 Aug 2026
Lisa K. Nelson on Emma Thompson’s Champagne and The Bay Leaf Trick
Sitcom writer and producer Lisa K. Nelson (Everybody Loves Raymond, Ellen, The Kids Are Alright, Last Man Standing) shares some of her behind-the-scenes stories from the landmark coming-out season of Ellen, pitching to Phil Rosenthal (and finding surprising common ground!), writing (forbidden) jokes for Emma Thompson, and accidentally insulting Eric Idle to his niece (but at least not to his face...). Plus, she tells me about the art of the executive bay leaf, navigating abrupt cancellations, and why you have to "write your way out" of tough career spots.
20 Aug 2026
Michael Curtis Survives Friends and The Jonas Brothers
My old pal (and sitcom writer and producer) Michael Curtis (Friends, Love, Inc., JONAS, Phil of the Future) sits down with me to break down television comedy. Michael shares some insider stories from writing on Friends during some of its peak seasons (I mean, they were ALL peak, right?), the fun of fixing scenes on the fly, and the real truth behind Billy Crystal and Robin Williams' famous guest spot. Plus, he tells us about the original JONAS pilot (which sounds very fun, and also insane), what it was like on The Joe Schmo Show (how did I never know he was the head writer on that show?), essential writer's room etiquette (you have to live with these people), and life after Hollywood in Italy. I really think this one is a must-listen masterclass (like all of them).
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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