The Letterman Podcast

Mike Chisholm
  • 3.4 (43)
  • TV & FILM
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

This podcast celebrates the incredible body of work done by broadcast legend David Letterman and Company. On the show we highlight folks who worked for Dave or were a part of any of his shows productions, people who had an encounter with one of his shows, or are enthusiasts with relevant discussion points or memories pertaining to any of Letterman's productions or endeavors. The Podcast does not focus on anything gossipy or salacious; instead it is meant to be a living record of the unprecedented catalog of content Dave & Co created. All Letterman fans are welcome to gather in this community.

  1. 11/21/2025

    186 Erik Akerblom Didn't Take The Job With ABC Because Dave Letterman Retired

    Episode 186 of The Letterman Podcast features Erik Akerblom, a man whose fingerprints — quite literally — are on every Late Show that ever came out of the Ed Sullivan Theater for nearly three decades.Since the mid-90s, Erik has been a trusted pillar of the technical maintenance and post-production teams at the Ed Sullivan Theater. There are only a handful of humans on Earth who know the building’s guts, gears, quirks, and secrets as deeply as he does.Focused heavily on post-production, Erik has watched every single show that emerged from that historic stage — whether Late Show with David Letterman or The Late Show with Stephen Colbert — and shepherded each episode safely into the broadcast center.Erik shares wonderful stories from both eras of the theater’s life, including: • His on-camera appearances • His child’s moment of glory in the annual Halloween costume segment • And the absolutely remarkable story of where he was — and what happened — the night David Letterman announced his retirement… a moment that changed the entire trajectory of Erik’s life.A fantastic behind-the-scenes conversation with someone who helped keep the lights on, the ship upright, and the magic flowing.⸻Need a souvenir from the greatest theater in late-night history?Swing by Hello-Deli.com — the only place on Earth to get official Late Show merch, proudly purveyed by the legendary Rupert Jee. (Tell him The Letterman Podcast sent you. He won’t give you a discount… but he’ll smile.)And hey…If you enjoy what we do, please like, share, subscribe, and leave a glowing comment. Or even a mildly pleasant one. We’re not picky — we frame them all the same.

    1h 47m

  2. 11/14/2025

    185 Zoe Friedman Is Comedy Royalty. And Her First Job Was At Letterman.

    Episode 185 – Zoe Friedman: Comedy Royalty on The Letterman PodcastThis episode features genuine comedy royalty: Zoe Friedman.If her name sounds familiar, it should — her parents, Bud and Silver Friedman, didn’t just open comedy clubs… they invented the modern American comedy club as we know it. The Improv, the clubs, the alt rooms, the entire stand-up ecosystem? That’s the world Zoe grew up in.Her first job in show business? Working at the thrilling circus known as Late Night with David Letterman, where she spent over a decade absorbing the craft, the chaos, and the comedy magic from the inside.From there she became an executive at Comedy Central and Warner Bros., and today Zoe stands as one of the world’s most knowledgeable and passionate experts on stand-up comedy — its history, its future, and the people who make it matter.She is also the co-founder of Comedy Gives Back, a nonprofit supporting comedians with mental-health resources, crisis assistance, and financial aid. Zoe and her partners built an organization that looks after the very people who spend their lives trying to make the rest of us feel better. It’s vital work with a huge heart.Zoe and Mike have a rich, thoughtful, and deeply entertaining conversation about her life, her years with Dave, the evolution of the comedy world she was raised in, and the mission she continues to champion today.⸻Before the episode rolls, stop by Hello-Deli.com — the only place on Earth to score official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, kept alive by the legendary Rupert Jee, who remains undefeated in the field of being Rupert Jee.And please: like, share, subscribe, and leave a positive comment. Every little click helps keep this quirky Letterman-loving corner of the internet alive — and it keeps Mike from stress-eating a family-sized bag of Skittles.

    2h 28m

  3. 11/07/2025

    184 Darin Cox Went To The Late Night Exhibit At The Broadcast Museum And Laughed To Tell About It

    Episode 184 – Darin Cox and the Chicago Late-Night ExhibitThis episode features our good friend Darin Cox, co-host of The Irritable Dad Syndrome podcast — and the very first guest to ever appear on The Letterman Podcast!Darin works with Antenna TV, one of the chief sponsors behind the brand-new exhibits at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. Alongside the stunning Johnny Carson: The Centennial showcase, the museum also features “75 Years of Late-Night Television,” a sprawling celebration of the format that re-creates iconic sets and honors hosts from Jack Paar and Johnny Carson to David Letterman and Stephen Colbert. Running through early 2027, it’s a love letter to the art of staying up too late.Darin shares stories from his behind-the-scenes visit — giving us a sneak peek at both exhibits — while he and Mike veer off into conversations about Warren Zevon, Soundgarden, and plenty more. It’s a fun, warm, and deeply nostalgic catch-up with one of our favorite returning guests.Before you dive into this one, drop by Hello-Deli.com — the only place to snag official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, lovingly run by the legendary Rupert Jee.And hey — if this episode made you grin, giggle, or groan in recognition, please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. We can’t promise fame or fortune, but you’ll definitely earn our undying gratitude (and maybe a sandwich).

    1h 36m

  4. 10/31/2025

    183 Love Johnny Carson Is A Bestseller And Here Is Author Mark Malkoff Part 2!

    Episode 183 – Mark Malkoff (Part Two): “Love Johnny Carson”This week brings Part Two of our encompassing conversation with Mark Malkoff, host of The Carson Podcast and author of the brilliant new book Love Johnny Carson.Picking up right where Part One left off, Mark and Mike continue their deep dive into Johnny’s incredible career and legacy — and how it all connects to the world of David Letterman. The episode opens with the story of the unexpected intruder who interrupted Johnny Carson’s very first Tonight Show, and traces his journey all the way through his final broadcast.Mark also sheds light on Johnny’s post-retirement years — a period often mislabeled as “quiet,” yet filled with creativity, generosity, and private moments that reveal the man behind the legend. Along the way, the conversation explores the parallels and contrasts between Carson and Letterman, two giants whose influence continues to shape late-night television to this day.Before you head off into late-night nostalgia, stop by Hello-Deli.com — the only place to grab officially licensed Late Show with David Letterman merch, personally delivered (almost) by the legendary Rupert Jee.And hey, if this episode made you smile, please like, share, subscribe, and drop a comment — even if it’s just to tell us your favorite Carson moment. We’ll take it.

    56 min

  5. 10/24/2025

    182 Mark Malkoff's 'Love Johnny Carson,' Is Available Now--In This Episode We Talk About It

    Episode 182 – Mark Malkoff: “Love, Johnny Carson”This week marks the triumphant return of Mark Malkoff, released just one day after his brand-new book, Love, Johnny Carson, officially hit store shelves — both digital and delightfully physical.In this special two-part conversation, Mark and Mike dive deep into the world of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, exploring the legacy, influence, and pure magic of the era that defined late-night television. Mark opens up about the research and stories that shaped his book — including brand-new insights about David Letterman, and how Johnny’s Tonight Show helped forge the late-night landscape that followed.Together, the two compare and contrast the genius of Carson and Letterman — the similarities, the differences, and the unshakable threads that tie their work together. It’s a thoughtful, entertaining deep-dive into two of television’s greatest giants, guided by one of late-night’s most passionate historians.Before you do anything else, swing by Hello-Deli.com — the only place on Earth to get officially licensed Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, straight from the legendary Rupert Jee himself.And if this episode made you laugh, learn, or feel even a tiny spark of nostalgia, please like, share, subscribe, and leave us a glowing comment — or a mildly amused one, we’ll still frame it.

    1h 32m

  6. 10/17/2025

    181 J Ryan Returns And He's Selling Batmobiles?!

    Episode 181 – The Return of J RyanThis week marks the return of our very first friend of the show — J Ryan.Before The Letterman Podcast even launched, J was part of the foundation, helping set the tone for what this show would eventually become.In this episode, Mike and J reconnect after both navigating some major challenges over the past year. Their conversation covers everything from personal growth and resilience to the exciting creative projects now lighting up J’s world — including his return to hosting Late Night Playset and co-hosting the sensational new podcast “A Blockbuster Year: 1985”, a nostalgic deep dive into one of cinema’s greatest eras. Oh, and yes — he’s also selling Batmobiles.Naturally, the discussion turns toward the state of Late Night itself — and, of course, to Mark Malkoff’s much-anticipated upcoming book Love, Johnny Carson.Swing by Hello-Deli.com — the one and only spot to snag official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, courtesy of the incomparable Rupert Jee.And if this conversation brings you even a sliver of joy, please like, share, subscribe, and leave a positive comment — we promise it helps more than you know (and it feeds our fragile podcast egos).

    1h 46m

  7. 10/10/2025

    180 Our Tribute To Longtime Staffer And Our Good Friend Arthur Kelly

    Episode 180 – A Tribute to Arthur KellyEpisode 180 of The Letterman Podcast is a heartfelt tribute to our dear friend Arthur Kelly, who passed away around the Fourth of July.For 15 years, Arthur was the receptionist on the 12th floor of the Ed Sullivan Theater office building — Dave’s floor. His job was to be the gatekeeper: ensuring the right people and calls got through, while keeping the chaos of show business at bay so the brain trust could focus on making television magic.A few years into his tenure, something strange and wonderful happened — Arthur became an on-air personality. In a recurring segment dubbed “Coach’s Corner,” he portrayed a hilariously unhinged version of football Hall of Famer Mike Singletary, barking out locker-room-style motivation that instantly became a fan favorite.Arthur was also one of the first staff members to befriend Mike, and he holds a special place in the history of The Letterman Podcast. In this emotional conversation, Mike sits down with Arthur’s brother, Andre, as the two reminisce, share heartfelt stories, and reflect on the kindness, humor, and heart that Arthur brought into every room he entered.On behalf of everyone who considers themselves an enthusiast of the broadcasts released by David Letterman and Company, we extend our deepest condolences to Arthur’s family, and to his Late Show family, whom he cared for so deeply.We would also like to thank Worldwide Pants for allowing us to include a few classic clips of Arthur from Late Show with David Letterman in this tribute.Stop by Hello-Deli.com — the only place to find official Late Show merchandise, brought to you by the legendary Rupert Jee.And while you’re at it, give this episode a like, share it with a fellow fan, subscribe to the show, and leave a kind word or two — we’ll take all the positive reinforcement we can get.

    1h 14m

  8. 10/03/2025

    Andrea Engelsberg Ordered Lunch From The Soup Nazi For The Letterman Writers, And It Was Awesome

    Episode 179 of The Letterman Podcast features Andrea Engelsberg — a former Late Show with David Letterman intern who had a front-row seat to the magic during one of the show’s hottest eras.In what feels like a nostalgic sugar rush, Mike and Andrea (who snack on candy throughout the episode) dive into her journey as a dual U.S./Canadian citizen who landed the coveted internship during the “last hurrah” of an era where most of the Late Night staffers who had made the jump to Late Show were still on board. Andrea soaked in every incredible moment from the inside.From hilarious tales of her chaotic New York living situation to legendary behind-the-scenes memories, Andrea shares it all — including the time she braved the line at the Soup Nazi to grab lunch for the entire Late Show writing team. And then there’s the unforgettable story of how a sprinting David Letterman, in his pre-show adrenaline ritual, collided with Andrea in the hallway… resulting in a brand-new staff rule.It’s a joyfully unfiltered, candy-coated romp through one of the most exciting chapters in late night history — all from someone who was lucky enough to live it.Then: • A sweet shoutout to our only sponsor, Hello-Deli.com — still the only place on the planet (and the web) to grab official Late Show merch from Rupert Jee, Letterman’s favorite deli man. • Followed by our traditional plea to like, share, subscribe, and leave a glowing comment… or even a lukewarm one (we’ll take it — it still helps with the algorithm).

    1h 24m
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3.4
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

This podcast celebrates the incredible body of work done by broadcast legend David Letterman and Company. On the show we highlight folks who worked for Dave or were a part of any of his shows productions, people who had an encounter with one of his shows, or are enthusiasts with relevant discussion points or memories pertaining to any of Letterman's productions or endeavors. The Podcast does not focus on anything gossipy or salacious; instead it is meant to be a living record of the unprecedented catalog of content Dave & Co created. All Letterman fans are welcome to gather in this community.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Chisholm
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    187
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Mike Chisholm
  • Show Website
    The Letterman Podcast