Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy with Randy and Steve

Randy Hodgins and Steve McLellan
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Randy Hodgins and Steve McLellan’s lifelong love of comedy was kindled when they met more than 40 years ago in graduate school in Seattle. While managing family and professional work responsibilities, they hosted a one hour comedy radio program on Saturday mornings for 10 years on a small radio station in Olympia, WA and also co-authored two books on northwest popular culture – Seattle on Film (1995) and Wet and Wired (2000). Stuck at home during the early days of the pandemic with hundreds of comedy albums, cassettes and CD’s gathering dust on their shelves, they launched Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy in May 2020, a weekly mini-program featuring a different comedy icon, with biographical bits and a nice slice of the comedy that made them famous. From standup stars, to stellar sketch teams, to novelty music maestros -- they are all part of our Legends.

  1. 5D AGO

    Dawn French

    One of the best things about British comedy is Dawn French, half of the legendary duo French and Saunders and a comedy titan in her own right. Since the 1980s, Dawn has maintained a solo career among with her duo work and the results are stellar. Beginning with small roles In cult classics such as The Young Ones, Dawn eventually became the star of shows including The Vicar of Dibley, Ted and Alice, and The Trouble with Maggie Cole. Dawn's brand of humor can be sweet or very bawdy -- but always very funny. In recent years, Dawn has continued with standup tours and she is an accomplished author with her most recent book -- The T**t Files -- providing the theme for her most recent standup tour. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Dawn French? Dawn is a long-time participant in the British Comic Relief benefit shows and this sketch featuring her as a shock talk show host is one of her best. https://youtu.be/HuHKpX72248?si=Pns95fTFth0mPUae Here's a fun clip package of some of Dawn's best work courtesy of BritBox. https://youtu.be/8-StYkm5CXk?si=S9rM5J3UBNG4cURg Dawn's 2020 series "The Trouble with Maggie Cole" is a gem with Dawn devouring the role of a local busybody who spills a bit too much tea about her friends and neighbors on the town radio station. https://fb.watch/ELpYG_q48h/

    4 min

  2. JAN 13

    Will Ferrell

    The category is 1990s SNL and the answer is "this comedian was an SNL mainstay, a huge movie star, and an internet comedy pioneer -- plus he played a mean cowbell." Of course the question is "Who is Will Ferrell" -- this week's legend. Thank goodness that Will Ferrell was bored at the prospect of being a sportscaster and hooked up with the Groundlings improv troupe. When Lorne Michaels came looking for players to rebuild the SNL cast back in the late 1980s, Will was ready. Through great character work, sharp impersonations, and just plain silliness Will became one of the most beloved cast members in SNL history and he rode that popularity to a decade of comedy movie hits. Along the way he helped found Funny or Die, a pioneering comedy website. No word if he ever one-upped Sean Connery during a round of Celebrity Jeopardy. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Will Ferrell? Can't do a Will Ferrell episode without his most famous SNL sketch -- grab your cowbell and play along. https://youtu.be/cVsQLlk-T0s?si=6PcKygaU9TXf2FGg On SNL when the Jeopardy! theme music played you knew it was time for Celebrity Jeopardy -- and a battle of words was sure to ensue between Will's Alex Trebek and Darrell Hammond's Sean Connery (among others). https://youtu.be/bEghu90QJH4?si=6OsaWEEYzeCfi4RB Will and his writing partner Adam McKay were co-founders of Funny or Die, a website where viewers can vote for their favorite clips. This clip, featuring Will bickering with a 2 year old landlord was an early classic on the site. https://youtu.be/SIdxVR_7ikg?si=Ewrtb5BsEU0Snh42 Anchorman was a wicked take on the glory days of tv news anchors. One bit was how Will's character was tied to the teleprompter and would read ANYTHING. Might want to turn the speaker down on this if you are at work! https://youtu.be/NMXRxNbPvGI?si=Dho1A-YplaNdrDMu

    4 min

  3. JAN 6

    Jim Varney

    Some ad campaigns live on in our hearts and minds -- think of "That's a spicy meatball" or "show us your pizza rolls". And the Ernest and Vern commercials created by today's Legend Jim Varney sure fit the bill. A talented mimic as a child, Jim started performing early in life, becoming a regular on shows including Johnny Cash and Friends and Fernwood 2 Night. In 1980, career lightning struck when Jim unveiled Ernest, a nosy and noisy neighbor who carried on conversations with Vern, an unseen foil. And, since every great character deserves a great catch phrase, Ernest would wrap up every spot with a perfectly delivered "KnoWhutIMean?" The spots were so popular they led to 9 Ernest movies, starting with Ernest Goes to Camp in 1987. The Ernest shtick began to fade out after a few years, but Jim diversified with tv roles and a turn as Jed Clampett in the movie version of The Beverly Hillbillies. To young fans, Jim is likely best known as the voice of Slinky Dog in the first two Toy Story movies. Not a bad way to be remembered, KnoWhutWeMean? As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Jim Varney? The Ernest P. Worrell character was Jim's bread and butter and this bit from the first Ernest movie shows why. This one's for everyone who had to receive a shot at camp. https://youtu.be/3QZI68azimM?si=Kf3sezm7D1-5TCyF The Beverly Hillbillies movie received very mixed reviews, but Jim did a fine job channeling the zen wisdom of patriarch Jed Clampett. https://clip.cafe/the.../well-i-reckon-done-what-done/ In 1995 Jim scored the role of Slinky Dog in the first and second Toy Story movies. Always loyal, Slink was a trusted aide to Woody - and a frequent target of insults hurled by Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles). https://youtu.be/3Cq_o0hJII0?si=DJFLOXxJt1XWla89

    4 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    Bob and Doug McKenzie

    Happy (almost) New Year you hosers! This time out we honor two true Canadian icons -- Bob and Doug -- the McKenzie Brothers! OK, it's Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas from the classic SCTV late night show, but boy did their characters "take off" in the early 1980s. Originally devised as a bit to meet "Canadian content" requirements, The Great White North was nothing more than Bob and Doug sitting on a cheesy set, drinking Molson and smoking cigarettes, and riffing on all things Canadian. Moranis and Thomas originally viewed the bit as a protest of the Canadian content rules, but audiences went nuts for the duo and Bob and Doug in short order produced over 40 segments for SCTV as well as a feature movie (Strange Brew) and two comedy albums. Moranis and Thomas have reprised the roles on occasion, but not for a number of years. Maybe we could bribe them with a "jelly" for one more revival! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Bob and Doug At the height of Bob and Doug mania the boys appeared on David Letterman, first in character than as themselves in a fine interview. https://youtu.be/u3niShPaKFY?si=tfeDNcmpv6h69lBd Strange Brew has become a cult classic over the years with lots of Canadian in-jokes, none more prominent than their love of donuts. Try this trick the next time you need some info. https://youtu.be/tKFgfdtKdys?si=H4vxlj1yGaTENtxJ Bob and Doug returned for a Canadian tv special on the 24th anniversary of Strange Brew. Geddy Lee from Rush -- who sang with them on their 1981 hit single "Take Off" -- was there to pay respects. https://youtu.be/N5twcRZ5Bi8?si=FFPGI9ISE_Ds25B4&t=1809

    4 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Imogene Coca

    Say hello to Imogene Coca, a mainstay of television's first golden age who delighted audiences over a career spanning four decades. Originally a Broadway actor and a headliner in Manhattan nightclubs, Imogene started her tv career with small roles before she was added to the cast of Your Show of Shows. Her work with co-star Sid Caesar is the stuff of legend, and it earned her both an Emmy in 1952 and a Peabody award in 1953. After that classic series wrapped, Imogene remained a popular guest star on variety shows and sitcoms, as well as an Emmy-winning reunion with the Your Show of Shows cast. She brought her career full circle in 1978 with a juicy (and Tony-nominated) role in the musical "On the Twentieth Century." As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Imogene Coca?   Some of the best comedy comes from the simplest of premises -- like the challenges of going out on Saturday night (the whole episode is great if you have time). https://youtu.be/MvZMP5d7_GA?si=8h7FkzwQnP_WqS3Y&t=330   Imogene's work with Sid Caesar was a big part of television's first golden age and this sketch about the circus shows why -- it's witty, fully developed, and shows off their comic chemistry.https://youtu.be/vNkO1uofb18?si=IarFnK_pW3yOONY9   Late in her career, Imogene found her way back to Broadway with a Tony-nominated performance in On the Twentieth Century, playing a religious zealot who just wants us to repent! https://youtu.be/B2My_BgcDfg?si=NA12vsONXQWoJenR

    4 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    Conan O'Brien

    Over the last 40 years few comedians have had the pedigree of today's Legend. Harvard Lampoon President? Check! Simpson's writer and show runner? Check! Late Night TV host tapped to replace Letterman's Late Nite show? Check! Tonight Show host (at least for a little while)? Check! Successful Oscar host? Check! Possessing a goofy but sharp sense of humor and a gift for comic self-deprecation, Conan has accumulated a shelf full of awards over his career including multiple Emmy and Writer's Guild Awards and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. And, oh yeah, when he had his syndicated talk show, Conan's band leader was none other than Max Weinberg, drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. For a boomer (and a fine guitarist) like Conan that might be the biggest accomplishment of all. As always find additional clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Conan? Conan was an SNL writer during one of the show's best runs in the late 1990s writing many classic bits. Here's the full sketch that introduced "The Girl Watchers" to the world. https://youtu.be/FnDGawHdKUg?si=ZaOxoIY4ehHswX8x It took audiences a while to warm to Conan's hosting style when he took over David Letterman's Late Night show back in the early 90s. No doubt this interview with Dolly Parton was a big part of the learning process. https://youtu.be/ui6pYEXO9BI?si=GQyPdbUdaw3dhNKS Conan's job hosting the 2025 Oscars won rave reviews from critics and viewers. No wonder he was asked back for another go in 2026. https://youtu.be/_coFFIDVJ_Y?si=pL91u0D3NxNLFg08

    4 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    Fred Travalena

    You may not know his name but you surely know his voice(s), especially if you were a late night watcher of the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. Fred Travalena turned a fine singing voice and a gift for mimicry into a career that lasted well over 40 years. Fred was encouraged in show business by his father, also an entertainer, and he honed his skills and interest during a stint in the Army Special Services. Rich Little discovered Fred working the Catskills and recommended him as a regular opener for David Frost during his Riviera hotel gigs. Fred soon became a Vegas (and Atlantic City) staple and he soon became a popular guest on television talk and variety shows. In his later years, Fred was a favorite on cruise ships and at casino theaters, as well as a frequent voice actor for animated television shows. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Travalena? During his career prime, Fred was likely to pop up anywhere -- a game show, a talk show, a Celebrity roast, etc. Here is a nice fan-made collection of those moments. https://youtu.be/fVbPIFQeVCM? A regular on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethons, Fred often showed off his musical impressions. Here's Fred's appearance on the 1981 edition. https://youtu.be/fVbPIFQeVCM?si=c3uHw7S-CMdvoWhU

    4 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    PDQ Bach

    We've decided to "class up" the joint today with some fine classical music. Well, not exactly -- our laughs this time out come from accomplished composer, conductor, and musician Peter Schickele -- better known to comedy fans as PDQ Bach. Peter was a musical prodigy who attended both Swarthmore College and Julliard and who started his career as a songwriter and film composer. Just for fun, Peter started a series of humorous concerts, taking on the persona of PDQ Bach -- the youngest and oddest son of the famed composer. PDQ shows and albums drew inspiration from Spike Jones, using oddball instruments and sound effects to punctuate well known classical numbers. Later in life, Peter started a well-regarded public radio program (The Schickele Mix), but he also kept releasing PDQ material -- winning four consecutive Grammy awards in the 1990s. As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more PDQ Bach? Who doesn't like the"bunny hop" song? Well, maybe PDQ after his effort to supply a little percussion to the song. https://youtu.be/KzPtPoTgvNM?si=OM41uX5ZiW3nE0ST PDQ Bach was known for playing shall we say "unusual instruments" and he was a favorite of the Smothers Brothers. Put the two together and you have this clip from the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. https://youtu.be/cZu3iaEPMA4? Peter Schickele noted that his PDQ incarnation was heavily influened by musical comedy madman Spike Jones and the pedigree shows in this clip -- a version of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony -- narrated as if it were a sporting event. https://youtu.be/WR4CdKSeD-E?si=DwYiFs0mkHE7qHok

    4 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Randy Hodgins and Steve McLellan’s lifelong love of comedy was kindled when they met more than 40 years ago in graduate school in Seattle. While managing family and professional work responsibilities, they hosted a one hour comedy radio program on Saturday mornings for 10 years on a small radio station in Olympia, WA and also co-authored two books on northwest popular culture – Seattle on Film (1995) and Wet and Wired (2000). Stuck at home during the early days of the pandemic with hundreds of comedy albums, cassettes and CD’s gathering dust on their shelves, they launched Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy in May 2020, a weekly mini-program featuring a different comedy icon, with biographical bits and a nice slice of the comedy that made them famous. From standup stars, to stellar sketch teams, to novelty music maestros -- they are all part of our Legends.

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