#1270 - Lenny Clarke
NaN minutesEpisode #1270
Episodes with Lenny Clarke
Watch the full episode of #1270 - Lenny Clarke.
Episode Timestamps
Comedy Beginnings with Lenny Clark and Mike Clark
- Lenny Clark and his brother Mike played significant roles in the comedian's early career.
- Recalling memorable gigs like working for Norm LaFaugeg and the crazy seating area microphone incident.
- The hectic, cash-based lifestyle as a comic in Boston working numerous gigs.
Challenges, Cancelled Shows, and Rosie O'Donnell Connection
- Discussion on tax issues and consequences faced by many comedians.
- Reflecting on show cancellations due to sexual impropriety, including personal experiences.
- Mention of involvement in the show 'Smilf' and portraying Rosie O'Donnell's love interest.
Encounter with Whitey Bulger's Place and Impulsive Revelry
- Lenny throwing a guy through a wall at Whitey Bulger's place
- Buying drugs and partying recklessly afterwards
- Attending an unexpected AA meeting and meeting a sponsor
Boston Comedy Scene and High Expectations of Audiences
- Description of the fast-paced and punchy Boston comedy style
- Stories about legendary comedy nights at Ding Ho
- Discussion on the unique hosting and closing format of comedy shows
Reflections on Comedy Shows and Stand-Up Life
- Discussion around the extravagant lifestyle shown in 'Billions' series
- Insights on the stand-up comedy scene and preferences to perform in different venues
- Anecdotes about dealing with disruptive audience members like Len and DiPallo
Controversies, Comedy Tours, and Twitter Outbursts
- Recounting interactions with Nick during comedy tours
- Nick's reactions to political events and controversies
- The background story of Nick DiPallo landing a role in a TV show
Barry Diller's Betrayal at Fox
- Huge career setback due to misunderstanding with Barry Diller's right hand man
- Significant financial loss after being thrown off the Fox lot involuntarily
- Unfortunate end of career at Fox despite positive contributions
Ridley Scott's Hilarious Encounter
- Comedic and accidental misinterpretation leads to missed opportunity
- Reflects on unexpected turn of events in the entertainment industry
- Frustration with industry power dynamics and sudden career shifts
Controversy Surrounding Asia Argento and Chris Hardwick
- Mentions the controversy involving Asia Argento, accusing Harvey Weinstein while allegedly engaging with a minor
- Highlights the situation between Chris Hardwick and his accuser, revealing text messages showing cheating
- Discusses the presence of false accusations and opportunistic behavior amidst the #MeToo movement
Redemption and Second Chances for Comedians
- Advocates for giving comedians like Louie and Aziz Ansari a road to redemption and second chances
- Shares challenges faced by comedians in reclaiming their career after controversies
- Explores the impact of public perception and social media on stand-up comedy
Ali Joe Prada and Comedy Thieves
- Encounter with Joe Prada who stole material and performed it better
- Discussion on how stealing jokes was common in the past
- Evolution of comedy theft with the rise of television and consequences
Influential Figures in Comedy and Technical Advice
- Introduction and influence of comedians like Sweeney and Woody Allen
- Early struggles with using borrowed material and the importance of feedback
- Mentorship and technical guidance from comedians like Mike Donovan in improving performance
Jay and his Stand-Up Career
- Jay made hundreds of thousands of dollars from gigs and cars, never spending his money
- Despite reluctance to put out specials, he did one on Showtime in Philly which was well-received
- Known for repeating the same act in different places and amazed audiences with his polished comedy
Stand-Up Comedy Scene in Boston
- Vibrant stand-up scene in Boston during the late 80s with multiple comedy clubs like The Charles, The Connection, Nick's, and Duck Soup
- Discusses the hosting style in New York versus Boston, where the crowd interaction and closeness were more prevalent in Boston
- Transition to New York where the size of rooms and relationship with the audience differed from Boston clubs
Jim Brewer in the Pilot and the Chaos of Network Meddling
- Pilot episode starred Jim Brewer and was a success
- Network interference turned the show into a disaster
- Transition to News Radio with more creative freedom and talented cast like Paul Sims and Phil Hartman
The Comedy Journey and Opening for Major Names
- Comedian's experience with acting classes and initial struggles
- Opening for legends like Arrowsmith and engaging with wild audiences
- Opportunity to tour with Metallica and his brilliant comedic style
HIV Origin: Cleaning the Monkey
- HIV likely spread from a hunter cutting himself while cleaning a monkey, leading to the theory of 'Patient Zero.'
- Bush meat, the practice of hunting wildlife for food, including monkeys, contributed to the spread of infections.
- The discussion delves into how HIV transmission differs from malaria and the role of needle usage in spreading the virus.
Radio Legends and Feuds
- Memories of iconic radio personalities like a DJ from the 505 comedy hour are shared.
- A bitter feud with another radio host nearly escalates into a charity boxing match.
- Reflecting on radio history, notable figures like Maddie in the Morning are discussed, highlighting the enduring impact of radio in entertainment.
Taekwondo Brawl & Rodney's Bathrobe
- Fight breaks out among Taekwondo black belts, incl. national & state champions like my friend Larry.
- I witness chaos but choose not to get involved and quit my job that day.
- Encounter with Rodney in bathrobe, insightful conversation about smoking dope.
Comedians Community & Boston Standup Scene
- Discussion on changes in comedian community, from competitive to supportive.
- Recollection of Boston standup scene with names like Lenny, Sweeney, Gavin, and Steve Wright.
- Vivid portrayal of high comedy standards and ruthless but talented comedians of the era.
Meeting Sweeney, Gavin, Joyce Kohay, and Six Months Later, Working with The Wrong Guys
- Main characters include Sweeney, Gavin, Joyce Kohay, and the narrator
- Joyce Kohay gave a negative review impacting one of the main characters
- The narrator reassures the main character and eventually works on a movie project together
Stand-up Comedy in Boston with Giant Dudes and Unusual Incidents
- Boston comedy scene described with big and intimidating comedians
- Incidents involving a club doorman and unusual gigs
- Description of challenges faced by young comics and the comedy environment
The Wild Nights with Sam Kinnison
- Brought Sam to Boston where he built a friendship and fame
- Hectic night at the University of Arizona show with massive amounts of drugs involved
- Mysterious and chaotic ending to the night with Sam missing
Sam Kinnison: A Comedy Revolution
- Sam Kinnison's impact on comedy and his outrageous performances
- Memorable incidents with law enforcement and fans
- Rise to fame, downfall, and legacy in the comedic world
Remembering Sam: A Heartbreaking Loss
- Lenny recalls the heartbreaking moment he learned about Sam's tragic death on TV
- Reflects on the disbelief and shock of the news, asking to see the body
- Details Sam's untimely death caused by a 19-year-old drunk driver, who was his fan
Transformation Through Health and Fitness
- Lenny's journey from struggling with weight issues and addiction to finding health and fitness
- Discusses his significant weight loss journey, losing a hundred pounds with Weight Watchers
- Shares his shift towards exercise, swimming, weightlifting, and healthy living in his later years
Comedy Legends: Alan King, Red Buttons, Jackie Gleason
- Early days of comedy with limited resources: only one book on comedy available
- Importance of studying comedians who came before
- Influence of Alan King, admiration for Red Buttons as a funny personality and aspiring to be like Jackie Gleason
Jackie Gleason's UFO Obsession and Area 51 Rumors
- Rumored story of Richard Nixon taking Jackie Gleason to Area 51 to see a crash UFO
- Gleason's fascination with UFOs and supposed replica of UFO in his backyard
- Discussion about Area 51 testing military equipment, stories surrounding Bob Lazar and Hitler's experiments with alien-like aircraft
Encounter at the Fence with a Cuban Guy
- Encounter at a fence with a Cuban guy leads to a potential international incident
- Realization of vulnerability due to the large Cuban population
- Discussion about proximity to Havana and misunderstanding of geographical distance
Inside Look at Guantanamo Bay Prison
- Discussion about the presence of innocent individuals in Guantanamo Bay
- Mention of releasing 'bad guys' and the controversy surrounding it
- Insight into the deal made with Castro regarding Guantanamo Bay