Coop's Comedy Corner with Steve Cooper

Find everything Zach Selwyn at: https://zachselwyn.com/ Zach Selwyn joins Coop for a wide-ranging conversation about building a career without fitting into one box. From almost winning ESPN’s Dream Job to creating music, sketch comedy, viral digital series, and acting alongside the Trailer Park Boys, Zach breaks down the realities of surviving Hollywood long-term.They dive into the changing entertainment industry, Substack culture, LA’s creative decline, cannabis media, corporate freestyle rapping, rejection, reinvention, and why quitting was never an option. This episode is a masterclass in adaptability, creativity, and betting on yourself when the industry keeps moving the goalposts.#comedytrainrek #coopscomedycorner #zachselwyn #comedypodcast #hollywoodstories #standupcomedy #podcastclips #entertainmentindustry

Actor and longtime Hollywood character staple Gregg Binkley joins Steve Cooper for a deep, honest conversation about surviving—and thriving—in the entertainment industry for over 35 years.Gregg shares his journey from Kansas to Hollywood, becoming a pop-culture icon as Del Taco Dan, landing recurring and series-regular roles on My Name Is Earl and Raising Hope, and working alongside legends like Cloris Leachman. He opens up about humility, side hustles, auditions, acting philosophy, and what it really takes to stay ready in an unpredictable industry.An essential episode for actors, creatives, and anyone curious about the reality behind a long Hollywood career.

Actor Peter Breitmayer joins Steve Cooper for a thoughtful, funny, and brutally honest conversation about life as a working actor in Hollywood. From his time on Fargo and working with the Coen Brothers, to unforgettable experiences on Clint Eastwood sets, Peter breaks down what really happens behind the scenes — and why most auditions have nothing to do with talent.Peter opens up about self-tapes vs in-room auditions, rejection, roles that sting, the Midwest acting “mafia,” and how surviving 25 years in the business requires humility, discipline, and perspective. This is a must-watch episode for actors, creatives, and anyone curious how the industry actually works.

Coop sits down with five-time Emmy-winning writer Eddie Feldman to talk about his insane journey from working with troubled kids in Massachusetts to writing for Dennis Miller, winning Emmys at HBO, and penning episodes of Law & Order. Eddie shares how a single political joke in a hotel room turned into a job, what it was really like in that legendary writers’ room, and why walking around the Emmys with a statue in each hand is the ultimate Hollywood cheat code. They dive into the grind of late-night TV, the politics of Hollywood, getting older in a young person’s business, and how Eddie went from a small-town deli kid to “the first guy who got out,” according to Jimmy Fallon. Plus: Don Rickles, Christopher Hitchens, John McCain, WWE, and why writers are basically always unemployed and always hustling.

Gary Kroeger — actor, comedian, writer, and former Saturday Night Live cast member — joins Coop for an incredible conversation about Hollywood, comedy, career pivots, and why Iowa might just be the real showbiz capital of the Midwest. They get into the early days of SNL, the realities of working in television, what fame really feels like, and how life changes when you step away from the spotlight and rediscover who you really are.From family to politics to personal reinvention, Gary covers it all with honesty, humor, perspective, and that unmistakable performer’s charm. This is one of those conversations that reminds you why storytelling matters — and why the comedy world still has room for people with something real to say. Enjoy the episode!#coopscomedycorner #comedyinterview #snlalumni #garykroeger #comedypodcast #standupcomedy #podcastlife #hollywoodstories #actinglife #comediansofyoutube #comedytrainrek #coopertalk #snl 00:00 – SNL Kroger Rule 01:30 – 10 Second Intro01:40 – Bob Dubac Show Canceled 02:08 – Gary Kroeger Joins the Show 03:39 – Move from Iowa to Vermont 05:52 – SNL 50th Anniversay Special 10:05 – SNL 40th Was Special 13:22 – Path to SNL 16:48 – Meeting Julia Louis-Dreyfus at Northwestern 19:34 – Auditioning & Landing SNL 2nd Cast 24:00 – Working with Biggest Stars & Music Acts26:39 – Wild Robert Plant Stories28:14 – First SNL Episode Experience34:51 – Don Rickles & Eddie Murphy Classic Sketches36:49 – Working with Young Eddie Murphy39:21 – Working with Major Stars41:08 – Getting Robert Blake Banned from SNL43:19 – SNL Fires Most, Almost Canceled48:20 – Life after SNL 52:05 – Working in Community Theater 54:26 – Community, Purpose & Family 56:38– Closing Plugs

Comedian, playwright, and actor Robert Dubac joins Steve Cooper for an eye-opening, hilarious deep dive into comedy, religion, and creativity.From opening for Kenny Loggins and Jimmy Buffett to writing three hit solo shows — The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron, The Book of Moron, and Stand-Up Jesus — Dubac breaks down how he built his career one laugh at a time.They talk about trolls, faith, censorship, losing hearing in one ear, the business of solo performance, and why Dubac might be comedy’s most fearless truth-teller.🎙️ Hosted by Steve Cooper🎭 Presented by Comedy Train Rek🌐 Visit coopscomedycorner.com for merch and more.

Steve Cooper sits down with producer and creator Jim Korhan, the mind behind Comedy Train Rek, Broad Street Misery, and Innovision Brands.Jim opens up about his path from radio to podcasting, launching 20+ shows, funding the network through his apparel company, and creating hit projects like Modern Dating WTF and The Legendary Wid Documentary.A rare, funny, and honest look inside one of Philly’s most driven creative network.comedy train rek, coop’s comedy corner, jim korhan, broad street misery, innovision brands, modern dating wtf, philly podcast, media train rek, podcast interview, behind the scenes

Steve Cooper sits down with musical comedian Pat Godwin (Bob & Tom Show) for a wild ride through comedy, radio, and music.Pat shares the infamous story of opening for Don McLean and getting kicked out of the green room — only to win the crowd (and his career) back that same night. He talks about his years with the WMMR Morning Zoo, competing with Howard Stern, and how deadlines on the Bob & Tom Show push him to write 4 songs before sunrise.They dive into unforgettable music moments — playing with Warren Zevon, jamming with Pete Townshend, sitting in with Graham Parker, bombing at CBGB, and performing at the historic Surf Ballroom where Buddy Holly played his last show.Pat also opens up about life on the road, what he’s proudest of today, and how fatherhood and radio deadlines have made this the most creative period of his career.📌 Find Pat: PatGodwin.com & his albums on Spotify/streaming🎙 More Coop: Cooper Talk, The Coop Tank, and swag at Coop’s Comedy Corner

Philly comedy legend Tommy Moore sits with Steve Cooper for a rapid-fire tour of 50+ years on stage—mobbed-up South Philly rooms, the Comedy Factory Outlet’s DIY rise, Catskills/Poconos residencies, and a night when Robin Williams wandered in and did two hours for free. Tommy shares wisdom from Shecky Greene, Joan Rivers, Alan King, and Joey Bishop; why the ’80s comedy boom exploded (and imploded); teaching stand-up at Temple; and bringing laughter to hospital patients as a medical clown. Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt—a masterclass in stand-up history.Highlights:Ed Sullivan inspiration & first gig (to 2 people)Illegal “Las Vegas night” casino show chaosComedy Factory Outlet origin story351 shows at Caesars Poconos + 52-week bookingHospital clown stories that’ll hit you in the feelsBuy Tomm's books at ProfComedy.com • Books on Amazon/Kindle: PhD in Happiness, Joke Telling 101, Comedians Telling Tales Out of SchoolFollow & Rate: Comedy Train Rek • Coop’s Comedy Corner • Get You Coop Merch: CoopsComedyCorner.com

Comedian, writer, and producer Jannette Barber joins Steve Cooper on Coop’s Comedy Corner for an honest, funny, and inspiring conversation. Jannette shares her journey from the New York stand-up scene of the 1980s to becoming Rosie O’Donnell’s head writer, winning six Daytime Emmys, and navigating the highs and lows of television.She opens up about:Breaking into stand-up during the comedy boom of the 80sMeeting Rosie O’Donnell and landing her first TV spotsWriting for The Rosie O’Donnell Show and The ViewWinning six Emmys and what it felt like to take the stage at Radio CityOvercoming chronic pain with Dr. John Sarno after nearly losing her mobilityHosting her own SiriusXM radio showRaising millions for refugee relief and traveling the worldThis episode blends comedy history with real-life lessons on resilience, success, and giving back.🎙 Hosted by Steve Cooper – stand-up comic, interviewer, and host of over 1,000 celebrity interviews on CooperTalk.net

Comedian and voiceover veteran Brian Scott McFadden joins Steve Cooper with an unbelievable story — performing in Jerusalem during a missile strike and ending up in a bomb shelter mid-show. Brian shares how a comedy trip to Israel turned into eight days in a war zone, complete with canceled gigs, guerrilla shows, and a frantic escape through Jordan.They also dive into Brian’s decades-long career, from MTV and Letterman to voicing the Honey Nut Cheerios Bee, the M&M Peanut, and countless commercial characters. Hear about his run-ins with the Philly/Jersey comedy scene, his Super Bowl ad that caught Ben Shapiro’s attention (for all the wrong reasons), and the changing landscape of stand-up and voiceover work.🎤 Guest: Brian Scott McFadden – brianscottmcfadden.com | YouTube: Chasing Comedy🎙 Host: Steve Cooper – Coop’s Comedy Corner

Step back into the heart of Philadelphia's wildest music years with Steve Cooper as he sits down with Antonio Aloia and Mick Michaels, the authors of When We Rocked: The Philadelphia Rock Music Scene, 1978-1992. This episode dives deep into the real stories behind the bands, bars, and legends that shaped Philly’s hard rock legacy. From the chaotic days of Aqua Net and leather jackets to the grind of writing the definitive book on a forgotten scene, it’s a masterclass in nostalgia, hustle, and music history.Hear how these two Philly insiders dug through archives, tracked down vanished musicians, and connected with icons like Jack Russell and Stephen Pearcy. The guys break down what made the scene thrive, why it faded, and why Philly never got its due—even though it spawned some of the most dedicated musicians (and fans) in rock history. Expect candid stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and genuine love for all things Philly.Grab the book at whenwerockedphilly.com, check out exclusive swag at coopscomedycorner.com, and stay tuned for more episodes that celebrate comedy, music, and the people who make it happen. Hit subscribe and share with any Philly or rock fan who needs a trip down memory lane!#coopscomedycorner, #comedytrainrek, #phillyrock, #phillymusic, #whenwerocked, #stevecooper, #phillylegends, #rockhistory, #musicpodcast, #comedyinterview,

Comedian David Kaye joins Steve Cooper for one of the rawest and most inspiring episodes yet. From launching his stand-up career in Pittsburgh to battling addiction and spending two years in prison, David opens up about hitting rock bottom and climbing back with comedy, theater, and grit.He shares how a can of Aqua Net turned him into a comedy character, how he literally won a comedy club in a Facebook bet, and what it was like performing on a cruise ship that actually sank. Plus, hear about his Dry Bar special, corporate gigs, acting work, and how sobriety and fatherhood became his proudest achievements.If you're into underdog stories, comedy road tales, and real-life redemption arcs—with a lot of laughs—this one's a must.🎧 Hosted by Steve Cooper📍 Brought to you by Comedy Train Rek

Comedian and writer Debbie Kasper joins Steve Cooper to talk about her raw and hilarious one-woman show "Monkeys on My Back and Everywhere Else." She opens up about addiction, grief, sobriety, and her comeback to the stage after years away from showbiz. Debbie also shares wild stories from writing for Roseanne and Rosie O’Donnell, what it was like being a female comic in the ‘80s, and why her journey is far from over.

This week on Coop’s Comedy Corner, host Steve Cooper reunites with legendary comic and actor Mike Ivy — 12 years after his first appearance on Cooper Talk.Mike opens up about his early standup days in New York, working with Kevin Rooney, Peter Tolan, and a then-unknown Sarah Silverman. He shares wild behind-the-scenes stories from MTV, Improv NYC, Catch a Rising Star, and becoming the face of massive ad campaigns like Sprint, Geico, and Powerade.They also get personal — from surviving congestive heart failure and cancer to life after Hollywood, why cruise ship comedy saved his career, and how a misdelivered pizza almost broke him 😅If you’ve ever laughed at a commercial and thought, “Who is that guy?” — it was probably Mike Ivy.

🎤 Veteran Warm-Up Comic Gary Cannon Tells All | Coop's Comedy CornerWhat’s it really like working behind the scenes of Conan, The Masked Singer, and The Jennifer Hudson Show?Comedian and legendary TV warm-up guy Gary Cannon joins Steve Cooper for an unfiltered deep dive into the world of audience hype, Hollywood egos, comedy club disasters, and how he went from selling copiers to roasting comics onstage.🔥 In this episode:The Sullivan & Son sitcom chaosBombing in front of Mitch HedbergBeing berated by Craig Ferguson 😬Saving shelter dogs during the pandemic 🐶Why most comedy club managers used to work at T-MobilePlus: insider tales about Conan O’Brien, Ken Jeong, and that time his mom tried to fight a comedian on Facebook.📍 Hosted by: Steve Cooper🎟️ More episodes, merch & more: CoopsComedyCorner.com👍 LIKE | 💬 COMMENT | 🔔 SUBSCRIBE#ComedyTrainRek #CoopsComedyCorner #GaryCannon #StandUpComedy #WarmUpComic #BehindTheScenes #JenniferHudsonShow #ConanOBrian #SitcomLife #ComedyPodcast #TVProduction #Comedians

👉 Comedy Train Rek delivers stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, hilarious podcasts, pop culture content, dating podcasts & comedy documentaries — full episodes & clips for comedy fans who love to binge.Catch more Coop at coopertalk.net or find his business Podcast on YouTube @thecooptank Coop now has his own Merch shop, visit coopscomedycorner.com Celebrating 15 years of podcasting in July 2025, and over 850 episodes as Producer and Host of the weekly storytelling podcast Story Worthy, Christine Blackburn has interviewed some of the biggest names in show business like Larry King, Sugar Ray Leonard, Greg Proops, Blaine Capatch, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Bobcat Goldthwait, Kevin Nealon and on and on. Over the last 12 years the stories have ranged from laugh out funny to heart-wrenching but always with a positive message. Her new show My Life In 3 Songs, is a passion project she has been working on for years. Christine invite comedians on the show to share the 3 songs that have impacted their lives. Not necessarily their favorite songs, but songs that paint a picture of the comedian and where they’re from. Listen exclusively on Spotify! Christine is also creator and host of Story Smash: The Storytelling Game Show played in Los Angeles, almost every month! Check out the website for more information and tickets! Story Smash is also available to watch on YouTube. As a storyteller, Christine is a 3-time MOTH story winner. She is the author of the book: PIT to LAX: My Story Worthy Life and has contributed to The Huffington Post. As an actress she hosted Ready for the Weekend Movies on USA Network and has appeared in over 100 commercials.

👉 Comedy Train Rek delivers stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, hilarious podcasts, pop culture content, dating podcasts & comedy documentaries — full episodes & clips for comedy fans who love to binge.Catch more Coop at coopertalk.net or find his business Podcast on YouTube  ⁨@thecooptank⁩  Coop now has his own Merch shop, visit coopscomedycorner.com Murray Valeriano is an award-winning writer and comedian based in Los Angeles, California. He has performed in six different countries and has toured extensively in the US, either headlining comedy clubs or opening for some of comedy’s heaviest hitters including David Spade, Kevin Pollak, Darrell Hammond, Brad Garrett and the late, Robert Schimmel. Murray has been seen on Comedy Central, NBC, Amazon and countless commercials. He can be heard regularly on SiriusXM where he co-hosted Off the Cuff with Bill Engvall and Gary Brightwell for five years.As an award-winning television writer, Murray has written for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Bill Engvall’s Here’s Your Sign Awards, BattleBots, Ridiculousness, Ring Nation and Top Ten Revealed to name a few. He has also written for The Wall Street Journal and is a regular contributor to AARP magazine.Murray is a captivating person who possesses a natural skill for storytelling and a wealth of pop culture knowledge. He is the creator, writer and host of For What It’s Worth, the only music and comedy gameshow that matters (available for free on YouTube). For 11 years, he hosted the wildly successful Roadstories podcast, which USA Today called “One of the funniest podcasts of the year.”Murray’s full-length comedy album, RUSTY COW, reached the top 10 on iTunes and is available on all major digital platforms.

Carole Montgomery has had a long and varied career. With over two dozen television credits to her name, Carole Montgomery is a respected veteran of the standup comedy scene nationwide.In addition to her numerous television appearances, Carole Montgomery has headlined clubs and colleges across the USA and starred in two different Las Vegas production shows. In her ten years as a LAS VEGAS STAR, she was seen by over five million audience members.Carole Montgomery created and stars in three SHOWTIME specials for Funny Women Of A Certain Age.https://carolemontgomery.com/

Tom Caltabiano is a two-time Emmy Award-winning writer and comedian with extensive experience in the industry - from the writers’ room to the editing bay, behind the scenes and on camera. A co-executive producer of Everybody Loves Raymond, he was also a writer for the show for all nine-seasons. Tom has written for Saturday Night Live, The Emmy Awards, and The People’s Choice Awards. Caltabiano was a guest host for CBS's The Late, Late Show. He also directed and co-starred alongside Ray Romano in the HBO documentary 95 Miles To Go.