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Celebration of 40+ years on the fringe of show business. Stories, interviews, and comedy sets from standup comics... famous, and not so famous. All taped Live on my Comedy Club "Laughs Unlimited" stage. Lots of stand-up comedy and interviews. The interviews will be with comics, old staff members, and Friends from the world of Comedy. Standup Sets by Dana Carvey, Jay Leno, Tom Dreesen, Jerry Seinfeld, Larry Miller, Mark Schiff, Bobcat Goldthwait, Paula Poundstone, Garry Shandling, Ray Ramano, ...
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Bookreporter Talks To

Carol Fitzgerald

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“Bookreporter Talks To” is a podcast from The Book Report Network where we host in-depth conversations with authors about the books that we love. We know authors cannot travel everywhere, so we want to bring them to you, wherever YOU may be.
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Send us a text A talented young guy worked for me a couple times, and went on to be a strong National, and television standup comic; here is a short comedy set by John Henton. Some very funny material about Prince and on being an African-American in Hawaii....very funny! John Henton achieved national recognition for his engaging and witty performan…
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Send us a text Jack Mayberry, Cash Levy, and Steve Bruner are seasoned stand-up comedians who each bring a unique perspective to the comedy stage. Jack Mayberry, with his charming Texas drawl, cleverly weaves in serious topics like religion and drug use, turning them into humorous narratives that resonate with audiences nationwide. Cash Levy, celeb…
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Victoria Christopher Murray joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about HARLEM RHAPSODY, which is her first solo historical novel (she has written New York Times bestsellers with her co-author, Marie Benedict). She explains why she chose to write about the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and shares her extensive research, which included reading issues of …
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Send us a text Ian Williams, who embarked on his stand-up comedy journey at 24 while studying at the University of Illinois, has long navigated the challenging balance between his comedic passion and his roles as a high school and special education teacher. Faced with the evolving dynamics of comedy clubs often catering to younger audiences, Ian ha…
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Send us a text On this Bonus Show, my good Friend and Comic/Magician of theYear...Larry Wilson, explains the difference between Magic and being Fooled...very funny! He has a great story to make his point. His standup comedy and magic has always been a hit with the audiences. Be sure to check out Larry Wilson's Podcast: "How to Talk to Humans" Suppo…
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Send us a text Part of the "Best Of" Series...This special show features 6 standup comics all using music to make you Laugh. From Bob Saget to Yakov Smirnoff, they all did some music in their live sets; and on this show we share that music. You'll hear comics Tim O'Rourke, Dana Carvey, Denny Johnston, Paul Robins, Bob Saget, and Yakov all sing and …
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Send us a text Short trailer for the podcast, that explains the shows with material from Jerry Seinfeld (regular at my comedy clubs), Ronney Kenny (Comedy Store Talent and Friend), and sample from great interview with Famous Russian Comic Yakov Smirnoff, who is still performing and has his own theater in Branson Missouri. Support the show www.Stand…
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Marjan Kamali joined us for April’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group to discuss THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN. This national bestseller and a 2024 Bookreporter Bets On selection is a heartfelt novel of friendship, betrayal and redemption set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran. Marjan talks about her inspiration for the book, which came fro…
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Send us a text Susan Morrison, a seasoned writer at The New Yorker with a rich background in cultural journalism, has crafted an insightful biography titled "Lorne Michaels, the Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live." Her admiration for Michaels' profound impact on American culture and standup comedy through SNL inspired her to explore the enigmatic…
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Nita Prose joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about THE MAID’S SECRET, her last book featuring Molly the Maid. She shares that she did not set out to write a series, but once the first book was finished, it was clear that there was more to Molly’s story. Nita enjoyed developing a voice for Gran in this novel; in the prior installments, everything about…
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Send us a text Mike Lukas is a seasoned stand-up comic with over 24 years of experience and the author of "The Business of Comedy," a standup comedy book that fills a crucial gap in the industry by focusing on the often-overlooked business side of comedy. As an instructor at the Dallas Comedy Club, Lukas emphasizes the importance of understanding o…
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The Friends journey into the brutal heart of Christopher Buehlman’s The Daughter’s War, the grimdark prequel to The Blacktongue Thief. They unpack the stark tonal shift between the two novels—where Buehlman trades snark for sorrow, and swagger for survival. The spotlight falls on Galva, whose stoic presence in The Blacktongue Thief is given heartbr…
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Send us a text We have comedienne Wendy Liebman and standup comic/actor Tom McTigue as our comedy guests this week. They share loads of standup comedy material, and each in their unique way. Both played my club "Laughs Unlimited" back in the day, and both have had wonderful careers thanks to standup comedy. Listen, Laugh, & Share! Wendy Liebman and…
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Sink your teeth into the wild world of revived dire wolves—yes, they were real—and the viral tweet that sparked “Dire Wolf Day.” From George R.R. Martin holding a genetically resurrected pup to speculation about military mammoths and Jurassic Park parallels, things get weird fast. The Friends also wade into the fandom frustration over The Winds of …
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Send us a text John Pate and Pat Paulsen, two respected figures in the comedy world, both have distinct perspectives on being a standup comic and the invaluable role of comedy clubs in shaping their careers. John Pate fondly remembers his performances at LAUGHS Unlimited, appreciating the vibrant atmosphere and the opportunities that the comedy clu…
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Katy Hays joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest novel, SALTWATER, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. The book is set on the island of Capri and has the same vibes as “The White Lotus.” Katy explains the origins of the novel, as well as how the story grew and why she told it from the points of view of multiple characters, alternati…
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Send us a text Jamie Alcroft (previously part of popular comedy team of "Mack & Jamie" and TV's "Comedy Break") has done it again! About 18 months ago we did an interview where Jamie was trying to set up an Organ Donor "Thank-you" program at comedy clubs. The "Comedy & Magic Club" in Hermosa Beach was the first supporter. BUT now the "Levity Live" …
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Join The Friends as they dive into the 2025 r/Fantasy Book Bingo Card! In this episode, we walk through some of the most exciting (and challenging) categories, offering fantasy book recommendations for each square. Whether you’re hunting for a perfect “Knights and Paladins” read or struggling to find a book with “High Fashion,” we’ve got you covere…
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Send us a text Really fun standup comedy podcast starring Kermet Apio and Cash Levy. Both of these acts are clean, very funny, and talk about topics we can all relate to. I know you will enjoy this show...Plus a special Bonus where Kermet Apio does a fake radio ad for Hawaiian tourist...Hilarious! Listen, Enjoy, and Share! Kermet Apio and Cash Levy…
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Georgia Hunter, author of the New York Times bestseller WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES, joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest novel, ONE GOOD THING. Georgia explains why she chose to set the book in Italy and the research trip that she took there with her mother, which was such a special time for her. She and Carol discuss what it must be like to…
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We’re back and diving deep into the pages! 📚 In this episode of Friends Talking Fantasy, The Friends break down the 25 books Charles read during the podcast hiatus—ranking them from S-tier gems to DNF disasters. From Brandon Sanderson’s newest standalones to chaotic fun like Dungeon Crawler Carl, poetic necromancy in Sabriel, and the genre-bending …
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Send us a text Podcast features interview with Lynn Stobener and 2 waitresses from the club (Patti Sewel & Sherri Morsett), their stories and memories of working in the service side of the standup comedy business. Also a great Comedy set by Paula Poundstone to highlight women in comedy. Lynn Stobener, Sherri Morsett, and Patti Sewel each bring uniq…
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Anna Quindlen joined us for March’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group to discuss AFTER ANNIE, a New York Times bestseller that is now available in paperback. The novel is told from the perspectives of three characters following Annie’s sudden death, and Anna explains why she felt this was the most effective way to tell the story. Anna talks about Annie’…
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Send us a text At Laughs Unlimited we had a new bartender from England who wanted to do standup comedy...this short fun set is by Andy Roberts, bartender turned comic...funny, if not raw material about marriage and drinking. Yes! He ended up Divorced, Ha! Support the show www.StandupComedyPodcastNetwork.com Free APP on all Apple & Android phones...…
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After a four-month break, The Friends are back with a refreshed Friends Talking Fantasy—complete with a new video format! In this comeback episode, we catch up on life, talk future podcast goals (live episodes, maybe?), and kickoff a new Friends Pitching Fantasy. Each host brings three fantasy books to the table, pitching them to determine the next…
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Send us a text Two really good Friends of mine that got their start at my clubs Laughs Unlimited, Bentoni and Del Van Dyke, both got their start and went on to be professional standup comics working the road, my TV Shows, and more! You will enjoy these two as they talk about Parents and basketball to flying SouthWest Airlines...funny stuff! Support…
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Jeff Hobbs has been on Carol Fitzgerald’s radar since she first interviewed him 11 years ago at a pre-publication event for THE SHORT AND TRAGIC LIFE OF ROBERT PEACE. So, she was happy to catch up with him about his latest work, SEEKING SHELTER: A Working Mother, Her Children, and a Story of Homelessness in America, which is a Bookreporter Bets On …
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Send us a text Roman Spinale is an emerging talent in the world of magic and standup comedy, whose perspective on Roman Spinelli's early start in these fields is one of admiration and respect. Influenced by his father's passion for classic comedy films and supported by a teacher at his Christian school, Spinale appreciates how Spinelli's childhood …
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Clare Leslie Hall joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, BROKEN COUNTRY, which is both a Reese’s Book Club selection and a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick, as well as a Bookreporter Bets On title. Clare explains the early inspiration for the novel and shares that she worked on it for four years, coming ba…
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Send us a text At a recent fundraiser, I produced a show for a sold out 400 seat room in Placerville CA. The headliner was Dennis Blair; a standup comic/musician who has toured with Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, Barry Manilow, and for over 18 years with George Carlin. A very funny standup comic who you will hear here, is funny and a talented mus…
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Send us a text Two great standup comics...Jack Mayberry and Jay Leno share some very funny comedy material, recorded live on stage. Jack talks about getting lost and traveling with his Grandpa, and Jay shares some funny material about flying...so sort of a "Travel" episode...Ha! Jack Mayberry and Jay Leno are two stand-up comedians who have made si…
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Charmaine Wilkerson talks to Carol Fitzgerald about her latest novel, GOOD DIRT, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. She explains how the character of Ebby Freeman came to her, and from there the idea of the clay jar that has been in the family for generations. Charmaine shares the research she conducted about the work of slaves in the South…
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Send us a text This "Best Of" Series shares some of the best podcast standup comedy sets and interviews, and this is one of those...from new York, Mark Schiff. This shows features one of the funniest men in the universe, originally from New York...Mark Schiff, amazing Headliner and Standup Comic. He talks of his rise in comedy to touring with his B…
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Lisa Wingate joined us for February’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group to discuss SHELTERWOOD, a Bookreporter Bets On selection that is now available in paperback. She explains what sparked the idea for her novel and why she chose to set it in two time periods: 1909 and 1990. We also learn about the research she did into the “elf children,” the Dawes A…
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Send us a text On this very funny short Bonus Show, standup comic Mack Dryden shares his story about going to the Dentist...you'll never believe what happens...Hilarious! Look for Mack Dryden's "NEW" Dry Bar Comedy Special... Please Listen, Enjoy, and Share where you can...Thanks!! Support the show www.StandupComedyPodcastNetwork.com Free APP on al…
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Send us a text Two great standup comics perform on this weeks show...Cash Levy and Tom McTigue. Cash has a way with audiences and uses high energy comedy and finds the funny in flying and skydiving...you will enjoy this! Then Tom McTigue shares a Romance novel with an audience, and with great voice inflections and energy, makes the romance novel co…
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Marie Benedict joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest book, THE QUEENS OF CRIME, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Marie read classic women’s mysteries at a young age, as she was introduced to them by her aunt. Her love for the genre influenced this book, as well as her earlier work, THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE. Marie discusses t…
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Send us a text Susan Morrison, the author of "Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live," has released her book in perfect alignment with the 50th anniversary of the iconic television show. With her unique perspective, cultivated through years of connections with SNL writers and extensive interviews with Lorne Michaels, Morrison delves into t…
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Send us a text Josh Rosen, a celebrated impressionist celebrated for his impeccable renditions of figures such as Donald Trump and Larry David, brings a unique perspective to the world of comedy through his work with impersonations. His comedic path, which began with mimicking peers and teachers during his school days, has been shaped by his affini…
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Joseph Finder joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss his latest thriller, THE OLIGARCH’S DAUGHTER, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Joe talks about writing the novel’s two time frames and how the awareness of what oligarchs are has become a lot more timely in the past few years. He did some wilderness training for part of the book, and then va…
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Send us a text On this short Bonus Show, my old Friend Dave Coulier (Star of "Full House" and "Fuller House") shares some cartoon impressions, funny comedy material, AND some African Music...very funny standup comedy! Be sure to share the show, and rate on Apple & Spotify if you can....Thanks! Support the show www.StandupComedyPodcastNetwork.com Fr…
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Send us a text Larry Miller, a celebrated figure in the comedy industry for over four decades, is renowned for his sharp wit and iconic performances that have captivated audiences worldwide. Reflecting on his standup comedy career, Miller expresses a nostalgic appreciation for his journey, beginning with his early days in New York and his rise to p…
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Send us a text Greg Schwem began his stand-up comedy career in 1989, transitioning from a television news reporter role during a period when the comedy market was heavily saturated with cable TV shows. Despite these initial challenges, Schwem successfully adapted by merging his comedic talents into a public speaking career that brings humor to the …
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Ashley Elston joins us for our first “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event of 2025 to discuss her debut novel for adults, FIRST LIE WINS. This #1 New York Times bestseller and Bookreporter Bets On selection is now available in paperback. Ashley talks about her writing process, which includes the brown butcher paper that lines her walls along with colo…
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Scott Turow joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about his latest legal thriller, PRESUMED GUILTY. This Bookreporter Bets On selection marks the return of Rusty Sabich, following his starring roles in PRESUMED INNOCENT and INNOCENT. Scott explains his decision to write the book and why this may be the last time we see Rusty as a protagonist in one of his…
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Send us a text Josh Rosen, a renowned stand-up comic and impressionist from South Florida, has captivated audiences with his spot-on impersonations of political figures, most notably former President Donald Trump. As Trump embarks on another term, Rosen eagerly anticipates the opportunity to expand his comedic repertoire, using satire to exaggerate…
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Michelle Horton joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about DEAR SISTER: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds, which has just released in paperback with bonus content and is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Michelle shares the harrowing story of how her sister, Nikki, a victim of domestic violence for years, was imprisoned after she kille…
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Send us a text Here is something different for my podcast listeners. In the 80's and 90' I produced several TV shows for local affiliates. On the podcast I am sharing the audio from on of these TV shows. Minimal editing and aired on TV in 1991. It features the comedy of Chris Hobbs, a short bit by "Baby Man" Bruce Baum (Los Angeles), and closing th…
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Tracey Lange joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest family-themed novel, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE McCRAYS?, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Tracey introduces readers to Kyle and Casey McCray, a divorced couple who are very much estranged. As Kyle returns home to Potsdam, New York, for a family emergency, their shared past haunts the…
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Send us a text On todays interview, we located movie script writer Andrew Zeoli in Virginia (near DC), and with a new movie idea: "Crawdaddies", he shares what it is like to be a writer and how he got into this art form. Writing can be difficult, especially since Covid, the Writers Strike, and now Ai influence...Andrew shares the importance of foll…
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