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In this episode I deal with the subject of THE WORK FORCE from three different angles; I talk to many hardworking Americans with "thankless jobs." I also asked my old friend Sandy Briscoe -- the British naturalist -- for a letter of recommendation to Cornell Medical School where I have been offered a teaching positiion. And finally, I reflect on a time when I was the principal at my daughter's high school -- a truly thankless job. I also pose the following question: If someone was to offer to donate $10,000 to your campaign, would you: a) accept the money, b) point out that you are not running for office, or c) say something else. I would like to know. Please leave me a message at 617 866-8000.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Women's Lib and Pop Music
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Where do I start? Thanks for your patience. In this episode I have strayed from my usual format because of an interview I did with singer/feminist Helen Reddy. We met years ago in NYC and I interviewed her for my old radio show, "Peas in the Pod." Listening to this latest recording, I was surprised how much and yet how little has changed.
When I do episode 26, I will return to my older format. I'm in it for the long haul.
Where do I start? Thanks for your patience. In this episode I have strayed from my usual format because of an interview I did with singer/feminist Helen Reddy. We met years ago in NYC and I interviewed her for my old radio show, "Peas in the Pod." Listening to this latest recording, I was surprised how much and yet how little has changed.
When I do episode 26, I will return to my older format. I'm in it for the long haul.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Growing Up Franklin (Ben Jr.) and My Jewish Roots
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In this episode, I explore my Jewish roots, tracing all the way back to New York City in 1959. I am also proud to introduce "America's Next Top Optician". At least once a week, I pretend that Benjamin Franklin was my dad. Now you get to hear how that works....It works for me.
In this episode, I explore my Jewish roots, tracing all the way back to New York City in 1959. I am also proud to introduce "America's Next Top Optician". At least once a week, I pretend that Benjamin Franklin was my dad. Now you get to hear how that works....It works for me.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Good Dreams and Sidney Katz
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This episode, number 23, begins with a relapse. I fall back into my “city and listing” habit and I do it all in the name of one of the dopeyest jokes I have ever made. Then I get in the car and call my favorite local radio show with a question. It might be off subject but it is on my mind. Because of my sense of fair play and good manners I take my answer off the air. Then I go to one of my favorite places: the past. We hear my Dad Sidney talking to his friend Abe Allen in 1979. Trust me, these guys really know how to share a mic. Then I get a little groggy and drift off into a really good dream, a good Dr. Katz dream.
If there are any Little Feat fans that listen to this you may recognize a piece of their music called Old Folks Boogie.
We here at Albion Producitions like to think of this episode as the launch of a new season with a new producer, Katie Covett. We hope you like it.
This episode, number 23, begins with a relapse. I fall back into my “city and listing” habit and I do it all in the name of one of the dopeyest jokes I have ever made. Then I get in the car and call my favorite local radio show with a question. It might be off subject but it is on my mind. Because of my sense of fair play and good manners I take my answer off the air. Then I go to one of my favorite places: the past. We hear my Dad Sidney talking to his friend Abe Allen in 1979. Trust me, these guys really know how to share a mic. Then I get a little groggy and drift off into a really good dream, a good Dr. Katz dream.
If there are any Little Feat fans that listen to this you may recognize a piece of their music called Old Folks Boogie.
We here at Albion Producitions like to think of this episode as the launch of a new season with a new producer, Katie Covett. We hope you like it.
Monday, June 29, 2009
"HEY WE'RE BACK" Episode 22
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In this episode I pay a visit to a dentist. I learn, once again, that my comedy is not for everybody. She feels the same way about my teeth, but is surprised to learn that my comedy comes with a fee attached.
Then I try once again to heal the wound I created in the heart of my friend Sandy Briscoe. He is the British entomologist whose research I interrupted not so long ago.
Several years ago I managed a high-end audio store in New York City. Even then, people thought my hiring practices were unusual.
Better Safe Than Sorry is a radio show I created about an overcautious detective. In this episode he really rises to the occasion without putting himself in harm's way.
The actors featured in this episode are Wren Ross, Maggie Surovell, Beth Oblongato (as the saleswoman), and author Jonathan Wilson.
Thanks for listening,
Jonathan Katz
In this episode I pay a visit to a dentist. I learn, once again, that my comedy is not for everybody. She feels the same way about my teeth, but is surprised to learn that my comedy comes with a fee attached.
Then I try once again to heal the wound I created in the heart of my friend Sandy Briscoe. He is the British entomologist whose research I interrupted not so long ago.
Several years ago I managed a high-end audio store in New York City. Even then, people thought my hiring practices were unusual.
Better Safe Than Sorry is a radio show I created about an overcautious detective. In this episode he really rises to the occasion without putting himself in harm's way.
The actors featured in this episode are Wren Ross, Maggie Surovell, Beth Oblongato (as the saleswoman), and author Jonathan Wilson.
Thanks for listening,
Jonathan Katz
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
"HEY WE'RE BACK" Episode 21
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The first segment of episode 21 is a conversation with Wendy Liebman—a woman who has been making me laugh for years. Wendy reminded me how much fun we have talking to each other—a lot of fun. Comedians talking about comedy is boring; comedians trying to make each other laugh is fun. I am pro-fun.
A few years ago I made a pilot (trial first episode of a TV show) for CBS. I asked my friend David Mamet whom I should cast, and he said "America's best character actor is David Paymer.". So, the cast included Paymer, Marcia Gay Harden, Jane Adams, and Robert Klein. The dialogue in the scene you'll hear is between me (reading the role of Paymer's dad) and Paymer—a guy who, like me, is smaller-than-life as an actor. The audience was made up of studio and network executives, writers, and cast members. One of the executives was Gene Stein. He was the guy who championed this show.
And finally, you hear about my fear of overstaying my welcome in comedy. Thanks for listening, and please let me know what you think by writing to me.
The first segment of episode 21 is a conversation with Wendy Liebman—a woman who has been making me laugh for years. Wendy reminded me how much fun we have talking to each other—a lot of fun. Comedians talking about comedy is boring; comedians trying to make each other laugh is fun. I am pro-fun.
A few years ago I made a pilot (trial first episode of a TV show) for CBS. I asked my friend David Mamet whom I should cast, and he said "America's best character actor is David Paymer.". So, the cast included Paymer, Marcia Gay Harden, Jane Adams, and Robert Klein. The dialogue in the scene you'll hear is between me (reading the role of Paymer's dad) and Paymer—a guy who, like me, is smaller-than-life as an actor. The audience was made up of studio and network executives, writers, and cast members. One of the executives was Gene Stein. He was the guy who championed this show.
And finally, you hear about my fear of overstaying my welcome in comedy. Thanks for listening, and please let me know what you think by writing to me.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
"HEY WE'RE BACK" Episode 20
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This episode was actually recorded in front of an audience in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was a group of people so willing to laugh it was depressing. They were sweet, playful and most important, punctual.
The show begins with me breaking the first rule of radio—it's what the audience hears, not what they see. I started the night by showing the audience a clip from the series of biblical shorts I have been doing for nextbook.org. This is the one where I play Him to Todd Barry's Moses. You get to hear what they saw.
Then I tell jokes—what i have been doing since 1981 when there were not that many jokes. I sing the theme song from my CD Jonathan Katz Caffeinated. Why does my CD need a theme song?
Finally, I remember that I am on hold, and I pick up the phone and talk to Miss Kiley, voiced by Jane Brucker.
Doing a fake radio show in front of real people is fun. Improv Boston is a great place. They made me feel at home. I don't even feel at home at home.
Thanks for listening.
-Jonathan
This episode was actually recorded in front of an audience in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was a group of people so willing to laugh it was depressing. They were sweet, playful and most important, punctual.
The show begins with me breaking the first rule of radio—it's what the audience hears, not what they see. I started the night by showing the audience a clip from the series of biblical shorts I have been doing for nextbook.org. This is the one where I play Him to Todd Barry's Moses. You get to hear what they saw.
Then I tell jokes—what i have been doing since 1981 when there were not that many jokes. I sing the theme song from my CD Jonathan Katz Caffeinated. Why does my CD need a theme song?
Finally, I remember that I am on hold, and I pick up the phone and talk to Miss Kiley, voiced by Jane Brucker.
Doing a fake radio show in front of real people is fun. Improv Boston is a great place. They made me feel at home. I don't even feel at home at home.
Thanks for listening.
-Jonathan