Talkward

Mike Sacks Returns (and Gen X Gets Bigger Fonts) Talkward is back for a new season, and host Marty Dundics kicks things off with a returning favorite: humor author and satirist Mike Sacks, the master of “artifacts from things that never existed.”This episode dives into Sacks’ signature meta-comedy—fake movies, invented cultural movements, and lovingly recreated pop-culture “memories” that feel too real—as Marty and Mike celebrate the release of Slouchers: Gen Xpanded Edition from Humorist Books.From the lost freedom of pre-smartphone childhoods to the plot-ruining menace of cell phones in storytelling, Marty and Mike riff on why the past is easier (and funnier) to satirize than the always-on present. Along the way, they nerd out over grunge-era touchstones (cargo shorts, mixtapes, WHFS, standing in line all night for concert tickets), and unpack the strange magic of nostalgia for a time that was messy, sincere, and gloriously offline.The conversation also explores Mike’s audio-comedy world—his new project StanLand, and how one “yes” from Jon Hamm helped launch an all-star cast for Stinker Let’s Loose, why collaboration makes the work better, and what he’s developing next with Chris Elliott. Plus: Substack advice without the hustle, Sedaris tour-opening war stories, and a little daydreaming about what Slouchers could become as a streaming series—complete with dream casting, cameos, and a soundtrack built from forgotten ’90s gems. Buy Slouchers: Gen Xpanded Edition and find more from Mike at mikesacks.com—then subscribe, follow, and keep the cringeworthy tales coming.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward chats with comedy writer Carlos Greaves! His writing has been featured in The New Yorker, NPR, and he is a frequent contributor to the humor site McSweeney’s. His debut book, 'Spoilers: Essays That Might Ruin Your Favorite Hollywood Movies' is available to order now! https://carlosgreaves.com/books/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes Emmy® award winning humor writer and longtime executive producer of 'The Simpsons' Mike Reiss! His new book 'Santa's Brother Sandy Saves Christmas' is out now and his travel podcast "What Am I Doing Here?" is wherever you get your pods!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes Jason Roeder, author of humor book "Griefstrike! The Ultimate Guide to Mourning". Jason is a former senior editor and senior writer at The Onion as well as a contributor to The New Yorker and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. Pick up his book today! https://amzn.to/3kW6cwH See all of his books and work at jasonroeder.info Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward comedy writer, teacher, actor, UCB improv, standup comedy performer and all around nice person Sean Conroy chats about his comedy career in stage, TV and podcasting. From networks like Adult Swim,Comedy Central, Seeso, MTV, Spike TV, UPN, NBC and ABC. He was Head Writer and Executive Producer on the amazingly funny shows Mr. Pickles and Gentlemen Lobsters. Listen to his weekly podcast The Long Shot. Visit https://www.seanconroy.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes humor writer Kate Herzlin! Kate, along with co-authors Allison Kelley, Danielle Kraese, and Ysabel Yates wrote the new book, Jokes to Offend Men, which is a cutting, cathartic spin on the old-fashioned joke book. It's refreshingly hilarious, go grab a copy! Follow her @kateherzlin and check out the book http://jokestooffendmen.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes comedy writer and author Gary Almeter! Gary's new humor book 'The Official Dream Dinner Party Handbook' explores the question: If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who do you pick? How do you choose? And how can it all go terribly wrong? It's very funny and you should buy it right now! https://bit.ly/dreamdinnerpartyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes humor writer and performer AJ 'Sweet Pea' DiCosimo. AJ has been published many times in The New Yorker, as well as Weekly Humorist and he even snuck into being a writer for MAD. Have you ever heard a story from a guy who covers his naked body in shaving cream and plays Tom Petty songs? You will. He's a punk rock comedy guy from Cleveland, whose day jobs have given him the perspective that lead him to the more silly, absurdist side of humor. Follow AJ https://twitter.com/AJDiCosimoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode welcomes humor writer and prolific author Brian Boone. We discuss his career writing trivia, joke books, his truly epic failure on 'Jeopardy', and his new book "How To Be An Old Person- Everything To Know For The Newly Old, Retiring, Elderly, Or Considering' Pick it up today! http://howtobeanoldperson.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode welcomes the very funny comedy writer, author, and voice over artist Jen Spyra! We chat all about her time writing at The Onion, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where she is also the announcer! Her new book 'Big Time' is out now from Penguin Random House. It's SO FUNNY! Buy it today! https://www.amazon.com/Big-Time-Stories-Jen-Spyra/dp/1984855263Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward chats with the very funny Keith James. Keith is a comedy performer and writer who has a new comedy, sci-fi, erotic, adventure book out now entitled 'Greg Maxwell's Inferno'. We discuss his humor journey and doing improv comedy for a soon-to-be-FBI-raided health spa where he had to do breakdance fighting live on-stage against a child. Follow Keith @k3ithJam3s and listen to his podcast Gus Biblowitz, Basketball Legend.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.