The Letterman Podcast

Episode 180 – A Tribute to Arthur KellyEpisode 180 of The Letterman Podcast is a heartfelt tribute to our dear friend Arthur Kelly, who passed away around the Fourth of July.For 15 years, Arthur was the receptionist on the 12th floor of the Ed Sullivan Theater office building — Dave’s floor. His job was to be the gatekeeper: ensuring the right people and calls got through, while keeping the chaos of show business at bay so the brain trust could focus on making television magic.A few years into his tenure, something strange and wonderful happened — Arthur became an on-air personality. In a recurring segment dubbed “Coach’s Corner,” he portrayed a hilariously unhinged version of football Hall of Famer Mike Singletary, barking out locker-room-style motivation that instantly became a fan favorite.Arthur was also one of the first staff members to befriend Mike, and he holds a special place in the history of The Letterman Podcast. In this emotional conversation, Mike sits down with Arthur’s brother, Andre, as the two reminisce, share heartfelt stories, and reflect on the kindness, humor, and heart that Arthur brought into every room he entered.On behalf of everyone who considers themselves an enthusiast of the broadcasts released by David Letterman and Company, we extend our deepest condolences to Arthur’s family, and to his Late Show family, whom he cared for so deeply.We would also like to thank Worldwide Pants for allowing us to include a few classic clips of Arthur from Late Show with David Letterman in this tribute.Stop by Hello-Deli.com — the only place to find official Late Show merchandise, brought to you by the legendary Rupert Jee.And while you’re at it, give this episode a like, share it with a fellow fan, subscribe to the show, and leave a kind word or two — we’ll take all the positive reinforcement we can get.

In this special emergency crossover, Johnny Mac (Daily Comedy News) and Mike fire up the mics to tackle the growing storm surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s indefinite suspension from ABC. With conflicting headlines, regulatory noise, and media blowback in every direction, it felt like the right time to take a step back and look at what’s really going on here.Johnny brings a sharp, informed perspective on the FCC’s involvement, and together, he and Mike unpack the broader implications this moment has for the late-night genre. From the evolving role of hosts to the tension between punchlines and political pressure, it’s a conversation about where the line is — and whether it’s moving.They also talk about legacy, precedent, and how moments like this could shape the future of late-night television, for better or worse.⸻🛍 This episode is proudly sponsored by Hello-Deli.com — home to the finest official Late Show with David Letterman gear, served up by the legendary Rupert Jee himself. Buy something or risk disappointing Dave.💬 If you enjoy this chat (or even mildly tolerate it), please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. We frame the good ones. We also frame the bad ones — but we hang them in the bathroom.

Episode 176 of The Letterman Podcast features a very special guest: Dan Cashman, host of The Nite Show with Dan Cashman — a regional late-night institution in Maine that has welcomed thousands of guests over its remarkable run… including, most recently, David Letterman himself.Mike and Dan dive deep into the origins of The Nite Show, reflecting on the early days, its evolution, and the incredible team Dan has worked with over the years to keep the show thriving. Along the way, Dan shares stories of notable guests, behind-the-scenes triumphs and challenges, and the unique flavor of producing a late-night show in Maine that still embodies the traditional spirit of the genre.Of course, the conversation reaches its apex as Dan recounts the lead-up to — and the unforgettable experience of — hosting David Letterman as his final guest. From how it came together to what Dave was like off-camera, Dan generously shares a treasure trove of insights, making this a must-listen for any Letterman fan.⸻Before we go…• Don’t forget to swing by our good friends at Hello-Deli.com — the only sandwich shop in history that also happens to be the exclusive home of official Late Show with David Letterman merch. Rupert Jee’s got mugs, shirts, and more… and if you’re nice, maybe even a smile.• If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please like, share, subscribe, and leave us a kind comment. Or leave a sarcastic one — we’re not picky. Just engage in some way so we can trick the algorithm into thinking we’re a big deal.

Episode 174 of The Letterman Podcast features the triumphant return of Johnny Mac, host of the Daily Comedy News podcast.In this special mashup episode, two late-night–loving forces collide as Johnny and Mike dive deep into the current state of the genre. With Stephen Colbert’s exit looming large and a whirlwind of speculation sweeping through the comedy world, there’s no shortage of hot topics to unpack.The conversation includes thoughtful (and occasionally hilarious) takes on the future of every major late-night host, a look back at recently resurfaced comments from Jay Leno, and of course, some insight into David Letterman’s reaction to the latest chaos.This isn’t about one show — it’s about an entire genre seemingly slipping through our collective fingers. Speaking of icons, our only sponsor is the legendary Rupert Jee at Hello-Deli.com. Get your official Late Show with David Letterman merch while you still can — mugs, shirts, and a slice of nostalgia. And if you’re enjoying the show even half as much as we enjoy making it, please like, share, subscribe, and leave a glowing review. Or a mediocre one. Honestly, at this point we’ll take anything with punctuation.

Episode 172 of The Letterman Podcast features the return of writer, oral historian, and the official Andy Kaufman historian, Andrew Buss!Among Andrew’s many creative accomplishments is I Am McLovin, the definitive oral history of Superbad, but this episode focuses on another icon of boundary-pushing brilliance — Andy Kaufman.Andrew and Mike go deep into the newly released documentary Andy Kaufman Is Me, reflecting on Kaufman’s legacy, performance style, and ongoing cultural impact. They also discuss Andrew’s latest oral history in Vanity Fair, where he once again interviewed David Letterman, as well as entertainment powerhouse Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and others, about Andy’s influence on comedy, character, and the unexpected.It’s a passionate, funny, and thought-provoking conversation about an artist who blurred the lines between reality and performance — and continues to inspire generations.⸻ This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hello-Deli.com — the only place to get official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Say hi to Rupert… and maybe buy a magnet or two while you’re there. If you’re enjoying the show, please like, share, subscribe, and leave a positive comment. It helps a lot… and Mike swears every new subscriber gives him just enough serotonin to carry on.

Episode 170 of The Letterman Podcast features our very special guest, Jordan Zevon. A gifted singer-songwriter in his own right, Jordan is also the son of the late, great Warren Zevon — the genius, the icon, the soon-to-be Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.Warren Zevon was a brilliantly bright thread woven into the fabric of David Letterman’s legacy, appearing on the show more than 30 times as a guest, musical performer, and even stepping in as guest bandleader when Paul Shaffer was away. His work and wit were cherished by fans — and by Dave himself.Joining in the conversation is friend of the show and official Warren Zevon historian Adam Unger, who helps navigate this heartfelt and often funny discussion. Jordan opens up about what it was like being Warren’s son, shares personal insights into his father’s legacy, and recalls his own performances on Late Show, including a memorable one with The Wallflowers. This episode is sponsored, as always, by our only sponsor — Hello-Deli.com, your official source for Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, run by the legendary Rupert Jee. If you don’t go buy a mug, Dave might throw a pencil at you. If you enjoyed this episode — or even just mildly tolerated it — please like, share, subscribe, and leave a kind comment. It helps the show more than Mike helps himself to snacks between takes.

Episode 168: What’s Been Going On – Guest Hosted by Candace ChisholmThis episode of The Letterman Podcast is a little different, as Mike hands over the hosting duties to his wife, Candace Chisholm. With a few weeks passing since the last episode, Candace interviews Mike about what’s been going on behind the scenes.Mike opens up about his father’s recent hospitalization due to advancing dementia, a deeply personal struggle that has impacted their family and may lead to some changes with the show moving forward.The two also discuss their recent trip to Vancouver, where they saw The Found Footage Festival with Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett, visited the Banksy exhibition, and reflected on After Midnight going off the air, among other topics.This candid conversation gives listeners an update on both the show and Mike’s personal journey as he navigates this difficult time. Need official Late Show with David Letterman merch? Head over to Hello-Deli.com – the one and only sponsor of The Letterman Podcast! Like, share, subscribe, and leave a positive comment! Or don’t… but if you don’t, just know that you’ll be added to an ever-growing list of people who have ignored this request. It’s a long list, but it still stings.