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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 Intro
01:40 – 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 Acts
26:39 – Wild Robert Plant Stories
28:14 – First SNL Episode Experience
34:51 – Don Rickles & Eddie Murphy Classic Sketches
36:49 – Working with Young Eddie Murphy
39:21 – Working with Major Stars
41:08 – Getting Robert Blake Banned from SNL
43:19 – 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 chaos
Comedy Factory Outlet origin story
351 shows at Caesars Poconos + 52-week booking
Hospital clown stories that’ll hit you in the feels
Buy Tomm's books at ProfComedy.com • Books on Amazon/Kindle: PhD in Happiness, Joke Telling 101, Comedians Telling Tales Out of School
Follow & 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 80s
Meeting Rosie O’Donnell and landing her first TV spots
Writing for The Rosie O’Donnell Show and The View
Winning six Emmys and what it felt like to take the stage at Radio City
Overcoming chronic pain with Dr. John Sarno after nearly losing her mobility
Hosting her own SiriusXM radio show
Raising millions for refugee relief and traveling the world
This 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
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