Just in time for the Rennaissance of Barney (With a New Documentary and Feature Film slated for later this year), The Robio kicks off the New Year with a long-awaited new episode; an interview with Larry Rifkin, the PBS Executive responsible for bringing the well-loved Purple Dinosaur to the masses.  But don't hate him for that particular achievement; instead, be inspired by the multi-faceted, diverse career of a guy who took everything he loved as a kid and found a way to make a living off all of it.  It's all in his new book, 'No Dead Air: Career Reflections From the TV Executive Who Saved Barney From Extinction.'  It's quite a unique episode.   Cue John Hammond: 'We've spared no expense.'

S6 E2 - The Man Who Saved Barney From Extinction

Rob Bartlett, star of stage and screen, best known from his years as a writer of genius comic characters on the Imus in the Morning program, is back with The Rob Bartlett Radio Comedy Hour, every Saturday Night at 10 PM on 77WABC… and then, immediately afterward, available as a podcast on the OG Podcast Network.  A unique hybrid of Classic Radio Comedy Shows, Late-Night Talk Shows and Saturday Night Live. In fact, Andrew Smith, former Head Writer of SNL, is on board with Rob, writing and performing the sketches together, along with The Robio Radio Players, a talented group of young comedic actors. Rob’s new show is a scripted hour of comedy, featuring serialized sketch segments and original comedy characters. Each week, Rob will also feature a Special Guest, a visit from Rob’s Show Business Friends: Celebrities from the worlds of Film, TV, Comedy and Music, like Steve Schirripa, Tony Danzay, Judy Gold,  Anthony Cumia, Lyle Lovett & Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick.

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Emmy Winning Writer, Producer, Director, Comedy Promoter, Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, and Manager (A Literal Lifetime as a True Show Biz Renaissance Man) Gary Grant provides his Eclectic and Unique list of his Five Fave Comedy Movies.  (Spoiler Alert: He HATES Jokey Flicks) It's a deep dive into Mel Brooks, Wes Anderson, the Brothers Coen and Marx, and how important Music factors into Funny Films.  And NOT just in Spinal Tap. The Best Episode Yet! Subscribe!   And review us on Apple Podcasts!   (It helps the multitude of Funny Film Fans to find us!)

ROBIO RADIO BONUS: FIVE FAVORITE FUNNY FILMS with Gary Grant

A Racehorse, a Pig, a Cow, and a Bunch of British Catholic Schoolgirls  Sounds like the beginning of a great dirty joke, but they're actually all characters from the Five Favorite Funny Flicks of The Robio's old friend and Renaissance Woman,  Pixie Esmonde: Stand Up Comedian, Actor AND, once the Evil Wardrobe Mistress for KISS! (Spoiler Alert: Her Gene Simmons story is a classic!). She's partial to the British and a huge fan of  NSFW, Outrageously Inappropriate, Horrifyingly Over the Top,  Politcally Incorrect humor.  (Sidebar to PETA- She really doesn't believe that dogs dying is amusing, but she absolutely LOVES  Animal Lover Michael Palin's reaction when he kills several). A GREAT list, Hilarious Stories, and witty banter make for a rather entertaining 46 minutes!

ROBIO RADIO BONUS- FIVE FAVORITE FILMS with Pixie Esmond

This week, our special guest is Author, Theater Columnist and Radio Host Michael Riedel, known for his savage wit that gave him the moniker 'The Butcher of Broadway' when he wrote for the NY Post.  He likes Short Cross-Dressers, Comedies about Nazis, Peter Sellers, Elaine May and French Farces without subtitles.   He can be heard every weekday morning on WOR Radio in New York as one of the hosts of 'Berman and Riedel in the Morning', and when it comes to his Five Faves, 'Morning Becomes Eclectic'

ROBIO RADIO BONUS - FIVE FAVORITE FUNNY FILMS with Michael Riedel

  "YEP, NOPE...NOT A ONE." This week, we welcome Comedian and Podcast Host John Poveromo. It's a lively discussion, where shoes, automobile gauges and the relative hotness of an early 70's Barbra Streisand are mentioned. (But not in the same sentence) HIS PICKS: It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World Planes Trains and Automobiles What's Up Doc? The Birdcage The Muppet Movie Enjoy!

ROBIO RADIO BONUS- FIVE FAVORITE FUNNY FILMS with John Poveromo

Shakespeare Was Wrong: The Laugh's The Thing With Dr. Peter Bales   This week, The Robio chats with an old pal, Peter Bales, who is not only a professional comedian, he also holds an actual PhD, (and, if you ask us, being a History Professor at Queensborough College is a pretty impressive side-hustle).   They talk shop for a bit, discussing the nature of comedy and the psychological profile of comedians, but then get down to business and actually discuss something amusing: His Five Favorite Funny Films.  (Spoiler Alert - he is, and probably will always be, the ONLY person on this podcast who would have both 'Blazing Saddles' and  'Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines' on the same list) Just like the movies they discuss, this is a very interesting, funny, and, most of all, entertaining episode.  PLUS you'll find out who The Robio's favorite Beatle is.

S6 E2 - The Man Who Saved Barney From Extinction

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