The Other Side

Would it be prudent to call George Bush funny?

This episode of Headliner of State, we're joined by Bush speechwriter Curt Smith, who tells us about the 41st president's personality and character. We cover the kind of humor that Bush enjoys, the "rules" he lives by as a public figure, and how he uses laughter to build personal relationships. Plus there's some great insight into the Bush-Reagan relationship.

Pull up your brightly colored socks and get to listening ...

"George H.W. Bush: Character at the Core" on Amazon.com

Curt Smith's website

Tragedy brought Gerald Ford to the White House ... but did humor help define his presidency?

Our excellent expert is Ron Nessen, an accomplished journalist who served as Ford's press secretary. Ron talks about Ford's character and his sense of what was "needed" from the president in the post-Watergate era. And we also chat about Ron's special place in comedy history, as the first political figure to host an episode of "Saturday Night Live."

It's an interesting look at an underappreciated president ... enjoy!

Ron's SNL episode on Hulu

Ron's books on Amazon.com

MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Michigander Blues" by Jabbo Smith's Rhythym Aces, "Nightmare Boogie" by Slim Gaillard and His Boogiereeners

When we restarted this podcast in 2015, our first guest was Tom Rhodes. He's in town to headline the New Year's Eve shows, so he's back on the program!

We talk about celebrations around the world, looking sharp on stage, setting up shop in L.A. and lots more. Have a listen, then come party with us on NYE!

Jimmy Carter punched his ticket to Washington by running as an outsider. Could he make people laugh in the ultimate insider town?

Our excellent expert is James Fallows, who worked as Carter's lead speechwriter for two years. (These days, he's an astounding journalist working at The Atlantic.) We talk about Carter's voice, his appeal in the post-Watergate era, and whether he adapted to the rapidly changing "rules" of the modern media era.

Also, there's a story about an exploding gas station. What's not to love?

James Fallows in The Atlantic

"The Passionless Presidency"

"Ask President Carter" on SNL

MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Georgia Cake Walk" by Art Hodes and his Orchestra, "Salt Peanuts" by the Miles Davis Quintet

Orny Adams, one of the best observational comics in the business, headlines the Improv December 2-4. He stops in the lounge to talk about his amazing hair, memories of 20 years performing at the DC Improv, the "Comedian" documentary and more.

Stick around to the end for an amazingly cool story about the December 1 show.

Teddy Roosevelt believed in "the strenuous life," and part of that was the strain of having so damn much fun. Wherever TR went, laughter was sure to follow.

Joe Wiegand (teddyrooseveltshow.com) is our excellent expert. As a "reprisor," Joe transforms himself into the president to educate and entertain audiences all over the country. (Performance is in his blood -- his dad is the legendary "saloon comic" Jim Wiggins.) He's got great insight into TR's "machismo" based storytelling, his infectious personality and his role in the evolution of presidential humor.

Have a listen -- you'll be deeeeeelighted.

Joe Wiegand's website

Jim Wiggins

MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Teddy's Boogie Woogie" by Teddy Powell and His Orchestra, "Moose the Mooche" by the Charlie Parker Septet.

Lots of people have given John Quincy Adams the title of America's greatest diplomat. But could he negotiate his way to the title of America's funniest president?

Biographer James Traub ("John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit") is our excellent expert this week, and he tells us how Adams developed a personality to suit his work in foreign relations. We're also looking for humor in one of the most remarkable documents ever produced by a president: JQA's 15,000-page journal. Get a glimpse of the personality of one of the most interesting guys to ever serve this country.

"John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit" on Amazon.com

James Traub on Foreign Policy's website

MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Quincy Street Stomp" by the Bechet-Nichols Blue Five, "Quincy Hopping" by Larry Elgart's Orchestra

You can't deny that Woodrow Wilson was one of the most important presidents. But was he the funniest president?

Andrew Phillips, the curator of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, is our excellent expert. We talk about Woody's famously complex personality, his love of wordplay and some of the unfortunate aspects of his humor. It's an episode a century in the making ...

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum online

Bob is hands down one of our favorites, and he's headlining the club November 17-20. On today's podcast, you get 35 FREE minutes of Bob. We talk about his blown opportunity to be the craisin guy, the time he got run over, his advice for people planning to move to Maine, and his family vacations.

Great times with a great comedian. Come see him at the club!

Adam Ferrara headlines the Improv November 4-6, and he stops in to chat with us again on the podcast. Comedy is a process, and Adam has fascinating perspective on the building of a joke.

Plus we're talking "Top Gear," getting tips for traveling, and mentioning Renaissance art. You know, same old same old.