The Rob Bartlett Radio Comedy Hour

A new year, a new episode, and a new season, which we are kicking off in Grand Style with a GREAT guest, one of the single funniest people on the planet.  He possesses wisdom, kindness, and an encyclopedic knowledge of all things funny, whether they be film, TV, or stand-up, and is prone to drop quotes from any of the above in casual conversation as deftly as a concert pianist playing a concerto.  He's definitely the kind of guy with whom you'd want to hang out, have a beer, and talk movies.  As a film fan, his list of favorites is truly representative of him as they are COMPLETELY original, unique, and eclectic, and he includes NONE of the movies that have been mentioned so far.  He knows his faves by heart because that's the location where he keeps them.  And, as if that wasn't enough of a reason to listen, he just so happens to be the Middle Child of The Robio's four sons.  (You could insert 'The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree' cliche here, but, truth be told, he's much funnier.).  A rather enjoyable less-than-an-hour.  The PERFECT commute companion.    Sidebar:  If you want to be a Genuine Podcast Celebrity, send us your Five Favorite Funny Films list (with the reasons why you chose them and your favorite scenes/lines of dialogue) to [email protected] .   We will give you a shoutout on the program and, if you are deemed interesting, amusing and/or knowledgable enough,you just might find yourself as a future guest!   What are you waiting for?  Internet Fame Awaits!

BONUS!  From the 'Five Favorite Funny Films' Podcast! The Robio welcomes TWO Special Guests, one, an old friend with whom he started out doing comedy at Richard M. Dixon's White House Inn back in 1978, and the other, a VERY funny comedian and comic character actor; both hosts of 'The Big Bad Broadcast', (available wherever you got this particular podcast).   Double the flicks, double the stories, double the fun!  Their lists range from the sublime to the ridiculous, and John ignores the assignment and takes the liberty of adding a sixth title to his. It's a movie one would not normally consider to be a comedy but he pleads a pretty good case for its inclusion.

Our special guest this week is Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Producer, Recording Artist, Teacher, Columnist, and Indy Pop Legend Mark Bacino. His music looms large in the Soundtrack of the Life of Robio.   His Five Fave Funny Films choices are...well, choice, and they also chat about many related and unrelated things, not the least of which is how movies, (and music, by the way) serve as our current method for Time Travel. Along the way, there are some amusing musings concerning the Maturation of Artists, the Heartbreaking Life of the American Teenager, Manhattan as a movie character, and an almost obsessive appreciation of a classic New York Local TV Show, which includes a nostalgic playing of its theme song. His new album, 'Top of the World,' is AMAZING and available everywhere.  Plus, at the end of the 'cast, you get to hear the record's first single, 'Kaylee Hughes.'   (You're welcome) A GREAT episode!   If you haven't done so already...subscribe to Five Favorite Funny Films.  Available where you got this Comedic Masterpiece.  And, if you don't mind, give us a five star review.  You know, just so we can entice a sponsor or two.  It's expensive to manage all these talented guests.

This past June, the world lost a great talent, one of our most favorite guests on the Five Favorite Funny Films Podcast, comedian, actor, and 'Truly Charming Guy,' Mr. Hiram Kasten.   In honor of the Celebration of his Life that was held in L.A. on Sunday, August 18th, and with enormous gratitude to his wife Diana for the incredibly dedicated, selfless, and loving care she provided him throughout his long battle with Crohn's Disease and Prostate Cancer, we offer this special tribute to our dear friend.

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!)

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!

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'

  "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!

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.

Join the Robio for 'Five Favorite Funny Films', his latest podcast where he interviews some of his Famous Funny Friends about their choices for their Five Most Favorite Comedy Movies.   Our Special Guest this episode is Comedian, Actor and Writer, FRED STOLLER, who you know from Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond and Dumb and Dumber.  He is one of the single funniest people we know, and has a VERY eclectic list of Favorite Funny Movies.  Join the Robio as he chats with an old, dear, friend and LEGENDARY comic, and find out how 'Dog Day Afternoon' qualifies as a Comedy. (Well, if 'Die Hard' can be a Christmas Movie...)   Subscribe Today!

Eddie Murphy Stars in a Senior Prom Memory - Musical Comedy Actor and Stand-Up Comic Richie Byrne Remembers The second of TWO Special Bonus episodes, (Because we will be on Holiday for the next two weeks).  This one features The Robio's most favorite people, and kindred Musical Theater Cohort. They talk about everything from Sid Caesar to Jonathan Winters, to Richard Pryor, to Mel Brooks and how Eddie Murphy made an indelible impression on Richie's brother on Prom Night.  (It made up for not getting laid) Subscribe, follow, and get every episode as they drop!

DON'T CALL HER SHIRLEY - COMEDIAN CHRISTY MILLER WORKS THE ROOM   Veteran Comic Christy Miller (You wanna talk venerable? The girl's name is immortalized on the wall at The Comedy Store) provides her list of Five Funny Faves.  There's some popular perennial classics that have been featured prominently on other guests' lists, but, just like her act, there also a few surprises.   Unlike Mrs. Cleaver, she does NOT speak jive, but she IS lightning fast, spontaneous, relentlessly ruthless, and mercilessly funny.  She also can bench 350.   Her new album 'Brutally Yours' is available everywhere.  An entertaining hang with a great funny lady.

In this Season Finale 'Best Of The Radio Hour' Episode, The Robio has edited and combined both parts of his interview with the Great Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick.  Recorded via Zoom during the Lockdown in October of 2020, Rick tells some AMAZING stories from his long, and (Big Dick Cavett Word Alert) multifarious career.    He talks about life on the road, working with legendary producer George Martin, how he came to possess Fats Domino's Gold Record for 'Ain't That A Shame', how his restaurant, Piece, won an award for being one of the 'Top Ten Pizzas in the US', how he came up with the idea for Cheap Trick's iconic anthem 'Surrender', and recording a song with John Lennon for 'Double Fantasy'.  Rick and Cheap Trick are currently on tour with Rod Stewart, will embark on their own tour in the UK and Japan, then return to play more shows with Rod in 2023.  He has just released his own artisanal vodka, 'Rockin' Vodka', which is winning awards left and right at International Spirits Competitions.  A Don't Miss CLASSIC Episode!

Another episode in our continuing series about the Business of Comedy: A fascinating interview with the Peabody Award Winning,  New York Times Bestselling Author, Screenwriter, Lecturer and Founder of 'The Onion', Scott Dikkers...who believes you can teach ANYBODY to be Funny. He obviously hasn't met The Robio.

Another gem from the archives, some of the better 'Don Corleone' bits performed on The Imus in the Morning Program.   

A rather amusing collection of Commercials - Some real, some made up, all funny.  (Featuring varying levels of good taste and political correctness) 

We've pulled another gem from the archives of the Radio Comedy Hour - A British Documentary, found by The Robio, about a little known Silent Film Titan - Chubby Charleston.  Chaplin was 'The Little Tramp'.  Chubby was 'The Big Fat Douche'.

As we currently are renovating and re-vamping the Radio Comedy Hour, (which explains the lack of new episodes), we realize we have left a gaping void in your Online Comedy Entertainment Menu...so herewith, we re-offer this Classic Episode, in which, The Robio recounts his tenure as one of the Top Ten WORST Wrestling Announcers of All Time.  Join him as he painfully revisits his role as color commentator as one of the original hosts of the WWF Monday Night Raw.  Relive this dark moment in Professional Wrestling History, right along with Rob as he reminisces, providing anecdotes and commentary over some clips of the more 'unforgettable' moments.  

In this Special Episode, the Robio's guest is a hot new stand-up comedian, the host of the podcast "The Chatting Comedian," where he talks to some of the most prominent figures in comedy. He's got a unique take on the world around him, and he's very, very funny and… Oh, yeah... He's 13 years old. Here's a link to see Dustin in action: https://fb.watch/b0b9eFQQmO/    

In the latest episode of THE WORLDWIDE COMEDY AWARD WINNING PODCAST The Rob Bartlett Radio Comedy Hour, the Theme centers around animals.  All types of beasts, be they wild, be they noble, cute, cuddly, or downright disgusting.  Listen to James Lipton conduct an interview with a True Hollywood Legend on The Actors' Studio, discover a lost episode of the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau as the Captain and Phlllipe swim among the Manatees, and ride along with Marlin Perkins in the Florida Everglades searching for Man Eating Alligators on a special edition of 'Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom'. (By the way…none of the above works out as expected). PLUS there's a bonus game you can play along as you listen…how many Beatle Songs about animals can you name?   

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.'

The Robio is back after hiatus with a brand new episode, destined to be an instant classic because it's an interview with his old pal, Rich Vos.   A laugh out loud funny hour with some amazing stories from both of their careers, and some hysterical clips of Rich doing standup...including his legendary performance on Def Comedy Jam.  He also shares some brutally honest moments from his road to recovery from  Crack Addiction...all peppered with his signature, self-deprecating, dark, sarcastic, original and brilliantly funny style.  

The Robio cleans out his office and comes across myriad audio tidbits, some old stand up tapes, bootlegs of live Broadway performances, classic bits, never before heard sketches...it's a Hodgepodge of Hilarity.

Part 4 of conversations with The Robio and some of his pals from the early days of 'The Comedy Boom', as he continues his hang with comedians Bill McCarty & Fred Stoller, swapping stories about life as a Stand Up Comic: One Nighters, Hell Gigs, and taking a bath in the slop sink in the kitchen at the East Side Comedy Club.

The next installment of the continuing series covering the history of Long Island Stand Up Comedy.  This week, Robio hangs with dear friends Bill McCarty and Fred Stoller to share stories about the movement of Island Comics to Manhattan to do 'The City Clubs', one-nighter hell gigs in Jersey, and then out on the road, with stops on the Punchline Circuit, Charlie Goodnights, and the Legendary Comic Strip in Ft. Lauderdale, with some great tales about the Comedy Condo and why Eddie Murphy doesn't like people touching his toast.

A special bonus track: THAT COVID 19 NERVOUS BREAKDOWN.   THE STONES.  (WITH THE ROBIO)

More from the early days of Stand Up Comedy on Long Island with Jackie the Joke Man Martling.  Including the legendary stories 'Is That It?', 'Make That Call Dave', 'No Spray Wax', and 'Hannibell the Clown on the Joe Franklin Show'.

 A VERY SPECIAL EPISODE, PART ONE OF 'THE ORIGINS OF LONG ISLAND COMEDY', WITH ROBIO'S SPECIAL GUESTS, RICHIE MINERVINI AND JACKIE MARTLING.  THE THREE OLD FRIENDS SHARE WAR STORIES ABOUT THEIR EARLY DAYS AT RICHARD M. DIXON'S WHITE HOUSE INN, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, THE EAST SIDE COMEDY CLUB, THE INCREDIBLE OTTO & GEORGE, RODNEY DANGERFIELD AND THE FORT LAUDERDALE COMIC STRIP.  

Join The Robio for a veritable smorgasbord of International Amusement.  There are 'Accents-a-Plenty, with a very timely peek into 'The Home Life of Meghan and Harry,' a Middle Eastern Game Show, The Wheel-of-Jordan, a palate-cleansing intermission featuring a Covid Stress and Anxiety reducing Mindfulness Meditation, an episode of an As Yet Unidentifiable Slavic Country's Variety Program,  'The Bempkhe Yavizch Fun Having Show', and Chapter 2 of 'The Legend of Tres Huevos.'

After a way too long hiatus, the Robio returns to pay tribute to three media legends he played as characters on the Imus in the Morning Program, all of whom, sadly, all passed away within three weeks.  Sad, if not only for the fact that he can't do them anymore because they're dead.  Hear some of the better bits from Larry King, Larry Flynt, and Rush Limbaugh, then, as a bonus, Robio revives a classic serial from the WFAN Days, with an All-New Remake of 'The Legend of Tres Huevos'.   Multiple Yuks Abound. 

Amidst all the insanity that is these last few months of 2020, join the Robio for some plain, good ol' fashioned, simple silliness.  Nothing weighty, no social messages, nothing to be learned or make your life better...just some random yuks for your amusement. a few words from Lindsey Graham, a song parody, a prank phone call, a couple of classic bits from the Stand Up Act...settle in with an adult beverage or mind altering substance of choice and...just laugh for a bit.

Part Two of The Robio's Interview with the Legendary Cheap Trick Front Man, with even more great stories about what it's like to A- Perform The Sgt. Pepper Album Live on Stage, B- Record "I'm Losing You" with John Lennon,  C- Pee in George Martin's Country Home Bathroom where the Gold Record for the Cheap Trick Album 'All Shook Up', hung right next to the one for Sgt. Pepper, and D-Be responsible for one of the Top 10 Pizzas in all of America. To see the full, unedited video version of this epic conversation, check out the Rob Bartlett Radio Comedy Hour YouTube Channel, where there are some rare and exclusive photos and clips from Rick's personal collection.   

Part One of The Robio's Zoom Interview with one of his all-time heroes, the Legendary Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick.  Hear some great stories about what Rick did during the Lockdown, his new projects, how he came up with 'Surrender', Covering the Beatles for Michael Jackson, and much more. (Pt. 2 Drops NEXT week)  To see the full, unedited video version of this epic conversation, check out the Rob Bartlett Radio Comedy Hour YouTube Channel, where there are some rare and exclusive photos and clips from Rick's personal collection.  

A very special musical episode featuring an EP (More than a single, less than an album...okay, FEWER than an album) of  COVID 19 Song Parodies.  Videos can be seen on The Rob Bartlett Radio Comedy Hour YouTube Channel.

Join the Robio as he shares an episode of the British Documentary Series 'Silent Film Titans' on Forgotten Star, Chubby Charleston, 'The Big Fat Douche'.  And stick around for the Post - Credit Bonus...a Happy Birthday Song for...Octogenarian Ringo Starr!

Robio stumbles upon a Dark Horse Candidate for President: Informercial Star Benny Benjamin, founder of the 'Give Me Money Cash' System.  While researching Benny's rapidly growing, viral popularity on Social Media, Robio discovers that CBS is doing a profile of Benny by Harry Reasoner Jr. for an upcoming '60 Minutes'. In a Rob Bartlett Radio Comedy Hour Exclusive, hear an advance audio copy of a soon to be aired profile of Benny for 60 Minutes, and learn all about the self-made millionaire whose campaign slogan is 'Two Pots For Every Garage and a Car For Every Chicken.'

A very special episode.   Remembering  the great Jerry Stiller inspires Robio to share some stories about one of his oldest and funniest friends, Vic Henley, and then plays some cuts of some of the stories from his last album, 'Hell is Real', which will make you laugh...out loud. A tribute to a wonderful man, and a great friend.

In honor of Star Wars Day, join The Robio for his take on the beloved saga...which, in his not so humble opinion, basically sucks, except for the first one...which is really the fourth one...because the first trilogy was actually the second one of three trilogies, which makes nine episodes...of which, the fourth is absolutely the best..  Confused?  So is he.  Amused?  You will be.  Stick around for the extra special bonus post-credit clip.  

Maybelline's husband's come down with the Corona Virus.   And she's sick of him staying in the house.

A very special episode in which The Robio recommends the latest Streaming Sensation 'Tiger King', and welcomes a visit from someone he met through the Imus in the Morning Program, Paula Dean, who has a new cookbook: 'Paula Deen's Covid19 Quarantine Cuisine', and shares a recipe for a dish you can make using what you have left over in your pantry.  You'll wanna lick the skillet, y'all. 

Another song about the Virus that can be Viral itself. Thanks to the Beatles...and the I-Man. (Not necessarily in that order)

 A blinding bit of inspiration, and  complete lack of taste and sense of appropriateness, brings you this Corona Virus Ditty, written and recorded in hopes that it provides a little bit of lighthearted diversion during this trying time.   We can weather this together. Just don't act like a dope. And stay six feet apart.   Dedicated to the I-Man...I think he might've laughed at this one.   Video can be found on You Tube:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RZa0bpKaVc&feature=youtu.be      

Join the Robio as he adjusts to his self-imposed Quarantine, with suggestions on how to pass the time while you're locked in your own domicile:  Binge Worthy TV shows, Collecting Bad Foreign Accents, Tolerating Drunk A-Holes, and much much more!  PLUS a classic Imus in the Morning song parody from back in those Hazy Crazy Lazy days of Ebola...right after the credits. 

It's an offer you can't refuse. After a too long hiatus, The Godfather, Don Corleone, former Commentator on the Imus in the Morning Program,  makes a triumphant return with some new thoughts on the Coronavirus and the Presidential Candidates.  And be sure to stick around for the Special Post-Credit Bonus: A Brand New Original Musical Selection…The Godfather Rap!

Join the Robio for a very special episode, with excerpts from the upcoming Documentary  based on the Unauthorized Autobiography about Almost Legendary Bluesman Blind Mississippi Pig Feets Dupris.  Learn about his tragic, yet brilliant, life, his music, his torrid affair with Mama Cass, his unrequited love for Dolly Parton, and his place in Rock and Blues History...with rare clips from his performances on the Imus in the Morning Program.  

In this episode, a collection of some of Robio's Imus in the Morning bits that...maybe pushed the envelope, crossed the line, or went too far...y'know, in terms of taste (or lack thereof).  Larry Flynt, Larry King, The Godfather, The Elephant Man, Frank Sinatra and...by popular disdain, The Ebola Song.

Join the Robio for a look back at some of the Live Remote Imus in the Morning Broadcasts from the myriad Syndicated Markets...go on the road with Fat Boy and Imus aboard the I-Jet at Theaters, Ballrooms and, even one time, an Aircraft Carrier.

Join The Robio for some first-hand stories about being on Broadway with Dan Radcliffe and Nick Jonas. Hear clips from the show, and get a backstage look at what it was like for Fat Boy to do a Musical with Two Genuine Superstars.

It seemed like a good idea at the time...join the Robio as he tells the story about his tenure with the WWF, as one of the first hosts of Monday Night Raw.  Enjoy his brutal honesty, and take pleasure in his cringing displeasure as he freely admits how TRULY AWFUL he was, using clips from those dark days in Professional Wrestling History as evidence of the extent of how horrifically horrendous he was.  It's funnier than he ever was on the show itself.