Author, columnist, and comedian Steve Hofstetter is often called the hardest working man in show-business. With all due respect to the late James Brown.Hofstetter's national TV debut came on ESPN's Quite Frankly, where Stephen A. Smith yelled at him for three minutes. Hofstetter has also appeared on CBS' "Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson", Showtime's "White Boyz in the Hood", VH1's "Countdown", Sundance's "On the Road in America", and ABC's "Barbara Walter's Special", where he thankfully did not cry. He is the host and executive producer of "Laughs" on Fox networks, where he only cries occasionally.One of the top booked acts on the college circuit, the original writer for collegehumor.com has also released six albums. Hofstetter has written humor columns for the New York Times, SportsIllustrated.com, and NHL.com, where he publicly admitted to being a Ranger fan.After hosting Four Quotas on Sirius Satellite Radio for two seasons, Hofstetter moved to broadcast radio, and his Sports Minute (Or So) was syndicated on over 170 stations and in over 30 newspapers. Hofstetter's second live comedy album ("Cure For the Cable Guy") reached #20 on Billboard's comedy charts. His third album ("Dark Side of the Room") was the first ever pay-what-you-want" comedy album, since people were going to steal it anyway. His fourth album consisted of an hour of 100% ad-libbed material, which is, frankly, nuts. And his fifth album hit #1 on iTunes' comedy charts, which is also a bit nuts.While Hofstetter's live shows are routinely sold out, he is best known for his writing, first published at age 15, mainly to impress girls. At 18, he co-founded "Sports Jerk of the Week", an irreverent website featured by press like USA Today's Baseball Weekly, Sports Illustrated and CNN. And at 20, Hofstetter took a year off of school to head up web content for the New York Yankees. The Yankees won the World Series that year, which would have been wonderful if they hadn't beaten Hofstetter's Mets. Yes, he's also a Mets fan. Poor kid.While an undergraduate at Columbia University, Hofstetter was a well-read columnist for the Columbia Daily Spectator and a voice of the Lions. After a summer writing for Maxim, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated for Kids, Hofstetter syndicated his column in several newspapers.Steve and I talked about his audience and why he isn't afraid to discuss polarizing topics, Nowhere Comedy Club, and keeping a hectic schedule.Follow Steve Here:Steve Hofstetter Pick up "Ginger Kid - mostly true tales from a former nerd"f you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Behind The Bits Podcast

Episode 53: Steve Hofstetter

Brenden Kumarasamy was very young man when he realized he was passionate about communication. When all the other teens were obsessed with sports, he was equally obsessed with public speaking. Brenden went on to form MasterTalk to help people communicate better. Brenden also started a YouTube channel that has great videos to help you get better at public speaking. His videos have thousands of views so I think he's on to something. Brenden and I talked about my own issues speaking on stage and I think his advice to me will resonate with anyone who wants to be better at communicating their comedy. If you like this episode, please head over to Brenden's YouTube channel and subscribe:MasterTalk YouTubeIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 52: Brenden Kumarasamy

Don Smith has quite a varied career. After doing some community theater, Don got the acting bug and has gone on to work in films like Black Mamba & The Goocher. He's in a lead role in Episode 2 of the Boggy Creek: The Bigfoot Series available on Amazon Prime. Don's long-time podcast, The Life Radio Show has given him the opportunity to talk to many working comics and has won and award as one of the Top 25 Podcasts of 2020 by Indie Pods United. While doing all that, Don has made time for performing stand-up comedy and is part owner of Wiley's Comedy Club in Dayton, OH.Don and I talked about being in radio, how acting is the same and different than stand-up, and owning a comedy club.You Can Follow Dan Here:The Life Radio ShowIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 51: Don Smith

Born in New York on August 31, 1940, Hankin took an industrial design degree from the University of Syracuse; multifaceted artist, in addition to being an actor, Hankin is also a screenwriter, producer, director and singer; he began his career as an illustrator in the entertainment world, and studied acting at Syracuse University, Syracuse New York. In same class with Frank Langella and Carl Gottlieb. Was a member of the comedy improvisation groups Second City (Chicago) and The Committee (San Francisco). Hankin continues today his work in Hollywood film and Tv productions.Larry & talked about his early career working with Woody Allen and opening for the Lovin Spoonful. We went on to talk about his film career and battles with dyslexia, ADHD, & OCD.Make sure to check out his website to see all of his personal projects:Larry Hankin We talked a lot about his Mockumentary "How to Become and Outlaw" and you can catch the whole video here:How to Become an OutlawIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 50: Larry Hankin Part 2

Born in New York on August 31, 1940, Hankin took an industrial design degree from the University of Syracuse; multifaceted artist, in addition to being an actor, Hankin is also a screenwriter, producer, director and singer; he began his career as an illustrator in the entertainment world, and studied acting at Syracuse University, Syracuse New York. In same class with Frank Langella and Carl Gottlieb. Was a member of the comedy improvisation groups Second City (Chicago) and The Committee (San Francisco). Hankin continues today his work in Hollywood film and Tv productions.Larry & talked about his early career working with Woody Allen and opening for the Lovin Spoonful. We went on to talk about his film career and battles with dyslexia, ADHD, & OCD. Make sure to check out his website to see all of his personal projects:Larry Hankin We talked a lot about his Mockumentary "How to Become and Outlaw" and you can catch the whole video here:How to Become an OutlawIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 59: Larry Hankin - Part 1

Jeff, is an award winning Comedian. He was the prestigious winner of the Dick Purtan Comedy Showcase and has appeared in numerous festivals. Jeff takes on a variety of topics and uses his own personal blend of sarcasm and unique insights and delivery to entertain his audience. Jeff is sure to become one of your favorite comedians and podcast hosts ever!Jeff and I talked about his comedy career, his podcast, The Jeff Dwoskin Show, and Jeff's mastery of Twitter. Jeff gave some really great advice on how to get noticed as a new comedian.Follow Jeff Here:Website: thejeffdwoskinshow.comTwitter https://twitter.com/jeffdwoskinshowJeff’s personal Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigmacherIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 48: Jeff Dwoskin

Jonesy is a comedian and actor seen on television shows like Gotham, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Drunk History, Nurse Jackie and David Letterman Show. His standup comedy is a blend of unrelated personal grievances delivered with an East Coast edge. Throughout the pandemic Jonesy has continued to host and produce his 5 day/week podcast called Weird AF News, which can be heard on any of your podcast players. Jonesy and I talked about his start in comedy while in Boston. We also talked about his popular podcast, Weird AF News. Jonesy also got real talking about his desire to start doing more personal material. Follow all of Jonesy's social media accounts and check out his website here:Jonesy.comIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 47: Jonesy

Dwight Simmons got his start in comedy while in college at Indiana University in 2009. His energetic enthusiasm has allowed him to perform on an array of different stages ranging from theaters to house basements. Dwight combines a likable personality with well written material for an enjoyable experience. For the last few years, he has been a favorite in club and indie rooms alike.Dwight has been selected to comedy festivals such as Limestone, Memphis, Crom and many others. Most recently, Dwight has been heard on Kevin Hart’s LOL Network and on the Bob and Tom show. In 2015, his self produced debut album, Pacifist Aggressive reached #1 on the iTunes charts. In 2018, he was named in Thrillist as one of the 50 “Best Undiscovered Stand-Up Comedians” in the country. His second album “Sip and Pass” also reached #1 on iTunes and Google Play. An avid writer and beer drinker, he contributes regularly to craftbeer.com and produces a traveling web-series called BrewTube Comedy. Dwight has also recently been employed as a contributing writer for the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Show.Dwight and I talked about his start in comedy and how his act has been evolving. Check out Dwight's Website to follow his projects:Dwight SimmonsIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 46: Dwight Simmons

Well known in the entertainment industry as Hollywood’s top warm-up comic, Robert’s a veteran of over 1,500 episodes of such shows as The New Adventures of Old Christine, Just Shoot Me, Becker and The Drew Carey Show. His job is to keep countless audiences entertained for hours between scenes and costume and set changes with rapid-fire ad-libs and humorous interviews.No stranger in front of the camera either, Robert has been seen on the Bananas Comedy series, Showtime's The Joke's On Thee, VH1's Stand Up Spotlight, Comic Strip Live and a variety of roles on such sitcoms as Wings and Perfect Strangers.Robert has combined his Christian world view with his Monty Python sensibility and written many Veggie Tales videos such as “Little Joe,” “Gideon” and “Sheerluck Holmes.”To top it off, Robert just released his latest comedy project, “Wisenheimer” and just finished post production on “Can I Get A Witness Protection?” a full length faith-based screwball comedy feature he wrote and directed.Robert and I talked about working clean, how being a good person helps in comedy, and warming up audiences for hit sitcoms.You can pre-order Robert's new book: "What's the Big Idea?: A Comedian Explains God, the Universe and Other Minor Stuff" at the links below:AmazonAppleBarnes & NobleIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 45: Robert G. Lee

Jeff Shaw is a stand-up comic. His writing is marked both by idealism and humanity. His stimulating satire is often infused with a singular poetic beauty. More important, he looks like Rod Stewart. Over the past three decades, Jeff Shaw has performed nearly 9,000 shows across North America and the Caribbean, including a residency in Las Vegas. Although Jeff's standing-ovation-receiving appearance on Season 15 of America's Got Talent went unaired due to a shortened 2020 AGT  schedule, clips from Jeff's 2019 Dry Bar Comedy special Manly Girly Man have a combined 10 million views on Facebook and a combined 600,000 views on YouTube. In 2009, Jeff helped launch the Punchliner Comedy Club chain for Carnival Cruise Line, where he's known as Jeff "the Fun Dude," and was the club manager and house MC on the Carnival Dream. In the 1990s, Jeff wrote popular comedic essays and feature stories for Cleveland's Scene Magazine, Buffalo's Art Voice, and the online comedy publication SHECKY! Magazine. Jeff is also a former staff writer for Cleveland's American Greetings Corporation, responsible for hundreds of funny greeting cards and novelty items for the company's Alternative Cards Department. Jeff's hilarious first book, The Fun Dude's Guide to Cruising: A Humorous Handbook for Taking Your First Cruise and Living to Complain About It, is available now as a paperback and Kindle e-book on Amazon.  His stand-up album, Jeff with Two F's,  recorded live at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Detroit, will be released in fall 2020 on On Tour Records. Jeff's comedy career makes for a great movie script! This episode is worth listening to just to hear his first open mic story. Here's the link to vote for Behind the Bits in the Discover Pods Annual Awards in the category of Best Interview Style Podcast:Voting Link!If you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 43: Jeff Shaw

Justin Foster is a native Texas comedian now living in Los Angeles. Justin quickly charms the audience with his weird, slightly off, yet likable personality that allows him to delve into personal stories of sobriety, his fear of flying, and drug dealer Dad. Strange, hilarious, and often unpredictable, Justin travels the country performing at theaters in Seattle, bar basements in North Dakota, and every place in between. Justin has been featured on the Joe Rogan Podcast, in the Burbank Comedy Festival, the Cape Fear Comedy Festival in North Carolina, San Diego Comedy Festival, "Fresh Faces" at the Laugh Factory, and has been voted one of the Top Funniest Comics in Texas by the Improv multiple times. His debut comedy album, 'DANGERLESS', released worldwide 3/2/18 and debuted at Number One on iTunes. It was great to see the pandemic from Justin's point of view. He has been able to channel his downtime into positive pursuits of re-taking comedy classes and working on some script writing. Check out Justin's Website:Justin FosterJustin's Album is great! Give it a listen:DangerlessI mentioned the 4th Annual Discover Pods Awards. Please click the link below and vote for Behind the Bits in the Best Interview Style Podcast category! Thank you!Discover Pods AwardsIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 43: Justin Foster

Since starting stand up in 2001, Jeff Bodart has been making a name for himself performing in comedy clubs across the country. He is a regular guest and contributing writer for the nationally syndicated radio show, The Bob & Tom Show.In April of 2012, On Tour Records released Jeff's first comedy album, They're Still in the Can. In January of 2018, On Tour Records released his second album, Adorable & Affordable. Both albums can be found on iTunes, Amazon, Pandora and other various websites. You may have seen Jeff on the Comcast Cable network, WB, or Fox where he was featured on the new show, Laughs. Also, you may have also heard him on Sirius/XM satellite radio. Jeff was featured on Comedy Central Radio as a result of being a semi-finalist in Comedy Central's national talent search, Up Next.  And he has also performed in the the comedy festivals: The World Series of Comedy, Laugh Your Asheville Off and was also invited to perform at the Cape Fear Comedy Festival.He also made his acting debut in the syfy TV movie, "Gila!", a remake of the 1959 classic, "The Giant Gila Monster" and also had a supporting role in the award-winning independent short film "Dandelion Dreams".Jeff's style is so relatable you'll feel like you've known him for years which is quickly making him a fan favorite. Being the youngest in his Biblically-named family, Jeff was destined for the life of comedy. His animated and goofy demeanor combined with edgy quips covering his family, dating life, working out and food make for nonstop laughs.Jeff & I had a great talk about his signature inner voice throwaway lines, developing his act for his albums, and writing for The Bob & Tom Show. Jeff has a lot of talent as a comedian and manages to be a be a good person as well.Check out Jeff's Website here:Jeff BodartJeff has some amazing drawings available here:Jeff Bodart ArtJeff also makes some cool Harry Potter inspired wands:Tarbo WandsIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 42: Jeff Bodart

This episode is big change of pace.I talked to Scott Hardiman who is a Life and Confidence Coach. Now, I know we've all had times as comedians where we could use some more confidence and lack of confidence might be holding us back. Scott and I talked about gaining the confidence you need to take your career to the next level. I also asked him a lot of hypothetical questions specific to comedy to try to stump him. Take a listen to see if I did!Here's Scott's story:A lot of my teenage and adult life I suffered with low confidence and low self-esteem. It was a feeling I just accepted, and thought this was the way I was and always would be.​Naturally, when you never see yourself in a positive light, you doubt the decisions you make and constantly seek approval it is bound to come to a head. For me that was in the form of anxiety, which if you’ve never experienced, can be extremely debilitating.It was at my lowest that I had a realisation I HAD to change and find ways to combat my anxiety and the way I was feeling. I became fascinated with how I could take myself out of the hole I was in. I put all my energy into it and worked hard on myself everyday. I found the answers and succeeded in overcoming the biggest battle of my life. ​In the job I was in I worked my way up to general manager and trained as a personal trainer in my spare time.I then decided to take the plunge into self-employed life as a personal trainer and that is when I found that I was helping my clients, not just with their body goals, but in developing an empowering mindset, full of belief and confidence and ways to deal with life and the challenges it brings.​I felt so passionate about it and fell in love with what I was doing. This passion led me to dive even DEEPER into the way our minds work. I read tons of books, attended life changing courses and completed certifications to enable me to use what I know to help others.This realisation was the most empowering feeling and I naturally transitioned from personal training into life and confidence coaching.Check out Scott's website here:Scott HardimanIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 41: Scott Hardiman

Adam Degi isn’t just another straight white male comedian. He’s bald, and his talent and joke writing separates him from the pack. He was part of The Best Of The Midwest Competition at Gilda's Laughfest in 2019.  His strangely endearing personality and ability to riff, rant and improvise sets him apart and makes every show unique. With an unapologetic, outspoken, unfiltered, and often unscripted act it’s difficult to tell when he’s telling a well written joke or just getting something off his chest. Adam Degi is anything but predictable and when he has a microphone in his hand you never know what might happen. He might even sing A cappella. He's got the voice of an angel so grab a seat and pay attention!I listened to Adam's comedy album "His Name is My Name Too". I was impressed by the way Adam could include a barrage of great misdirects, stories, and movie mashups and do all three expertly. Adam and I talked about his comedy style and growing as a comedian.Follow Adam here:InstagramTwitterIf you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard! 

Episode 40: Adam Degi

Mr.Showtime David Scott is more then just a stand-up comedian. He is a entertainer and showman with a show that has been called "Sharp-witted", "Clever", "Classy" and "Pure Energy. Not only is there great stand-up comedy but there is so much more. There's a straight jacket. There's the "World's Most Dangerous Bit in Comedy". Even a little mind reading. Not to mention one of the best finales in the business that takes the audience on an incredibly funny journey through 4 decades of music. Mr.Showtime David Scott has been featured on HBO and Comedy Central, is the host of his own nationally syndicated radio show and also happens to be the Guinness World Record Holder for Longest Stand-Up Comedy show by an Individual at 40 hours and 8 minutes. Forget everything you think you know about Stand-up Comedy. This is a show unlike anything you have ever seen.David and I talked in-depth about where he got inspiration for his brand of comedy and the state of stand-up today. A Mr Showtime show is a totally unique experience as was this interview. Check out Mr Showtime's website:Damn I Look Good If you'd like to support the show and get some cool perks, check out our Patreon page:BTB PatreonA big thank you to my new Patreon Patrons!Steve FreetoMeike RmLook for new stuff for Patrons soon!If you like the show, you can follow us on social media! Isn't that great!FacebookTwitterInstagramAnd..if you want to see some of my comedy, you can check out my YouTube Channel and heck, maybe subscribe!BTB YouTubePlease give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Stitcher! It's really easy and helps us get heard!

Episode 39: Mr Showtime David Scott

A podcast about the tragedy and triumph of stand-up comedy.

hubhopper

Behind The Bits Podcast

hubhopper