In our final episode of the season we continue where we left off in our brief history of The Improv. This episode picks up right where we left off with the beginning of LA The Improv. We talk about Dave moving to LA and becoming Budd's assistant, the friendship and competition with The Comedy Store, the fire that nearly ended everything, and the rebuilding of an icon. Listen in as Dave and Tom continue down memory lane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's So Funny!

The Improv (Part 2); The LA Years

In this very special 2-part series, we are talking about the world-famous, original comedy club, The Improv. Not only did several famous comedians get their start here, so did our own, Dave Schwensen. Dave takes us through the history of the club from the very beginning with Budd Friendman and Silver Saunders, through to the '90s in NYC. You'll hear stories about Lily Tomlin, Rodney Dangerfield, Larry David, and many more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Original Comedy Club, The Imrov (Part 1)

David Steinberg rose to fame using his childhood as inspiration for one of his most popular bits, the sermon. He was a member of Second City for four years, inspired by Lenny Bruce, and was hated by Richard Nixon. He was a part of the Smothers Brothers firing scandal and was the voice of a generation. Listen in as Dave, Tom, and Kelly introduce us to David Steinberg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He's Not Someone's Accountant, He's David Steinberg

George Carlin’s career took off in the ’60s and continued through the decades. The country watched as he transformed from straight edge comic to long-haired hippy comedian. Throughout his career, he appeared on The Tonight Show 130 times, produced 23 comedy albums, wrote 3 books, and several movies. Listen in as Dave, Tom, and Kelly introduce us to George Carlin and his 1972 album “FM & AM.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Legendary George Carlin

This episode takes us all the way across the ocean to England where find a comedy trio that is so absurd and so hilarious that it could only be The Goon Show! Starring Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, and Harry Secombe these three created characters, made their own sound effects, and concocted elaborate stories on their British radio show named after a character on Popeye. The show went on for 10 seasons with many specials and influenced everyone from The Beatles to Monty Python before making its splash on America. Listen in as Dave, Kelly, and Logan tell us all about The Goon Show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Six Degrees of The Goon Show

cIf you don’t love Richard Pryor, then you probably don’t know Richard Pryor! The best comedian of his time he was hated by Bill Cosby, played many characters on the stage, and was too unpredictable to be on television. In fact, the seven-second delay was created because of him! Like most comedians of the time, he had many demons and those demons would get the best of him from time to time. Listen in as Dave, Kelly, and Tom introduce us to Richard Pryor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The #1 Stand-Up Comedian, Richard Pryor

The comedian we are talking about in this episode was the only guitar comedy act to ever perform on The Tonight Show. He is an artist, a musician, a comedian, and an actor. He made history on network television in the 1990s. It’s North Ridgeville, Ohio’s own, Martin Mull. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martin Mull and His Fabulous Furniture In Your Living Room

Don Rickles wanted to be an actor, but as a way to make a buck he took up comedy, and not just any comedy, insult comedy. Nicknamed Mr. Warmth, no one was safe from his comedy antics including Frank Sinatra. Rickles and Sinatra became instant friends like they say 'that's amore!' There's much more to Don though and he even became a great actor. Listen in as Dave, Tom, and Logan introduce us to Don Rickles! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The One and Only Mr. Warmth, Don Rickles

Jean Carroll entered the scene when women were only a part of the background, the straight man in a comedy duo, or on the Chitlin Circuit. Her elegant looks and casual, conversational comedy sent her straight to the top! Audiences loved her and she did 20 episodes of the Ed Sullivan Show, and was said to be the inspiration behind “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Listen in as Dave, Kelly, and Logan introduce us to Jean Carroll! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jean Carroll is The First Lady of Comedy

Jonathan Winters is a legend. A master of improv and storytelling he got his start after winning a contest for a new wristwatch. A family man at heart he cut his live performances short and became a studio comic. He was Robin Williams hero and had a guest role on "Mork & Mindy." In this episode Dave, Tom, and Logan take a look at his 1995 album “Crank Calls.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Winters is The King of Improv

Tommy and Dick Smothers also known as the Smothers Brothers quickly rose to fame after appearing on the Jack Parr Show in 1961. Their musical comedy act was one that hadn’t been seen before and it quickly led to several of their own television shows including the most famous Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Although there were only 3 seasons, it was the show to appear on. Do you remember The Who exploding drum incident? When George Harrison made an impromptu visit? Listen in as Dave, Kelly, and Tom tell us about the rise and fall of the Smothers Brothers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing The Smothers Brothers

Redd Foxx is most known for his role on Sanford and Son, but his career dates back all the way to the ’40s. When he was 17 he was a member of the trio “The Bon Bons,” for a while he wanted to be a singer and even released 5 singles, and he was friends with Malcolm X. Most of Redd’s comedy career consisted of blue party albums, but there is so much more to his lengthy career. Listen in to find out all there is to know about Redd Foxx…..including why there are 2 Ds and 2 Xs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Laff of The Party: Redd Foxx

Freddie Prinze was an overnight sensation. He was invited to sit by Johnny Carson during his first appearance on the show which was an instant game changer. He starred on the show Chico and The Man where he coined the phrase “lookin’ good!” Ultimately this fame led to his demise: a drug problem, depression, and eventually suicide. Listen in as Dave, Tom, and Logan introduce us to the incredible Freddie Prinze.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rise and Fall of Freddie Prinze

The first housewife to break out of the mold, Phyllis Diller broke into the scene with her famous one-liners, fright wigs, and out of this world costumes! Phyllis is the first female stand up comedian, paving the way for all those who came after her. She loved getting plastic surgery and was known as the queen of the gays. She became friends with Bob Hope and traveled the world with him doing comedy. Listen in as Dave, Kelly, and Tom introduce us to the amazing Phyllis Diller!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are You Ready For Phyllis Diller?!

 Season 2 of What's So Funny! is coming very soon and, let me tell you, we are talking about some great comedians! With the same great hosts! And all-new comedy albums! But, this time around it's just all us all the time. Coming Nov. 10 our season includes Phyllis Diller, Freddie Prinze, Redd Foxx, and many more!

Coming Soon: The Newest Season of What's So Funny!

It’s the reboot of What’s So Funny! and there’s a new spin on things! Our host, Dave Schwensen, returns and this time he’s brought three of his friends: Kelly, Tom, and Logan. Join in as we listen to comedy albums from the 1950s, ‘60s, or ‘70s. We’ll take a look at the life of the comedian as well as the cultural relevance of the album then and now. So sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh!

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What's So Funny!

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