From Punchlines to Primetime: A Writer’s Journey with Late Night Legends. EPISODE 83

Welcome to HODGEPOD, hosted by Rob Fredette. In this episode, Rob speaks with Ben Alper, a renowned writer who crafted jokes for late-night icons Jay Leno and David Letterman. Hailing from Boston, Ben shares his journey from freelancing jokes to working with comedic legends, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of late-night television.

Discover how Ben's career began with joke newsletters and evolved into writing monologues for some of the biggest names in comedy. Ben also discusses the differences between writing for Leno and Letterman, the challenges of crafting timely jokes, and his experiences working remotely in the entertainment industry.

In addition, Ben talks about his book, "Live from the Beginning of Time: Late Night Comedy Monologues Through the Ages," a unique collection of hypothetical monologues spanning historical events. The episode wraps up with a nostalgic chat about the charm of Boston and its vibrant culture.

Don't miss this insightful and entertaining conversation with one of late-night TV's unsung heroes!

RECORDED JULY 9TH, 2024

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