This podcast celebrates the incredible body of work done by broadcast legend David Letterman and Company. On the show we highlight folks who worked for Dave or ...
164 Greg Burmeister Paged For Letterman and Once Slept On A Pile Of Late Show Crew Jackets
This episode features Greg Burmeister, who served as a Late Show with David Letterman page during the final stretch of the show’s legendary run.
Greg shares with Mike how he made the leap from Minnesota to New York as a musician, only to land his first gig in the city as a page for Late Show. The two bond over their love of music as Greg recalls some of the incredible bands he saw and interacted with during his time working at the Ed Sullivan Theater. He also shares stories about his surprise run-in with Ryan Reynolds on his very first day, the time he saw Conan O’Brien walk past the Late Show marquee, and many more behind-the-scenes memories.
Greg is also the co-host of the podcast Talking Schmidt alongside fellow former page (and Letterman Podcast alum) Eric Schmidt.
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1:14:52
163 J Ryan Returns To Talk About Jay Leno's Garage & More
This episode features the return of one of our first Friends of the Show, J Ryan! Best known on social media as @PorscheLife111, J is the host of Late Night Playset, which can be found on YouTube.
After catching up on how things are in LA following the devastating fires a few weeks ago, J and Mike dive into a long-overdue conversation. They discuss J’s 2.5-month road trip across America, his recent visit to Jay Leno’s garage, and reflect on their history—including the origins of this very show.
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1:56:40
162 Alita Ditkowsky Accidentally Became A Great Moment In Presidential History
This episode features Alita Ditkowsky and her husband, Mike, who share the fascinating story of how Alita found herself in the national spotlight and on Late Show with David Letterman!
In 2005, Alita was involved in a high-profile class action lawsuit investigation, which led to several meetings with the highest-ranking officials in the United States, including multiple interactions with President George W. Bush. During one such event, footage of Alita speaking with the president on stage surfaced, creating the opportunity for comedy gold on Late Show.
Alita and Mike join The Letterman Podcast to share the amazing series of events that led to these moments, their reactions to being part of Late Show comedy bits, and the joy and laughter it has brought them ever since.
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1:05:46
161 Former Letterman Page Eric Schmidt Reveals The Secret List All Letterman Pages Memorized
This episode features Eric Schmidt, who worked as a page and audience coordinator during one of the most entertaining eras of Late Show with David Letterman from 2009 to 2011. Now a stand-up comedian and host of the podcast Talking Schmidt, Eric reflects on his time at the Ed Sullivan Theater with humor and gratitude.
Eric and Mike dive into behind-the-scenes stories of Late Show, including the unforgettable music acts Eric witnessed, what it was like to be at the show during Conan’s Tonight Show departure, and his interactions with Dave during those fascinating years. He shares the lasting friendships he made and how his time at Late Show shaped his career and perspective.
Visit Hello-Deli.com: Rupert Jee’s Hello Deli is the home of licensed Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Stop by the website or, if you’re in NYC, pop in and tell Rupert Mike sent you. (He might even smile!)
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1:58:16
160 Andrew Buss and the Conan/Letterman Oral History
Episode 160: Andrew L. Buss – The Oral Historian Extraordinaire
This week’s guest is Andrew L. Buss, a prolific writer and oral historian who has meticulously documented some of pop culture’s most iconic projects, including The Jerk, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, High Fidelity, Freaks and Geeks, Clerks: The Animated Series, and more. As an assistant, collaborator, and protégé of the late Bill Zehme, Andrew has written for Consequence of Sound, Vulture, Vanity Fair, and LateNighter.com. He is also recognized as an Andy Kaufman historian.
In this lively episode, Andrew and Mike dive deep into the art of storytelling and the nuanced history of late-night television. They focus on Late Bloomer, Andrew’s oral history for Vanity Fair chronicling Conan O’Brien’s succession of David Letterman as the host of Late Night and the extraordinary year that followed. With interviews from all the main players—including David Letterman himself—this piece offers a fascinating perspective on the transition and legacy of late-night television.
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This podcast celebrates the incredible body of work done by broadcast legend David Letterman and Company. On the show we highlight folks who worked for Dave or were a part of any of his shows productions, people who had an encounter with one of his shows, or are enthusiasts with relevant discussion points or memories pertaining to any of Letterman's productions or endeavors. The Podcast does not focus on anything gossipy or salacious; instead it is meant to be a living record of the unprecedented catalog of content Dave & Co created. All Letterman fans are welcome to gather in this community.