The Carson Podcast

Tom Dreesen returns to discuss Johnny, Ed McMahon, David Letterman, and Frank Sinatra.

Dr. Robert Ballard joins Mark to discuss his 3 Johnny appearances, Carson’s curiosity during commercials, and his 1985 discovery of the Titanic in the North Atlantic…

Bill Kirchenbauer discusses his Johnny appearances, going on with guest host George Carlin, and Fernwood 2 Night.

Michael Gray discusses his 10 years as stage manager on The Tonight Show, his routine that Johnny loved at the anniversary party, and working on…

Author Stephen Cox joins Mark to discuss his book “Here’s Johnny”, how he landed a rare interview with Carson, getting access to backstage at The…

Paul Marr joins Mark to discuss doing cue cards for Johnny for 10 years, being a musical guest on The Tonight Show, working with Jay…

Martina Arroyo joins Mark to discuss her 14 Johnny appearances in NY & Burbank. Earl Rose then talks about his 20 years at the Tonight…

Linda Zimmerman joins Mark to discuss working on The Tonight Show, the talent department, Shirley Wood, Fred de Cordova, and Jerry Lewis.

Leslie Gates joins Mark to discuss working on The Tonight Show, Fred de Cordova, Bobby Quinn, and the Tonight Show control room.

Dyan Cannon joins Mark to discuss her Carson appearances, Johnny playing drums at parties at her Malibu home, and Johnny being there for her during…

Jon Hookstratten joins Mark to discuss doing work for Carson Productions, his famous father Ed Hookstratten being Johnny’s lawyer, and his father’s clients such as…

Janet Galea joins Mark to discuss working on The Tonight Show, the offices after Jack Benny’s passing, attending Doc’s wedding, and working with Paul Lynde…

Paul Block returns to join Mark to discuss working as a Tonight Show talent coordinator, Dick Shawn’s infamous 1974 appearance when Rich Little hosted, and…

Harry Thomason joins Mark to discuss Bill Clinton’s 1988 Johnny appearance, why Fred de Cordova initially wouldn’t book Clinton, and working with Burt Reynolds.

Bill Scheft returns to join Mark to discuss Johnny Carson and David Letterman. Author Scott Ryan then talks about his book, The Last Days of…

Elliot Manakides joins Mark to discuss being Johnny’s driver in NY, traveling with Carson to Las Vegas, Judy Garland, and the reason he stopped working…

Peter Isacksen joins Mark to discuss his Johnny appearance, working with Don Rickles on C.P.O. Sharkey, and his friendship with Pat McCormick.

Pam Alexander joins Mark to discuss working on The Tonight Show as a receptionist, assisting in the talent department, and being Johnny’s personal assistant.

Bobby Goldsboro joins Mark to discuss his 24 Tonight Show appearances, Ed McMahon opening up for him in Las Vegas, and his friendship with Burt…

Richard Chesterfield joins Mark to discuss Johnny frequenting his Malibu restaurant and Carson showing up with Frank Sinatra. Publicist Howard Bragman discusses representing Doc Severinsen…

Doc Severinsen joins Mark to discuss Johnny, working as Tonight Show bandleader, filling in for Ed McMahon, and the origins of his flashy outfits.

Charles Fox joins Mark to discuss writing music for The Tonight Show and his legendary TV themes. Vanna White discusses her Johnny appearances, Dick Carson, and Merv…

Angie Dickinson joins Mark to discuss her Johnny appearances, Frank Sinatra guest hosting The Tonight Show, her friendship with Charles Nelson Reilly, and first meeting…

Perry Massey joins Mark to discuss working on The Tonight Show as commercial producer in New York, his first encounter with Johnny, and Jack Paar…

Claudia McMahon joins Mark to discuss her father Ed McMahon, Johnny staying at their place in Philadelphia, and her visits to The Tonight Show.