The Carson Podcast

1,003

Mark Malkoff talks with guests about legendary talk show host Johnny Carson. Guests include stand-up comics who debuted on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, individuals that worked on the show, frequent guests, and top entertainers that were influenced by Carson.

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • Hardheaded Woman
    Emily Marshall
    Just getting caught up on these episodes, most recently Emily Marshall, who was so down to earth, humble and honest. Emily Marshall, I can assure you the interview was not boring.
  • T. Zane
    My Guilty Pleasure - Old Shiwbiz
    I just missed the Carson era. I was seven when he had his last show. I vaguely remember the buzz around the event but was too young to understand what was going on. My parents would talk about Johnny Carson’s show with fondness and glee, like they were talking about a relative. Though I had never consciously watched him, his legend loomed large. Later, I would stay up late to watch the infomercials about his show on VHS and DVD. His style, his wit, his charm, it was a version of show business long gone that I wanted to experience. I actually got depressed that I missed it. I’ve read every Carson book and loved the PBS Doc. So when I found this podcast, it was like a dream come true. I finally got a small taste of what I was too young to experience, what it was like when Johnny Carson was the king of late night. Mark is a great host and interviewer and his guests are a who’s who of show business now and then with incredible stories about Johnny, the show, and their careers. If your an old Hollywood nerd like me, you’ll like this podcast.
  • AnnBNW
    Howard Smith!
    The best most personal and revealing interview about Mr. Carson. Thanks for doing this!
  • Middle Politics
    Truly an amazing podcast
    Wow, I stumbled across this podcast when Dana Carvey was on. I was not a huge fan of Carson when he was on, my most vivid memory was trying to sleep while my college room mate religiously watched. But after listening to the one podcast, I am hooked. I am not sure I have come across a podcaster more prepared and informed that Mark. The depth of his research is astounding. I have found myself going back and looking at the broadcasts. I also love how light and joyful the Podcast is with all the guests. Thank you Mark
  • epicsesh
    Well Done, Young Man!
    I grew up watching Johnny Carson with my dad. The American Masters episode on PBS made me sentimentally teary-eyed both times I watched it. To have Mark - who is well on his way to becoming a recognizable name in his own right - go back and examine many of the elements of the show and the man with so many disparate viewpoints is just a delicious treat. I’ve listened to most of them at this point, and still can’t get enough. Excellent research, great questions and a genuine likability make many of the interviewees melt and let down their guards, making this a warm and intimate inside view of an American institution.
  • Irv Davis' Wingman
    Great Peek Behind The Curtain
    Mark is a member of Generation X, but possesses a passion for show business and the entertainment industry of generations past. An earnest and enthusiastic interviewer, Mark walks into interviews having done his homework (often to the shock and surprise of his guests). The comics have similar stories about auditioning for Jim McCauley and their first shot on Carson, yet I never get tired of hearing them. I became a fan of Peter LaSalley years ago when he appeared on Letterman’s Carson tribute and cheered when I saw Mark had interviewed him. It’s interviews like this and the ones with many staff and crew members that provide the real peek behind the multi-colored curtain into the world of not only Johnny Carson, but nearly every talk show-late night or otherwise-and the television industry in general. I now can watch a classic Carson interview and recognize half the names in the credits. A labor of love for Mark and a real treat for those of us that enjoy the “inside baseball” aspects of show business.
  • Fitzgerald17
    magician
    An incredible podcast, Mark! It brightens my day everytime I listen to a new interview. Your research, earnestness, & enthusiasm are remarkable. Thank you so much!
  • NEOhioLOL
    Why we watched Johnny
    Mark takes a kindly look at Johnny Carson and his guests. The behind the scene employees reveal history, that is not too salacious. I can’t say enough how much I Love this podcast!
  • podboy23
    Please Don’t Stop !
    This is an amazing project. I thought I was a nerd when it comes to all things Late Night TV and variety shows and it turns out I’m just a goon. The depth and breadth of knowledge the host possesses is absurd and inspiring. I truly hope that the well heeled listener takes time to throw their damned money at Mark and his remarkable Carson Podcast. Thank you, Richard M. Dixon
  • desilu 52
    Rory O’Connor
    I just finished listening to an older show. Rory O’Connor was your guest and he was so interesting and what a great guy. You had said you wanted to do another show with him but I can’t find it. I want to thank you for this podcast. I only wish I could have donated but I’m older and retired.I sent you a cup from the Tom Snyder show and hope you received it. That’s so much for bringing me so many new information and many memories. I wish you the very best in your future. I know you will be a success in whatever you do. Bev Brannan
  • YOU STOLE MY MONEY!
    The Carson Podcast is simply great!
    Mark’s interviewing skills continue to improve with each podcast. Listen to the Diane Cannon interview. She is genuinely touched by Mark’s interest in all things Carson. There is no hidden muck raking agenda and the people Mark interviews both celebrity and civilian really respond to his approach. His Tom Snyder Tomorrow Show exploration with Joel Tator is the definitive Tom Snyder exploration as well! Support him with your money!!! Mark needs to handle the Johnny Carson podcast intros as well. No better context could be provided for Johnnys classic bits and guests! Mark should move on to a deep look at Tom Snyder after such a great interview that nailed the way they related to each other. It was a different Era and many things went unsaid vs today when people exert NO FILTER over what is said publicly!
  • jenhawaii27
    Don’t stop this podcast!
    I have loved listening to these podcasts. I’ve been listening to the older ones, but now listened to the new one with Richard Lewis and I heard the podcast was going to be ending in June. I don’t want it to end! Thank you Mark for the years of interesting interviews, great job.
  • PudWhacker714
    Check It Out
    Having had the pleasure of witnessing dozens of Burbank tapings from the sidelines 1978-1986 just an arms reach or two from Mr. De Cordova, this podcast has brought much validity to light. The variety of Mark’s guests is fantastic. The stories are insightful and delightful. Kudos to the research and prep involved. Ad this podcast to your favorites and enjoy !
  • EthanH71
    The real deal if you’re going to listen to a Carson podcast
    I’ve listened to several episodes now, and I’m struck by the skill and research in which interviews are handled. Legitimate guests giving great insight into one of TV’s most popular, yet mysterious figures. This podcast is both an homage to Johnny and the era, and a deep-dive that doesn’t come off like a fan club site. If you enjoyed The Late Shift book and movie, this is a worthy successor.
  • walrus49
    Gonna’ miss you
    So sorry you’ve decided to end your podcast … much success …this was truly a wonderful journey
  • MDearing
    Another incredible episode!!!
    Mark, your interview with Mark Owens was fabulous…..really, not an exaggeration. I loved it and it’s probably easy to have such a great guest but I was so impressed by you just sitting back at the end and just allowing Mark to express his many feelings. Really, there is a relaxing of your interviewing style that makes the listening experience comfortable. I’m trying to give you a compliment of the highest order here. I wish you the best, I love your show!
  • Don't Ever Ask Me More!
    I Love This Podcast!
    Mark, I am a subscriber and have listened to a great many of these episodes. I can tell you have a great appreciation for Johnny and what he means to so many of us. I really enjoy hearing new stories as well as revisiting old favorites. I encourage anyone who loved Johnny Carson or who wants to understand the entertainment industry in the 60s, 70s and 80s to give this a listen. You are not going to have a good understanding of those times if you are not aware of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. I leave you with a quote from my youngest daughter when she was around 10, “I hope I meet a guy who looks at me like my dad looks at Johnny Carson “. Lol!
  • Comedyfan409
    One of the best out there
    The host has an infectious enthusiasm and sincerity and is well prepared for the interviews. What he has created is an amazing archive about Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, entertainment in the 60s-90s and the late night comedy world in general. The guests all have great stories and each episode is like hearing from a raconteur. Highly reccommended.
  • tobasaurus
    My favorite ever time in car is with this podcast!
    Mark’s known me and visa versa for 15 to 20 years. I have visited or participated in a few of his projects. I did not listen till lately, but had to another of his podcasts “Perseverance 360” I was born in the first years of Carson in NY. I would look in if I was up late, though I was a morning person. But as a regular TV watcher to relax I am familiar with just about every person who were big back then. Then as I got from one to another segment I could learn so so much more. I have learned so much history here- it has changed my life as well, because I can put the perspectives of the mature and successful over the impressions of a preteen or teen or younger adult from Suburban NJ. Just to know Mark & Christine, who truly lives out his religion being so giving to those around them to be suddenly surprised at these awesome interviews, where like Johnny who you get to knows much better you see someone who takes the style of building up the guest etc etc. To have hundreds of and years of interviews to hear was and is exciting. To get a dozen views of people and events is amazing. The value of this as an archive is huge. The sadness to hear if the passing of guests is rough. But if they were interviewed you feel so grateful that Mark found them or Visa Versa in time! Just this week there were 2, but also we see a number passing in Covid Pandemic. Five Stars doesn’t approach what I would rate it, so I just keep sharing with friends and especially those whom possess the gift of humor the gift of these. Thanks
  • Marty Perdeck
    Amazing Behind the Carson Curtain - Thanks Joe Drago
    Great and interesting stories. So impressed with your recall. Totally engaging. Mark you never fail to keep bringing us fabulous interviews. Great questions and ability to let the guests be the star - Just like Johnny. Thanks so much. Look forward every week.
  • Robert Metcalf
    Great Podcast!
    Good listen 🎧
  • Iluser
    Fun
    So much fun and interesting.
  • craftsae
    HEY OOH!!!
    Great podcast! Interesting guests with great stories about the show and Johnny. Highly recommend giving a listen!
  • babe3538
    My Favorite Podcast
    Well done! Very Interesting! Mark does his research!
  • Mimiseecu
    Terrific Podcast! Mark is a talented interviewer!!!
    Hi Mark- I truly LOVE your podcast. I was only in elementary school when Johnny Carson was on TV and was in college when he retired from his show. After college, I bought the box set DVD collection of The Tonight Show’s Greatest hits (pre Internet and Youtube). That was my only way of watching Johnny back then. I have always been a huge fan of Johnny Carson and your podcast has allowed me to be that fly on the wall. It’s a dream come true to be able to hear from your guests, stories about Johnny and their connection with the show/Johnny. You are fantastic with your knowledge, thoughtfulness and dedication. Your detailed research really shines through on each interview. Just like Johnny, you are a great listener and let your guests tell their story. Keep up the wonderful job!!!
  • Bombastik Bushkin
    Mark Simone
    Well he was one of the most interesting contributors yet. Please have him on again.
  • Ralph Gottlieb
    Terrific Podcast
    I only recently discovered this podcast, even though it has been on for many years. That was my loss. The show is terrific. I've combined listening to new episodes and going back to older ones. The guests all have fascinating stories to tell about Johnny Carson, and occasionally Letterman, Jack Paar and others. The host is an expert in all of these subjects and does a great job asking questions that bring out the most interesting stories. Many of the guests themselves hold important places in the history of television and other forms of entertainment. This podcast is priceless.
  • Listener 58
    Carson Late Night King
    I’ve listened to every episode , several multiple times, i enjoy the history and insight on the best late night show and host, Kudos Mark for interviewing these icons in TV , this podcast will live on forever !!
  • gazellenell
    The Real Deal
    Having been a guest on this podcast, you might think I’m biased. Of course you’d be correct. However, depending on your interest, if you want to know what it was all about and what it was like to work for and with Mr. Carson, the interviews with staff are the best. Mark does his research, knows his stuff, is genuinely curious and delightful to talk with. Enjoy...
  • mjbisme
    Good and lousy
    I have mixed feelings about this podcast. I enjoy learning more about Johnny Carson who I watched in my youth and young adulthood, and appreciate that he has a podcast dedicated to Johnny. However what’s frustrating is that the host jumps right into questions without even giving us some context of the guest, their background their experience their history, etc. And there doesn’t seem to be any order in terms of chronology, and it jumps from one time period to another haphazardly. He also doesn’t seem to ask basic questions which leave you disappointed. For instance, he recently had Jeff Wald on the show who spent a lot of time with Tiny Tim. While that was interesting, he never asked the question ‘what was tiny Tim really like, who was he, where did he come from?’, etc. You did get a little snippet that he wasn’t a great person but that was it. I listened to a very early episode and thought maybe this lack of structure was just because he was brand new, but then I’ve listen to some very recent podcast several years later and it’s still the same amateurish presentation. Nevertheless a lot of interesting content.
  • MSURambler
    Memorable Memories
    What a great show ! So many interesting and entertaining guests that rekindle fond memories of this classic talk show . The behind the scenes talk and catching up with these GREAT entertainers are a joy to listen to. THANK YOU !
  • Orb6592
    Excellent
    I love behind the scenes stories of famous shows. So many podcasts just read what can be found online. This podcast is excellent. Interviews with people who were there. I listen very day.
  • fritiz999999
    Love this podcast!
    I just found this podcast today. Love Emily Marshall’s interviews. She is a wealth of fun information. Going to listen to all of them!
  • dk11h
    Awesome Podcast
    Entertaining history about the Carson Show.
  • karma means
    Highly Recommend
    It’s clearly a passion project for Mark. His energy and passion come through. Mark hs great knowledge and I admire his persistence in tracking down alll his guests Thank You Mark
  • blonkert
    The Carson Podcast-EXCELLENT!
    I would highly recommend this podcast! Mark Malkoff is an absolute expert on all things Carson, but this podcast will certainly appeal to anyone who is even remotely interested in entertainment history. His guests sit down for in-depth interviews, discussing every aspect of their career, not just their Carson appearances. Each interview is engaging, informative and I’ve enjoyed them ALL so much! Malkoff obviously does painstaking research before every show. Most importantly, he knows when to be quiet and let his guests talk, and he asks all of the questions that I want to hear answered. He has amazing access to all of the major players who were involved in the Carson show, as well as more behind the scenes staff - and these folks provide the most interesting facts and stories! Malkoff is to be commended for a job very well done. He has tapped in to an important part of Television/entertainment history, and its a very good thing that this information is recorded for posterity. I am absolutely addicted to this Podcast!!
  • NYC jade
    Really interesting podcast
    Some remarkable guests with lots to say. Interviewer mostly stays out of the way and guides things along. Very engaging.
  • Tizzie Lish
    Fantastic podcast!
    This is a thoroughly enjoyable podcast hosted by a true gentleman who not only knows his facts, but listens to and respects his guests. I only wish the interviews were longer! They are fascinating glimpses into what I consider to be the golden age of late night television.
  • garympls
    The Carson Podcast
    Although this is titled “The Carson Podcast” it’s much more than that. Not only are we given an opportunity to learn more about Johnny Carson and the behind the scenes. We are also learn a great deal about the guest that we would otherwise not know. Mark is very knowledgeable and brings a lot to his interviews. He conducts them in a way that are personable and informative. I’m a fan.
  • Drifty Driftwood
    Keeping me sane
    I am really enjoying this podcast. I have been kind of skipping around, and I'm finding I'm particularly enjoying the episodes that are not so much about The Tonight Show and more about the passions and heartbreaks of having a career in show business. I loved the episodes with Anita Gillette, Mimi Kennedy and John Davidson, where they talk about their memories of Johnny Carrson but so much more.
  • drphilrocks
    Michael Barrie Returns
    Yes, I am bingeing. Love this podcast. Thank you Mark! Please don’t let anyone pretend to be someone else like with this episode. It lacks warmth, emotion, believability or respect for the memory of Johnny. Sorry to be negative, but just horrible. Otherwise, it has all been great.
  • jsloan3
    A must-listen for any Carson fan
    Of the many podcasts I listen to on a weekly basis, The Carson Podcast is a must-listen. I never skip an episode, even if I don’t recognize the name. Mark has tracked down former guests and employees of the show that provide great stories of its history. Yes, several stories are repeated, but usually they present a different angle or perspective. If you were a fan of The Tonight Show and Johnny Carson, you’ll love this podcast.
  • Mick2484
    Great, except for ...
    The episodes featuring Rob Burnett and Bill Carter were informative and entertaining — in spite of the host asking the guest a question and then preceding the guest’s answer with his answer/recollections/opinions.
  • Bombastic Bushkin
    Ad Libs
    Still bothered by the statement made by a writer you interviewed a while ago who said that Johnny's ad libs were all written for him. I find this hard to believe. They seem to be very spontaneous and appropriate in the context of the conversation. Mark, do you believe this to be true? The writer intimated Johnny's supposed quick wit was attributable solely to the writers.
  • prcarp
    Great Podcast
    Mark does an absolutely great job with this podcast. He's able to get the best people to talk with him. His superior reasearch, enthusiasm and good questions make his guests so enjoy talking with him. One minor criticism regarding his podcast with Bill Carter - too political. Mark, I look to you to pull us away from the current events and focus on Johnny Carson and his guests and broadcast team.
  • Samba Simba
    Brilliant and just what we need
    In a crazy world this podcast is a breathe of fresh air and brings you back to a much more simple time. From the first note the horns play each guest provides their own unique experience. So many of the guests will really bring a smile to your face.
  • GooeyMac
    Keeping our fond memories of Johnny near.
    I ran into this podcast accidentally when searching for Steven Wright. I’m so glad Mark has interviewed these folks who admire and respect Johnny like I want to remember him. Love, love, love the podcast!
  • chappaqua steve
    Long time Carson fan
    Mark does a great job in getting behind the scenes and revealing the operations behind that famous curtain. I still record on my DVR the Carson shows currently available on antenna tv. Mark also preps extensively for each interview which is evident by gently poking the memories of his elderly guests. He really gets the right guests and I can’t, off hand, think of anyone, still alive, that’s has slipped by his radar. Maybe bob Newhart would be nice, if he’s still competent. Wayne Newton, bill cosby, from his cell, would be nice. Letterman, Ackroyd, bill clinton, (I live in Chappaqua and see him around, all the time). Congratulations Mark, for you found such an interesting and important niche of our lives. Steve Z.
  • ToddT61
    Just keeps getting better
    I just listened to the Loni Anderson episode and have to say she was great but I also think Mark is getting better and better as an interviewer. I always though the show was interesting and Mark is knowledgeable with great research and leads the guest to talk through some great stories. Look forward to more episodes.
  • acortwright
    Must listen for any Carson fan
    Mark has put together an unmatched series of interviews with a variety people associated with the show - guests, staff members, and personal friends. Brings back memories of watching the show and attending live tapings.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.