Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

Tripp Whetsell on "Norman Lear: His Life & Times"

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Episode notes

"He was responsible for such a tectonic change in American television." - Tripp Whetsell

Welcome Tripp Whetsell:

We’re joined on the Starline by a bestselling author, journalist, historian, publicist and adjunct media studies professor at Emerson College in Boston. His fourth book is “Norman Lear: His Life & Times”. We welcome Tripp Whetsell.

Tripp, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You grew up with his shows, you’ve crossed paths and interviewed Norman several times. What made Norman Lear’s story so important for you to get right?

As much information out there about him, some information was wrong. How hard was it to separate the wheat from the chaff to finish this project?

Lear’s career defining moments were filled with Hollywood treachery and a bunch of lucky breaks. Which is your favorite?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Best place on the Emerson College campus to think?

2. Which is your favorite of your interviews from the Budd Friedman and Tripp Whetsell collection at Emerson?

3. Best moment at the New York Friars Club?

4. Which up and coming comedian makes you laugh today?

5. Best comedy club of all time?

6. One thing about Kliph Nesteroff that makes you smile?

7. What’s the topic of your next book?

8. Hardest question ever. Pick one to boo, heckle or clap: Letterman, Leno or Conan?

One Big Question:

Norman Lear was part growing up. You wrote a book about him and met him several times. How will he be remembered in the future as network TV has changed with streaming and digital?

The Wrap:

He loves Sebastian Maniscalco’s comedy, the friendships he made at the New York Friars club and wants you to read “Norman Lear: His Life & Times”. Where can people find it?

Tripp Whetsell, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

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