The Al Franken Podcast BEST OF: Jimmy Kimmel on His Career in Comedy!
Dec 28, 2025
Jimmy Kimmel, the acclaimed late-night host and comedian, shares insights from his lengthy career that began in radio and evolved dramatically into television. He candidly reflects on the early struggles of his show, humorously admitting it was once "genuinely terrible." A pivotal moment for him was his son's health crisis, which ignited his passion for advocating healthcare reforms and confronting political challenges. Kimmel also discusses the art of interviewing, the grind of a five-night show, and the balance between scripted and spontaneous comedy.
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Radio Roots Shaped His Timing
- Jimmy Kimmel describes long morning radio shows with music and talk, often talking over long intros to get more airtime.
- He used radio's loose format to hone bits and learned pacing from longer segments.
Pick Guests Who Expand Answers
- Favor guests who expand with answers rather than give one-word responses.
- Redirect interviews toward conversation, not deposition-style replies.
Hospital Stay Changed His Perspective
- Jimmy recounts watching low-income parents juggle hospital visits while he could stay because of employer support.
- That experience reshaped his view on healthcare and fueled public advocacy after his son's illness.