In a delightful conversation, David Letterman, an iconic American talk show host, shares insights from his legendary career. He discusses his appreciation for modern British comedians and nostalgic moments with comedy giants of the 70s. Letterman reveals the intriguing story behind his 2009 blackmail incident and reflects on his humorous encounters with Bob Dylan. He openly talks about the complexities of parenthood and why he harbors a dislike for photographs, blending sincere anecdotes with his signature wit.
David Letterman's journey from quirky weather reporter to late-night television pioneer showcases his significant impact on comedy formats and talk shows.
His candid reflections on aging and dietary changes highlight the relatable struggles of adulthood, merging humor with meaningful personal experiences.
Letterman's fond memories of Norm Macdonald emphasize the deep bonds in comedy while illustrating the complexities of pushing creative boundaries.
Deep dives
Adam Buxton's Life Updates
Adam Buxton shares personal anecdotes about his beloved dog, Rosie, highlighting her sensitivity to environmental noise, particularly bird-scaring guns. He also announces the completion of his book, set for release in May, and describes participating in Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, emphasizing his excitement for the airing of the episode. Buxton conveys a casual tone, engaging listeners with relatable experiences and expressing his anticipation for sharing more about his book and Bake Off later in the episode. He invites listeners to skip the introduction if they prefer to get straight to the conversation with his guest.
David Letterman's Early Career
David Letterman's journey into comedy began in the Midwest, where he grew up in Indianapolis before moving to California to pursue a career as a writer. He initially gained recognition delivering quirky weather reports at a local TV station, which led him to perform at open mic nights at prominent venues like The Comedy Store. His talent quickly caught the attention of established comedians and he soon found himself guest-hosting for Johnny Carson on NBC's The Tonight Show. By 1982, he had taken the helm for his own show, Late Night with David Letterman, which laid the groundwork for modern late-night television.
Legacy of Late-Night Television
During his tenure hosting Late Night, David Letterman transformed the landscape of late-night television with his distinctive style, hosting over 4,000 episodes filled with sharp monologues and banter with guests. He introduced various comedic formats and stunts that influenced countless successors in the talk show realm. After 23 seasons, he concluded Late Night, only to re-emerge in 2018 on Netflix with My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, featuring long-form conversations with high-profile guests. The evolution of his career illustrates his commitment to both entertainment and meaningful dialogue across different media platforms.
Personal Reflections and Challenges
Letterman reflects on various aspects of his life, touching on his reluctance to engage with photographs and the struggle of coping with aging and dietary changes. Both he and Buxton share experiences regarding their health, including managing glucose levels and how they’ve adjusted their diets while reminiscing about indulgent foods. Their candid discussion reveals an underlying humor in dealing with life's challenges, highlighting how such personal experiences resonate with audiences. Letterman’s perspective on the 'remorseless march of age' adds depth to the conversation, offering relatable insights into the complexities of adulthood.
Friendships in Comedy
The discussion shifts to Letterman's friendships with notable figures in comedy, including his admiration for the late Norm Macdonald and their shared experiences in the industry. Letterman reminisces about Macdonald's distinct comedic style, which often pushed boundaries, contrasting it with his own more timid nature when it came to edgy material. Their conversations reflect a deep respect for each other's craft and the evolution of comedic expression in the entertainment landscape. This segment reveals not only the bond of friendship but also the competitive yet supportive nature found in the world of comedy.
Adam talks with American talk show legend David Letterman about his favourite people on the current British comedy scene, hanging out with comedy legends in the 70s, why he talked about being blackmailed on a 2009 episode of Late Night, why Bob Dylan wound him up in 1992, the brilliance of comedian Norm Macdonald, the challenges of parenthood, and why Dave hates photographs.
Conversation recorded face-to-face in NYC on January 29th, 2025.
Thanks to Séamus Murphy-Mitchell for production support and conversation editing.
