In this enlightening chat, Ed Shelleby, former Senate Communications Director and Deputy Chief of Staff to Al Franken, shares hilarious tales of managing Al's comedic instincts during serious moments. He recounts the memorable challenges of interview preparation and the origin of the term 'The Dehumorizer.' Ed reflects on the effectiveness of Al's actions in the Senate and how their office felt like family, blending humor with meaningful political work. Their camaraderie shines through in anecdotes that illustrate the unique intersection of comedy and public service.
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Unexpected Mid-Interview Endorsement
Al Franken once unexpectedly endorsed Hillary Clinton mid-interview, despite extensive prep to avoid the topic.
His honest and spontaneous nature led to this memorable media moment that outsized typical politician caution.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Pivoting in Interviews
Politicians should learn to pivot in interviews to avoid direct answers that could cause trouble.
Al Franken struggled with this, learning to pivot only after multiple attempts and practice.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Silent Corn Eating on Today Show
At the Minnesota State Fair, Al once appeared on the Today Show segment silently eating corn for six minutes.
This unorthodox approach became a humorous but ineffective communication moment that amused viewers and staff.
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"Giant of the Senate" chronicles Al Franken's transition from a career in comedy to his unexpected role as a United States Senator. The book blends humorous anecdotes with serious political reflections, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Washington D.C. Franken shares personal stories from his childhood, his time on Saturday Night Live, and his eventual decision to run for office. Throughout the narrative, he grapples with the challenges of balancing his comedic instincts with the gravitas required of a senator. The book also explores key political issues and policy debates that Franken engaged with during his time in the Senate. It provides a candid and often self-deprecating account of one man's attempt to navigate the complex world of American politics.
Big game
Mark Leibovich
In "Big Game," Mark Leibovich offers a deep dive into the world of college football, examining its cultural significance and economic impact. The book explores the intense rivalries, the passionate fan bases, and the enormous sums of money that drive the sport. Leibovich profiles key figures, from coaches and players to boosters and administrators, revealing the complex dynamics at play. He uncovers the ways in which college football has become a multi-billion dollar industry, influencing everything from university budgets to local economies. Through engaging storytelling and sharp analysis, "Big Game" captures the essence of this uniquely American phenomenon.
Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir
In 'Project Hail Mary', Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher, awakens on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or his mission. He soon discovers that he is the sole survivor of a desperate mission to save Earth from a microorganism called the Astrophage, which is threatening to cause a new ice age. As Ryland regains his memories, he encounters an alien named Rocky, and together they work to solve the scientific mystery and save their respective home planets. The story blends science, humor, and heart, exploring themes of survival, discovery, and unlikely friendships[1][3][5].
In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Al’s former Senate Communications Director, Ed Shelleby, to relive their time working together. Ed tells tales of him TRYING to manage Al's comedic impulses in serious situations, but also talks about the great work they accomplished together.
Ed shares several behind-the-scenes stories including how Al, as a newly elected official, had to learn to "pivot" in interviews and explains how the office coined a brand new term: The Dehumorizer.
But also, we cover the effectiveness of Al's time in the Senate. And they share many stories of how Al treated his staff like family.
It's a different kind of show this week, but one we KNOW you will enjoy.
The Al Franken Podcast 
