Golden Girls, Laverne & Shirley, Gary Shandling and the Stories Nobody Tells

Marc Sotkin has written and produced some of the most beloved sitcoms in television history, and the stories behind those shows are even better than the episodes themselves. From selling underwear in Houston to running the writers room on Golden Girls, Sotkin's career is a masterclass in persistence, instinct, and surviving chaos with a sense of humor. Show Highlights: How an underwear salesman from Texas talked his wife into moving to Hollywood and somehow made it work. The $15 quiz show question that was rewritten before it ever aired, and why it still bothers him. The secret comedy duo Marc Sotkin formed with a young Gary Shandling before either of them were famous. The Laverne & Shirley season that included a star quitting, a cast member dying the night before a shoot, and Jim Belushi saving the day. Why the showrunner of Golden Girls eventually ran the show from Boulder, Colorado, flying in twice a week. You're going to love my conversation with Greg Evigan IMDB Time Off for Bad Behavior The Comatose Adventures of Lenny Rose Kind of Dirty Paris Confessions Marc's website Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host): Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter Podcast website Podcast on Instagram Subscribe to my Youtube channel Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show Ways to support the show: Buy me a coffee (support the show) Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more! Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop. SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond) Thanks for checking out Classic Conversations! Dive into pop culture nostalgia with comedian Jeff Dwoskin as he hosts the best TV and film interviews. Hear inspiring stories from actors, comedians, musicians, and pop culture icons about the road to success. Part comedy, part drama—always entertaining.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.