David Letterman | The Blocks Podcast w/ Neal Brennan | EPISODE ONE

[@tony_tostones]

Dave flipped it on him. He asked Neal more questions than Neal asked him. Dave is brilliant.

[@GrapplingHour]

Why he’s the GOAT

[@TrevorJohnson.]

I believe he is just a natural interviewer after all his years

[@chaselepard]

Conan does the same thing. Instincts

[@GrapplingHour]

@@TrevorJohnson. Dave does this all the time. He just hits a point where he goes “now I have a question” and it will always be great.

[@kawaiiafangirl]

Once an interviewer, always an interviewer. Neal does this a lot too. Not so much on Rogan, but he does it a lot on other people's podcasts.

[@trevorbishop1395]

I will be watching every single one of these episodes. Neal tried his best to get Dave to be vulnerable, and possibly succeeded more than anyone has on video/audio. For many of us who count Dave as a hero growing up, it felt like Neal was eloquently digging deeper and affirming Dave on our behalf. It was admirable and entertaining. Dave seems to think “no one wants to hear this immensely successful person go on about his problems”, but for all of us we’re thinking “this comedy legend struggles with the same types of things I do!” And that helps makes people feel less alone. Can’t wait for the next episode!

[@thelettermanpodcast]

100%

[@manevolujia7558]

Where does one find that interview?

[@dabichotv]

@@thelettermanpodcast hjj

[@robynrains7252]

Bravo

[@gingerhitzke9185]

What a beautifully written comment.

[@LoddyDah]

Dave's happiness and excitement at learning about Bart's insecurities is savage and hilarious. 😆🙏😌

[@sunnyj210]

When they called him I laughed out loud. Then when he said "& that, on the road last year, you made 25 million" I laughed out loud hysterically!!+😊

[@christheghostwriter]

For my generation, Letterman is a comedy god. There's really no way to fully express just how influential he was, both on fans and on a generation of comics, actors, writers, and directors

[@anthonyarcanumsanctumregnu9551]

Yep Gen X and Boomers I'm 47 watched him from a kid until He retired. He was the best after Carson He wasn't a butt kisser like Leno

[@terryeaster1]

Agree completely

[@howdareyou41]

Yes! A lot of people don't understand how much he change late night talk shows

[@BoJackHorseman_eatshay]

He was absolutely amazing! Pre heart surgery he felt like he last of the old guard…. If he didn’t like you, you were going to hear about it regardless of what concessions may have been made preshow. Him and Madonna was just amazing every time

[@christheghostwriter]

@BoJackHorseman_eatshay Letterman was the first person who achieved that level of success in show business while also lampooning show business itself. It was genuinely subversive at the beginning, and there was nothing else like it on TV The very first time I saw Letterman was when I was home sick from school one day, and it happened to be just as his short-lived morning show was starting. I ended up missing three days of school that week because I had the flu, and my only real memories from that time were lying on the couch, with my 7up and crackers on the end table, watching this absolute maniac putting on the strangest morning show I had ever seen It really wasn't all that different from what he would end up doing with his late night show a little while later, and I can easily understand why the typical morning show viewers of the time didn't like it. But I loved it. It would be great if I could find recordings of some of those episodes just to see how it holds up four decades later

[@CrypticusOfficial]

It's amazing that Dave can't see himself the way we see him: An absolute legend.

[@86london]

That's the trip and irony with life. There's always another side to what it means to create that kind of success and notoriety; the sacrifices that were made to get there. And I think objectively it can be argued that there's no such thing as a wrong choice. It's just a choice and we determine its value and stamp it. So in this case, Dave seems life he's dwelling on the past, regretting his choices, even though, in actuality, he did the best with what he was given.

[@ttacking_you]

I feel like anyone who gets angry because they feel like they deserve to have The Tonight show, probably, has a self-regard that's in the vicinity of the _absolute legend_ stratum.

[@alazymonkey5716]

Thank goodness quite frankly Neil says it in this interview; there is something old school about him Dave has a certain moral and personal level of respect for things. You hear it when he speaks of Bert and his lack of a shirt (lol) Thank goodness Dave lacks the ego and what not. Almost to a fault to be fair considering how hard he tries to detract from talking about himself A legend with a weak ego is someone truly humble. Quite the double edged sword

[@kevinw712]

the kicker is realizing that that is a central reason WHY Dave is the way that we adore so much. I mean I relate to him in so many ways it scares me. In fact I'm not sure there's a single person in entertainment or general pop culture today that I have any respect or admiration for that DOESN'T have massive imposter syndrome. I almost kinda don't trust someone that can't relate to that at all. I certainly haven't even come within several light years of the success of David Letterman, but I have tremendous difficulty accepting a compliment. Self loathing is my oldest, dearest friend lol

[@scottnorwood659]

I think a lot of people don’t see themselves as legends. Like Jerry I think doesn’t think he’s a legend or one of the best if not the best to ever do stand up.

[@pauli7457]

Dave is really good at steering the conversation away from himself.

[@jasonolinger7585]

@RealSweetKid trying to read your comment was such a waste of my time that i had to waste more time letting you know how bad it was, double waste.

[@nickg1743]

lol probably habit from being a host for so many years

[@b_i_l_l_w_i_l_l_i_a_m_s_o_n]

@RealSweetKid it’s amazing to see some random KZbin dumbass say that Dave Letterman isn’t interesting

[@shackett104]

@RealSweetKid odds are he’s more interesting than you

[@moaningpheromones]

@@jasonolinger7585 I'm glad you commented so to me it's not a waste. Good to get similar feedback to my own opinion. Keep in mind - all time is 'wasted'. It is spent no matter what you do. Perhaps you wasted time more than normal. youtube comments are disturbing - full of dumb turds and fruit loops.

[@robertallenburton7455]

David Letterman added more humor and intelligence to my average day than any one else I can think of during my late teenage years. Thank you Dave!

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Well said. Total agreement.

[@robertallenburton7455]

@@thelettermanpodcast and count me among those who are glad when my heros of humor maintain wit and sarcasm.

[@jennajones1950]

My high school crush (Dave) & my current crush (Neal) podcasting together - what a treat! So glad you're podding again, Neal!

[@mynameisYEMAN]

Just finished the Tigerbelly (legendary) episode in time to start this one... yay!

[@feralhomunculus]

I'm so glad he called Bert. I can imagine him giggling when he got the message.

[@carlosbarboza5100]

The part on Bret Kreischer was the BEST!!! Made my whole freaking week!! Can't wait to hear Bert talk about it!!

[@BozFromOz]

100%

[@Muddy_B]

A-Hundred-Percent…..

[@bfunderb5899]

Burnt Chrysler?

[@rpmcmurphy5482]

"Do you remember Spuds MacKenzie?" 🤣 The perfect way to explain Bert to an O.G. like David Letterman. 👌

[@randombarry23]

Bart just died

[@tracevicente]

GenX loves you SO MUCH, Dave. Your show in the 80’s was everything.

[@MrDLOC11]

Just listening to his voice of reason, his voice of humor, his voice of modesty and his voice of honesty reminds me whats been missing in my life .... Dave you were one of a kind and are greatly missed today ....

[@dgriite]

He's still alive and kicking

[@BigSmiley0TV]

And has a show on Netflix

[@antoineboileau4194]

Been waiting for Neal to get back into a podcast and here it is!!!

[@tomsevcik1792]

He’s been on like 10 the past couple weeks lolll

[@MooooonRiverWiderthanTimMoon]

me too, I was like damnit how did I miss it, but if this is new I guess I'm ok

[@rbbearthwormjim]

Flake basted

[@MT-or7lv]

Dave Letterman show was the absolute best thing on TV back in the day. I still miss spending time with him every night.

[@raddastronaut]

Love Neal. Love Dave. Dave’s performance in Cabin Boy will remain in my heart forever. 😂

[@DannyDelorean]

Crazy how Dave doesn’t understand how much his openness and vulnerability helps other people. This is therapeutic and inspiring af.

[@jasonhynes5703]

Just when you thought you couldn't love Letterman anymore than you already do. Dave, so good to hear you open up. Amazing.

[@kuldas9299]

I watched just about every show that Letterman did. Some were better than others but it was ALWAYS worth watching. No matter what his insecurities say.

[@Aim311]

NEAL!!! I’m SOOOOO Happy You’re Baaaaack!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 😃😃😃 I really miss Bianca…I hope she’s doing something she loves!! When David Letterman said “this is crap” near the beginning of the episode, and you said “No, this is good b/c people wanna hear this, and no one talks about it!” I was slapping the countertop, like yes!! Dave must understand that his being vulnerable like that was deeply moving as were your last two specials and Podcast. That authenticity and being genuine, that’s the good stuff. Thanks Neal. Welcome back to my ears for an hour or so per week. They’re soooo happy to have you. 😘😆

[@xentakis]

I miss Bianca too. Was there ever an explanation why How Neal Feel ended? It seemed very sudden.

[@anthonysaturno8265]

I've been with Dave since my teens in the 80's. I love him and both shows! Loved this interview! Thank you!

[@burntusa]

so surprised this isn't on loop on Bert's Insta. Great interview Neal, look forward to future episodes.

[@jonnygranville281]

Oh it will be I'm sure

[@thelettermanpodcast]

We want to have Bert on our show for a response.

[@allisoncortez4085]

I don’t know where to show my appreciation for your special but you’ve raised the bar for sure

[@Stillnotorious]

Dave is a Legend. Neal is absolutely brilliant. What a great episode!

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Could not agree more!

[@jedijones]

Both of these guys are way too "inside their own heads." This is not the way to live. They feel like people who are so successful that they feel guilty about it, and have to concoct some intangible way to punish themselves for it.

[@bgheadjack]

This is unbelievable. I've loved Dave since I discovered him as a 14-year-old in 1988 - he's the reason I got into comedy. NEVER have I seen an interview this good. Dave usually deflects so much that he rarely reveals much, but this was just shocking in how open he is. Kudos!!

[@mc76]

Dave was the weatherman on the local ABC affiliate in Indianapolis when I was a kid. He was fired after being told to stop making jokes during the broadcast. The night after the warning, he began the weather by saying, "In Carmel today, they had hail the size of canned hams."

[@wisconsinaire8527]

Found it!!! So excited for this.

[@KevinMakins]

Dave being vulnerable and sincere. What an interview.

[@williamcarman7118]

You've got me hooked Neal. There's a thread of thoughtfulness and empathy that runs through your conversation that cuts through the pain. Well done its really valuable to the listener like myself!

[@DanMorera]

Shit this is probably the best Dave interview I have ever seen, and the podcast is great too! Love the editing , the inserted shots, really cool.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Total agreement.

[@jreyn2043]

Two of my favorite. How has nobody told me this happened! A year ago!!!???

[@Grimey-P]

You are the Brene Brown of comedy. I can’t wait to see your TED talk.

[@KaLeeDo2]

I love David Letterman so much, his style of comedy defined my formative years and I’m delighted he’s so well adjusted and reflective after his show.

[@faithhotchkiss3570]

Every time I see Neal I fall more and more in love with him ❤️

[@jasonolinger7585]

you must be a bot.

[@Vic-Vega]

​@@jasonolinger7585Lol, definitely.

[@VincentAgostino-gy6hr]

I LOVE being retired… after all those years of travel and work… I’m never bored. I became a father at 56.. got married at 58… bought my first house at 61 I love catching up on books, videos .. watching movies and Tv shows I watched years ago when they originally came out.. playing video games … ALL OF IT!

[@jro4497]

Towards the end of the interview I became obsessed with how close their shoes were to each other

[@benewer1590]

Neal is such a great conversationalist. He needs his own interview show. Simply wonderful

[@yankees21393]

This is his own interview show

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Yes!

[@stephenlucier]

Neil, this was so powerful and generous. Thank you, and Dave.

[@matthewmartin4394]

Retirement seems to be treating Dave very kindly. He looks great, so laid back & care free. What a legend.

[@smythteamofwilliampittsoth32]

Loved the last line, "and I wished I could have had a tv show for 30 years." to give Dave perspective.

[@trackalex]

FAINLLY! More Neal Brennan content / talks! I clicked so hard on this and am glad! Welcome back to podcasting Neal!!!!!!!!

[@davewestner]

This is so great. I hope these two get together for another conversation. Great chemistry between these two.

[@dinibo]

Love seeing Dave open up. Hilarious seeing him talk about Bert!

[@katta47]

I loved Blocks. I suffer from PTSD Depression and always felt like no matter what I did or achieved, I just couldn't make myself feel happy. That special made me feel connected, unalone, and validated. And, it was so fucking hilarious. I think Dave Chapelle said when you can laugh at a past trauma, you can start healing from that shit. Keep doing great art Neal. I love your work.

[@Mark__]

Neal… loved the champs, same with how Neal Feel, and I’m so happy you’ve returned to this form of media. You came out swinging with a fuckin HEAVY hitter of a guest for episode 1, so thanks for this free content dude, and glad to see you again.

[@jimr9499]

Hell yeah. The Champs was/is one of my favorite podcasts ever.

[@dylanhamilton7190]

This is easily the most approachable I’ve ever seen Dave. Great stuff, love to see it

[@graydivision]

I discovered Late Night with David Letterman in it's second season. I was 13 and dealing with all that comes with that. Letterman's humor and perspective made sense to me when nothing else seemed to. I have been a fan since that moment. Now that I'm in my early 50's, Letterman is still providing me with a point view that is relevant and much needed. Dave has embraced new mediums, is a fan and supporter of younger comedians. He is curious and open to learning new things and integrates that into his life. He is aging but not growing old because he is still trying to figure it out. It is a distinction with a difference and Letterman, then and more importantly now, is example to look to when I try to figure out how I want to try to be. Oh, and he's as funny as ever.

[@codyherriot6112]

David Letterman is one of my great heroes. His smart humility and comedy wisdom are second to none. He's relatable to a common man like myself. He is tuned in and erudite. He has steered generations of people like me more than he knows. From Tom Waits to Harvey Pekar, Dave showed himself as a mirror to his guest. This was a tremendous interview. Thank you Neal Brennan. Cody

[@josephmythen2753]

Obviously you never knew how he was a tyrant on his own show "AFTER it gained a footing" a little knowledge is dangerous.....Dave ain't what he is cracked up to be...like all of us. Personally I never found him funny "stand alone" and always wondered how he got the slot on T.V.

[@codyherriot6112]

@@josephmythen2753 oh well. I followed his career mildly all of my life. A sex scandal with an intern and a few unhappy staffers. Your vitriol for the man is clear, and maybe earned. You don't find him funny? That's the classic and irrefutable response of someone that simply doesn't enjoy someone else's nature. Fair enough. You are correct though. Only a little bit of knowledge is dangerous.

[@lalah9481]

Yes!! More please🙏🏻; Everyone has ‘blocks’, some are more self aware and some are too aware. Such a relatable and lovely convo. Thank you.

[@RN-wi8fi]

Convo? See what I did there.......

[@WomensTop20]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE David Letterman! He blazed a trail of comedy for everyone who followed. He is a titan!

[@stevenwymor1398]

Weird how Dave doesn’t realize how he changed the world in a dramatic, lasting, and profound way. Every comic working today is indebted to him. But it’s the self doubt that makes him so appealing. Been watching him since the very first episode of Late Night when I was in high school. My generation worships him, metaphorically speaking.

[@sg-yq8pm]

Oh for fks sake steve, he did not "change the world in a dramatic, lasting, and profound way", he was not so influential that comics are indebted to him in any way and the majority of your generation probably are, and were, indifferent to him.

[@dixonpinfold2582]

@@sg-yq8pm 👍Thanks. People get carried away.

[@LetsBeHonestImAPrat]

​@@sg-yq8pmyou obviously weren't alive back then

[@Fotosynthesis858]

I really dig Dave’s lumberjack shoes. Sneaker freaks need to start rockin’ those lol 🥾

[@podespault]

Didn't think I would love this podcast as much as I do. Guests with depth. Something new ❤

[@JulesJenkins-ys5ne]

David letterman is everything🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jeremiahmacclure]

Damn I miss Dave so much. He created so many epic moments by just being himself.

[@hydrangeadays]

Best way to spend my day off! Been looking forward to this podcast!

[@Assilemy]

Calling bert is the best homage to bert. He calls everyone all the time forever lol

[@thepohCv]

Ughhhh this was very enjoyable and now I have to add another Podcast to my already packed sched lol. Great ep.

[@moth_mane_official]

Man, this is my favorite interview with Dave I've ever seen, because I didn't know that there was other people in this world that might be almost as sick as me. But now I know.👏🏽 (4th edit)

[@erintheokay]

I grew up watching Dave with my mom. She had such a crush on him Always Team Letterman because he has always been actually funny, with a point of view. I'm glad Neal got to tell him that he's such a cool fixture in American life. It's also eye-opening to hear Dave say that he wishes he could've done what comics like Neal are doing now. We all really do have our own internal bully.

[@jimr9499]

New Neal podcast? Yes please! Neal is consistently one of my favorite comedians, favorite podcast guests, and favorite everything. I personally just relate to him so much, with his anxiety and the host of other mental issues that he often speaks on, I just feel a certain kinship with him lol. On top of which, he always makes me laugh

[@Chris-P]

Congrats on the special, Neil. Glad you're doing this pod, gonna be a fun and informative one 👍

[@stregananak9896]

Loved this. Dave defined late night cool. And his more recent,"...needs no introduction" kills! He is a hilarious storyteller who brings out the best in his interview guests. But Dave's own stories (such the one about meeting up with his old pals and bringing a cake) make me laugh every time I think of them. Really enjoying Neal too. Just finished Marc Maron with Neal yesterday. Great series!

[@prmaninla]

I have never heard of you until stumbling across these, but your interviews with Dave and Jay have me hooked!!

[@vintageludwig]

Yeah yeah yeah we're glad to see you back, but when are you gonna bring back Bianca?

[@carneliansound1125]

Yes when?

[@brianenck]

I mean we're all thinking it

[@zonerflys]

I think I remember this Dave guy from a movie called "CABIN BOY"

[@Skylarcraig84]

Hey Neal, when are you going to get Dave and Moshe on the show. Great guest so far. I love this.

[@andrewcarlson5254]

Here from day#1. Can’t wait for more of these!

[@joepa87114]

This is by far one of the best interviews I’ve ever listened to. Well done!

[@DarkDecimus]

Seeing Dave saying this was crap, and talk about his insecurities....awww Dave! Then seeing Dave's delight about Bart just 2min later...amazing! Great episode, Neil. Lol

[@als4580]

This so excellent. Dave is the best and Neal is up there as well. I'll be seeing all of these. Great experience.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Yes

[@diaphanouswaffle]

Grew up watching Letterman's NBC late night show, he was my favorite tv host at the time...really appreciate this interview, thank you :)

[@johnfrazier9327]

Love you entirely Neal. Great conversation with one of the greats of our time. Regardless of any self-doubts that Dave may have, he is truly a national treasure and has helped so many people with his silly TV show. You guys both recognizing each other's commitment to the craft is great. Sub-scribed!

[@jordanmorell1829]

This is dope. David get that pod started. As a younger man who doesn’t know much of David except for the legends, I would love to hear him talk to other he enjoys and learn about him (and others) through conversation.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

We could be siblings.

[@Marshall_Stacks]

There is a lot Letterman on KZbin for you to explore. Pure gold.

[@keepinitrural559]

Great pod! Blocks is the new jam in the castverse. Your interview approach is from an angle that nobody can do except specifically you. I’m looking forward to seeing more comedians telling their Block stories. Cheers Neal!

[@karlaiverson7426]

There will never, ever, be another David Letterman. ❤

[@normaespinoza9143]

For me, David Lettermans show was the best late night show. I loved his interviews. His skits were hilarious. I still love watching everything he does.

[@troyplumer8589]

Great interview! More insight to Letterman and Neal than I've ever seen outside of Neal's most recent show. Loved every minute of it! Thanks for all the hard work and talent in bringing this together. Looking forward to many more.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Agreed!

[@oliversanstone6793]

Love the show,...anytime I can see David on screen its awesome. Thanks guys!

[@buddhasoul]

Wow! I love that Dave is such a good judge of people and has such good taste in comedy. He's such a great guy and this is so good. Congrats Neal!

[@charold3]

I’m happy we still get to hear Dave’s voice, that he’s not become a hermit, like Carson. We (I) need his sanity.

[@crusherjones6809]

Excited to watch this. Wondering if Bianca will pop in at some point!

[@catherinegigliotti1368]

Neal... this was great. I'm just getting caught up. Thanks, David. Geeese, I always feel like I'm part of your conversations. Great BLOCKS

[@slayerduval1]

Oh, I can't wait to watch every one of these. Excellent interview, Neal.

[@diannemeyer7195]

Excellent interview, Neil you are awesome. You are my latest favorite comedian. Love your latest Netflix specials

[@doogyob]

Thank you, Neal. For those of us who love Dave, this was a real treat. Great questions. And I think we all know to what degree you made Bert's day/week/month. A voice message from David Letterman?? That's fuel for that particular fat man's fire. Tremendous. We'll be right back.

[@philipmichael61]

Neil Brennan, thank you; I've watched 2 of your podcasts within approx 48-hrs and these discussions reflect my own introspections which provide a sense of hope. I heard about Sebastian Maniscalco thru Bobby Lee citing him multiple times and The Tonight Show with David Letterman was broadcast in Australia in the early 2000's so I watched him regularly.

[@nickwilson8898]

I loved this. Neil is such a great host.

[@MARLEN446]

Yay so happy to hear from Neal in podcast form again ☺️

[@mikeysplaytime]

Loved everything about this. Two amazing guys with actual brains discussing real things. Brilliant.

[@terryeaster1]

Dave was such a huge part of my childhood. It's raining canned hams. And i loved how much Johnny Carson loved Dave

[@africanCandy]

This was an excellent podcast and its only the first episode!! I definitely needed to hear some of this and I can't wait to the next one 🥰

[@SproutMeansGrow]

Neal Brennan rules. Neal Brennan is my hero and role model. Thank you, Neal Brennan, for existing and everything you do.

[@JFAnatheist]

As a guy who’s nobody but suffers as you and Dave do, thank you for this interview and for what you said to Dave from 57:41 on. I’ve wanted to say something similar to Dave for the last twenty years.

[@gentlesoft6627]

you're somebody

[@edub9930]

I feel Letterman interviews these days become introspection into mental health (struggles) & I appreciate him for it 🙏 13:07 "im not very kind to myself" thanks Neal. Thats been me pretty much in a nutshell. Feels good someone else is going through it as well

[@segenmisghina]

I loved your stand up special! I watched it twice🙌🏾 So creative👌🏾

[@Dreamaster2012]

The freshness of this encounter was buoyed by the gorgeous set. Two golden personalities just hanging out in the big time. Love you guys 🦁🧡🦁

[@TrevorHarden]

I love this show idea and I really like you staying on the topic and keep bringing it back to the point of the podcast. Looking forward to seeing who else you bring on. This is a great show idea.

[@NirzarBhaidkar]

All Praise the Lord Neal is back and with the GOAT.

[@nestaredi]

Neal this is probably the best thing I have ever seen on KZbin. Thanks you so much, I really needed this. Also you have a heart of gold and we are lucky to have you. Keep doing you, it's the best and it helps bring light into the darkness.

[@TrulyNowhereMan]

Really nice Launch- must be hard to try and enter this space with all your colleagues and friends but this is long overdue and to think that you Got Letterman as a guest to kickstart this is truly phenomenal, Best of luck with the Podcast !

[@Serintrip]

Neil is going to get even bigger with this podcast, he's obviously going all out for it. He's one of the best speakers in comedy.

[@dwaynecarroll6098]

Neal is an excellent host and comedian as well. I’m loving this series! ❤