Pod Meets World: "Steve Young Meets World" – Episode Summary

Release Date: June 16, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of Pod Meets World, hosts Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, and Ryder Strong welcome Steve Young, a multifaceted writer known for his contributions to the beloved series Boy Meets World. The hosts delve into Steve's extensive career, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his journey from stand-up comedy to television writing, and his ventures into authorship.

Guest Profile: Steve Young [17:38 – 19:27]

Steve Young is introduced as a seasoned writer with notable credits, including Boy Meets World, Sybil, Smart Guy, and Michael Jacobs’ lesser-known projects. With a background in stand-up comedy and ownership of the legendary Comedy Works club in Philadelphia, Steve brings a wealth of experience to the table. He’s also an author, having penned a meta novel about Larry David, among other works.

Steve Young [20:02]: "I'm now at my lovely daughter's house doing this. And by the way, you would know the name of my daughter if you watched any of the shows I wrote, because anytime you brought on a character who was not a regular cast character, I named them after my kids."

Stand-Up Comedy and Comedy Works Club [21:28 – 28:36]

Steve recounts his early days in stand-up comedy, starting at the Troubadour and eventually founding Comedy Works in Philadelphia, which operated from 1980 to 1993. The club became a hotspot, hosting rising stars like Jay Leno, Jim Carrey, and Buddy Hackett.

Steve Young [23:13]: "The Comedy Works…I owned it from about '80 to '93. We were fortunate enough to book weekly with legends like Leno, Jim Carrey, Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy…"

He highlights memorable performances, including Jim Carrey’s innovative stage presence despite technical issues, and Buddy Hackett’s enduring charm.

Transition to Television Writing [28:44 – 43:12]

Steve details his shift from stand-up to television writing. His first TV credit was an episode for "Me and the Boys", where he faced initial setbacks, including a notably poorly received script that left him doubting his writing career.

Steve Young [42:12]: "Nobody laughed, nobody left. I was sitting, thinking, I'll never work again."

However, perseverance paid off as he transitioned to writing for Boy Meets World and other Michael Jacobs’ projects. Steve emphasizes the collaborative nature of the writers' room and the ease of writing for the well-defined characters.

Steve Young [43:23]: "I think... I wrote for Boy Meets World. The characters were so well defined that my fingers just followed them."

Anecdotes from the Boy Meets World Set [43:25 – 49:53]

Steve shares heartfelt memories from the Boy Meets World set, including moments like Danielle Fishel’s emotional scene where her character Topanga cries, leading to real tears that added authenticity to the performance.

Danielle Fishel [44:38]: "You burst into tears."

Steve reflects on the supportive and family-like atmosphere among the cast and crew, highlighting interactions with stars like Betty White and Ashley Johnson.

Steve Young [48:54]: "Ashley Johnson... her mother, her sister. Just great, great... a wonderful family."

He also discusses his writing for other shows like "Smart Guy", where he pushed boundaries by pitching edgier storylines that eventually were incorporated into the series, earning him accolades like a Humanitas nomination.

Steve Young [63:34]: "I was nominated for that. And I won another award for writing that because it was, you know, real life stuff."

Authorship and Further Ventures [50:58 – 73:20]

Steve delves into his foray into writing books, inspired by his experiences and mentors like Larry David. His book, "The Larry David Code," presents a fictional take on the renowned comedian, distinguishing it from the real Larry David.

Steve Young [71:49]: "That's interesting because if you would read the preface of the book, it does explain that there is a Larry David who is very successful… but is not that Larry David."

He also touches on his challenges with academia, highlighting his struggles with a learning disability that led him to flunk out of multiple colleges and the Army, shaping his resilience and creative pursuits.

Steve Young [74:10]: "I flunked out of night school... found out I have a learning disability…"

Innovative Stand-Up Approach and Current Projects [73:27 – 82:19]

In his 70s, Steve revitalizes his stand-up career with a unique approach: performing and reimagining other comedians’ material. This method not only showcases his adaptability but also keeps his performances fresh and engaging.

Steve Young [76:26]: "I watch every other comic and then I do their material again… making them really absurd and totally off the wall."

The episode concludes with heartfelt reflections on the importance of live performances in comedy, the camaraderie among writers and performers, and Steve’s ongoing passion for creating and sharing humor.

Steve Young [79:00]: "When you do things live, when the audience is with you, don't your minds move faster? And that's why we're all doing this."

Closing Remarks

The hosts express their gratitude to Steve for sharing his rich career insights and memorable anecdotes from Boy Meets World. They encourage listeners to check out Steve’s work and upcoming projects, particularly his book "The Larry David Code."

Danielle Fishel [81:53]: "Let me know where people can find you so they know where to go see you in a city near them… The Larry David Code dot com."

Notable Quotes

• Steve Young [20:02]: "Kids can’t be stopped. They can only be contained."
• Danielle Fishel [44:51]: "I felt so bad. Like, you know, it’s like I killed her."
• Steve Young [56:53]: "I'm writing, and I talk a lot about mentors, so I talk a lot about Larry because I heard him speak at a WGA thing, and I went like, he's great, and I want to get to know him. He gave his time to me all the time."
• Steve Young [76:26]: "I'm in my 70s and yet I now can get on stage as a headliner and literally kill."

Conclusion

This episode of Pod Meets World offers a comprehensive look into Steve Young’s influential role in shaping Boy Meets World, his diverse career across comedy and writing, and his enduring passion for performance. Listeners gain valuable insights into the dynamics of a successful writers' room, the challenges of transitioning between entertainment mediums, and the importance of resilience and creativity in the arts.

For more episodes and updates, follow Pod Meets World on Instagram at @podmeetsworldshow or visit podmeetsworldshow.com.