B&T Extra: Lewis Black in studio

The BOB & TOM Show Free Podcast

Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This "B&T Extra" episode features acclaimed comedian and satirist Lewis Black joining the BOB & TOM Show crew in studio, with a remote drop-in from fellow comic Leanne Morgan. The discussion is lively and candid, covering Lewis Black’s career in comedy and theater, his affinity for voiceover work, personal stories from both guests’ early days on stage, comedic takes on modern daily annoyances, and hilarious musings on product endorsements. The group’s playful banter is infused with warmth and sharp wit, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at these comedy heavyweights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lewis Black's Iconic Voice and Voiceover Work

Commercials & Animation:
- Lewis reflects on his distinctive voice (“they don't realize the power that I have.” – [03:45]) and shares he’d love to do ads, especially for alcohol (“Wow. Booze.” – Lewis, [03:54]).
- Proudly mentions his work on Inside Out and SpongeBob, joking, “As a Jew, I am the voice of Santa on Spongebob for the last five years.” ([04:41])
On Not Landing More Voice Work:
- “I just. It never. It's just never happened. I don't understand it.“ ([05:26])

2. Early Days in Stand-Up & Playwriting

First Stand-Up Experience:
- Lewis remembers bombing in his first set at Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, feeling “unbelievably...a wreck.” ([07:04])
- Recalls a dog saving him on stage: “My dog got bigger laughs than I did that night....came up on stages, a dog might when the dog senses that you need to be rescued.” ([07:04])
Playwriting Frustrations:
- Stand-up became a means to get writing out: “To be a playwright, put the play in a bottle and throw it in water—it'll be read faster than if it's sent to an American theater.” ([07:53])
Comedy Influences:
- Grew up on Carlin, Nichols & May, Newhart, and Shelly Berman: “Those two, oddly enough, had a big effect because they told stories. They were storytellers.” ([09:12])

3. Notable Moments & Memorable Quotes

On Rantcast and Public Grievances:
- Lewis discusses his podcast ‘Rantcast’, reading listener rants:
  “The extraordinary thing is how angry Americans are about peanut butter...he wrote literally a seven minute soliloquy.” ([10:07])
- On CVS/ Walgreens Receipts:
  “You bought two things and they hand you a 12-foot scroll.” ([11:21])
On Cursing in Comedy:
- “I realized early on that I was using [swear words] to think of what I was going to say next. It was kind of my pause.” ([11:51])
On Returning to Writing Plays:
- “I had to become a comic to get the plays published, which should give you an idea of just how wonderful the American theater is.” ([13:16])

4. Leanne Morgan Joins the Conversation ([13:45])

On Allowing Houseguests:
- “I'd say two or three [days]. My nerves are shot...I think as I get older, like three days.” ([14:18])
On Grandkids:
- “Never. They can stay with me for the rest of their life.” (Leanne, [14:43])
On Product Endorsements for Women:
- Leanne jokes about being offered ads for the shingles vaccine:
  “I've had shingles three times, boys. I hate to say that...” ([16:58])
Public Service Moment:
- Discussion about the severity of shingles—Lewis and Leanne both share vaccination stories ([17:11–17:44])

5. Commercial parodies & Movie Pitch

Commercial Satire:
- Jokes about possible lawyer commercials:
  “I should be a lawyer. And just without any Law degree. Just go in there and tell.” (Lewis, [18:15])
- Peyton Manning’s ubiquity in ads:
  “You got to look more like Peyton Manning. Got those ads. Nothing irritates me more.” (Lewis, [18:51])
Movie Pitch, Leanne & Lewis:
- The crew jokes about a potential hard-R comedy featuring Leanne and Lewis as a married couple at odds:
  “But we get to make out.” (Leanne, [15:35])

6. Both Comics’ First Times on Stage

Leanne Morgan’s Origin Story:
- Emceed for Kiwanis in Morristown, TN, then did an hour at a local coffee shop:
  “I did get a few laughs. But it was probably shocking stuff. I mean, I don't even know. ...I was grasping and pulling stuff out of my butt. But that was the first time I did 45 minutes to an hour.” ([19:46])
- She continued in open mics, working her way up in San Antonio, then touring.
On Her Current Work:
- “Everybody says I look prettier because I got made a little money lately…My breasts are not as mamoish. Can I say mammoish?” (Leanne, [21:42])

Notable Segments & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |:---------:|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:17 | Lewis Black introduced; voice work and product endorsements | | 04:41 | Lewis Black on being Santa on SpongeBob | | 05:52 | Lewis’s first stand-up at Cat’s Cradle; the dog story | | 07:53 | Playwriting vs. stand-up; advice to aspiring playwrights | | 10:03 | Lewis on ‘Rantcast’ podcast and people’s odd rants | | 11:51 | On using curse words in comedy | | 13:36 | Working on a new play, becoming a comic for exposure | | 13:45 | Leanne Morgan joins, guest limit discussion | | 14:43 | Leanne on grandkids as houseguests | | 16:29 | Leanne discusses shingles and PSA with Lewis Black | | 18:15 | Commercial parody: Lewis as an angry lawyer | | 19:46 | Leanne recalls her first (long!) stand-up set | | 21:42 | Leanne on her new Netflix special and newfound “glamour” |

Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is light, informal, and brimming with sharp one-liners, affectionate teasing, and a sense of camaraderie. Lewis Black’s signature wry discontent meets Leanne Morgan’s Southern charm and openness. The hosts facilitate with respect and humor, making for an engaging and insightful listen.

Standout Quotes

Lewis Black on Voiceover Work:

“No, because they don’t realize the power that I have.” ([03:45])
On Stand-Up Nerves:

“My dog got bigger laughs than I did that night.” ([07:04])
On Theatrical Rejection:

“Put the play in a bottle and throw it in water—it’ll be read faster than if it’s sent to an American theater.” ([07:53])
Leanne Morgan on Houseguests:

“I'd say two or three [days]. My nerves are shot... I think as I get older, like three days.” ([14:18])
On Commercial Endorsements:

“You got to look more like Peyton Manning. Got those ads. Nothing irritates me more.” (Lewis, [18:51])
Leanne Morgan on Shingles:

"I've had shingles three times, boys. I hate to say that...” ([16:58])

In Summary

This lively “B&T Extra” episode dishes out laughs, career insight, and genuine chemistry between two distinct generations of comedic talent. From the struggles of making it in show business and the quirks of American consumer life, to hilarious exchanges about family, health, and voice work, listeners are treated to a fast-paced, joke-filled glimpse into the minds of comedic masters Lewis Black and Leanne Morgan.

The BOB & TOM Show Free Podcast