Don't Be Alone with Jay Kogen : BONUS EPISODE! Author/Director Rick Beren Says Jay Would Learn More In Jail
SHOW NOTES
Rick and Jay talk about stupid mistakes, shoe money, James Burrows, Cheers, directing people, not getting the girl, and the moment you reveal your big secret and no one cares.
Bio: Rick Beren grew up in the Sixties and Seventies in the very liberal Bay Area. Even then, he managed to push the boundaries of tolerance of his parents, teachers, and eventually, the law. Mostly minor indiscretions, and all (always) in the pursuit of fun, but it landed him in the Vacaville State prison for selling one quarter gram of cocaine. The quality was so poor, he should’ve been convicted of false advertising. Anyway, his girlfriend also was sent to State prison (unfortunately, not by his side) for women. She had sold the same undercover agent, some 200 amphetamine pills. They were in college at the time (1977) and spent about 5 months in jail. The story of Ricks book is told with humor, compassion and a what the fuck attitude of how could this little, entitled, Jew end up in prison with Charles Manson and his ilk? As I say, He was probably always headed in that direction. Speaking of direction. In less than five years after his release, he was the director's assistant on his favorite show, Cheers. Rick found his life calling and immersed himself in the bliss of being around these amazingly talented people. He worked his way up the ladder and became a director himself and on that very show! He went on to direct many shows and worked in the industry for four decades. Along the way, he fell into an amazing relationship (with a girl who was not an ex-con) and they have two (so far not ex-con) daughters. Life turned out pretty fucking great. And the highlight of his life and career was being able to spend time with Jay ( the legend) Kogen in an intimate (edited) two hour conversation. Jay wants his time backing the form of a poker game where he can monetize his efforts.
Bio: Rick Beren grew up in the Sixties and Seventies in the very liberal Bay Area. Even then, he managed to push the boundaries of tolerance of his parents, teachers, and eventually, the law. Mostly minor indiscretions, and all (always) in the pursuit of fun, but it landed him in the Vacaville State prison for selling one quarter gram of cocaine. The quality was so poor, he should’ve been convicted of false advertising. Anyway, his girlfriend also was sent to State prison (unfortunately, not by his side) for women. She had sold the same undercover agent, some 200 amphetamine pills. They were in college at the time (1977) and spent about 5 months in jail. The story of Ricks book is told with humor, compassion and a what the fuck attitude of how could this little, entitled, Jew end up in prison with Charles Manson and his ilk? As I say, He was probably always headed in that direction. Speaking of direction. In less than five years after his release, he was the director's assistant on his favorite show, Cheers. Rick found his life calling and immersed himself in the bliss of being around these amazingly talented people. He worked his way up the ladder and became a director himself and on that very show! He went on to direct many shows and worked in the industry for four decades. Along the way, he fell into an amazing relationship (with a girl who was not an ex-con) and they have two (so far not ex-con) daughters. Life turned out pretty fucking great. And the highlight of his life and career was being able to spend time with Jay ( the legend) Kogen in an intimate (edited) two hour conversation. Jay wants his time backing the form of a poker game where he can monetize his efforts.
Don't Be Alone with Jay Kogen
Join Jay Kogen, former stand-up actor and award-winning comedy writer, as he shares his great stories from his decades in show business on his podcast, "Don't Be Alone with Jay Kogen." With a mission to fight disconnection in modern life, Jay invites funny, smart, and interesting guests to tackle life issues he's dealing with. From stand-ups to actors, writers to artists, Jay's guests are always entertaining. Tune in to Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere you get your podcasts to listen to "Don't Be Alone with Jay Kogen" and be prepared for some awkward but nice conversations.
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