45: From SNL to Real Life: Gary Kroeger Talks Fame, Family & The Grind

49: Zach Selwyn

Find everything Zach Selwyn at: https://zachselwyn.com/ Zach Selwyn joins Coop for a wide-ranging conversation about building a career without fitting into one box. From almost winning ESPN’s Dream Job to creating music, sketch comedy, viral digital series, and acting alongside the Trailer Park Boys, Zach breaks down the realities of surviving Hollywood long-term.They dive into the changing entertainment industry, Substack culture, LA’s creative decline, cannabis media, corporate freestyle rapping, rejection, reinvention, and why quitting was never an option. This episode is a masterclass in adaptability, creativity, and betting on yourself when the industry keeps moving the goalposts.#comedytrainrek #coopscomedycorner #zachselwyn #comedypodcast #hollywoodstories #standupcomedy #podcastclips #entertainmentindustry

48: Del Taco Dan to Raising Hope | Gregg Binkley’s 35-Year Acting Journey

Actor and longtime Hollywood character staple Gregg Binkley joins Steve Cooper for a deep, honest conversation about surviving—and thriving—in the entertainment industry for over 35 years. Gregg shares his journey from Kansas to Hollywood, becoming a pop-culture icon as Del Taco Dan, landing recurring and series-regular roles on My Name Is Earl and Raising Hope, and working alongside legends like Cloris Leachman. He opens up about humility, side hustles, auditions, acting philosophy, and what it really takes to stay ready in an unpredictable industry. An essential episode for actors, creatives, and anyone curious about the reality behind a long Hollywood career.

47: Peter Breitmayer on Fargo Auditions and Surviving Hollywood

Actor Peter Breitmayer joins Steve Cooper for a thoughtful, funny, and brutally honest conversation about life as a working actor in Hollywood. From his time on Fargo and working with the Coen Brothers, to unforgettable experiences on Clint Eastwood sets, Peter breaks down what really happens behind the scenes — and why most auditions have nothing to do with talent. Peter opens up about self-tapes vs in-room auditions, rejection, roles that sting, the Midwest acting “mafia,” and how surviving 25 years in the business requires humility, discipline, and perspective. This is a must-watch episode for actors, creatives, and anyone curious how the industry actually works.

46: From Dennis Miller to Law & Order – Eddie Feldman’s Wild Ride

Coop sits down with five-time Emmy-winning writer Eddie Feldman to talk about his insane journey from working with troubled kids in Massachusetts to writing for Dennis Miller, winning Emmys at HBO, and penning episodes of Law & Order. Eddie shares how a single political joke in a hotel room turned into a job, what it was really like in that legendary writers’ room, and why walking around the Emmys with a statue in each hand is the ultimate Hollywood cheat code. They dive into the grind of late-night TV, the politics of Hollywood, getting older in a young person’s business, and how Eddie went from a small-town deli kid to “the first guy who got out,” according to Jimmy Fallon. Plus: Don Rickles, Christopher Hitchens, John McCain, WWE, and why writers are basically always unemployed and always hustling.

45: From SNL to Real Life: Gary Kroeger Talks Fame, Family & The Grind

Gary Kroeger — actor, comedian, writer, and former Saturday Night Live cast member — joins Coop for an incredible conversation about Hollywood, comedy, career pivots, and why Iowa might just be the real showbiz capital of the Midwest. They get into the early days of SNL, the realities of working in television, what fame really feels like, and how life changes when you step away from the spotlight and rediscover who you really are.From family to politics to personal reinvention, Gary covers it all with honesty, humor, perspective, and that unmistakable performer’s charm. This is one of those conversations that reminds you why storytelling matters — and why the comedy world still has room for people with something real to say. Enjoy the episode!#coopscomedycorner #comedyinterview #snlalumni #garykroeger #comedypodcast #standupcomedy #podcastlife #hollywoodstories #actinglife #comediansofyoutube #comedytrainrek #coopertalk #snl 00:00 – SNL Kroger Rule 01:30 – 10 Second Intro 01:40 – Bob Dubac Show Canceled 02:08 – Gary Kroeger Joins the Show 03:39 – Move from Iowa to Vermont 05:52 – SNL 50th Anniversay Special 10:05 – SNL 40th Was Special 13:22 – Path to SNL 16:48 – Meeting Julia Louis-Dreyfus at Northwestern 19:34 – Auditioning & Landing SNL 2nd Cast 24:00 – Working with Biggest Stars & Music Acts 26:39 – Wild Robert Plant Stories 28:14 – First SNL Episode Experience 34:51 – Don Rickles & Eddie Murphy Classic Sketches 36:49 – Working with Young Eddie Murphy 39:21 – Working with Major Stars 41:08 – Getting Robert Blake Banned from SNL 43:19 – SNL Fires Most, Almost Canceled48:20 – Life after SNL 52:05 – Working in Community Theater 54:26 – Community, Purpose & Family 56:38– Closing Plugs