Eddie Brill interviews fellow top comics for his 'The Break' podcast

Eddie Brill, left, and Mario Cantone

Not unlike the illustrious musicians in the Late Show with David Letterman house band, long-time Late Show stand-up talent coordinator/warmup comedian Eddie Brill has kept himself busy since the show's end—to say the least.

Brill's main project at the moment is a new podcast, The Break with Eddie Brill, available free at iTunes and SoundCloud. Episodes commenced in October, so far featuring fellow comedians Mario Cantone, Susie Essman, Steven Wright, Kevin Meaney and Todd Barry. Upcoming are Colin Quinn, Caroline Rhea, Jim Breuer and Allan Havey.

"The concept is mainly finding out about what brought these comedians to where they are today," explains Brill, "especially about their childhood and their nascent beginnings. Who was funny in the house? How did they end up going from liking comedy to becoming a comedian? How did they get their big break? Was it one moment that changed it all, or was it a series of challenges that were overcome to make it big? Questions like that."

Brill has always loved radio, he notes, "because I respect the art of creating without visuals. So when the good folks at [New York comedy club] Stand Up NY contacted me about joining their team and creating a podcast, I didn’t have to think twice."

The Break with Eddie Brill is produced by Pat Buckles, "who has worked with almost every major comedy TV show and festival in the world," says Brill. "My friend Chris Phillips put together the intro, and I got permission from E of the Eels to use his song 'Peach Blossom' as the theme. The studio is in Stand Up NY labs above the club."

A top funnyman in his own right, Brill still does "a ton of stand-up comedy" and has been diligently writing a memoir.

"I've put together nearly 170 stories from my life," he says. "It’s been an incredible ride and I can share my long history from both sides of the camera."

He also continues his role as creative director of The Great American Comedy Festival, to honor Johnny Carson next June during its 10th anniversary—and 25th year following Carson's retirement.

"I also help book the Woodstock Comedy Festival which raises money for anti-human trafficking and women’s shelters," says Brill, "and I have many other projects in the works. It’s an exciting time."