Oct 2, 2025
This episode will help you KNOW more about the value of
thoughtfully capturing and sharing one’s legacy—and giving credit
where credit is due.
Michael Seth Starr covered television at the New York Post as
a reporter, columnist, critic, and editor for over 28 years. He has
written a filmography of Peter Sellers and biographies of Rodney
Dangerfield, Don Rickles, Bob Newhart, Art Carney, Joey Bishop,
Bobby Darin, Raymond Burr, William Shatner, Redd Foxx, and Ringo
Starr. He has made frequent appearances on television, including
The Today Show, Access Hollywood, Good Morning America, The Early
Show, Larry King Live, Extra, The Late Late Show with Craig
Ferguson, Inside Edition, Entertainment Tonight, and Tavis Smiley.
He lives in New Jersey and can be found online at
MichaelSethStarr.com.
His latest book, NOTHIN' COMES EASY: The Life of Rodney
Dangerfield, is the first biography of the "bug-eyed, sweaty,
herky-jerky, tie-pulling comedian with the doleful countenance."
Dangerfield's indelible beat-down image was played for laughs, but
there were sad truths behind his sad-sack persona.
Dangerfield and Starr have much to teach us about legacy,
persistence, humor, accuracy, and, shall we say,
overexposure.
Podcast Highlights:
• Michael shares his career path in entertainment
journalism
• Randy shares his respect for previous guests Suzanne Somers,
Loretta Swit, Norman Lear and Cindy Williams
• Michael’s most recent biography is about Rodney Dangerfield.
His next biography is about Bob Newhart.
• Michael shares his love for the mid-to-late 20th century era
of comedy.
• Randy shares his admiration for Michael’s extraordinary
level of research and fact checking.
• Michael discusses his commitment to telling a good
story.
• Michael and Randy talk about Rodney spending a lot of time
in a robe with nothing underneath and the subsequent
consequences.
• Michael shares information about Rodney career arc,
including how he achieved success later in life.
• Michael discusses Rodney’s self-respect, or lack
thereof.
• Michael shares his goal to give all his subjects the
attention they deserve.
• Randy shares his admiration for Michael’s ability to capture
names and moments from entertainment history that otherwise may be
lost forever.
• Michael shares his definition of comedy.
• Michael shares what he learned from his exploration of the
life and career of Rodney Dangerfield. (i.e.
stick-to-itiveness)
• Michael shares what he KNOWS
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones is a podcast featuring
host Randall Kenneth Jones (bestselling author, speaker & creative
communications consultant) and Susan C. Bennett (the original voice
of Siri).
ON THE KNOWS is produced and edited by Kevin Randall
Jones.
Michael Seth Starr www.MichaelSethStarr.com
Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com
Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com
Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com