A comedy assignment sent Steve Young looking for strange records. It led him into a world of corporate musicals, a documentary, and eventually his own songs.
Steve joins Jay Hicks to talk about writing for David Letterman and following an interest long after its original purpose has passed. What began as material for “Dave's Record Collection” became a fascination with industrial musicals: elaborate shows created for company audiences that most people never knew existed.
That search sits at the heart of Bathtubs Over Broadway. Steve reflects on the people he met, what their work meant to them, and how the experience helped him imagine a creative life beyond television. He also discusses Broken Heart Insurance, learning to write songs later in life, and the vulnerability of putting his own voice into the work.
What We Explore
* Writing comedy in someone else's voice
* The records behind a recurring Letterman segment
* Discovering the world of industrial musicals
* The people and stories in Bathtubs Over Broadway
* Finding a new direction after a long television career
* Songwriting, collaboration, and Broken Heart Insurance
* Humor, heartbreak, and the doubt that comes with making something personal
About Steve Young
Steve Young is a comedy writer, songwriter, and author whose television career includes many years writing for David Letterman. His interest in industrial musicals is the subject of the documentary Bathtubs Over Broadway. His music includes the six-song release Broken Heart Insurance.
More About Steve
https://www.thetragedyacademy.com/guests/steve-young/
The Tragedy Academy
Candid conversations exploring the human experience through tragedy and triumph.
Hosted by Jay Hicks.
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