160 Andrew Buss and the Conan/Letterman Oral History

Episode 160: Andrew L. Buss – The Oral Historian Extraordinaire This week’s guest is Andrew L. Buss, a prolific writer and oral historian who has meticulously documented some of pop culture’s most iconic projects, including The Jerk, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, High Fidelity, Freaks and Geeks, Clerks: The Animated Series, and more. As an assistant, collaborator, and protégé of the late Bill Zehme, Andrew has written for Consequence of Sound, Vulture, Vanity Fair, and LateNighter.com. He is also recognized as an Andy Kaufman historian. In this lively episode, Andrew and Mike dive deep into the art of storytelling and the nuanced history of late-night television. They focus on Late Bloomer, Andrew’s oral history for Vanity Fair chronicling Conan O’Brien’s succession of David Letterman as the host of Late Night and the extraordinary year that followed. With interviews from all the main players—including David Letterman himself—this piece offers a fascinating perspective on the transition and legacy of late-night television. Have you visited Hello-Deli.com lately? The only place in the world to grab officially licensed Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, brought to you by the one and only Rupert Jee. Check it out—you’ll thank us later. Support the Show! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe. Leave us a positive comment or two—Mike’s self-esteem is directly linked to your feedback!