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Dead Pilots Society

Dead Pilots Society

Written by: Ben Blacker and Andrew Reich
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In Dead Pilots Society, scripts that were developed by studios and networks but were never produced are given the table reads they deserve. Starring actors you know and love from television and film, a live audience, and a good time in which no one gets notes, no one is fired, and everyone laughs. Presented by Andrew Reich (Friends; Worst Week) Ben Blacker (The Writers Panel podcast; co-creator, Thrilling Adventure Hour), and Noah Findling (The New York Times, Comedy Central). Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Episode 193: Ginger Gonzaga Interview
    Feb 26 2026

    Episode 193: Ginger Gonzaga Interview

    This is the After Show for Yellow, featuring Andrew’s conversation with writer and actor Ginger Gonzaga.

    Many listeners know Ginger from her roles in Marvel’s She-Hulk, CBS’s True Lies, Showtime’s Kidding, I’m Dying Up Here, HBO’s Togetherness, and Room 104. But in this episode, the spotlight shifts to her as a creator as well as a performer.

    Andrew and Ginger talk about coming up in the heavily male improv scene of the early 2000s, the delicate (and sometimes not-so-delicate) politics of improvising in auditions and on set, and how her background in high school speech and debate shaped her confidence as a storyteller. She also shares a wild story about pitching a show centered on mental health at a time when that topic wasn’t exactly trending in development meetings or even in the national conversation.

    It’s candid, funny, and full of insight about carving out space as a performer and writer. Most of all, it makes clear just how much Yellow means to her.

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Episode 192: Yellow Written by Ginger Gonzaga
    Feb 19 2026

    Episode 192: Yellow Written by Ginger Gonzaga

    This month’s live episode features Yellow, a pilot written by Ginger Gonzaga. Most people know Ginger from her work in front of the camera—she’s appeared in Marvel’s She-Hulk, CBS’s True Lies, Showtime’s Kidding, I’m Dying Up Here, HBO’s Togetherness, and Room 104. Yellow showcases her voice as a writer.

    After being arrested, following a very public hypomanic episode Pepper, A witty visual artist is court ordered to live in a halfway house with an ensemble of lovable misfits that she deems crazier than herself. This soulful and at times surreal dramedy follows pepper as she navigates her artistic career. The tone moves fluidly between grounded emotion and offbeat humor, building a layered ensemble piece that feels both personal and expansive.

    Ginger leads the cast in the live performance, surrounded by an incredible group of actors including Luke Tennie (Shrinking), Burl Moseley (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Kyle Bornheimer (St. Denis Medical), Lauren Potter (Glee), Mel Rodriguez (The Residence, Last Man on Earth), Lucy Parks Urbano (actor/playwright), Bryan Safi (Throwing Shade), Beth Dover (Orange Is the New Black, Nobody Wants This), Jessica Sula (Split, Michael), with stage direction by Andrew Reich.

    Video of the live table read is available exclusively to Maximum Fun members. Become a member for as little as $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join.

    And don’t forget to check out Andrew’s documentary Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story at

    https://www.reddkrossfilm.com/

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 191: Text Thread Dead Pilot Summit
    Jan 29 2026

    Episode 191: Text Thread Dead Pilot Summit

    This special episode of Dead Pilots Society brings together the writers behind the last two pilots for a sort of Text Thread Dead Pilot Summit. The conversation features Aaron Brownstein and Simon Ganz, writers of Guy Text, alongside Mike Gagerman and Andrew Waller, writers of The Thread.


    Andrew brings all four writers together for a deeper, side-by-side look at their creative processes.What makes the conversation especially unique is the generosity on display. Rather than competing, the writers openly praise what they admired in each other’s pilots, offering thoughtful insight into how similar ideas can emerge independently, without imitation.

    It’s a rare, candid conversation about writing partnerships, creative overlap, and the realities of comedy writing, presented without ads or interruptions—just four writers talking honestly about the work.

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    1 hr and 16 mins
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