Lorne Michaels
Mentioned in 58 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows
Creator and executive producer of Saturday Night Live, responsible for casting decisions, editorial direction, and mentorship of numerous performers across decades. Known for his distinctive leadership style, production expertise, and influence on sketch comedy—including recommending Conan O'Brien for late-night television and developing talent like Bob Odenkirk and Tracy Morgan. Frequently discussed in podcasts for his business philosophy, iconic habits during table reads, and role as a father figure to SNL cast members.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon · May 21, 2026
Michael Che
“SNL creator; mentioned as mentor figure who taught Che about comfort, home life, and 'nighttime yes' principle”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · May 20, 2026
RE-RELEASE - Molly Shannon
“SNL creator praised for his leadership, loyalty, and ability to nurture talent without micromanaging”
Good Hang with Amy Poehler · May 19, 2026
Paula Pell
“SNL creator who hired Pell and shaped her career trajectory over 18 years”
Celebrity Jobber Podcast with Jeff Zito · May 15, 2026
Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito - Jim Breuer
“Paced during Brewer's SNL audition; hired him 10 days before the show aired”
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce · May 13, 2026
NFL Schedule Predictions & Colin Jost on SNL Finale, Joke Swaps and Life as the Plus One | Ep 191
“SNL creator and decision-maker, discussed in context of hiring process and show leadership”
Stavvy's World · May 11, 2026
#180 - Robert Smigel
“Hired Smigel for SNL; gave key advice about making cast look good rather than writer”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · May 7, 2026
Hank Azaria Talks Conan, Walken, Pitt, and Springsteen
“Referenced in context of SNL casting decisions and institutional politics around Conan O'Brien's hiring”
So Money with Farnoosh Torabi · May 6, 2026
1979: Mrs. Dow Jones on Why the Old Money Rules Don't Work Anymore
“Haley previously worked as creative social producer for his content initiatives”
SmartLess · May 4, 2026
"Colin Jost"
“SNL creator who interviewed Jost for writer position and gave him time to develop as Weekend Update anchor despite early struggles”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Apr 29, 2026
RE-RELEASE - Tony Hawk
“SNL creator; Hawk discussed his recent SNL appearance and cameo in Miss Universe pageant skit”
Good Hang with Amy Poehler · Apr 28, 2026
Jon Hamm
“SNL creator and producer; implied influence on the show's culture and casting decisions”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Apr 23, 2026
Mark Normand Might Just Be Norm Macdonald Light
“Referenced for quote about career momentum and relevance in entertainment”
Unspooled · Apr 23, 2026
The Devil Wears Prada
“Compared to Miranda Priestly regarding soft-spoken control, power dynamics, and loyalty structures”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Apr 22, 2026
RE-RELEASE - Julia Sweeney
“SNL creator and producer; Julia discusses not having him produce the Pat movie, which she considers a strategic mistake”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Apr 13, 2026
Traveling w/ Keanu Reeves & Golfing w/ Tiger Woods
“Documentary subject; discussed regarding his role as SNL producer for half a century”
Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster · Apr 8, 2026
John Mulaney
“SNL producer mentioned in context of dinner etiquette and bathroom habits during show dinners”
Good Hang with Amy Poehler · Apr 7, 2026
Fred Armisen
“SNL creator and showrunner; Fred discussed his relationship with Lorne and how he stayed connected after leaving the show”
Are You A Charlotte? · Apr 2, 2026
What’s it like to date Carrie Bradshaw? Craig Bierko (Ray King) on his incredible scene partner Sarah Jessica Parker…
“Met with Craig Bierko regarding potential integration of 'Bathing with Bierko' into SNL programming”
Blocks w/ Neal Brennan · Apr 2, 2026
Sarah Sherman
“SNL creator; appears in Sherman's recurring anxiety dream about disappointing him”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Apr 1, 2026
RE-RELEASE - Jay Mohr
“SNL's leadership; provided guidance on sketch momentum and guilt-driven motivation”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Mar 26, 2026
Bill O'Reilly Is "Easy To Hate (And That's A Fact)"
“Asked Carvey to do Biden impression; navigating political sensitivities with audience composition”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Mar 25, 2026
RE-RELEASE - Robert Smigel
“SNL creator and decision-maker; discussed his role in sketch selection and cast dynamics”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Mar 19, 2026
Adam Friedland Joins the Old Boys Club
“Referenced regarding SNL audition process and his role in evaluating comedians for the show”
Adam Carolla Show · Mar 15, 2026
Dana Carvey + Jay Mohr (Carolla Classics)
“SNL creator and producer who discovered Dana Carvey and invited him to live at his house during audition process”
Cinephobe · Mar 12, 2026
Cinephobe Ep 303: Tommy Boy
“Served as talent pipeline and GM for SNL cast to film; insisted name change from Billy the Third to avoid Billy Madison confusion”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Mar 11, 2026
RE-RELEASE - Kyle Dunnigan
“SNL creator and decision-maker referenced regarding talent selection and show direction”
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend · Mar 5, 2026
Staff Review With Todd Levin
“SNL producer who taught Conan about writer autonomy and production responsibility in sketch comedy.”
Joe and Jada · Mar 5, 2026
Angie Martinez IRL - Steve Madden: Overcoming Addiction & Building An Empire
“Saturday Night Live creator and entrepreneur; subject of audiobook that inspired Steve Madden's thinking on business leadership”
Angie Martinez IRL · Mar 5, 2026
Steve Madden: Overcoming Addiction & Building An Empire
“Saturday Night Live creator and entrepreneur; Madden listened to audiobook about his business philosophy and legacy”
Fresh Air · Mar 4, 2026
From Beatles break-up to John’s murder, a look at Paul’s transformation
“Saturday Night Live creator and subject of Morgan Neville's upcoming documentary 'Lorne'”
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson · Mar 4, 2026
Keep Paddling with Conan O’Brien
“SNL creator who recommended Conan O'Brien to NBC for Late Night hosting role”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Mar 4, 2026
RE-RELEASE - Cecily Strong
“SNL creator and showrunner; discussed his management style and hiring decisions regarding Strong”
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend · Mar 2, 2026
Johnny Knoxville
“SNL creator who offered Knoxville a weekly video segment that Knoxville declined to pursue Jackass”
Literally! With Rob Lowe · Feb 26, 2026
James Austin Johnson: Scooby Dooby Doo
“SNL creator and executive producer; discussed extensively regarding leadership style, editorial decisions, and cast management”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Feb 25, 2026
RE-RELEASE - Garrett Morris
“SNL creator and producer; made decision to cast Morris on camera after initial resistance from other writers”
Joe and Jada · Feb 23, 2026
The Real Report - Tracy Morgan breaks down near-death crash, 30 Rock & SNL success, Brooklyn roots & being cousins with Nas
“SNL creator who cast Morgan; told him he was picked for being funny, not race; pivotal mentor”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Feb 18, 2026
RE-RELEASE - Chloe Fineman
“SNL leadership discussed for his indirect feedback style and influence on cast development”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Feb 16, 2026
Marcello Hernandez’s SNL 50th Photo Shoot Mystery & VERY Late Super Bowl Hot Takes
“Provided performance notes to cast between dress and air shows regarding audience signaling and articulation”
Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out · Feb 16, 2026
Bob Odenkirk: The Art of Anger in Comedy
“SNL creator and producer who gave Odenkirk opportunity to develop as performer over two years”
Literally! With Rob Lowe · Feb 12, 2026
Rich Eisen: Never Skip the Intro
“SNL producer who reviewed Gary Marshall's punch-up for Rob Lowe's Wayne's World character”
SmartLess · Feb 12, 2026
"RE-RELEASE: Jon Hamm"
“SNL creator who offered Hamm hosting opportunity; Hamm initially declined due to planned Greece trip”
Whiskey Ginger with Andrew Santino · Feb 6, 2026
Frank Caliendo Becomes Everyone! | Whiskey Ginger
“SNL creator and producer who rejected Caliendo during audition/test process”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Feb 5, 2026
Marcello Hernandez (IN STUDIO): New SNL Intersects Old Skool
“SNL leadership discussed regarding mentorship approach, character selection, and decision-making about cast material”
The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast · Jan 28, 2026
Listener Q&A Episode 11 aka Snow Day
“SNL creator and producer; discussed his iconic edamame and popcorn consumption during table reads since early 1990s”
Race Chaser with Alaska & Willam · Jan 21, 2026
Race Chaser S18 E3 “RDR Live!”
“SNL head; referenced for preference for scripted content without surprises or improvisation”
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang · Jan 21, 2026
“Oh, Look! Spider-Man!” (w/ Kristen Wiig)
“SNL creator and executive producer; referenced as father figure to cast members during their tenure”
SmartLess · Jan 12, 2026
"Jennifer Lawrence"
“Referenced for advice about wearing helmets while biking in cities as a visibility/safety strategy”
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang · Jan 7, 2026
"Exit Interview (The Cathartic Episode)" (w/ Matt & Bowen)
“SNL producer; made creative decisions about Bowen's final sketch; known for production expertise”
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang · Dec 24, 2025
"We're Gonna Dance" (w/ Lady Gaga) (RE-RELEASE)
“SNL creator/producer; implied decision-maker for Lady Gaga's hosting and musical guest appearances”
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus · Dec 21, 2025
Presenting: Julia on Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend
“Mark Twain Prize recipient; Conan presented on his behalf.”