The Curse of Johnny Carson

Most young people only have a vague idea of who Johnny Carson is if they have even heard of him at all. But for anyone 40 and older, you probably remember him as the host of The Tonight Show.

From 1962-1992, Johnny Carson ruled the airwaves as the King of Late Night. If you were a stand-up comedian in the late 70’s through the early 90’s, you got invited over to the couch to talk to Johnny after your 5-minute set, you were now Hollywood royalty. 

Every comedian on the planet wanted to be like Johnny Carson. In 1992, when Johnny Carson retired, everyone thought that David Letterman would be a shoe-in as the new host. And why not? Letterman’s own late-night show had been following Johnny Carson for the last ten years, and it was no secret that he idolized Carson. And in turn, Johnny personally liked David Letterman more than Jay Leno. 

The TV world was scandalized when the tonight show hosting spot went to Leno instead. As a result, Letterman moved to CBS to start his own show opposite Jay Leno.

On today's episode, Kent shares the importance of giving the world the most valuable gift you can possibly offer: yourself.

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