Comedy Saved Me Podcast Premieres

Premiere Networks and media executive and consultant Buzz Knight have announced the launch of a new podcast, Comedy Saved Me hosted by TV and radio veteran Lynn Hoffman. The new show will debut Monday, June 9, 2025, with iHeartPodcasts.

Joining Buzz Knight Media’s lineup of popular podcasts — which includes “Takin’ A Walk” and “Music Saved Me” — Comedy Saved Me is a new, weekly podcast that celebrates the healing power of humor.

Boy, do we need that now.

In each episode, Hoffman will sit down with comedians, entertainers, and cultural voices to share personal, powerful stories about how comedy changed their lives, and sometimes even saved them.

“Lifting people up, making them laugh, and inspiring them is one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet, and it’s exactly why I got into the entertainment business,” said Hoffman. “A heartfelt thank you to Premiere Networks, and to my longtime friend, mentor, and producer Buzz Knight, for once again giving me the incredible platform and opportunity to showcase these talented comedians and entertainers and share their stories.”

“I’m grateful to Julie Talbott and Premiere for embracing our new ‘Comedy Saved Me’ podcast, and I’m thrilled once again to be teaming up with the talented Lynn Hoffman as we share laughter and

meaningful stories with listeners everywhere,” said Knight. “It’s truly outstanding to be part of the iHeartPodcast network with another show.”

Lynn Hoffman is a television and radio host, interviewer, producer, voice-over artist, and host of the “Music Saved Me” podcast. From hosting the Emmy Award™ winning series “Private Sessions” on

A&E to VH1 Classic VJ and the host of her own New York City morning radio show, Lynn has interviewed, worked with, produced, and befriended some of the greatest legends in the music and

entertainment business. For more information, visit https://lynnhoffmanvo.com/.

The comedy business, as a significant segment of the entertainment and media (E&M) industry, contributes substantially to the overall economy through various avenues, including:

The global E&M industry is projected to reach US$3.4 trillion by 2028, with large new revenue pools emerging in areas like advertising and streaming. Total global E&M revenue in 2023 reached US$2.8 trillion, growing at a rate of 5%. The industry is expected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% over the next five years.

The business of making people laugh has been booming over the last decade — closing in on $1 billion in ticket sales for live comedy shows last year, Pollstar data shows, per Bloomberg. Netflix just aired one of its longest-ever stretches of live comedy specials. They'll play a big role in the platform's overall content strategy going forward, so expect comedy to continue to grow as an industry.

The rise of streaming TV specials has forced comedians to change their workflow. They now need to write a new hour of material for a special every couple of years and have new material for when they go back on tour. But most comedians don’t see specials as their primary source of income. Much as musicians release new albums to tour, comedians tape specials to drive viewers to their live sets.

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Buzz Knight Media to bring Comedy Saved Me to iHeartPodcasts,” said Julie Talbott, President of Premiere Networks. “This new podcast is equal parts candid, heartfelt, and funny, and a good reminder that humor can lead to healing.”

Buzz Knight is the founder and CEO of Buzz Knight Media, a consulting firm that helps media companies grow and innovate in the areas of content, talent, platform, and technology. He also hosts two podcasts that showcase his passion and knowledge of music history and culture.

Premiere Networks is a subsidiary of iHeartMedia, reaching approximately 250 million listeners monthly. Premiere features the following personalities: Ryan Seacrest, Delilah, Steve Harvey, Clay Travis, Buck Sexton, Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd, Elvis Duran, Mario Lopez, and Bobby Bones, to name the best of its celebrity roster.