No Pain, No Shame a.k.a. Smiling Disease
Produced by Jonathan Katz a.k.a. Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist

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February 2001 Jonathan Katz a.k.a. Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist

Jonathan Katz was the kid at the family party who stuck the microphone in your face. He has the tapes to prove it.

The MP3 file he emailed us, though, is just him. A quiet monologue he made last week at home and sent us after he dropped by Transom.org the first time. “I recorded this piece on the 3rd floor of my house directly to the hard drive of my computer in Cool Edit Pro. The people who make ProTools described Cool Edit Pro as ‘cute’. I hate them.”

The piece falls somewhere between Jonathan and his act, or, as he said, “…somewhere between public radio and comedy.”

What exactly is that place? That’s a question for the discussion board. Have at it.

A little program advisory… for those with delicate sensibilities, there’s one word in the piece which you might not use in conversation with the Queen. It’s employed as an epithet, out of context from its sexual origins. It is also very funny. I guess I should just tell you. We’ll remove the vowel, because by common consent, the vowels are the dirty parts. So… this is the time to turn away. The word is: “PR*CK”. Now, go on about your business.

Oh, regarding those tapes he made as a kid, Jonathan is working with them to make a piece for the Lost & Found Sound series to air on This American Life pretty soon. We’ll keep you posted.

A photo from Jonathan’s scrapbook

One last thing: Though his bio may not mention it, I’d like to note that Jonathan Katz was New York State Ping Pong champion in 1964. He could kick your ass.

Contributor Bio
Jonathan Katz is an accomplished standup comic, musician, actor, and writer. Katz co-created, wrote and starred in the hit pop culture animated series “Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist,” which aired on Comedy Central for the past six seasons and received Emmy, Peabody and CableAce Awards.

His additional television credits include: his own HBO special, a recurring role on CBS’ “Ink,” a role as himself in the final season of HBO’s “The Larry Sanders Show.”

In the feature film arena, he co-wrote the story for the critically-acclaimed film “House of Games” with David Mamet and has appeared in other Mamet films. Katz currently has feature film projects at Dreamworks and FOX 2000.

Originally a musician and songwriter, Katz fronted a rhythm and blues group called “Katz and Jammers” before serving as the musical director for Robin Williams’ 1979 stand-up tour.

Jonathan’s first book, “To Do Lists of the Dead,” published by Andrews McMeel, is now available in book stores. He has a deal with Paramount Television to create and produce half-hour sitcoms.

A native New Yorker, Jonathan moved to Boston fifteen years ago and currently resides in Newton, Massachusetts with his wife and two daughters.

Editor’s note: we recommend a visit to www.jonathankatz.com