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| Tom Scharpling | |
|---|---|
| Name | Tom Scharpling |
| Occupation | Radio host; comedian; writer; producer; voice actor; editor |
Tom Scharpling is an American radio host, comedian, writer, producer, and voice actor known for his long-running prank call comedy, satirical character work, and contributions to television and podcasts. He is notable for a distinctive deadpan delivery and for collaborations with a wide range of comedians, musicians, and writers across radio, television, and online media. His work intersects with alternative comedy, indie rock, and public radio traditions.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Scharpling attended local schools in the United States and participated in community arts influenced by regional scenes such as New York City and Philadelphia. His formative years coincided with cultural movements tied to venues like CBGB and institutions such as Rutgers University and Princeton University that shaped the Northeast creative ecosystem. Early influences included figures and media associated with Saturday Night Live, National Public Radio, and the comedy circuits tied to Comedy Central and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
Scharpling's career spans radio, television, print, and digital platforms, intersecting with networks and entities including WFMU, Adult Swim, IFC, Bravo (US TV channel), NBC, CBS, and HBO. He has collaborated with comedians and writers from scenes connected to Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, and Tina Fey as well as indie musicians associated with labels like Matador Records, Sub Pop, Merge Records, and XL Recordings. His editorial and production work relates to publications and outlets such as The New Yorker, Esquire (magazine), Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and The A.V. Club. Scharpling's collaborations extend to producers and creators linked to Saturday Night Live (SNL), Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan O'Brien, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Scharpling hosted a long-running radio program on WFMU, during which he developed recurring bits, character work, and call-in segments that connected with DJs and artists from stations like KEXP, KCRW, BBC Radio 6 Music, and NPR Music. The program fostered relationships with musicians and cultural figures including members of The National (band), Yo La Tengo, Sufjan Stevens, David Byrne, and Thom Yorke as well as comedians from the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and institutions such as The Second City. The show’s format and archival presence link to online platforms and projects similar to Podcast One, Radiotopia, and Maximum Fun.
Scharpling's television writing and production credits include collaborations with creators and shows connected to Adult Swim, IFC, SNL Studios, and networks like Fox Broadcasting Company. He has worked alongside writers and producers tied to programs such as The Sarah Silverman Program, Parks and Recreation, Arrested Development, Portlandia, and 30 Rock. His film-related projects intersect with independent production companies and festivals including Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, Tribeca Film Festival, and distributors such as A24 and IFC Films.
Scharpling has provided voice work in projects associated with animation studios and series including Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Netflix, and Hulu, collaborating with voice casts and creators from shows like Rick and Morty, Adventure Time, Bob's Burgers, and Archer (TV series). His podcast appearances and co-hosting roles place him within networks with shows featuring personalities from Marc Maron (WTF with Marc Maron), Joe Rogan (The Joe Rogan Experience), Ira Glass (This American Life), and producers connected to Wondery and Gimlet Media. Guest and recurring collaborators include comedians and performers affiliated with Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, Kristen Schaal, Fred Armisen, and Bill Hader.
Scharpling resides in the United States and maintains connections with the indie music community, comedy venues, and cultural institutions including Brooklyn Academy of Music, Lincoln Center, and regional clubs such as The Comedy Store and Carolines on Broadway. He has engaged in charitable and benefit events linked to organizations and causes associated with Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and arts funding initiatives similar to those supported by National Endowment for the Arts and private foundations tied to Rockefeller Foundation and Ford Foundation.
Scharpling's contributions have been acknowledged in contexts related to media awards and festivals such as the Peabody Awards, Webby Awards, Emmy Awards, and honors presented at Sundance Film Festival and SXSW. His work has been cited in critical and industry outlets including Variety (magazine), The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard (magazine), and NME for influence on alternative comedy, radio comedy archives, and cross-media collaboration.
Category:American radio personalities Category:American comedians Category:American voice actors