Big Broadway Energy: with host Stephen Riordan and guest Helen Keaney
Season 2, Episode 1041, Aug 20, 12:57 PM
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🎙️ Big Broadway Energy – Episode with Helen Keaney
Host: Stephen Riordan
Guest: Helen Keaney – Comedian, Actor, Former HSN Host
In this episode of Big Broadway Energy, host Stephen Riordan reconnects with longtime friend and comedian Helen Keaney. With nearly two decades of friendship between them, the conversation is both funny, and deeply reflective of artistic journeys, reinvention, and resilience.
🧵 Episode Highlights:
Host: Stephen Riordan
Guest: Helen Keaney – Comedian, Actor, Former HSN Host
In this episode of Big Broadway Energy, host Stephen Riordan reconnects with longtime friend and comedian Helen Keaney. With nearly two decades of friendship between them, the conversation is both funny, and deeply reflective of artistic journeys, reinvention, and resilience.
🧵 Episode Highlights:
-
HSN Origins & Oddities:
- Helen recounts her unexpected audition for HSN (Home Shopping Network) in an empty studio, eventually leading to a 17-year hosting career.
- They reflect on the surreal and often star-studded world of shopping TV, including celebrity encounters with Shaquille O’Neal, Liza Minnelli, Wendy Williams, Betsy Johnson, and Nene Leakes.
- Hilarious behind-the-scenes stories
- Helen recounts her unexpected audition for HSN (Home Shopping Network) in an empty studio, eventually leading to a 17-year hosting career.
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Stand-Up & Survival:
- Helen shares her roots in stand-up comedy, starting in NYC after a liberating divorce and a “what do I have to lose?” mindset.
- Toured with Three Blonde Moms, appeared on Comedy Central, VH1, NBC, and more.
- Her style is personal, observational, and honest—she proudly defies boundaries, especially as a female comic in a once male-dominated field.
- Helen shares her roots in stand-up comedy, starting in NYC after a liberating divorce and a “what do I have to lose?” mindset.
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The Art of Reinvention:
- After HSN relocated to Pennsylvania, Helen opted out, choosing to return to stand-up full-time.
- She’s now embracing life on the road again, performing in clubs, cruises, and senior communities across Florida and beyond.
- Helen talks about motherhood, raising her daughter as a single mom, and watching her thrive as an adult—and now fiancée!
- After HSN relocated to Pennsylvania, Helen opted out, choosing to return to stand-up full-time.
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Stephen’s Stand-Up Cameo:
- Stephen recalls his brief foray into stand-up—performing as Helen’s opening act, terrified and over-scripted.
- Helen teases him: “I’ve never seen anyone hate doing stand-up more!”
- Stephen recalls his brief foray into stand-up—performing as Helen’s opening act, terrified and over-scripted.
-
What Art Means to Helen:
- Art is self-expression, a human necessity—not just something for accolades or applause.
- She emphasizes the cultural importance of creativity, the undervaluing of the arts in the U.S., and draws comparisons to how theater is revered in places like the UK.
- Art is self-expression, a human necessity—not just something for accolades or applause.
🎠Takeaways:
-
Helen Keaney is a master of reinvention, comedy, and authenticity.
- Her journey from NYC actor to LA comic to HSN host and back to stand-up is an inspiring reminder that creative careers aren’t linear.
- She's proof that humor, grit, and a little bougie spirit can take you far—whether you're working overnights or doing cartwheels with Betsy Johnson.
đź”— Connect with Helen:
- Website: www.helenkeaney.com
- Instagram: @theofficialhelenkeaney
Do you love Broadway hits?
 🎠The music version of Big Broadway Energy airs Sundays at 5 PM onRadioStPete.com + Sunshine 96.7 FM in St. Petersburg, FL, with an encore the following Saturday at 4PM on St Pete Sounds found on RadioStPete.com.
ABOUT STEPHEN RIORDAN Â Stephen Riordan is an arts professional with over 25 years of experience as an actor, director, producer, writer, host, and casting director. He has worked on both Broadway and off-Broadway productions in New York, as well as extensively throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Recently, Stephen co-founded the Dead Canary Theatre Company with two fellow artists in St. Petersburg, and DCT is now the resident company at The Studio @ 620 in Downtown St. Petersburg. Every Sunday at 5 p.m., Stephen shares his thoughts on his favorite Broadway shows, songs, and stars on "Big Broadway Energy." His podcast of the same name features theater professionals and educators who are committed to keeping the arts at the forefront of the Tampa Bay community.
#BigBroadwayEnergy # #WomenInComedy #TampaBayComics #SupportTheArts #EmptyNesterEnergy #LocalComedy #RadioStPete #StephenRiordan #HelenKeaneyÂ
 🎠The music version of Big Broadway Energy airs Sundays at 5 PM onRadioStPete.com + Sunshine 96.7 FM in St. Petersburg, FL, with an encore the following Saturday at 4PM on St Pete Sounds found on RadioStPete.com.
ABOUT STEPHEN RIORDAN Â Stephen Riordan is an arts professional with over 25 years of experience as an actor, director, producer, writer, host, and casting director. He has worked on both Broadway and off-Broadway productions in New York, as well as extensively throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Recently, Stephen co-founded the Dead Canary Theatre Company with two fellow artists in St. Petersburg, and DCT is now the resident company at The Studio @ 620 in Downtown St. Petersburg. Every Sunday at 5 p.m., Stephen shares his thoughts on his favorite Broadway shows, songs, and stars on "Big Broadway Energy." His podcast of the same name features theater professionals and educators who are committed to keeping the arts at the forefront of the Tampa Bay community.
#BigBroadwayEnergy # #WomenInComedy #TampaBayComics #SupportTheArts #EmptyNesterEnergy #LocalComedy #RadioStPete #StephenRiordan #HelenKeaneyÂ