Inside the Sitcom Writer’s Room: Career Lessons from Dawn DeKeyser

Sitcom Writer

Join us to explore career tips from sitcom writer Dawn DeKeyser, who shares insights and job advice for the aspiring writes,

What does it really take to make people laugh for a living? That’s the job of Dawn DeKeyser, a veteran comedy writer for hit shows like Ugly Betty and News Radio. She pulls back the curtain on the world of television writing career.

Dawn describes the collaborative chaos of a writer's room - a place she calls "a full contact sport" where writers physically act out jokes and jump on tables to sell their ideas. She reveals the structured approach to crafting an episodes, while sharing her personal battle with writer's block and her solution via "the swill draft."

Whether you're curious about television-writing, fascinated by the creative process, or simply want to understand how your favorite shows come together, Dawn's story offers both entertainment and inspiration.

Dawn's IMBD page - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0215245/

Dawn's website - https://www.dawndekeyser.com/

Visit our website at HowMuchCaniMake.info to suggest jobs you'd like us to cover, and don't forget to follow us and share with friends who are  curious about their next career move.

"How Much Can I Make?" Is nominated for 2026 Women in Podcasting Award!

Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

Visit howmuchcanimake.info

About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people.

In the 90’s She founded her own video production company, producing, directing, and editing documentaries and videos for political organizations which led to a 17-year career at CBS News, where she served as a producer/editor, helped launch CBS MarketWatch, and later worked as a senior editor and segment producer until the program was acquired by Dow Jones.

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed and produced a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.