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Joel Cohen

Joel Cohen

Emmy-Winning Writer & Co-Executive Producer, The Simpsons

What does it take to stay creative and innovative for 30 straight years? What lessons can be drawn from the process and group dynamics of a hit TV show? How do you fix a leaky water heater? Joel Cohen can answer two of those questions. As the Emmy award-winning writer and producer for The Simpsons, the longest-running American scripted primetime television series in history, Joel has been a key part of the show’s success.

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Bio

Full Bio

What does it take to stay creative and innovative for 30 straight years? What lessons can be drawn from the process and group dynamics of a hit TV show? How do you fix a leaky water heater? Joel Cohen can answer two of those questions. As the Emmy award-winning writer and producer for The Simpsons, the longest-running American scripted primetime television series in history, Joel has been a key part of the show’s success.

Since its debut on December 17, 1989, The Simpsons has broadcast more than 600 episodes, and was named by Time as “The greatest TV show of the 20th century.” It has won dozens of awards, including 31 Primetime Emmy Awards, 30 Annie Awards, and a Peabody Award.

A graduate of the University of Alberta (B.Sc.) and York University (M.B.A.), Joel Cohen found success in the corporate world before making a completely illogical career move into comedy writing. Cohen’s experience as both a “creative” and a “suit” has not only left him with a puzzling resume, it also gives him a unique perspective to discuss innovation and its place in business. “The same factors that allow creativity to arise, to live or to die for writers are also present and relevant in corporations and even individuals.”

In addition to writing for several movies, TV and online projects, Joel is also the author of the new book How to Lose a Marathon: A Starter’s Guide to Finishing in 26.2 Chapters. This hilariously chronicles Joel Cohen’s step-by-step journey from being a couch potato to being whatever type of potato can finish a marathon.

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Topics

Topics

The Simpsons: There’s No “I” in “Innovation” (oh wait, there’s actually two of them) – Lessons in Innovation from the Most Successful Show in TV History

Videos

Videos

Joel Cohen's Incision The Blunt Opening
Big Think Interview With Joel Cohen

Books

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