Nick Di Paolo talks SiriusXM pickup, Artie Lange and Louis C.K.

Thursday July 19, 2012 7:00 AM By Chris Serico

Photo credit: Getty Images | Who: Nick Di Paolo
Star of: The stand-up circuit
Town: Ossining
A Massachusetts native who once roomed in New York City with Louis C.K., Di Paolo's current home inspired a comedy bit about pesky Westchester County deer.

Northern Westchester resident Nick Di Paolo had a tough time Wednesday morning remembering how he heard the news that the sports-talk show he hosts with fellow comedian Artie Lange was picked up by SiriusXM.

At first, he theorized that it was because they found out last week during the process of recording promos for “The Nick & Artie Show.” Then, he suspected it might have been through the show’s producer. Or maybe, he told me, Lange called him up to excitedly deliver the news.

“I can’t [bleeping] remember,” he said, deadpan, as he’s known to be.

But what Di Paolo does know is that he’s thrilled with the news, which was formally announced Tuesday. Especially because, since 2007, he’s been striving to create a radio show that resonates among fans and placates industry executives enough to keep him on the air.

“I’m very excited about it,” he said. “It’s actually a very good thing, but they didn’t have a cake for us.”

Launched in September, “The Nick & Artie Show” streams on the Internet and is available on a few terrestrial radio stations. Normally airing weeknights from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., the first SiriusXM broadcast is scheduled to air from 8 to 10 a.m. today, when the two will do a special live show from the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. On Sirius, “Nick & Artie” will air on channel 94; on XM, channel 208.

Both comedians are familiar with satellite radio’s reach. For almost a decade, Lange served as a sidekick to Howard Stern, who’s been on satellite since 2006. And Di Paolo has been a recurring guest on Stern’s show and other SiriusXM broadcasts.

Di Paolo says that while the addition of satellite radio listeners doesn’t mean a direct pay increase, the exposure and any ratings increases could help in the future.

“I’m sure, come renegotiation time, if things are going well, this will factor in,” he said.

Last week, Lange told Newsday Westchester how great it’s been working with Di Paolo. Tuesday, Di Paolo said the feeling is mutual — especially because of Lange's comeback story. In the past, Lange endured drug addiction, self-inflicted stab wounds and a stint at a psych ward.

“He was made for radio,” Di Paolo said. “He is just a brilliantly funny guy. He can do voices. He’s great with topical stuff. He’s got a great mind on him. He’s just made to do radio — just funny as all hell. ... From a year and a half ago, he’s done a complete 180, and I couldn’t be happier for this guy. I don’t care how the radio thing winds up, honestly. It’s all great stuff, but [it’s good] to see him functioning at this level, you know?"

The success and time commitment of the radio show has limited Di Paolo's stand-up opportunities, but he did manage to schedule a Nov. 10 gig at Tarrytown Music Hall, not far from his home. He also found time to appear in more episodes of “Louie,” the critically acclaimed FX series that stars his old roommate, Louis C.K.

“The guy writes, directs — as far as his work ethic is concerned, he’s unbelievable,” Di Paolo said. “He’s the king, man.”

Tags: Westchester , Nick Di Paolo , Artie Lange , Howard Stern , Louis C.K. , comedy , radio