Jeff Ross talks roasting and the 'The Burn'

It's a very busy time for Jeff Ross, the Roastmaster General.

The comedian, best known for his biting humor at the hands of wanting celebrities, will soon be burning up on Comedy Central, starting with a comedy special, "Jeff Ross Roasts America."

He will also be taking Roseanne Barr a few notches on her "Celebrity Roast," followed by the launch of his new weekly series, "The Burn with Jeff Ross."

amNewYork spoke with Ross about all of his shows.

What's the plan for "The Burn"? It's going to be different - nothing like I've ever been a part of. I roasted body parts. So I'm still sort of downloading that into my brain. I did a wiener roast and a rump roast, up close and personal. I ran around Hollywood yesterday with some handicapped friends roasting people who snatch handicapped parking spaces when they're not handicapped. So it's pretty broad and it's sometimes it's even, you know, offering some good to the public.

What is the value of roasting? I think that comedy brings people together. We live in a time that can be very divisive, [but] we all share laughs. I don't take sides. I'm an equal-opportunity offender. I value free speech in this country. The idea of taking roasting to the people is the next level of comedy.

What have you learned about yourself from roasting? Wow. No one's ever asked me this before. I learned that I'm much more sensitive than I ever thought I would be. I dish it out, but I can't always take it. As soon as you start opening your mouth and making fun of people, you're opened up yourself as a target. And I've been able to feel those jokes and ... it reminds you that you have feelings.

I know that in roasts, nothing is taboo. But are there any jokes that are just too easy? You know, we all thought that before the Charlie Sheen roast. And then you realize, we've all heard jokes about Charlie Sheen. But not to his face.

Any teases for the roast of Roseanne? Here's a pun for you: Tons of fat jokes. I actually think she's going to be great.

On TV

-- " Jeff Ross Roasts America" airs on Saturday at 11 p.m. on Comedy Central.
-- The "Comedy Central Roast of Roseanne" airs on Sunday at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central.
-- "The Burn with Jeff Ross" debuts on Aug. 14th at 10:30 p.m. on Comedy Central.