Telep was born in Yonkers, New York, but moved to Long Island at a young age, where he lived an "average childhood".[1] He attended Southampton College, where he did most of his undergraduate work, but dropped out during his senior year.[1] After spending a few years in Los Angeles, working on television shows, he returned to school at The University of Central Florida where he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees.[1] He currently resides in Orlando, Florida and teaches composition, scriptwriting, and creative writing courses at The University of Central Florida.[1] Telep enjoys fishing and is a certified cycling instructor.[1]