posted on June 3, 2011 by Matt Smith
Thereâs few things more unusual than watching someone listen to a comedy podcast in public. First you wonder what they are laughing at. Are they just insane? Is there someone you donât see that just told a great joke? Are you losing your mind?
Then you see the earbuds and realize that no one is crazy. Theyâre just listening to a great comedy podcast, and having more fun than you. Well, I have good news â" with the right podcast, you too can randomly burst into laughter in public spaces.
Comedy Bang Bang: The PodcastOnce known as Comedy Death-Ray Radio, Comedy Bang Bang is the brainchild of Scott Aukerman, a writer and comedian known for his work on Mr. Show with Bob and David. Like many podcast hosts, Scott has certainly been around the block, but often flew under the mainstream radar.
The show has numerous guests, but it is far from your typical interview podcast. Instead, the guests often operate as partners-in-crime. There are sketches, there are impressions, and thereâs even the occasional improv game. Itâs all a bit silly, but Scott knows when to let absurdity reign and when to reel the show back in, resulting in a tight podcast packed with laughs.
The Mike OâMeara ShowThis show is a survivor. Originally aired on radio, the Mike OâMeara show was cut when its station was converted into a sports channel. Rather than give up and go home, the crew decided to keep chugging on as a podcast, and Iâm glad they did, because the show is a hoot.
You donât have to listen long to recognize the showâs radio roots. Itâs a very organized, high-quality production staffed with rich radio voices. The show is topical, but also contains bits, a mailbag and more. This would be a particularly good podcast for a workout; itâs always an hour long and can act as a no-pressure timer.
The NerdistYep, the Nerdist is a podcast thatâs aimed at nerds. Who would have imagined!
To be honest, though, the ânerdâ label is a net that can be cast quite wide these days, so this podcast is more accessible than youâd think. If anything, the Nerdist would be best labeled as an alternative pop-culture podcast, which is reinforced by a guest selection that has recently included Patton Oswald, Ed Helms and Adam Carolla.
While the Nerdist doesnât typically force me into belly-laughs, the smooth hosting of Chris Hardwick, Jonah Ray and Matt Mira keeps a smile on my face, and the Nerdist arguably has the best selection of guests on any comedy podcast currently being produced.
Pod F. TompkastA relatively new podcast, the Pod F. Tompkast is the creation of comic Paul F. Tompkins. Unlike most comedy podcasts, which tend to focus on current events and guests, the Pod F. Tompkast is an exploration in the absurd. Thereâs not always a clear logic to whatâs happening, and if youâre looking for great jokes, excellent bits or in-depth interviews, well, look elsewhere (though thatâs not to say bits donât exist, or that guests donât take part at times).
Yet there is something indiscernibly engaging about Paul F. Tompkinsâ voice. Wherever he leads, Iâm happy to follow. Indeed, it sometimes seems as if the entire point of the podcast is to see how far deep into absurdity Paul can go while remaining comedic. Be sure to check out the extrasodes, particularly Ice Tâs Pyramid Scheme and Cake Boss Answers Christmas Questions From Kids.
WTF with Marc MaronOkay, I must admit, Iâve saved my favorite for last. Iâve been a long-time listener of this podcast, and of all the many that I listen to, this is one of the few podcasts that I absolutely never, ever miss.
The format of WTF is simple; an introduction of about ten minutes, usually consisting of Marc ranting about whatever is on his mind, followed by an in-depth interview with a single guest. Itâs hard to say what it is about Marc that seems to disarm his guests so thoroughly, but he seems to inspire candidness in everyone who sits with him in front of a mic. This is often the source of the podcastâs comedy, in fact, as Marc and his guests tackle everything from family issues to the art of comedy.
WTF can ramble on at times, but itâs the lack of structure that gives it an edge. You never know whatâs going to happen, and itâs not unusual for an interview to become hilariously confrontational when Marc hits a nerve â" the Gallagher interview is the most famous example, but just one of many.
ConclusionIf youâre going to listen to just five comedy podcasts, these are the ones Iâd recommend. Fortunately, you donât have to listen to just five if you donât want to. Feel free to share your favorite comedy podcast in the comments.
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