The Comedy Nerds
By The Comedy Nerds
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Podcast Description
From current events to philosophical debate to lost treasures, Dustin DAddato and Dan McInerney take a deeper look at all things in the comedy world. Bringing in special guests and on site reports, they hit all the topics that true comedy nerds will love to hear and talk about. Have a topic you want them to discuss? Email them at info@thecomedynerds.com
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1 |
Reviewing Key & Peele | Comedy Central brought sketch comedy back to the network last week with launch of Key and Peele. Let's be honest we were a little scared it was going to be MadTV light. MadTV full strength wasn't even that good. So how did Key and Peele turn out? Surprisingly pretty damn good. In this week's episode we break down what worked, what didn't and how it compares to other sketch shows like Chappelle show. | 2/6/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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2 |
What Makes Kids Laugh? | This week we welcome actress, comedian and children's show performer Annie Claffey into studio 3A to talk about performing for kids. What makes children laugh? What can you learn from performing for both kids and adults? Which member of Dawson's Creek would you most want to make out with? It's all there and more. | 1/30/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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3 |
Being True On Stage & In Life | This past week the comedy nerd world was captivated by the most recent episode of the WTF podcast featuring Todd Glass in which he announced publicly for the first time that he is gay. It was inspiring and thought-provoking. In this week's episode we give our reactions to the WTF episode and discuss the importance of a comedian being truthful on stage, both with the audience and themselves. | 1/25/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Comedy Nerds Radio | This week we are taking the format and kicking it to the curb. Dan couldn't make it this week so Dustin jumps behind the mic solo for the first edition of Comedy Nerds Radio. It's an eclectic blend of some of the best music comedians past and present. We hope your ears enjoy it. | 1/15/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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5 |
Comedy…In The Future!!!! | This week we crank up the flux capacitor and look...in to the future. Is the success of Louis C.K.'s independently released stand-up special going to be the new norm for comedians? Could any other comedian right now really pull that off? Will comedians be able to go completely around the networks all together soon? Will we get all of our jokes from a pill and not even have to leave the house (but for some reason there will still be a two drink minimum)? | 1/8/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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6 |
The Best Hanukkah & New Year’s TV Episodes | As the holiday season continues so does our look back at the best holiday TV episodes. This week we look at the best Hanukkah and New Year's episodes. Sit back with your champagne and Latkes and enjoy. | 12/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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7 |
The Best Christmas TV Episodes | Tis the time of the year for funny shows to get all sentimental and crap. This week we look back at some the best TV Christmas episodes. You can best believe there will be some people learning from ghosts, some everyone is stuck in town because of the snow and some discovering what the great gift of all is. Happy Holidays! | 12/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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8 |
Coming Up On Comedy Central | This year's early Christmas present from Comedy Central was a look at their 2012 development slate. This week we break down all the potentially awesome new shows. What are we looking forward to? Is Comedy Central moving in the right direction? What makes Nick Kroll so frickin' funny? We'll answer all these question plus we'll help you determine if you are a Democrat or a Republican. What more could you ask for this holiday? | 12/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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9 |
Patrice O’Neal & Other Comedians Gone Too Soon | Last week saw the passing of one of the funniest voices in the comedy community, Patrice O'Neal. It's sad when anyone dies but when it's someone who brings so much laughter and joy to so many people it hurts that much more. In this week's episode we look the impact of his passing and discuss several some of the many other comedians unfortunately taken too soon. | 12/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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10 |
The Muppets and The Power of Nostalgia | This week on the show we talk about The Muppets! With the new movie out now we discuss the power of positivity in comedy. And how much can nostalgia affect how much you enjoy comedy? Does nostalgia make you like it more, or hate it because it isn't exactly the way you like it? And even if it make you like something more, can nostalgia make something seem funnier? Hurry up and listen to this episode so you can start being nostalgic about it! | 11/29/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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11 |
What Causes A Comedy Backlash? | This week on the show we discuss the phenomenon of backlash, the most insidious of the lashes (worse than both whip and eye combined!) Actor A works hard, does good work, makes funny stuff. The world loves him. Actor A keeps working hard and making funny stuff, and the world says "Hey, that guy keeps working hard and making stuff, now I hate that guy!". Why does that happen? Is it inevitable? Has anyone ever avoided it? Listen and find out. | 11/22/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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12 |
Developing Trust | In this week's episode we talk about trust. In a group dynamic, how important is trust? The trust you have that your fellow team members in everything from them being funny to supporting your ideas, to showing up on time. We discuss why you need trust, and what trust is and what it isn't. Plus we talk about Brett Ratner and Trapper Keepers, so this is a good one, (wait for it, waaaaaaaaaaaaiit for it.....) TRUST me. (waaaait for--oh it passed already.) | 11/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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13 |
Conan At The Beacon | This week we are joined by Michael Hartney, as we discuss our trip to see Conan O'Brien at the Beacon Theater in New York! It was totally awesome, and guests Matthew Broderick and Paul Simon were amazing, and we're not at all upset that we didn't go to a different show, that had other guests and different things happening, so why would you ask such a weird question? We discuss the fine are of pre-show warm ups, the cue card mafia, and why Andy Richter has the best job in the world. And 2e say so long to Michael, as he heads off to Los Angeles. I hope you enjoy him on this episode, because soon he'll be super-famous and will forget all about us, so great last guest spot on the Comedy Nerds, Michael Hartney! | 11/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Darrell Hammond: Impressions Of Drugs, Dispair and Comedy | With the upcoming release of Darrell Hammond's autobiography, "God, If You're Not Up There, I'm F*cked: Tales of Stand-Up, Saturday Night Live, and Other Mind-Altering Mayhem" we discuss the psychological make-up that pushes comedians to do what they do, how one could possibly handle the pressure of a job like being on Saturday Night Live, with a less than stable personal life (and apparently for Darrell it was -- Hoo boy you guys, it was rough), and the differences between an accurate impression, a funny impression, and a funny and accurate impression. It might seem like a minor distinction, but it can make all the difference in the world. | 10/31/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Being In A Comedy Couple | In this week's episode we move in to the bedroom...and then on to the stage...then back to the bedroom...then into the kitchen...then maybe down the hall. Anyway, one funny person in a relationship is good, but what about two. Can two comedians actually find love...together...and still be funny? Improv and sketch comedians and married couple Dave Warth and Kelly Buttermore join us to answer the question. Spoiler alert for them, yes. | 10/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Hulu, Mood Swings & Joke Stealing – From The Mailbag | In this week's episode, we dive into the mailbag to answer questions and discuss topics from you, the listener! How does Hulu affect what shows are on TV? How can a comedy deal with serious topics without creating mood whiplash? If you get tone whiplash, do you have to wear a mood neck brace? And if joke stealing is such a problem, why don't comedians just copyright their jokes? I just secured a trademark on that neck brace joke, so no one steal it! That thing was gold, I tell ya! GOLD! | 10/19/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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How Long Should A Comedy Show Really Last? | The Simpsons just got renewed for two more years but should it have? This week we look at when a beloved comedy should ride off into the sunset rather than just sort of hang out and get more and more annoying. Was Seth McFarland right when he said Family Guy should have been cancelled a few years ago? Or should we all just become British and only watch 8 episodes of a TV show while we eat our fish and chips? | 10/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Getting In To Montreal & What All Famous Comedians Have In Common | On this week's episode we talk to freelance writer Steve Heisler, who writes for places like the AV Club and Vulture, among others. He is one of the people who decides who gets into the Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. We talk about how the process works, why they make the decisions they do, and how they only want what's best for each comedian, which sometimes means not accepting people before they are ready. Also, Steve has interviewed many famous comedians and we discuss what he's learned, who he's talked to, how he asks the tough questions, and why Mel Brooks should be allowed to make something crappy every once in a while. Find out more about Steve and read his stuff at http://steveheisler.com/ | 10/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The New Fall Comedies – What Worked & What Hurt Our Souls | In this week's episode we get all up in the new fall comedies. You've seen them promoted to the point your eyes started to bleed (except for Free Agents - see you didn't even know that was a show did you?). We watched them all (well mostly Dustin did) and break down what you should watch and what will make think, "oh my god, this show is making me lose my faith in the ability to ever laugh again." Plus, we watched the first Charlie Sheenless Two And A Half Men so you don't have to, we examine the possibilities of a 'Talkin' About Stickers" TV show and beg you to beg people to watch NBC's Thursday night comedy line-up. | 9/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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20 |
The Modern Family Awards & Daily Show Domination | The Emmys where yesterday and Modern Family won...almost everything! In this week's episode we talk about Modern Family's sweep of everything they could possibly win, the awesomeness of the Leading Actress In Comedy nominees, and The Daily Show's complete and total domination going on almost a decade. Plus: A real life Weekend At Bernie's. Proof that we are in fact in the future. And get ready for an Alpocalypse! | 9/19/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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So Much News, So Average Amount of Podcast | This week had so much comedy news that we had no choice but to do a full on comedy news-a-palooza. What will you learn in this episode? How about: Who's the richest person in entertainment and what does it teach other performers? Why are there less women in today's writer's rooms? Why is Michael J Fox teaching us not to believe any more? Did literally anyone see Bucky Larson this weekend? What kind of jokes can you buy for a dollar? Should you trust Dustin's law knowledge? Find out the answers to all the questions and a like two things more! | 9/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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When Is Dark Humor Too Dark? | This Sunday is the tenth anniversary of 9/11. And the day after is the tenth anniversary of the first 9/11 joke. This week we talk about about black comedy and gallows humor. Is there any value in joking about things that will upset some people. Are there guidelines about what you can joke about and when. And if so who decides what they are? And isn't a comedian honor bound to break those rules? So what would be the point of them if they existed? I guess what I'm trying to say is Never Forget...about this podcast. | 9/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Why Is It So Funny When People Fall Down? | One thing that has been at the cornerstone of comedy since the dawn of man is someone falling down. It was followed very very very closely by a guy getting hit in the nuts. There is just something about people getting hurt that makes us laugh. But why? What makes our brain thing that other people's pain is so damn funny? Think you are above it? Watch America's Funniest Home Videos or Tosh.O or Web Soup and try not to laugh. You can't because you are human (or a reasonable facsimile who is plotting eventual world domination) and humans laugh at bad stuff happening to other people. This week we look and the theory and the science of why. Are we all just heartless jerks or are we just genetically predisposed to find nut shots funny? | 8/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Being A New Face At Montreal | Montreal. It's one of the biggest goals for any up and coming stand up comedian. Each year a few chosen funny folks are picked to be the one of the "New Faces". This year our very own Nick Turner's face was chosen to be one of those faces that are new. We talk to him about what the experience was like. Is Montreal everything a young comedian hopes it will be? What's it like getting "the call"? Do they hand out free gold? | 8/22/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Better To Best of The Comedy Nerds – Part 2 | This week, Dustin and Dan are still away, but don't panic! We'll be back next week. In the meantime, here's more golden oldies from the far distant past of 2009-ish. First up, we talk to Kevin Allison, about his new (at the time) show and podcast Risk!, then Michael Hartney joins us as we put together our SNL dream team casts. Are there two words in the English language that go together better than Clip and Show? | 8/15/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Better To Best of The Comedy Nerds! | This week, Dustin and Dan are away, so here are some highlights of our favorite episodes. First up, Michael Hartney and Claudia Cogan join us to talk about gay comedy, then Dave Hill graces us with his presence in a discussion of slow comedy. If you're a new listener, use this as an opportunity to listen to the best of some of our older episodes, if you're a long time listener, take a trip down memory lane. If you decide to skip it, we won't be angry at you, just disappointed. And in a way, isn't that worse? | 8/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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How Much Longer Will Sketch Comedy Be On TV? | Hey, so what are you going to put in the time capsule? A Justin Bieber album? Really? I just don't get him. And that whole thing with Usher. What? Oh, me? I am putting in sketch comedy shows on TV. Well, first of yes I can put a concept in the time capsule. You're not the boss of me! Second, it's because the internet may in fact be making the full fledged sketch comedy TV show obsolete. So maybe one day our grand kids will open up the time capsule and admire sketch comedy shows on TV the same way we do when we open ours and found pogs. In other words, they'll think "Really? That was a thing? Why?" | 8/1/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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28 |
Selling A Screen Play According To (Part of) The State | Someone once said that show business is a Hideous Bitch Goddess. I believe it was George Burns. Oh, also everyone who has ever tried to make it in Hollywood. This week, we discuss some of the details of the great new book "Writing Movies For Fun And Profit", by Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon. A book not about how to write a screenplay, (there's a lot of books about that, and they're all great, probably), but a book about HOW TO GET A SCREENPLAY PRODUCED IN HOLLYWOOD. From what margins on the page are required for different studios to how to order at "In-N-Out Burger", someone finally lays out, step by step, exactly what you need to do. Read the book, listen to this episode, and don't forget about us when you're a millionaire! | 7/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The 2011 Emmy Nominations In Comedy and Our Outrage Over Who Was Snubbed | This week, we discuss the Emmy nominations. Regular cast members nominated as guest stars. A handful of shows nominated again and again. Glee is apparently a thing that is currently happening. It's a bit of a mess. We go over who got the nod, who got snubbed (RON SWANSON!!!!!) and some thoughts on how to make the Emmys better. Can they be better? Probably not. Sorry, I'm a realist. That's how I roll these days. | 7/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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30 |
Comedy Things That Should Never Happen Again! | Stop it. Just...just stop it. Whatever it is you're doing, just don't do that anymore. This week on the show, we talk about the things we're just sick and tired of seeing in comedies. There was a time when wise-cracking animals were fresh and funny. Those days have passed, but don't turn around because here comes a irascible Alpaca. We talk fat suits, rapping grannies, and everything else we'd like to see vanish from this planet. Bye bye. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. Especially you, fat suit. I don't need sweaty fat suit stains all over my nice clean door. | 7/11/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Making Normal Funny with Guest Tom Shillue | In comedy being normal is usually seen as a bad thing. With thousands of comedians all trying to stand out, you need to do something to stand out. This week's guest Tom Shillue has managed to make a name for himself by not only being normal, but Super Normal (That's the name of his one man show, see what I did there? Yeah you do.) We talk about turning an everyday event into a hilarious story, translating it into the clubs and dealing with hecklers when you are the nice guy on stage. Plus Sound Engineer sits in as co-host! Check out more from Tom Shillue at his website, on iTunes and at his upcoming show at Carolines. | 7/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Does Alternative Comedy Get Too Much Credit? | "Alternative" comedy. Much like it's cousin "alternative" music, this species is often misaligned and misunderstood. Saddled with a kind-of dumb and misleading name, some people talk about how great this particular creature is, which inevitably leads to other people saying "It thinks it's so great, but it's not that great." This week we discuss "alt" comedy, what it is, what it isn't, how it differs from "traditional" comedy and how it's basically the same thing is a slightly newer and cooler box. So come on in to the backroom of this basement bar, take off your jacket and tie, bring your notebook on stage, and let's do some alternative comedy! | 6/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Evolution Of Animated Comedy | On this week's episode we discuss adult cartoons. No, not like that. Jeez, get your mind out of the gutter. I mean the kind of comedy cartoons that adults watch. After the "The Flintstones", the form lay dormant for roughly twenty-five years before a little cultural atom bomb called the "The Simpsons" went off. Before long it went from "Can a prime time cartoon succeed?" to "South Park", "Family Guy" and a whole network devoted (almost) exclusively to them. Let's get dominated by animated (shows)! | 6/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Looking Funny… The Right Way | "It don't matter what you wear, they're checking out your savior faire. And it don't matter what you do, 'cause everything you do looks good on you." - RuPaul, American Royalty You got your jokes. You got your mic work down, your pre-composed heckler responses ready to go, that screeching impression of your Asian grandmother is coming along nicely. Guess you're all ready to get up on stage, but hold on a second there partner. Let's take a look at those clothes you're wearing. This week, we talk about the visual component of comedy, and discuss some of the most stylish comedians ever. 'Cause every comedy club audience's crazy about a sharp dressed man. | 6/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Best Comedy Sequels | In light of the "The Hangover Part 2" being released over the weekend, we're talking about what makes a great comedy sequel, and why so many of them fall short. (Full Disclosure: We didn't see "Hangover 2" yet, but we're sure it's great...) We take a look at the best comedy sequels, and some of the worst. And then we dream up a pitch to the inevitable "Bridemaids" sequel. We'll be waiting by the phone, Hollywood. | 6/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Our 3rd Anniversary Show!!!! | In this week's episode, we celebrate 3 years of broadcasting our nonense around the world! Guests Claudia Cogan, Nick Turner and Lou Fernandez join in the fun as we play trivia games, introduce our new theme song, play a clip from our first show, and more! Come on in and join the cyber-party, as we enter our second trimester. (Trimester means three years right? That sounds right. I'm not going to look it up.) | 5/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Breaking Down The Upfronts – The Year Of The Sitcom | Television! There are certain shows on it. Next Fall some of those shows will still be on it, while others will not. New shows will take the place of the ones that are gone. But which shows will be which? Don't panic! Every year, the broadcast networks let you know, in an out-dated but still totally happening process called the upfronts. This week, The Comedy Nerds walk you through the comedy portion of the upfronts. If you need help with other parts of the schedule, well brother, you are on your own. | 5/22/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Self-Deprecating Humor | I guess I'll write this episode description, even though I'm dumb and ugly and stupid. Just kidding. But this week, we take a suggestion out of the mailbag and talk about self-deprecating humor. Someone has to be the butt of the joke, should you make yourself the butt? Ha! You're a butt. Then we talk about conservatives and why they aren't very funny. Probably because they are stupid butts. Man, I'm terrible at this. Self-deprecation! Also, you can check out that story pirates show here and donate to Vision Walk here. photo from Flickr by EssG | 5/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Which Comedians Should Have Their Own Show? | Every comedian dreams of it. The (Insert Name Of Dreaming Comedian) Show. But only a lucky few get to make it a reality. And thank god because a few actually should. This week we look at which comedians deserve to have their own show, why and what the show should be. (Fun Fact: Before each podcast Dustin suggest we change the name of the podcast to The Dustin Show. Fun Fact 2: Dan always says no.) | 5/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Talkin’ Talking Funny – Part 2 | It's part 2 of our 2 part episode done in 2 parts about HBO's Talking Funny. Enjoy its second partness. It's got so much Ricky Gervais, Louis CK, Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rockatude you won't be able to handle. If you haven't listened to part 1 yet, it's right here. | 5/1/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Talkin’ Talking Funny – Part 1 | HBO has created Comedy Nerd heaven in a show called Talking Funny. Chris Rock, Louis C.K., Jerry Seinfeld and Ricky Gervais all in one room. Four of the biggest comedians in the world talking about the craft of comedy. How could it get any better? (Fun Fact: It can not) This week we dig deeper into some of the many great topics they got into. But there were so many great things that we had to break it into two episodes. This is part one... because one comes first. You can listen to part 2 here. | 4/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Funny Folks Who Left Their Shows | It is only a couple of weeks before Michael Scott rides off into the sunset and that makes us sad. Steve Carell felt he needed to move on, but what about those left behind. Can The Office survive? This week we look at past funny people who left their shows. What happened to them? What happened to the shows they left? And can anyone really replace Steve Carell? photo from flickr by | 4/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Reviewing The Comedy Awards | What happens when funny people get together to give each other awards for how funny they all are? Will it actually be funny? Well...it depends on who you ask. In this week's episode we break down the highs and lows of the very first Comedy Awards on Comedy Central. Will there be a second? Should there be a second? Hold on a second.... Okay, just wanted to hit the rule of threes. | 4/11/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Making Successful Comedy Videos | Any ol' fool with a video camera can make a web video but most of them suck. So how do you make them not suck? This week we bring in comedian Dan Opsal, whose web videos totally don't suck, to figure it out. Dan's Acting Reel Master Database has been ruling the school at Channel 101 NY. We talk about makes for a successful web video, the best ways to stand out and where web comedy is going. Plus we look for actual proof of Iowa. | 4/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Standing Out The Right Way & Being A Good Audience | In this week's episode, we talk about the benefits and drawbacks of having a gimmick, Jimmy Jam. Isn't that cute? I call everyone Jimmy Jam. It's kind of my thing. I feel like it's really going to help my career. Recurring role on a CBS sitcom your parent watch, here I come! Then we talk about how to be a good comedy audience. Laughing every time I say Jimmy Jam would be a good start. Jimmy Jam! photo from flickr by sliabh | 3/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Paul & The Simon Pegg Trilogy | On this week's episode, we talk about the new movie "Paul", with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and discuss the affectionate parodies they've starred in. "Shaun of the Dead" made fun of zombie movies, and "Hot Fuzz" made fun of action movies, but also showed a clear love for those genres, while offering up involving stories and interesting characters. How does their latest film stack up? There's only one way to find out! Well, actually there are numerous ways, but listening to this podcast is totally one of them. | 3/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Writers Vs Performers | It is the fight of the century. In this corner, The Performer. With a desperate desire to be liked and full of enough "please-look-at-me" neediness to fill a dozen therapist notebooks, you can see it all over The Performer's "daddy didn't love me enough" face, they're out for blood and laughs, whatever the cost. But in this corner, we have The Writer. Steely, calculating, and with a fully formed opinion on the Teapot Dome Scandal, The Writer comes out swinging with a one-two punch of clever notions and air-tight sketch construction. Who will win in this epic, eternal struggle. Listen to find out. If you got the guts! | 3/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Getting In The Mood To Laugh | Have you ever noticed that sometimes you're in the mood for a stupid comedy, and sometimes you're just not? On this week's episode we discuss the phenomenon of how one day you'll think a joke isn't funny and the next day you do. What is up with that? Am I right, ladies? Also, how long can a TV show string you along without a pay off? About as long as my last boyfriend. You know what I'm saying! Where my LADIES AT??? photo from flickr by saveas.new | 3/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Charlie Sheen | "I am on a drug. It’s called Charlie Sheen. It’s not available. If you try it once, you will die. Your face will melt off and your children will weep over your exploded body." “I’m tired–I’m so tired of pretending like my life isn’t perfect and bitching and winning every second and I’m not perfect and bitchin’ and just delivering the goods at every freakin’ turn.” “I got magic and I’ve got poetry in my fingertips, you know, most of the time, and this includes naps. I’m an F-18, bro.” You have one more week to vote for us for the ECNY awards. Do it here. | 2/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Nontraditional Sketch | When it comes to live comedy, the three main pillars are: Stand-up, Sketch and Improv. But what if you step outside those boundries? This week we welcome comedian Neal Stastny, who's group Meatsteak recently wrote and performed a new episode of Taxi. What if you liked Taxi, and instead of doing a stand-up bit or a sketch about it, you just did a whole new episode? It's so crazy it just might work! Oh, it did work? Oh okay, it totally worked. Be sure to vote for Meatsteak in the ECNY awards, where you can vote for us too. I mean, I guess if you wanna (please do!). photo from flickr by domib34 | 2/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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How Important is Indie Comedy? | Indie comedy. Quiet simply, it's the world we live in. And sometimes it's hard to get a sense of something when you are inside of it. This week, we welcome emerging New York comic Nick Turner, and discuss the state of indie comedy. Is it growing? Is it shrinking? Is it keeping on keeping on? Will it suffer the same fate as the 1980s comedy boom? And most importantly, with the exception of me and pretty much everyone I know, does anyone care? What? Everyone does? All our hard work and dedication paid off? It's a Christmas miracle! Don't forget to vote for Nick for the ECNY awards, where he is nominated for best host (with Jason Saenz) and Emerging Comic. And while you're there, why don't you vote for us for best podcast (What? Oh my, you shouldn't have...) Vote here. Hooray of democracy! photo from flickr by Ti.mo | 2/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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SportsDome & The Funniest Sports Movies | Are you ready for some comically-inclined representations of football?!!! This week, in honor of the Superbowl, we welcome SportsDome senior writer (and member of legendary New York sketch troupe Elephant Larry) Geoff Haggerty. We talk to him about writing for SportsDome, where sports and comedy intersect and his favorite sports comedies. So cheer on Team Comedy Nerds as we score a touchdown of podcasting. Or something. Sports! | 2/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Getting Out Of Your Comfort Zone | In this week's episode, we talk about stepping out of your comedy comfort zone. In order to get better at your craft, you should concentrate on what you are good at, but also you should try things that you are not good at. How do you fine the balance between those two contradictory concepts? Does trying new things make you better at the stuff you are already comfortable with? And if the one thing you are good at made you a millionaire, why bother doing anything else? Because you have self-respect? Self-respect is for people who can't afford yachts. | 1/31/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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SNL – What Would You Change? | Justin Timberlake has said that he would consider being a cast member on Saturday Night Live. This week, just like JT brought sexy back, we bring Michael Hartney back* to discuss with us whether that would be a good idea. What other out-of-the-box people would be good for the show? And, if we were standing in Lorne Michael's shoes, how would we do things differently at SNL? I'd have a lot of juggling, but keep in mind, I'm an idiot. *Nailed it! | 1/24/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Does Comedy Nerdom Still Exist? | Recently, comedy deity Patton Oswalt wrote an essay in Wired magazine. In it, he argues that the internet, once the bastion of the nerdy, has actually harmed nerd culture. By making it so easy to stay on top of whatever pop culture obsession you have, it has made a generation of nerds lazy, flabby and gasping for air when they get to the top of a nerd-staircase. Dan thinks this line of reasoning has legs, while Dustin thinks this is the equivilant of shaking your old man cane at the internet and telling it to get off your lawn. What do you think? Don't work to hard thinking about it, I'll just send you a few links that will help you make up your mind. Oh internet, you've done it again! photo from flickr by bayat | 1/17/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Smile File & Other Ridiculous Corporate Comedy Advice | Work can be really really boring. That's why they call it work and not "Happy Fun Time Dance Party Place". Wouldn't it be great if you could add a few laughs to the work day. You know, put some comedy in the cubicle. Want some advice on how to do it? Here's a tip: Don't. At least not if you are going to follow the advice Dan found on corporate comedy and leading with laughter. This week we take a look at some of the ridiculous ideas people have to make the work place a barrel of laughs. photo from flickr by 427 | 1/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Is Jon Stewart Really The New Edward R. Murrow? | Some in the media have called Jon Stewart the next Edward R. Murrow. Some people find this comparison apt. While others say "Seriously? Are you kidding me? You're really saying that? Really? This is a thing that's really happening? Really? Oh brother!" On this week's episode, we discuss whether a comedian can and/or should step into a role like that. Is Jon Stewart perfectly suited to do it? And if he does, are other people going to be all "Seriously? This is a thing now? Come on!" Plus! Comedy Resolutions! Christmas Loot! And Dan gets even nerdier! Yes, it's possible. It surprised us all. | 1/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Christmas Comedy | This week, it's the Christmas episode! Dustin is visited by three ghosts and learns to stop being such a grouch. Dan sees what life would be like if he was never born. And then we jump in the sleigh and deliver gifts all over the world when Santa comes down with a cold. Okay, actually we talk about the best Christmas comedies of all time, and we play another round of "Maybe It's Us." with the Larry the Cable Guy Christmas album "Christmas in Larryland". Which is...oh boy. You better just listen. Have a great holiday everyone and we'll see you right back here in 2011! photo from flickr by meltsley | 12/21/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Why Isn’t There More Stand Up On TV & Overcoming Comedy Despair | On this week's episode we talk about Doubt. Not that movie where Philip Seymour Hoffman plays a priest but Oh My God You Guys! How good was that movie?! I would watch Meryl Streep read the phonebook. She is a national treasure. Whoops, got off track for a second there, but I won't doubt my ability to write these descriptions. Because even though we all doubt ourselves from time to time, you just have to fight through it. Unless you shouldn't. I don't know, I'm probably just an idiot. Then, we talk about why there isn't more stand up comedy on TV. It's cheap, it's easy, it seems like a no-brainer. But what do I know? God, I'm so stupid! Picture from Daniel Y. Go on flickr. | 12/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Legacy Of Leslie Nielsen | In this week's episode we look at the work of the late, great Leslie Nielsen. Few actors are a better example of the rule of playing it straight to get even more laughs. Originally starring as a serious actor in movies with awesome titles like "Forbidden Planet" and "Ransom!", Nielsen took a supporting role in weird little movie called "Airplane!" that just happened to become one of the biggest surprise hits in history and his career spun off in a whole new direction. Somewhere between telling Robert Hays to not call him Shirley, starring in "Naked Gun" movies, and finally making an honest woman out of Dorothy Zbornak in the last episode of "Golden Girls", Leslie Nielsen earned his lifetime pass, and our eternal gratitude. I just want to tell you both, good luck. We're all counting on you. | 12/6/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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A Very Special Episode About Very Special Episodes | "Tonight on a very special "Blossom"..." This week we look at the strange, and largely forgotten, art of the "very special episode". It's simple. Take a light-hearted sitcom, awkwardly inject some grim real-world problem, make lame jokes about or around said problem, spend the next thirty years being beloved by a cynical, irony-loving generation. Dudley almost get molested in the bike shop, the Seaver household is plunged into sadness when Matthew Perry dies from drinking and driving (and crashing and bleeding), and Jesse is so excited, but also, so scared. So come along as Dan considers losing his virginity, Dustin buys a handgun to scare that bully at school, and you the audience learn a little something about this crazy thing we call life. "That mouse doesn't have any pants on." He sure doesn't. | 11/29/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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What We’re Thankful For & Maybe It’s Us | In this week's episode, in honor of Thanksgiving we talk about what we are thankful for in the realm of comedy. And even though it wasn't a competition, Dustin somehow wins. But before that, we introduce a new segment called "Maybe It's Us", where we take a look at things we think we won't like, and keep an open mind and stay positive. We tackle "Two and a Half Men" and "$#*! My Dad Says". Will we be surprised by our reactions to it? The answer: Sort of. How exactly? You'll need to listen to find out! | 11/22/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Legacy Of Must See TV | In this week's episode, we look at the history of NBC's Must See TV comedy block, which has featured some of the greatest TV comedies of all time, and also "Wings". Relive the glory days when The Cosby Show and Cheers ruled the airwaves, learn the dark secret of the forgettable shows that surrounded "Friends" and "Seinfeld", and revel in the greatness of "The Office", "30 Rock" and more in the newly rechristened "Comedy Night Done Right". Come along with us on a journey through the comedies that got you ready for the weekend, which is what everyone is working for (Loverboy reference!) photo from flickr by megadem | 11/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Conan’s 2nd Annual First Night Review | Here's our reaction to Conan's first show on TBS. We recorded it live, but if you couldn't stay awake, we have thoughtfully recorded it and made it available for download. And if you did stay up and listen, you can relive the magic again and again. Let's do this! | 11/8/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Podcast To Restore Sanity | What do we want? Sanity! When do we want it? In a reasonable time frame! We were there. We saw it happen. Someday we will tell our grandkids about it. Or someone's grandkids. We'll just hang around schoolyards and shout at random children that once upon a time when we saw Ozzy Osbourne, R2D2 and John Oliver all on the same day. The Comedy Nerds traveled to our nation's capital to watch The Rally to Restore Sanity and / or Fear with our own eyes. We laughed, we cheered, we were a little confused as to why the Mythbusters were there, but they're good guys so we'll let it slide, and in the end, we felt a little better about the country we call home. It was a day of funny signs, banana costumes, and sketch comedy performed to an estimated 10 million people, and we're here to tell you all about it. photo from flickr by TalkMediaNews | 10/31/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Halloween Special | On this week's episode we do The Mash. (We do The Monster Mash, just to be clear which Mash it is that we are doing). In honor of Halloween, we take a look at some of the best horror-comedies of all time. Whether it's full-on horror movies with a few jokes sprinkled in, or mostly comedies with just a few horror elements (and when you're eight, the inside of Sigourney Weaver's fridge in Ghostbusters can FREAK YOU OUT!) we take a look at what happens when you mix the sweet of comedy and the sour of horror, and pour it over the chicken of a movie. PLUS! An honorary awkward pause is bestowed. Elizabeth Shue takes too big a slice of the "Back To The Future" pie. And Dan questions the legitimacy of Dracula's reign as the king of the monsters. | 10/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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30 Rock Live! | On this week's episode we give our initial reactions to 30 Rock's live episode (East Coast Version). With a cast full of former Saturday Night Live cast members and hosts, it was probably the best TV show on the air to try something like this, but did it work? Plus, we look at the history of when great TV shows challenge themselves by doing a live episode. Also, Gimme A Break did it for some reason. Thanks to the internet, you can compare the East Coast version to the West Coast versions (or you can cheat and just go here). Different jokes! Flubbed lines! Why does it make me feel so alive?! This week's episode is sponsored by Christian Polanco. You can find out more about his show "And Then What Happened?" here. If you would like to be the sponsor for next week's episode, answer the trivia question on our Facebook page. | 10/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Owning A Comedy Palace | On this week's episode, we are joined by Rebecca Trent, owner of The Creek and The Cave a fantastic bar/restaurant/independent comedy palace in beautiful Long Island City (just minutes away from Midtown Manhattan!) We talk about what makes someone want to start a comedy club, the cold hard facts of dealing with comedians and burritos, and the joys of helping to nurture comedy you like. Plus! The power of folders! Ving Rhames crushes your face with one hand! And a trivia question that you can answer for fabulous prizes!!! | 10/11/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Making Comedy Relatable | On this week's episode we are joined by Michael Hartney, creator of the hilarious one man show "So I Like Superman". The show is about certain incidents that happened to Michael in his life. So how do you take something personal and make it universal enough that other people can understand it, while still having it be personal? In other words, how do you take the funny thought in your head and safely transport it into someone else's head? We discuss all of this during the most awkward Thanksgiving dinner ever. So I Like Superman will be at the UCB Theater this Friday October 8th. It will be the last one for a while, so do yourself a favor and don't miss it. Seriously. It's really good. | 10/4/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Making Movies About Comedians | Off some rumors about an upcoming John Belushi biopic, we discuss what other comics would make for a good movie and what actors should play them. Which comedians have an interesting life story that would make for a good movie? Is it easier for a straight actor to pretend to do the comedy section of the movie, or a comedian to play the serious parts? And was there really a Belushi biopic made where the ghost of John Belushi gets drive around in a magic taxi? Yes. Yes there was. Plus! South America! Mark McGuire as Dracula! And we blow the lid off of America's apathy towards fake kings! photo from flickr by gomattolson | 9/27/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Avoiding Cliches | On this week's episode we are joined by Leslie Meisel and Megan Neuringer who created the very funny new show "Love Can Suck A Dick... And So Can I!" They talked with us about creating the show and how to avoid cliches when you are dealing with universal subjects like love and heartbreak and deaf, surprisingly aggressive lesbians. We also touch on audience-participation, Monty Pyton, how to break a guy's heart from a bus window, and a big bag of drugs. Their next performance is Wednesday October 6th at 8pm, so go out and experience something good for once, won't you? They will also be taking the show to L.A. soon, so even those on the West Coast can get in on this thing. You can find more info here. photo from flickr by Move The Clouds | 9/20/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Fall Preview 2010 | "You are aware that there's an invention called television, and on this invention they show shows, right?" -Pulp Fiction Get ready! The new fall season is almost here! Dan and Dustin walk you through all the new comedy that will be coming to your TV screens this year. So much potential for ground-breaking, mind-blowing, world-changing comedy. So little of that potential will actually be realized. But hey, what else are you going to do with your life? Plus! Dan tells a story about his balls. You're welcome. Photo from flickr by broc7 | 9/13/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Catching Up With Kimmy Gatewood and Pangea 3000 | In this week's podcast we are talking sketch comedy with the always wonderful Kimmy Gatewood and the hilarious Pangea 3000. We caught up with them at this year's Sketchfest NYC but we wouldn't be surprised if by now they're all starring in the next (Insert Huge Comedy Movie That You Subjectively Like). | 9/6/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Putting Your Politics Into Your Act | Last week Michael Ian Black totally lost his s**t on stage when an audience member compared Obama to Hitler. Personally I'm glad he did it. The audience member, not so much. In this episode we look at how much a comedian should put their own politics and opinions into their act. What is their responsibility to the audience? What is their responsibility to themselves? Also, find out what's so special about September 2nd and why it makes Dan a happy (but very sad) person. photo from flickr by lochnessjess | 8/30/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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From The Mail Bag: Best Comedy Cities & Disappearing Scenes | In the week’s episode, we answer some questions from the mailbag. One listener wanted to know the best cities to do comedy in. We spoke on the topic with surprising authority considering 95% of the shows we’ve ever done have been in New York. Another listener asked about when thriving comedy scenes suddenly dry up, and what, if anything, you can do about it. Answer: cry. A lot. Plus! Be the first on your block to buy Christmas Garbage Shoot Monster! Dustin stars in the lamest Death Wish sequel ever! And Dan will ruin your day. Guaranteed. | 8/23/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Joke Stealing: Is Comedy Justice Blind? | Thievery. In the comedy world there is no greater crime. Should you ever steal? The answer is simple: No. Never. Don't do it. Except... What if you come up with something on your own, only to discover there is something similar out there? What if you were doing something first, then a more popular comedian starts doing something like it? What if a comic has a great premise, but they are doing a horrible job of developing it? Can you go in like comedy child services, take it away and give it a better home in your act? And what about all those (alleged) joke thieves that seem to be doing quite well for themselves? Why should you play the game when crime seems to pay so well? We'll talk about all of it in this completely original episode that is nothing like you've ever heard ever! photo from flickr by cjkarr | 8/16/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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How Personal Is Too Personal? | Let me tell you a story about something that really happened to me. I recorded a podcast about how much personal material should you talk about on stage. Some people reveal every last terrible detail of their lives. But do you want to walk around in the world having everyone know your deepest, darkest secrets? What about the people in your life, can you talk about things they may have done? Or do barriers equal the death of creativity and comedy, so just throw it all out there? I pee in the shower. There I said. Deal with it America. Plus! Dan and Dustin are the Aces of Terrible Cakes! CHiPs is back, for some reason. And why is it so hard to give away your internal organs? from flickr by nepolon | 8/9/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Going Inside The Comedy Mind With Inside Joke | Is there a big comedian of which you are a fan? If so, then Carl Arnheiter has probably talked to them on his fantastic show Inside Joke. Carl specializes in smart, fun, insightful talks with the biggest names in comedy. This week we talk to Carl about some of the people he's talked to and what he's learned about comedy while doing it. Carl tells us how the show got started (it involves Jon Stewart, so it's a pretty good story), and how it has evolved. If you like good talk about comedy, this is the episode for you. Plus! Did you know there were caddies in the movie "Caddyshack"? Suing younger versions of yourself for defamation: The hot new way to make money? And the dangers of watching too much British comedy, Guv'ner. photo from inside-joke.com, by Andrew Dickerson. | 8/2/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Designing The Perfect Comedy Club | The comedy club. Perhaps no other words in the English Language fill a comic with such a strange mixture of excitement and dread. Comedy clubs are where the people are, the people who have paid to have you make them laugh. They are also the place of annoying owners, broken mic stands, uncomfortable greenrooms, and drunk hecklers. This week, we try and imagine what the perfect comedy club would look like. Come along with us, to the land of imagination! (The land of imagination has a two-drink minimum). Plus! Dustin in prison! No more bad comedy club names! And I would pay anything to see The Coen Brother's "Garfield". photo from flickr by josewolff | 7/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Reviewing The 30 Rock Adult Parody (VERY NSFW) | This week we're joined by guests Lou Fernandez and Rachel Korowitz as we review the 30 Rock adult parody. We watched it in Dustin's living room, and then recorded our reactions. I thought watching a movie like that with friends would be awkward but instead, it turned out to be very very awkward. You might notice that this post is a little strangely worded, but that's because there are certain words that would get us blocked by certain sites, so let me see if I can explain this in a way you'll understand. You see, when a Mommy who sort of looks like Tina Fey and a Daddy who supposedly looks like Alec Baldwin, but not really, love each other very much and go onto a chintzy looking set with a picture of Miami in the background and a camera crew is there and... Oh, on second thought, just listen to the episode. photo from flickr by Josephwashere | 7/20/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Pop Culture Comedy | This week comedian Ben Kissel stops by to talk to us about using pop culture as a basis for your comedy. Sure, it's a good way to get a quick laugh, but if you're not careful, your jokes may have the shelf life of Vanilla Ice and Justin Bieber fighting to the death with pet rocks and pogs. Done masterfully though, and it can not only be great, but transcend the time and place it was created. Also, remember pogs? Oh man. Pogs. Plus! Hot in the city! Demolition Man! Silly Bandz! And don't you hate when you suddenly realize you forgot to do spy stuff? You can check out Ben's website here, his podcast here, and and his sh!t list here. | 7/12/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Backstage At The Friars Club | This week we are reporting from the FrISC, which is the Friars Club Improv and Sketch Competition. 5 Sketch teams and 5 Improv teams went up against each other and the winner went home with $10,000 to make a short film that will be shown at the Friars Club Film Festival. Dan talks to Sue Constantine, executive director of FrISC, L.A. sketch team "The Midnight Show", and (spoiler alert!) sketch winners "Harvard Sailing Team" and Sylvia Ozols and Zach Woods of the winning improv team "The Stepfathers". And get an peak inside the famed Friars Club (well, it's audio, so I guess that would be a whisper inside?) We have more talks with other sketch and improv teams from the competition we'll be putting up on the website all week, so be sure to come on by and check 'em out! | 7/5/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Programming Comedy Central Classic… If It Existed | There is ESPN Classic. There is VH1 Classic. There is Boomerang (which is like Cartoon Network Classic). There is the History Channel, The Military Channel and the Military History Channel.* So with all these channels, this week Dan and Dustin, along with special guest Michael Hartney, humbly suggest a channel that doesn't exist, but we wish it did: Comedy Central Classic. We present what our schedules would be for this non-existent (but would totally awesome if it did exist) TV network. Where would you schedule reruns of Strip Mall? Would "Make Me Laugh" still make you laugh? Are you willing to give Marc Maron a little attention and watch "Short Attention Span Theater"? Well curl up on the couch, put on your iPod, and let's all pretend like it's 1996 all over again. Plus! Truth bombs are dropping on the England! We have a sitcom emergency. And a little town called Taloosa. *Not a joke. | 6/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Rules and Lingo of Comedy Writing | In this week's episode we take a look at the comedy writing lingo and the rules of Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker, the film making trio that brought you Airplane!, The Naked Gun and Top Secret! Showing that even in comedies as seemingly scattershot as the ZAZ films, there is a method to the madness. You have to know why the rules work before you break them, or you may find you have deadly silence in places where you were expecting laughs to be. (I've been there. It's not fun.) Plus! Soccer talk! The confusing corporate structures of "The Office". We totally recognize people on "Last Comic Standing". And a desperate plea for a listeners to google something. We would do it ourselves, but you know, we're, like, busy and stuff. | 6/21/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Backstage At Sketchfest NYC 2010 | Sketchfest NYC 2010 has come and gone. You tell yourself to just relax and enjoy it, but it's hard to stuff that much fun into a single weekend and before you know it, you are waking up a little hungover with aching stomach muscles and smelling vaguely of cigarettes and a McDonald's dumpster and Sketchfest is over. But we did our best to capture as much of the magic as we could in our own fleeting way through the power of some microphones, a Macbook, and maybe a little something called The Power of Love (or maybe it was "I Want a New Drug", it's hard to remember). So sit back and listen to these interviews with sketch comedy powerhouses B.O.F., Two Man No Show, FUCT, Team Submarine, and Audience of Two and keep the spirit alive. Remember, it's only 362 more days until next year's Sketchfest! Don't forget to check out interviews with Fearsome, Two Fun Men, and Dave and Ethan at thecomedynerds.com. | 6/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Best & Worst SNL Movies | MacGruber was the first SNL movie released in a decade and the box office, to put in gently, was a little disappointing. On this week's episode, we take a look at the history of SNL movies, and see how each fared both commercially and artistically. And no matter how much money they made, or what the critics thought, every one of these movies has a group of fans that love it (okay, maybe not It's Pat, but personally, I really liked Stuart Saves His Family). Will we have to wait another decade for an SNL movie to appear, or will we soon be lining up to see Here Comes Gilly? Only time will tell. Plus! Betty White is the Highlander. Dudley get molested. We got the Gute. And why won't Tom Selleck just buy a damn helicopter all ready! | 6/7/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Does God Like Comedy? | In this week's episode a rabbi, a priest and two podcasters walk into a bar and...ah forget it, those are never funny. This week we look at religions place in comedy. How does having faith in a God of some kind effect your sense of humor? Can you make good jokes about God that aren't sacrilegious? Are most comedians going to burn in hell? Will Dan get some angry letters for his comments at the end of the podcast. I can tell you for sure that the answer is yes to at least one of those questions. photo from flickr by Gustavo (lu7frb) | 5/31/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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What’s Up With The Upfronts? | On this week's episode we talk about the television upfronts. Every year the networks put on a big show and present what they have coming in next year. "It's a family that gets super powers! Ta da!" It's all for the advertisers, but we peek through a hole in the fence Little Rascals-style and give you who-that and the what-for of the coming TV season. What new shows will premier? What beloved favorites are canceled? What shows will start a half hour earlier then they currently do? Can you feel it? Taste it? This is the new excitement. Also? Tom Selleck buys a helicopter and water balloons. A talking dog with shifty eyes. And we say CougarTown a lot. I mean, like, a lot. photo from flickr by same_same | 5/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Breaking Into Comedy Early | On this week's episode, we do nothing less than try and help the youth of America. After all, I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Isn't that nice? I wrote that. Anyway, we got an email from a listener who is about to graduate high school and wants to someday host his own late-night talk show. So we talk about what he (and maybe you) can do to get there. We tried to be both encouraging and discouraging (because, let's face it, we're talking about an field with a extremely low success rate), but we love this stuff too much and end up being just straight up encouraging. What can we say? We're just too positive. We let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be. Yeah, that's nice. photo from flickr by Mr. Mark | 5/17/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Why Is Betty White So Awesome? | There are some questions that are impossible to answer: What is the meaning of life? How do you define beauty? Why is Betty White So Awesome? In this episode we try to answer at least one of those questions. Her Facebook induced SNL appearance was one of the most anticipated episodes in recent history, but why? Could anyone else have created such a buzz? Let us know what you think! photo from flickr by The Enabler | 5/10/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Knowing When To Call It Quits | In this week's episode Dustin and Dan take an in depth look at, oh forget it. Just forget it. Writing these things is too hard. I quit. I just quit. Naaaah, I'm just joshing with ya. But that did illustrate the topic this week: Quitting. You'll hear a lot of good advice about sticking it out, not giving up on yourself, finishing what you started, all the Puritan work ethic stuff. But what if the best thing you can do is pull up stakes, leave a brief note and get the heck out of there? This week we'll discuss how to know when you should give up. Grab a six-pack of Miller High Life, because it's Quitting Time! photo from flickr by Zoë Campbell | 5/3/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Top 5 Daily Show Correspondents | This week we break down the top 5 Daily Show correspondents of all time. Seriously, this was hard. They are all funny. But someone had to do it (read your Bibles people, it is in there) and we took on the task. Did your favorite make the list? Take a listen and find out. Let us know in the comments who you think should be on the top 5. | 4/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Why Is Conan With TBS? | This week we recorded the show live on the internet and listeners wrote in to comment. We're going to do it again soon, so if you'd like to listen and talk to us and other Comedy Nerds fans, watch this site and we'll let you know the next time we go live! We welcomed Comedy Nerds favorite Nick Turner back to talk about Conan O'Brien's decision to move his show to TBS, land of Tyler Perry and "Just Shoot Me" reruns. Is it a bad idea? Or is it so crazy it just might work? And if it does, what will that do to your DVR queue? Oh, the trials and tribulations of the modern person... Plus! The birth of Jazz Legend, and the death of nerdy character Nick Turner. The sexual orientation of Dan's laugh. And universality of Channel 9. | 4/19/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Art of Co-Hosting | Folks, some weeks we have a show for you and some weeks we have a show. Know what I'm saying? You don't? Hmm. Let me start over. This week we welcome the delightful Abbi Crutchfield and Andrew Singer (who is also known as Soce, The Elemental Wizard, which is only like the best name ever). They talk about co-producing and co-hosting their show Positively Awesome. Perhaps their tales will teach Dan and Dustin a thing or two about peacefully co-hosting a show. But probably not. Plus! When is a comedy show like "American Gladiators"? (hint: when it's awesome!) A bubble-boy bit fails to pay off! Trust falls! And we play a track from Soce called "Running Free". See what I'm saying people? That is a show! Image from flickr by lonesome:cycler | 4/12/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EPISODE 100!!!!!! | They said it couldn't be done. But we did it. It's done. It happened. Get used to it. The Comedy Nerds has hit it's 100th episode. And to commemorate this auspicious occasion, The (Wo)man. The Myth. The Legend. Sound Engineer has stepped out from behind the audio console and in front of a microphone. She'll talk about overcoming stage fright and making it to 100 episodes. Plus! I am the man who will fight for your honor. I'll be the hero you're dreaming. We'll live forever, knowing together that we did it all for the glory of love. 100!!! | 4/5/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Comedic Acting With Ann Carr | In this week's episode we welcome comedic actress and character maven Ann Carr. She talks with us about how she comes up with the characters she brings to the stage, and her new web series "The Actress". And we get all James Lipton and ask if we can "meet" a few of these crazy folks inside her head. Plus! Dan pitches Ann on his screenplay involving six different sizes of fat suits. A bowl of five thousand brown M&M's. AND INSIDE JOKE ATTACK!!!! Photo by Anya Garrett. | 3/29/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Getting The Best Out Of Comedians | In this week's episode we go over the list "Date Night " director Shawn Levy had in the latest issue of "Entertainment Weekly" on how to direct comedians in a movie. Do you need to treat comedians like they are bratty little children? We want to say no, but the answer is, yeah, probably. Plus! Dustin once again bests Dan in an imaginary future full of pointless inventions. The hilarious outtake reel from "Schindler's List" that is no doubt out there somewhere. And "Sad News From The Past" gets happy! picture from flickr by dreamagicjp | 3/22/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Seizing Comedy Opportunities | On this week's show we discuss seizing opportunities, and we seized the opportunity to have the always fantastic Kenny Zimlinghaus come on and help us work it out. It's a rough world out there, no matter how good you are you'll get kicked in the teeth a few times. How do you keep your spirits up and recognize a good chance when it comes along? And can you learn to be happy with what you all ready have? Plus! Would this be a better show if it was "Friends Nerds"? Lindsey Lohan lets us know she is a filthy drunken skank. And DIG UP THE GRAVE! DIG UP THE GRAVE! DIG UP THE GRAVE! DIG IT UP! | 3/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Danger Of the Studio Audience | This week's episode of The Comedy Nerds is filmed in front of a live studio audience. Okay, not really but we did discuss that strange beast known at as the studio audience. A group of strangers you can't see who have been carefully primed to laugh and cheer at everything you say and do. How do you avoid becoming spoiled by this? Can you tell the difference when they applaud for you, and when they applaud just because the "Applause" sign lit up? Oh it is a conundrum, I'll tell you that. Plus! I'm not out of order! You're out of order! It's my football now! A break in our Cold Case! And once a upon a time, someone got kicked by a pony. photo from flickr by Your Secret Admiral | 3/8/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Are Comedians Cool? | This week we ask the question "Is comedy cool?" On one hand, a lot of cool people seem to like it, so that's cool. But comedians do a lot of ridiculous, humiliating things. That's not cool. Dan and Dustin will try to get to the bottom of it, while contemplating the cool paradox: if you try to be cool, you are not cool, if you don't try to be cool, you are cool. Unless you're not. But then maybe the sheer amount of your uncoolness makes you cool. I know three things that are definitely cool no matter what though, smoking behind the school, hoverboards, and recording an entire episode about whether something is cool or not. Bam! Super-cool! Plus! Why did celebrities take second jobs on Scooby Doo? The rules that govern 80s movie house parties. And we decide to Cold Case that s**t. Let's do this! | 3/1/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Is Comedy Inherently Cynical? | Conan said "don't be cynical". That's easy for him to say. He's got to host The Tonight Show and then got a check for a billion dollars to not host The Tonight Show. What about the rest of us? Comedy is so frequently about explaining how screwed up the world is that it seems only natural that all those godless angry comedians would be cynical. In this week's podcast we determine if comedians can avoid being cynical, explain why random eggs on the street make Dustin a better comedian and reveal who Dan's not so secret man crush is. Also, how cute is that puppy? You can't be cynical looking at the face. Problem solved! | 2/22/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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102 |
Comedy Rapping With Tom McCaffrey | Yo kid, this we've got the street thug/stand-up comedian known as TMC (a.k.a. Tom McCaffrey) in the studio to bust so dope rhymes and dazzle with his flow. God, I am so damn gangsta its crazy. Tom teaches up the art of proper comedy rap, we discuss life on the mean streets of NYC and he drops a little freestyle on us. Kick it! | 2/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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103 |
Dave Hill & Low Energy Comedy | All right, let's all take it down a notch. This week we welcome rising comedy star Dave Hill to talk about low energy comedy. It takes a special kind of talent to pull off low energy comedy, and Dave is a master at it. Whether on this own talk show, the Dave Hill Explosion or his TV show "King of Miami" he keeps the audience hanging on his every carefully chosen word. Join us as we delve into the world of keeping it down low while..keeping the laughs...high? Man, these things are hard to write sometimes. Plus! Ramen noodles! Merv Griffin! Dick Cavett! And everyone on this show was just nominated for the highly prestigous ECNY awards! Some of us in more than one catergory, but who's counting? (I am. Very closely.) There's a lot going on in this episode, you better get to it! | 2/8/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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104 |
The Future Of Comedy | "The great red-head hawk shall be killed and eaten by the hideous big-chinned sloth, while in a far off kingdom the cantankerous otter shall laugh. Also, Kimmel's show will be pretty funny for a week and a half." - Nostradamus 1561 The future! No one knows what will happen in the future, but this week Dan, Dustin and guest Nick Turner give it a shot, as we try to guess what the future of comedy will be, and read some predictions from our listening audience. Are we right? Are we way off? If you are reading this in the year 2037 leave us a comment and let us know how we did. FROM THE FUTURE!!! (currently your present). Photo from flickr by merrick_monroe | 2/1/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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105 |
Conan’s Last Tonight Show | In this special late Friday night semi-drunkin' episode we review the very last Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien ever. Join us and guest Michael Hartney as we say good-bye to the red haired wonder that is CoCo. Conan, you will be missed...until you return in September most likely. | 1/22/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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106 |
The Late Night Wars II – Conan vs Leno | OMG you guys! We're coming at you at little early this week, because the great late night war has begun! Dan, Dustin and guest Nick Turner discuss the in and outs and comings and goings as we untangle NBC's talk show quagmire. Trust me you guys, this is a good one. Plus! News From The Past reveals another upsetting fact about a beloved old comedian. And...well that's about it, we talked about the Leno/Conan thing the whole time. And it got a little bit nuts. | 1/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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107 |
The Business Of Comedy | On this week's episode we welcome guest Dan Wilbur, a comic who also works for the comedy club Comix. We ask him about the behind the scenes business of comedy and he gives us the low down. They don't call it show business for nothing. That's right. They do it for something. Plus...Diamond smuggling! Hitler's ghost! And China finally has its long-awaited revenge on The Comedy Nerds. Click Here to check more from Dan Wilbur or Click Here to check out more on Comix. Feature photo from flickr by Khaz. Dan Wilbur photo by Anya Garrett. | 1/11/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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108 |
Can Comedy Competitions Be Fair? | This week, with the announcement that NBC may be bringing back "Last Comic Standing", we discuss whether or not you should have comedy competitions. And if you do, is there anyway to make them fair? Can something as subjective as comedy be quantified? Would just changing venues wildly affect the outcome? What are you waiting for? I'm going to give you the answers here, so you better go listen the episode. Plus! Learn what terrified Dan over the holidays. Find out about Dustin's Book of Knives. And news....FROM THE PAST!!! | 1/4/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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109 |
Top Ten Stand-Up Comedians Of The Decade | Here at The Comedy Nerds compound, we've been snug in our beds, with vision of sugar plums dancing in various parts of our bodies, including, but not limited to, our heads. But have we got a show for you this week. We discuss the decade in stand up comedy. Learn Dustin's ten comics that had the most impact in the last ten years. He's pretty convincing. I'd write more, but I'm not going to lie to you, I got a warm cup of eggnog calling my name, so I'm going to leave it there and let you just listen and hear it for yourself. Plus, find out the year we made contact (hint: It's coming up real soon). Find out why Dustin can't keep track of which facts he learned from unicorns. And have a HAPPY NEW YEAR! | 12/28/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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110 |
Top Ten Comedy Movies of The Decade | On this week's episode, we talk about the top comedy movies of the decade. Dan reads his list. Dustin gets mad. It's just like last week, except it's about movies. You remember movies, those big flickering pictures they would project on a screen in the places that are now used to simulcast Jonas Brothers concerts. So pop some popcorn, turn down the lights and get ready to stare at your iPod for the next fifty minutes, as we talk about the Talkies! Plus, Dan discovers he is a bigger Jack Black fan than he realized. We take you back to a time when we were all really excited about Lindsey Lohan's career. And jetpacks, jetpacks, jetpacks. Also? Jetpacks. | 12/20/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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111 |
Top Ten Comedy TV Shows Of The Decade | On this week's episode we reveal our top ten TV shows of the decade. Well, Dan reveals his list and Dustin disagrees with it for the most part. Oh yes, there will be a-fussin' and a-fightin' my friend, but don't worry, it's all in the name of finding the best comedy shows of the aughts (the zero's? the naughts? We got like three weeks left people we really have to settle on what we're calling this decade.) Where do your favorite shows fall? What little seen critical darling will Dan make a snobby elitist case for? Plus, how did the writers of "Undressed" keep coming up with new ways to keep their characters in their underwear? Learn about possibly the best note ever written. And don't miss Dan's mind-blowing assertion that perhaps the internet was an important element to this decade. And a quick programming note: Dan mentioned that there was a Japanese version of the "The Office". There isn't. He was wrong about that. (Yes, he knows there was an SNL sketch, but he thought that was based on a real thing.) There is a number of different versions, including a French and German version, so his point still stands. Happy Decade of Comedy everyone! | 12/14/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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112 |
The VH1 Voice and Comedy From Unconventional Places | On this week's episode, we welcome VH1 writer Kristen Swensson! From "Best Week Ever" to "Awesomely Bad Hair", VH1 has pioneered the snarky talking-head clip show. These shows have not only provided hours of enjoyment for the home audience, but have also given up and coming comedians much needed exposure and opportunities to pay their rent. Kristen gives us the low down on how these shows come together. From listing the 100 best Hip Hop songs of all time, to coaxing embarrassing stories out of comedians, we cover it all. Plus, we do the news. How would you feel if Derek Jeter murdered your parents? After he's done with this being President gig, does Obama have a promising future making promos for TBS? And learn about Dan's inability to tell if a man is handsome and how that makes Dustin so mad. You can check out Kristen's fun and funny food blog at cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/ | 12/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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113 |
The Cost of Comedy Snobbery | When you run a podcast/website called The Comedy Nerds it's hard not be considered a comedy snob. Yeah, so what? So we watch comedy with our pinkies out wearing Polo sweaters and eating little sandwich triangles. But it's not all rainbows and judging Two & A Half Men. Is there a cost to comedy snobbery? How does it effect comedy watchers? How does it effect comedians? Is it better to just go along with least common denominator comedy? Who doesn't want to watch a sketch called Farty McGee Goes to College? | 11/29/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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114 |
Going Inside The Writer’s Room | This week we go inside the writer's room of network television with Marc Dworkin. Former writer for Hope & Faith and Disney's Aaron Stone Marc telsl us what it takes to get into writing Sitcom television. How do 16 people write one story? How do you go from PA to writer in just one short season. What's Kelly Ripa like? More importantly what was a young Megan Fox like? (yeah, we had no idea she was on Hope & Faith either) Why is the Starbucks in Burbank the center of the entertainment universe? There's a lot in here so you better start listening now. | 11/22/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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115 |
Romantic Comedy – Does It Have To Suck? | Oh romantic comedy. You always try to trick me with comedy in your name but really you are a romantic story with some quirky shenanigans thrown in. I've fallen for your deception too many times you beautiful sunsetty bastard. This week we look at why there are so many romantic comedies and why they are so awful (most of the time). Do they really have to be that awful? Are too many movies considered romantic comedies? Can you make one without Hugh Grant (or person of equal or greater British accent)? Don't worry, we will make you laugh but we won't make you cry...much. | 11/15/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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116 |
The Art of Storytelling and Stories From The State | Once upon a time...no...There once was a man from Nantucket... no.... Storytelling is hard. On this week's episode we look at what it takes to tell a good comedy story. What's the difference between a good stand-up bit and storytelling? What's important to good story? Is this the next evolution in comedy? To help us figure it all out is host of the storytelling show Risk! and member of the historic sketch comedy group The State, Kevin Allison. He shares his expertise as well as a bunch of hilarious behind the scenes stories of The State. You should be sure to check out his podcast for Risk! on iTunes here and see the show when it returns in January to Joe's Pub, until then check out the website here for details. | 11/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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117 |
Are Corporations Ruining Comedy? | Corporations. Huh. What are they good for? Other than making stuff absolutely nuthin'. Like it or not, every major comedy source in this country is in one way or another beholden to a corporation of some kind. They get to decide what makes it to air and what doesn't. Sponsors, network execs, basically anyone who can be considered "the man" gets to push their stupid noses into the comedy making process. In this week's episode we look at the effect of corporations on today's comedy culture. Has main stream success brought too many sponsors to shows like SNL and hurt the quality? Can a show get more powerful than their corporations? What the hell was Microsoft thinking when they considered sponsoring Seth MacFarlane's live show? Plus, we argue about the relevance of Monty Python as the celebrate their 40th anniversary. (Wow, they are old!) | 11/1/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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118 |
Unintentional Humor or Why Some Things Are So Awful They Rule | No matter how many times I try to explain it to my wife she just doesn't understand. They are snakes and they are on a plane. They are snakes on a plane. It's a plane and there are snakes on it. She says, "yeah I get it. I just think it's stupid." Ummmm...yeah. It is stupid. It's so stupid that it's awesome. Sometimes the funniest things can be completely by accident. This week we look at what makes unintentional funny things funny. Can sitcoms do a very special episode without it being accidentally hilarious? What's the difference between unintentional humor and campy? Who would actually sit down and write a movie about a house that eats unmarried women? What are those crazy snakes doing on that plane anyway? We welcome comedian Nate Kushner, co-host of the movie series Movies vs. Humans, (where they watch the worst movies of all time and comment on them) to help us figure it all out. | 10/25/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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119 |
Comedy Feuds & Seeing Saturday Night Live…Live | This week's episode is ripped from the headlines (of the Huffington Post via The Comic's Comic). We look at the top 7 comedy feuds as suggested by the Huffington post and give our takes on who won. Leno vs. Letterman: Who's more of a douche bag? Arsenio vs Rosanne: Who better represents the early 90's and therefor wins because we really don't care about them all that much any more? David Cross vs Larry the Cable Guy: Can we believe anything a fake cable guy says? Plus, last week Dustin went to see SNL live in studio 8H and he spills the beans of what it's like seeing the famous sketch show live. Find out what had him freaking out during the show and who the scariest lady on the crew is. | 10/18/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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120 |
Life Inside the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre | When it comes to comedy theaters there are few bigger that the Upright Citizens Brigade. So many of today's up and coming comedians have started on that stage and there are future stars beginning classes every day. This week we talk to UCB regular and all around great guy Mike Still about what it's like performing at the world famous theater. What does it take to get on a Harold team? Does being selected for one mean you get to live in Lorne Micheal's basement? Why do some people think of it as the Evil Empire? Plus, find out how a level one UCB improv class changed Dustin's life forever. If you've ever been curious what's it like to perform for a major theater or are interested in getting involved with one take a listen. Mike gives a lot of great inside information. Click Here to see when you can catch Mike performing with one of his many groups. | 10/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 120 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
Informal and Informative
A thouroughly enjoyable show with presenters who are passionate about what they do. The style is relaxed, you could easily see yourself grabbing a beer with these guys, the topics are varied, and the opinions of the hosts are not forced upon you. I admire how they may disagree with a point/performer, but they don't dismiss their contribution. An open and welcoming conversation that I have enjoyed so much, I have started at the beginning of their catalog.
Be advised however, while it is never laugh free, this is a podcast about comedy more than a comedy podcast.
These guys know what they're talking about
This is the funniest way to learn about the business of being funny. Whether you think you know everything there is to know about comedy or you only watch Two and a Half Men, these guys will teach you that you still have a lot to learn. It's also a great way to pass a boring day of data entry and filing. Trust me.
An Essential Podcast For Comedy Fans
...and not just because I've been a guest on three episodes (but also that). These guys know what they're talking about, keeping it informative and entertaining at the same time. My best friend isn't much of a comedy nerd, but he subscribes and listens every week, even ones that aren't the now-classics guested by me! Do yourself a favor and subscribe.
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