Five Podcasts About Comedy

People have a love for comedy podcasts like Comedy Bang Bang, Artists on Artists on Artists on Artists, Handsome, etc. Less people are interested in the behind the scenes stuff. I am, and I know how difficult it can be to find podcasts about comedy when searches think you’re looking for comedy podcasts.

I threw together some of my favorites and newer discoveries that I’ve been testing. Unfortunately there’s only so many hours in the day so some of these I’ve only listened to an episode or two. While others I’ve listened to much more.

This isn’t a comprehensive look so I’d love to hear of some that I’ve missed to add to my list. And if you have nothing to share, I hope you find a new favorite podcast to add to your rotation.

Good One: A Podcast About Jokes - From Vulture and hosted by Jesse David Fox, this podcast talks with comedians and breaks down jokes, sometimes characters. It’s a fun insight into how a joke is formed from various artists.

On the Funny - The description and first episode explain the show as a look at comedy through history. However, it’s mainly focused on On Cinema At The Cinema. I don’t know if this is getting so meta with the comedy that it’s in on the joke of the On Cinema universe or what. Either way it’s a good look at Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington’s work. I’ll admit I’ve not listened to all of it only because I’m behind on the On Cinema Universe by a few seasons.

Mike Birbiglia’s Working On It - Birbiglia’s discussions are less about the joke and more about the creative process. Which puts it on the top of the listening pile for me. Disclosure, I love his films. Sleep Walk with Me and Don’t Think Twice. I actually saw Don’t Think Twice in theaters. I don’t think many people did.

Open Mic Pain - A couple of guys try to break into the Boston comedy scene via open mics. I have to admit I love open mics over pretty much everything. Pre-pandemic I haunted the open mics around Denver with plans to start some kind of podcast talking about them. That never came together, but I still recommend open mics for anyone who loves watching the awkward work of writing and performing comedy. Admittedly, I’ve not listened to more than a few minutes of this podcast, but I’m adding it as I’ve not come across any media that documents the open mic process from people actively going through it. Please let me know if I’ve over looked anything.

Improv Nerd - The art of improv feels so mystical compared to stand-up. Sure you’re one person with just yourself trying to move an audience, but with improv, you’re thrown into the middle of nothing and are expected to go. I’ve really only listened to the Bob Odenkirk episode (which I loved) so I’m not familiar with the rest of it. Luckily(?) It stopped in 2022 so I have a chance to catch up.