Here we are at the second part of my list of things I enjoyed last year. The subject this week is podcasts. Podcasts are something that I know I enjoy, and judging from their popularity on iTunes and columns like “Podmass” on AVClub, something I know many enjoy. Yet I can’t seem to find one single person that listens to them regularly. I was trying to explain Comedy Bang Bang to someone the other day and they looked at me like I was about to murder them. The point is, I enjoyed them, so I’m going to write about them. Here they are
Comedy Bang Bang
Comedy Bang Bang can be hit or miss, depending on the guest and the characters they choose to portray. When it hits however, it is fucking hilarious. Host Scott Aukerman takes obvious joy in surrounding himself with these people, and then even more joy by playing the role of “Anti Host”, constantly derailing things and purposely disrupting the flow for some laughs. Couple this with the more reliable guest, such as Paul F Tompkins and Andy Daly, and you have one of the weirdest, most quotable, and hilarious podcasts out there. Just don’t try to explain it to people
Pick of the Lot: Go ahead and choose any episode with Paul F Tompkins and you won’t be disappointed. Also, the episode with Andy Daly, Jason Mantzoukas and Patton Oswalt is brilliant. If you are new to all this, I’d recommend going with the best of the year and seeing if you like it
Doug Loves Movies
Doug Benson ‘s podcast about movie’s requires no prior knowledge, as most of it quickly tails off into sidebars where the panel of comedians riff with each other and Doug. Like pretty much all the podcasts I am going to name, this one is best when the guests bring their A-game. Whether you like Jeff Garlin’s non stop “Hilarious” stories, or Samm Levine’s stuck up know-it-all persona, or Anthony Jeselniks laser precision one liners, there will usually be something for everyone. Plus, the Leonard Maltin game is one of the more engaging podcast inventions, especially when the comedians get competitive.
Pick of the Lot: Mostly I would say try and find the episodes with the longer running times, as these are often hilarious. The episode where Cake Boss (Cake Boss!), Dom Dimelo, and El Chupacabra face off against each other is brilliant, although I’d recommend being familiar with the Comedy Bang Bang characters. If you are willing to pay, download the “Tournament of Championships” edition with Samm Levine, Scott Aukerman and Paul F Tompkins. It is worth it
WTF with Marc Maron
Some time during this year, Marc Maron rightfully took his title of king of the podcasts. He might not have been the first, he might not be the most consistent, but when he gets it, there is no one better. Maron eschews softball interviews in favour of honest conversations. These may come off like he is attacking his guest sometimes, but the results are fascinating. Watching Maron work out his issues with the guest (He usually has some sort of issue with his guest) is some times cringe worthy, but always interesting.
Pick of the Lot: From this year, listen to Todd Hanson. He may not be a big name, but “The Onion” contributor’s story of his attempted suicide is poignant, funny and honest. Everything you want from a Maron interview. People who want to know what all the fuss is about should check the archives for the Dane Cook and Carlos Mencia interviews, these are the ones where Maron gets his unofficial “Comedy Crusader” title from. Uncomfortable at times, but two of the most different interviews you will hear from these people
You Made It Weird
On the other end of Marc Maron’s confrontational, at times angry and attacking style is Pete Holmes. Self described “Golden Retriever” Holmes also interviews his comedian friends, and also manages to do more than scratch the surface. His approach to Maron is completely different though, Holmes is a much more gentle person, but still has his own smart take on things. His laugh (which you will hear often in the show) pretty much sums him up. Loud, a little strange, but infectious
Pick of the Lot: Both of the TJ Miller episodes are great, the first one getting into how Miller almost died from a hemorrhage, and the second one into Dane Cooks “Chainsaw fucking a dirty whore’s cunt” Laugh Factory meltdown. These are of course accompanied by Holmes’ hilarious impression of Miller, which he breaks out often.
Mike and Tom Eat Snacks
It may sound like a simple idea, it may sound like a dumb idea, but Michael Ian Black and Tom Cavanagh have made MATES a great podcast. The premise? Mike and Tom choose a snack every week, eat it, and then rate it. What comes in between is the best part though. Little of it has to do with snacks, lots of it has to do with both hosts getting sidetracked with increasingly weird stories. Mike and Tom have been close friends for a while now, and the chemistry on the podcast shines through.
Pick of the Lot: Krogers Very Cherry Jelly Belly Pudding Snacks. Sounds gross right? Well Mike and Tom eat it, and proceed to attack with the greatest vitriol for about 40 minutes. Don’t think it sounds funny? Just listen to it
Honourable mentions go to
Who Charted? – Great Chemistry between the hosts and fun games, I just haven’t got into it until recently, thus excluding it from the list
This American Life – Hit or miss depending on the segments, but when a good one comes along it is a must listen
The Nerdist – Not always essential, and Chris Hardwick’s constant enthusiasm for everything may grate on some peoples nerves, but he is a great host, and deserves mention for building up the Nerdist industries empire, which holds many great podcasts
Smodcast – Fell out of listening to this midway through the year, and never really came back. But deserves credit for pulling me into podcasts in the first place
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