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Why Are You Laughing?: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Blind Mike Project
Breaking down the history of comedy and stand-up, one career, special, controversy, and storyline at a time.
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- 6 days ago1h 53m
Top 25 Stand-Ups of the 2000's
Ranking the Top 25 stand-up comedians of the 2000's, so far. We discuss the most influential, prolific and funniest voices in stand-up comedy through the first quarter of the 21st century. *SPOILERS*TIMESTAMPS0:00 Show intro5:30 25. Dane Cook12:39 24. Jim Jefferies17:42 23. Gary Gulman22:53 22. Jim Norton27:46 21. Rory Scoval30:30 20. Anthony Jeselnik34:40 19. Katt Williams37:05 18. Shane Gillis41:51 17. Daniel Tosh46:00 16. Maria Bamford50:47 15. Nate Bargatze54:24 14. Mitch Hedberg57:54 13. Jim Gaffigan1:02:12 12. Bo Burnham1:06:16 11. Doug Stanhope1:08:49 10. Greg Giraldo1:13:40 9. Patrice O'Neal1:17:46 8. John Mulaney1:22:08 7. Brian Regan1:26:26 6. Dave Attell1:30:36 5. Colin Quinn1:34:54 4. Bill Burr1:39:55 3. Dave Chappelle1:42:34 2. Norm MacDonald1:46:14 1. Louis CKFOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.org
- 3 weeks ago1h 0m
What Happened to Amy Schumer? The Epic Downfall
Amy Schumer went from comedy’s biggest star to facing widespread backlash. We cover her meteoric rise with “Inside Amy Schumer,” her Netflix “Leather Special,” accusations of joke theft from comics like Ellen DeGeneres and Patrice O’Neal, and how her political turn alienated fans. From being one of the guys on Opie & Anthony, to a genuine movie star in "Trainwreck' to seemingly irrelevant. Why Are You Laughing? is a history of comedy podcast. FOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.org
- May 14, 202650 min
The Life and Times of Tim | The Most Underrated Show of All Time
Is "The Life & Times of Tim" HBO’s most overlooked comedy? We dive into Steve Dildarian’s animated gem, comparing its style to "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Seinfeld," as well as other underrated series like "Arrested Development" and "Community." With Nick Kroll and guest stars like Bob Saget, Bob Odenkirk, and Aziz Ansari, we uncover why this series deserves a second look and where it fits in comedy history.TIMESTAMPS0:00 Intro5:07 Creating The Life & Times of Tim16:44 HBO bidding war21:04 The Boss27:00 Nick Kroll & other voices39:20 Bob Odenkirk & other guest stars45:27 Is this the most underrated shows ever?FOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.org
- May 7, 20261h 19m
Jim Norton | Opie & Anthony, Stand-Up Comedy, Raw Honesty
Jim Norton’s comedy journey spans from opening for Andrew Dice Clay to becoming a staple on Opie and Anthony and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. We explore his stand-up evolution, his infamous characters like Chip Chipperson and Uncle Paul, and his influence on comedy podcasts and radio. Join “Why Are You Laughing?” as we break down Norton’s raw humor, controversial style, and lasting legacy in stand-up and beyond.FOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.org
- Apr 23, 20261h 49m
The Rise & Fall of Cancel Culture in Comedy
The history of cancel culture in comedy — from Roseanne Barr and Shane Gillis to Joe Rogan and Tony Hinchcliffe — and how it reshaped stand-up, radio, and podcasting.Welcome to the latest episode of Why Are You Laughing?, where we examine the rise and fall of cancel culture in comedy and its lasting impact on the industry. From high-profile controversies involving Daniel Tosh, Roseanne Barr, Owen Benjamin, Shane Gillis, Tony Hinchcliffe, and Joe Rogan, this episode breaks down how careers were altered, opportunities disappeared, and new platforms emerged in response.We explore how cancel culture affected comedians across the spectrum — including moments like Kathy Griffin’s backlash and the broader influence of Donald Trump on the comedy landscape. Along the way, we look at how outrage cycles, online harassment, and shifting audience expectations created both consequences and opportunities within the industry.Rather than taking a one-sided view, this episode analyzes how cancel culture evolved, who it impacted most, and whether its influence is fading or simply changing form in modern comedy.TIMESTAMPS0:00 Intro6:32 Daniel Tosh apology15:21 Jim Norton vs. Lindy West25:18 Roseanne fired31:47 Owen Benjamin45:04 Kathy Griffin vs. Donald Trump1:01:29 Shane Gillis fired from SNL1:14:10 The Joe Rogan Effect1:21:50 Tony Hinchcliffe backlash1:46:08 Norm Macdonald vs. Seth SimonsFOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.orgFOR ALL THINGS HACKRIDEhttp://hackridestudios.comFOR ALL THINGS DJ ELECTRA FRYhttp://djelectrafry.com
- Apr 16, 202647 min
Mitch Hedberg: Mitch All Together
Mitch Hedberg's Mitch All Together (2003) stand-up comedy album review.Mitch Hedberg’s Mitch All Together (2003) is one of the most iconic stand-up comedy albums ever recorded, defining his surreal one-liner style and influencing comics like Demetri Martin, Anthony Jeselnik, and Mark Normand.Welcome to another episode of Why Are You Laughing?, where we break down the history and craft of stand-up comedy. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Mitch Hedberg’s Mitch All Together and why it remains a cult favorite more than two decades later.We explore Hedberg’s unmistakable delivery, his mastery of one-liners, and how his comedic voice compares to legends like Steven Wright, Dave Attell, and Doug Stanhope. We also examine the role of his Comedy Central Presents appearance in launching him into the mainstream and shaping his lasting legacy.From joke structure to audience connection, this episode analyzes what made Mitch Hedberg unique—and why his influence is still felt across modern stand-up.TIMESTAMPS0:00 Intro6:04 Opening jokes13:26 Delivery & Style22:56 Crowd work & Observations27:21 Cult figure and comedy influence34:00 Attention span41:45 Closing jokesFOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.orgFOR ALL THINGS HACKRIDEhttp://hackridestudios.comFOR ALL THINGS DJ ELECTRA FRYhttp://djelectrafry.com
- Apr 9, 20261h 16m
Ari Shaffir's This is Not Happening
Ari Shaffir’s This Is Not Happening on Comedy Central changed comedy storytelling.In this episode of Why Are You Laughing?, we break down the history of Ari Shaffir’s storytelling series, his rise in stand-up, and the controversy with Comedy Central after he sold his special to Netflix instead of giving it to them.Featuring comedians like Big Jay Oakerson, Joey Diaz, Ralphie May, Ali Siddiq, Sal Vulcano, and Brian Regan, the show became a proving ground for some of the best true stories in comedy. We also dive into Ari’s own infamous moments, including his fight story with Bobby Lee.We explore how This Is Not Happening redefined long-form storytelling in stand-up, why it connected so deeply with audiences, and how Ari Shaffir built something that still stands out in comedy today.This is a deep dive into one of the most unique shows in modern stand-up.TIMESTAMPS0:00 Intro4:19 Creation11:21 Respect in Comedy22:17 Platforming comedians27:12 Online popularity32:18 Ali Siddiq prison story36:35 Bobby Lee vs. Ari Shaffir41:02 Sal Vulcano takes pants hostage44:56 Brian Regan dog campaign52:08 Comedy Central fires Ari1:06:27 Roy Wood Jr. takes overFOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.orgFOR ALL THINGS HACKRIDEhttp://hackridestudios.comFOR ALL THINGS DJ ELECTRA FRYhttp://djelectrafry.com
- Apr 2, 20261h 27m
George Carlin | Stand-Up Revolution, Cultural Impact, Comedy Legacy
George Carlin became one of the most influential stand-up comedians in history by constantly reinventing himself. In this episode of Why Are You Laughing?, we break down the full history of George Carlin, from his early radio work, Air Force years, and clean-cut beginnings to his rise as one of the most controversial and respected voices in stand-up comedy.We examine Carlin’s early career as part of a comedy duo, his appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and how he first found success as a suit-and-tie comic inspired by performers like Danny Kaye. The episode then follows Carlin’s transformation as drugs, counterculture, and frustration with traditional show business pushed him toward a new style of stand-up comedy.The discussion also dives into Carlin’s battles over free speech, including his arrests and the legendary “Seven Dirty Words” routine that became a Supreme Court case and changed the boundaries of what comedians could say in public and on broadcast media.We also cover Carlin’s landmark HBO specials and comedy albums, which revitalized his career and introduced him to new generations of fans, along with lesser-known chapters like his failed sitcom with Sam Simon and the financial struggles that followed.Finally, we look at where George Carlin belongs in the all-time rankings of stand-up comedy, comparing his legacy to figures like Richard Pryor and Lenny Bruce while examining his influence on later comedians such as Louis C.K. and Bo Burnham.This is a full comedy history deep dive into George Carlin’s career, reinvention, controversies, and legacy — and why his voice still defines stand-up comedy today.FOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.orgFOR ALL THINGS HACKRIDEhttp://hackridethedemon.comFOR ALL THINGS DJ ELECTRA FRYhttp://djelectrafry.com
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