#94: Brothers In Arms with Ben Gleib and Skyler Stone
In the most intense and dramatic episode of this podcast two former friends turned enemies hash out what went wrong after not speaking for years. This episode is a raw and inside look into the issues we all face. Family, career, regrets, addiction, retaliation, pride, fear, and remorse. It was incredible to witness and I'm glad these two are my friends.@theskylerstone@bengleib Hugepianist.com ...
2hr 22m Jun 08, 2016
2hr 22m
#93: Nick Swardson
Nick has been one of my best friends and comedy mentors for over a decade. Got to sit down with him for a bit and talk Instagram pet peeves, health, and his new move "The Do Over" with Adam Sandler. It's been a long road since his roller skating prostitute days on Reno 911 but he's still the same prostitute only with slightly nicer roller skates.Hugepianist.com for tour dates.Subscribe/share/ra...
26m Jun 03, 2016
26m
#92: Crepe by Radiohead
This episode I tell the story of an Indian that was mistaken for an Indian, I realize I hate Rick Springfield, and I take requests on piano. http://Hugepianist.com Subscribe/rate/comment on this podcast Whydidnttheylaugh@gmail.com
1hr 4m Jun 01, 2016
1hr 4m
#91: Punching Ghosts in Oswego
Guests Tamer Kattan and Jon Gabrus join me to listen to crazy audio from a show I did in my hometown of Oswego, Ny. Per usual, the comedy analysis quickly becomes a rabbit hole that went a million crazy places. Great guests great times. Subscribe and comment. Email me whydidnttheylaugh@gmail.comBuy tix for my LA show 6/18 at hugepianist.com
1hr 23m May 25, 2016
1hr 23m
#90: Body of Work with Kevin Lilly
This episode is all about health and wellness. I met Kevin almost 7 years ago when he worked at Crunch gym in Hollywood. Long story short, I lost 70 lbs working with him and he transformed the way I see life. He now has his own gym "Heart and Hustle" with his business partner Greg in west hollywood, and trains the biggest stars and most elite athletes in the world. Seacrest mentioned his gym du...
37m May 20, 2016
37m
#89: Class Clown
I returned from Boston with new insights into human nature. The combination of doing stand up in Boston with a 16 hour lecture series about linguistics turned on a lightbulb for me. Enjoy!Hugepianist.com for touringWhydidnttheylaugh@gmail.com let me know what names say about people
37m May 18, 2016
37m
#88: 1869 Jokes too soon?
A solo ep w stand up clips. Laugh Boston tonight and tomorrow. Finally selling stuff on my website. Hit it up! Hugepianist.comWhydidnttheylaugh@gmail.com
18m May 13, 2016
18m
#87: "Mom Power" with Kira Soltanovich
I discuss a new book "The Story of the Human Body" and then am joined by comedian Kira Soltanovich who's new special "You Did This To Me" is available on iTunes and Amazon. She is hilarious and insanely smart, this is one of my favorite episodes. She also will make you question your gut. I also tell the story about getting so high on Joey Diaz's podcast that I left. I'm at LAUGH BOSTON all week...
1hr 25m May 11, 2016
1hr 25m
#86: The Wife Test
Comedians write about what they know and what I know lately has been Amy and our baby. After a few weeks on the road and some new jokes I have to run them by her to make sure she's cool with them. She also is great at adding insight into a joke. But most importantly I need her OK. Cuz no joke is worth marital problems. And some of these kind of push the envelope (blushy face). http://hugepiani...
31m May 06, 2016
31m
#85: Laugh Athlete with NFL kicker Pat McAfee
Had a blast at the Chicago improv and got to sit down with Colts kicker Pat McAfee who is getting into the less violent world of stand up comedy. http://Hugepianist.com for tix to: Oswego, NYBostonNYC Subscribe/comment the podcast if you like it. Recommend to a friend.Whydidnttheylaugh@gmail.com
31m May 04, 2016
31m
#84: I May Be Wrong But I'm Not Lying
This episode I explore the psychology of a troll, I get an amazing joke from my friend Brian, and review a book about autism called "Switched On." Joke by Brian Doyle Murray http://Hugepianist.com for tour dates Subscribe/rate/comment if you like this podcast to keep it goingWhydidnttheylaugh@gmail.com
39m Apr 29, 2016
39m
#83: Shane Mauss also wants a van
I'm joined by a man who: also loves the book Sapiens, is over 6'3, is obsessed with duck genitalia, and wants a van. Shane is a comic and psychedelic expert who takes us down topics of DMT and the origins of the universe. Awesome episode. http://Hugepianist.com for tour dates Subscribe/rate/comment to feed our algorithm lords. This episode is sponsored by Seeso. Comedy’s experiencing a serio...
1hr 4m Apr 27, 2016
1hr 4m
#82: Family First
Jokes by Theo Von and my Dad This week we hear jokes from Theo Von as well as my dad. I analyze my parents lovingly hostile relationship with two voicemails my dad left on the day my son was born. Subscribe/rate/comment on this podcast to help us grow. Email me whydidnttheylaugh@gmail.com. I love hearing from you. Get tix http://chicago.improv.com for 4/28-4/31 shows. Let's do this Chicago!...
22m Apr 23, 2016
22m
#81: Who Is The Funniest Nominee?
This election all the candidates seem to be going for laughs, so let's judge them. I teamed up with nuclear physicist Kevin P. Hickerson (who showed up drunk) to objectively determine who's best at being funny. I spent all day assembling as many clips of joke attempts as I could find. No politician discussions just writing, delivery, and crowd control. Email me who you think is funniestHillary...
1hr 21m Apr 20, 2016
1hr 21m
#80: Summer of 1869 (joke by Sal Vulcano)
Sal Vulcano star of the Impractical Jokers left a hilarious message on my voicemail. I experiment with Facebook live streaming piano requests. It's choppy at first but it gets going and super fun. Topics include: the Mariners, a racist zoo keeper, snow in Hawaii, and a ton of other random stuff. subscribe/comment/rate it means a lothttp://owenbenjamin.com for tour dates I love you This epis...
1hr 2m Apr 15, 2016
1hr 2m
#79: Chris Mancini
Chris Mancini host of Comedy Film Nerds podcast joins me. He discusses his new graphic novel that he is funding on Kickstarter called LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY which sounds awesome and we have a MasterDebator contest (topics include: Jeopardy and maple syrup). I use a heckler to my own advantage and wrestle with a joke. Subscribe/rate/commentOwenbenjamin.com for tour dates Whydidnttheylaugh@gmai...
44m Apr 13, 2016
44m
#78: Everyone Trusts the Weatherman (Joke by Kunal Nayyar)
This episode the duck premise is really coming together, FitBit joins the sombrero joke, a podcast fan comes up with a great premise about the weatherman and I explain why noses look different. New Road Dates:Sanford and Sons - Kansas City 4/20-23Chicago Improv 4/28-5/2owenbenjamin.com for more dates Subscribe/Comment/Rate this podcast if you like it. It helps spread the word. Email me whydid...
57m Apr 08, 2016
57m
#77: Periscoping Drunk
Periscoping drunk whydidnttheylaugh@gmail.com Stanford and Sons in Kansas City - 4/20-24Chicago improv - 4/29-5/1Come! Subscribe/rate/comment it means a lot!
45m Apr 01, 2016
45m
#76: I'm A Dad
Had an insane week. Had a kid, wrote some jokes, good times. Great joke by Nick Swardson on this episode. Email me at whydidnttheylaugh@gmail.com Stanford and Sons in Kansas City - 4/20-24Chicago improv - 4/29-5/1Come! Subscribe/rate/comment it means a lot!
41m Mar 30, 2016
41m
#75: Duck, Duck, Penis
I use 4 stand up shows to figure out a joke about ducks. If you enjoy information and mysteries you will like this. Enjoy! Topics include: ducks, mating calls for humans, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, death, the universe, obsession, and hydration. Video episode of my "Why Didn't They Laugh" Podcast available at http://youtube.com/owenbenjamincomedy. Subscribe/Rate/share Thanks! Email me at whydidntth...
35m Mar 15, 2016
35m
#74: Michael Loftus
We play a game “Is it: Shakespeare, the Bible, or Demetri martin” Ask Powerful questions like "Is calling Caityln Jenner a cunt make you sexist or progressive?" I go off on my love for pigeons and Michael gets intense about how John Adams tried to get rid of the French. A lot of touring dates: Austin Texas Esther's Follies 3/15 10 PMCleveland and Chicago Improv in April Subscribe and leave ...
1hr 25m Mar 09, 2016
1hr 25m
#73: Called To Healing (My Mom's Book)
My mom's grandmother was a midwife with 6 sisters. My mom came from an abusive family in an abusive time in an abusive world. She willed herself into being kind, thoughtful and connected to a greater meaning than the chaos that surrounded her. She wrote a book back in the early 90's called "Called to Healing." A few classes used the book as a textbook but it never got the commercial acclaim tha...
1hr 35m Mar 03, 2016
1hr 35m
#72: "Weed saved my marriage" with Richard Villa
I've known Richard for years from his "Refried Fridays" Latino night at the Hollywood Improv. He's blowing up lately and kicking off his own all Spanish podcast on Sideshow Network called DE PIE EN AMERICA He challenged me to do 5 minutes of material in Spanish in front of a full blown Mexican crowd. So I said "si amigo." Please subscribe, rate, review this podcast to keep the good vibes goin...
1hr 34m Mar 02, 2016
1hr 34m
#71: Giggly Boner Machine with Kevin P. Hickerson
A Nuclear physicist, a comedian, and a vape pen walk into a podcast studio. Enjoy!
1hr 55m Feb 24, 2016
1hr 55m
#70: Road To Joy with Tamer Kattan
A light hearted episode with a podcast regular. Master debater topics include "Should left handed people be able to sue door handle companies?" "Should vegans be allowed to work at steak houses"? Topics so absurd they can't possibly be seen as a hot button issue. Subscribe/comment/rate it helpsEmail thoughts whydidnttheylaugh@gmail.comhttp://Owenbenjamin.com for your dates"Road to joy" doc on...
1hr 18m Feb 17, 2016
1hr 18m
#69: Behind The Screens
Ever wonder who the people are behind Twitter anger? After a controversial tweet spawned a Twitter debate I invited anyone to come on my podcast and have a rational discussion about the history of BPP and some people took me up on it. It's an interesting listen. Let me know your thoughts whydidnttheylaugh@gmail.com Much love! Hollywood improv this Sunday (Valentine's Day) Tampa improv last we...
1hr 12m Feb 12, 2016
1hr 12m
#68: Mick Foley (Mankind), Erin Foley, and Dan St. Germain
In one of our longest episodes, got to sit down with a famous wrestler/author turned comedian. Fascinating guy. Also joined by amazing comedians Erin Foley and Dan St. Germain. Email me whydidnttheylaugh@gmail.com http://Owenbenjamin.com for tour dates Let Selfie Station be the Picture taker, Ice breaker AND your money maker. As a special introductory offer, get $500 off the professional pack...
2hr 7m Feb 10, 2016
2hr 7m
#67: Jilly and Greta Bring Me Question Hearts
Jilly Hendrix and Greta Titelman from LADY LOVIN podcast join me to discuss any question that comes from the candy hearts they brought me. Topics include "whazup" and "true love." I play clips from my back country shows at Skagit Casino. Great people but trying to work on a gun joke that still seems to make people uncomfortable. http://Owenbenjamin.com for tour dates and song requests. Let S...
59m Feb 05, 2016
59m
#66: Molestation Near Misses with Pat Deluca
Pat and I met in Kindergarten, moved to LA together 13 years ago and have been through every major life event together. Awesome having him on my podcast. He's featured in my documentary "60 minutes 7 days" on youtube which he still hasn't seen because he is kind of a prick. He is a wildly successful TV producer/director and we didn't talk about it at all for some reason. THAT's how many stories...
1hr 23m Feb 03, 2016
1hr 23m
#65: Story Time with Tiffany Haddish
I've known Tiffany for years and it's awesome to see her blowing up. You can see her in Key and Peele's new movie "Keanu" coming out April 29th as well as being a regular on "The Carmichael Show" on NBC. She tells me stories ranging from her first brush with comedy when she was in foster care, to the time she thinks a dude's dick smelled. If you like this podcast subscribe, rate, comment. I'll...
1hr 25m Jan 27, 2016
1hr 25m
#64: The Pursuit of Happiness with Amy (my wife) and Bill Nye (the science guy)
My wife Amy cohosts this episode with me even though she had to pee every 8 minutes (7 months pregnant). I got to interview Bill Nye this week on my other podcast SURELY YOU'RE JOKING I do with a bunch of scientists. I play some of my favorite parts of that interview where we talked about: the discovery of another planet, Roman numerals, climate change, nuclear power’s need for a better public...
1hr 11m Jan 22, 2016
1hr 11m
#63: Desirable Difficulties with Matt Besser
Legendary comedian Matt Besser talked to me about starting UCB, the advantages of being in a dinosaur costume, and what made him throw the chips. Been a big fan of this dude for a while and it's great to be able to ask one of the founding members of Upright Citizens Brigade about what makes great improv. "Besser Breaks the Record" now available at http://seeso.com, check it out it's hilarious....
1hr 29m Jan 20, 2016
1hr 29m
#62: The Mad King
In a solo episode I show clips from a show that went a bit off the rails but in a fun way. I explain why I never watch my openers. Ok I'll just tell ya, because if the crowd isn't good for them and I think they were funny I will open my show by telling the crowd they were wrong. Not a good move. If you won powerball you'll have time to listen to this, and if you didn't win powerball you should...
29m Jan 13, 2016
29m
#61: Skyler Stone email blasted my phone number
I've been friends for a decade now with Skyler Stone and in any friendship that long there are ups and downs. This is the longest episode I've done for a good reason. It is PACKED with insane stories. He's an awesome dude who's both charitable and vengeful. He's a force of nature who's been in countless movies and TV shows, has 4 kids, stand up comedy crusher, hot wife, and once emailed my phon...
2hr 25m Jan 08, 2016
2hr 25m
#60: Howie Mandel
Awesome talk with Howie Mandel. My brother and I figure out a way to get a free donut. Check out 60minutes7days.com and throw a tip in the jar and get an original song at http://owenbenjamin.com Subscribe, comment, and rate this podcast. much love and happy new year! Email me with questions or comments whydidnttheylaughpodcast@gmail.com
49m Jan 06, 2016
49m
#59: It Takes A Child To Raise A Village
I recorded this after not sleeping for two days so it's either gonna be awesome or insane. I'm solo on this one which means there are some extreme tangents explored. A physicist I talked to recently explained to me the gluons who's' function is to bind and connect subatomic particles actually has the majority of the mass of the atom? I may be getting that wrong but the concept has stuck with me...
1hr 7m Dec 31, 2015
1hr 7m
#58: Of Course with Kirk Fox
Long time friend and rhetorical master Kirk Fox joins me. I met Kirk going to the Aspen comedy festival in 2006 right after he quit professional tennis to be a comedian. He won new faces that year and if there was another aspen this year he'd probably win "known faces." He's on a new CBS show playing a cop but I'm pretty sure he's just being a cop. After they wrap the season he will for sure fo...
1hr 16m Dec 16, 2015
1hr 16m
#57: Because We Love It
Solo episode with tape from 15 years ago. Intense. Voicemails from mom and brother. Owenbenjam.com. Listen, comment, spread. Keep me alive. Help me name my son whydidnttheylaughpodcast@gmail.com60minutes7days.com coming soon!!
52m Dec 10, 2015
52m
#56: What Makes a Man
Story time with the Big Bear! This episode I read a story from my childhood about trying to understand what gender means in a very unique situation. owenbenjamin.com for song requests. personalize them! Makes for a great gift. Toledo Laffs this weekend, Levity Live for New Years. Thank you all for the great e-mails you've sent. I'm sure you'll want to comment about this one because I discuss ge...
31m Dec 04, 2015
31m
#55: "Why is their blood on your Brooks Brothers shirt?" with Paul Mecurio & Kevin Hickerson
Want to know what it sounds like when you realize you shouldn't have worn a suit for a show in Texas? You've come to the right place. I also play audio of a joke I think I finally have nailed down about how ancient aliens is the most racist show on television. My guests Paul Mecurio was a corporate lawyer turned comedian launching a new podcast this week. He's hilarious and has an insane Paul M...
1hr 40m Dec 02, 2015
1hr 40m
#54: Hypothetical Ghost Experiments with Kevin P Hickerson and Erik Griffen
Nuclear physicist Kevin Hickerson and I listen to voice mails from my brother and get super sciency. Workaholic's Erik Griffen pops on for a while and Craig Robinson fact checks one of Kevin's mold claims as he chills on the couch. The magic of the Hollywood Improv at it's best. Subscribe, comment, rate this podcast. Check my website for tour information and email me at whydidntheylaughpodcast...
1hr 13m Nov 25, 2015
1hr 13m
#53: Dick Jokes and The Complexities of Human Nature
I read and answer mail in this episode. I also dive deeper into the book "Sapians" that I am now completely obsessed with. This episode includes songs, rants, jokes, and human connection which is important for all of us. owenbenjamin.com to request a personalized song addison improv thanksgiving weekend laffs in Toledo first weekend in december subscribe, rate, and comment on this podcast if yo...
59m Nov 20, 2015
59m
#52: Seinfeld writer Peter Mehlman
I finally got my Filipino nurses joke to work, and give a preview to "60 Minutes 7 Days." I got to talk to the legendary Seinfeld writer Peter Mehlman who's responsible for the term "shrinkage" and wrote one of my favorite episodes "yadayada." Check out his book "It Won't Always Be the Great." He wrote most of it in the shower and I'm for sure reading it now. http://bit.ly/1WZrHsC Hit me up a...
1hr 41m Nov 18, 2015
1hr 41m
#51: Wheat Paranoia with Sam Tripoli
Thank you all for sending me videos suggesting joke topics for my new hour I'm trying to write in a week. I go over a new joke I'm trying to do about Halloween costumes and exit rows. After a long day and too much coffee and reading "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari I start getting very paranoid that wheat has enslaved all of humanity. Sam Tripoli joins me and we both get super fired up about rand...
52m Nov 11, 2015
52m
#50: Rain Shame
The first podcast from above the Hollywood improv! I play clips from mine and Amy's families meeting for the first time and my brother insisting everyone from Seattle has "rain shame." Great surprise guests keep popping up to talk. Guests include: Matthew Broussard, medical doctor/comedian Jeff Brown, and Krystena Hutchinson and Corrine Fisher from hit podcast GUYS WE F**KED Send me video jok...
1hr Nov 04, 2015
1hr
#49: Every Thorn Has it's Rose
This episode my brother tells the story of how he got a ride from the airport. I sing a song on the God Damn Comedy Jam and we read both positive and negative letters from the people. Brea Improv 11/12-14, Dallas Improv 11/28-29, Flappers Burbank 11/22 email me with comments or for info on shows whydidnttheylaughpodcast@gmail.com comment, rate, subscribe this show so we can keep it growin. That...
31m Oct 30, 2015
31m
#48: Hugo Boss was a Nazi with Adam Ray
Long time friend and host of ABOUT LAST NIGHT podcast, Adam joins me to talk history, hecklers, his new role in Ghostbusters, and he's shocked to learn Hugo Boss was a Nazi. He claims he will no longer wear the cologne but I don't believe him. He's a great guy and this was one of my favorite interviews I've done thus far. I read emails from listeners who try to explain to me what diamonds are a...
1hr 36m Oct 28, 2015
1hr 36m
Kunal Nayyar "Maybe that's how I'll make friends"
Kunal Nayyar "Maybe this is how I'll make friends" Big Bang Theory star Kunal Nayyar has a new book out called "Yes, My accent is real" which is fantastic. I got to talk to him about it at a livetalksla.org event. He's been a great friend to me for a while and has tons of awesome insights into life. I'll be at the Brea Improv nov 12-14 get tix at improv.com email me at whydidnttheylaughpodcast@...
47m Oct 23, 2015
47m
Shiny Things
This episode we look at a joke about engagement rings. Tough subject to crack and definitely still a work in progress. We talk great people in history that have been "on the spectrum" and we see my brother's reaction to the youtube video "hand job cabin." Subscribe, rate, comment, spread the love. I'll be at the Brea Improv nov 12-14. Email me at whydidnttheylaughpodcast@gmail.com owenbenjamin....
35m Oct 21, 2015
35m
Ninja Pirate
Final stretch of my tour and happy to be coming home. I review the incredible book "Why Nations Fail" and give you some solid points they make so you don't have to read the whole book if you don't want to. I break format a little and don't go over live jokes because frankly random venue midweek shows can get so weird I can't accurately determine why jokes are working or not. So instead I read y...
31m Oct 16, 2015
31m