Funny You Should Mention
Funny You Should Mention
Podcast Description
Sure, stand-up comedy makes us laugh, but that’s not its only purpose. Comics use the stage to make arguments and express bigger picture world-views, getting people to laugh in the process of making deeper points. In Funny You Should Mention, a new comedy series from Mike Pesca and The Comedy Cellar, Mike spends an hour with each comic, seeking to identify a broader thesis, and pressing comics to put a finer point on their arguments. Funny comes first, but it’s ideas that are explored on Funny You Should Mention.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show explores themes of comedy as a vehicle for social commentary, with episodes focusing on critical issues like criminal justice, race relations, and personal anecdotes. For instance, Roy Wood Jr. discusses police responsibility, while Django Gold reflects on societal norms through humor. The series emphasizes the blend of entertainment with deeper societal observations, challenging audiences to reconsider their views.

Sure, stand-up comedy makes us laugh, but that’s not its only purpose. Comics use the stage to make arguments and express bigger picture world-views, getting people to laugh in the process of making deeper points. In Funny You Should Mention, a new comedy series from Mike Pesca and The Comedy Cellar, Mike spends an hour with each comic, seeking to identify a broader thesis, and pressing comics to put a finer point on their arguments. Funny comes first, but it’s ideas that are explored on Funny You Should Mention.
Kentucky-raised, New York-forged, and newly “A Jewish Star,” Ariel Elias breaks down how outsider status becomes comic superpower. We talk growing up Jewish in the Bluegrass, explaining Kentucky to New Yorkers, the “Earl” name bit, airline misery (farewell, Southwest), and writing cleaner for synagogue gigs without losing edge. She unpacks her viral beer-can moment and how it led to Kimmel, why “hack” is about angle not topic, the art of the long-simmer callback, and learning to say no (and yes) at the right times.
Produced by Corey Wara
Production Coordinator Ashley Khan
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