Tag: comedy

Comedians Henry Zebrowski and Holden McNeely Break Down ‘Dune’ in Spotify Exclusive Podcast

March 15, 2021

Since its original 1965 publication, Dune, the six-part book series by Frank Herbert, has gained a worldwide following and earned its way into the literary hall of fame. The sci-fi sensation—a futuristic tale about a man who must navigate power and politics on the desert-like planet of Arrakis—is even being made into a blockbuster film adaptation slated for October starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. But fans don’t need to wait too long for new Dune content: Spotify’s new exclusive podcast Dune, hosted by Henry Zebrowski and Holden McNeely, brings a comedic take to the story that both longtime fans and science fiction newbies will enjoy.

That’s right: Last Podcast on the Left host Henry Zebrowski and Wizard and the Bruiser host Holden McNeely are coming together to take fans on an interstellar journey through Dune. Listeners can expect this show to carry the same edgy comedic spin the duo are known for. “Dune is made by the same powerful nerds who made Last Podcast on The Left and Wizard and the Bruiser,” Henry says. “The lessons hidden inside the books have changed my life in ways that have made me more difficult to love, but easier for me to rule the galaxy!”

Holden shares that he first picked up the acclaimed series thanks to Henry’s recommendation. “I soon got lost in an incredibly well-developed world and hero’s journey that said more about the universe and our place in it than pretty much anything else I’ve ever read,” explains the comedian.

The podcast includes 12 episodes that will bring an hour of laughs for both longtime sci-fi lovers and Dune newcomers. “Listen to the podcast if you love Dune and, more importantly, if you’ve never been able to love it but wish you could,” says Holden. 

Check out the first episode below.

 

 

Get a Glimpse Into the Festival di Sanremo With Spotify’s First Italian Original Podcast, ‘The Jackal: tutto Sanremo ma dura meno’

March 4, 2021

Every year, the eyes and ears of Italy turn to the coasts of Liguria for the Festival di Sanremo, a competition where artists premiere never-before-heard songs in Italian. Now, Spotify is bringing the sounds of Sanremo to listeners around the globe through Spotify’s first Italian Original podcast: The Jackal: tutto Sanremo ma dura meno. Hosted by The Jackal, a renowned Italian comedy collective, the show is a lighthearted look at the festival’s history all the way up to this year’s event, which concludes on March 6.

The festival, which first started in 1951, consists of two categories: one for well-known singers and one for young newcomers. Competition rules dictate that the song must have never been performed in public before, and it must be an original tune. Festival di Sanremo is where many Italian artists make their debuts (like award-winning singer-songwriter Laura Pausini), and there are often international stars who make guest appearances during the event. The winners of the competition are determined by voting from a jury and by guests watching the televised event and voting from home.

The first four episodes of the 10-part podcast are dedicated to the comedy group’s favorite moments of past competitions, highlighting funny and heartwarming stories that made the beloved festival what it is today. After walking down memory lane, the hosts give a play-by-play of this year’s event, peppering their retelling with The Jackal’s signature wit and sharp humor.

Whether you’re interested in experiencing a cherished Italian tradition or you’re a longtime follower of The Jackal, check out The Jackal: tutto Sanremo ma dura meno, available now exclusively on Spotify.

Germany’s Till Reiners Celebrates Comedy and the Comedians on His New Podcast, ‘Jokes’

July 21, 2020

When it comes to German podcasts, comedy is king. It’s the number one genre in the country, with more than a third of the top podcasts falling into the category. While there are dozens of shows that leave listeners in stitches, there’s yet to be one that celebrates comedy and the comedians who make fans laugh, snicker, and chuckle—until now. Enter Till Reiners and his new Spotify Original Podcast, Jokes.

Till is one of Germany’s most well-known comedians. He not only tours the country with his set, but he also has his own TV show and makes regular appearances on the satirical late-night show Heute Show.

Each week on Jokes, Till will be joined by a fellow comedian—newcomers and legends alike—to talk about their work, how they see the world, their influences, and how it all comes together. Some of the guests listeners can look forward to include Christian Ulmen, Aurel Mertz, and Hazel Brugger. 

We caught up with Till to learn about his take on comedy, the ideal podcast guest, and more.

According to Spotify’s streaming data, comedy is currently the most popular podcast genre in Germany. Why do you think that is?

It’s entertainment, obviously! Most people like to listen to two funny people talking. And of course, it helps if it’s their job anyway.

What’s New This Week in Spotify Podcasts

March 13, 2020

Welcome to This Week in Podcasts, where we share what’s new in the podcast world. Here you’ll find a roundup of series debuts, can’t-miss episodes, and so much more—all available to stream on Spotify. Whether you fancy yourself a content connoisseur or an audio amateur, you’re sure to discover something worth listening to. Keep scrolling to check out the latest and greatest in podcasts this week—including InCharge with DVF, The Guilty Feminist, and Supernatural with Ashley Flowers.

Preview the New Spotify Original Podcast ‘The Last Degree of Kevin Bacon’

February 12, 2020

You may remember over the summer when we announced that a new Spotify Original podcast, The Last Degree of Kevin Bacon, starring Kevin Bacon as himself, was in the works. Well, the highly anticipated comedy series is nearly here, with the first two episodes dropping Monday, February 17, only on Spotify. Can’t wait? You can listen to the trailer right now.

Produced by Funny Or Die and created by Dan Abramson, the comedy podcast tells the story of washed-up actor Randy Beslow, who’s spent 30 years blaming Kevin Bacon for missing out on the lead role of Footloose. After hitting rock bottom, Beslow decides to hunt down his celebrity nemesis. But in a twist neither of them saw coming, he accidently becomes Bacon’s new assistant and possible BFF. What happens next? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

Part fiction and part alternative reality, a star-studded cast including actors Kyra Sedgwick, Matt Walsh, and Lamorne Morris joins Kevin Bacon for a podcast you won’t want to miss. Check out a preview in the video below.

 

The Last Degree of Kevin Bacon trailer is available now on Spotify. The series launches Monday, February 17, only on Spotify.

‘National Lampoon Radio Hour: The Podcast’ Comes to Spotify Ahead of 50th Anniversary

December 10, 2019

Are you a National Lampoon fan? Then we’ve got news for you: National Lampoon Radio Hour: The Podcast, will be released on Spotify December 19—and starting with the third episode on December 26, Spotify users will have exclusive access to new episodes of the show —just in time for the 50th anniversary of National Lampoon magazine.

The comedy radio show, which started in 1973 and ran for over a year, now has the opportunity to entertain a new generation of listeners through its rebirth as a podcast. New and old fans alike can get excited for the revival of the program, which kicked off the careers of comedic greats including John Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and Harold Ramis, among others.

National Lampoon Radio Hour: The Podcast brings brand-new programming featuring comedic talent such as Cole Escola, Jo Firestone, and Brett Davis. Spotify listeners will also get exclusive access to original content from the 1970’s radio show from stand-up legends. 

So, to all the Debbie Downers out there: we’ve got something to cheer you up. Tune into the twisted “National Lampoon’s Christmas Podcast” episode with a special guest (the one and only Debbie Downer herself, Rachel Dratch) and get ready for the National Lampoon revival you didn’t know you needed with an amalgam of hilarious sketches, characters, tunes, and more.

Listen to the trailer below, and check back in for the launch on December 19.

It’s *F%$#^&!* Funny: Catch Season 2 of Spotify Original Podcast ‘Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith’

October 16, 2018

She’s, ahem, unfiltered, so imagine how candid Amy Schumer gets when she broadcasts from the comfort of her own apartment. The second season of 3 Girls, 1 Keith, the writer-comedian’s podcast, launches exclusively on Spotify on October 23—and Amy’s back with more guest stars, more overshares, and more laughs (theirs and yours).

What began as an inside joke between four best friends—Amy plus fellow comedians Rachel Feinstein, Bridget Everett, and Keith Robinson—about the idea of broadcasting their hangouts has turned into a candid take on politics, world events, and of course the intimate personal anecdotes Amy is known for. Season 1, ICYMI (hint: catch up now), tackled personal bias to parachute pants. For this season, drinking, sex, worthless people, and J. Lo are all on the agenda … nothing is off-limits.

In 3 Girls, 1 Keith’s second season, Amy and company go there, discussing their “death plans” (including using the deceased’s ashes as bath salts), shoplifting, and other taboos. They also grill a variety of special guests, including supermodel Ashley Graham, comedian Dave Attell, actress-comedian-writer Wanda Sykes, and human rights powerhouse Amanda Nyugen. Amy’s dad, Gordon Schumer, even makes a cameo, dishing about the time he ditched his future wife and her parents to get “tied up” by another girl.

Fans can look forward to more of last season’s segments, like “Pound it or Pass,” when the hosts debated whether or not they would hook up with a given celebrity (yes, Amy’s dad does participate), and “Why is Keith a Bad Person?” … which is fairly self-explanatory.

Keep an eye (and an ear) out for new episodes coming exclusively to Spotify every week this month. Pro tip: Listen in public at your own risk. Audible laughter is pretty much inevitable.

Watch the trailer here:

Get to Know Amy Schumer and Her Best Friends on New Spotify Original Podcast Series “Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith”

June 21, 2018

Hang out with Amy Schumer! The stand-up comedian and writer behind Inside Amy Schumer, Trainwreck, and I Feel Pretty will pull you into her life with her new Spotify original podcast Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith.

Premiering today, the podcast features Amy and her best friends, Rachel Feinstein, Bridget Everett, and Keith Robinson—who just happen to be acclaimed comedians as well. They will discuss the intimate details of their lives and the world in general.