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Comedy History 101

Comedy History 101

Written by: Harmon Leon
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About this listen

 Comedian and journalist Harmon Leon dives deep into the wild, weird, and hilarious history of comedy. Each episode explores the backstories of legendary comedians, iconic sketches, cult classics, stand-up milestones, and forgotten gems from the comedy world. From SNL to viral videos, we unpack the moments that shaped what makes us laugh. Whether you're a hardcore comedy nerd or just comedy-curious, this is your crash course in the funny business. Subscribe now and discover how comedy got to where it is today—one punchline at a time. More: harmonleon.com comedyhistory101.comHarmon Leon Art Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Stairway to Stardom: The Greatest Public Access TV Show Ever w/ Mitch Friedman

    Stairway to Stardom: The Greatest Public Access TV Show Ever w/ Mitch Friedman
    Jan 23 2026
    Stairway to Stardom was a NYC public access TV show, described in The Onion as "without exaggeration, it was one of the greatest shows ever to be on television." Airing in the 70s through the early 90s, Stairway to Stardom was YouTube, before YouTube, and has fans ranging from Bjork to the Found Footage Festival. Performers of very questionable talent, ranging from off-key lounge singers to interpretive dancers, attempted to stairway to stardom – and performed their hearts out – without fear of snark and comment trolls tearing them down. Archivist Mitch Friedman joins CH101 to explore how the show was nearly lost to history, how he helped save it, and why its' awkward sincerity helped inspire the comedy of Tim & Eric, Adult Swim, and SNL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • The Daily Show, MST3K, & Joke Farming w/ Elliott Kalan

    The Daily Show, MST3K, & Joke Farming w/ Elliott Kalan
    Jan 12 2026
    Former Daily Show head writer Elliott Kalan (MST3K, The Flop House), Joke Farming) joins CH101 to discuss his new book, Joke Farming, and the nuts-and-bolts behind professional joke writing. We go inside the Daily Show writers’ room with Jon Stewart, why MST3K once had too many jokes, how comedians write jokes on deadline, why inspiration is overrated, and how audiences complete every joke. A behind-the-scenes look at joke writing, comedy craft, and how humor helps us make sense of the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Comedy History 101: Best of 2025

    Comedy History 101: Best of 2025
    Dec 22 2025
    We pulled together the sharpest moments from our 2025 interviews with comedy impresario guests - who shaped modern comedy: • Larry Charles: Writer and director of Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, & Borat • Kevin McDonald: Founding member of Kids in the Hall • Ryan Cunningham: Producer of Broad City and Inside Amy Schumer • Alex Braverman: Director of Thank You Very Much on Andy Kaufman • Will Becton: Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Team Coco, Clueless Gamer • Paul Myers: Author of John Candy: A Life in Comedy • Michael Seth Starr: Author of Rodney Dangerfield: Nothing Comes Easy • Seth Porges: Director of Class Action Park and the new Santacon documentary Plus Jean-François Brisson with the Nubian Show and a special Canadian Comedy History 101 recap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
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