Why Are You Laughing?
Blind Mike Project
Breaking down the history of comedy and stand-up, one career, special, controversy, and storyline at a time.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 29, 2026 • 1h 13min
The Rise and Fall of Comedy Central
Comedy Central once defined what mainstream comedy looked like.In this episode of Why Are You Laughing?, we break down the rise and fall of Comedy Central — how the network became the center of stand-up comedy, political satire, and boundary-pushing television, and why that dominance slowly unraveled. From Chappelle’s Show and South Park to The Daily Show, we examine the shows that made Comedy Central essential viewing and the cultural moment that allowed them to thrive.We also look at Comedy Central’s stand-up and roast catalogs, how the network shaped comedy careers, and why its influence over stand-up, political comedy, and pop culture began to fade as media habits changed. This episode isn’t just about a network declining — it’s about how comedy itself moved on.TIMESTAMPS3:39 Origin of Comedy Central5:51 Bill Maher & Politically Incorrect12:06 South Park from Trey Parker and Matt Stone19:29 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart31:46 Comedy Central Presents & their stand-up comedy cataloged40:27 Dave Chappelle & Chappelle's Show49:09 Comedy Central Roasts56:23 Tosh.0 + The Downfall1:00:55 Tough Crowd w/ Colin Quinn1:05:29 Norm MacDonaldFOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.orgFOR ALL THINGS HACKRIDEhttp://hackridethedemon.comFOR ALL THINGS DJ ELECTRA FRYhttp://djelectrafry.com
Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 8min
Karl Pilkington: Idiot Or Genius?
Karl Pilkington is known from The Ricky Gervais Show & Idiot Abroad, among other projects. We examine his philosophy and personality traits that built a cult following. 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
Jan 15, 2026 • 56min
Steve Martin: A Wild and Crazy Guy
A breakdown of Steve Martin's 1978 stand up comedy album, A Wild & Crazy Guy. 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
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 1min
History of The Ron & Fez Show Part 2: The WNEW Era
Former Ron and Fez producer Al Dukes joins us to discuss his experience on the show as well as interactions with Opie & Anthony. 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
Jan 1, 2026 • 1h 1min
Top 9 Comedy Specials of 2025
Top 9 Comedy Specials of 2025 Ranking the best stand up comedy specials of the year 2025. 3:30 Honorable Mentions11:20 9 Tim Dillon: I’m. Your Mother15:30 8 Ali Saddiq: My Two Sons22:20 7 Rosebud Baker: The Mother Lode25:45 6 Doug Stanhope: Discount Meat *31:10 5 Jordan Jensen: Take Me With You34:45 4 Ari Shaffir: America’s Sweetheart39:40 3 Joe List: Small Ball45:05 2 Jim Norton: Unconceivable51:30 1 Joe Derosa: I Never Promised You a Rose GardenFOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.orgFOR ALL THINGS HACKRIDEhttp://hackridethedemon.comFOR ALL THINGS DJ ELECTRA FRYhttp://djelectrafry.com
Dec 28, 2025 • 1h 10min
Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Ricky Gervais & Louis C.K. On Talking Funny
A discussion and review of the 2011 HBO special, Talking Funny. 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
Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 3min
Jim Carrey: The Evolution From Stand Up To Movie Star
We discuss the life and career of Jim Carey. from stand up to his time on In Living Color and becoming a comedy film icon. 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
Dec 4, 2025 • 56min
Louis C.K.'s Chewed Up: Full Comedy Special Review
A breakdown of Louis CK's 2008 stand up comedy special, Chewed Up. 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
Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 11min
Opie & Anthony's Funeral Of Patrice O'Neal
Today we take a deep dive in to the episode of The Opie and Anthony Show, the day after the passing of Patrice O'Neal. O&A were joined by many comedians, including Joe Rogan, Bill Burr, Colin Quinn, Rich Vos, Robert Kelly, Louis CK, Dave Attell and of course Jim Norton, among others. 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
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Downfall of Mike Myers?
We discuss the life and career of comedy legend, Mike Myers. SNL, three major film franchises and the rumors that may have derailed his success. 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
