

Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac
Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac
Stand-up comedy news. Late night TV. SNL. Comedy specials. Comedian tours. Every day. Johnny Mac covers the comedy world like a beat reporter — who's selling out arenas, who's in trouble, who said what, and what it means for the business of being funny. If you follow Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Nikki Glaser, Shane Gillis, John Mulaney, Bert Kreischer, or any working comedian, this is your daily briefing. The only daily podcast dedicated entirely to the comedy industry. Over 2,700 episodes. New episodes seven days a week. Hit follow.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 25, 2026 • 10min
Heather McMahan’s Ryder Cup Backlash
Heather McMahan’s Ryder Cup Backlash, New Comedy Specials & Comedians to WatchJohnny Mac delivers daily comedy news, highlighting Heather McMahan’s Ryder Cup emcee incident that led to backlash, an apology to Rory McIlroy, and material for her Hulu special “By a Thread,” plus her long-running Pitbull drag bit that led to an appearance at a Guinness World Records concert event in London. He notes Kate Berlant’s HBO special “Parmesan,” Fortune Feimster discussing personal-life material, hateful comments, representation, and her role as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Palm Springs Pride Parade, and Margaret Cho’s Broadway debut as the Rocky Horror Show narrator starting November 3, replacing Rachel Dratch. The episode also mentions voting reminders, a Live One weekly show, New York Comedy Festival’s Creators to Watch lineup, a proposed Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show Lego set, Rob Beckett on why comedians thrive on Celebrity Traitors, and Time Out New York’s comedians to watch including Maddie Wiener. 00:02 Ryder Cup Backlash01:37 Golf Culture Debate02:07 Pitbull Drag Story02:55 Kate Berlant Parmesan03:29 Fortune Feimster Visibility04:39 Margaret Cho Broadway05:13 Sports Basement Break05:43 Voting Reminder06:07 Weekly Comedy Thing Plug06:28 NY Comedy Festival Lineup07:04 Lego Fallon Set Idea08:02 Comedians on Traitors08:41 Comedians to Watch List Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Today's DCN is brought to you by MyBookie use promo code DCN!Daily Comedy News is hosted by Johnny Mac and releases every weekday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network. For transcripts and show notes visit www.dailycomedynews.comDaily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening. $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.

Oct 24, 2026 • 11min
Andrew Schulz Talks Street Fighter
Johnny Mac covers Andrew Schulz discussing on Fox News being cast as Dan Hibiki in Street Fighter, joking the character is “all confidence, no ability.” He highlights Katt Williams’ memoir Nine Lives, No Wives, and Sixty-nine Concubines, where Williams says stories of perseverance and his prayer life shaped his path and he aimed for transparency while changing details. Jason Sudeikis talks on the Talk Easy podcast about whether Saturday Night Live could work post–Lorne Michaels, noting the weak 1980–1985 era, warning a successor may lack Michaels’ leverage, and suggesting Tina Fey or Seth Meyers. Ali Siddiq disputes claims he started comedy in prison and says honesty improved his storytelling. The NFL brings back celebrity cheerleaders, featuring Atsuko Okatsuka at a Rams game tied to her Hulu special Father. Mac urges early voting, discusses new Scrubs ratings and his Hulu viewing, notes Vulture’s pick Hasan Phills, and closes with a Tom McGovern “You Can Eat Anything” relationship bit.00:00 Schulz Joins Street Fighter00:45 Katt Williams Memoir Talk01:44 Who Replaces Lorne03:32 Ali Siddiq Sets Record Straight04:50 Atsuko NFL Cheerleader Debut06:29 Early Voting Reminder06:46 Scrubs Revival Ratings07:45 Vulture Spotlights Hasan08:50 Tom McGovern Dinner BitBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Today's DCN is brought to you by MyBookie use promo code DCN!Daily Comedy News is hosted by Johnny Mac and releases every weekday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network. For transcripts and show notes visit www.dailycomedynews.comDaily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening. $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.

Oct 23, 2026 • 13min
Kenan Thompson - Shane Gillis warrants a conversation if he returns
Kenan Thompson tells Axios Live he doesn’t know Shane Gillis as mean but would want a conversation if he returned, stressing balance between creative freedom and avoiding harmful words while noting Gillis controversy overshadowed newer cast member Grace and musical guest Rosalía. He notes Jon Stewart will remain on The Daily Show through the next presidential election (hosting Mondays) and highlights Michael Kosta’s segment about Trump repeatedly objectifying male candidates’ looks. New releases include Netflix’s Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story and a YouTube special from Alfred Robles executive produced by Gabriel Iglesias; Janelle James announces a Netflix special How Romantic (Nov. 10). Jay Leno says the late-night format is dead due to ad load and podcasting’s rise; Bert Kreischer talks burgers and steak. Mac urges voting, mentions Knicks-Celtics, and shares Tracy Morgan’s courtside comments. Comedy Stock Market: buy Jon Stewart, sell Theo Von and Sebastian Maniscalco. Culture Clash recommends alternatives to Gillis, including Julio Torres, Kate Berlant, Jaboukie Young-White, Chris Fleming, Ziwe, and Gus Haggerty; deep dives pause until January, with Is Late Night Dead returning Sunday. 00:15 Kenan on Shane Gillis01:40 Jon Stewart Stays Put02:16 Costa on Trump Crushes04:08 Maria Bamford Doc Drops04:29 Jay Leno on Late Night05:38 Bert Kreischer Burger Talk06:33 Janelle James Netflix Special07:22 Vote Reminder and Coffee Rant08:14 Knicks Game and Tracy Morgan09:07 Comedy Stock Market Picks10:30 New Specials and Comic Recs11:53 No Deep Dives and Wrap UpBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Today's DCN is brought to you by MyBookie use promo code DCN!Daily Comedy News is hosted by Johnny Mac and releases every weekday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network. For transcripts and show notes visit www.dailycomedynews.comDaily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening. $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.

Oct 22, 2026 • 11min
Dana Carvey and Jimmy Carr on Shane Gillis PLUS Theo Von special gets shredded
Johnny Mac covers Jimmy Carr and Dana Carvey defending Shane Gillis’ joke controversy by emphasizing comedic intent, with David Spade noting SNL reactions depend on whether a bit kills or bombs. He reports Jon Stewart has signed a two-year deal to continue hosting The Daily Show once a week while remaining an executive producer. Podnews highlights Marc Maron’s resurfaced 2011 Norm Macdonald WTF episode in a “visualized” YouTube format. A harsh review of Theo Von’s new special “I’m Doing Fine” calls it rambling and unfunny compared to his podcast persona. Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo announce a 2027 Madison Square Garden live “Giggly Squad” recording, Berner appears in the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue alongside Tiffany Haddish, and Amy Schumer discusses a Turks and Caicos trip and is cited as a top celebrity tipper. Other items include Carrot Top’s return set, a voting reminder, Netflix’s French-language Mike Ward special, the Funny is Female Comedy Festival, and a comedian-to-watch pick, Chris Higgins. 00:02 Shane Gillis Debate00:49 Dana Carvey and Spade React01:34 Jon Stewart Stays02:13 Maron and Podcast Visuals02:59 Theo Von Special Panned04:33 Giggly Squad Hits MSG05:30 Amy Schumer Wedding Crash06:58 Celebrity Tippers and Carrot Top08:08 Go Vote Reminder08:30 Netflix Mike Ward Special08:57 Funny Is Female Festival09:50 Comedians to Watch Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Today's DCN is brought to you by MyBookie use promo code DCN!Daily Comedy News is hosted by Johnny Mac and releases every weekday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network. For transcripts and show notes visit www.dailycomedynews.comDaily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening. $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.

Oct 21, 2026 • 8min
Theo Von Backlash, Jim Gaffigan Roasts, and Apu Speaks Again
Johnny Mac covers comedy news including criticism of Theo Von’s new special, highlighted by a Marc Maron bit imagining Hitler on Von’s podcast. Saturday Night Live UK takes shots at Shane Gillis during its Weekend Update segment, and James Austin Johnson appears as Donald Trump with Beetlejuice jokes. Jim Gaffigan appears on Fox Sports ahead of the Indiana–Ohio State game and headlines the 81st Al Smith Dinner with roast jokes about Trump, Mayor Eric Adams, and Chuck Schumer. The Simpsons gives Apu his first dialogue in a decade, now voiced by Sunil Malhotra, alongside comments from executive producer Matt Selman and context from Hari Kondabolu’s documentary and Hank Azaria’s apology. Also mentioned: Carrot Top returning to the stage, Time Out’s spotlight on Andrew Orrico, and Vulture’s profile of Tanasha “Just Nesh” Rice and her comedy advice.00:00 Theo Von Backlash00:57 SNL UK Roasts Gillis01:40 James Austin Trump01:57 Gaffigan Football Bit02:44 Al Smith Dinner Roast03:27 Apu Returns to Simpsons05:50 Daft Monk Episode Plot06:02 Carrot Top Update06:24 Comics to Watch Lists06:59 Just Nesh Spotlight07:43 Comedy Goals SignoffBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Today's DCN is brought to you by MyBookie use promo code DCN!Daily Comedy News is hosted by Johnny Mac and releases every weekday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network. For transcripts and show notes visit www.dailycomedynews.comDaily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening. $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.

Oct 20, 2026 • 15min
Matt Rife says Seinfeld is overrated+ Theo Von’s New Netflix Special looks AWFUL
Johnny Mac previews the Knicks’ title-defense opener and leads with Blake Griffin launching “The Stepback with Blake Griffin” on Amazon/YouTube, aiming for John Oliver–style sports topics without game analysis and with fewer network constraints, including an episode on TV rights. He notes new releases from Theo Von (“I’m Doing Fine” on Netflix) and Chris Hardwick (“The Middle Ages” on the 800 Pound Gorilla YouTube channel), and highlights a Vice/Vanity Fair profile of Michael Che discussing his approach to audience reactions, age on SNL, and avoiding online discourse. Other items include Jon Stewart drumming with his band Church and State before doing stand-up in Atlantic City, Matt Rife’s Elle “Thirst Trap” interview and his take that Jerry Seinfeld is overrated, Matt Friend’s style comments, Kurt Metzger’s mockumentary pilot “The Experts,” secret “Don’t Tell” shows in WWII huts, NY Comedy Festival announcements, and Seinfeld auctioning a rare Rolex Daytona tied to the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona.00:00 Knicks Cold Open00:13 Blake Griffin Late Night01:47 Censorship and TV Rights02:12 Theo Von New Special03:27 Chris Hardwick Release03:41 Michael Che on SNL06:19 Jon Stewart Double Duty07:14 Matt Rife Thirst Trap09:03 Matt Friend Style Talk10:16 Kurt Metzger Pilot11:30 Secret Hut Comedy Shows12:21 NY Comedy Festival Updates12:58 Seinfeld Rolex Auction14:45 Wrap Up Go KnicksBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Today's DCN is brought to you by MyBookie use promo code DCN!Daily Comedy News is hosted by Johnny Mac and releases every weekday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network. For transcripts and show notes visit www.dailycomedynews.comDaily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening. $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.

Oct 19, 2026 • 11min
AI Bots are stealing comedian jokes
AI-generated, scantily clad Instagram influencers are copying viral stand-up clips verbatim—stealing jokes and sometimes likenesses—to drive traffic to NSFW sites, citing Wired’s reporting on comics including Julia Jasunas, Mandy Martino, and George Brett Olsen; Adam Mosseri says banning AI content isn’t practical but Meta wants to drive traffic to original creators. Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter add comedian Natalie Cuomo’s account of repeated theft and feeling violated by AI replicas with her tattoos. The episode also previews Comic Relief’s return at Carnegie Hall hosted by John Oliver, notes Aziz Ansari’s upcoming Netflix special taping in New Jersey, shares SNL ratings and reactions to Shane Gillis from Kathy Griffin, Joe Rogan, and Michael Che, and includes updates on Carrot Top’s hospitalization and the National Comedy Center acquiring rare I Love Lucy production materials. 00:12 AI Influencers Steal Jokes01:46 Meta Response and Fallout02:51 More Comics Speak Out04:03 Comic Relief Returns04:32 Aziz Ansari New Special05:02 Shane Gillis Ratings Debate05:59 Rogan and Che Reactions08:39 Che Internet Clapback09:10 Host Updates and Scrubs10:08 Carrot Top Health Update10:27 I Love Lucy Archive Find Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Today's DCN is brought to you by MyBookie use promo code DCN!Daily Comedy News is hosted by Johnny Mac and releases every weekday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network. For transcripts and show notes visit www.dailycomedynews.comDaily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening. $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.

Oct 18, 2026 • 9min
Michael Che’s ‘Shot in Minnesota,’ Dane Cook on Betrayal, and Nick Cannon’s Late-Night Return
Johnny Mac covers comedy news including Michael Che’s new special Shot in Minnesota and his explanation to MPR that it’s about frustration around what’s happening in Minnesota without joking about specific victims; Minneapolis comedian Comrade Tripp critiques “wink” references but notes Che supports local independent venues. Dane Cook tells Deadline how his brother’s betrayal affected him years later, pushed him to face it, and oddly didn’t destroy his trust, describing relief after his brother was gone. Ali Siddiq tells The Butler Collegian the internet has worsened comedy by blurring skill sets and elevating easy crowd work, then names comics he’d like to talk with and advises young comics not to skip steps. BET announces Nick Cannon at Night, a 10-week relationship-focused late-night show. Daniel Sloss discusses touring America with family and his career path. Atlanta comedian Mondale announces a special titled “$$$$$$” with a 12-hour “Call-a-thon” livestream ahead of its premiere and audio release. 00:02 Che Special Minnesota00:32 Local Reaction and Support01:04 Dane Cook on Betrayal01:43 Healing After Fallout02:22 Ali Siddiq on Internet Comedy03:05 Crowd Work and Craft03:39 Comedy Greats and Advice04:16 Nick Cannon Late Night04:54 Daniel Sloss US Tour05:57 America Travel Perspective06:32 Mondale Dollar Sign Special07:22 Call-a-thon Chaos Details Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Today's DCN is brought to you by MyBookie use promo code DCN!Daily Comedy News is hosted by Johnny Mac and releases every weekday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network. For transcripts and show notes visit www.dailycomedynews.comDaily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening. $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.

Oct 17, 2026 • 15min
Comedy Deep Dive - Sebastian Maniscalco: the Wheels Are Wobbling
Sebastian Maniscalco spent seven years as a waiter at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills while doing open mics at night. In 2025 he was the number three touring comedian in America. For most of that climb, the comedy world barely talked about him.Johnny Mac explains who he is, how the act works, and how he built an arena career on slow-burn specials, Madison Square Garden, Scorsese and De Niro. Then the last twelve months: the Riyadh Comedy Festival, and the week some of the biggest names in comedy made videos addressed to him. What he said back, and why it landed on him the way it did.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Today's DCN is brought to you by MyBookie use promo code DCN!Daily Comedy News is hosted by Johnny Mac and releases every weekday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network. For transcripts and show notes visit www.dailycomedynews.comDaily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening. $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.

Oct 16, 2026 • 13min
Seinfeld Heckler Clip - did Jerry say THAT?
Johnny Mac discusses a viral clip from a Jerry Seinfeld show after a pro-Palestine heckle, questions whether the exchange was a setup, and is surprised mainstream media hasn’t covered it; he later flags how Seinfeld quotes could look bad out of context. He revisits skepticism about Theo Von’s Netflix trailer, citing negative comments and possible recycled material. Mac reviews Michael Che’s new Netflix special (not his favorite) and shares Che’s comments on taking two years to build it, tweaking material up to taping, not knowing some hosts, and disliking performing in sketches. He cites Chris Rock on context and “nerd bullies,” mentions Nate Bargatze on AI and building an “act,” and covers Dane Cook’s return to the New York Comedy Festival celebrating his MSG milestone and seeking collaborations. He plugs Linnet’s free beta podcast-creation tool, runs a “comedy stock market” (buy Norm Macdonald; sell Sebastian Maniscalco and Jerry Seinfeld; hold Shane Gillis), highlights Vulture’s Ethan Simmons-Patterson, and teases upcoming deep dives and his other podcast. 00:22 Seinfeld Heckler Fallout01:37 Theo Von Trailer Doubts02:21 Michael Che Special Talk03:49 Che on SNL Sketches04:25 Chris Rock on Context05:29 Nate Bargatze on AI07:11 Dane Cook Festival Return08:23 LINNET Podcast Tool Ad09:27 Comedy Stock Market Picks11:25 Vulture Rising Comic Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Today's DCN is brought to you by MyBookie use promo code DCN!Daily Comedy News is hosted by Johnny Mac and releases every weekday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network. For transcripts and show notes visit www.dailycomedynews.comDaily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening. $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.


