The Comedy Cellar: Live from the Table
Comedy Cellar Network
For 30 years, New York's legendary Comedy Cellar has served as the launching pad for greatest stand up comedians in the world. Colin Quinn, Dave Chappelle, Ray Romano, Dave Attell, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Dane Cook, Robert Kelly and Greg Giraldo are just a few of the comedians who began as Cellar regulars. But classic stage performances have never been the only show going on at the Cellar. The biggest comedians in the world come to sit at the table upstairs, where comedians come to argue and discuss the events of the day and their lives, sharpening their their comedy knives on each other. This kibitzing (an inspiration for Comedy Central's Tough Crowd), has always been a private affair... until now. Join us for a weekly peek into the happenings at the Comedy Cellar's comedian table, where the funniest people in the world debate and discuss. Subscribe now and don't miss a second of it. We would love to hear your comments. Email them to podcast@comedycellar.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 49min
Former IDF Soldier and Peace Activist says Gaza War is Fueling Anti Semitism
Noam Dworman, Hatem Gabr and Periel Aschenbrand take calls and are joined by Adar Weinreb, former IDF soldier, committed to peace building.
Is Israel the most dangerous place for Jews to live?
Is the war in Gaza creating more anti semitism?
Weinreb is an entrepreneur and social activist focused on peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. He’s the co-founder of HeadOn.ai a platform designed to help people engage productively across polarized conflicts.
Jan 15, 2026 • 2h 37min
Expert Witness in Irving Trial Debunks Holocaust Deniers. Also, ICE Shooting, Dilbert Cartoonist Scott Adams and
Professor Robert Jan Van Pelt, an esteemed architectural historian and leading expert on Auschwitz, shares insights into the misconceptions surrounding Nazi gas chambers. He dissects the fallacies of Holocaust denial and explains why claims of innocence about Zyklon B’s dual use for delousing and mass murder are unfounded. The conversation also tackles the legal ramifications of recent ICE shootings, exploring officer accountability and systemic issues within immigration enforcement. Intriguing perspectives on controversial figures and their impacts on public discourse are also discussed.
Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 33min
Live From The Table: LIVE! Calls Ins, Comedy Cellar Costs and the Problem with Mearsheimer
The hosts dive into a lively discussion about the Comedy Cellar's TripAdvisor ranking and whether the show should be canceled. They tackle the idea of raising prices and comedian pay while contemplating the creation of a new club room. Callers bring various topics, from Canadian political perspectives to discussions on antisemitism and Iranian protests. The conversation gets heated as Noam critiques John Mearsheimer's views, and the hosts reflect on the challenges of engaging with controversial voices in today's divided political climate.
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 51min
Candace, Rogan, D’Souza — Normalizing Antisemitism with Ami Kozak
Ami Kozak, a comedian and impressionist, joins the hosts to tackle the alarming issue of antisemitism normalization. They delve into the roles of figures like Joe Rogan and the responsibility of platforms in spreading hate. Ami discusses engaging with fringe groups rather than outright shaming, while the conversation shifts to the slippery semantics surrounding Holocaust denial. As calls from listeners reveal societal fears, the group stresses the importance of clear condemnation and strategic action against the spread of dangerous ideologies.
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 50min
Live From The Table: Josh Hammer on Megyn, Candace, and the Spread of Conspiracy Theories
Joining the discussion is Josh Hammer, a prominent conservative commentator and lawyer recognized for his insights on Israel and Western civilization. He tackles the fallout from the Ben Shapiro speech, the motivations behind Megyn Kelly's commentary, and the growing influence of Candace Owens. Hammer analyzes how conspiracy theories are fueled by events like Russiagate and the pandemic, debates the implications of featuring controversial figures, and offers strategies to combat conspiracism, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked narratives and social media amplification.
Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 37min
Is Anti Zionism Anti Semitism? with Adam Louis-Klein
Noam Dworman, Dan Naturman and Periel Aschenbrand are joined by Adam Louis-Klein. Louis-Klein is a PhD candidate in anthropology at McGill University and has a BA in philosophy from Yale. He is a journalist for The Free Press and writes on Jewish peoplehood, antisemitism, and anti-Zionism.
Dec 14, 2025 • 1h 24min
James Lindsay: How the WOKE RIGHT Is Leading Conservatism Toward Collapse
James Lindsay, an insightful author and cultural critic renowned for the Grievance Studies Affair, dives deep into the rise of 'wokeness' on the right. He argues this new strain promotes victimhood and conspiratorial thinking, undermining truth-seeking. Lindsay discusses provocative topics like antisemitism, fringe beliefs gaining traction, and the dangers of narcissistic leadership. He warns that these dynamics could lead conservatism toward collapse, ultimately resulting in electoral defeats and fractured coalitions.
Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 17min
AI Expert and NYT Bestselling Author of If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies, Nate Soares
In this engaging conversation, Nate Soares, President of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and author, delves into the intricate risks of superhuman AI. He defines what superhuman AI really means and discusses its potential for creativity and unintended consequences. Soares highlights alarming real-world cases of AI harm and the uncertain paths to its advancement. He urges for careful consideration of risks versus benefits, advocating for a pause on reckless AI progress to ensure safety, while sharing his personal motivations in navigating these critical issues.
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 16min
Resistance Psychologist Says Trump Won’t Finish His Term — "The Dementia Cliff Is Coming"
Dr. John Gartner, a clinical psychologist and former psychiatry faculty member at Johns Hopkins, dives into a heated discussion about Donald Trump's mental health. He argues that Trump displays signs of malignant narcissism and accelerating dementia, citing language tangentiality and memory issues. The conversation explores whether Trump's behavior is strategic or symptomatic, while addressing evidence standards and media scrutiny. Gartner predicts a 'Dementia Cliff,' raising concerns about Trump's cognitive decline and its implications for governance.
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 9min
Epstein, Moral Panic and Racism with Richard Hanania
Richard Hanania, a political commentator and author of The Origins of Woke, joins the hosts for a thought-provoking discussion. They delve into the Epstein revelations and the associated moral panic, questioning the fairness of privacy invasions. Hanania also explores cultural shifts regarding attraction norms and contrasts past and present societal judgments. The conversation turns to immigration, examining its impact on wages and political identities, while also addressing the complexities of identity politics and the future of American pluralism.
