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
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 8min
While Israel Slept – How Complacency Led to Catastrophe - Yaakov Katz ( No, there was no conspiracy)
Yaakov Katz, former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post and military correspondent, joins the conversation to dissect the failures leading to the October 7 attack. He explores the tension in wartime journalism and critiques Israel’s complacency towards Hamas. Katz discusses AI's role in military operations and the shocking misreading of Hamas over decades. He also addresses the uncomfortable moral dilemmas in urban warfare and the political dynamics that have shaped Israel's current crisis. His insights provide a compelling look at Israel's strategic dilemmas.
Oct 23, 2025 • 41min
Moumen al-Natour. LIVE from Gaza: Hunger, Torture, and Hope — We Want Peace, Not Hamas
Moumen Al-Natour, a courageous Gazan lawyer and founder of the We Want to Live movement, shares gripping insights from his life in Gaza. He discusses the daily struggles under Hamas, including corruption of aid and his own harrowing experiences with torture. Al-Natour highlights the pressing need for safe zones to protect civilians and reflects on the shifting public sentiment against Hamas. With a hopeful vision for peace, he calls for technocratic governance and advocates for a new generation of Palestinian leaders to help rebuild and foster dialogue.
10 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 13min
Did Israel Win in Gaza? “Yes — Emphatically, and Tragically, No.” Ambassador Michael Oren.
Ambassador Michael Oren, a historian and former Israeli envoy to the U.S., and his son Yoav, a veteran IDF special forces soldier, assess the complex realities of the Gaza conflict. They explore the concept of military success versus ongoing threats from Hamas, the psychological impacts of combat, and the moral complexities faced by soldiers. Yoav shares firsthand experiences during intense urban warfare, while Michael discusses the challenges of hostage diplomacy and the strategic implications of humanitarian aid manipulation by Hamas. Anti-Semitism in the West and media biases are also critically examined.
9 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 20min
The Babylon Bee's Seth Dillon Speaks His Mind on Today’s Right—and Refuses to Flinch
Seth Dillon, CEO of the Babylon Bee and a key voice in political satire, dives into cultural divides within the right. He discusses the evolution of satire in today's landscape, the role of free speech amidst controversial issues like transgender rights, and the necessity of confronting figures like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson. Seth emphasizes the importance of responsible dialogue, the rise of anti-Semitism, and questions surrounding Israel, while navigating the challenges of political correctness and outrage culture.
14 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 40min
Has the War in Israel Become a War on Jews? | Bret Stephens, Coleman Hughes & Michael Moynihan
Join Bret Stephens, a New York Times columnist focused on Israel, Coleman Hughes from The Free Press discussing campus activism, and journalist Michael Moynihan as they dissect the complex fallout from the Hamas war against Israel. They explore how sympathy for Israel turned into hostility towards Jews almost overnight. Discussions include the rise of anti-Semitism post-October 7, the dynamics of campus politics, and the challenges posed by extremist rhetoric in current media narratives. A captivating dive into the intersection of politics, history, and societal implications.
Oct 4, 2025 • 1h 4min
Guardian Angels Founder Curtis Sliwa on Why He's the Best Candidate for Mayor of NYC
Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and NYC mayoral candidate, discusses the origins of his organization and its unarmed philosophy aimed at de-escalating violence. He recounts his harrowing attempted murder in 1992 and critiques current political figures, linking crime policy failures to their leadership. Sliwa highlights the importance of civic education and youth engagement, and outlines plans for animal protection and revitalizing NYC's nightlife. His determination to fight for public safety and accountability in City Hall resonates throughout the conversation.
Sep 26, 2025 • 58min
Is NYC Traffic Back (Noam says it is)? Data Gurus on the NYC Congestion Pricing Experiment
Meet the Moshes Brothers—Benjamin, an Economics student from Brown, and Joshua, a savvy software developer. They dive into NYC's congestion pricing experiment, revealing how their data shows early traffic reductions and boosts in public transit usage. The duo discusses the challenges of attributing changes solely to pricing, alongside insights on varying regional traffic trends and business impacts. With their tech-savvy approach, they also explore innovative ideas for future pricing models. Get ready for a data-driven perspective on urban traffic!
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 14min
John Spencer on Gaza: Wrestling With the Unbearable Questions of War
John Spencer, executive director of the Urban Warfare Institute and a seasoned expert on war studies, dives deep into the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict. He discusses the ethical implications of civilian casualties in war and how recognition of a Palestinian state could inadvertently empower Hamas. Spencer also explores the challenges of governance post-Hamas and the dilemma of balancing moral views with the laws of war. With insightful reflections on the long-term strategies and political realities, this conversation sheds light on the nuanced and difficult questions surrounding modern warfare.
17 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 53min
“I’m not saying Israel Did It…”: The Charlie Kirk Conspiracy Chorus and its Enablers - With Ross Barkan.
Ross Barkan, a journalist and author, joins to delve into the controversies surrounding Charlie Kirk and the surge of antisemitic conspiracy theories on the right. They discuss the alarming connection between Kirk's assassination and Israel narratives, as well as the reluctance of figures like Megyn Kelly to confront voices like Candace Owens, who spreads conspiracy talk. The conversation also highlights how extremist viewpoints are infiltrating mainstream politics and the potential risks these conspiracies pose to Jewish communities.
10 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 28min
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Jeffrey Epstein But Were Afraid to Ask - Michael Tracey
Journalist Michael Tracey and Epstein mega-expert Michael Tracey stops in to tell us what is and isn't true about this remarkable story.
Subscribe to Tracey's awesome Substack: https://substack.com/@mtracey
