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
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 25min
Atlantic Writer Helen Lewis on The Riyadh Comedy Festival and Hero Worship
Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author, shares her thoughts on attending the Riyadh Comedy Festival and its impact on perceptions of comedy in repressive regimes. She explores the complexities of hero worship in her book, The Genius Myth, discussing how admiration can excuse bad behavior in artists. Joining her, Sheba Mason promotes The Jackie Mason Musical, reflecting on her father's legacy and family memories, while the duo discusses the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy and the influence of social media on performers.
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 51min
Exposing the “Clean Break” Myth: Israel Was Not Behind the Iraq War - With Dr. David Wurmser
Dr. David Wurmser, a senior analyst for Middle East affairs and former advisor to Dick Cheney, delves into claims linking Israel to the Iraq War. He clarifies the intent of the controversial 'Clean Break' memo, asserting it didn’t advocate for U.S. wars but aimed to empower Israeli strategy. Wurmser discusses the psychological impacts of 9/11 on policy decisions and critiques the narrative of Jewish influence in neocon circles. He also addresses the rise of anti-Semitism and emphasizes Israel's critical role as a strategic partner for the West.
14 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 60min
Bonus Episode: Free Will, Originality in Comedy and The Riyadh Comedy Festival
In a spirited dialogue, Dan and Periel explore the complexities of free will and whether we truly make independent choices. They dissect the controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival, weighing the ethics of performing for repressive regimes against the potential for change. The duo also debates the significance of originality in comedy versus classic material, and how performer identity shapes audience perception. Expect insights on the difficulties of testing new jokes and the delicate balance between financial gain and moral principles.
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!
