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
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.
12 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 7min
Live from the Table: Former Spokesman for the State of Israel Eylon Levy
Eylon Levy, the former spokesman for the State of Israel and a commentator on Israeli security, brings a wealth of insights on pressing issues. He discusses the complexities of the October 7th attacks, framing them as a spark for regional conflict rather than just terror. Levy critiques media narratives and explains how anti-Zionism is reshaping public opinion. He calls for serious discussions on de-radicalization and the future of Gaza, emphasizing the impact of normalization with neighboring states as a path toward peace.
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.
