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
Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 55min
Should Jews Abandon Israel? An Uncomfortable Conversation with Josh Szeps
Two Zionist Jews discuss:
"Until Israeli politics can radically reorient itself, it’s time to construct a vision of Jewishness that’s independent of the state that pretends to act on our behalf. It’s time for Jews to reclaim the moral mantle of our ancestors. For the Palestinians, but also for the future of the Jewish people, it’s time for Jews to abandon Israel."
https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/about
Josh Szeps is the host of the podcast Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps.
Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 4min
Bonus Episode: War with Iran, The Mossad and Stage Fright
Dan Naturman and Periel Aschenbrand dive into the complex relationship between comedy and international affairs, addressing the ongoing tensions with Iran. They candidly share personal stories about stage fright and the unique pressures of live performance. The discussion then shifts to Israeli espionage, focusing on the life of spy Eli Cohen, and the emotional weight of his legacy. From the intricacies of language fluency to humorous takes on aviation challenges, this podcast offers a rich blend of political insight and relatable anecdotes.
Jun 14, 2025 • 1h 28min
In COVID’s Wake: Prof. Stephen Macedo Debates COVID Lockdowns, Liberty, and the Data.
Stephen Macedo, Lawrence S. Rockefeller Professor at Princeton, dives into the controversial impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns based on his book 'In COVID's Wake.' He debates the effectiveness of various public health strategies, including the contrasting approaches of Great Barrington and Sweden. Macedo challenges assumptions about lockdowns' efficacy and their societal consequences, including educational disparities and mental health effects on children. With a mix of serious commentary and humor, he reflects on broader implications for civic values and ethical accountability in public health.
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 20min
Inside the Mind of the Israeli Religious Right with Rabbi Yishai Fleisher
Rabbi Yishai Fleisher is an influential voice as the International Spokesperson for the Jewish Community of Hebron and a Councilman in Efrat. He dives deep into the complexities of the Israeli religious right, contrasting their viewpoints with secular perspectives on identity and land. The conversation covers the historical roots of Israel, intricate land claims, and the moral quagmires involved. Fleisher expresses concerns about the future of Israel amid demographic shifts and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exploring themes of identity, governance, and coexistence.
Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 28min
Fighting Anti Semitism in the Era of Tik Tok with Daniella Greenbaum Davis
Daniella Greenbaum Davis is an Emmy-award-winning producer, writer, and social media strategist with bylines in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, Daily Beast, Commentary, and Washington Post. She executive produced the first ever holocaust-edu-series for TikTok, How to: Never Forget, which garnered 20M views and was profiled by ABC, NBC, Deadline, Variety, PBS, and E!.
May 31, 2025 • 1h 50min
AI, Israel and Living with a Robot with Sarah Rose Siskind
Sarah Rose Siskind, a science comedy TV writer and roboticist, shares her unique perspective on blending humor with technology. She dives into her experiences living with Sophia the Robot, exploring the quirks and ethical challenges of AI. The discussion also covers the humorous side of navigating New York's subway, the complications of AI in relationships, and its impact on creativity and jobs. With anecdotes and insights, Siskind highlights the importance of connection in an increasingly digital world.
May 22, 2025 • 1h 11min
Trans Rights and Twitter Wars with Jesse Singal and Ross Barkan
Noam Dworman invites Ross Barkan and Jesse Singal join to reconcile their Twitter feud .
Ross Barkan is a columnist for New York Magazine and a contributing writer to the NY Times Magazine. He's the editor in chief of The Metropolitan Review, a new books and culture review magazine, and his new novel, Glass Century, is out now.
Jesse Singal is a former writer-at-large at New York Magazine, cohost of Blocked and Reported, and author of The Quick Fix: Why Fad Psychology Can't Cure Our Social Ills.
May 16, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ahmed Fouad Akhatib on Hamas, Israel and the Fight for Peace
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Gaza native and political analyst at the Atlantic Council, shares his deep insights on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses his personal experiences living in Gaza and highlights the humanitarian crisis faced by civilians under Hamas. Alkhatib navigates the complexities of geopolitical dialogues and critiques identity politics influencing narratives. He emphasizes the necessity for open dialogue and mutual understanding, while outlining the harsh realities of military strategies that displace families and communities.
May 10, 2025 • 1h 13min
Snopes vs. Candace Owens: Can the Brigitte Macron Story be Debunked?
Anna Rascouët-Paz, a French-Colombian journalist from Snopes, joins the hosts to tackle the bizarre Brigitte Macron conspiracy theories. They dive into the cultural impacts of these claims, emphasizing the importance of skepticism and respect for gender identity. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by fact-checkers and the societal motivations behind misinformation. With humor, they also explore the complexities of verifying public records and how public perceptions shape narratives, making for a thought-provoking yet entertaining discourse.
13 snips
May 1, 2025 • 1h 32min
Have the Palestinians Ever Wanted a State? Einat Wilf on the True Obstacles to Peace
Einat Wilf, a former member of the Israeli Parliament and a strategic consultant, shares her insights on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She discusses the historical complexities, including the rejection of statehood offers by Palestinian leaders. Wilf challenges dominant narratives of land ownership and highlights anti-Zionism's role in shaping perceptions of Israel. The conversation also delves into biases and emotional tolls experienced by Jewish communities, advocating for a deeper understanding to navigate the intricacies of peace.
