In the age of new media, the podcast is everywhere — providing a sort of replacement for the radio show and can be on any specific or esoteric subject matter available to be talked about. There are a lot of podcasts by comedians and about comedy, but also a few around by Philadelphia comedians. Here’s the rundown of the ones we know of:
Bird Text
Who does it? Bird Text! (John McKeever, Tommy Pope, and Luke Cunningham) How many episodes so far? Just one. But to be fair, they just started last week. Could you describe it to me? Couple of dudes hanging out. Lots of fast-paced banter. They talk about anything — from inside comedy to just shooting the shit. How would you rate it? Superb! What’s the link?Libsyn Site
Cheapodcast
Who does it? Bosom buddies James Hesky and Darryl Charles. Sometimes Mykal Carter Jackson. How many episodes so far? Nine and going strong! Could you describe it to me? It’s sort of like Bird Text, in that it is a couple of friends being funny and talking about random stuff, but James and Darryl are nicer and they don’t talk as fast as Tommy Pope. But there are few who do. How would you rate it? Fantastic! What’s the link?Podbean Site
The Feeko Factor
Who does it?The Feeko Brothers! How many episodes so far? Eighteen, but there hasn’t been a new one in almost a year. It is either done or just on hiatus. Could you describe it to me? Bizarre. Lots of weird and funny bits. The Feekos eventually lose their show to irritating radio heel Josh Justice. This podcast was most likely conceived with the premise of “how much can we subject our audience to before they can’t take it anymore?” But that just makes the insanity of it all even funnier. How would you rate it? Stupendous! What’s the link?Libsyn Site
Good Talkin’ with Mike & Jay
Who does it?Mike Marbach and Jay Piazza How many episodes so far? Seven — hasn’t been updated in a little while. Could you describe it to me? Mike and Jay record their phone conversations, talking about whatever comes up naturally — just like two friends would do on the phone! How would you rate it? Truly wonderful! What’s the link?Podbean Site Continue reading Guide to Philly Comedy Podcasts
On Tuesday, March 1, 2011, there were candles on the tables at Helium Comedy Club which has created a new excuse for everyone to see great stand-up in Philly. The inexplicably named Bird Text, a group founded by comedians Luke Cunningham, Tommy Pope, and John McKeever, launched its new showcase — appearing monthly. It features national touring comedians with an a line up of Philly’s own — promising a great show. I was excited for the first installment, below are the minutes of the meeting:
7:58 – I walk into the show, $10 at the door. 8:12 – I receive my first drink. A Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA. 8:26 – The House announcer requests me to turn off my cell phone and silence my beeper. I comply. 8:27 – Luke Cunningham takes the stage, walking on to a song that I have not heard over the PA at Helium before. Typically, its some rousing song from a broadway musical — I think it’s from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” I make note of it as it’s the first time I’ve heard anything else. 8:28 – Beer 2 arrives, this time Lager. 8:29 – Luke Cunningham breaks the mic stand. This is not unexpected, two minutes into his set, as he is both gigantic and hilarious. 8:36 – Enjoying Luke’s set, until a foul oder strikes my nose. Someone around me farted. 8:38 – Luke introduces Andrew Rupert and Eric Oliver — two members of Brotherly Love, Philly Gay Men’s Chorus. For each act this evening, Eric and Andrew will come out and harmoniously deliver one of that act’s punch lines. I think it’s a put-on and they are comedians. 8:40 – A dapper Steve Gerben is introduced. 8:40:30 – Beer 3, Lager is delivered. 8:44 – Steve probably makes the guy in the Phillies hat next to me a little uncomfortable, as well as the guy in the Phillies hat next to him uncomfortable. No idea how the other 3/4ths of the room with the Phillies hats on felt, but we were all laughing. Continue reading JUST THE MINUTES with Joe Moore (Bird Text Comedy Show)
The Ministry of Secret Jokes, hosted by Doogie Horner, moves to the second Wednesday of every month. The website has info on this month’s show, but is cryptic as ever. [Website]
Doogie has a whole article about him (along with Chip Chantry, Anton Shuford, and others) in Philadelphia Magazine, declaring him “the most hilarious guy in Philly.” We have no objections. [Website]
Monday open mic venue Center City Grille has changed its name to the X-Change Bar. No word on a name change for Comedy on the Grille, which is tonight at 9. [Facebook Event]
Speaking of Helium Tuesday monthly shows, a second one has been announced for the third week of every month called Face Time with Chip Chantry. The show will be formatted like a late night talk show, complete with an opening monologue, musician sidekick, guests, and banter. Featured guest for the first show is Philly native Mike Vecchione. [Facebook Event]
Kristen Schier does a convincing girl-from-True Grit in True Pizza, a video sketch written by Andy Moskowitz [YouTube]
Tomorrow night, Philly Improv Theater will host a “State of PHIT” with Greg Maughan. Expect updates on where the comedy theater is at and where it is going and when, just when, they’ll get that shiny new permanent space they’ve been talking about. [Facebook Event]
The Onion‘s AV Club, that arbiter of pop culture and nerddom has just launched the Philadelphia branch of their site. [Website]
Who does it? Bird Text! (John McKeever, Tommy Pope, and Luke Cunningham)
Who does it? Bosom buddies James Hesky and Darryl Charles. Sometimes Mykal Carter Jackson.
Who does it? The Feeko Brothers!
Who does it? Mike Marbach and Jay Piazza
The Ministry of Secret Jokes, hosted by 
