Top 15 'Inside-Joke-Inducing' Comedy Podcasts to play with friends during your next casual get-together - Goh Ling Yong
Picture this: your friends are over, the pizza has arrived, and the initial buzz of catching up is starting to fade. You’re hovering in that awkward space between a lively party and everyone just staring at their phones. You need something to inject a fresh wave of energy into the room—something collaborative, hilarious, and low-effort. Forget scrolling through streaming services for an hour; the perfect solution is already on your phone.
Welcome to the golden age of audio, where comedy podcasts have become the ultimate social lubricant. Unlike a movie that demands your full visual attention, a podcast can be the main event or the perfect background hum, sparking conversation and, most importantly, laughter. The best ones create a shared universe of running gags, absurd characters, and memorable catchphrases. Listening to them with friends is like being let in on a massive secret, fast-tracking your way to a whole new library of inside jokes that will have you giggling for weeks.
Here on the Goh Ling Yong blog, we're all about finding creative ways to connect. That's why we've curated the ultimate list of comedy podcasts that are practically guaranteed to become the source of your friend group's next legendary inside joke. From surreal improv to gut-busting takedowns of bad movies, these are the top 15 shows to queue up for your next casual get-together.
1. My Brother, My Brother and Me
Why it's perfect for groups: Hosted by the McElroy brothers—Justin, Travis, and Griffin—My Brother, My Brother and Me (or MBMBaM) is an "advice podcast for the modern era." They pull baffling questions from Yahoo Answers and other corners of the internet and spin them into pure comedy gold. The show is a masterclass in creating running gags out of thin air, making it the number one inside-joke-generating machine on this list.
The brothers' chemistry is infectious, and their ability to build increasingly absurd scenarios will have your whole group crying with laughter. The format is easy to jump into, and the low-stakes "advice" means you can tune in and out without losing a complex plot. It’s the audio equivalent of watching your funniest friends riff on the weirdest parts of the internet.
How to play: Start with a "Best of" compilation to get a feel for their style. A great recurring segment to listen for is "Haunted Doll Watch," where they read bizarrely creepy eBay listings for haunted dolls. For a fun activity, pause the episode after they read a Yahoo question and have everyone in the room pitch their own terrible advice before hearing the brothers' take.
2. Comedy Bang! Bang! The Podcast
Why it's perfect for groups: Hosted by the unflappable Scott Aukerman, Comedy Bang! Bang! is the quintessential improv comedy podcast. Each episode features a real celebrity guest and several comedians playing completely unhinged, fictional characters. The joy comes from watching Scott try to conduct a normal interview while a bizarre character, like a talking dog who is also a lawyer, derails the entire thing.
This podcast is perfect for friends who appreciate surreal, character-driven humor. The sheer randomness ensures that every episode contains at least one moment of "what is even happening right now?" that will become an instant inside joke. The long-running gags and beloved recurring characters (like Paul F. Tompkins as Andrew Lloyd Webber) create a rich world to explore together.
How to play: The annual "Best of the Year" episodes are a fantastic entry point. When listening as a group, start a pool on how long it will take for the first guest to break character and laugh. The catchphrase game, "Would You Rather?," is also a segment you can easily play along with.
3. How Did This Get Made?
Why it's perfect for groups: The premise is simple: comedians Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas watch a terrible movie and then get together to ask, "How did this get made?" This podcast turns a bad movie night into a full-fledged event. The hosts’ chemistry is electric, with Jason’s chaotic energy, June’s genuine confusion, and Paul’s attempts to keep things on track creating a hilarious dynamic.
Listening to this podcast is like having the three funniest people you know roasting a film right alongside you. It validates every "did you just see that?!" moment you had while watching and adds a hundred more you missed. The show is filled with catchphrases ("What is its mission?!") and recurring bits that will quickly enter your group's vocabulary.
How to play: This is a two-part activity! Pick a movie they've covered (like The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift or Face/Off), watch it together, and then immediately play the corresponding podcast episode. It’s an interactive experience that elevates both the movie and the podcast.
4. Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Why it's perfect for groups: In this delightful UK podcast, comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite a guest into their "dream restaurant" to choose their favorite starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and drink. The twist? The hosts are a genie and a maître d', and if they don't like a guest's choice, they can be kicked out of the restaurant.
This podcast is brilliant for dinner parties or any get-together centered around food. The format is a fun game in itself, and the conversations are always hilarious, touching on food memories, weird culinary habits, and James Acaster’s signature surreal tangents. You'll learn a lot about your friends' food opinions and probably judge them a little.
How to play: Before a guest reveals their choice for a course, pause the episode and have everyone guess what they’ll pick. After the episode, go around the room and have everyone build their own "Off Menu" meal. The "secret ingredient" segment is also a great point for group speculation.
5. SmartLess
Why it's perfect for groups: Hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, SmartLess has a unique twist: in each episode, one of the hosts brings a mystery guest that the other two know nothing about. This leads to genuinely spontaneous and often hilarious conversations with A-list actors, musicians, and scientists.
The real draw here is the incredible chemistry between the three hosts. Their constant teasing, inside jokes, and friendly jabs feel like you're just hanging out with a group of old friends. It’s a more relaxed, conversational listen that’s perfect for a chill evening, providing consistent laughs without demanding your full attention.
How to play: This is a great "background" podcast for when you're cooking or playing a board game. Try to guess who the mystery guest is based on the host's clues before they're revealed. Your friend group will inevitably start assigning Bateman, Hayes, and Arnett roles to each other based on personality.
6. No Such Thing as a Fish
Why it's perfect for groups: This podcast comes from the "QI Elves," the researchers behind the popular British panel show QI. Each week, the four hosts share the most bizarre, hilarious, and fascinating fact they've learned that week. The show is a nonstop barrage of mind-blowing trivia that serves as the perfect kindling for conversation.
It's a fantastic choice for a mixed group of friends, as the humor is smart, accessible, and endlessly interesting. You'll come away from every episode with a handful of incredible facts to drop at your next party, and the hosts' infectious laughter makes learning feel like a comedy show.
How to play: Keep a running list of the best fact from each episode. After listening, go around and have everyone share the most surprising thing they learned. It’s a low-key way to get everyone talking and laughing.
7. The Dollop
Why it's perfect for groups: The Dollop is a bi-weekly American history podcast where comedian Dave Anthony reads a story from the past to his friend and fellow comedian, Gareth Reynolds, who has no idea what the topic is going to be. More often than not, the stories are about events far more absurd and horrifying than you can imagine.
The magic of the show is Gareth's live, gobsmacked reaction to Dave's storytelling. His riffs, impressions, and righteous indignation are the voice of the audience. Listening together is a communal experience of shock and laughter, and you'll find yourselves quoting Gareth's reactions ("I mean... come on!") long after the episode is over.
How to play: Due to the often dark nature of the topics, it's best to start with a lighter, more absurd episode like "The Rube" (about a baseball player) or "The Tichborne Situation." This isn't a background podcast; it's one you'll want to pause frequently to simply ask each other, "Can you believe this actually happened?"
8. Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
Why it's perfect for groups: While the main interviews with celebrities are fantastic, the true inside-joke-inducing gold is in the intro and outro segments featuring Conan, his assistant Sona Movsesian, and producer Matt Gourley. Their dynamic is a perfect blend of boss-employee comedy, genuine affection, and relentless teasing.
Conan’s self-deprecating humor, Sona’s deadpan comebacks, and Matt’s nerdy enthusiasm create a workplace comedy for your ears. These segments are bite-sized, hilarious, and packed with recurring bits (like Conan's Finnish heritage or his feud with Jordan Schlansky) that will make your group feel like part of the Team Coco inner circle.
How to play: You can honestly just listen to the first and last 15 minutes of any episode for the best group-listening experience. The episode with Bill Hader, where he does his "concerned" Conan impression, is a must-listen that will have the whole room in stitches.
9. Doughboys
Why it's perfect for groups: Billed as "the podcast about chain restaurants," hosts Nick Wiger and Mike Mitchell (the "Doughboys") review fast food and sit-down chains with a comedic guest. It's a surprisingly deep and hilarious exploration of regional food chains, snack foods, and the hosts' complicated friendship.
The show is legendary for its absurdly detailed lore, recurring segments ("Munch Squad," "The Scale"), and catchphrases ("Wow."). It's the perfect listen for friends who have strong opinions on the best fast-food fries or who appreciate a very specific, nerdy brand of humor.
How to play: Pick an episode reviewing a chain that everyone in your group knows and loves (or hates). Order food from that exact chain and eat it while you listen to the review. It’s a meta, multi-sensory experience.
10. Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Why it's perfect for groups: Comedians Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang dive deep into pop culture with an infectious energy that is simply unmatched. Their friendship is the heart of the show, and their takes are always passionate, hilarious, and incredibly specific.
The podcast's most famous segment, "I Don't Think So, Honey!," is the main event. Guests are given 60 seconds to go on a tirade against something in pop culture they can't stand. It's high-drama, high-comedy, and a format that is begging to be replicated by your friend group. The show is a celebration of niche interests and having extremely strong opinions about unimportant things.
How to play: After listening to an episode, have everyone in the room do their own "I Don't Think So, Honey!" round. Set a timer for 60 seconds and let each person rant about their biggest pet peeve. It's a cathartic and hilarious bonding activity.
11. Stop Podcasting Yourself
Why it's perfect for groups: This long-running Canadian podcast, hosted by Graham Clark and Dave Shumka, is the epitome of chill, conversational comedy. It’s like sitting on a porch with two of the funniest, most pleasant people you've ever met. They discuss mundane weekly events, share listener-submitted "Overheards," and generally just have a lovely, hilarious time.
It’s the perfect low-energy podcast for a lazy Sunday afternoon. The humor is gentle, clever, and consistently funny without ever being loud or aggressive. The "Overheards" segment, where they read funny snippets of conversations sent in by listeners, will make you and your friends pay more attention to the absurd things people say in public.
How to play: This is a great podcast to have on while doing a puzzle or just hanging out. Encourage your friends to start collecting their own "overheards" to share with the group at your next get-together.
12. Taskmaster: The Podcast
Why it's perfect for groups: If your friend group loves the British comedy panel show Taskmaster, this is the essential companion podcast. Host Ed Gamble (a former champion) dissects each episode of the show with a special guest, providing behind-the-scenes insights and hilarious analysis.
This podcast extends the joy of watching the show, allowing you to re-live the funniest moments and debate the Taskmaster's often-controversial scoring. It deepens the appreciation for the genius of the tasks and the creativity of the contestants.
How to play: The structure is obvious but effective: watch an episode of Taskmaster together, then immediately listen to the corresponding podcast episode. It’s like a book club for one of the best comedy shows on television. Pause before they reveal their scores and have everyone in the room award their own points.
13. Blank Check with Griffin and David
Why it's perfect for groups: For the cinephiles in your group, Blank Check is a dream come true. Hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims do deep-dive miniseries on the filmographies of directors who had massive early success and were given a "blank check" to make whatever they wanted. The show is a fascinating blend of film history, box office analysis, and hilarious tangents.
While it's dense with movie talk, the hosts' chemistry and recurring bits ("The Two Friends," "Ben's Big Day") make it incredibly entertaining. It’s for the group that loves to argue about movies for hours. My friend Goh Ling Yong is a huge film buff, and this is one of his top recommendations for exactly that reason.
How to play: Pick a director they've covered that everyone is interested in (like James Cameron or Christopher Nolan). Assign a movie for everyone to watch before the get-together, and then listen to the episode as a group to kick off your discussion.
14. The Flop House
Why it's perfect for groups: Another "bad movie" podcast, The Flop House has a distinctly different energy from How Did This Get Made?. Hosted by The Daily Show writers Dan McCoy, Stuart Wellington, and Elliott Kalan, it's a more rambling, free-wheeling affair that often gets hilariously sidetracked from the movie itself.
The humor is smart, silly, and often comes from the hosts trying to explain the incomprehensible plot of a terrible film. Their long-running bits and unique chemistry make it feel like you're just chilling with three nerdy, funny friends. It's less about a moment-by-moment breakdown and more about the comedic journey the movie sends them on.
How to play: Unlike HDTGM, you absolutely do not need to have seen the movie to enjoy the episode. Just pick one with a ridiculous title (like Geostorm or Birdemic: Shock and Terror) and let the absurdity wash over you.
15. Jordan, Jesse, Go!
Why it's perfect for groups: Often cited as one of the original conversational comedy podcasts, Jordan, Jesse, Go! is a bastion of pure, unadulterated silliness. Hosts Jordan Morris and Jesse Thorn, along with a weekly guest, discuss anything and everything, from weird life experiences to bizarre hypothetical situations.
The show's cornerstone segment is "Momentous Occasions," where they take listener calls about small, personal victories or strange events. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and creates a wonderful sense of community. The show is a reminder that comedy can be found in the smallest, most mundane corners of life.
How to play: Listen to an episode and then go around the room sharing your own "Momentous Occasions" from the past week. It’s a great way to share stories and find the humor in your everyday lives, cementing your own inside jokes in the process.
Laughter is the Best Connector
The next time you have friends over, resist the urge to scroll endlessly through streaming apps. Instead, toss on one of these podcasts, and watch as the room fills with a special kind of shared laughter. You’re not just passively consuming content; you’re building a new, shared comedic language, one ridiculous character or baffling historical fact at a time.
These shows are more than just entertainment; they're springboards for connection. They give you a reason to laugh together, debate, and create memories that will stick with you long after the episode ends. The inside joke you create from a Comedy Bang! Bang! character might just be the thing you’re all still laughing about a year from now.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a podcast, text your friends, and get listening. What are your go-to comedy podcasts for group hangs? Did we miss any gems? Share your favorites and any new inside jokes you create in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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