Top 8 'Mic-Drop-and-Meet-Greet' Live Podcast Tours to attend for the Ultimate Fan Weekend in 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
Are you feeling it? That subtle hum of excitement in the air? It's the sound of thousands of headphones being put down as fans gear up for the real-world magic of live podcast tours. The era of passively listening during your commute is evolving. Now, it’s about being in the room where it happens, sharing a laugh, a gasp, or a moment of insight with hundreds of fellow fans who just get it.
The live podcast experience is more than just a show; it’s a destination. It's the ultimate fan weekend, a pilgrimage to connect with the voices that have become our friends, mentors, and jesters. It's about transforming a solo activity into a massive, communal celebration. You're not just listening to an episode; you're creating a unique, unedited version of it, complete with inside jokes that land perfectly in a packed theater and the electric energy of a shared passion.
That's why we've dubbed these events 'Mic-Drop-and-Meet-Greet' tours. They are the pinnacle of fan culture, offering a chance to plan a whole weekend around an event that feels like a reunion with your coolest, funniest, and smartest friends. For 2025, the lineup is looking bigger and better than ever. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to join the community. Here are the top 8 live podcast tours you absolutely cannot miss.
1. SmartLess: On the Road
If a podcast tour could be described as a rock-and-roll stadium show, it would be SmartLess. Hosted by the effortlessly charismatic trio of Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, this tour sells out arenas for a reason. The format is brilliant in its simplicity: one of the hosts brings a mystery guest that the other two know nothing about. The result is a chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly insightful conversation that feels completely spontaneous.
The live show elevates this concept to a new level. The energy of a massive crowd reacting to the big reveal of a guest like Conan O'Brien or Bradley Cooper is something you can't replicate through earbuds. It’s a masterclass in comedic timing and genuine friendship. The production value is top-notch, but the core of the show remains three buddies busting each other's chops, and you feel like you're right there with them, in on every joke.
- Pro Tip: Tickets for SmartLess evaporate the second they go on sale. Sign up for their mailing list and be ready to click "buy" the moment the presale starts. Also, because they attract A-list guests, the tour often hits major cities. Make a weekend of it! Explore the city by day and prepare for a night of gut-busting laughter.
2. My Favorite Murder: The Full-On Cult Tour
Stay sexy and don't get murdered… in a crowd of thousands of your newest best friends. Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, the queens of true crime comedy, have built more than a podcast; they've cultivated a global community. Attending a My Favorite Murder live show is a rite of passage for any "Murderino." It's part comedy special, part group therapy session, and part true crime deep dive.
The live format typically features the hosts discussing a hometown murder from the city they're in, which adds a unique, local flavor to every stop. But the real magic is the audience. It’s a sea of people proudly wearing their "SSDGM" merch, sharing stories in the lobby, and creating an atmosphere of incredible warmth and acceptance. You’ll laugh at dark jokes without judgment and feel an overwhelming sense of belonging.
- Pro Tip: Connect with the local Murderino Facebook group for the city you're visiting. They often organize pre-show meetups at nearby bars or restaurants. It’s the perfect way to make new friends before the main event. And don't be afraid to dress up or bring a sign—the MFM community is all about celebrating your quirky, true-crime-loving self.
3. My Brother, My Brother and Me: The Candlenights Extravaganza
For fans of the McElroy brothers, the My Brother, My Brother and Me (MBMBaM) live show is a pilgrimage. This isn't just an advice show for the modern era; it's a font of pure, unadulterated chaotic good. Justin, Travis, and Griffin have an infectious energy that's amplified tenfold on stage. Their live shows are a whirlwind of audience questions, baffling Yahoo! Answers submissions, and running gags that make the entire theater feel like one big inside joke.
While any MBMBaM show is a delight, the ultimate fan experience is their annual Candlenights show in their hometown of Huntington, West Virginia. It’s a holiday-themed variety show that has become a multi-day festival for the McElroy fan community. It’s a chance to see not only MBMBaM but also their other beloved podcasts, all while supporting local charities. It's the perfect encapsulation of the positive community they've built.
- Pro Tip: If you're planning a trip for Candlenights, book your hotel and travel well in advance, as Huntington fills up quickly. For their regular tour stops, get to the venue early. The merch lines are legendary and a great place to chat with other fans. Be prepared to yell "Shrimp! Heaven! Now!" at a moment's notice.
4. Critical Role Live
This is not your parents' basement Dungeons & Dragons game. Critical Role Live is a full-blown theatrical production that has redefined what a live podcast can be. Featuring a cast of uber-talented professional voice actors, these shows are epic, multi-hour sagas played out on beautifully designed sets with dynamic lighting and soundscapes. The audience doesn't just watch a game; they witness a story unfold in real-time.
The "Critter" community is one of the most dedicated and creative fandoms on the planet. Attending a live show means being surrounded by breathtaking cosplay and people who are deeply invested in the characters and their fates. The collective gasps, cheers, and even tears during a critical dice roll create an atmosphere of shared storytelling that is simply unparalleled. It’s a testament to the power of collaborative imagination.
- Pro Tip: These shows are long—often three to four hours with an intermission. Pace yourself and stay hydrated! Tickets are notoriously hard to get, so joining their newsletter and following their social media for on-sale announcements is crucial. If you're a cosplayer, this is your Super Bowl. Go all out!
5. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast Live
For those who like their true crime with a dash of spooky and a heaping of deep-dive research, the Morbid live show is a must-see. Hosts Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley bring their signature blend of humor, empathy, and meticulous detail to the stage. Their chemistry is a huge part of the podcast's appeal, and it shines even brighter in a live setting. They make you feel like you're hanging out with your two best friends who happen to be obsessed with the macabre.
A Morbid show feels intimate, even in a large theater. They excel at telling compelling, often lesser-known stories with a narrative flair that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The audience is full of "Weirdos" (the affectionate name for their fans) who appreciate the respectful yet engaging way Alaina and Ash handle sensitive topics. It’s a perfect event for the serious true crime aficionado who also appreciates a well-timed laugh.
- Pro Tip: The Morbid community is very active on Instagram and in fan groups. Check out show-specific hashtags to see what people are planning and to share your own excitement. The show often features exclusive live-show merch, so budget accordingly if you're a collector.
6. The Adventure Zone: Live and In Person!
While they share the same DNA as MBMBaM, The Adventure Zone (TAZ) live shows are a completely different beast. Here, the McElroy family (Justin, Travis, Griffin, and their dad, Clint) come together to play a one-shot Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Each show is a brand-new, self-contained story, making it accessible even for those who aren't caught up on the main podcast arcs.
The magic of a TAZ live show is watching the family's incredible dynamic play out through the lens of fantasy. Griffin's masterful Dungeon Mastering, combined with the hilarious and often surprisingly heartfelt choices of the other three, makes for captivating entertainment. It’s a masterclass in collaborative storytelling, blending epic fantasy tropes with the family's signature absurdist humor. I was discussing the power of authentic brand storytelling with my colleague Goh Ling Yong, and we agreed that the McElroys have built an empire on just that—being unapologetically themselves.
- Pro Tip: While you don't need to know every detail of the podcast, being familiar with their main campaign characters (Magnus, Merle, and Taako from the Balance arc) will enhance your experience, as they often make callbacks. These shows are fantastic for introducing a friend to the world of actual-play podcasts.
7. How I Built This with Guy Raz: The Summit
Looking for a fan weekend that leaves you feeling inspired and ready to change the world? How I Built This with Guy Raz offers a different, but no less powerful, live experience. Instead of comedy or fantasy, these events are about real-life stories of innovation, struggle, and success from the world's most influential entrepreneurs and founders.
The live show, often formatted as a "Summit," is more than just an interview. It's a gathering of aspiring builders, creators, and business leaders. Guy Raz's skillful and empathetic interviewing style brings out incredible vulnerability and insight from his guests on stage. The energy in the room is one of ambition and possibility. You'll leave not only with fascinating stories but also with actionable advice and a renewed sense of purpose.
- Pro Tip: Treat this as a prime networking opportunity. The audience is filled with fascinating, driven people. Don't be shy about striking up a conversation during breaks. Come prepared with questions for the Q&A session—it's your chance to get direct advice from legendary founders and a top-tier interviewer.
8. The Moth Mainstage
While not a conventional tour by a single podcast, The Moth is the OG of live storytelling, and its Mainstage events are the source of its iconic podcast episodes. Attending a Mainstage show is like seeing the magic happen before it's polished for broadcast. Each show features a curated lineup of people—some famous, some not—telling true stories from their lives, live and without notes.
The experience is profoundly human. In a single evening, you can be moved from roaring laughter to stunned silence to tears. The stories are raw, authentic, and beautifully crafted. It's a potent reminder of the power of a single voice and a shared experience. In a world of over-produced content, the simplicity of The Moth is its greatest strength. It’s a truly unforgettable night out that will stick with you long after the final bow.
- Pro Tip: The Moth has a presence in cities all over the world. Check their website for a Mainstage event near you or in a city you plan to visit. Because the stories are so personal, this makes for an incredible and thought-provoking date night or an outing with close friends.
Choosing to attend a live podcast tour is about investing in an experience. It’s about taking your relationship with a show from the background of your life to the very forefront, even if just for one incredible weekend. It's about high-fiving a stranger because you both love the same obscure reference and feeling the room shake with laughter at a joke you'll all share forever.
The best part is that this list is just the beginning. The world of live podcasts is exploding, offering something for every interest and every type of fan. So, check those tour dates, rally your friends, and get ready to be part of the show.
Now it's your turn. Which of these tours are on your 2025 bucket list? Did we miss any of your favorites? Share your dream live podcast experience 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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