Top 9 Hilarious Live Podcast Tapings to attend with friends When You Need a Break From Bar Trivia
Let's be honest, we all love a good bar trivia night. There's a certain thrill to pulling a completely obscure fact about 18th-century botany out of thin air, winning your friends a round of drinks, and earning the team name "Quizteama Aguilera" its rightful glory. But sometimes, the magic fades. The questions start to repeat, the pressure to know the capital of Burkina Faso gets to be a bit much, and you realize you're spending another Tuesday night squinting at a blurry picture of a B-list actor from the '90s.
When the trivia burnout hits, your group chat starts buzzing with the inevitable question: "What else can we do?" You could go bowling (again). You could see a movie (and not talk for two hours). Or, you could try something that combines the energy of a live show, the intimacy of a great conversation, and the gut-busting humor of your favorite comedians. I'm talking about attending a live podcast taping.
Think of it as the perfect night out. It’s a shared experience that’s more engaging than a movie, less intellectually demanding than trivia, and a fantastic way to see the creators you love in their element. You get to be part of the "in-crowd," witnessing the bloopers, the ad-libs, and the raw comedic energy that often gets edited out of the final product. It’s a behind-the-scenes pass to pure entertainment. So, gather your friends, put the trivia answer sheet down, and get ready to upgrade your group hangouts with one of these nine hilarious live podcast tapings.
1. How Did This Get Made?
The Gist: Have you ever watched a movie so bafflingly terrible that you had more questions than the plot had holes? Comedians Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason "The Zooks" Mantzoukas have made it their life's mission to dissect these cinematic disasters. From action flops like Geostorm to bizarre musicals like The Apple, they hilariously try to answer the single most important question: How did this get made?
The Live Show Experience: The live tapings for HDTGM are legendary. The energy in the room is electric, filled with fans who have dutifully watched the god-awful movie of the week and are ready to revel in its absurdity. The show is wildly interactive, featuring audience-submitted questions, a segment for "Second Opinions" (where fans defend the indefensible), and even fan-created songs about the film. It's less of a taping and more of a comedy rock concert for movie lovers.
Pro-Tip: Absolutely, positively watch the movie before you go. While you can still enjoy the show without it, understanding the specific, insane references will make the jokes a thousand times funnier. Your group will have a blast pre-gaming the show by watching the film together and coming up with your own hot takes.
2. My Brother, My Brother and Me
The Gist: Hosted by "three sweet Midwestern boys," brothers Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy, My Brother, My Brother and Me is an advice podcast for the modern era. The twist? They source their questions from the wildest corners of the internet (including the depths of Yahoo! Answers) and their own listeners. The result is a chaotic, wholesome, and consistently hilarious hour of non-expert guidance.
The Live Show Experience: Attending a live MBMBaM show feels like being invited to the world's funniest family reunion. The brothers' chemistry is the main event, and seeing their dynamic play out on stage is a true delight. The live shows are powered by audience-submitted questions, leading to spontaneous riffs and improv bits that are unique to each performance. The atmosphere is incredibly warm and welcoming; you’re surrounded by people who share your love for goofy, good-natured humor.
Pro-Tip: If you want a chance to get your question read on stage, arrive a bit early, as there's usually a station where you can submit your queries. And don't be afraid to get weird with it—the more bizarre the question, the better the comedy.
3. Comedy Bang! Bang!
The Gist: As the tagline says, this is "the show where we talk to interesting people." Host Scott Aukerman steers this surreal ship, interviewing real-life celebrities alongside a rotating cast of comedians playing completely unhinged characters. It’s a masterclass in long-form improv, where the comedy comes from committing to the most ridiculous premises imaginable.
The Live Show Experience: Seeing Comedy Bang! Bang! live is like watching comedic tightrope walkers perform without a net. You have no idea what characters will show up or what bizarre tangents the conversation will take. This is the definition of "you had to be there" comedy. It’s a unique opportunity to watch brilliant improvisers like Paul F. Tompkins and Lauren Lapkus build a hilarious world from scratch, right in front of your eyes.
Pro-Tip: This is the perfect show for friends who love improv and absurdist humor. The best way to enjoy it is to simply let go and embrace the chaos. The less you try to predict where the show is going, the more you'll enjoy the ride.
4. SmartLess
The Gist: What happens when you put three of the quickest wits in Hollywood—Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett—in a room with a microphone? You get SmartLess. In each episode, one of the hosts brings on a mystery guest, keeping the other two (and the audience) completely in the dark. The conversations are candid, insightful, and always hilarious.
The Live Show Experience: This is the stadium tour of live podcasts. Held in large, beautiful theaters, a SmartLess taping feels like a premium comedy event. The production is slick, the guests are A-listers, but the core of the show is the lightning-in-a-bottle banter between the three hosts. Watching them roast each other and react in real-time to the mystery guest reveal is an absolute treat.
Pro-Tip: SmartLess is an excellent "gateway" live podcast for friends who might not be avid podcast listeners. The undeniable star power of the hosts is a huge draw, and the format is incredibly accessible and entertaining for just about everyone.
5. Doughboys
The Gist: Billed as "the podcast about chain restaurants," Doughboys is so much more. Hosted by comedians Nick Wiger and Mike "Mitchy Two-Spoons" Mitchell, the show is a hilarious exploration of food, friendship, and long-standing comedic rivalries. Each week, they and a guest review a chain restaurant, culminating in a final score on their patented five-fork scale.
The Live Show Experience: The Doughboys have cultivated a passionate, cult-like following, and their live shows are a testament to that community. The energy is off the charts, filled with inside jokes, audience chants ("ROBO-SUS!"), and a genuine love for the hosts. For each tour stop, they typically review a beloved local or regional chain, making every show a unique experience tailored to the city it's in.
Pro-Tip: To get the full experience, listen to a few recent episodes before you go. While the show is hilarious on its own, understanding the ongoing "lore"—like the feud between the 'Boys or the origins of the "Burger Brigade"—will make you feel like you're part of the club.
6. Lovett or Leave It
The Gist: For those who like their comedy with a side of political commentary, Lovett or Leave It is the perfect ticket. Hosted by Jon Lovett, a former presidential speechwriter, this show breaks down the week's chaotic news in a live, game-show-style format. It’s smart, fast-paced, and serves as a much-needed dose of catharsis.
The Live Show Experience: This is a podcast that is truly meant to be seen live. The show is recorded every week in front of an audience, so you're not just watching a taping—you are the show's laugh track. A panel of hilarious comedians, journalists, and activists joins Lovett to tackle the news through games, sketches, and rants. The highlight for many is the "Rant Wheel," where audience members get to spin a wheel and sound off on a topic that’s been grinding their gears.
Pro-Tip: This is an ideal night out for your politically-savvy friends who need a break from doom-scrolling. The show is a fantastic way to stay informed while laughing through the absurdity of it all. It’s a communal experience that will leave you feeling energized and a little less alone in the madness.
7. The Last Podcast on the Left
The Gist: Ready to take a walk on the dark side? The Last Podcast on the Left is a meticulously researched and darkly hilarious deep dive into all things macabre. Hosts Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski cover everything from serial killers and cults to aliens and cryptids. It’s a perfect blend of true crime, paranormal investigation, and gallows humor.
The Live Show Experience: A LPOTL live show feels more like a heavy metal concert than a comedy taping. The fanbase is one of the most dedicated in the podcasting world, and the energy they bring is intense. The shows are a full-on spectacle, often incorporating multimedia presentations and leaning into the theatricality of their subjects. It’s loud, it’s delightfully profane, and it's an unforgettable experience for those with a taste for darker humor.
Pro-Tip: This one isn't for everyone. Make sure your entire friend group is on board with the show's morbid and often graphic subject matter before you commit to tickets. If they are, you’re in for one of the most unique and entertaining live shows out there. Hail yourselves!
8. Who? Weekly
The Gist: In the vast universe of celebrity, there are "Thems" (the A-listers you definitely know) and there are "Whos" (the celebrities who make you say, "...who?"). Hosts Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber are the brilliant anthropologists of this world, delivering the low-stakes gossip you never knew you needed. It's a hilarious celebration of the D-list and the perpetually-on-the-verge.
The Live Show Experience: The Who? Weekly live show is a joyful gathering for the chronically online and pop-culture-obsessed. It’s like being at a party where everyone gets all of your niche jokes. The shows are packed with interactive games, deep dives into the lives of celebrity C-listers, and calls from the "Wholigans" (the podcast's fans). The sense of community is palpable, and you'll leave feeling like you just spent an evening with hundreds of your funniest friends.
Pro-Tip: This is the ultimate night out for the friend who knows every Real Housewife, follows celebrity drama on TikTok, and has strong opinions about Rita Ora's career. It’s a celebration of a very specific, very funny corner of the internet.
9. Off Menu
The Gist: Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite a special guest into their magical "dream restaurant" to choose their perfect meal: their favorite starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and drink, ever. The food is just a jumping-off point for brilliant comedic conversations and hilarious tangents.
The Live Show Experience: The magic of Off Menu lies in the incredible chemistry between Ed, James, and their guest, and seeing it live is a pure delight. The live shows feel a bit more special and grander than the studio version, with the hosts often dressing for the occasion. As my friend Goh Ling Yong always says, there's nothing better than watching comedians just be effortlessly funny together, and this show is a prime example of that. You'll be laughing at everything from a passionate defense of poppadoms to a story about a disastrous meal.
Pro-Tip: While Off Menu has primarily toured in the UK, its popularity is exploding, so keep a close eye on their website for international dates. This is a must-see for the foodies in your friend group who also appreciate a healthy dose of brilliant British wit.
So, the next time your group chat lights up with the "what should we do tonight?" debate, be the hero. Instead of suggesting the same old trivia night at the same old bar, propose a night of guaranteed laughter at a live podcast taping. It’s a chance to make a new kind of memory, share a unique experience, and finally give those brain cells a well-deserved break from recalling the names of all eight of Snow White's dwarves (trick question!).
Check the websites for your favorite shows, see who's touring near you, and grab your tickets. You won’t regret it.
What are some of your favorite live shows or podcasts to enjoy with friends? Drop your recommendations 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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