My comedy podcast obsession started when I was looking for funny stuff to listen to on my commute to work. I had already listened to Bossypants on audiobook (highly recommend it by the way!) and I wanted to continue learning more about my favorite actors, comedians, and TV writers. I love hearing the stories of how they got their careers started and what life was like before they were famous. I don’t know why, but it’s really reassuring. It makes me feel better to know that Will Ferrell chickened out of doing standup like 4 times before he mustered up the courage and went for it. Everybody’s gotta start somewhere, right?

Here’s what I’ve been listening to lately:

Nerdist with Chris Hardwick (Nerdist.com)

Host Chris Hardwick (@Midnight, Talking Dead) interviews guests for about an hour. Matt Mira and Jonah Ray also co-host the show.

Here are some interviews I’ve enjoyed over and over again, in no particular order:

Tina Fey – May 14, 2012
Ana Gasteyer – May 21, 2012
Steve Carrell – Mar 11, 2o13
Will Ferrell – Aug 6, 2012
Taran Killam – Dec 16, 2013
Will Forte – Dec 18, 2013
Michael C. Hall – Aug 4, 2013
Patton Oswalt – May 24, 2011
Andy Samberg – Apr 19, 2011
Bill Hader – Aug 23, 2013

WTF with Marc Maron (wtfpod.com)

Host Marc Marc (standup comedian and star of his own show on IFC) interviews his guests usually between 30 minutes to an hour. He tends to really dig deep into their past and psychology, at least during the interviews that I’ve listened to. I like knowing that celebrities are people too.

He has premium content, including all past episodes, which are available to subscribers through his app. Only recent interviews are available through the podcast app. A few of my recent favorites have been Lena Dunham, Will Ferrell, Will Forte, and Andy Samberg. In the past I’ve enjoyed listening to Bill Hader, Pamela Adlon, and Dave Grohl. I do plan on becoming a paid subscriber. I just haven’t out of laziness.

Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin (wnyc.org)

I would be very surprised if Alec Baldwin didn’t host a radio show. He’s got an amazing voice, he knows everybody, and he’s great at making interesting radio-friendly interviews. They feel like a walk-through of someone’s resume, and they’re so good, I’ve listened to them again and again. A few I’ve been listening to lately are: Paula Pell, Fred Armisen, Lena Dunham, and Kristen Wiig.

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I’m still exploring other comedy podcasts. At SXSW I actually went to a live recording of Comedy Bang Bang with host Scott Aukerman, and I’m about to start listening to The Todd Barry Podcast.

Know of any other comedy podcasts I should check out?