The Comical Heathen Podcast

In early December, I had a scintillating (yes, I said SCINTILLATING) conversation with the amazing Jay Whitecotton. We cover a lot of ground here, but our launching-off point is, as always, satire. Originally livestreamed on December 17, 2025, this episode has been slightly edited for your enjoyment. It includes the popular segment “PSAs” by my comedy brother Jeff Gedert. Post-production assistance was provided by Sean Scott. Original Bach organ music by Mark Bell, remixed by Mr. Gedert. Jay Whitecotton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaywhitecotton/ Find The Comical Heathen: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comicalheathen Website: https://comicalheathen.com/ Email us with comments, suggestions, or questions: https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/ Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry’s merch shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037

Last May I had the honor of running a livestream with two comedians who mean a lot to me--my comedy brother Rob Coleman and my mentor and good friend Steve Sabo.  Then, technical difficulties prevented Steve from joining us, so I wound up interviewing him separately.  The result was a podcast episode that required more than my usual amount of post-production.  Then, my life took 27 unscheduled turns--and the whole episode got lost in post-production hell.  With the help of my good friend Sean Scott, I finally dug this episode out of the quagmire of funk and present it to you today.  Two separate conversations that were meant to be one.  In the meantime, Steve published his new book, How to Fail at Stand-up Comedy Writing and Rob only went and won the 2025 World Series of Comedy.  Congratulations to them both on these great accomplishments AND apologies to them both for the delay in getting this episode out.   Steve's website:  https://stevesabo.com/   Rob's website:  https://www.robcolemancomedian.com/   Find The Comical Heathen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comicalheathen   Our website:  https://comicalheathen.com/   Email us with questions, comments, or suggestions: [email protected]  

In this episode, my guest is Jeremy Elwood, one of New Zealand's leading comedians.  During the years I lived there, I met Jeremy, seen him perform comedy as well as act--just one of my favorite parts of being there, for sure.  My guest co-host is John Hensler, one of my partners in heathen-flavoured comedy.  Originally a livestream from January 8, 2025--this is slightly edited for your enjoyment.  Includes the popular segment "PSA's" by my comedy brother Jeff Gedert.  Post production assistance from Sean Scott.  Original Bach organ music from Mark Bell.   Jeremy Elwood facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.elwood.58   website: https://www.jeremyelwood.com/   John Hensler facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/john.hensler.10      Find the Comical Heathen on Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/comicalheathen Our website:  https://comicalheathen.com/ Email us with comments, suggestions, or questions: [email protected] This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/ Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037

In this episode, my guest is Mark Riccadonna (one of my personal favorite comedians) and my guest co-host is Jesse Pimpinelle (who puts the comedy "pimp" into comedy).  We discuss the qualities of good comedy clubs as well as topics from listeners, such as "what is punching down?"  Originally a livestream from January 4, 2025--this is slightly edited for your enjoyment.  Includes the popular segment "PSA's" by my comedy brother Jeff Gedert.  Post production assistance from SEan Scott.  Original Bach organ music from Mark Bell.   Mark Riccadonna:  facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/markriccadonna   website:  https://markriccadonna.com/   Jesse Pimpinella:  facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ComedyJesseP   website:  https://www.jessepimpinella.com/   Find the Comical Heathen on Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/comicalheathen Our website:  https://comicalheathen.com/ Email us with comments, suggestions, or questions: [email protected] This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/ Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037 Additional background music courtesy of Musopen

Originally a livestream from June 23 (2024), in this episode Jerry is joined by Steve Mers and John Armstrong.  In June of 2024 there was suddenly a bunch of stories in the news about religion and we decided to dissect them and also make fun of them.  Some of the stories covered included Louisiana adding the 10 commandments to classrooms and several states allowing students to skip school for bible study, amongst others.  Please enjoi.   Visit John on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012674684191   Visit Steve on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/steve.mers   https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-ten-commandments-displayed-classrooms-571a2447906f7bbd5a166d53db005a62   https://www.cleveland.com/news/2024/05/ohio-public-schools-are-releasing-kids-for-religious-instruction-during-the-school-day-soon-they-could-be-required-to-do-it.html     Find the Comical Heathen on Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/comicalheathen Our website:  https://comicalheathen.com/ Email us with comments or questions: [email protected] This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/ Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037 Additional background music courtesy of Musopen

Show notes: In early May of 2024, I spent a week in the beautiful country of Iceland!  I had the opportunity to wrangle myself on to some local stand-up comedy shows there, where I met a bunch of people from the local scene.  After one show I sat down in a pub with two of the country’s leading professional comics, Eggert Smári Sigurðsson and Þórhallur Þórhallsson.  They gave me the lowdown on Icelandic comedy—which I share with you in today’s episode of the Comical Heathen podcast.  This show also includes guest cohost Jeff Gedert.  We talk a little about my time in Iceland (including the puffins!) as well as setting up some of the background to the interview.  This episode includes a special PSA on the subject of cults.   Eggert Smári’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/eggert.sigurdsson Þórhallur Þórhallsson (aka Thor) on X:  https://twitter.com/thorhallur83 Comedy in Iceland website: https://comedyiniceland.com/ Former Mayor Jón Gnarr on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B3n_Gnarr Find the Comical Heathen on Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/comicalheathen Our website:  https://comicalheathen.com/ Email us with comments or questions: [email protected] This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/ Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037 Additional background music courtesy of Musopen  

In October of 2023, I had the pleasure of doing a livestream about anti-science conspiracy theories with science commuicator AND comedian Brian Malow.  We were joined by Lake Erie College Professor of Biology Dr. Zane Johnson.  On a personal note, let me add that Dr. Johnson is a colleague of mine, and he is not only erudite and well-read, he is sardonic and one of the most hilarious people to sit with during a faculty senate meeting! Here is the slightly edited version for your enjoyment.   Please follow Brian on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sciencecomedian   Here is Brian's website:  https://sciencecomedian.com/   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

In September of 2023, I had the pleasure of doing a livestream about Conspiracy theories with professional skeptic and author Ben Radford and professional magician and comedy club owner Bobby Borgia.  Here is the slightly edited version for your enjoyment.   Ben's website:  http://benjaminradford.com/ Ben's podcast, Squaring the Strange:   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/squaring-the-strange/id1226273233   Bobby's website:  https://www.bobbyborgia.com/   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Originally recorded in August or 2023, my interview with Prof Jeremy Dauber.  Prof Dauber is the Atran Professor of Yiddish Language at Columbia University, specializing in Yiddish and Jewish literature, American Jewish culture, and American studies   Find Jeremy's books on his website:  https://www.jeremydauber.com/books Jeremy's X:  https://twitter.com/JeremyDauber   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Show Notes   Welcome to our most recent Live Q&A episode!  With special guests Marv Connor and Dan Crowder, and guest co-host John Hensler, we tackle fan and social media comments and questions. This episode originally broadcast one week after the Nov 8 2022 US elections, so we focus on fall out and questions from the time.  Included topics are Donald Trump running again, the importance of appointing judges, redistricting in Ohio and elsewhere, and whether or not Mitch McConnell is fucking the dead corpse of Congress.    Original broadcast live November 15 (2022). Slightly edited for clarity.   Joh  Hensler is on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/john.hensler.10   Marv Connor’s new podcast Unsuitable Language: https://unsuitablelanguage.wordpress.com/   Marv in Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/marv.conner1   Dan on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008416596788   Dan’s suggested social agencies to consider supporting this holiday season:   Extended Housing:  https://extendedhousing.org   Greater Cleveland Food Bank: https://support.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app340a?idb=305227542&df_id=1520&1520.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&NONCE_TOKEN=DCE4A69ED01C52ABF4358246F0A97228   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/  

Show Notes   Welcome to our most recent Live Q&A episode!  With special guest Bill Boronkay and guest co-host Jim Hagan, we tackle fan and social media comments and questions. Included topics are recent SCOTUS decisions, flopping in sports, and "is cheating at board games ever justified?"  We receive a phone call form Toledo-based friend-of-the-show David who asks how we interact with friends/family who are politically/religiously opposed to ourselves.  And hey, What advice would you give your younger self?  Original broadcast live June 25 (2022). Slightly edited for clarity.   Bill Boronkay. "You get sick of beauty" website:  https://www.billboro.com/   Jim Hagan " Nothing is as important as you think it is" board games on TikTok:  mhgn.games Columbus Crew twitter:  OnThisDayCrew96   "When Faith and Football Teamed Up Against American Democracy" by Greg Bishop (https://www.si.com/high-school/2022/06/13/fear-over-scotus-ruling-in-public-school-coach-prayer-case-daily-cover)   "The Film that Launched a Thousand Court Cases" by Niv Elis (https://momentmag.com/the-film-that-launched-a-thousand-court-cases/)   --Ghost Hunters investigate the Collingwood Arts Center in Toledo, Ohio (https://popculture.com/category/the-shadow-man/)   --Stepin Fetchit Wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepin_Fetchit)   --"How Did Colonel Sanders Become Japan’s Santa?" By Steve Burgess (https://thetyee.ca/Culture/2021/12/21/KFC-Colonel-Sanders-Japanese-Santa/#:~:text=In%20the%201970s%20they%20began,in%20Japan%2C%20a%20Christmas%20song.)     Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Heathen Highlights is a new feature here at The Comical Heathen.  We share some of our favorite clips from the past 2 seasons.   Today's episode features a previously unpublished outtake from my Season 2 episode with Ben Radford.  Along with guest co-host Aaron Kozbial, we talk horror movies!    Full episode here:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/e/the-comical-heathen-s2-e11-talking-ghosts-w-ben-radford/   Ben's website:  http://benjaminradford.com/ Ben's podcast, Squaring the Strange:   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/squaring-the-strange/id1226273233   Aaron's website:  https://professorofcomedy.com/   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Heathen Highlights is a new feature here at The Comical Heathen.  We share some of our favorite clips from the past 2 seasons.   Today's episode features a clip from my Season 1 interview with PZ Myers.  He explains what makes Creationism so objectionable.   Full episode here:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/e/the-comical-heathen-episode-sixteen-pz-myers/   PZ Myer’s Blog Pharyngula: https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/   His Book: The Happy Atheist: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Atheist-PZ-Myers/dp/0307739805   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/  

Heathen Highlights are a new feature here at The Comical Heathen.  We share some of our favorite clips from the past 2 seasons.   Today's feature features my Season 1 rant about the reaction from some Maori leaders towards Playboy model Jaylene Cook posing topless on a sacred mountain in New Zealand.   Full episode here:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/e/the-comical-heathen-episode-nine-chad-zumock/   The Jaylene Cook story:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/03/playboy-model-angers-maori-community-nude-shoot-sacred-new-zealand/   The Malaysia story:  http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/malaysia-earthquake-british-woman-arrested-for-stripping-naked-and-causing-quake-on-mount-kinabalu-10309866.html   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:   https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Heathen Highlights is a new feature here at The Comical Heathen.  We share some of our favorite clips from the past 2 seasons.   Today's feature is from our Season 1 interview with Steve Hofstetter.  In this one, he answers my question, "Is religious satire important?".   Full episode here:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/e/the-comical-heathen-episode-one-steve-hofstetter/   Steve Hofstetter's website:  http://www.stevehofstetter.com/ Steve's YOUTUBE channel:  https://www.youtube.com/user/thehofstetter   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:   https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):   https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/  

Heathen Highlights are a new feature here at The Comical Heathen.  We share some of our favorite clips from the past 2 seasons.   Today's feature is from our Season 2 interview with Lewis Black.  In this one, he discusses how September 11th affected him and his comedy.   Full episode here:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/e/the-comical-heathen-s2-e8-lewis-black/   Lewis Black's website:  https://www.lewisblack.com/   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Heathen Highlights is a new feature here at The Comical Heathen.  We share some of our favorite clips from the past 2 seasons.   Today's feature is from our Season 2 interview with Lewis Black.  In this one, he discusses how September 11th affected him and his comedy.   Full episode here:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/e/the-comical-heathen-s2-e8-lewis-black/   Lewis Black's website:  https://www.lewisblack.com/   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/  

Welcome to our most recent Live Q&A episode!  With special guest Myq Kaplan and co-host Jeff Gedert, we tackle fan and social media comments and questions on the theme of "Religion vs Spirituality."  Included topics are, what does this even mean, a second foray into Jedi-sim, and the role of 'shrooms in ones spiritual journey.  We also discuss whether or not comedy is an art, who would win in a Celebrity Deathmatch-like contest, and the appropriation of "eastern" ideas by "western" Judeo-Christians on a spiritual journey.  Original broadcast live March 20.   Myq Kaplan's website:  https://myqkaplan.com/   Myq's previous appliance on The Comical Heathen:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/e/the-comical-heathen-s2-e2-myq-kaplan/   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

  After coming across some recent "news" reports of ghost sightings during the ongoing pandemic, I realized it was time to bring back special guest Ben Radford, investigator of the extraordinary extraordinaire!   Ben is a Research Fellow at the Center for Inquiry, having researched many topics in addition to ghosts, such as UFOs, chupacabra, and Killer Clowns.  He also recently published his own article on this pseudoscientific pseudonews.   This episode includes guest co-host Aaron Kozbial and my rant about why I think ghosts and transformers are basically the same thing now!   Ben's website:  http://benjaminradford.com/ Ben's podcast, Squaring the Strange:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/squaring-the-strange/id1226273233 Ben's book on ghost-hunting:   Investigating Ghosts: The Scientific Search for Spirits https://www.amazon.com/Investigating-Ghosts-Scientific-Search-Spirits/dp/0936455160/    Aaron's website:  https://professorofcomedy.com/   Show notes: "Quarantining with a Ghost?  It's Scary" By Molly Fitzpatrick https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/14/style/haunted-house-ghost-quarantine.html?smtyp=cur&smid=tw-nytimes   "Haunted house reports on the rise during pandemic, says paranormal researcher" by As it Happens, CBC radio. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-the-friday-edition-1.5571716/haunted-house-reports-on-the-rise-during-pandemic-says-paranormal-researcher-1.5571882   "The Science (and Non-Science) of Ghosts" by Ben Radford. https://centerforinquiry.org/blog/the-science-and-non-science-of-ghosts/   "When Sony Accidentally Launched Camcorders That Could 'See Through' People’s Clothes" by Aditya Tiwari https://fossbytes.com/sony-accidentally-launched-camcorders-see-peoples-clothes/   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Season 2 Episode 10: John Poveromo   Show Notes   Featuring a conversation from February of 2021, shortly after John and I had just done our part to help set the record for longest live-streamed comedy show!  Crazy stuff like running for city council and directing The Merry Wives of Windsor knocked this one back a smidge but I am proud to share it with you now!  Includes my rant about the importance of evidence in wild claims, as inspired by the dozens of lost court cases by Alex Jones and Donald Trump.   John Poveromo on social media:   Website:  https://johnpoveromo.net/   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=502792868   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/JohnPoveromo/   Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/dystopiatonightwithjohnpoveromo   Press on Richie Byrne and Mark Riccadonna and their podcast "Drinks, Jokes, and Storytelling" streaming on Twitch to break the world record for a standup comedy show (and raise money for two charities):  https://nj1015.com/jersey-comedians-shoot-for-comedy-record/   "Alex Jones must pay damages to Sandy Hook families in another defamation case, judge rules". https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/11/15/alex-jones-sandy-hook-defamation-lawsuit/   "By the numbers: President Donald Trump's failed efforts to overturn the election." https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/politics/elections/2021/01/06/trumps-failed-efforts-overturn-election-numbers/4130307001/   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Have ideas for topics or questions for upcoming Livestream Q&A?  Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Show Notes   Welcome back to the comical heathen podcast!  We had a bit of a hiatus and there's a reason why:  your host Dr. Jerry Jaffe just spent the past Fall 2021 running for City Council in Painesville, OH!  In this special behind the scenes episode, Jerry sits down with two of closest comedy friends and talks about the experience.  Joining him are Jeremy Sheer and Dan Brown.  Completely unscripted, they ask Jerry questions (both serious and silly) as they riff about the whole thing.  A few of the topics that come include critical race theory, campaign funding, Alex Jones, QAnon, and Donald Trump, among other things.     This episode Jeremy Sheer on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dirtysheer   Dan Brown's website:  https://danbrowncomedy.com/?fbclid=IwAR3t-WcFntg4NIY20fqN-TnuJe_HwdRC8ksWCPTlslR3tfPgoHtslpQnvcs   Sad Boy's Social Club on YouTUbe:  https://www.youtube.com/c/SadBoysSocialClub   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Have ideas for topics or questions for upcoming Livestream Q&A?  Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Show Notes   On June 25 2021 the Office of the Director of National intelligence issued a report called "Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena."  This generated some media interest and some buzz around the topic of UFO's.  So we here at The Comical Heathen thought this would be a good time to bring in an actual expert, so today we present my conversation with author Ben Radford.  Ben is a Research Fellow at the Center for Inquiry, having covered many topics in addition to UFOs, such as ghosts, chupacabra, and Killer Clowns.  This episode includes guest co-host Jesse Pimpinella, a phone call from Ian Harris, and my rant about why I think UFO's should be called U-WTF-O's.   *Ben's website:  http://benjaminradford.com/ *Ben's podcast, Squaring the Strange:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/squaring-the-strange/id1226273233   *Jesse's website:  https://www.jessepimpinella.com/ *Jesse's podcast, At the Grown-up's Table:  https://www.jessepimpinella.com/podcast   Show notes: *The actual UAP report:  https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20973253-uap-20210625 *Press release from CFI,  "Keep UFO Reporting Grounded in Reality, Advise Skeptics":  https://centerforinquiry.org/press_releases/keep-ufo-reporting-grounded-in-reality-advise-skeptics/?fbclid=IwAR2dX8OV9JkMkKGs_Cm4bU3jV8F6Wh_sKmhHbk62aXKaO4b_Y8rvnLeLwLY   *Mick West's page mentioned by Ben: https://www.metabunk.org/home/   *Ben's book about Killer Clowns:  Bad Clowns (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0826356664/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)   *Article about man who thought moon was UFO, "Police say UFO was just the Moon":  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7489457.stm?fbclid=IwAR3fReWiuE4JwQX0V3sHnWzJSJ5SGHz6qWee2S1KXV5y7v9QkRFpqVFXB5s *Pareidolia:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareidolia   *Occam's razor:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_razor   *The Comical Heathen Live Show at the Kansas City Fringe:   https://kcfringe.org/2021-shows/the-comical-heathen/   *Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Show Notes   This episode features my recent conversation with Lewis Black.  From his many comedy specials and TV appearances, including The Daily Show, and his work as an actor as seen on The Big Bang Theory (2009), Inside Out (2015), The Last Laugh (2019) and many more, Lewis is known as one of this generation's leading satirists.  We discuss his 2002 Comedy Central Presents episode in which he discuses the then-recent events of September 11.  He also talks about his influences, his ideas about satire, and his upcoming tour.  Also on this episode is guest co-host, calling in from Japan, Jeff Gedert.  Jeff is most famous for producing the original theme music for the podcasts Gold Star Classroom, The Action Comedy Nerd Show, and us, The Comical Heathen.  (Thank you Jeff!).  We debrief the interview, give our reactions, and discuss this so-called book I claim to be so-called writing!  Enjoy!   Lewis Black's website:  https://www.lewisblack.com/   The 2002 Comedy Central Presents episode we discuss:  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0318371/?ref_=nm_flmg_slf_122   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Season 2 Episode 7 (Bonus material) Show Notes   This episode is a supplement to my S2 E7 interview with Leighann Lord.  Since her website bio describes her as a nerd AND she sites her favorite science fiction film as Terminator 2, I had to ask her about these things.  And sure enough, a 20+ minute digression broke out on some of our favorite nerdy fandoms.  Turns out she's a huge Star Trek fan (she was wearing Star Trek Jewelry and had a Star Trek background up during our interview!).  Other topics we discuss include Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Watchmen, as well as talking about doing comedy at anime and comic book conventions.   Leighann's website:  http://www.veryfunnylady.com/ Leighann on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LeighannLord Leighann's Dry Bar Special: https://store.drybarcomedy.com/pages/leighannl   A link to my Action Comedy Nerd Show podcast where we discuss Star Trek:  https://actioncomedynerdshow.podbean.com/e/action-comedy-nerd-show-18-talking-star-trek-discovery-the-orville-wmark-clark/   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Have ideas for topics or questions for upcoming Livestream Q&A?  Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Show Notes   Nerd. Comedian. Science communicator.  Star Trek fan.  And a theatre kid??  Finally getting to interview Leighann Lord was a fantastic and fun moment for me.  We discuss her background in theatre and her experiences in comedy.  She has her recent Dry Bar special and, oh, not to mention, she is the 2019 recipient of the Humanist Arts Award.  She had a lot to say about approaching comedy like a thinking person (she also had a lot to say about Star Trek, but I'm going to have to save that part of our conversation for a future episode!).  This might be too much nerdy science in one place -- except there is no such thing as too much nerdy science!!-- But I asked Brian Malow Science Comedian to join in as today's guest co-host.  He has appeared on the Comical Heathen before (see link below) and so I knew he'd be a perfect comic to add some commentary.  Also, with my rant about anti-vaxxer legislation in Ohio, he had thoughts to add about science literacy!  There was a journey to today's episode, one that involved me meeting Ian Harris, who then introduced me to the comedy of both Leighann and Brian.  Ian gets mentioned waaaay more than necessary for an episode of my podcast that he's not even in!! LOL... Enjoy!     Lieghann's website:  http://www.veryfunnylady.com/   Leighann on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LeighannLord   Leighann's Dry Bar Special:  https://store.drybarcomedy.com/pages/leighannl   Brian Malow on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/sciencecomedian   Brian Malow on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sciencecomedian   Brian Malow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sciencecomedian/   Brian Mallow interview from Season1 Episode 15:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/e/the-comical-heathen-episode-15-brian-malow/   "Legislators align with anti-vaxxers" by Jake Zuckerman, Norwalk Reflector 9 April 2021.   "'Just a theory': 7 Misused Science Words" by Tia Ghose, Scientific American 2 April 2013   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]   This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/

Season 2 Episode 6 Show Notes:   I got on a Zoom call the way from Aruba Ray's Comedy Club in Aruba and spent some time talking comedy with Brian Scott MacFadden.  From a show business family, Brian has a quick wit and a lot of deep thoughts about the art of comedy.   Joining me is guest co-host Dan Brown of the Action Comedy Nerd Show and his podcast Dan and Mark Meets World.   He joins me on my rant about evangelic preacher Franklin Graham calling some people he disagrees with worse than Judas, which seems like some serious Xtian ad hominem attacks to me.     Brian Scott MacFadden's website:  https://brianscottmcfadden.com/   Dan Brown's Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/danbrowncomedy   Dan and Mark Meets World podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/4RC1eVaP0EsfIUn4jJZTSp   Comical Heathen S1 E (w/my rant about evangelical preachers!):  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/e/the-comical-heathen-episode-eighteen-bill-squire/   "Franklin Graham says Republicans who voted to impeach Trump are like Jesus’ betrayer" by Simone Jasper (https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article248528080.html)   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]

A comedy club called CHURCH OF SATIRE?  How did I not know about this!  In this episode I interview club founder, owner, and touring headliner Jim Bryan.  In addition to getting his take on satire, we go into his club, how he started it and why he called it CHURCH OF SATIRE! Along the way we name-check Mark Riccadonna, Robert Mack, Craig Paul, and Dwayne Duke.  Joining me is guest co-host Kristin Galewood of the sketch group Sad Boys' Social Club.  She joins me on exploring some of the alternative medicine woo-woo of Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP brand, including her Netflix series THE GOOP LAB.  But Gwyneth, what about burden of proof and you know evidence?  And if you've ever heard of the new age concept of the "4 Clairs" I explain the "4 Jers"!   Show notes: Church of Satire:  https://www.churchofsatirecomedyclub.com/   Jim Bryan's Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/vaneldu.jim   Jim's Special "Laid back Maniac":  https://www.amazon.com/Jim-Bryan-Laid-Back-Maniac/dp/B085W2M1Z7   Kristin Galewood's Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/PuffyPinkCow   Sad Boys Social Club on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sadboyscle   Sad Boys' Social Club Easter Special:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=YpiVp_Zgu0w&fbclid=IwAR1QwQjJ3NpTjdPlsnGbeWFLoWcm71mCf70-wHLgSL3qGm5RCkI60q7sw2M   "Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop has been accused of peddling pseudoscience. She’s not having it." By Lindsey Bever (Washington Post Oct. 9, 2018).   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Email us:  [email protected]

Welcome to our most recent live Q&A episode, recorded live 11 April 2021.   Join me and my guest co-host Jesse Pimpenella as we answer your questions and respond to your comments across the Comical Heathen social media landscape.  We welcome special guest DJ Dangler into the madness.  A lot of this episode's topics seemed to come back again and again to the nature of faith (hilarious, right!).  For example, we discuss whether or not Christians using Christian Mingle actually lack faith, we discuss if time traveling Christians would try to save Jesus (and, you know, break their religion), and we discuss movies with Jesus/savior motifs.    Show notes: DJ Dangler website:  http://www.djdanglercomedy.com/   Jesse Pimpinella website:  https://www.jessepimpinella.com/   Get a Comical Heathen coffee mug at Jerry's merch shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=624456037   Season 1 episode w/DJ:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/e/the-comical-heathen-episode-seven-dj-dangler/   Season 1 Q&A 3 "Conspiracy Stories":  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/e/the-comical-heathen-qa-3-%e2%80%94-conspiracy-stories-theyre-not-theories/   Email us:  [email protected]

Show notes: This episode of the Comical Heathen features my interview with Dennis Blair.  We discuss his early career opening for the likes of Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, and George Carlin as well as his thoughts on the dangers of doing satire while working the road.  This episode includes my rant about politicians and preachers who claim (with a straight face) that "God" (Jesus, Moses, etc...) "wrote the constitution"!!!  With my guest cohost John Hensler, we talk about how this is an example of the logical fallacy known as "argument from authority."  This episode includes a special call-in complaint from "Mad" Marv Conner of the Trillion Dollar Dreadful satire news site.   Topics discussed include: Dennis Blair's website:  http://www.dennisblair.com/home.html John Hensler on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/john.hensler.10 Marv Conner on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/marv.conner1 The Trillion Dollar Dreadful (Parody News site):  https://trilliondollardreadful.com/?fbclid=IwAR0KAbFMNNHRWE45y7qhPYRw412CSVpuwIK7LW4DVt_513MF0udy6qBR2SY "Tom DeLay Claims God ‘Wrote The Constitution’":  https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tom-delay-god-constitution_n_4826503 "All Patriots 'Know' That Moses Wrote the Constitution":  https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2010/10/all-patriots-know-that-moses-wrote-the-constitution/65353/ As promised to Dennis-- a link to a wrestling match with my father, Dr. Jerry Graham (Jr.):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_4n_9oDXdY    Additional resources: Find the Comical Heathen on Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/comicalheathen Our website:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/ Email us with comments or questions for our upcoming April 11 live Q&A: [email protected] This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/ A "Comical Heathen" coffee mug can be purchased via Jerry's comedy merch shop on ETSY:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

  Show notes: This episode of the Comical Heathen features my interview with Myq Kaplan.  We discuss his comedy beginnings, his thoughts on religion and hallucinogenics, and some of his ideas about satire.  What a mensch!  This episode includes my rant about Bill Maher's recent use of the made-up odds "50-50" while talking about the coronavirus!  With my guest cohost Jesse Pimpinella, we talk about how this is an example of the logical fallacy known as "argument from ignorance."  This episode includes a special PSA on the subject of cults.     Topics discussed include: Myq Kaplan's website:  https://myqkaplan.com/ Myq Kaplan's recent CD A.K.A.:  https://www.amazon.com/K-Myq-Kaplan/dp/B084RH6YWP/ref=sr_1_3?crid=375L5QQDCSVE7&dchild=1&keywords=myq+kaplan&qid=1616776969&sprefix=myq+kaplan%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-3 Jesse Pimpinella on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ComedyJesseP Bill Maher spreading the conspiracy theory that the conornivirus might be man-made:  https://www.thedailybeast.com/bill-maher-pushes-bonkers-steve-bannon-wuhan-lab-covid-conspiracy  Additional resources: Find the Comical Heathen on Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/comicalheathen Our website:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/ Email us with comments or questions for our upcoming April 11 live Q&A: [email protected] This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/ A "Comical Heathen" coffee mug can be purchased via Jerry's comedy merch shop on ETSY:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Part II Show notes: Following my interview with Peter Hinchliffe and Michael Nugent from Atheist Ireland (found in S2E1 Part I), guest co-host Sean Lynch and I discuss some of the issues raised in the interview.  We are also visited by Ian Harris who calls in to get something off his chest (arguing with people who don't understand the benefits of raising the minimum wage).   Topics discussed include: The Waterford Whispers News sketch (arresting god for rape) Sean's experiences with "corporate moles" infiltrating writing rooms on American TV Censorship during Shakespeare Ian Harris's call about raising the minimum wage Christian music album covers Jewish Space Lasers More on corporate and government censorship A tribute to Gregory Sierra (RIP) and the show Barney Miller   Additional resources: Find the Comical Heathen on Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/comicalheathen Our website:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/ Email us with comments or questions for our upcoming April 11 live Q&A: [email protected] Sean Lynch on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sean.lynch.5458498 Ian Harris website:  http://ianharriscomedian.com/ Michael Nugent's website:  https://www.michaelnugent.com/?fbclid=IwAR3NL8IjHk_oAnruh5oRG9W6uJHpwTu-raeRZKhhbkUZtUzCOhwGPWEEBfA Peter Hinchliffe's FB:  https://www.facebook.com/peterhinchliffe1234 Peter's account of the Waterford Whispers News controversy:  https://atheist.ie/2021/01/rtes-blasphemous-comedy-sketch/?fbclid=IwAR0K2u_Ka6Jclcccg7Vk7VL6Yz_7YOHSClR_L564VdUaMqx0fQ61u4-8wqk Atheist Ireland website:  https://atheist.ie/ Laura Fudge's Fingering and Praying album cover: https://images.app.goo.gl/98rmxs71htphhre67 Waterford Whispers News:  https://waterfordwhispersnews.com/ YouTube version of sketch:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-xK5sLdltE Irish Times "RTÉ apologises for ‘blasphemous’ sketch after 1,100 complaints" by Ellen O'Riordin:  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/rt%C3%A9-apologises-for-blasphemous-sketch-after-1-100-complaints-1.4449042 This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/ A "Comical Heathen" coffee mug can be purchased via Jerry's comedy merch shop on ETSY:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Part I Show notes: Features my interview with Peter Hinchliffe and Michael Nugent from Atheist Ireland.  We discuss a controversial sketch about the arrest of God for rape by the Irish parody news group Waterford Whispers News.  The sketch was part fo RTE's New Year's Eve programming and garnered over 1000 complaints and was eventually removed.  We also discuss blasphemy laws and the effects of censorship on free speech. Includes my own take on satire/censorship as well as special guest co-host Sean Lynch.  Sean and I also discuss corporate censorship, his time working on CELEBRITY DEATH MATCH, and Jewish Space lasers.  My friend Ian Harris calls in from LA to complain about people who don't understand the need for raising the minimum wage. Additional resources: Find the Comical Heathen on Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/comicalheathen Our website:  https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/ Email us with comments or questions for our upcoming April 11 live Q&A: [email protected] Michael Nugent's website:  https://www.michaelnugent.com/?fbclid=IwAR3NL8IjHk_oAnruh5oRG9W6uJHpwTu-raeRZKhhbkUZtUzCOhwGPWEEBfA  Peter Hinchliffe's FB:  https://www.facebook.com/peterhinchliffe1234 Peter's account of the Waterford Whispers News controversy:  https://atheist.ie/2021/01/rtes-blasphemous-comedy-sketch/?fbclid=IwAR0K2u_Ka6Jclcccg7Vk7VL6Yz_7YOHSClR_L564VdUaMqx0fQ61u4-8wqk Atheist Ireland website:  https://atheist.ie/ Waterford Whispers News:  https://waterfordwhispersnews.com/ Youtube version of sketch:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-xK5sLdltE Irish Times "RTÉ apologises for ‘blasphemous’ sketch after 1,100 complaints" by Ellen O'Riordin:  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/rt%C3%A9-apologises-for-blasphemous-sketch-after-1-100-complaints-1.4449042 This is an ad-free and independently produced podcast.  Please consider donating via this link (to our other podcast):  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/ A "Comical Heathen" coffee mug can be purchased via Jerry's comedy merch shop on ETSY:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JerryJaffeComedyShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Here is the published and slightly edited version of the live broadcast I did Oct 15 with friend and co-host Joh Hensler.  We talk about conspiracy theories (or "stories" as they're not really theories in the proper sense of the word), climate change skeptics (or "deniers" as they are not really skeptics in the proper sense of the word), and why the doors at 24-hour convenience stores have locks on them, among other things!  We hope you enjoy!    Here are a few links to things we discussed:   Fish eye evolution (just an example, you can find more (easily, if you try)):  https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080107120911.htm   Michael Shermer's book Why people Believe Weird Things:  https://www.amazon.com/People-Believe-Weird-Things-Pseudoscience/dp/0805070893/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3U0WGKRVLQCKG&dchild=1&keywords=michael+shermer+why+people+believe+weird+things&sprefix=michale+shermer%2Caps%2C568&sr=8-1:   John Hensler's FB page:  https://www.facebook.com/john.hensler.10   email us at: [email protected]    

In this special Q&A edition of the podcast, with the help of guest co-host John Hensler, I answer some of the questions we collected through social media, including:  "Is there a god?", "If there is no afterlife, why not just go all MAD MAX?!", and "Who should be added to the list of gods, besides yourself?"  And many more!  Join in on the fun.  This was our second ever-live show, originally broadcast July 19 2020 (this is edited for clarity and time).   If you have a question you'd like me tackle on a future edition, email us at:    Find this podcast on ITunes, Stitcher, and now Spotify.   You can support this podcast with donations using the donate button on this website (which is for my other podcast, GOLD STAR CLASSROOM!):  http://www.goldstarclassroom.com/   Follow Jerry and John on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.   Our theme music is Bahc played ont he organ by Mark Bell. Thank you to Jeff Gedert for all of his audio production advice.   Mentioned in this episode:   The Church of the Invisible Product tin the Sky, on the satiric news site, The Trillion Dollar Dreadful:  https://trilliondollardreadful.com/2020/05/22/the-church-of-the-invisible-product-supports-ohio-pastors-in-banning-yoga-from-public-schools/?fbclid=IwAR1zXQMGjM6YWtLVDJhOGQBlQW2TUV4EIOaEOFVE_0ynSTc8iBTSTw6mBBI   Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool by Emily Oster:  https://www.amazon.com/Cribsheet-Data-Driven-Relaxed-Parenting-Preschool/dp/0525559272/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3V3VU8A048R1Z&dchild=1&keywords=cribsheet+a+data-driven+guide+to+better%2C+more+relaxed+parenting&qid=1595351776&sprefix=data+driven+guide+to+parenting%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-1   "Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health with Popular Religiosity and Secularism in the Prosperous Democracies A First Look" by  Gregory S. Paul:  http://moses.creighton.edu/JRS/2005/2005-11.pdf   Pew Research on the rise of the "Nones":  https://www.pewforum.org/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/  

This episode features my interview John Fugelsang!  John is a Drama League nominated actor, comedian & broadcaster who hosts the acclaimed "Tell Me Everything" series on SiriusXM Insight. Bill Maher called him "One of my favorite comedians." As 1/3 of 'Stephanie Miller's Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour' he's played to sold-out houses around the country, including The Chicago Theater, LA's Pantages Theater & New York's Beacon Theater.   We discuss satire, parody, religion, propaganda as well as getting some background into John's life and career.  This episode also includes an update from the rabbit hutch and my rant about how a whistleblower has accused the Mormon Church of being tax cheats! Plus, more details about upcoming performances of the Comical Heathen Live Show. John’s website: http://www.johnfugelsang.com/   John’s TedTalk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh1Sv3JbKSs&feature=emb_logo   John on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JohnFugelsang?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor   Newsweek article of Mormon whistleblowers: "Mormon Church Stockpiled $100 Billion Intended for Charities and Misled LDS Members, Whistleblower Says". BY PAUL GLADER    https://www.newsweek.com/mormon-church-stockpiled-100-billion-intended-charities-misled-lds-members-whistleblower-says-1477809   Video on controversy produced by Lars Nielsen:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXOWRN19i-4   Wikipedia entry on the Parable of the Talents:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_talents_or_minas   Kansas City Fringe website:  https://kcfringe.org/   Donations are humbly accepted through the website of my other podcast, Gold Star Classroom:  https://www.goldstarclassroom.com/   Email us at: [email protected]

Had a great time Skyping with Alice Fraser, comedian and podcast.  From Australia, but based in London, she is a regular panelist on The Bugle podcast, hosts her own daily news satire podcast called The Last Post, and just released a new special on Amazon Prime called Savage.  In addition to discussing satire, religion, and all fo her projects, she describes how comedy has shifted over the years be more concerned about comedy might be affecting some people negatively and also we discuss the difference between American style comedy club comedy and Festival style solo show comedy (like Edinburgh Fringe, where she regularly appears).  This episode also includes an update from the rabbit hutch and my rant about how different religious groups are responding to the coronavirus by either not meeting (faith healers) or meeting anyway (some evangelicals).  Plus, more details about upcoming performances of the Comical Heathen Live Show.   Alice’s website: http://www.alicecomedyfraser.com/   Alice’s TedTalk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=M4MlaRGcFHI&feature=emb_logo   Trailer for Savage:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2fb0InQS1I   Faith Healers cancel meeting:  https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2020/03/17/faith-healers-had-to-postpone-an-event-due-to-the-coronavirus/   Solid Rock Church story:  https://www.journal-news.com/news/local/solid-rock-church-continues-public-worship-services-during-coronavirus-outbreak/SmzNNNAitDfm2oetMWJRpI/   Email us at: [email protected]

In this special Q&A edition of the podcast, with the help of guest co-host Gaz Simmons, I answer some of the questions I've been hearing at my live shows (which includes a Q&A session).  Some of the questions tackled include:  1) Is Jedi a religion? 2) What is the worst defense of believing in god you've ever heard? 3) As a person from a Jewish family, how does your family feel about you being an atheist? 4) Can I tie you to a spinning table and throw knives at you? And many more!  Join in on the fun.   This was also our first ever-live show, originally broadcast March 22 2020.   If you have a question you'd like me tackle on a future edition, email us at:    Find this podcast on ITunes, Stitcher, and now Spotify.   As mentioned in this episode, you can support this podcast with donations using the donate button on this website (which is for my other podcast, GOLD STAR CLASSROOM!):  http://www.goldstarclassroom.com/   Follow Jerry and Gaz on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

Hanging with Curtis Cook while he headlined the 2019 Cleveland Comedy Fest. We started comedy at approximately the same time, 10 years ago in Cleveland. Since then, he has written for the Jim Jefferies Show and Crank Yankers, while appearing on Portlandia. We talk satire, writing, and I awkwardly explain his jokes back to him, like the giant dork I am. This episode includes an update from the rabbit hutch, my rant about the phony “War on Christmas” and an extra treat—my explanation of the song “Winter Wonderland.” Plus, more details about upcoming performances of the Comical Heathen Live Show.   Find out more about Curtis on his website: https://www.curtiscookcomedy.com/   Follow Curtis on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Curtis_Cook   Email us at: [email protected]

For today’s episode I travel to the WMMS 100.7 studios in Cleveland Ohio to interview Bill Squire. Bill is co-host of The Alan Cox Show and a popular stand up comedian. He appears regularly at Hilarities and The Funny Stop as well as touring all over headlining. In this interview we discuss him being raised Mormon and his now historic missionary work. He describes his approach to religious satire, which is to disarm the audience and his approach to joking about religion on air, which is to mess with people! This episode includes my rant about evangelical preachers and an update from the rabbit hutch—Oct 13 is Kelvin’s gotcha day!   Bill’s website: https://billsquire.com/   Bill’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsquire/   The Comical Heathen live show: https://www.clevelandcomedyfestival.com/product/the-comical-heathen/    Email us at: [email protected]

Today’s weird and wonderful odyssey takes me to meet Dr. Peter McGraw, author of The Humor Code and host of the podcast I’m Not Joking. Director of the Humor Research Lab, McGraw is very influential in the field of comedy studies, in particular for the theory of Benign Violation! All of this will be explained—if you listen to the podcast!! As an influential humor researcher, Prof McGraw’s work is an important Lego block in my own research, and I was thrilled and delighted to speak with him.   This episode includes my rant about hypnotherapy, including a personal story of the time I was part of a stage hypnotist’s act, an important announcement about some upcoming live shows, and an update from the rabbit hutch!   The Humor Code website: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/lance/correspondent/Couple-makes-printing-business-a-success-481947501.html   The Humor Research Lab: http://humorresearchlab.org/   Prof McGraw’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysSgG5V-R3U   Prof McGraw’s podcast, I’m Not Joking: https://www.petermcgraw.org/im-not-joking-podcast/   Article on Hypnotherapist: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/lance/correspondent/Hypnotherapist-helps-clients-make-changes-513349251.html   Same journalist, same woman, different “at-home” business, one year earlier: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/lance/correspondent/Couple-makes-printing-business-a-success-481947501.html    The Comical Heathen Live Show tickets: https://www.clevelandcomedyfestival.com/   The Comical heathen Live Show press release: https://comicalheathen.podbean.com/p/live-shows-1567482285/   Email us at: [email protected]

I have been a fan of the science blog Pharyngula for many years, so it is with great pleasure that I was able to interview its host P.Z. Myers. P.Z. is a biology professor at the University of Minnesota-Morris campus and he is also the author of the book The Happy Atheist. We chat about science education, spiders, Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Atheism versus New Atheism, and the role of humor in the atheism debate. He describes meeting Tim Minchin at the 2012 Reason Rally (Jealous!). This episode also includes an update from the rabbit hutch and my rant about the flooding at the replica Ark at the Creation Museum (irony much!).   PZ Myer’s Blog Pharyngula: https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/     His Book: The Happy Atheist: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Atheist-PZ-Myers/dp/0307739805     Ark Park Rain damage: https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/05/25/lawyers-noahs-ark-theme-park-are-suing-its-insurance-company-rain-damage/?utm_term=.7a860799fdb9   Florida charter schools teaching creationism: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/education/os-voucher-school-curriculum-20180503-story.html  

Welcome to another episode of the Comical Heathen, one man's odyssey into the wild and weird world of religious satire.  Today's guest interview is Brian Malow, Science Comedian.  Almost sounds like a superhero, doesn't it!  In addition to over 20 years experience as a stand up comedian, Brian has created science videos for Time.com and contributed to Neil deGrasse Tyson’s StarTalk.  This episode also includes my rant about Polish priests who recently held a book burning with Harry Potter books and an update form the rabbit hutch where you learn about what a sweet bunny-whisperer I am (if thumping counts as whispering!)   From today's episode:   Brian's website:  http://www.sciencecomedian.com/ Brian’s Tedx talk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziv9BG61k-M   Polish Priests burning Harry Potter:  https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/harry-potter-twilight-books-priests-burn-poland-a8849846.html   Contact us at:  [email protected]   Rate us on iTunes and Stitcher      

In this episode of the Comical Heathen your host Jerry interviews A.J. Jacobs.  A.J. is the author of numerous New York Time's Bestsellers, including The Year of Living Biblically (which was the basis for the short-lived CBS sitcom of the same name). We discuss his motivations for writing the book, his opus of immersion memoirs, his influences as a humour writer, and his thoughts on how September 11 affected his work. This episode includes an update from the rabbit hutch and Jerry's rant about psychics!!   Here is A.J.'s website:  https://ajjacobs.com/ Here is A.J.'s author page at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/A.-J.-Jacobs/e/B000APL8HO?ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_sims_vu00_r0_c0 Tweet at A.J. @ajjacobs   Two articles about psychics: Psychics getting arrested:  https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/29/nyregion/the-secret-to-the-psychic-trade-its-in-the-parole-board-transcripts.html?_r=1&fbclid=IwAR3lHwv3okfCIkxFG6UfPk2X5myYPwpsckQsI17Kv4NAhdua_qmveE41O4I Skeptics busting Psychics:  https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/magazine/psychics-skeptics-facebook.html   email us at: [email protected] Your host is Dr. Jerry Jaffe, tweet at him:  @jerryclarkjaffe                  

Greetings from me, Kelvin and Newton!  Our latest episode features my interview with Ian Harris, the Skeptic Comedian! A 25+ year pro, Ian has recently released his second comedy special, ExtraOrdinary. He also appeared at the second Reason Rally. We talk about both experiences as well as his approach to creating skeptical satire. He talks about the San Francisco comedy scene of the 90s as well as why LA is such a dismal place to do stand up. He explains how Richard Pryor is a role model for his writing. I also ask him if he fears freezing or splitting an audience by doing religious satire and he explains his approach to that situation. Meanwhile, I update you about Kelvin and Newton’s new pen, and then go off on a rant about the billion dollars Florida tax payers give to private religious schools that have ridiculous curricula (you know, dinosaurs on Noah’s Ark and that sort of “science”).   Interesting links:   Ian’s website: http://ianharriscomedian.com/   A trailer to Ian’s special ExtraOrdinary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu2yNNFCOvA   Info about Ian’s podcast, Critical & Thinking: https://www.comedypopupla.com/critical?fbclid=IwAR13dBkP_Z_4BPtWNo5NfuuUKq7pdL_H4GLtnjXjcA8odm9ZEN3jWA2ti90   Orlando Sentinel article:  “Schools Without Rules: Private schools' curriculum downplays slavery, says humans and dinosaurs lived together “https://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/education/school-zone/os-voucher-school-curriculum-20180503-story.html   Please email the Comical Heathen if you find any hilarious or frightening articles about religious misinformation: [email protected]      

  Greetings from me, Kelvin and Newton from our brief hiatus.  We are excited to be back with this new interview and new rant!  The interview is with Dan O'Shannon.  Dan is an American television writer and producer who has worked on shows such as Newhart, Cheers, and Frasier. He was an executive producer of the ABC show Modern Family, and he has won 6 Emmy awards for his work in television.  We sat down in the Barnes & Nobles in Mentor, OH (thanks Chad!) and had a great conversation about his career, TV writing and of particular interest to THE COMICAL HEATHEN his recent satirical book The Adventures of Mrs. Jesus!  I would like to thank Mike Polk Jr. for introducing us, and Chris Lambert for helping me arrange the interview.   This episode also includes an update from the rabbit hutch, the lives of my two Holland lops Newton and Kelvin, and my reaction to a recent article on the news of Southern Baptist Paige Patterson and how he got fired for advising women in his congregation who were experiencing domestic abuse to pray, but to NOT seek divorce.  We make fun of his name, celebrate his getting fired, and point out some of the illogical foibles in his self-proclaimed "biblical" interpretation of divorce.  There is also a bonus mini-rant where I mock someone named "Theresa" who gave a negative review of Dan's book on Amazon, who suggested his book should be banned and burned for being hateful (irony much?).   As always, links to some of the things discussed in this episode:   Dan’s book The Adventures of Mrs. Jesus:   https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Mrs-Jesus-Dan-OShannon/dp/0062340611/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1530047833&sr=1-2   Dan's book What are you laughing at?     https://www.amazon.com/What-Are-You-Laughing-Comprehensive/dp/1441162933   Friday Night, Saturday Morning - Monty Python's Life of Brian debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeKWVuye1YE     Paige Patterson gets fired:   https://www.greensboro.com/news/us_world/tape-surfaces-purportedly-with-southern-baptist-leader-urging-abused-women/article_51b548fe-933a-5ea8-858d-1e28e16c27be.html   Paige's rant:   https://archive.org/details/PaigePattersonsbcAdviceToVictimsOfDomesticViolence   My Trivia podcast Gold Star Classroom, with both Dan O'Shannon and Mike Polk Jr.:   https://goldstarclassroom.podbean.com/e/season-2-episode-18/  

Like all the kool shows kids like these days, this episode has a rare cold opening--my guest Marc Jaffe telling a joke!  This is followed by my interview with Marc, an update from the rabbit hutch, and my rant about an article that attempts to defend politicians who evoke prayer in the face of mass shootings.  (PS listen all the way to the end for one more joke by Marc, hidden after the theme music!) If you want to know more about Marc's involvement with Seinfeld, here is his IMDB page:  http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1691039/   Marc mentions in passing a comedy show at "Toth's"--a subtle reference to a local show in Mentor, Ohio where he soemtimes performs.  Here is their facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/EastsideComedy/ And the object of today's rant, this article form the Jewish Journal:  http://jewishjournal.com/opinion/ben-shapiro/227174/dont-dismiss-power-prayer/

It has been a couple of months since our last episode, sorry for the delay. Lately I have been busy directing a play, and doing some other work. But, the holiday season should provide me with some time to get some more episodes in the can. And I am particularly excited about this episode, delay or no delay. I met up with my good friend Chili Challis. Known especially for his work as a writer for Jay leno and the Tonight Show, Chili is a touring headliner based now in Michigan where he also runs his dojo, mentoring comedians of every skill level. In his own act Chili doesn't usually do much satire or politics, so I asked him why. We also talked about writing for Jay Leno, who was famously NOT edgy. Along the way, Chili gives his experiences and opinions of some comedy greets like Richard Pryor, Bill Hicks, and also Will Durst. After my interview I will give you an update form the rabbit Hutch, the Jaffe family has a new addition I am eager to tell you about, and also I will give you my reaction to a newspaper article I found on the alternative medicine practice of salt rooms. Make sure you like us on iTunes, and leave a friendly comment.

Kia ora! The Maori "hello"!  This episode features my interview with comedian Chad Zumock.  He discusses his opinions on satire, Amy Schumer, Doug Stanhope, and his ups and downs.  This episode also includes an update about our pet rabbit Newton and also my rant on religious body shaming in the story of nude model Jaylene Cook's recent topless photos on a sacred mountain in New Zealand.  Be sure to like us and rate us on iTunes.  Here are some useful links:   Chad's website:  http://chadzumock.com/ Chad is also on Facebook and twitter:   and @chadzumock More about the cult Heaven's Gate:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven%27s_Gate_(religious_group) The Jaylene Cook story:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/03/playboy-model-angers-maori-community-nude-shoot-sacred-new-zealand/ Jaylene Cook's instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jaylenecook_/?hl=en The Malaysia story:  http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/malaysia-earthquake-british-woman-arrested-for-stripping-naked-and-causing-quake-on-mount-kinabalu-10309866.html          

Welcome to episode 8 of THE COMICAL HEATHEN!  This features my interview with Mark Riccadonna (recorded at the smoke shop in Akron!).  We talk religion and comedy, Mark recounts his curiosity about religion and some of his favorite satirists.  This episode includes an update form the Rabbit Hutch and my rant about the 3 million dollar fine recently levied on Hobby Lobby.  Plus, beautiful organ music played by Mark Bell.   More about Mark: His website:  http://www.markriccadonna.com/ His podcast I DID THAT!: http://ididthat.podbean.com/ The Hobby Lobby case:  https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/01/can-hobby-lobby-buy-the-bible/419088/ https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/07/hobby-lobby-smuggled-thousands-of-ancient-artifacts-out-of-iraq/532743/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/hobby-lobby-emboldens-a-black-market-that-robs-countries-of-their-heritage--and-lets-the-violent-profit/2017/07/09/2214adae-635d-11e7-a4f7-af34fc1d9d39_story.html?utm_term=.1226fe3634f8    

  "Sometimes I'm such a hypocrite I'm surprised I'm not religious."--DJ Dangler I met DJ at the 2017 Indiana Comic Con, where he mounted a "fake" protest cos playing the Westeros Baptist Church!  He and his friends did a comedy show, me and the Action Comedy Nerd Show did a show, and in the mean time I got to interview him for this podcast.  Raised in a very religious environment, he had a lot to say about both religion and religious satire. This episode also includes an update about my two Holland lops Kevin Bacon and Newton and my rant about Ken Ham and creationism. DJ's: website:  http://www.djishandsome.com/ DJ's Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dee.j.dangler DJ's twitter:  https://twitter.com/DJDangler The "Nazz":  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0x5x8lyON8 Rabbit poops:  https://www.saveafluff.co.uk/rabbit-info/rabbit-poo "Evolution 'Attacks the Character of god'":  http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20120211/ISLAND08/702119991