The History of Standup podcast artwork

PODCAST · comedy

The History of Standup

Comedian and professor Wayne Federman has spent his life studying the art and history of standup comedy. Join him and fellow student, Andrew Steven, as they look back at some of standup’s most interesting moments, places, and people.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 14, 2026 · Source feed

  1. 22

    Introducing Book Dreams

    Book Dream is a podcast for everyone who loves books and can’t stop wondering about them. Over the past sixty-plus episodes, co-hosts Julie Sternberg and Eve Yohalem have explored everything from bibliotherapy to the who, what, when, where, and why of books bound in human skin.  Whether they’re talking to Bryan Washington about how reading cookbooks as a kid helped him become one of President Obama’s favorite authors; or to Professor Rebecca Falkoff about hoarding in her family specifically and in society more broadly, Book Dreams explores topics we can’t stop thinking about.  In this episode, comedian and author Adrianne Chalepah discusses the formative influence of her Native American heritage and upbringing on her comedy. And comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff shares stories of Native Americans who have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to influence and advance comedy. Book Dreams is brought to you by The Podglomerate. New episodes run every Thursday. You can listen by subscribing to BOOK DREAMS on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening to this show.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 21

    Introducing Green Eggs & Dan

    Taking a new look at “you are what you eat,” comedian Dan Ahdoot (Cobra Kai and Kevin James's The Crew) brings listeners in on conversations about food, life, and more, with some of his most entertaining friends. Not your typical, holier-than-thou food show, Green Eggs and Dan is the type of food podcast you’d make with your friends around the table, roasting more than just the food. This season, guests including legendary chef Jacques Pépin, Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Food Lab author J. Kenji López-Alt, and Emmy-winning actor Henry Winkler will show Dan what’s in their fridges. In the first episode of season 4, Dan talks to legendary chef Jacques Pépin about creating accessible recipes, his relationship with Julia Child, and working as the personal chef to three French heads of state. Subscribe, listen, and discover something new about what your food says about you on “Green Eggs & Dan.” Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 20

    Introducing Trail Weight

    Trail Weight follows a year in Andrew Steven's life as he attempts to lose weight and process grief as he traverses a hike through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Through audio diaries, recordings from the trail, and conversations with authors, experts, Olympians, and special guests, Andrew takes listeners through an eye-opening adventure of self-discovery. In this episode, Andrew frames his journey from the perspective of his life's narrative arc and begins to plan his hike, only to find himself stuck in cycle of repeating loss. Listen to Trail Weight everywhere podcasts are available.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 19

    Scenes and Venues (Bonus Episode)

    A brief look at where we’ve been and were were going as we continue exploring the history of standup. Featuring moments with James Adomian, Cameron Esposito, Pete Holmes, Nick Kroll, Emily V. Gordon, Dana Gould, Paula Poundstone, Lily Tomlin, and Willie Tyler (but not Lester). Follow us on Twitter at @histofstandup, @federman, and @andrewsteven. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 18

    S2 Ep. 07: Lyons Den and The Lincoln Lodge

    Hear how an open mic and an alt room become the center of standup in Chicago in the early 2000s. Featuring Interviews with Nate Craig, Matt Dwyer, Cameron Esposito, Emily V. Gordon, Pete Holmes, Kyle Kinane, John Roy, and Nick Vatterott. Follow us on Twitter at @histofstandup, @federman, and @andrewsteven. This episode was sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. 17

    S2 Ep. 06: Meltdown

    Find out how, for six years, the back room of a comic book store became one of the best independent standup venues in the United States. Featuring interviews with James Adomian, Marcella Arguello, Pete Holmes, Nick Kroll, Emily V. Gordon, Dana Gould, Howard Kremer and Jonah Ray. Follow us on Twitter at @histofstandup, @federman, and @andrewsteven. This episode was sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. 16

    S2 Ep. 05: Broadway

    Only a few standups were able to parlay their talents into a successful Broadway run. Hear the story of those comics who conquered the legitimate theater like Victor Borge, Lily Tomlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Jackie Mason, Mike Birbiglia, Nick Kroll and John Mulaney. Follow us on Twitter at @histofstandup, @federman, and @andrewsteven. This episode was sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. 15

    S2 Ep. 04: The Academy Awards

    The Academy Awards has showcased standups throughout its 91-year history, most notably Bob Hope. We look at Bob and the other comedians who have hosted "Hollywood’s Biggest Night” including Billy Crystal, Johnny Carson, Whoopi Goldberg, Jack Benny, Ellen DeGenerous, Steve Martin, Chris Rock and even the first comedian to host, Will Rogers. Follow us on Twitter at @histofstandup, @federman, and @andrewsteven. This episode was sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  9. 14

    S2 Ep. 03: The Apollo and the Chitlin’ Circuit

    An iconic New York City theater and a collection of black venues provided opportunities for comedians and entertainers during racial segregation, the civil rights movement, and continues through today. Featuring interviews with Tom Dressen, Kliph Nesteroff, and Willie Tyler. Follow us on Twitter at @histofstandup, @federman, and @andrewsteven. This episode was sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  10. 13

    S2 Ep. 02: The Playboy Circuit

    Hugh Hefner and Playboy magazine prove to be an unlikely champion for an era of comedy between night clubs and the comedy boom. Featuring interviews with Dick Capri, Tom Dressen, Patty Farmer, Shecky Greene, Kliph Nesteroff, Lily Tomlin, and Fred Willard. Follow us on Twitter at @histofstandup, @federman, and @andrewsteven. This episode was sponsored by Oso Delicious Hot Sauce. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  11. 12

    S2 Ep. 01: Holy City Zoo

    Hear how a small clubhouse influenced the city of San Francisco and inspired a new wave of comedians that helped shape modern standup. Featuring interviews with Greg Behrendt, Larry “Bubbles” Brown, Margaret Cho, Debi and Will Durst, Dana Gould, Kevin Pollak, Mark Pitta, Paula Poundstone, and Bobby Slayton. Follow us on Twitter at @histofstandup, @federman, and @andrewsteven. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  12. 11

    Season 2 Trailer

    Wayne Federman and Andrew Steven are back for Season 2 of The History of Standup — taking a closer looking at the rooms, scenes, and places where standup happens, and the people who were there. Full episodes start on June 4th. Follow us on Twitter at @histofstandup, @federman, and @andrewsteven. Brought to you by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  13. 10

    Judd Apatow meets Totie Fields (Bonus Episode)

    One of the exciting things about making The History of Standup has been discovering relationships that connect standup over generations. On this episode we hear how Judd Apatow was influenced by the raucous‐voiced nightclub comedienne, Totie Fields. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  14. 9

    Jimmy Pardo and the History of Comedy Podcasts (Bonus Episode)

    Earlier in the season (episode 6) we spoke with Never Not Funny podcast host Jimmy Pardo about podcasting's influence on the standup comedy scene. This episode is an unabridged look at our full conversation. This is a glimpse into the origins of comedians and podcasts, plus we dig into aspecialthing.com and its role in the alt comedy scene of the 2000's. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  15. 8

    Live with Demetri Martin and Ian Abramson (Bonus Episode)

    Recorded Live at Dynasty Typewriter at the Hayworth in Los Angeles, Wayne and Andrew join comedians Ian Abramson and Demetri Martin for a special live episode of The History of Standup. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  16. 7

    Ep. 06: Boom 2.0

    Social media provides new ways for standups to communicate directly with their fans, comedy content is democratized, Netflix floods the market, and a new comedy boom explodes that is even bigger than the last one. This is the final episode of a 6-part series featuring interviews with comedian Jimmy Pardo and journalist Julie Seabaugh. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  17. 6

    Ep. 05: Alt Comedy and Def Comedy

    As the comedy club boom goes bust, standups adapt to this new reality. A DIY ethic emerges and spreads from coast to coast as more and more comedians take control of their own destinies. Meanwhile, FOX helps usher in a golden era for African-American comics. This is episode 5 of a 6-part series featuring interviews with comedians Margaret Cho, Janeane Garofalo, Tig Notaro, and journalist Julie Seabaugh. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  18. 5

    Ep. 04: The 1980’s Comedy Boom

    A fast and unexpected proliferation of comedy clubs cover the country. Long Island natives Eddie Murphy and Jerry Seinfeld ascend to legendary status as a growing glut of standup TV programs crowd the airwaves. This is episode 4 of a 6-part series featuring interviews with comedians Margaret Cho, Tig Notaro, and Ritch Shydner. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  19. 4

    Ep. 03: Carson, SNL, and HBO

    In the 1970s a successful appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” was the goal of every young standup, as was epitomized one night in 1973 with Freddie Prinze. Then Saturday Night Live and HBO changed the playing field. This is episode 3 of a 6-part series, and features clips with Freddie Prinze, Jimmie Walker, George Carlin, Steve Martin, and Richard Pryor, among others. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  20. 3

    Ep. 02: Records and Clubs

    The comedy albums of the 1960’s ushered in a new era of standup, eventually leading to the the worlds first comedy clubs opening their doors, helping drive the standup comedy boom of the ’80s. This is episode 2 of a 6-part series, featuring a look into Judd Apatow’s childhood record collection, plus we speak with Zoe Friedman, daughter of the founder and original proprietor of The Improv Comedy Club, Budd Friedman. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.   *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  21. 2

    Ep. 01: In One, Television, and the Birth of Standup

    Television and standup have been intertwined since their conception. Which is why, when two historic television programs debuted just days apart in 1948, NBC’s Texaco Star Theater and The Ed Sullivan Show, the standup world was forever changed. This is episode 1 of a 6-part series featuring interviews with comedy icons including Judd Apatow and historian Kliph Nesteroff. The History of Standup is produced by The Podglomerate.    *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  22. 1

    Season 1 Trailer

    Join comedian Wayne Federman and Andrew Steven for The History of Standup, a look back at some of comedy’s most interesting moments. Full episodes start September 18th. Brought to you by The Podglomerate. Follow us on Twitter at @histofstandup, @federman, and @andrewsteven.    *** This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy.  Since you're listening to The History of Standup, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding comedy, entertainment, and history like Green Eggs and Dan, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Comedian and professor Wayne Federman has spent his life studying the art and history of standup comedy. Join him and fellow student, Andrew Steven, as they look back at some of standup’s most interesting moments, places, and people.

HOSTED BY

Wayne Federman & Andrew Steven / The Podglomerate

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The History of Standup have?

The History of Standup currently has 22 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The History of Standup about?

Comedian and professor Wayne Federman has spent his life studying the art and history of standup comedy. Join him and fellow student, Andrew Steven, as they look back at some of standup’s most interesting moments, places, and people.

How often does The History of Standup release new episodes?

The History of Standup has 22 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The History of Standup?

You can listen to The History of Standup on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The History of Standup?

The History of Standup is created and hosted by Wayne Federman & Andrew Steven / The Podglomerate.
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