The Low Point with Matt Pena

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Greg Melly to talk about a time when he was living in New York City with no money. Greg had three roommates in a studio apartment with makeshift walls that didn't touch the ceiling and was hopping turnstiles to keep his dream alive. They talk about masculinity, comedy, and signs from the universe.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Spencer Wright to talk about how his parents sent him to rehab to address his alcohol problem. Spencer opens up about being a college mascot, how agreeing to go to rehab got him a strawberry milkshake, and how he has managed to stay sober for six years.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with actor and comedian Carly Polistina to talk about pursuing acting after college. Carly opens up about her one-person show (a modern-day romance told in the style of the Brontës), the realities of pursuing acting, and carving out your own lane.

We are re-releasing this episode in honor of Jessica Levin's debut comedy special "Party Body" going live on YouTube on November 6! Go watch it!

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Jaclyn Lore-Edwards to talk about growing up weird. From Harry Potter obsessions and twin dynamics to karaoke nights and self-acceptance, Matt and Jaclyn swap stories about embracing the quirks that make us who we are.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Trevor Liberty who shares the story of dropping out of college, becoming a father at 21, and figuring out—on the fly—what it means to be a dad and a provider.

On this episode of The Low Point Matt sits down with comedian and actor Conor Canning. Conor shares the highs of getting accepted into a competitive graduate acting program—and the whiplash of stepping out ready to work just as the world shut down. From navigating auditions that disappeared overnight to figuring out how to keep the creative fire alive, Conor opens up about what it really takes to chase an acting career through uncertainty.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with producer, writer, and comedy coach Amy Hawthorne—best known for her work as Comedy Groupie. Amy opens up about calling off an engagement and along the way, Matt and Amy dive deep into the comedy world, trading stories from their time in the scene, comparing notes on writing and performing, and talking about what it’s like to navigate life and comedy side by side.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Grace Lobo to talk about high school friendships, what it’s like uprooting life and moving to Dublin, and of course—looking skinnyyyyy. All before her mom picks her up from this podcasting playdate.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Amanda Giles to talk about what it was like growing up in the Pacific Northwest, going to high school in Thailand, and how she navigated depression before leaving for college.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Ryan Lynch to talk about his hilarious dream of sitting on Aaron Judge’s lap, the chaos of new jobs, and what it really means to let yourself be free so you can actually be creative. Funny, loose, and real.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Zack Slaff to talk about what it’s really like living with Relationship OCD and how it impacts long-term relationships. They dive into men’s hidden anxieties around love and commitment, swap bachelor party stories, and relive Zack’s unforgettable experiences surviving hurricanes while living in New Orleans. Vulnerable, funny, and full of unexpected turns—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Jessica Levin for an honest and inspiring conversation about her battle with depression, how she let things spiral until she had no choice but to seek help, and the hard but rewarding work of getting better through therapy and self-awareness. Along the way, the two dive into everything from the current state of stand-up comedy to art, movies, sports, and relationships.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Alex Ives to discuss life after being one of the top lacrosse players in the country.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Michele Durante, who talks about her struggles with drinking, getting sober, and the transition from life on the police force to life on stage.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Anna Koppelman, who shares the story of one of the hardest weeks of her life: the week she broke up with her boyfriend, lost her grandfather, and, oh yeah—got kicked out of clown school. Anna opens up about how that week forced her to reevaluate what really matters, from genuine friendships to her path in comedy.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with fellow comic Andre Malhotra for a conversation about the highs and lows of living with an addictive personality. From alcohol and weed to exercise and the obsession that comes with doing stand-up, the two get candid about how that all-or-nothing mindset seeps into every corner of their lives. They swap stories, share laughs, and open up about the internal battles that come with chasing dopamine—whether it’s from a mic drop or a post-gym high. It’s funny, honest, and deeply relatable for anyone who's ever found themselves hooked on something.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Jared Waters, who opens up about his unique upbringing in a military family that took him around the world—from making friends in Japan to clubbing in the Netherlands. But it was during the pandemic that he faced his true low point: the realization that if he wanted to succeed in comedy, he’d have to evolve beyond the version of himself he thought he needed to be. Jared is funny, and incredibly motivating—an essential listen for any aspiring comedian navigating their own creative journey.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt Pena sits down with comedian Sean Conrad to talk about his journey from California to New York—a move driven by the desire to leave behind personal demons and fully commit to his dream of becoming a comedian. But as Sean settles into the chaos of New York City, he’s confronted with unexpected challenges, including deep isolation and the painful drift away from the faith that once gave him purpose and peace.In this candid conversation, Sean reflects on the role faith played in his upbringing, how it faded during his transition, and how he's rediscovered that spiritual grounding while navigating the brutal highs and lows of the comedy world.This is a powerful episode about belief, brokenness, and the struggle to find meaning in the midst of change.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Steph Brown who opens up about her journey living with bipolar disorder. Steph shares candid stories about being bullied in her youth, her time spent in a mental health facility as a teenager, and how these difficult experiences shaped her perspective on life. Together, they explore how comedy became not just a creative outlet but a lifeline—helping Steph reclaim her confidence, find her voice, and build a place for herself in the world. It’s an honest, heartfelt, and humorous conversation about struggle, survival, and self-discovery.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Ahri Findling who opens up about being bullied in middle school — including a heartbreaking story about how the very people he thought were his closest friends turned on him in a moment of humiliation.Through humor, honesty, and reflection, Ahri and Matt explore how these early betrayals impacted Ahri’s ability to trust others, shaped his relationships, and even influenced the kind of father and man he is today.If you've ever struggled with trust, friendship, or finding your footing when you were young, this episode will hit home.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with childhood friend Chris DeSimone for a wild, heartfelt, and hilarious journey through their shared past and Chris' unexpected medical saga. From chlorine-soaked summers working at the town pool together to the chaos and camaraderie of Boy Scouts, the two reminisce about growing up together and the memories that shaped them. But the laughs give way to a deeper conversation as Chris opens up about his experience living with fibromyalgia—and the series of bizarre and painful medical events that followed.And yes, there is a story involving a doctor, a blowtorch, and a body part no one ever wants near open flame.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian and musician Gabe Corser for a raw, hilarious, and moving conversation about grief, creativity, and growing up too fast. Gabe opens up about losing his father at just eight years old—how that loss shaped him, and how he turned pain into art, music, and comedy that connects so many people.This episode is funny and heartbreaking, filled with genuine moments that will leave you laughing one minute and teary-eyed the next. It’s a powerful look into the life of someone who’s taken life’s low points and turned them into something beautiful. Don’t miss this episode that reminds us all how humor and heart go hand in hand.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Kelly Taylor. Kelly opens up about one of the darkest moments in her life—when a night out with friends took a terrifying turn. After being unknowingly drugged, she woke up alone in a bar bathroom, confused and scared.In this deeply honest conversation, Kelly shares the emotional aftermath of the experience, including her struggles with depression and anxiety. She talks about how therapy became a turning point in her healing journey and how it ultimately helped her reclaim her voice—both on stage and in life.This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to confront trauma and the hope that can come from reaching out for help.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Brian Elberg to dive into the struggles of adjusting to college life after high school. From awkward dorm encounters to running into old "friends" on campus, Brian shares his personal low points with the same humor that’s gotten him through it all. Plus, we take a detour into his deep love for Bruce Springsteen—because nothing says "coming-of-age crisis" quite like blasting Born to Run. Whether you're in college, survived it, or ran for the hills, this episode is packed with laughs, relatability, and a little bit of The Boss.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Liz Glazer for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about grief, resilience, and finding humor in life’s hardest moments. Liz opens up about her experience with stillbirth, sharing how the tragedy has shaped her perspective and how she’s navigated the complexities of loss. She also takes us through her journey from law professor to professional comedian, reflecting on how her family and career intertwine with her healing process. It’s an honest, heartfelt discussion about love, loss, and the ways we cope—both on and off the stage.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian, actor, and storyteller Katherine Duffy to talk about the struggles, setbacks, and lessons learned while writing, producing, and performing her one-woman show, Katherine Duffy Live at Trixie’s. Katherine shares the highs, the lows, and the unexpected turns that made the process as chaotic as it was rewarding.Join us as we dive into the realities of solo performance, the challenges of self-producing, and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward—because sometimes, the lowest points make for the best stories.

On this episode of The Low Point with Matt Pena, comedian Jamell Sirleaf opens up about the struggles he faced growing up in Florida’s school system—where teachers didn’t just fail to support him but actively made his journey harder. From experiencing racism to dealing with educators who seemed determined to hold him back, Jamell shares how these moments shaped him and fueled his drive to succeed. Tune in for a raw, eye-opening conversation filled with honesty, resilience, and of course, a touch of humor.

In this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with improviser, sketch comedian, and childhood friend Tony Ferraro for a conversation living alone in Philadelphia after college

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt sits down with comedian Dave Columbo to discuss the most difficult chapter of his life. When Dave’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, he put everything on hold—leaving his life in Los Angeles to move back home to Florida and be with her and his fiancée. After his mother’s passing, Dave faced a crossroads: stay in the comfort of home or return to LA to chase his dream.

On this episode of The Low Point with Matt Pena, comedian Sarah Barnitt gets honest about one of the toughest moments in her life—contracting herpes. What starts as a low point quickly turns into an open and unfiltered conversation about casual dating, relationships, and the realities of navigating the modern dating world with an STI. Sarah shares how she transformed shame into empowerment, tackled tough conversations with humor, and ultimately found confidence in owning her story. It’s raw, it’s funny, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the worst moments in life can lead to the most unexpected growth. Tune in for an episode full of laughs, real talk, and maybe even a little STI myth-busting along the way.

On this episode of The Low Point, Matt Pena sits down with Matt Kasabian (aka @mattybowels) to talk about his journey with ulcerative colitis—a brutal and often misunderstood disease. From hospital stays to life-changing decisions, Matt Kasabian shares the raw reality of living with UC, how it shaped his perspective, and how he has been able to stay so positive about life and inspire others. We get deep into the physical and mental toll, the highs and (very) low points, and what it's like to navigate life when your body is fighting against you. Whether you’ve dealt with chronic illness yourself or just want to hear an inspiring (and sometimes hilarious) story of resilience, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with comedian and storyteller Gabe Mollica, whose critically acclaimed one-man show Solo has captivated audiences across the country and even landed a feature on This American Life. Gabe opens up about hitting rock bottom—not over a romantic breakup, but a friendship breakup that left him reeling. He shares how that painful experience became the foundation for Solo, what he’s learned about relationships along the way, and how he finds comedy in life’s toughest moments.