Modern Day Philosophers with Daniel Lobell
Daniel Lobell, known for his work on Comical Radio and This American Life, hosts a podcast where he explores philosophy with fellow comedians. Despite his lack of formal philosophical training, he engages in humorous and insightful conversations with guests like Marc Maron, Artie Lange, and Maria Bamford. The show questions whether comedians can be considered modern-day philosophers, blending comedy with deep existential inquiries.
Episodes
Ralphie May - I opened for Sam Kinison
Here's a Shortie from me and Ralphie May recorded the time I ever met him! RIP Ralphie!
Comedy Shorties: Colin Quinn - Don't try to control life
Here is a clip of me and Colin Quinn. enjoy!
Guest Patton Oswalt
Comedian Patton Oswalt joins Daniel Lobell and Mark Schiff for an all new episode!
Comedian Brian Regan
Comedians Brian Regan, Daniel Lobell, and Mark Schiff come together for an exciting new episode of We Think It's Funny, where they dive into Brian's latest projects, his writing and acting process, and much more. Known for his clean, observational humor, Brian shares insights into how he crafts his material and navigates the world of comedy. With Lobell and Schiff—both seasoned comedians themselve
Guest Eric Kaplan (Writer on The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, The Simpsons)
Daniel Lobell and Mark Schiff sit down for a chat with one of TV's top comedy writers; Eric Kaplan on the "We Think It's Funny" podcast. They discuss everything from how to get a job as a television writer to Eric's Jewish journey which led him praying with Tephillin on for a while. Enjoy!
We Think it's Funny Episode One: Darren Carter
Comedian Darren Carter join Daniel Lobell and Mark Schiff to kick off the first episode of the new podcast We Think It's Funny!
Remebering Al Martin
Al Martin was a legend on the New York scene, owner and creator of The New York Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club and Greenwhich Comedy Clubs. He helped get many comedy careers launched including mine. May he rest in peace and may his soul soar high. Here is an interview I did with him in 2020.
Throwback: Carl Reiner
Origionally recorded in 2014. Enjoy.
Remembering Shecky Greene
Origially posted in season 4. Rest in Peace Shecky.
SEASON 10 WRAP UP SHOW with Daniel Lobell & Alex Fossella
Daniel and Alex discuss the highlights of season 10 and Alex bids farewell to the show.
Elon Gold and Jack Kerouac
In the season 10 finale, Daniel Lobell sits down with comedian and impressionist Elon Gold to discuss everything from Jewish life to his feud with Jimmy Fallon and they study some Jack Kerouac as well.
Carl Gottleib interview
Seth Glass Interview
It's hard to describe Seth Glass and do him justice. He's a musician who's lyrics are incredible poetry. He's a spiritual man and a Jewish philosopher of sorts. He talks about his career as a musician playing Jewish themed music, he talks about his struggles with substance abuse, about touring with Reb Shlomo Carlebach and about getting older. He plays some songs shares some cool ideas and so much
Art Bell interview on his new book Constant Comedy
Daniel and Art Bell talk about the creation of Comedy Central, old comedy and making it in the TV exec biz! Check out Art's new book Constant Comedy: How I started Comedy Central and Lost my sense of Humor.
Daniel and his wife Kylie - Special Coronavirus Edition
Kylie Ora Lobell joins Daniel on a special coronavirus edition. They talk about everything that's going on in the world, how to cope with it, the loss of their dog Juno, and also go over some inspiring quotes to find words of wisdom in these trying times.
Daniel and his wife Kylie - Special Coronavirus Edition
Kylie Ora Lobell joins Daniel on a special coronavirus edition. They talk about everything that's going on in the world, how to cope with it, the loss of their dog Juno, and also go over some inspiring quotes to find words of wisdom in these trying times.
Daniel and his wife Kylie - Special Coronavirus Edition
Kylie Ora Lobell joins Daniel on a special coronavirus edition. They talk about everything that's going on in the world, how to cope with it, the loss of their dog Juno, and also go over some inspiring quotes to find words of wisdom in these trying times.
Ashley Blaker and Leo Strauss
Ashley Blaker join Daniel Lobell in his Edinburgh "Flat" to discuss philosophy from Leo Strauss, UK comedy, Little Britain, working with Joan Rivers, producing for the BBC and being an obsessive Orthodox Jew and UK football fan. Brought to you by Better Help Visit BetterHelp.com/MDP for 10% off your first month (for a limited time only).
Tommy Tiernan and Albert Einstein
Tommy Tiernan and Daniel Lobell get together at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland to talk about everything from Jonathan Winters to growing up in Africa, England, and Ireland to having and raising kids to the philosophy of Albert Einstein. This conversation is a rare and intimate look into the mind of one of the world's greatest comedians. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp
Nick Vatterott and Miguel de Cervantes
Nick Vatterott visits Daniel Lobell to talk everything from sketch comedy to living in NYC and seeing Elephants walk through the Queens tunnel to Don Coyote. Great talk from to you by Better Help. Visit BetterHelp.com/MDP for 10% off your first month. Enjoy!
Skyler Stone and Sylvia Plath
Skyler Stone visited Daniel Lobell at his home studio. The discussion ranges from topics of addiction to acting to reminiscing about their mutual lost friend comedian Ralphie May. They also discuss some of the work of Sylvia Plath, who Alex Fossella picked out. It's a great episode to kick off the new decade. This episode is brought to you by Skillshare. Go to skillshare.com/mdp for two free month
Dan Soder and Robert Louis Stevenson
Dan Soder and Daniel Lobell meet up for this podcast in Lobell's Edinburgh "Flat" this past August. It's a great talk ranging from topics of addiction to Dan's vulnerable thoughts on doing comedy about his since passed father. We talk about Dan getting ready to do his new HBO special "Son of a Gary" and so much more! We even get into Robert Louis Stevenson and impressionist comedians. Enjoy! Brou
SEASON 9 WRAP UP SHOW with Daniel, Alex Fossella and Jordon Ferber
Daniel Lobell, Alex Fossella, and Jordon Ferber sit down at Stand Up NY Labs to record the season 9 wrap up show. They talk about episodes with AJ Jacobs, Colt Cabana, Barry Katz, Lola Blanc, George Wallace and many more. Tune in to hear the memories, stories behind the scenes, and who got it right and who got it wrong with the philosophies. This episode is brought to you by Skillshare. Go to Skil
A.J. Jacobs and JL Schellenberg
A.J. Jacobs hosts Daniel Lobell to talk about philosophy, religion, what is involved in being an author, and a recap of the global family reunion that A.J. threw and Daniel participated in a few years back. It's a great talk and they also discuss the ideas of JL Schellenberg. Enjoy!
Bonus Episode: Remembering Howard Lapides
Some years ago Daniel Lobell sat down for an interview with the now late Howard Lapides. In this episode Daniel also reflects on the tragic loss of his friend and former manager David Kimowitz. Please Zelle donations to help the Kimowitz family to thedavidkimowitzmemorialfund@gmail.com (if you are able to help his family. He is survived by a widow and two small Children) Thank you.
Colt Cabana and Carl Von Clausewitz
Colt Cabana comes by Daniel Lobell's Edinburgh flat (apartment) in Scotland at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They talk about Colt's career as a professional wrestler, getting into the WWE, and being fired from the WWE, which led him to doing the DIY thing. They discover together that they have a lot in common in their stories and somewhere along the line, even get into the ideas of Carl Von
Lola Blanc and August Comte
Lola Blanc comes over to Daniel Lobell's house to talk about her fascinating story of her childhood growing up in the Mormon church, her mother being taken by a deceptive false messiah and finding her way into music. The conversation touches on everything from dating Marlyn Mason to the philosophy of August Comte and this marks our first musician on the show! Enjoy!
Barry Katz and Herbert Spencer
Barry Katz is a legendary comedy manager and producer. He co produced the hit show Last Comic Standing. He managed Dane Cook, Dave Chappelle, Nick Di Paolo and Louis CK. He stops by to talk to Daniel Lobell about his story, his life after divorce, being a father and to talk about some of the philosophy of Herbert Spencer. Enjoy!
Jackie "The Jokeman" Martling and Jeremy Bentham
Jackie Martling invites Daniel Lobell over for a talk the ranges on everything from the Howard Stern show to addiction to marriage to the philosophy of Jeremy Bentham. Lots of fun and of course Jokes! Enjoy!
Myq Kaplan and Oscar Wilde
Myq Kaplan joins Daniel to discuss some of the ideas of philosopher/writer Oscar Wilde. Myq and Daniel have been friends for years and they catch up. Myq is also the voice of the new intro song lyrics written by Zach Sherwin.
Jimmy O. Yang and William Jevons
Jimmy O. Yang of Silicon Valley and Crazy Rich Asians comes by to talk to Daniel about philosopher William Jevons and his new book "How to American". They talk about family, childhood stories, comedy and how to evolve artistically when your motivations shift. Enjoy!
Luz Pazos and Giacomo Leopardi
Luz Pazos is the only Peruvian comedian working in the U.S. currently. She comes by the show to talk with Daniel about Giacomo Leopardi as well as her story of international travel that led her to Los Angeles and to becoming a comedian. She also happens to be a huge Giacomo Leopardi fan! Enjoy!
Manis Friedman and Thomas Nagel
Rabbi Manis Friedman comes over Daniel's house to discuss his new book "The Joy of Intimacy" and some philosophy from Thomas Nagel. The conversation covers his growing up in the Chabad movement and meeting with the esteemed Lubavitcher Rebbe of blessed memory, having Bob Dylan as a congregant of his synagogue and of course the subject of Intimacy.
Mendy Pellin and Carl Jung
Mendy Pellin talks with Daniel Lobell about what it's like to be one of the only Hassidic stand up comedians. They discuss performing for religious crowds, a funny story involving a holocaust survivor and philosophy from Carl Jung! Enjoy!
Tony Hawk and Marcel Proust
Tony Hawk and Daniel Lobell sit down and discuss skateboarding, music, following your dreams, Hollywood and philosophy from Marcel Proust. Enjoy!
Modern Day Philosophers
EPISODE 100! A LOOK BACK. (Featuring Maron, Burr, Bamford, Lewis Black and more)
Celebration of 100 episodes of Modern Day Philosophers with Daniel Lobell. Featuring: Matt Kirshen, Maria Bamford, Bill Burr, Lewis Black, Marc Maron, Carl Reiner, Jackie Mason, Doug Stanhope, Fred Armisen, Brian Regan, Mellisa Villasenior, George Wallace and Shelley Berman. Special appearance from Marc Frame.
Salvador Litvak and Adam Ferguson
Salvador Litvak the great writer, director and host of the Accidental Talmudist sits down with Danny to tell his story of immigrating from Chile, Umbrella Stabbings, Harvard rowing, bad performance art and Mexican weed. They also talk Judaim, the holocaust and of course about the philosopher Alex Fossella picked for them Adam Ferguson. Brought to you by FairEnoughComic.com Issue #2 now available!
George Wallace and Montesquieu
George Wallace and Danny Lobell sit down in an airport lounge near LAX and talk everything from politics to Seinfeld to being at Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral. Its the first episode of SEASON NINE!! Enjoy!
Special Episode: Ralphie May; a journey through podcasts, stand up and life.
Ralphie May; a journey. In this episode I look back at my friendship with my comedy mentor, brother, boss and friend Ralphie May. You will hear old episodes of my various podcasts featuring me (Danny Lobell), David Kasten, Chris Iacono, Myka Fox, Andrew Schulz, Joe Materese, Justy Dodge, Lahna Turner, Dan Naturman, and of course the late and very great Ralphie May. I also make some calls to Skyler
SEASON SEVEN WRAP UP SHOW with Danny and Alex Fossella
Alex Fossella and Danny Lobell meet up at the Washington Square Diner in New York City to discuss highlights from the past season and hopes and for the show going into Season Eight.
SEASON 8 WRAP UP SHOW with Danny and Alex Fossella
Alex Fossella and Danny Lobell recount their favorite highlights from the season!
Tape Face aka Sam Wills and Alexis de Tocqueville
Tape Face joins Danny Lobell, host of Modern Day Philosophers. America's Got Talent's Tape Face guests on this episode of the show to discuss philosophy from philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville. They talked about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, protecting your inner child, and the frustrations of social media. Tape Face went to clowning school, where he learned street performing, magic, and juggling,
Erica Rhodes and John Rawls
Erica Rhodes comes by and she and Danny names, Prairie Home Companion, comedy, philosophy of John Rawls (with a surprise cameo from Alex Fossella), music and Tanglewood and so much more. Enjoy!
David Koechner and Alexander Hamilton
David Koechner and Danny Lobell talk about having kids, addiction, Improv, SNL, the Midwest and politics. Enjoy!
Jamie Kilstein and Thomas Jefferson
Jamie Kilstein came over and discussed his longtime friendship with Danny and how the two wound up on very different paths over the years. Jamie addresses the scandal that he found himself caught in and where he was at in that point in life. The two delve into how and why Jamie had gotten there. It's an episode packed with introspection and lots of vulnerability. It is full of laughs along the way
Phil Proctor and Karl Marx
Phil Proctor (of the Firesign Theatre) has Danny Lobell over his house in the Canyon to talk about his long exciting and at times Mystical career in the counterculture surrealist comedy group "Firesign Theatre" which put out classic comedy records in the 1960s. They discuss his new book "Where's my fortune cookie", The Manson murders, aliens, self hypnosis, a gangland shooting, naked swimming part
Baron Vaughn and Simone de Beauvoir
Baron Vaughn comes by for a very in depth discussion about race, religion, his new album Blaxistential Crisis identity and of course our philosopher who in this case was Simone de Beauvoir. It's a great talk brought to you by the good folks over at The Fake Outrage Report podcast and GreenBlender. Enjoy!
S5: Ep.58: Jordon Ferber and C.S. Lewis
Jenny Zigrino and Hans-Georg Gadamer
Jenny Zigrino comes by discuss philosophy from Hans-Georg Gadamer. The episode is full of laughs and very sincere moments and covers everything from food to Nazis. This episode is brought to you by: HelloFresh.com and Stand Up! Records Visit HelloFresh.com and use promo code MDP30 for $30 off your first week of meal deliveries. pick up JZ's new album at Standuprecords.com
Rob Bell and Richard Dawkins
Rob Bell comes over to discuss all things religion spirituality Christianity starting his own church and the philosophy of Richard Dawkins. It's a fascinating and enjoyable talk with a very insightful and different kind a guest then we normally have. Thanks to our Sponsors Stand Up! Records, Centered Health and Hello Fresh for supporting our podcast. Go to HelloFresh.com and use the code MDP30 to
Remembering Shelley Berman
The great Shelley Berman has passed away. Listen to my interview with him from season 2 and hear some stories of our friendship that transpired out of this interview. R.I.P. Shelley
Jimeoin and Edmund Burke
Jimeoin and Danny record this episode from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Great talk about the philosophy of Edmund Burke, and Jimeoin talks about growing up in Ireland and leaving to make his own way in the world and about getting older. Brought to you by Stand Up! Records and Renevatio Credit Enterprises.
Steven Alan Green and Franz Kafka
Steven Alan Green comes by to talk Franz Kafka, Jerry Lewis and the showbiz struggle. Enjoy!
Ophira Eisenberg and Martin Buber
Ophira Eisenberg (The Moth, NPR's "Ask Me Another") swings by the studio to talk about philosopher Martin Buber with Danny Lobell. They discuss NYC living, a tragedy that happened to her when she was a child and stayed with her throughout her life, and being a child of old parents and starting parenting at an older age in following with that tradition. She also tells a great story that involves he
Dana Gould and Thomas Sowell
Dana Gould talks with Danny from his hotel room in Phoenix Arizona while the two are there for the Bird City Comedy Festival. The two discuss philosophy from Thomas Sowell. The conversation also covers Dana's religious experiences as a kid, his marriage to a high powered executive, Dana's divorce and what his life is like now. This episode is brought to you by Stand Up! Records, Renevatio Enterp
Fred Armisen and Marshall McLuhan
Fred Armisen comes by to discuss the philosophy of Marshall McLuhan as well as his upbringing in Long Island and how he failed as a drummer. Conversation also covers Fred's rise to fame after getting hired for Saturday Night Live and Danny's struggles with trying to become successful. Fred gives Danny great tips on how to do impressions. This episode is sponsored by Stand Up! Records and Number 1
Special Episode: Patrice O'Neal and Al Lubel
Patrice O'Neal, the late GREAT comedian calls in to a now "Famous" recording of Danny's old show recorded in 2007. In this special episode Danny reflects on this talk in Season 7 with Al Lubel and now you can hear it for the first time in 10 years! Enjoy!
Danny reads fan mail and plays clips from The Mostly Bull Market Podcast
Danny reads some fan mail and plugs some upcoming shows. Then plays some segments from The Mostly Bull Market podcast featuring comedians Jason Webb, Emmy Blotnick and Thomas Dale.
Bobcat Goldthwait and Jorge Luis Borges
Bobcat Goldthwait comes by the Modern Day Philosophers studio to talk with Danny Lobell about the philosophy Jorge Luis Borges. The conversation ranges on topics from the death of Robin Williams and Bobcat's unique friendship with him, why he set The Tonight Show on fire, how he went from an atheist to an agnostic, and why he thinks the worst thing he can be called is a professional.
Ryan Conner and John Donne
Ryan Conner comes by to tell Danny about his very unique upbringing in Virginia proper, his love for Mozart and how he works himself to the bone writing comedy. We discuss philosophy from John Donne about isolation. Enjoy!
Mayim Bialik and Karl Popper
Mayim Bialik sits down withDanny Lobell, star of The Big Bang Theory and Blossom, was trained as a neuroscience. That's why Alex picked philosopher Karl Popper to discuss with her. They talk medical school, religion, faith and science and whether or not they agree with Popper's writings.
Al Lubel and Thomas Szasz
Al Lubel comes over to discuss philosophy from Thomas Szasz but what happens is an incident from 17 years ago resurfaces that has kept the two apart all these years without Danny even remembering it happened. It's a great talk with one of the all time great comedy minds. Happy Holidays & Enjoy!
Kurt Braunohler and Harry Frankfurt
Kurt Braunohler comes by to discuss Harry Frankfurt in this "Lost" and now found episode. We are so lost on this one that we even call Alex for clues. Enjoy!
Gad Elmaleh and Roland Barthes
Gad Elmaleh, the great Moroccan French comedian joins Danny this episode in the Chateau Marmont Hotel to discuss everything from Yom Kippur in Moroccan Synagogue to the philosophy of Roland Barthes and so much more. Special thanks to WTF and Marc Maron for plugging this episode! Sponsored by Stand Up! Records. Enjoy!
Cash Peters and Albert Schweitzer
Cash Peters is an author a journalist and an avid listener of this show. He came by to talk Albert Schweitzer with Danny and about his life and relationship to spirituality and his family. Great talk with an interesting guy. Enjoy!
Tom Rhodes and Seneca the Younger
Tom Rhodes comes by to talk with Danny Lobell about travel, Seneca, Florida and family. Great episode, great talk with a very funny guy. Enjoy!
Pat Cooper and Marcus Aurelius
Pat Cooper and I sat down and caught up after years of not seeing each other. Pat told stories of his childhood and as always spoke his mind about everyone in Show biz. He told old show biz stories about the mob, roasting Richard Pryor and Martin Scorsese. They also discuss getting old. Enjoy the show.
Dan Schlissel and E.H. Carr
Dan Schlissel and Danny Lobell sit and talk outside in the Palm trees in Akumal Mexico at the Akumal Comedy Festival. They discuss topics ranging from the Holocaust to how history is written and how Dan picks who he wants on his comedy record label. Enjoy!
Christian Finnegan and William of Champeaux
Christian Finnegan has Danny over his Queens apartment to discuss William of Champeaux. The conversation covers religion, early childhood development and dealing with jerks. It's a great talk. Enjoy!
Doug Stanhope and Plotinus
Doug Stanhope has Danny over his place in Bisbee Arizona to talk about everything from his childhood, to his mom, to drinking, drugs the dessert vs LA, old times in New York and the meaning of life. The two also try to understand something from Plotinus but mostly can't. It's a fun one and its brought to you by Stand Up! Records and Comic Bento. Enjoy!
SEASON SIX WRAP UP SHOW with Danny and Alex Fossella
Alex Fossella and Danny discuss the season highlights for season
six, what thoughts really stuck with them and some dream guests for
upcoming shows.
Enjoy!
Brian Regan and Paul Feyerabend
Brian Regan and Danny Lobell sit down and discuss philosophy from Paul Feyerabend. Because Brian has a history of going against the grain of the world. He is clean in an industry that is known for being dirty. He dropped out of college and completed it later. He released a special completely live. All things not many people can do, Alex picked a philosopher who talked about thinking outside the bo
Darryl Lenox and Thomas More
Darryl Lenox and Danny Lobell sit down at the Stand Up! Records Akumal Comedy Festival to discuss philosophy from Tomas More. Darryl also tells stories of being a con man, growing up with a pimp for a father and working with Chris Rock! This episode is brought to you by Stand Up! Records. Enjoy!
"Professor" Irwin Corey and Mahatma Gandhi
"Professor" Irwin Corey is 102 years old. He welcomes Danny into his House in Manhattan - Yes HOUSE in Manhattan! They talk about everything from the Professor's childhood, to Nazis to the early days of stand up comedy with Lord Buckley, George Carlin and Lenny Bruce. They also discuss some philosophy from Mahatma Gandhi. Enjoy!
Liz Miele and Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Liz Miele visits Danny this week to discuss everything from her parents to relationships, holding on to your inner child, managing your inner crazy and Magic! It's a great talk and in it Danny and Liz go from longtime co-workers to legit friends! Enjoy!
Jason Zumwalt and Augustine of Hippo
Jason Zumwalt visits Danny Lobell to discuss Augustine of Hippo. They talk about why Jason left Stand up, grand theft auto, and having jokes stolen. It's a great talk and filled with impressions and some really great moments. This episode is brought to you by Stand Up! Records.
Henry Phillips and Marquis de Sade
Henry Phillips came by Danny Lobell's studio and discusses everything from Metal bands to nipple clamps and the Marquis de Sade in this hilarious episode of Modern Day Philosophers. Brought to you by Stand Up! Records. Enjoy!
JT Habersaat and William of Ockham
JT Habersaat and Danny meet for the first time on this epsiode of Modern Day Philosophers. The two really hit it off and figure out while discussing William of Ockham and his famous razor that they really have a lot in common. This episode is sponsored by Stand Up! Records.
Jessie Beth Kahnweiler and Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Jessie Beth Kahnweiler joins Danny at his house to discuss Nassim Nicholas Taleb. The two talk about everything from rape to bulimia to Mel Brooks, more Mel Brooks, and how Jessie's mom will feel about the episode when she inevitably listens to it. Jessie is a very talented comedian and filmmaker and this episode is hilarious. It's sponsored by Stand Up! Records. Enjoy!
