Shows
The Hell Gate PodcastNew York Is Going Down the TubesThis week in NYC news: The UK is installing a new hypercapitalist project in the form of pods, or tubes, or maybe it is an airlock, or maybe a pneumatic network meant to shoot gymgoers onto ellipticals with the force of wads of cash. In any case Jessy and Chris explain how and why PureGym, formerly Blink Fitness, is forcing us into their mysterious tubes. Also, Brad Lander is running for congress. The vibe is Mr. Rogers. Will it work? Probably. Then—Katie attends a hearing featuring local celebrities Richard Kind, Matt Dillon, and Mark Ruffalo, who have unified in de...
2025-12-1338 min
The Hell Gate PodcastBoys Club: Mamdani Transition and ESG InfinityThis week, Max, Chris, and Nick (the boys) discuss the Mamdani transition so far—the incoming first deputy mayor knows where all the (metaphorical) bodies are buried in Albany, while the incoming chief-of-staff is hoping to keep the administration honest to its progressive ideals. Meanwhile, Cuomo’s campaign is transcending to higher and higher planes as they attempt to ret-con the plot of the general election. Then: Elizabeth Street Garden is a park now? And should we ban carriage horses? Both of these issues might be 2026 problems. Hosted on Acast. See a...
2025-11-1535 min
The Hell Gate PodcastHousing Ballot Props ExplainedMax reports back from the big Mamdani rally, where the candidate got the stamp of approval from some big-time establishment Democrats. Then: Are you confused about the housing ballot propositions you have to vote on soon? Luckily Chris has the breakdown for you, to clear it up completely, with no further questions. We close out with some speculations on what Eric Adams's new gig will be. Full time Cameo star? Green juice king? Hope springs eternal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-10-1834 min
The Hell Gate PodcastZohran Mamdani Surges, Meanwhile Eric Adams & ICE Goons Run RiotThis week, the editors discuss Mamdani’s new poll numbers, and whether ranked-choice voting will really coax rival candidates to finally team up. Will the underdogs manage to band together against asteroid-like candidate Cuomo? (Yes, we discuss the 1998 film Deep Impact.) Also, what the hell is going on with Eric Adam’s crypto-lifestyle? Why is he in Vegas? And what does this have to do with the SoHo kidnapping? Then, Chris Robbins brings us to the scene of this past Wednesday’s ICE raid at an immigration court on Varick St., where asylum seekers were kidnapped and tak...
2025-05-3134 min
Worst Time for Everything25. Laura Maltz Lives and Works on a 'Murder Farm'Send the show a textThe show is back! (Albeit about a year later than Chris said it would be.) Just in time for spring break, this thrilling episode is all about bad trips and vacations. Laura Maltz returns to talk about volunteering on a Spanish farm — and a shocking incident that happened there that made international headlines. Plus, Chris reminisces about a cursed Florida family vacay. Despite the troubles they faced on their respective excursions, Laura and Chris conclude there's an awful lot to be grateful for too.Want to be a guest on...
2025-04-0744 min
The Hell Gate PodcastA Boss With a Brain Worm Is Still the BossThis week, the brain worms associated with Hell Gate editors Chris, Esther, Nick, and Max plumb the depths of our deeply strange moment—from Eric Adams's appearance on The View, to Democrats trying to make sense of last week, to congestion pricing, and more, these worms are up to speed on this week in NYC worker-owned news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-11-1638 min
The Hell Gate PodcastNot So Nice Numbers for Mayor AdamsThis week, Hell Gate continues to drink from the firehose that is the Eric Adams indictment news cycle. Editors editors Chris, Adlan, Max, and Katie discuss a questionable radio spot, a power couple ties the knot, a series of high-profile City Hall resignations, Governor Hochul's razor-sharp political instincts, bureaucrats seizing the moment, another day in court for the mayor, extortion allegations, divine intervention, and what else but Megalopolis come up in this edition of Hell Gate's Emergency Podcast. (Is it really still an emergency if it never stops? That's a question we'll tackle...next week.)
2024-10-0441 min
The Hell Gate PodcastOur Brooklyn Monsignor, Who Art Under SubpoenaOh Divine Eternal Father, united with your Divine Son and the Holy Spirit and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg you to destroy the power of your worst enemies: the malign spirits. Throw them into the deepest caverns of hell, and keep them there forever, take possession of your kingdom; since it has been created by yourself; and very justly it belongs to you. Heavenly Father, grant us the reigning right of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. With every beat of my heart and with every breath, I repeat this...
2024-09-2128 min
The Hell Gate PodcastEmergency Podcast: The Feds Raid Adams’s Inner CircleThe number of reported federal investigations surrounding Mayor Eric Adams apparently just increased from two to three.On Wednesday morning, FBI agents raided the homes of three of the most senior aides to Mayor Eric Adams, confiscating laptops and cell phones, according to the CITY. NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and top mayoral aide and close friend to Mayor Adams Timothy Pearson also had their homes raided or phones taken by the FBI, according to NY1.So, with this much going on, you think we weren't going to have to hop on the mic? Adlan...
2024-09-0638 min
Worst Time for Everything24. A Mortifying ER Visit Comes Back to Haunt Alexia CôtéSend the show a textThough it may sound like a TLC show, sex actually sent Montreal storyteller Alexia Côté to the emergency room. But the most humiliating part actually happened four years later while she was at work. In the end, it taught her to embrace embarrassing experiences and use them as fodder for her performances.Follow Alexia on Instagram: @sidealexiaWant to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and ...
2023-12-0538 min
Worst Time for Everything23. Christina Blacken Survives the Worst Plane Turbulence of Her LifeSend the show a textPublic speaker and performer Christina Blacken tells Chris about flying through a dangerous storm on her way to Mardi Gras that had even the flight attendants looking terrified. It’s a wild ride of a story that touches on lack of control, anxiety, and worst-case scenarios — and how we can actually channel those things to our benefit.Christina is the founder of The New Quo, a leadership development and equity consultancy that uses narrative intelligence to help organizations achieve status-quo-breaking goals by turning their values of diversity, equity, and...
2023-11-1342 min
Worst Time for Everything22. Chris & Laura’s Worst Work StoriesSend the show a textChris welcomes his wife Laura Maltz back to the show to talk about some of their worst on-the-job experiences. Self-entitled customers, psychotic bosses, layoffs — they cover it all! They even identify the origins of their raging anxiety disorders. Plus, their very good dog Bernie makes a brief appearance.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2023-10-0946 min
Worst Time for Everything21. Max Cohen Gets Attacked at a Comedy GigSend the show a textYou know your first road comedy show isn't going well when you get assaulted by an audience member. That's what happened to stand-up comedian Max Cohen. The nightmare gig taught him about the importance of understanding your value as a performer — and a person.Follow Max on Instagram & Twitter/X and go see him on tour with Love's a Joke!Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram...
2023-09-0740 min
Worst Time for Everything20. Esmond Fountain Gets a Gun Pulled on Him While NannyingSend the show a textWhen comedian Esmond Fountain took a job as a nanny in Beverly Hills, he didn't expect staring down a gun would be part of the job. But it was the revelation he had afterward about his relationship with money that was even more surprising.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2023-08-0141 min
Worst Time for Everything19. Kelli Dunham Becomes a NunSend the show a textComedian Kelli Dunham tells the story of how she joined the Missionaries of Charity, met Mother Teresa, and ultimately quit the convent and embraced her queer identity. She also reveals just how far some nuns take that whole “married to Jesus” thing.For all things Kelli, visit: kellidunham.comWant to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2023-06-2241 min
Worst Time for Everything18. Sandi Marx Turns Down a Marriage Proposal at a Hockey GameSend the show a textSeven-time Moth StorySLAM champion Sandi Marx reminisces about the night she turned down a marriage proposal from her boyfriend of just six months at a New York Islanders game. (And that’s not even the craziest part of this story.) In the end, Sandi learns why being a people pleaser can get you into a lot of trouble.Come see Chris perform at WORD on Friday, June 9th at 7:30 p.m. at the Whippoorwill Theater in Armonk, NY! Admission is free, but a $15 donation to The Armonk Players is suggested an...
2023-05-3043 min
Worst Time for Everything17. Mark Pagán Is Left to Deal With His Brother’s ‘Messy’ DeathSend the show a textMark gets more than he bargained for when he agrees to settle his estranged brother’s affairs, which surprisingly includes reuniting 32 cars with their rightful owners. In the end, the experience brings Mark closer to his family and grants him the opportunity to reckon with years of loss.Listen to Mark's podcast: Other Men Need HelpWant to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky...
2023-04-2445 min
The Hell Gate PodcastIs New York's Legal Weed Dank Enough?You can legally buy weed in New York now, but… is it worth the trouble? And what do former NBA All-Star Chris Webber, an empty warehouse complex in Detroit, and an agency called the Dormitory Authority have to do with the state's lumbering rollout of legal cannabis? Seeking answers, Hell Gate convenes a panel of dedicated stoners to compare legal and gray market weed, and speaks with Brad Racino, editor and publisher of New York Cannabis Insider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-03-1034 min
Worst Time for Everything16. The Best of Worst Time for Everything (So Far)Send the show a textIt's the final episode of 2022! This month, Chris takes a look back at his favorite moments from the podcast since the show began. Featuring stories from: Vicky Kuperman, Ria Spencer, Hunter Slaton, Jacob Slaton, Laura Maltz, and Ro Moran.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2022-12-1928 min
Worst Time for Everything15. An Allergic Reaction Sends Chris to the HospitalSend the show a textIn a very special episode, Chris talks about spending two days in the hospital last year while experiencing what could have been a life-threatening allergic reaction to a medication. Plus, Laura Maltz returns to the show to play host as they unpack Chris’ long history of hypochondria.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2022-11-1247 min
Worst Time for Everything14. Anita Flores Learns How to Ride a Bike (and Drive a Car) as an AdultSend the show a textStoryteller and podcaster Anita Flores talks about how shame and a fear of missing out motivated her to learn how to ride a bicycle in her 20s and 30s, and why that difficult experience has pushed her to tackle another overdue milestone: getting her driver license.Subscribe to Anita's shows, I'm Listening: A Frasier Fan Podcast and CareTalkers, on Apple Podcasts and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @anitajewtina!Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story...
2022-10-0340 minWorst Time for Everything13. Michele Folan Loses Her Job Right Before the PandemicSend the show a textPodcaster Michele Folan explains how getting laid off just weeks before the pandemic completely changed the way she looks at her career, her health, and her creativity. We also talk about Cincinnati chili and embarrassing AOL email addresses.Check out Michele’s podcast, Asking for a Friend: https://askingforafriend.buzzsprout.comWant to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2022-09-0142 minWorst Time for Everything12. Tracey Starin Will Never Go Skiing AgainSend the show a textWearing jeans and a leather jacket, and with practically no training at all, writer and storyteller Tracey Starin was completely unprepared for her first time on the slopes. She shares what this cold, wet experience taught her about trusting her instincts. We also talk about how much we dislike going camping, riding roller coasters, and other outdoor activities we both have no business doing.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on
2022-08-0140 minWorst Time for Everything11. Ro Moran Has a Life-Changing Accident in AfricaSend the show a textStoryteller and social justice activist Ro Moran has a brush with death while living in Zimbabwe that teaches him about privilege, poverty, and the dangers of blindly following his hormones. Ro will be performing at The Story Collider en Español on July 13, 2022 at The Pocantico Center in Tarrytown, NY. (Note: The show's start time has changed from 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. since the recording of this episode.) Go here for tickets: https://www.storycollider.org/shows/2022/7/14/the-story-collider-en-espaolWant to be a guest on a future ep...
2022-07-0546 minWorst Time for Everything10. Jacob Slaton Runs With the BullsSend the show a textPhotographer Jacob Slaton narrowly averts disaster while running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain — and learns a lot about his relationship with his brother as a result.Listen to Jacob’s podcast, The Music Spaceship, available now on Spotify!Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2022-06-0244 minWorst Time for Everything9. Ria Spencer Attempts CheerleadingSend the show a textStoryteller Ria Spencer (Women’s Storytelling Festival, Risk) talks about how failing at cheerleading as a teenager taught her the power of staying in one's lane.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2022-05-0240 minWorst Time for Everything8. Laura Maltz Tries to Become a NurseSend the show a textStoryteller Laura Maltz returns to talk about her doomed stint as a nursing student that included accidentally putting a catheter in “the wrong hole” and a bed bath gone terribly awry.We have a new website! Go to WorstTimeForEverything.com to learn more about the show.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2022-03-2945 minWorst Time for Everything7. Hunter Slaton Gets Fired on AntarcticaSend the show a textThe only thing more interesting than getting a job on Antarctica is getting fired from a job on Antarctica. Former journalist Hunter Slaton shares the incredibly personal story of what he learned after bottoming out at the bottom of the world.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2022-02-2858 minWorst Time for Everything6. Matt Storrs Volunteers at CollegeSend the show a textIs it still considered volunteer work if your RA forces you to do it? After unknowingly breaking a rule while at college, comedian and storyteller Matt Storrs picks up garbage as punishment and learns a valuable life lesson in the process. Also, Chris talks about adopting a dog.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2022-01-2441 minWorst Time for Everything5. Time-Out: Keeping the Chris in ChristmasSend the show a textChris takes a time-out to briefly talk about the true meaning of Christmas as well as some of his favorite New Year’s Eve movies.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2021-12-1506 minWorst Time for Everything4. Mike Api Borrows a CarSend the show a textTV and film editor Mike Api reveals what he learned from an ill-fated drive in his college friend’s car. Also, Chris talks about his favorite holiday: Thanksgiving.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2021-11-2236 minWorst Time for Everything3. Vicky Kuperman Surfs AloneSend the show a textAfter going surfing without an instructor for the first time, comedian Vicky Kuperman learns there are some things you should always leave to the experts.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2021-11-0835 minWorst Time for Everything2. Maria Mollo Enters a Lookalike ContestSend the show a textMaria Mollo learns the importance of finding out ALL the rules before entering a contest for the first time. We also talk about old-school wrestling (which factors greatly into her story), puns, and being your own worst critic.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2021-10-2539 minWorst Time for Everything1. Laura Maltz Goes SkydivingSend the show a textAfter going skydiving for the first time, storyteller Laura Maltz learns there are probably better ways to assert your individuality than jumping out of an airplane. At least, ones that aren’t so messy.Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2021-10-0640 minWorst Time for EverythingTrailerChris welcomes you to Worst Time for Everything — the podcast where people talk about first-time experiences that took a turn for the worst, and what they learned from them. Subscribe now!
2021-09-2100 minWorst Time for EverythingWelcome to Worst Time for Everything!Send the show a textHost Chris Vespoli welcomes you to Worst Time for Everything, the podcast about experiences that took a turn for the worst and what we learned from them. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode!Want to be a guest on a future episode of Worst Time for Everything? Submit your story here! Follow Chris on Instagram and Bluesky
2021-09-2000 min
If You're ListeningDillinger Escape Plan "Miss Machine" with Chris VespoliChris Vespoli is back and he brought more music! Perfect, because that's a necessary requirement to be on our podcast! This time it's Dillinger Escape Plan's 2004 album "Miss Machine!" A lot of fake trailers are voiced over! Some spooky music for all your haunted houses! Slipknot/Slipnutz talk! And Chris says one of the scariest things one could say to Ramsey before playing him an album: "I'm not sure this will register as music to you." All this and MORE! And here's that picture we promised you! Don't want to end the fun? C...
2018-11-051h 03
If You're ListeningGlassjaw "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence" with Chris VespoliWriter, producer and performer Chris Vespoli is here to talk about Glassjaw's 2000 album "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence." Guess what? It's the opposite of silence! We name a cocktail! A deeper dive into problematic lyrics! What are things that are "extreme?" And perhaps the longest discussion this podcast has had about Crohn's disease! All this and MORE! Wanna get a shout-out on a future episode? Give us a rating on iTunes! It helps us, and it helps you feel good about yourself!
2018-04-231h 08