Shows
The Comical Heathen PodcastComical Heathen S3 E8: Talking New Zealand Comedy w/ Jeremy ElwoodIn 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.faceboo...2025-03-101h 02The Comical Heathen PodcastComical Heathen S3 E7: Talking Comedy Clubs w/ Mark and JesseIn 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://ma...2025-02-031h 19The Comical Heathen PodcastS3 E7: Talking Religion in the news with John Armstrong and Steve MersOriginally 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.mers2024-08-2754 minThe Comical Heathen PodcastS3 E6: Comedy in Iceland with Thor and EggertShow 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...2024-05-1952 minThe Comical Heathen PodcastS3 E5: Talking anti-science conspiracy theories with Brian MalowIn 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
2024-04-2757 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastComical Heathen S3 E4: Talking conspiracy theories with Ben Radford and Bobby BorgiaIn 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...2024-04-051h 02The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S3 E3: talking Jewish humor w/ Jeremy DauberOriginally 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: comicalheathen@gmail.com
This is an ad-free and independ...2024-03-2544 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S3 E2: Live Q&A ”The 2022 Elections” w/Marv Connor & Dan CrowderShow 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 cl...2022-12-0458 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S3 E1: Live Q&A ”SCOTUS, flopping, and other irritants” w/ Bill BoronkayShow 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 B...2022-07-1058 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastHeathen Highlights#6: horror movies w/ Ben RadfordHeathen 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...2022-06-1909 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastHeathen Highlights #5: PZ Myers on CreationismHeathen 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...2022-06-1211 minThe Comical Heathen PodcastHeathen Highlights #4: The Comical Heathen rants about nudity at religious sitesHeathen 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
...2022-06-0511 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastHeathen Highlights #3: Steve Hofstetter on why satire is importantHeathen 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.co...2022-05-2910 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastHeathen Highlights #2: Lewis Black discusses satire in the age of TrumpHeathen 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
...2022-05-2204 minThe Comical Heathen PodcastHeathen Highlights#1: Lewis Black on September 11thHeathen 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
2022-05-1505 minThe Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E12: Live Q&A ”Religion vs Spirituality” w/ Myq KaplanWelcome 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://myqkap...2022-04-0354 minThe Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E11: talking ghosts w/ Ben Radford
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://benjam...2022-02-051h 03
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E10:John PoveromoSeason 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.
Jo...2022-01-1552 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastSeason 2 Special Episode: Jerry runs for City CouncilShow 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, campaig...2021-12-2537 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E9: Talking UFOs with Ben RadfordShow 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 Pimpi...2021-07-101h 04The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E8: Lewis BlackShow 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...2021-06-0659 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E7 (bonus material): Nerding out w/Leighann LordSeason 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 Th...2021-05-0924 minThe Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E7:Leighann LordShow 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 futur...2021-05-021h 12
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E6:Brian Scott MacFaddenSeason 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 seri...2021-04-251h 05
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E5: Jim BryanA 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 Netfl...2021-04-181h 05The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E4: Live Q&A Faith and Other ParadoxesWelcome 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 thei...2021-04-131h 07
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E3: Dennis BlairShow 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...2021-04-041h 06
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E2: Myq Kaplan
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 d...2021-03-281h 02
The Comical Heathen PodcastComical Heathen S2 E1 (Part II): Satire, Censorship, and Comedy w/ Sean LynchPart 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 du...2021-03-2140 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen S2 E1 (Part I): Atheist IrelandPart 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 C...2021-03-1452 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Q&A #3 — “Conspiracy stories (they're NOT theories!)”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 examp...2020-11-061h 05
TRUTHCAST76 - New Zealand: Fact or Fiction?It's the best improvised comedy podcast about conspiracy theories!The Truthcast has been called been called Beavis and Butt-head meets The X-Files. That's insulting. The TRUTHCAST is your ONLY source of the hard hitting news "they're" too scared to tell you about.This week Thomas Luge and Lil' Dickie Rickets welcome so-called New Zealand "expert" Dr. Jerry Jaffe onto the show to speak about the existence of an island off the coast off the great land of Australia. Is this New Zealand a real place or is it a trick funded by the CIA or...2020-10-1928 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Q&A #2 — “Does God Exist?”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...2020-07-2159 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode 21: John FugelsangThis 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 Mo...2020-05-2952 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Twenty: Alice FraserHad 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 Fr...2020-04-2640 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Q&A #1 -- "Is 'Jedi' a religion"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 als...2020-03-2343 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Nineteen: Curtis CookHanging 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.
2019-12-1342 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Eighteen: Bill SquireFor 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...2019-10-1535 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Seventeen: Dr. Peter McGrawToday’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 abou...2019-09-0353 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Sixteen: P.Z. MyersI 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...2019-07-2454 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode 15: Brian MalowWelcome 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 thumpin...2019-05-0352 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Fourteen: A.J. JacobsIn 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://ajja...2019-03-1857 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Thirteen: Ian HarrisGreetings 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 a...2019-01-1356 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Twelve: Dan O'Shannon
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...2018-06-2754 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Eleven: Marc JaffeLike 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/
2018-01-1241 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Ten: Chili ChallisIt 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...2017-11-2831 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Nine: Chad ZumockKia 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 twi...2017-09-0333 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Eight: Mark RiccadonnaWelcome 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: 2017-08-0234 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Seven: DJ Dangler
"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 New...2017-05-1830 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Six: Mark EvansThis episode features my interview with comedian Mark Evans and my review of the new CNN series Believer with Reza Aslan. Mark is a touring pro and road warrior who began in 1993. Since then he has worked in 46 states, several cruise ships and a number of countries. The venues include, but not limited to, comedy clubs, casinos, country clubs, military bases and corporate events. He also recently released a song video titled after my trademarked brand, Southern Not Stupid. The song is on iTunes and was even picked up by Pandora!
Find Mark's song here: https://m.youtu...2017-04-1534 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Five: Sean LynchThis episode features my interview with Sean Lynch. Sean is an actor, comedian and writer best known for his work on Celebrity Deathmatch. He is also a featured performer on the current season of The Walking Dead, reprising the role of Max which he is plays on The Walking Dead video game, A New Frontier. This conversation includes his work on Deathmatch, his love of Bill Hicks, a very personal account on the role spirituality played in defeating some personal demons and--as this conversation was originally recorded the summer before the election of November 2016, it includes Sean's prediction of wha...2017-02-2736 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Four: Emily McManusThis is our fourth episode, with many more to come, and I am personally very psyched about today’s interview. Do you TedTalk? I have a lot of friends who like to binge watch Ted Talks. There are over 2000 Ted Talks available for free over a range of platforms including YouTube and Netflix, and their videos have been watched world wide over a billion times.
Well, "Ted" is not just some anonymous entity, it are run by people, and as it happens an old college chum of mine is the Managing Editor over at TED. Her...2017-01-2956 minThe Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Three: Ken EvansWelcome to The Comical Heathen. The Comical Heathen documents my investigations into the art and craft of religious satire. Today’s episode features my conversation with Ken Evans. Ken and I were performing at the Historic Holly Hotel in Holly, Michigan. The Holly Hotel is a great comedy venue known throughout the region. When you work the Holly Hotel, between shows they provide the comics with a meal (the food there is delicious, by the way!). During this meal break in the green room, I set up some mics and Ken and I talked about religious satire. There is some c...2017-01-1527 min
The Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode Two: Kevin Downey JrToday’s epsiode features my conversation with Kevin Downey Jr. I was fortunate to catch Kevin right before he went on stage. We were at the Hollywood Casino in Mahoning Ohio, and that explains the background noise you hear. Because Kevin was soon to take the stage we had to keep it quick, so this interview is a littler shorter than most of the rest of them. Still, I was so excited to catch him for a few minutes.
A seasoned pro and dare I say world class joke-writer, you may know Kevin from his appearances on Ame...2017-01-0319 minThe Comical Heathen PodcastThe Comical Heathen Episode One: Steve HofstetterThis is Dr. Jerry Jaffe and welcome to the first episode of this new podcast, The Comical Heathen. The Comical Heathen is the only podcast to explore the art and craft of religious satire. Every episode will feature an interview with a comedian, or some other interesting person, on the topic of religious satire. This is our very first episode and we are excited to have as our very first guest Steve Hofstetter.
Steve Hofstetter is a YouTube sensation, his videos of him destroying hecklers have had over 60 million views. He is also known as the original ho...2017-01-0339 min