The Best New Comedy Podcast Right Now – March 2026

Dive into the fascinating world of comedy with this collection of podcast episodes! We're joined by legendary actors like Brian Cox and Cillian Murphy, reality TV icon Kris Jenner, and the brilliant Emma Stone, sharing their career insights and personal stories. Explore the art of ventriloquism, the science of forensics, and the wild world of reality TV with Johnny Knoxville. Plus, get a dose of QI's quirky facts and a deep dive into geopolitical conflicts. Tune in for laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable conversations!
The 10 Best Comedy episodes
"Brian Cox"
Brian Cox discusses his directorial debut, acting philosophy, iconic roles, and upbringing, while hosts share personal anecdotes and praise his career.
This episode features an in-depth conversation with acclaimed actor Brian Cox. Cox shares insights into his directorial debut with "Glen Rothen," his egalitarian directing philosophy influenced by Lindsay Anderson, and his thoughts on the craft of acting versus directing. The discussion spans his iconic roles in "Manhunter" and the "Bourne" series, his upbringing in Dundee, and his socialist views. Cox also delves into his early theater experiences, training at LAMDA, and his extensive voiceover work for brands like McDonald's and Uber Eats. The hosts express admiration for his career, offer encouragement for their own acting aspirations, and reflect on a memorable past encounter with Cox, highlighting his charisma and graciousness. The episode concludes with a playful word game and acknowledgments of the podcast's production.
"Cillian Murphy"
This podcast features Cillian Murphy discussing his acting career, preparation methods, collaborations with directors like Nolan and Boyle, and the unique aspects of "Peaky Blinders."
This podcast features an in-depth conversation with actor Cillian Murphy, covering a wide range of topics from his early career aspirations in music to his profound discovery of theater through "A Clockwork Orange." Murphy shares insights into his acting preparation methods, highlighting the evolution from rigid memorization to more organic discovery, and discusses the distinct directorial styles of Christopher Nolan and Danny Boyle. The conversation delves into the challenges and demands of theater, particularly one-person shows, and explores backstage etiquette and fan interactions. The enduring success and unique atmosphere of "Peaky Blinders" are examined, including its bold music choices and the significance of its interwar period setting. Murphy also reflects on his dietary habits, career longevity, and the emotional process of concluding long-running projects, emphasizing the strong bonds formed in filmmaking. The episode concludes with discussions on notable director-actor collaborations and anticipation for a film titled "Peaky Binder," alongside a mention of a handcrafted product called "Smart."
"Kris Jenner"
Kris Jenner discusses her life, career, family, and the evolution of reality TV and social media, highlighting entrepreneurship and core values.
This podcast features an in-depth conversation with Kris Jenner, covering her early life aspirations, meeting Robert Kardashian, and her journey into entrepreneurship. She reflects on her career as a flight attendant, her family's transition into reality television with "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," and the significant impact of social media on their brand building and business ventures. Jenner emphasizes the importance of core values like kindness and integrity in raising her children, discusses the challenges and rewards of managing a large family, and shares insights into her children's individual successes, including Kim Kardashian's foray into acting with the show "All's Fair." The conversation also touches upon the evolution of content consumption, the differences between scripted and unscripted television, and the enduring significance of family traditions and support systems.
"RE-RELEASE: Emma Stone"
Emma Stone discusses her career, name change, childhood, health, and upcoming projects like "The Curse" and "Poor Things."
This podcast features an in-depth conversation with Emma Stone, covering a wide range of topics from her early career and the inspiration behind her name change to her experiences with health issues like bone density problems and asthma. She shares anecdotes about her childhood in Arizona, her passion for the Spice Girls, and her involvement in projects like "The Curse" and "Poor Things." The discussion also touches on the challenges of stage performances, the impact of awards, and her personal life, including meeting her husband and her pandemic wedding. The hosts and Emma also engage in lighthearted banter about culinary discoveries, social media detox, and humorous personal incidents.
"Maggie Gyllenhaal"
Maggie Gyllenhaal discusses her transition from acting to directing, her film "The Bride," and the collaborative, adaptive nature of filmmaking.
This podcast features a conversation with Maggie Gyllenhaal, who shares her experiences transitioning from acting to directing. She expresses a preference for directing, finding it more fulfilling to create space for others' creativity. Gyllenhaal discusses her directorial debut, "The Lost Daughter," and her upcoming film, "The Bride," detailing the inspirations, challenges, and production differences between the two. She emphasizes her adaptive approach to directing actors, drawing from her own acting background, and highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and collaboration on set. The conversation also touches on world-building, the creative process, the value of diverse perspectives in filmmaking, and the significance of the editing phase in shaping a final product. Gyllenhaal also shares personal insights into her writing process, family influences, and preferences for living in New York City. The episode concludes with reflections on lifelong learning and excitement for future projects.
No Such Thing As Billions Of Checkers Boards

This podcast explores fascinating facts about Scotland's Roman perception, Nikola Tesla's genius and eccentricities, and the controversial translation of "The Lord of the Rings," alongside the unparalleled dominance of checkers champion Marion Tinsley.
This episode of the QI podcast delves into a variety of intriguing facts, beginning with ancient Roman perceptions of Scotland as a land of barbarians. It then shifts to the life and work of Nikola Tesla, highlighting his contributions to electricity, his eccentricities, his rivalry with Edison, and his profound affection for pigeons. The discussion also examines the controversial Swedish translation of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and the critical reception of the translator's work. Finally, the podcast celebrates the extraordinary career of checkers champion Marion Tinsley, detailing his near-perfect record, his battles against computers, and his unique perspective on the game. The episode also includes advertisements for Squarespace and Aura Frames.
At War in the Middle East, Again with Christiane Amanpour and Amb. Wendy Sherman
The podcast discusses the Iran conflict, US foreign policy, media ownership, and the gamification of life, highlighting geopolitical complexities and societal trends.
The podcast delves into the escalating conflict with Iran, questioning the US administration's strategy, justifications, and the lack of a coherent long-term plan. It contrasts meticulous military planning with a deficient political strategy, noting the unprecedented handling of civilian evacuations. The discussion explores Iran's retaliation, potential for escalation, and the influence of figures like Trump and Netanyahu. Critiques are made regarding the JCPOA, the effectiveness of international inspectors, and the US tendency to label nations as "bad actors" without a post-intervention strategy. The conversation highlights the "might makes right" principle overriding international law and the unproven nature of "regime change from the air." It examines the complex power structure in Iran, the people's desire for freedom, and the challenges in negotiations. The podcast also touches upon the generational shift in US public opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the potential for a "Berlin Wall moment" in Iran, and the difficulties of democratic transition. Furthermore, it analyzes the geopolitical ramifications, including US-China relations and the MAGA movement's paradox. The historical mistrust between the US and Iran, decades of failed policies, and missed opportunities for alignment are discussed. The latter part of the podcast shifts to speculation on media ownership, particularly concerning Netflix and CNN, and critiques explicit corruption in media deals. It explores the rise of speculative economies, the gamification of life, and the ethical implications of prediction markets. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion on Taco Bell and a hopeful outlook for global dignity and self-determination.
No Such Thing As The Official Podcast Of Wyoming

This podcast explores blood banks, forensic science using moss and pollen, state symbols, and the evolution of implants, featuring author Mary Roach.
This episode delves into the fascinating history and science behind various topics, starting with the evolution of blood banks, from early donor anxieties to the advancements made by figures like Bernard Fantus and Charles Drew. It then transitions to the intriguing applications of forensic botany, highlighting how moss and pollen analysis can solve crimes and provide insights into historical mysteries like Ötzi the Iceman. The discussion broadens to include the quirky world of state symbols, from New Mexico's official smell of roasting chilies to the unique "leaping lesbian lizard." Finally, the podcast examines the surprising history and forensic uses of implants, including breast and penis implants, and touches upon the evolutionary reasons for human breasts and the development of non-lethal weapons using foul odors. Author Mary Roach's work is also mentioned, with recommendations for her books.
No Such Thing As A Shakespeare Burger

This podcast explores ventriloquism's history, psychology, and endangered status, alongside tales of royal intrigue, gorilla encounters, and Shakespearean hoaxes.
This podcast delves into the fascinating world of ventriloquism, tracing its ancient roots in Inca society and exploring its psychological underpinnings and the rarity of modern practitioners. It touches upon the eerie Vent Haven Museum and the golden age of ventriloquism on radio, while also discussing the technical challenges of the art. The episode shifts to intriguing historical anecdotes, including a tragic prank involving a ventriloquist, the unexpected origin of newspaper horoscopes tied to Princess Margaret's birth, her complex royal life, and historical birth protocols. Further discussions cover adapting gorillas to human presence for tourism, safe interaction guidelines, and the challenges of veterinary care. Finally, the podcast examines the notorious John Payne Collier's Shakespearean forgery, historical editorial interventions in Shakespeare's works, Nina Conti's experience with the Royal Shakespeare Company, a theatrical hoax, and debates surrounding Shakespeare's authorship and marriage records. The episode concludes with a wrap-up and listener engagement prompts.
Johnny Knoxville
This podcast features Johnny Knoxville discussing Jackass, stunts, and his career, alongside Conan and his assistants sharing personal anecdotes and reflections.
The podcast opens with a humorous take on reality TV, including \"Traders\" and \"Big Brother,\" before diving into Johnny Knoxville's career. Knoxville shares insights into the early days of Jackass, its evolution into movies, and the physical toll of stunts. He discusses his hosting of \"Fear Factor,\" the influence of Hunter S. Thompson, and Steve-O's sobriety. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of the Jackass crew, safety measures, and Conan's own cautious nature. Later, Conan's assistants, Sona and David, reveal their least favorite tasks, Conan's struggles with technology, and their loyalty to him. The episode concludes with reflections on empathy, cautionary tales, and a lighthearted discussion about hummus.
Can you provide an overview of this podcast, including its category and the general themes explored in its episodes?
This podcast falls under the
What insights does Brian Cox share about his directing philosophy and acting versus directing?
Brian Cox discusses his egalitarian directing philosophy, influenced by Lindsay Anderson. He contrasts the craft of acting with directing, sharing experiences from his directorial debut and iconic roles.
How did Cillian Murphy's approach to acting preparation evolve, and what are his thoughts on different directorial styles?
Cillian Murphy highlights his evolution from rigid memorization to organic discovery in acting preparation. He also shares insights into the distinct directorial styles of Christopher Nolan and Danny Boyle.
What key aspects of Kris Jenner's entrepreneurial journey and family's reality TV success are discussed?
Kris Jenner reflects on her early aspirations, meeting Robert Kardashian, and her transition into entrepreneurship. She discusses the impact of social media on their brand and family's reality TV success.
What topics does Emma Stone cover regarding her career, personal life, and health experiences?
Emma Stone discusses her career beginnings, name change, and experiences with health issues like bone density problems. She also shares anecdotes about her childhood, passion for the Spice Girls, and personal life.
What are Maggie Gyllenhaal's primary motivations for transitioning from acting to directing, and what are her views on the creative process?
Maggie Gyllenhaal expresses a preference for directing, finding it more fulfilling to create space for others' creativity. She emphasizes her adaptive approach to directing actors and highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and collaboration.

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Table of contents:
- "Brian Cox"
- "Cillian Murphy"
- "Kris Jenner"
- "RE-RELEASE: Emma Stone"
- "Maggie Gyllenhaal"
- No Such Thing As Billions Of Checkers Boards
- At War in the Middle East, Again with Christiane Amanpour and Amb. Wendy Sherman
- No Such Thing As The Official Podcast Of Wyoming
- No Such Thing As A Shakespeare Burger
- Johnny Knoxville
- Can you provide an overview of this podcast, including its category and the general themes explored in its episodes?
- What insights does Brian Cox share about his directing philosophy and acting versus directing?
- How did Cillian Murphy's approach to acting preparation evolve, and what are his thoughts on different directorial styles?
- What key aspects of Kris Jenner's entrepreneurial journey and family's reality TV success are discussed?
- What topics does Emma Stone cover regarding her career, personal life, and health experiences?
- What are Maggie Gyllenhaal's primary motivations for transitioning from acting to directing, and what are her views on the creative process?
