Chasing Comedy

In Episode 46, Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden dig into the strange realities of stand-up comedy—from trying to stay “clean” on stage to completely losing control when a sign-language interpreter shows up. The conversation winds through cruise-ship comedy nightmares, fake TV laughter, bombing while trapped with audiences, and why stand-up comedy movies almost never work.They also riff on Zoom therapy, AI-generated nonsense, crowd-work role-play ideas, and the growing gap between what comedians expect and how audiences actually laugh. A funny, honest, behind-the-scenes look at the chaos, psychology, and absurd expectations of life as a working comic.

Episode 45 of Chasing Comedy finds comedians Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden riffing on lost items, human hoarder pockets, hecklers gone wild, audience meltdowns, and the fine line between chaos and comedy. From drunken bachelorette disasters to becoming accidentally famous in Shanghai, this episode is packed with real stand-up stories, joke breakdowns, and nonstop laughs.

In Episode 44 of Chasing Comedy, Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden break down the realities of modern stand-up — from arena shows and bombing in front of thousands to crafting the perfect opener and surviving unpredictable crowds. Brian shares a wild onstage fall in front of 15,000 people, the guys talk local jokes, originality in comedy, and why comics secretly love small rooms. Honest, funny, and brutally inside baseball for stand-up fans.

On Episode 43 of Chasing Comedy, Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden workshop new jokes and swap wild stories from the road. From NYC bedbug nightmares and airport meltdowns to Spirit Airlines chaos, cruise ship madness, childhood punishments, and emotional-support chipmunks, the guys break down comedy in real time with nonstop riffs and punchlines. A sharp, fast, behind-the-scenes look at how comedians build material.

In Episode 42 of Chasing Comedy, Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin break down the realities of modern stand-up — from scripted crowd-work clips and the artifice of reality TV to micro-celebrity culture and the struggle of fitting new bits into a set. The guys swap stories about tiny-crowd drop-ins from huge comics, debate the “pretentious waiter” joke, and explore how comedians cope (or don’t) with today’s chaos. A fun, insightful look at how jokes are built, tested, and rewritten.

Brian and Dustin dive into a wild mix of comedy talk, music stories, and full-on riff chaos. They swap tales about weird concerts, opening for the wrong famous people (looking at you, Sinatra Jr.), and the pain of performing after a punk band empties a festival tent for free pizza. They also workshop new jokes about followers, Jesus, Jonestown, and what modern festival really matches “high-energy crowds.”Then the guys spiral into an epic brainstorm: a gritty, prestige-TV reboot of Scooby-Doo starring a burned-out Shaggy, washed-up Daphne, and a whole new set of weird modern mysteries. Plus: Ben & Jerry’s drama, Saudi comedy festivals, and why comedians don’t threaten anybody’s power anymore.Fast, funny, and full of riffing — classic Chasing Comedy.

Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin explore whether AI can actually write stand-up comedy — or if it’s just digital hackery. From Dustin’s wild Mexico vacation story to Brian’s Franken Berry childhood confession, the guys test AI’s punchlines, roast bad metaphors, and debate what makes real comedians irreplaceable. A hilarious, thought-provoking episode about the heart, timing, and chaos of live comedy.

Chasing Comedy Episode 39 dives into the chaos of stand-up at arenas, growing up in a dysfunctional family, and why sometimes you just have to let Scooby-Doo save the bit. Comedians Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden shares stories of trying new jokes in front of 18,000 people, family vacations gone sideways, and the unsexy truth of long-term relationships — all with plenty of comedy detours along the way.

🎙️ In Episode 38 of Chasing Comedy, Brian Scott McFadden sits down with Boston comedy legend Tony V to talk about the roots of the Boston comedy scene, his stories from Aruba and Vegas with Robin Williams and Bobcat Goldthwait, and his philosophy on stand-up. From acting in CODA and The Town to crafting bits about coffee, science, and self-driving hearses, Tony shares sharp insights and hilarious stories that showcase why he’s one of comedy’s greats.

Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin dive into the absurd world of cruise ship buffets, Titanic “hot poor privilege,” and a Chipmunk-costumed fling that sparks a furry confession. Along the way they meet the “GOAT of shoplifting,” roast their therapists for taking August off, and put AI comedy to the test in a wild A.I.merican Idol segment.

Host Brian Scott McFadden is joined by comedian and wordplay wizard Myq Kaplan (Comedy Central, Netflix, Amazon, Dry Bar) for a fast, funny, and thoughtful conversation about the craft of comedy.They dive into Myq’s obsession with language, the balance between writing and performance, and why sometimes the journey of a joke matters more than the punchline. Along the way, you’ll hear riffs about:Hamlet’s “Tooth B or Not Tooth B”Couples that share everything… including squids and monksSteakhouse hecklers and comedy tropesMeditation, noticing, and the creative processA mix of philosophy, absurdity, and punchlines, this episode captures what makes Myq’s comedy unique—and why he’s one of the most inventive comics working today.🔗 Follow Myq at myqkaplan.com and subscribe to his Substack for more comedy & wordplay.

In this episode of Chasing Comedy, Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin dive into cruise ship chaos, dark family stories, and the emotional toll of being funny through pain. Dustin shares his wild excursion through a fake jungle in Mexico—complete with dead fish, fake monkeys, and sewage leaks—while another reflects on caring for a dying father and somehow finding humor in the moment.They also unpack supplement obsession (St. John’s Wort, Alpha Brain, Adderall), rage issues, and the mysterious “Anything and Everything” shoplifter who may be the most enlightened thief of all time.From paddleboarding through fish guts to Gilligan’s Island with Oprah and Skippy from Family Ties—this one’s messy, deep, and hilarious.

🎙️ In this episode of Chasing Comedy, Dustin Chafin is joined by comedian Greg Romero Wilson (The Greg Wilson) for a wild ride through the world of stand-up, self-tape auditions, old-school gaming consoles, and TikTok fame. Greg shares hilarious stories about SpectraVision regrets, a bizarre anti-pedophile PSA series, his jingle-writing hustle, and why Red Bull is “liquid cocaine.” They also dive into patriot cosplay, fake camo shame, and the time a rogue shot glass injured an audience member mid-show. A fast, funny, and revealing episode you don’t want to miss.

Chasing Comedy Episode 33 with professional comedians Brian Scott McFadden and Charles McBee!On this episode of Chasing Comedy, Brian Scott McFadden chats with comedian and writer Charles McBee about viral video comedy, nostalgic obsessions, and stand-up comedy's evolution in the digital age. From candy cigarettes to Hostess cakes and seahorse reproduction, they dive deep into weird bits, strange pets, and how Charles crafts his hilarious throwback content. Plus, the Wheel of Premises sparks a wild riff on parrots, snakes, and Komodo dragons.

Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden tackle everything from hotel breakfast scams and Salvation Army punchlines to the comedy gold hidden in your mom’s junk drawer. They break down the difference between club comics and podcast stars, take jabs at modern military fashion, and even put AI to the test as a comedy writer. It’s a hilarious deep dive into bits that bomb, bits that kill, and the weird stuff people keep in drawers.

In Episode 31 of Chasing Comedy, Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin dive headfirst into a hilarious, soul-baring journey through comedy, childhood trauma, and bizarre religious rules. Dustin opens up about his past as a Mormon missionary (yes, with a masturbation ruling from church elders!) while Brian shares the story of writing a murder mystery at age 8, complete with toilet paper punchlines and devastating fatherly critiques.The comics tackle everything from bizarre Mormon caffeine bans to the rise of terrifyingly convincing AI deepfakes. Brian reveals his lifelong obsession with Hamlet, dreams of staging Shakespeare in a comedy club, and the haunting insecurity of being labeled “comedy’s best kept secret.” They also riff on boxers vs. fashion designers (De La Hoya vs. De La Renta!), Simon Cowell as a dad, and what it means to be held hostage by the need for laughs.Don’t miss this raw and funny episode full of industry insights, philosophical breakdowns, and jokes that might have been buried in Cub Scout scripts… but are finally getting their due.

This episode of Chasing Comedy is part therapy session, part comedy jam, and part complete derailment — in the best possible way. Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin explore everything from existential crises to cruise gigs, from fake celebrity stand-up to the ethics of charging a dying man for comedy coaching. (Yes, you read that right.)🧠 Topics Covered Include:Dustin coaching a man with terminal cancer for his one and only stand-up setBrian’s struggle with mushrooms, misophonia, and writing bits that don’t landThe psychology of bits that get huge applause but lead nowhereA surreal debate on whether Ben Vereen should replace Hugh Jackman as WolverineA comedy bit so convoluted it made the entire panel question realityThe rise and fall of Rob Schneider in Jaws (and yes, Rob Reiner is mentioned too)The fine art of bombing on cruises and the dream of getting helicoptered off a shipA heartfelt dive into how comedy evolves when you’ve been doing it for decades🎭 Plus:A debate on the comedic weight of the name "Albert Einstein"Deep U2 album references (Achtung Baby fans, unite!)Real moments sneak in amidst the chaos—yes, they do existThe guys brainstorm TikTok mashups of famous actors and characters that almost make senseThe episode ends with a meditation on AI, resource scarcity, and whether it's worth drying up an African water supply for a mid-tier Photoshop bit (weirdly, yes).Whether you're a comic, a comedy fan, or someone who’s just here for the mushroom-fueled wilderness therapy talk—hit that bell. This is comedy behind the curtain, raw and unfiltered.

Chasing Comedy Episode 29 with professional comedians Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden!Join Brian and Dustin as they riff on the art of crafting bits, testing what makes people laugh and what totally flops. On this episode, we explore everything from the nuances of horror films and the power of nostalgia to the hilarity of failed attempts at stand-up, old tv brands, bootleg dvds, modern comedy specials, spiritual medicine, food choices, DB Cooper, and so much more!

Chasing Comedy Episode 28 with hosts professional comedians Dustin Chafin and Jason Salmon!This week, comedian Jason Salmon joins the show and instantly turns it into a southern-fried TED Talk with punchlines. From grammar elitism to the metaphysics of bacon, this episode pinballs between hilarity and heartfelt like a Hot Pocket in a microwave—dangerous, unpredictable, and probably best consumed after dark.🔥 What’s Inside This Jam-Packed Episode:The wild history of the Dallas Mavericks and sports-based identity traumaWhether Luka Doncic is Charles Barkley 2.0 or just a Slovenian with a six-pack of ShinerLSD perfect games in Pittsburgh and why drugs deserve a second Hall of FameComedy bits that collide with Bill Burr’s… awkwardlyJason’s grammar-based revenge on social media and why correcting “your/you’re” is the nuclear optionHow bacon became a bi-annual religious experienceA Texas accent gets rejected by a casting director from New Jersey and Jason nearly commits regional warStand-up vs cruise gigs, and how to make your dirtiest clip with nothing but a porn-stache referenceGen X defined: from Star Wars to Nirvana, with a pit stop at O.J. Simpson’s downfallA deep dive into masculinity, vulnerability, emotional closeness, and why guys start conversations with “Yo, you see the Mavs game?”🌀 Jason reflects on how stand-up helped him reconnect with his Southern roots—and how being mistaken for a Texan caricature got him in hot water with coastal casting agents. Meanwhile, Dustin and Jason bond over Hot Pockets, Lunchables, and the social politics of empathy and AMC Stubs.💬 "We started with A New Hope, and ended with Nevermind. That’s Gen X, baby."💬 "YouTube is a great dad... but also your weird conspiracy friend."Whether you're a grammar nerd, a hoops junkie, or just someone who eats bacon like it’s a baptism, this episode delivers soul food for your funny bone.📺 Jason’s special Biscuits and Gravity is on YouTube now. Just don’t misread the title and expect actual biscuits.

Chasing Comedy Episode 27 with professional comedians Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFaddenWe’re diving into the wild world of comedy, and this episode is all about the glorious mess of crafting jokes! I mean, we’re literally chasing comedy here, folks—working on bits, seeing what sticks, and figuring out what absolutely stinks. On this week's episode, Brian and Dustin look to find the humor in weighted blankets, growing up as a third generation stand-up comic, family dynamics, Katy Perry, celebrities and internet anger, Snarf and the Thundercats, impact of drugs on music, evolution of band names, and so much more!