Breaking Bread with Tom Papa

Billy Gardell joins Tom Papa to share how rebuilding his health led him back to stand-up, and why he had to begin again at open mics. They revisit the last-chance audition that became Mike & Molly, the lessons of James Burrows, and the family relationships that keep Billy grounded as he returns to touring. Billy Gardell is touring now! Married Moments is also out now. Our thanks to: IQ Bar! Text PAPA to 64000 to get twenty percent off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. ASPCA Pet Insurance! Go to https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/PAPA to find out more. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. For terms and conditions visit: https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/more-info/state-documents-and-sample-policies/. Products are underwritten by either Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581), or United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113) and distributed by PTZ Insurance Agency Ltd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Tiana and Tom trade stories about difficult rooms, Dodgers jokes, writing for sports television, and finding meaningful ideas without making comedy feel like a lecture. Sarah Tiana also shares her elaborate slot-machine routine and discusses Women’s Sports Now on ESPN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jo Koy and Tom Papa trade stories about arena comedy, Eddie Murphy's Raw, crowd work and the lifelong pull of stand-up. Jo Koy also discusses the family inspiration behind his Netflix special Blue in the Face and how real conversations become stage material. Jo's special Blue in the Face is out now. His book Mixed Plate is also out now. Our thanks to: Factor! Head to FACTORMEALS.com/papa50off and use code papa50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Jack Archer! Go to JackArcher.com, and use promo code GETJACK for 15% off your first order, and see why thousands of people have given the Jetsetter Tech pant five stars Monarch! Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PAPA at monarch.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Holmes joins Tom Papa for a candid conversation about bombing, the need to feel understood, and the strange mental and physical work behind stand-up. They also talk about faith, parenthood, life in Ojai, status anxiety, and Pete Holmes's first children's book, Spells to Cast on Your Parents. Check out Pete's tour dates here! Pete Holmes's first children's book, Spells to Cast on Your Parents, is available for preorder now and out in September. He wrote it for his daughter and made the artwork with tape. Our thanks to IQ Bar! Text PAPA to 64000 to get twenty percent off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Ahdoot joins Tom Papa to talk about the accidental making of his new comedy special, Yes, I Am Falafel Phil, and the challenge of keeping proven material alive. They also get into wine snobbery, a spectacular dinner with Ralph Macchio, Broadway disappointments, New York food lines, and the pleasures that no sleep score can measure. Dan's book UNDERCOOKED is out now. His special YES, I AM FALAFEL PHIL is out now. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 Dan Ahdoot Can't Play the Hits Like Musicians 00:37 Dan Ahdoot Returns With Wine 05:52 Gen Z, Drinking, and Longevity 10:05 QR Codes and Lost Etiquette 15:43 Leaving Los Angeles for New York 23:19 The Mocktail Scam 26:10 Favorite Bottles and Wine Cheat Codes 32:05 Dinner With Ralph Macchio 37:47 The Broadway Show They Hated 42:01 An Accidental Comedy Special 44:35 Building the Next Stand-Up Hour 52:13 TikTok Takes Over New York Food 55:19 Steakhouses and Cigar Culture 1:01:39 Why Weed Shrinks Your World 1:04:23 The Perfect Martini 1:07:25 Dan Ahdoot Studies Wine 1:10:03 A Janitor With a Deed 1:12:44 Bread and Sourdough Cookies 1:15:30 Where to Watch the Special Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices