logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2019
31m 28s

How To Be Funny

Slate Podcasts
About this episode

How do you learn to tell the perfect joke? In this episode of How To! A pastor from Oklahoma wants to spice up his sermons from the pulpit. So we introduce him to Gary Gulman, a New York standup comedian who makes jokes about his clinical depression in the new HBO comedy special The Great Depresh. The lesson? “Man plans, and God laughs.” But only if you nail the delivery.

(This episode first aired on July 30, 2019)

Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Jun 2024
How To Move Past Your Toxic Ex
After Lin met Dave, their lives quickly became entangled. Lin joined Dave’s small business, made much-needed improvements, and charmed Dave’s family. The two also began a romantic relationship that lasted years. When it fizzled, Lin continued working at the company—and eventually ... Show More
44m 59s
Jun 2024
How To Be Lonely
Paula has a big family, lots of friends, and a girlfriend she adores. For most of her life, however, she has experienced an underlying and unshakeable sense of loneliness. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on Kristen Radtke, the writer and illustrator behind Seek ... Show More
42m 30s
May 2024
How To Take a Gap Year
Leo is a high-achieving high school senior on the cusp of graduation. Growing up in a rigorous school environment he faced endless pressure to follow the expected track of attending an elite university and eventually securing a good job. Yet, Leo feels slightly unfulfilled and is ... Show More
44m 28s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2021
Comedy's Top Dog: John Mulaney or Dave Chappelle?
Dave Chappelle covered this Pepe LePew thing twenty years ago. Dave is also up for this week's Comedy's Top Dog. He takes on THREE time defending champion John Mulaney. Vote at www.instagram.com/dailycomedynews Comedy Central is working on a new special AND a podcast with Roy Woo ... Show More
10m 49s
Jun 2016
How to Be Funny (Even When You’re Not): David Nihill
This week, our in-depth conversation features David Nihill. Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, David, like so man of us, had a deep fear of public speaking. But, he found himself having to face this head on, when he reluctantly agreed to host a benefit comedy show he had suggest ... Show More
54m 49s
Aug 2022
Comedian ADAM RAY: Pushing it Down
Comedian Adam Ray (Young Rock) joins us this week for an awesome episode full of equal parts (1) vulnerability talking about his troubled past and (2) comedic relief that’ll make you laugh. Adam talks about how he got the role of Vince McMahon in Young Rock and how a bit on Insta ... Show More
1h 20m
Feb 2020
Good One Trailer
What goes into writing and telling a joke? Each week, Vulture senior editor Jesse David Fox breaks down a joke with the comedian or performer who told it. New episodes drop Tuesday mornings. From Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p ... Show More
2m 4s
Jan 2021
A new Bill Burr podcast
The Office released a previously unseen cold open in which Dwight considers entering The Matrix. Bill Burr announced he will be doing yet another podcast, this one with Paul Virzi. Buzzfeed did a "do you like this comedian or not" article and Johnny Mac decides to play along and ... Show More
9m 56s
Apr 2021
Howie Mandel on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
This week's Good One features Howie Mandel! Celebrated stand up comedian and TV host, Howie got his start at the Comedy Store in LA in the late '70s. He's known for roles in St. Elsewhere, Bobby's World, Deal or No Deal, America's Got Talent, and so much more. You can stream his ... Show More
1h 21m
Nov 2020
S2 E177: Comedian Brian Regan Talks Vegas Reopening, Getting Back on the Road and More!
Dennis is joined by comedian Brian Regan who talks about Vegas re-opening slowly but surely and getting back on the road to play comedy clubs around the country, which he hasn't played in years. They also chat about starting out, comedy condos, inspiration for jokes, their kids b ... Show More
49m 55s
Mar 2022
10 Years Covering Comedy with the New York Times's Jason Zinoman
This week on Good One, host Jesse David Fox is doing something a little different. Instead of interviewing a successful comedian about one of their bits and how it fits into their comedy, Jesse sat down with fellow comedy journalist Jason Zinoman of the New York Times! Learn more ... Show More
1h 38m
Dec 2020
Chris Rock announces an expanded edition of one of his specials
Chris Rock announced an expanded version of his Tambourine special. A truck crashed into Zanies ruining the Nate Bargatze mural I do not at all understand the joke behind the annual Top 1000 Comedians list but Dave Chappelle is #250 on it. Paul Scheer's got a fun Will Ferrell sto ... Show More
7m 29s