Breaking Bread with Tom Papa
Comedian Tom Papa mixes comedy and carbs for hilarious and revealing conversations with a wide range of talented guests. Served fresh weekly.Â
Judd Apatow: Documenting Norm Macdonald and Maria Bamford
Judd Apatow sits down with Tom Papa for a warm, funny conversation about Norm Macdonald, Maria Bamford and a lifetime spent preserving comedy. Along the way, he recalls an unforgettable night with Rodney Dangerfield, explains his digital hoarding habit and reflects on the creative guilt that keeps comedians working. Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald and Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story are streaming now on Netflix. Judd's film The Comeback King is in theaters February 5, 2027. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mark Cuban: Insurance Companies Are Not Your Friend
Mark Cuban joins Tom Papa to reveal what really happens after a Shark Tank deal, explain why AI will transform work, and break down the problems hidden inside Americaâs healthcare system. They also talk about Cost Plus Drugs, family, wealth, Indiana football, and the airline pass that once let Mark Cuban fly almost anywhere.
Check out Cost Plus Drugs at costplusdrugs.com, check out the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp at markcubanai.org
Our thanks to Helix! Go to helixsleep.com/PAPA for 20% off sitewide.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...
Josh Johnson: Elon Musk Hecklers and Changing Minds
Josh Johnson talks with Tom Papa about developing his stand-up voice, hosting The Daily Show and why creative skill cannot be outsourced to AI. He also explains how Comedy Band Camp turns a live show into a community experience and why even a great set cannot silence a comedian's self-doubt. Josh's tour Comedy Band Camp is on the road now. Josh Johnson Comedy YouTube is out now. CHAPTERS 00:00 Josh Johnson Says Elon Musk Sounds Broke 02:56 Finding His Stand-Up Voice 12:08 Why AI Cannot Replace Creative Skill 17:12 Nine Years at The Daily Show 22:49 Hosting The Daily Show 25:38 How Politics Entered the Stand-Up 37:26...
Max Amini: A Joke for Every Country
Max Amini joins Tom Papa to talk about building a global stand-up audience through crowd work, curiosity and comedy in both English and Farsi. He shares stories from growing up in Iran, directing James the Second and shaping a live show that changes with every room. They also discuss his upcoming special and worldwide tour. Max's film James the Second comes up in this episode. Max's next special is on the way. Max's international tour is on the road now. CHAPTERS 00:00 Max Amini Knows How to Joke With Any Country 03:58 Directing James the Second 07:08 Building a Stand-Up Career on Instinct 09:51...
Chuck Lorre: A Life in Sitcoms
Chuck Lorre joins Tom Papa to talk about his book Sitcom and the improbable road from aspiring songwriter to one of televisionâs most influential comedy creators. They dig into Two and a Half Men and the Charlie Sheen years Chuck admits he was in denial about, The Big Bang Theory, Roseanne, casting Jon Cryer, and the creative rules that keep audiences laughing and caring.
Chuck's book Sitcom: A Memoir is out now.
Chuck's show Leanne is out now.
Chuck's show Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is on the way.
Se...
Zach Zucker: Turning Stamptown into a Netflix Special
Tom sits down with Zach Zucker for a freewheeling conversation about cheating on the ACT, finding his artistic home in French clown school and bringing his creative family to Netflix with Stamptown. Zach also explains the Iams voiceovers keeping the operation alive and the full-circle moment that took him back to Ătampes. Zach's special Stamptown is out now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brian Posehn: The Big Bang Theory Spinoff
Brian Posehn joins Tom Papa to talk about nearly 40 years in stand-up, his lifelong love of metal and Rush, and the call that brought him into a new HBO Max show from the Big Bang Theory universe. They also get into Star Wars, The Mandalorian, Deadpool, creator-owned comics, and the joy of building a career around everything that made Brian Posehn a smart, weird kid.
Brian plays Bert in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the Big Bang Theory spinoff, streaming now on HBO Max.
Brian's stand-up tour is on the road now.
...
Milan Patel: Growing Up Running a Motel
Milan Patel and Tom trade stories about motel guests, hotel etiquette, Hinge, public pools, TSA PreCheck, and the strange calculations people make during flight delays. Plus, Milan Patel talks about The Paper, his upcoming dates with Anthony Jeselnik, and why Cybertrucks may have finally found their calling.
Catch Milan in an upcoming episode of The Paper!
Milan opens for Anthony Jeselnik in San Diego and Phoenix this December.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy...
Milan Patel: Growing Up Running a Motel
Milan Patel and Tom trade stories about motel guests, hotel etiquette, Hinge, public pools, TSA PreCheck, and the strange calculations people make during flight delays. Plus, Milan Patel talks about The Paper, his upcoming dates with Anthony Jeselnik, and why Cybertrucks may have finally found their calling.
Catch Milan in an upcoming episode of The Paper!
Milan opens for Anthony Jeselnik in San Diego and Phoenix this December.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sam Morril: Why Happiness Hurt His Stand-Up
Sam Morril sits down with Tom Papa for a conversation about the Knicks, unforgettable bombs, classic film noir, and taking creative risks for the right reasons. They also get into Sam Morril's new Netflix special and the movie he spent two years making on the road.
Sam Morril's new Netflix special, Incorrect, is out now. His tour mockumentary is coming to Netflix early next year.
This episode is sponsored by Monarch. Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PAPA at monarch.com
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Sam Morril: Why Happiness Hurt His Stand-Up
Sam Morril sits down with Tom Papa for a conversation about the Knicks, unforgettable bombs, classic film noir, and taking creative risks for the right reasons. They also get into Sam Morril's new Netflix special and the movie he spent two years making on the road.
Sam Morril's new Netflix special, Incorrect, is out now. His tour mockumentary is coming to Netflix early next year.
This episode is sponsored by Monarch. Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PAPA at monarch.com
...
Bedouine Was Devastated When She Left Saudi Arabia
Tom sits down with Azniv Korkejian for a conversation about growing up between Saudi Arabia and the United States, turning nostalgia into songs, and discovering a new sense of presence through parenthood. Azniv Korkejian also shares plans for her upcoming tour and the eclectic musical influences that shaped her work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 00:00 Bedouine Was Devastated When She Left Saudi Arabia 03:03 The new album and going independent 09:14 Turning family history into an album 18:29 Growing up in Saudi Arabia 24:20 How songwriting really happens 30:28 Creative friction with a trusted partner 34:30 Azniv Korkejian on Roger Waters 37:14 Searching for a sense of belonging 41:32 Nostalgia, healing...
Bedouine Was Devastated When She Left Saudi Arabia
Tom sits down with Azniv Korkejian for a conversation about growing up between Saudi Arabia and the United States, turning nostalgia into songs, and discovering a new sense of presence through parenthood. Azniv Korkejian also shares plans for her upcoming tour and the eclectic musical influences that shaped her work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 00:00 Bedouine Was Devastated When She Left Saudi Arabia 03:03 The new album and going independent 09:14 Turning family history into an album 18:29 Growing up in Saudi Arabia 24:20 How songwriting really happens 30:28 Creative friction with a trusted partner 34:30 Azniv Korkejian on Roger Waters 37:14 Searching for a sense of belonging 41:32 Nostalgia, healing...
Billy Gardell: The Health Decision That Sent Him Back to Open Mics
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...
Billy Gardell: The Health Decision That Sent Him Back to Open Mics
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...
Episode 347 - Sarah Tiana
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 Womenâs Sports Now on ESPN.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Episode 347 - Sarah Tiana
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 Womenâs Sports Now on ESPN.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode 346 - Jo Koy
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.
...
Episode 346 - Jo Koy
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.
...
Episode 345 - Pete Holmes
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...
Episode 345 - Pete Holmes
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...
Episode 344 - Dan Ahdoot
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...
Episode 344 - Dan Ahdoot
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...
Episode 343 - Jeff Arcuri
Jeff Arcuri joins Tom Papa to talk about his Netflix special Nice to Meet You, the strange luck behind great crowd work, and the Comedy Cellar experiences that helped him trust his comedy. They get into rough tapings, online success, creative anxiety, and why a new joke landing still beats everything else.
Jeff's Netflix special NICE TO MEET YOU is out now.
Our thanks to:
Monarch! Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PAPA at monarch.com
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<...Episode 343 - Jeff Arcuri
Jeff Arcuri joins Tom Papa to talk about his Netflix special Nice to Meet You, the strange luck behind great crowd work, and the Comedy Cellar experiences that helped him trust his comedy. They get into rough tapings, online success, creative anxiety, and why a new joke landing still beats everything else.
Jeff's Netflix special NICE TO MEET YOU is out now.
Our thanks to:
Monarch! Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PAPA at monarch.com
----------------------------------------------------------
<...Episode 342 - Gianmarco Soresi
This week we welcome Gianmarco Soresi to the table! He and Tom talk about the easy things, you know, like weddings, funerals, religion, and relationships. Laughs abound! Enjoy! Our thanks to: ASPCA Pet Insurance! Visit â https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/PAPAâ to explore care options. Monarch! Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PAPA at â monarch.comâ
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Episode 342 - Gianmarco Soresi
This week we welcome Gianmarco Soresi to the table! He and Tom talk about the easy things, you know, like weddings, funerals, religion, and relationships. Laughs abound! Enjoy! Our thanks to: ASPCA Pet Insurance! Visit â https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/PAPAâ to explore care options. Monarch! Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PAPA at â monarch.comâ
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode 341 - David Wain
This week we welcome David Wain to the table! The Wet Hot American Summer Writer & Director talks with Tom about Cleveland, working with Steph Curry, and raising kids. Enjoy!
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.
Jack Archer: Right now, Jack Archer is offering our listeners 15% off your first order with promo code GETJACK. Go to JackArcher.com, and use promo code GETJACK for 15% off your first order, and see why thousands of people have...
Episode 341 - David Wain
This week we welcome David Wain to the table! The Wet Hot American Summer Writer & Director talks with Tom about Cleveland, working with Steph Curry, and raising kids. Enjoy!
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.
Jack Archer: Right now, Jack Archer is offering our listeners 15% off your first order with promo code GETJACK. Go to JackArcher.com, and use promo code GETJACK for 15% off your first order, and see why thousands of people have...
Episode 340 - Jenna Fischer
This weekend we welcome Jenna Fischer to the pod! Jenna is author of two books. She hosts the Office Ladies Podcast along with Angela Kinsey, and she stars in the upcoming film Nimrods, in theaters August 14! We're so thrilled to have her join us at the table.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Episode 340 - Jenna Fischer
This weekend we welcome Jenna Fischer to the pod! Jenna is author of two books. She hosts the Office Ladies Podcast along with Angela Kinsey, and she stars in the upcoming film Nimrods, in theaters August 14! We're so thrilled to have her join us at the table.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode 339 - Todd Glass
This week we welcome Todd Glass to the table! He and Tom chat all about comedy, touring, and writing. Plus food, of course! Enjoy!
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.
Square! Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/papa! #squarepod
Quince! Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/papa.
...
Episode 339 - Todd Glass
This week we welcome Todd Glass to the table! He and Tom chat all about comedy, touring, and writing. Plus food, of course! Enjoy!
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.
Square! Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/papa! #squarepod
Quince! Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/papa.
...
Episode 338 - Ali Siddiq
This week we welcome Ali Siddiq to the table! He and Tom talk all about building a comedy special, the first celebrities they had crushes on, and of course, fatherhood. Enjoy!
Our thanks to:
Monarch: Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PAPA at monarch.com
IQ Bar: Text PAPA to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
<...Episode 338 - Ali Siddiq
This week we welcome Ali Siddiq to the table! He and Tom talk all about building a comedy special, the first celebrities they had crushes on, and of course, fatherhood. Enjoy!
Our thanks to:
Monarch: Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PAPA at monarch.com
IQ Bar: Text PAPA to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode 337 - Leslie Jones
This week Leslie Jones joins Tom at the table! She brings life advice, new breads for Tom to bake, and a lot of comedy tea. Enjoy! Our thanks to: 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! ASPCA Pet Insurance! The ASPCAÂŽ Pet Health Insurance program offers customizable accident and illness plans that can fit your budget, your lifestyle, and even your petâs particular quirks. To explore coverage, visit ASPCApetinsurance.com/PAPA. Leesa! We love our Lee...
Episode 337 - Leslie Jones
This week Leslie Jones joins Tom at the table! She brings life advice, new breads for Tom to bake, and a lot of comedy tea. Enjoy! Our thanks to: 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! ASPCA Pet Insurance! The ASPCAÂŽ Pet Health Insurance program offers customizable accident and illness plans that can fit your budget, your lifestyle, and even your petâs particular quirks. To explore coverage, visit ASPCApetinsurance.com/PAPA. Leesa! We love our Lee...
Episode 336 - Jake Johnson
This week we invite Jake Johnson to the table! He brings a special guest, and chats all about writing, acting, and helping his mother travel from Chicago to Los Angeles. Enjoy!
Our thanks to:
IQ Bar! Text PAPA to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply.
Sheath! Sheath. The underwear of legends. Go to https://www.sheath.com/PAPA and use code PAPA for 20% off.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
See...
Episode 336 - Jake Johnson
This week we invite Jake Johnson to the table! He brings a special guest, and chats all about writing, acting, and helping his mother travel from Chicago to Los Angeles. Enjoy!
Our thanks to:
IQ Bar! Text PAPA to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply.
Sheath! Sheath. The underwear of legends. Go to https://www.sheath.com/PAPA and use code PAPA for 20% off.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode 335 - Joe Dombrowski
This week we welcome Joe Dombrowski to the table! He and Tom talk parenthood and adoption, putting together a comedy special, and the joys of fishing. Enjoy!
Our thanks to:
IQ Bar! Text PAPA to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply.
Factor! Start your free trial and get 50% off your first year of total money clarity using link www.monarch.com/PAPA or code PAPA
Quince! Upgrade your summer kitchen. Go to Quince...
