Laughing Liberally Arizona

15 Episodes
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By: Phil Gordon

Tucson comics Phil Gordon and Dave Margolis lampoon current politics and relevant showbiz news. We bring a mix of live stand-up comedy, satirical talk, and interviews with fake guests including Donald Trump, Prince Andrew, Al Pacino, Elvis, and more.

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Yes…And: Laughing Liberally Arizona with Chris Seidman
Yes…And: Laughing Liberally Arizona with Chris Seidman episode artwork
Yesterday at 7:42 PM

Improv veteran Chris Seidman joins Laughing Liberally Arizona for a conversation that goes wherever the scene takes it. First comes the story of Jack Weaver: what really happened when he left The Beatles, and the secrets from his time with the band. Then Chris talks about his own path, from his roots in California and Tucson to stand-up and a long career in improv. Along the way we talk about how far improv reaches today, the recognition it's earned, and Chris's experience with UCB. It's a "Yes…And" kind of hour, full of laughs, tangents and comedy history.


LLAZ visits with Laughing Liberally Milwaukee Host Matt Filipowicz on Comedy, Community & Wisconsin's Battleground Politics
LLAZ visits with Laughing Liberally Milwaukee Host Matt Filipowicz on Comedy, Community & Wisconsin's Battleground Politics episode artwork
10/29/2026

Comedian Matt Filipowicz, founder of Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, joins us to talk about how he ended up in Milwaukee and got involved with the Living Liberally network. We take a detour into Brewers fandom, Bob Uecker and Milwaukee pride, then dig into what the Laughing Liberally show and podcast look like in practice, how the Arizona chapter grew, and what political range belongs on a comedy stage. Matt also breaks down why Wisconsin is such a pivotal battleground for democracy, what recent protests and turnout say about the state's political energy, and what kind of Democratic politics should emerge heading...


Trump vs. Carney: The Tariff Debate Nobody Asked For (feat. Jordan Cheyne)
Trump vs. Carney: The Tariff Debate Nobody Asked For (feat. Jordan Cheyne) episode artwork
10/28/2026

We open with a parody debate where Trump and Carney trade tariff jokes, insults and absurd Canada–U.S. jabs. A moderator tries to steer them through foreign policy, scandals, defense and Canadian sovereignty, and fails. It falls apart further over Quebec, Canadian stereotypes and colonial comparisons before a fake ad break.

Then comedian Jordan Cheyne joins us. He talks about going from Canadian pro cyclist to U.S.-based comic after an injury changed his path. He also covers coaching, cycling culture, what the sport costs you and what makes it beautiful, his comedy influences, finding a...


Laughing Liberally Arizona: Comedy Store legend Joey Gaynor w/Frank Sinatra
Laughing Liberally Arizona: Comedy Store legend Joey Gaynor w/Frank Sinatra episode artwork
10/27/2026

We open with satire and fake sponsors, then an AI-powered séance with Frank Sinatra. He talks about singing for the Kennedy campaign, the Rat Pack, modern music and politics, and he leaves listeners with a final message. Then comedian Joey Gaynor joins us. He went from aspiring rock singer to stand-up, sneaking into the Comedy Store to watch legends up close, and he became a regular there. He tells stories about Sam Kinison's rise and the chaos offstage, explains how his name ended up on the Comedy Store wall, and talks about why he moved to Tucson and w...


Laughing Liberally Arizona: Comedy Store legend Joey Gaynor w/Frank Sinatra
10/23/2026

We open with satire and fake sponsors, then an AI-powered séance with Frank Sinatra. He talks about singing for the Kennedy campaign, the Rat Pack, modern music and politics, and he leaves listeners with a final message. Then comedian Joey Gaynor joins us. He went from aspiring rock singer to stand-up, sneaking into the Comedy Store to watch legends up close, and he became a regular there. He tells stories about Sam Kinison's rise and the chaos offstage, explains how his name ended up on the Comedy Store wall, and talks about why he moved to Tucson and w...


Laughing Liberally Arizona: Monica Bauer: From the Stage to the Ballot and Back
10/21/2026

Playwright, storyteller, former Political Science professor and congressional candidate Monica Bauer joins us ahead of her new one-woman show at Tucson's Invisible Theatre. We talk about what the play is about and what audiences can expect. Monica also explains how she went from stand-up and storytelling to running for Congress in Nebraska, and what that race taught her. Then we get into why she thinks America's checks and balances are breaking down, what is really going on in Nebraska politics, why she chose Tucson, and who gives her hope for the future of Democratic politics. To finish, Monica shares how...


Laughing Liberally Arizona: Interview with Comedian Mike Harris
10/05/2026

An interview with Phoenix-based comedian Mike Harris. Mike shares how he got into stand-up and compares the Phoenix and Tucson comedy scenes, talks about performing with older comics and working with Kristen Levanway for senior audiences, and performs a full stand-up set. Afterward, we chat about music, venues, and upcoming Phoenix-area shows, then dig into the mentors and influences that have shaped his comedy.


Episode 9:Phil & Dave review Trevor Noah's new special and Roert Mac live in Tucson; plus an October quiz
10/02/2026

Phil Gordon is joined by Dave Margolis for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from comedy to politics and back again. They dig into Robert Mac's recent set and the surrounding club lineup, then break down Trevor Noah's latest special — his audience connection, political material, and standout bits. From there the conversation turns to current political hearings, misinformation, and what's worth paying attention to, with a few show recommendations along the way. Expect comedy plugs, trivia, a long detour through baseball history, October themes including a Reggie Jackson stretch and some songbook trivia, and a close-out on the heating-up Arizona state ra...


Giuliani Hides in the Closet, October Birthdays, and the Democrats' Next Move
#7
09/23/2026

Dave opens with an absurd bit — Rudy Giuliani reflects on 9/11 and ends up hiding in his forfeited townhouse closet before panicking at aircraft noise and bolting. Phil arrives to react, then the show rolls into a sprawling October birthdays segment (Julie Andrews, Travis Kelce, John Lennon, Charlie Kirk, Eminem, Peter Max, Snoop Dogg, Kim Kardashian, and more) that keeps veering into pop culture and sharper political commentary — Kamala Harris and the challenge of defining a Democratic agenda, impressions of Mamdani, and why Netanyahu is hanging on. The hour closes with baseball, black-cat nostalgia, and a return to 9/11 remembrance and criticism of T...


Trump Rallies, Playoff Baseball, and Arizona's Voucher Mess
#6
09/23/2026

This week we open with a political roast — Trump myths, macho posturing, and the rally spectacle — before turning to a more serious look at aging political leaders and how the media covers it all. Then it's on to America's pastime: MLB pennant races, playoff formats, contenders, MVP debates, player safety, and our World Series picks. We close on Arizona: the ESA voucher controversy and the case against privatized education spending, plus a look ahead at key state races and campaign ads shaping the election.


The Pope's White Sox Hat, Baseball Dynasties, a Dolly Parton Salute & Sean Connery is Alive and Well
The Pope's White Sox Hat, Baseball Dynasties, a Dolly Parton Salute & Sean Connery is Alive and Well episode artwork
#6
09/11/2026

In this episode we start with the Pope's now-famous White Sox hat and where that puts him in the eternal Cubs–Sox rivalry, then wander through baseball's great family dynasties — the Alous, the Berras, and the rest. A faux-Bible bit spins out into an absurd Sean Connery comeback, which sets up a riff on Connery's legacy, celebrity Cameo cash grabs, and a quick tease on AI. We close with a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton and sign off.


Argentinian Beef, Comedy Dynasties, and a Surprise James Carville Cameo
Argentinian Beef, Comedy Dynasties, and a Surprise James Carville Cameo episode artwork
09/05/2026

The gang kicks things off with Arizona politics, sports, and a look back at the podcast's origins, then dives into a satirical bit about the Trump administration importing 100 million metric tons of Argentinian beef. From there it's birthday-lunch banter that spirals into a rundown of famous comedy family dynasties, a birthday-calendar segment with pop culture riffs and a long baseball detour, and finally a surprise appearance from James Carville that blends Arizona midterm politics with some truly absurd alligator comedy.


Al Pacino Goes Indoor Camping (and Makes S'mores)
Al Pacino Goes Indoor Camping (and Makes S'mores) episode artwork
#3
08/13/2026

Episode 3 opens with birthday banter and a fond memory of Steve Martin's staying power before Al Pacino finally arrives — and immediately takes us on a tour of the most absurd indoor camping setup you've ever seen. He fields the eternal s'mores question (classic or Hershey?), improvises a campfire substitute in his living room, and then... sirens. The apartment fire gag lands, everyone signs off with a safety joke, and the show closes out with a post-Pacino wrap-up you won't want to miss.


Chicago Comedy Scene, Deli Culture, and Ballpark Fandom
Chicago Comedy Scene, Deli Culture, and Ballpark Fandom episode artwork
#2
08/12/2026

In this episode, we kick things off with a rebrand update and some opening banter before diving into a recent Chicago trip — including a look at the city's comedy scene. Expect a deep dive into Jewish deli food, the cultural divide between White Sox and Cubs fandom, and stories from inside baseball clubhouses — plus a preview of an upcoming August guest and reflections on where the show is headed.


Laughing Liberally Arizona
Laughing Liberally Arizona episode artwork
07/07/2026

Veteran Tucson comedians Dave Margolis and Phil Gordon host this weekly political comedy show lampooning current popular culture.  The show features live stand-up comedy with lively satirical commentary.  Featured fake guests appear regularly including Donald Trump, Prince Andrew, Bernie Sanders, Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, Elvis and the 2026 year old man.