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Maximum Fun is an independent podcast and
radio show A radio program, radio programme, or radio show is a segment of content intended for broadcast on radio. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series. A single program in a series is called an episode. Radio networ ...
production organization founded and run by Jesse Thorn. The organization originated with Thorn's college radio show '' The Sound of Young America'' which continued in an adapted format and with a new name, '' Bullseye with Jesse Thorn''. Maximum Fun has since grown to include several other programs. In May 2014, '' Rolling Stone'' included three Maximum Fun shows on its list of "The 20 Best Comedy Podcasts Right Now": '' Judge John Hodgman'', '' RISK!'', and '' Throwing Shade''.


Current shows


''The Adventure Zone''

'' The Adventure Zone'' is an actual play podcast in which
Griffin The griffin, griffon, or gryphon (Ancient Greek: , ''gryps''; Classical Latin: ''grȳps'' or ''grȳpus''; Late Latin, Late and Medieval Latin: ''gryphes'', ''grypho'' etc.; Old French: ''griffon'') is a legendary creature with the body, tail ...
, Justin, and
Travis McElroy Travis Patrick McElroy ( , born November 8, 1983) is an American podcaster, writer, and comedian. He is known for his work on podcasts such as ''My Brother, My Brother and Me'', '' Shmanners'', '' The Adventure Zone'', and '' Can I Pet Your Dog? ...
play '' Dungeons & Dragons'' and other role-playing games with their father, Clint.


''The Art of Process with Aimee Mann and Ted Leo''


''Baby Geniuses''

''Baby Geniuses'' is a weekly podcast hosted by comedian Emily Heller and cartoonist Lisa Hanawalt. The first episode was released on August 22, 2012, and the show joined Maximum Fun on September 29, 2014. The show currently features segments "Chunch Chat," "Endorse Horse," "One on Fun," "What Did I Learn," and "Butt Pics," in addition to "Wiki of the Week," which forms the bulk of the podcast. Former segments include "Expert Hour," where improv comedians would extemporaneously lie about a topic of interest.


''Beef and Dairy Network Podcast''

''Beef and Dairy Network Podcast'' is a surrealist comedy podcast hosted by
Benjamin Partridge Benjamin Partridge (born 1986) is a Welsh comedy writer, performer and producer. He created the '' Beef And Dairy Network Podcast''. Career Partridge's professional writing career began when he was awarded the BBC Radio Comedy Writers Bursary i ...
, taking the form of a serious companion podcast to a fictional beef and dairy industry trade magazine relating the bizarre happenings in the aforementioned industries.


''Bubble''

Bubble is a scripted science fiction comedy that premiered June 13, 2018. From the Maximum Fun website, "Welcome to Fairhaven, a literal Bubble of corporate utopia set amid the wild, goblin-infested Brush. The first scripted comedy series from Maximum Fun, Bubble tells a tale that is both contemporary and otherworldly, as a small band of monster killers struggles to make ends meet and find love in a nightmarish version of the gig economy." Starring:
Alison Becker Alison Helene Becker (born March 8, 1977) is an American actress. She is best known for appearing in NBC's ''Parks and Recreation''. Early life and education Becker grew up in Allamuchy Township, New Jersey. She attended Georgetown University i ...
(
Parks and Recreation ''Parks and Recreation'' (also known as ''Parks and Rec'') is an American political satire mockumentary sitcom television series created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur. The series aired on NBC from April 9, 2009, to February 24, 2015, for 125 ...
), Keith Powell (
30 Rock ''30 Rock'' is an American satirical sitcom television series created by Tina Fey that originally aired on NBC from October 11, 2006, to January 31, 2013. The series, based on Fey's experiences as head writer for ''Saturday Night Live'', takes ...
), Cristela Alonzo ( Cristela), Eliza Skinner (
The Late Late Show ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in E ...
) and Mike Mitchell ( Love), with appearances by Judy Greer, John Hodgman, Martin Starr,
Paul F. Tompkins Paul Francis Tompkins (born September 12, 1968) is an American comedian, actor, and writer. He is known for his work in television on such programs as ''Mr. Show with Bob and David'', ''Real Time with Bill Maher'', and ''Best Week Ever'', later ...
, and many more.


''Bullseye with Jesse Thorn''

'' Bullseye'', formerly ''The Sound of Young America'', began as an interview, talk, and
sketch comedy Sketch comedy comprises a series of short, amusing scenes or vignettes, called "sketches", commonly between one and ten minutes long, performed by a group of comic actors or comedians. The form developed and became popular in vaudeville, and is ...
radio show at the University of California Santa Cruz. It now follows an interview-only format and is available both as a podcast and via National Public Radio on numerous public radio stations across the United States.


''Can I Pet Your Dog?''

''Can I Pet Your Dog?'' is a comedy podcast on dogs originally hosted by "small dog owner" (formerly just "dog owner") Allegra Ringo, "big dog owner" (formerly "dog wanter") Renee Colvert, and producer Alexis B. Preston. The hosts discuss dogs among themselves and their guests. Allegra Ringo left the show in April 2019 and was replaced as co-host by Alexis Preston.


''The Dave Hill Goodtime Hour''

A weekly podcast recorded live every Monday at 8pm ET on Twitch, hosted by comedian Dave Hill alongside producers/sidekicks James "Dez" Fernandez and Chris Gersbeck, similar to Hill's former WFMU radio show ''The Goddamn Dave Hill Show''. Guests on the program have included
Steve Agee Steven Douglas Agee (; born February 26, 1969) is an American comedian, actor, writer and musician, known for roles including Steve Myron on the Comedy Central series ''The Sarah Silverman Program'' and as John Economos in the 2021 superhero fil ...
, Jonah Ray, Tom Papa,
Negin Farsad Negin Farsad ( fa, نگین فرساد; born March 24, 1978) is an Iranian-American comedian, actress, writer, and filmmaker based in New York City. Early life and education Farsad was born in 1978 in New Haven, Connecticut, to an Iranian Americ ...
, Mary Jo Pehl, Mike Sacks,
Christian Finnegan Fletcher Christian Finnegan (born April 1, 1973), better known as Christian Finnegan, is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor based in New York City. Early life Finnegan was born in Albany, New York. He grew up in Acton, Massachusett ...
,
Puddles Pity Party Michael Geier (born March 12, 1965), known as Big Mike Geier, is a singer, actor, and entertainer based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Geier has garnered international fame through his most critically acclaimed act: a Pagliacci-type clown alter ego n ...
, Frank Conniff, Trace Beaulieu, Tom Scharpling, Trevor Moore, Dave Wyndorf, Jason Narducy, Curtis Stigers,
Charlie Tahan Charles Tahan (born June 11, 1998) is an American actor. His notable roles include Wyatt Langmore in the Netflix original crime drama ''Ozark'' (2017–2022), the voice of Victor Frankenstein in the Disney 3D stop-motion-animated fantasy horror ...
, Wayne Federman, Kathy Valentine, Paul Myers, Kevin Allison,
Anuvab Pal Anuvab Pal (born 27 April 1976) is an Indian stand up comedian, screenwriter, playwright and novelist. He is occasionally featured as a rotating co-host on Season 4 of the podcast ''The Bugle''. Career Pal co-wrote the 2007 Indian comedy, '' ...
,
Myq Kaplan Myq Kaplan (; born October 7, 1978Myq Kaplan
at
and more.


''Dead Pilots Society''

Dead Pilots Society presents readings of
television pilots that for various reasons were never produced, picked up, or aired. Before the reading, the hosts interviews the writer or writers of the script about the script and the circumstances surrounding its initial creation or production. From the Maximum Fun website, "In Dead Pilots Society, scripts that were developed by studios and networks but were never produced are given the table reads they deserve. Starring actors you know and love from television and film, a live audience, and a good time in which no one gets notes, no one is fired, and everyone laughs. Presented by Andrew Reich (Friends; Worst Week) and Ben Blacker (The Writers Panel podcast; co-creator, Thrilling Adventure Hour)."


Notable Pilots

*''C-Compay'' by
Steve Agee Steven Douglas Agee (; born February 26, 1969) is an American comedian, actor, writer and musician, known for roles including Steve Myron on the Comedy Central series ''The Sarah Silverman Program'' and as John Economos in the 2021 superhero fil ...
&
Rob Schrab Robby Christopher Schrab (born November 12, 1969) is an American comic book creator, screenwriter, director, and producer. He is the creator of the comic book '' Scud: The Disposable Assassin'', co-writer of the feature film '' Monster House'', co ...
*''Allah in the Family'' by Reza Aslan & Andrew Reich *''Rabbit Hole'' by Jamie Denbo & Kerri Kenney-Silver *''Galaxy Fighters'' by Victor Fresco *''Angry Angel'' by Will Gluck *''Punching Out'' by Jonathan Goldstein &
John Francis Daley John Francis Daley (born July 20, 1985) is an American actor, film director, producer, screenwriter, and musician. He is known for playing high school freshman Sam Weir on the NBC comedy-drama ''Freaks and Geeks'' and FBI criminal profiler Dr. ...
*''Airport Marriott'' by Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi *''Only Child'' by John Hodgman *''Tuned'' by
Deborah Kaplan Deborah Kaplan (born November 11, 1970) is an American screenwriter and film director. Early life Deborah Kaplan was born and raised in Abington, Pennsylvania. Born to Susan Kaplan. She went to Abington Senior High School, which is the schoo ...
& Harry Elfont *''Front Man'' by Emily Kapnek *''Totally Laime'' by Elizabeth Laime, story by Elizabeth Laime and Tami Sagher *''Formosa'' by Thomas Lennon & Robert Ben Garant *''Assisted Loving'' by Claudia Lonow *''Wunderland'' by Amanda Lund & Matt Gourley *''Red State Blue State'' by Adam McKay & Chris Henchy *''Bachelor Party'' by
JJ Philbin Jennifer Joy Philbin (born August 30, 1974) is an American producer and screenwriter, best known for her work on the drama series ''The O.C.'' She is the daughter of television stars Regis and Joy Philbin. Career Philbin's career began soon ...
& Josh Malmuth *''Big'' by
Mike Royce Mike Royce (born 1964) is an American Screenwriting, screenwriter and television producer. Education Raised in Syracuse, New York, Royce graduated from Jamesville-Dewitt High School in 1982, then went on to film school at Ithaca College where he ...
& Kevin Biegel *''Jetpackula'' by
Rob Schrab Robby Christopher Schrab (born November 12, 1969) is an American comic book creator, screenwriter, director, and producer. He is the creator of the comic book '' Scud: The Disposable Assassin'', co-writer of the feature film '' Monster House'', co ...
*''The Money Pit'' by Justin Spitzer *''The Housewives'' by
Casey Wilson Cathryn Rose "Casey" Wilson (born October 24, 1980) is an American actress, comedienne, and screenwriter. She starred as Penny Hartz in the ABC comedy series '' Happy Endings'' for which she was twice nominated to the Critics' Choice Television A ...
& June Diane Raphael


''Depresh Mode with John Moe''

Depresh Mode with John Moe, honest, humane conversations with top artists, entertainers, and experts about what it's like to live with an interesting mind. No shame, no stigma, and more laughs than you might expect from a mental health podcast. John Moe started Depresh Mode in March 2021. Both ''Depresh Mode'' and its predecessor, ''The Hilarious World of Depression'', aim to remove the stigma surrounding mental health through frank and sometimes funny conversations about the struggles of daily life with depression and other mental health conditions. ''Depresh Mode,'' produced in partnership with Maximum Fun, allows Moe to expand beyond depression to cover topics like burnout, obsessive-compulsive disorder and how to navigate mental health apps.


''Dr. Gameshow''

A podcast where Jo Firestone and Manolo Moreno play listener-submitted games with comedian friends and listener call-ins.


''FANTI''

''FANTI'' is a weekly podcast where journalists Tre'vell Anderson and Jarrett Hill bring their pop culture and political expertise to things they enjoy and stand up against. The first episode aired on February 6, 2020.


''The Flop House''

''The Flop House'' is a bi-weekly film review podcast hosted by
Elliott Kalan Elliott Charles Kalan (born December 3, 1981) is an American comedian. He was the head writer for the Netflix era of the cult series '' Mystery Science Theater 3000'' and a former head writer for ''The Daily Show with Jon Stewart'', as well as ...
,
Dan McCoy Dan McCoy (born 1978) is an American comedian and was an Emmy-winning writer for the news satire program ''The Daily Show''. He is the producer and co-host of the movie podcast The Flop House, which he co-hosts with comedian/bar owner Stuart Wel ...
, and Stuart Wellington. The hosts watch a "questionable" movie before each episode and then discuss its merits and shortcomings. It became part of the Maximum Fun network on September 29, 2014.


''Go Fact Yourself''

''Go Fact Yourself'' is a trivia game show podcast hosted by
J. Keith van Straaten J. Keith van Straaten (born June 16, 1971) is an American actor, host, and writer. He was born in Chicago, Illinois. On TV, he hosted the first season of the Comedy Central game show ''Beat the Geeks'' in 2001 and began appearing as a panelist ...
and co-hosted by
Helen Hong Helen Hong ( ko, 헬렌 홍; born July 7, 1985) is an American stand-up comedian, actress, director, and producer. She has appeared in such works as '' Jane the Virgin'', ''Parks and Recreation'', and the Coen Brothers' ''Inside Llewyn Davis''. S ...
. Each show features two guests that compete in a variety of trivia rounds, including a topic they choose for themselves.


''The Greatest Generation''

''The Greatest Generation'' is a weekly comedy podcast in which hosts Adam Pranica and Benjamin Harrison describe and review episodes of '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'', ''
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'' (abbreviated as ''DS9'') is an American science fiction television series created by Rick Berman and Michael Piller. The fourth series in the ''Star Trek'' media franchise, it originally aired in syndication from ...
'', and '' Star Trek: Voyager''.


''Greatest Trek''

A spin-off of ''
The Greatest Generation The Greatest Generation, also known as the G.I. Generation and the World War II generation, is the Western demographic cohort following the Lost Generation and preceding the Silent Generation. The generation is generally defined as people born ...
'', ''Greatest Trek'' (named ''The Greatest Discovery'' from 2016–2022) is a comedy podcast in which hosts Adam Pranica and Benjamin Harrison describe and review '' Star Trek: Discovery'', '' Star Trek: Picard'', ''
Star Trek: Lower Decks ''Star Trek: Lower Decks'' is an American adult-oriented animated television series created by Mike McMahan for the streaming service CBS All Access (later rebranded as Paramount+). It is the ninth ''Star Trek'' series and was launched in 2020 ...
'' and '' Strange New Worlds''.


''Heat Rocks''

''Heat Rocks'' is a podcast co-hosted by film and TV music supervisor Morgan Rhodes and music critic and historian Oliver Wang in which the pair invite a different guest each week to talk about one of the guest's favorite albums. Beginning in 2017, the podcast has covered albums in many genres of popular music including hip hop, soul, R&B, synth pop, funk, disco, punk rock, folk, bossa nova and jazz, often avoiding the typical canon of critic faves and hits in favor of more slept-on cult favorites. Heat Rocks also included special episodes on soundtracks, sampling culture and feminist icons. A few artists have received more than one episode devoted to their music. Prince is the artist most often covered on the podcast, with six albums covered. Guests on the podcast range from musicians and artists to journalists and academics. Artists such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Nite Jewel have guested on Heat Rocks.


''Inside Pop''

From Maximum Fun website: "Inside Pop is the weekly podcast that dives deep inside the world of pop culture. Television producers Amita Patel and Sean David Johnson bring their knowledge of the entertainment industry and their passion for pop culture to cover the stories you need to know about and care about. Together this dynamic duo brings a welcome diversity (they are African American and Indian American; Male and Female, Gay and Straight, Married and Single and wannabe residents of Sunnydale, CA and Dillon, TX) into the pop culture podcasting landscape."


''Jordan, Jesse, Go!''

A talk podcast where hosts Jesse Thorn and
Jordan Morris Jordan Perry Morris (born October 26, 1994) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a winger and forward for Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders FC and the United States national team. He grew up on Mercer Island, Washin ...
and usually a guest provide a comedic take on a variety of topics. The podcast's all time number one guest by appearances is "Big Time" Gene O'Neill.


''Judge John Hodgman''

Stemming from a popular segment on Jordan, Jesse, Go!, ''Judge John Hodgman'' debuted as a standalone Maximum Fun podcast in November 2010. Hodgman serves as judge and jury, hearing cases brought by listeners on topics ranging from which kind of soap goes in the dispenser on the sink to whether a high schooler is responsible for the theft of a life-sized Ernie doll that he had previously stolen. Jesse Thorn serves as the "bailiff," though this role is occasionally filled by guest bailiffs when Jesse is preoccupied.


''Minority Korner''

''Minority Korner'' is a discussion of pop culture, politics, and nostalgia through the lens of race, gender, and queer experiences. It's hosted by Nnekay FitzClarke and James Arthur, with new episodes released every Friday.


''My Brother, My Brother and Me''

On January 17, 2011, Jesse Thorn announced the addition of ''My Brother, My Brother and Me'' to the Maximum Fun family. The show is a comedy program that poses as an advice podcast, hosted by real-life brothers Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy. Over the course of the show, the brothers answer two types of questions: the real questions, in which listeners of the show write in, asking the brothers for their advice on a certain situation; and the more humorous, ridiculous questions from Yahoo! Answers, which are also sent in by listeners. The brothers often refer to the latter as "Yahoos." ''My Brother, My Brother and Me'' has featured notable guests answering questions, including Patrick Rothfuss, Elizabeth Gilbert, Lin-Manuel Miranda, John Roderick, Dan Savage,
Jimmy Buffett James William Buffett (born December 25, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, and businessman. He is best known for his music, which often portrays an "island escapism" lifestyle. Together with his Coral Reefer Band, Buffet ...
, and Jesse Eisenberg. These guests are usually billed as "guestperts."


''Oh No, Ross and Carrie!''

''Oh No, Ross and Carrie!'' joined the Maximum Fun network in January 2014. The hosts, Ross Blocher and Carrie Poppy, personally investigate claims about spirituality, fringe science, religion, and the paranormal, then discuss their findings on the show. They have investigated a number of religious groups, fringe science claims, and
alternative medicine Alternative medicine is any practice that aims to achieve the healing effects of medicine despite lacking biological plausibility, testability, repeatability, or evidence from clinical trials. Complementary medicine (CM), complementary and alt ...
modalities, including Mormonism, dowsing, and Reiki healing. The motto of the podcast is "We show up so you don't have to."


''One Bad Mother''

''One Bad Mother'' is a weekly podcast hosted by Theresa Thorn and Biz Ellis. It is a comedy podcast about the realities of parenting. Episodes typically feature an interview with a guest on a specific topic. Additionally, each episode has a segment called Genius and Fails where Biz and Theresa share their parenting wins and failures from the week. Listeners call into a hotline to leave their own genius moments, fails, or rants. The episodes end with the listener rants in the Mom Having a Breakdown segment.


''Reading Glasses''

''Reading Glasses'' is a weekly podcast hosted by Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara. It discusses tips and tricks for reading better, like how to vanquish that To-Be-Read pile and organize those bookshelves, climbing out of a reading slump, and supporting authors while still getting books on the cheap.


''Sawbones''

''Sawbones'', "a marital tour of misguided medicine," is a podcast hosted by Sydnee McElroy, a physician, and her husband Justin McElroy, who is also a co-host of ''My Brother, My Brother, and Me''. The weekly show is a humorous exploration of medical history, focusing on the many ways the medical community has been wrong in the past. It premiered on the Maximum Fun network on June 21, 2013, with an episode about trepanation.


''Shmanners''

''Shmanners'' is a weekly podcast hosted by
Travis McElroy Travis Patrick McElroy ( , born November 8, 1983) is an American podcaster, writer, and comedian. He is known for his work on podcasts such as ''My Brother, My Brother and Me'', '' Shmanners'', '' The Adventure Zone'', and '' Can I Pet Your Dog? ...
(of ''My Brother, My Brother and Me'') and his wife, Teresa McElroy. The show focuses on teaching proper manners and etiquette, as well as the history behind various social guidelines. The podcast was launched in January 2016.


''Still Buffering''

''Still Buffering'' is a weekly podcast hosted by real-life sisters Sydnee McElroy (of ''Sawbones'') and Rileigh Smirl, with their other sibling Teylor Smirl becoming a regular co-host in later episodes. The show focuses on experiences and issues faced by teenagers, comparing and contrasting those of current teen Rileigh with her older siblings' memories of their own teenage years. The show was first launched on Maximum Fun in January 2016. In 2020, the show was retooled to instead focus on the siblings analyzing pop culture and media that influenced each of them as teenagers.


''Stop Podcasting Yourself''

''Stop Podcasting Yourself'' is a weekly comedy podcast hosted by Graham Clark and
Dave Shumka Dave may refer to: Film, television, and theater * ''Dave'' (film), a 1993 film starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver * ''Dave'' (musical), a 2018 stage musical adaptation of the film * Dave (TV channel), a digital television channel in the ...
. Each week the comedy duo invites a guest onto the program for a conversational interview. It is sometimes referred to by its acronym—pronounced "spy"—and its listeners are referred to as "bumpers" after Dave mistakenly referred to the audience that way in episode 1.


''Switchblade Sisters''

A podcast hosted by April Wolfe providing deep dives into genre (i.e., horror, science fiction, exploitation) films from a female perspective. Each episode provides a conversation between film critic April Wolfe and a woman working as a writer, actor, and/or director in the film industry.


''Tights and Fights''

''Tights and Fights'' is a weekly professional wrestling podcast hosted by Hal Lublin, Danielle Radford, Open Mike Eagle and Lyndsey Kelk, and produced by Julien Burell. They wrap up the week in wrestling focusing on the storylines of WWE, as well as highlighting some of their favourite things in wrestling. In a 2017 article, ''The Comeback'' stated: "These are people who genuinely enjoy pro wrestling from a storytelling perspective, but who also want to dig into what's going on behind the scenes and off-screen as well."


''Triple Click''

''Triple Click'' is a podcast hosted by Kirk Hamilton, Maddy Myers, and Jason Schreier, the former hosts of
Kotaku ''Kotaku'' is a video game website and blog that was originally launched in 2004 as part of the Gawker Media network. Notable former contributors to the site include Luke Smith, Cecilia D'Anastasio, Tim Rogers, and Jason Schreier. History ...
's podcast ''Splitscreen''. Every week, they discuss video-game related topics.


''Troubled Waters''

''Troubled Waters'' (formerly ''International Waters'') pits two teams of comedians compete against each other in order to settle their meaningless debates once and for all. The show originated as a comedy panel game hosted by Dave Holmes. The show features comedians from the US competing against UK-based comedians by answering questions about pop culture. Points are awarded for correct answers as well as for funny incorrect answers. The show was originally hosted by Jesse Thorn.


''We Got This with Mark & Hal''

''We Got This'' is a comedic debate-style podcast hosted by Thrilling Adventure Hour alumni Hal Lublin and
Mark Gagliardi Mark may refer to: Currency * Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark, the currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina * East German mark, the currency of the German Democratic Republic * Estonian mark, the currency of Estonia between 1918 and 1927 * Finn ...
. In it suggestions are given for topics of discussion via social media, and the two hosts (And occasionally a special guest.) engage in an episode-long debate before reaching a final agreement meant to (jokingly) settle the argument permanently. Topics have ranged from "Best or Worst" scenarios (ex: "Best Halloween Candy", "Worst Christmas Song", "Best Season") to debates focused singularly on two outcomes. (ex: "Calling or Texting", "Batman or Superman", "Baths or Showers") After a decision has been reached Hal Lublin closes the show with an improvised speech addressing the "People of the World" with their verdict. Occasionally the two will engage in "Clean Slate" episodes, which consist of "lightning round"-style quick takes on multiple topics they wouldn't otherwise have enough material to make a full episode out of. Guests on the program have included notable comedians, musicians, authors, professional wrestlers, celebrities of geek/nerd culture, and numerous others. Frequently the show will feature fellow alumni of Thrilling Adventure Hour's "WorkJuice Players" collective as well as fellow podcasters as guests. Their theme song was written and performed by musical comedian/composer
Mike Phirman Hard 'n Phirm was a comedy/parody musical duo based in Los Angeles. The members are Chris Hardwick and Mike Phirman. They began performing at UCLA in 1994, but broke up in 1997, to reform 7 years later. After the success of their song "Rodeo ...
.


Notable ''We Got This with Mark & Hal'' guests

* Carlos Alazraqui ''("Pirates vs Vikings")'' * Trace Beaulieu of
Mystery Science Theater 3000 ''Mystery Science Theater 3000'' (abbreviated as ''MST3K'') is an American science fiction comedy film review television series created by Joel Hodgson. The show premiered on KTMA-TV (now WUCW) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 24, 1988. ...
''("Best Classic Movie Monster")'' * River Butcher ''("Best Sports Movie")'' *
Colt Cabana Scott Colton (born May 6, 1980), better known by the ring name Colt Cabana, is an American professional wrestler, color commentator, and podcaster. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a wrestler and as a coach, and he performs the same d ...
''("Best Pie")'' * Frank Conniff of
Mystery Science Theater 3000 ''Mystery Science Theater 3000'' (abbreviated as ''MST3K'') is an American science fiction comedy film review television series created by Joel Hodgson. The show premiered on KTMA-TV (now WUCW) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 24, 1988. ...
''("Best Classic Movie Monster")'' *
Bill Corbett William Daniel Corbett (born March 30, 1960) is an American writer and performer for television, film and theatre. He was a writer and performer on the cult television show ''Mystery Science Theater 3000'' (''MST3K''), for which he voiced the r ...
of
Mystery Science Theater 3000 ''Mystery Science Theater 3000'' (abbreviated as ''MST3K'') is an American science fiction comedy film review television series created by Joel Hodgson. The show premiered on KTMA-TV (now WUCW) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 24, 1988. ...
''("Best Classic Movie Monster")'' * Jonathan Coulton ''("Best Novelty Song")'' * John DiMaggio ''("Best Cuisine")'' * Paul Dooley ''("
Chaplin Chaplin may refer to: People * Charlie Chaplin (1889–1977), English comedy film actor and director * Chaplin (name), other people named Chaplin Films * '' Unknown Chaplin'' (1983) * ''Chaplin'' (film) (1992) * ''Chaplin'' (2011 film), Ben ...
or
Keaton Keaton may refer to: *Keaton (name) *2712 Keaton 71 may refer to: * 71 (number) * one of the years 71 BC, AD 71, 1971, 2071 * 71'' (film), 2014 British film set in Belfast in 1971 * '' 71: Into the Fire'', 2010 South Korean film See also * ...
")'' * Cameron Esposito ''("Best Sports Movie")'' * Nathan Fillion ''("Best Film Trilogy")'' *
Ralph Garman Ralph Garman (born November 17, 1964) is an American actor, comedian, saxophonist, drummer and radio host best known as the host of ''The Joe Schmo Show'', for his voice work on the Fox animated series ''Family Guy'', former entertainment reporte ...
''("Best Cheesesteak")'' * Jean Grae ''("Best Cuisine")'' * Doc Hammer of The Venture Brothers ''("Best Star Trek Film", "Clean Slate IV", "Best Classic Muppet Movie")'' * John Hodgman ''("Best Halloween Candy", "Star Wars or Star Trek", "Best Muppet Show Episode", "Best Cuisine",)'' * Ted Leo ''("Best Breakfast Cereal")'' * Clint McElroy of The Adventure Zone ''("Best Hanna-Barbera Cartoon")'' *
Travis McElroy Travis Patrick McElroy ( , born November 8, 1983) is an American podcaster, writer, and comedian. He is known for his work on podcasts such as ''My Brother, My Brother and Me'', '' Shmanners'', '' The Adventure Zone'', and '' Can I Pet Your Dog? ...
of
My Brother, My Brother, and Me My or MY may refer to: Arts and entertainment * My (radio station), a Malaysian radio station * Little My, a fictional character in the Moomins universe * My (album), ''My'' (album), by Edyta Górniak * My (EP), ''My'' (EP), by Cho Mi-yeon ...
''("
Batman Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on ...
vs
Superman Superman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and debuted in the comic book ''Action Comics'' #1 (cover-dated June 1938 and publi ...
", "Best Mel Brooks Film")'' * Busy Philipps ''("Best M&M Variety")'' * Jackson Publick of The Venture Brothers ''("Best Saturday Morning Cartoon", "Clean Slate IV" )'' * Adam Savage ''("
Star Wars ''Star Wars'' is an American epic film, epic space opera multimedia franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the Star Wars (film), eponymous 1977 film and quickly became a worldwide popular culture, pop-culture Cultural impact of S ...
or
Star Trek ''Star Trek'' is an American science fiction media franchise created by Gene Roddenberry, which began with the eponymous 1960s television series and quickly became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. The franchise has expanded into vari ...
")'' * Dana Snyder ''("Best Disney Parks Ride")'' *
Paul F. Tompkins Paul Francis Tompkins (born September 12, 1968) is an American comedian, actor, and writer. He is known for his work in television on such programs as ''Mr. Show with Bob and David'', ''Real Time with Bill Maher'', and ''Best Week Ever'', later ...
''("Calling or Texting")'' * Janet Varney ''("Best Vintage Toy")'' * Billy West ''("Best
Stooge A stooge or stooges may refer to: * Straight man (stock character), a comedian who feeds lines to another * Shill, a confederate or performer who acts as if they're a spectator * ''The Stooge'', a 1952 American film * The Three Stooges, a comedy g ...
")'' * Wil Wheaton ''("Clean Slate III")'' * Xavier Woods ''("Best Classic Arcade Game")'' *
"Weird Al" Yankovic Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic ( ; born October 23, 1959) is an American singer, musician, songwriter, record producer, actor and author. He is best known for creating comedy songs that make light of pop culture and often parody specifi ...
''("Best
Monty Python Monty Python (also collectively known as the Pythons) were a British comedy troupe who created the sketch comedy television show '' Monty Python's Flying Circus'', which first aired on the BBC in 1969. Forty-five episodes were made over four ...
Song")''


''Maximum Film''

''Maximum Film'' is a spinoff of retired Maximum Fun podcast ''Wham Bam Pow'', hosted by Ify Nwadiwe and with regular panel members Drea Clark and Alonso Duralde. The podcast features discussion of recent hit films through a racially diverse lens with rotating guests. Former regular panel members include host Ricky Carmona and April Wolfe.


''Wonderful!''

''Wonderful!'' is a weekly podcast hosted by Griffin McElroy and his wife Rachel McElroy. The podcast features the hosts discussing a diverse assortment of things they love, with showcases of submitted topics that listeners are excited about. The podcast launched September 6, 2017, as a replacement for ''Rose Buddies''.


Limited series


''I, Podius''

On each Episode of ''I, Podius'', the hosts John Hodgman and
Elliott Kalan Elliott Charles Kalan (born December 3, 1981) is an American comedian. He was the head writer for the Netflix era of the cult series '' Mystery Science Theater 3000'' and a former head writer for ''The Daily Show with Jon Stewart'', as well as ...
discussed an episode of the 1970's BBC miniseries I, Claudius. They also interviewed several cast members of the miniseries. Originally a bonus podcast for donors of Maximum Fun, it was released publicly on a weekly basis from February 2020 to May 2020.


''Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert''

Author Elizabeth Gilbert provides advice based on her book ''Big Magic''. Guest experts include
Neil Gaiman Neil Richard MacKinnon GaimanBorn as Neil Richard Gaiman, with "MacKinnon" added on the occasion of his marriage to Amanda Palmer. ; ( Neil Richard Gaiman; born 10 November 1960) is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, gr ...
, Gary Shteyngart, Amy Purdy, Michael Ian Black,
Brandon Stanton Brandon Stanton (born March 1, 1984) is an American author, photographer, and blogger. He is the author of ''Humans of New York,'' a photoblog and book. He was named to ''Time'' magazine's "30 Under 30 People Changing The World" list. Since 20 ...
, Martha Beck, and
Glennon Doyle Melton Glennon Doyle (born March 20, 1976) is an American author and activist known for her #1 ''New York Times'' bestsellers '' Untamed,'' ''Love Warrior,'' and ''Carry On, Warrior''. Doyle is also the creator of the online community Momastery, and is ...
.


''Round Springfield''

''Round Springfield'' is a ''Simpsons''-adjacent 20-episode limited series podcast hosted by Allie Goertz and Julia Prescott. The hosts interview writers, directors, showrunners, and voice-actors from the Simpsons-verse on their various paths to Springfield — failed pilots, other projects, and beyond. Notable guests include
David X. Cohen David Samuel Cohen (born July 13, 1966), better known as David X. Cohen, is an American television writer. He began working on ''Beavis and Butt-Head'', has written for ''The Simpsons'', and served as the head writer, showrunner and executive pro ...
, Josh Weinstein, and Yeardley Smith. The show was reformatted from the original podcast ''Everything's Coming Up Simpsons'', a weekly show where the hosts interview comics, writers, animators and show creators about their favorite episode of '' The Simpsons''. The show joined the network in March 2018.


''The Turnaround''

''The Turnaround'' was a series where Jesse Thorn interviewed other professional interviewers to gain insight into interviews and "how and why they do what they do." Guests included Katie Couric, Ira Glass, and Werner Herzog. The series ran from June 2017 to January 2018.


''The Outer Reach: Stories from Beyond''

''The Outer Reach'' was a limited scifi anthology series meant to imitate the style of science fiction of the 50s and 60s. Originally a bonus feed for donors of Maximum Fun, it was released publicly on May 8, 2020.


Retired programs


''Adam Ruins Everything''

''Adam Ruins Everything'' was an interview podcast hosted by
Adam Conover Adam Conover (born March 2) is an American comedian, writer, voice actor, and television host. He created and hosted the half-hour truTV show ''Adam Ruins Everything'', based on the CollegeHumor series of the same name. He was also the host of t ...
where he talked to the experts and people who appeared on the TV show by the same name. The last episode was released in November 2017.


''Coyle and Sharpe: The Imposters''

This show was a series of rebroadcasts of audio comedy pranks performed and recorded by Jim Coyle and Mal Sharpe in the 1960s. Coyle and Sharpe met in 1959 in a San Francisco boarding house and hatched a plan to make a living performing pranks. Using a hidden tape recorder, they recorded themselves doing comedic interviews with people on the streets of San Francisco. Some of these recordings were released by Warner Bros. Records as an LP. The duo also had a nightly radio show on KGO Radio. Many of the recordings were preserved by Mal Sharpe's daughter, Jennifer Sharpe, and these form the basis of the podcast. Maximum Fun released 100 episodes of the show from March 2007 to September 2010.


''Dave Hill's Podcasting Incident''

From the Maximum Fun website: "This incredible podcast features comedian/musician/writer/actor/artist/man-about-town/thinking man Dave Hill sitting down and having a delightful conversation with various notable people, including but not limited to fellow comedians, musicians, actors, authors, supermodels, convicts and whoever else he can talk into it." The podcast has since been revived by Hill as an independently produced show.


''Friendly Fire''

''Friendly Fire'' was a weekly war movie review podcast hosted by John Roderick, Adam Pranica and Benjamin Ahr Harrison. The podcast launched on January 12, 2018. It went on a brief hiatus in January 2021 following controversial comments made by Roderick on Twitter, before announcing it would not be returning.


''The Kasper Hauser Podcast''

Selections of sketch comedy performed by the Kasper Hauser comedy group.


''Mission to Zyxx''

A
longform improv Improvisational theatre, often called improvisation or improv, is the form of theatre, often comedy, in which most or all of what is performed is unplanned or unscripted: created spontaneously by the performers. In its purest form, the dialogue, a ...
science fiction
space opera Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes space warfare, with use of melodramatic, risk-taking space adventures, relationships, and chivalric romance. Set mainly or entirely in outer space, it features technological and soci ...
radio drama that parodies various science fiction media properties. The cast are veteran comedians from groups like the Upright Citizens Brigade, and the show was co-created by Allie Kokesh, Alden Ford, Winston Noel, Moujan Zolfaghari, Jeremy Bent and Seth Lind, a staff member on '' This American Life'' and '' Serial''. The plot concerns a motley crew of ambassadors, and each week a comedian guest appears and helps to shape that week's story. All improvised references are subsequently incorporated into the show's mythos. Guest stars have included Sasheer Zamata,
Jon Gabrus Jon Gabrus (born January 31, 1982) is an American actor and comedian, best known for his work on ''Guy Code'', the podcast ''Comedy Bang! Bang!'', and TVLand's ''Younger (TV series), Younger''. He is a performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade ...
,
Alison Becker Alison Helene Becker (born March 8, 1977) is an American actress. She is best known for appearing in NBC's ''Parks and Recreation''. Early life and education Becker grew up in Allamuchy Township, New Jersey. She attended Georgetown University i ...
, Lennon Parham, and Bobby Moynihan. The series finale premiered in September 2022.


''Pop Rocket''

''Pop Rocket'' was a discussion of pop culture hosted by comedian Guy Branum developed as a chat show counterpart to ''Bullseye with Jesse Thorn''. The regular panel included Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, and Margaret Wappler. Combining comic, journalistic, academic and digital media expertise, the Pop Rocket team discussed what's most exciting in pop culture that week. Generally the panel explores issues with diversity, feminism, sociology and provide music recommendations called "That's My Jam" and select topics "I'm All About..." of what they were most interested in from the prior week. In May 2019, Pop Rocket ceased production due to the departures of host Guy Branum and panelist Margaret Wappler, declining listenership, and production costs.


''Rendered''

Rendered, hosted and produced by Julie Sabatier, was a monthly public radio show and podcast about "
do it yourself "Do it yourself" ("DIY") is the method of building, modifying, or repairing things by oneself without the direct aid of professionals or certified experts. Academic research has described DIY as behaviors where "individuals use raw and semi ...
" culture and creativity. Rather than a how-to show of DIY projects, Rendered (formerly "Destination DIY") centered around creative people as well as the processes and resources used to create various skills, communities, and ideas. The shows featured in-studio interviews, recorded sounds from the field, and narration. It was distributed by Public Radio Exchange to several public radio stations in the US. The podcast was added to the Maximum Fun network on September 29, 2014. Rendered retired from publication on August 31, 2015.


''Rose Buddies''

''Rose Buddies'' was a weekly podcast hosted by Griffin McElroy (of ''My Brother, My Brother and Me'') and his wife Rachel McElroy. The show featured the hosts recapping and discussing the most recent episodes of the television series '' The Bachelor'', along with spinoff series such as '' The Bachelorette'' and '' Bachelor in Paradise''. The podcast originally premiered in January 2016, later joining Maximum Fun in January 2017. ''Rose Buddies'' retired from publication on August 30, 2017, and was replaced with ''Wonderful!''


''Story Break''

''Story Break'' was a weekly podcast hosted by Freddie Wong, Matt Arnold, and Will Campos, each episode the three constructed a hypothetical movie or TV show from various influences such as video games, breakfast cereals or board games. The podcast launched on November 17, 2017 and aired its last episode on October 8, 2021.


''The Sound of Young America: The College Years''

''The Sound of Young America'' was a college radio show on KZSC, the college radio station at the University of California, Santa Cruz. The show was co-hosted by Jesse Thorn, Jordan Morris, and Jim Real (the "Master of Would You Rather"). The show included serious pieces (often interviews with comedians) and less serious banter and comedy bits. The more serious elements were included in the subsequent "The Sound of Young America" podcast, now the ''Bullseye with Jesse Thorn'' radio program distributed by NPR and available as a podcast. The less serious parts of the show were later resurrected as the ''Jordan Jesse, GO'' podcast.


''Trends Like These''

''Trends Like These'' was a weekly podcast hosted by
Travis McElroy Travis Patrick McElroy ( , born November 8, 1983) is an American podcaster, writer, and comedian. He is known for his work on podcasts such as ''My Brother, My Brother and Me'', '' Shmanners'', '' The Adventure Zone'', and '' Can I Pet Your Dog? ...
(of ''My Brother My Brother and Me'' and others), Brent Black, and writer Courtney Enlow in which the three spent each episode discussing and analyzing various topics and stories trending on online social media. The podcast was launched in May 2015, and later joined the Maximum Fun network in February 2016. The final episode aired in April 2020.


''Wham Bam Pow''


Former programs


''Bunker Buddies with Andie and Ben''

''Bunker Buddies with Andie and Ben'' is a comedy survival podcast hosted by comedian Andie Bolt and gear/tech expert Ben Ellis. Ellis had previously appeared as a guest on the show, and replaced
Travis McElroy Travis Patrick McElroy ( , born November 8, 1983) is an American podcaster, writer, and comedian. He is known for his work on podcasts such as ''My Brother, My Brother and Me'', '' Shmanners'', '' The Adventure Zone'', and '' Can I Pet Your Dog? ...
as the co-host in 2018. The hosts discuss survival strategies for "every single Apocalyptic scenario" they can think of. The show left Maximum Fun to be independently produced in 2019.


''Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness''

''Getting Curious'' is a podcast where Jonathan Van Ness follows his varied interests into topics like menstrual cups,
lupus Lupus, technically known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body. Symptoms vary among people and may be mild to severe. Comm ...
, modeling, and mass extinction by talking to experts in those fields. The show premiered in 2015 and was retired from Maximum Fun on March 3, 2017. The show has since moved to Earwolf.


''The Goosedown''

''The Goosedown'' hosted by comedians Kimberly Clark &
Jasper Redd Jasper Redd (born June 9, 1979) is an American comedian from Knoxville, Tennessee. Jasper's brand of comedy is distinguished by his use of polyrhythmic timing. Earlier in his career, this was more pronounced. However, he currently is using m ...
places an African-American spin on pop culture past and present. They are no longer on Maximum Fun.


''Jonah Raydio''

''Jonah Raydio'' is a music podcast hosted by Jonah Ray. The show was initially part of the Nerdist podcast network, joined Maximum Fun in 2018, and left in 2019. The show is currently distributed by
Sklarbro Country Earwolf is an American comedy podcasting network founded by Scott Aukerman and Jeff Ullrich in August 2010. In 2011, they announced a partnership with Funny Or Die. It merged with podcast advertising network The Mid Roll in 2014, a separate compa ...
.


''Lady to Lady''

''Lady to Lady'' is a podcast hosted by comedians Barbara Gray, Brandie Posey, and Tess Barker. Each week, Barbara, Brandie, and Tess, are joined by a guest for an unfiltered session of sleepover games, pop culture discussion, and hilarious admissions. Each episode ends with the earnest advice segment "Lady Problems." They are now hosted by Exactly Right Media.


''The Memory Palace''

The Memory Palace is a monthly historical podcast hosted by Nate DiMeo. The show joined Maximum Fun in July 2012. The show became independent in early 2015 and joined Radiotopia in June 2015.


''Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone''

Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone is an advice show where comedian Paula Poundstone, co-host
Adam Felber Adam Felber is an American political satirist, author, radio personality, actor, humorist, novelist, television writer, and comic book writer. Biography Felber attended Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, and graduated as an English major ...
, and guests use their unique comedic sensibilities to help navigate life in the 21st century. The show debuted on Maximum fun in 2018 and left in December 2019 to join Starburns Audio.


''Risk!''

''Risk!'' is a weekly podcast and live storytelling show hosted by writer and actor Kevin Allison. The show's official website describes ''Risk!'' as a place "where people tell true stories they never thought they'd dare to share in public". RISK! started as a weekly live storytelling series in August 2009 and the podcast is currently independently produced by Kevin Allison.


''Throwing Shade''

''Throwing Shade'' is a weekly comedy podcast centered around discussions of pop culture, politics, gay rights, and issues important to women, hosted by Erin Gibson (a.k.a. "Feminasty") and Bryan Safi (a.k.a. "Homosensual"). Gibson and Safi are "equal-opportunity offenders," and their comedic repartee frequently features adult topics and a politically incorrect sense of humor, even as they explore serious cultural and political issues. The podcast launched on November 9, 2011, and on March 5, 2012, it was announced that ''Throwing Shade'' was joining the Maximum Fun podcast network. The podcast left the network in June 2017 and has since moved to the Earwolf network.


Other projects

Begun in 2009, an annual weekend convention where fans of Maximum Fun can spend time with Maximum Fun hosts and other celebrities held in
Lake Arrowhead, CA Lake Arrowhead is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP) in the San Bernardino Mountains of San Bernardino County, California, surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, and surrounding the eponymous Lake Arrowhead ...
. In fall 2012 MaxFunCon East was offered in the Poconos. The Atlantic Ocean Comedy and Music Festival (also known as boatparty.biz) was held in summer 2013 in lieu of Max Fun Con East.


References


External links

* *{{Official website Podcasting companies