The Last Laugh

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Welcome to ‘The Last Laugh’: Real conversations with really funny people. Every Wednesday, The Daily Beast’s Matt Wilstein interviews some of the biggest names in comedy—as well as the new voices crashing the party—about what it’s like to make people laugh during this current cultural and political moment.


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Recent Episodes
  • Robby Hoffman: ‘Hacks,’ ‘Dying for Sex’ and Gabby Windey
    Apr 16, 2025 – 57:09
  • ‘Daily Show’s’ Michael Kosta: Mocking Trump and ‘Lucky Loser’
    Apr 9, 2025 – 57:20
  • Riki Lindhome: Going Solo After Garfunkel and Oates
    Apr 2, 2025 – 46:54
  • Amber Ruffin on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
    Mar 30, 2025 – 17:53
  • Sam Seder: The Progressive Who Took on 20 Trump Supporters
    Mar 26, 2025 – 55:49
  • Andrew Schulz: Interviewing Trump, Roasting Tom Brady, and ‘Life’ on Netflix
    Mar 19, 2025 – 1:14:08
  • Edi Patterson: ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ Breakout Star
    Mar 12, 2025 – 52:57
  • George Wallace: Johnny Carson, Jerry Seinfeld and ‘Clean Slate’
    Mar 5, 2025 – 47:51
  • Oscars Legend Bruce Vilanch Tells All!
    Feb 26, 2025 – 50:11
  • ‘SNL’ Writer Rosebud Baker: ‘The Mother Lode’
    Feb 19, 2025 – 53:51
  • Kevin Nealon on ‘SNL,’ Lorne Michaels, Dana Carvey and More
    Feb 12, 2025 – 56:42
  • Carol Leifer: Oscars, ‘SNL,’ ‘Seinfeld,’ ‘Curb,’ ‘Hacks’ and More
    Feb 5, 2025 – 53:15
  • Rose Matafeo: ‘Starstruck’ and ‘On and On and On’
    Jan 29, 2025 – 48:50
  • James Adomian: Impersonating Elon, Bernie, Mike Lindell and More
    Jan 22, 2025 – 50:52
  • Roy Wood Jr. Returns: ‘Daily Show,’ CNN, and ‘Lonely Flowers’
    Jan 15, 2025 – 49:49
  • Stephanie Hsu: ‘Laid,’ ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once,’ and More
    Jan 8, 2025 – 46:44
  • Jim Gaffigan Returns: SNL, Trump, ‘The Skinny’ and More
    Jan 1, 2025 – 55:44
  • Bridget Everett on ‘Somebody Somewhere,’ Amy Schumer and More
    Dec 24, 2024 – 48:05
  • Joe Rogan, Stephen Colbert, SNL, and More With The New Abnormal
    Dec 22, 2024 – 32:12
  • Ronny Chieng Returns: ‘Daily Show’ and New Netflix Special ‘Love to Hate It’
    Dec 18, 2024 – 46:29
  • Joe Mande: ‘Hacks,’ ‘Parks and Rec’ and New Hulu Special ‘Chill’
    Dec 11, 2024 – 50:30
  • Jim Gaffigan on Donald Trump’s Unorthodox Comedic Style
    Dec 5, 2024 – 28:05
  • Ilana Glazer: ‘Broad City,’ ‘Babes,’ and ‘Human Magic’
    Dec 4, 2024 – 43:21
  • Anthony Jeselnik on Trump, SNL, and Why He’s ‘Uncancelable’
    Nov 26, 2024 – 1:00:57
  • ‘Parks and Rec’ Star Jim O’Heir: ‘Welcome to Pawnee’
    Nov 20, 2024 – 56:52
  • Timothy Simons: From ‘Veep’ to ‘Nobody Wants This’
    Nov 13, 2024 – 48:38
  • Sam Bee and Michael Ian Black on Trump’s Shocking Win
    Nov 8, 2024 – 14:07
  • Jenny Slate on Stand-Up, SNL, ‘Big Mouth,’ and More
    Nov 6, 2024 – 54:43
  • Seth Meyers: Trump, Vance, Harris, and ‘Dad Man Walking’
    Oct 30, 2024 – 58:35
  • ‘Seinfeld,’ ‘Girls’ and ‘Nobody Wants This’ with Bruce Eric Kaplan
    Oct 25, 2024 – 34:28
  • James Carville on Kamala and Trump on Joe Rogan
    Oct 24, 2024 – 7:20
  • Kathy Griffin Returns: ‘My Life on the PTSD-List’
    Oct 23, 2024 – 55:47
  • John Oliver and Sam Bee's Lessons from Jon Stewart
    Oct 17, 2024 – 34:09
  • Lamorne Morris: ‘Saturday Night,’ ‘Fargo,’ ‘New Girl’ and More
    Oct 16, 2024 – 41:52
  • The Daily Beast Podcast On Melania's New Book
    Oct 10, 2024 – 24:41
  • Taylor Tomlinson Returns: ‘After Midnight,’ Save Me Tour and More
    Oct 9, 2024 – 47:44
  • VP Debate Recap w/ The Daily Beast Podcast!
    Oct 3, 2024 – 17:04
  • Lauren Lapkus: From Comedy Bang! Bang! to ‘Another Happy Day’
    Oct 2, 2024 – 45:34
  • The First Episode of The Daily Beast Podcast! w/ Kara Swisher
    Sep 26, 2024 – 52:11
  • Sam Bee Returns: Kamala, Trump, Cat Ladies and Her New Daily Beast Podcast!
    Sep 25, 2024 – 42:12
  • The Daily Beast Podcast Trailer
    Sep 23, 2024 – 1:50
  • Emmy-Winner Alex Edelman on ‘Just for Us’
    Sep 18, 2024 – 38:46
  • Michael Ian Black: Trump’s Bad ‘Crowd Work’ vs. Kamala’s Hopeful Joy
    Sep 11, 2024 – 47:47
  • Susie Essman on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ Larry David and More
    Sep 4, 2024 – 45:57
  • Langston Kerman: John Mulaney, Chris Rock and ‘Bad Poetry’
    Aug 28, 2024 – 56:45
  • DNC Special With Kamala Harris Impersonator Allison Reese
    Aug 21, 2024 – 47:46
  • Hannah Einbinder: ‘Hacks,’ Stand-Up and Overconfidence
    Aug 14, 2024 – 43:33
  • Mike Birbiglia: ‘The Old Man and the Pool’
    Aug 7, 2024 – 44:09
  • Carmen Christopher: ‘The Bear,’ ‘The Curse’ and Chicago Comedy
    Jul 31, 2024 – 52:05
  • Jon Lovett Returns: Kamala, Biden, Trump and Surviving 2024
    Jul 24, 2024 – 51:59
Recent Reviews
  • Isaac J.S.
    Favorite comedy interviews
    Great questions and rapport with the guests I really enjoy this show. Knowledgable host
  • Dirk Lerxst-Pratt
    Undecided Voters = Morons
    There, fixed it for ya…
  • Nobelhus
    Not Comedy
    Not comedy in my opinion when we’re spending too much time on political opinions. Especially when those opinions are geared toward one particular party. Instead of unifying, this rhetoric continues the divisive attitudes it speaks against. Because, regardless of the election outcome, we now have a comedy podcast that is already denigrating the new president if Trump wins. So, groups of people will never be satisfied with a newly elected president. I would write the same review of a podcast that spoke negatively about our current president. Which exists. Either way you go, 50% of the country is unhappy with the election outcome. We need to get behind a truly independent and unifying presidential candidate in Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Lastly, I apologize for assuming this comedy podcast. My search criteria was Stand Up. Maybe as a content creator, change the algorithm to reflect political content. Hence, the quality of the content may be creative and interesting, 3 stars because it is not equally critical of both political parties.
  • splicedlulu
    Divisive
    Terrible
  • jodes327
    Why
    Why are we platforming Jew-haters and transphobes? Weird.
  • CatieCapello
    Nope
    I’m so glad I have not given you any money after listening to the Whitney Cummings episode. This has has been a long time coming after listening to many of your episodes. You claim to understand comedy and didn’t even slightly push back about her trans jokes and the idea of punching up.
  • zycwvuts
    Top notch
    It is refreshing to listen to an intelligent host who puts the spotlight on his guests, not himself.
  • McVigne
    Best Interviews, No Pandering, & Well Researched
    This is my favorite podcast for my commute back and forth from work. I’m so happy for you, Matt, that you’re having a new baby, congrats! I’m excited for the new format, but I hope it doesn’t lose the charm that comes from your ability to connect to your interviewees. You very obviously research and talk to them beyond the top billed projects of their imdb and I think that gets them to open up. The discussions of behind the scenes in making comedy, whether it be writing a special, working at SNL, or making movies, are so fascinating and it goes beyond the surface. Have a wonderful summer, looking forward to when you come back!!!
  • november fall
    Great podcast
    Enjoy the interviews so much….great to listen to during walks!
  • ozysyme
    Rolling Style
    Matt Wilstein’s interviewing style rolls along, creating questions from answers. As he digs into the memories of his comedic subjects.
  • Matt the M.
    Really informative and entertaining
    I only listen to some of the episodes, with actors I'm familiar with. But the ones I've listened to I have thoroughly enjoyed. Matt is a really good interviewer and brings interesting discussion topics out of the actors.
  • FayIsThisHand-Shucked?
    Paula Pell interview was so enjoyable!
    The episode with Paula Pell was so super enjoyable - I could have listened to her for hours. Thank you, Matt - you let Paula tell detailed stories - details that I thoroughly enjoyed - and really share her wealth of experience and knowledge. When a guest like Paula is so entertaining, and the the host gives them time and breathing room to speak, we the audience really feel enlightened, educated, and delighted! Your questions were great, and I’m so glad you’re going to have her back!! More Paula 4eva!
  • ?;:,./-
    Soo good
    Matt is the best interviewer! Every show is really great and behind the scenes of all the comics and there story’s are very interesting
  • LppCo
    Great podcast, thoughtful interviews
    I never miss an episode. This is such a fun, interesting podcast. I especially appreciated the recent episode with Andy Levy. Big thanks for tackling a sensitive subject with intelligence and courage.
  • #1podcastlistener
    Last Laugh rocks
    This show has top-notch guests, and the dialogue with Matt Wilstein is entertaining. Definitely worth listening and following.
  • JBYork01
    Great host and guests!
    The host, Matt Wilstein, is always prepared, asks intelligent and thoughtful questions, and is obviously a huge fan of comedy! I love hearing from my favorite comedians about their first laughs!
  • sfmeg
    The perfect formula
    Seldom do you find a podcast host who truly does their research on the guests and doesn’t try to insert their own comedy into the situation. This format really lets the guests shine and also highlights the host’s raw talent as a conversationalist. Well done.
  • WouldBeWonk
    Great interviews, great guest choices
    Matt’s natural, low-key interviewing style is perfect for producing relaxed, non-canned interviews with (a big bonus) comedians I’m interested in.
  • schendvd
    Boring
    Host stumbled thru interviews, either starstruck or just bad.
  • Pacific Beacher
    Terrific listens—highly recommend!
    Once a week, I make a six hour drive to visit an elderly relative. The visits are emotionally tough. Listening to The Last Laugh on the way home is a great pick-me-up. Matt is an excellent interviewer, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to hear in-depth portraits, and have some laughs, too. Thank you Matt!
  • longfellowdeebs
    Great listen!
    Love the guests and interview style of Matt- please have any of the Workaholics guys!! Adam, Ders, Kyle and Blake always have something to promote!!
  • cant find an used nickname
    Mo Amer sound quality 👎
    I’m new to this podcast, when I tried listening to Mo Amer it was so annoying, the sound quality was so poor I stopped listening.
  • PresEmeritus ;)
    A fan’s perspective
    I really like that when you’re listening to this podcast you can tell that the host really cares about comedy as a fan. It makes it feel more joyous. I also like how chill it is.
  • No Quincy
    Well done!
    Keep up the good work! Don’t let the trolls get under your skin. Keep making brave decisions like featuring important voices, such as Kathy Griffin. Thank you!
  • cheermom2971
    Great interviews
    Always great questions and listening skills.
  • mando621
    Disappointed
    I have tried to get into Matt Wilstein’s style, and mostly find that he is a capable interviewer on his podcast “The Last Laugh.” However, he stands on the shoulders of giants in the podcast world and his low blows against Maron on the Kristin Schaal interview were uncalled-for as we all know Maron sells himself as a comic as well as his ability to conduct incisive interviews with comics and celebs. Matt, just hoping nobody decides to take hits against you, which is unlikely since we don’t know who you are. Part of the game is knowing the interviewer for good and bad, and connecting with them as people. That is where the trust develops. Again, sad. Wish you would expose yourself a bit, and wish you were not so insecure that you feel the need to tear down others.
  • SherO28
    Shame on you
    Busy asked you to edit out part of her interview. What a cheap shot. This was suppose to be for Girls5eva not Franco.
  • pleasepleasefixtgisimannoted
    A joy every week
    Matt is a true comedy fan and he is an excellent interviewer. I feel like he brings such knowledge to each interview and clearly enjoys his subjects. I appreciate the wide variety of his guest lineup. Thanks, Matt!
  • Erik Gross
    Expands your horizons
    More than any other comedy podcast, this has inspired me to seek out new content. I love it.
  • alezdelaisla
    The Best
    You guys are the best.
  • 1GrumpyGal
    👍
    Enjoyed Roy Wood Jr interview
  • Zar1n1980
    The Last Laugh
    I have found the loophole. If I listen in the morning, it’s the first laugh.
  • fromnoweare
    Nata
    Such a relief and break during these stressful times. Always fun!
  • only_erin
    Great Interviewer w/ Great Guests
    Great guests and Matt is a true fan of comedy and it shows in his questions. Love this podcast a ton!
  • SarahfromHarrisonCounty
    Extremely entertaining!
    I adore this podcast! It helps me get through the pandemic. I would love to see Jon Lovett of Pod Save America and Lovett or Leave It do an interview. He is my favorite political comedian.
  • Flikspot
    Great interviews with my comic heros
    Great interviews - PERFECT questions asked of my comic heros. Well done!
  • Giantbluerobot
    The Funny People Will Save Us
    Matt Wilstein does a fantastic job of getting his guests to open up and share their stories. He manages to keep the interviews serious and light at the same time. He is a coolheaded fanboy and is very sincere. If you love comedy and are interested in hearing how comics find their jokes and how they found their voice this is as good as it gets.
  • jbeltzy
    Great Interview!
    I loved the interview with Jordan Klepper. It was so timely, and a fascinating look at comedy in the USA during Covid. I only wish that the interview had been longer. I also started singing “Two Princes” as soon as I finished listening...so thank you for that?
  • Nanaboosyickick
    When does the comedy start?
    Take my review with a grain of salt because I only tried out a few episodes; none of which I was able to make it through and, unfortunately none of which were funny. This comes across as another left-leaning interview show which is fine if that’s your thing but even the interviews aren’t particularly interesting. The hosts seem to laugh quite often albeit somewhat nervously. Give it a shot but as a fan of comedy and comedians there are many that do a much better job while leaving the obvious political slant out of it. Last Laugh is a good title but I must have missed it.
  • Super Awesome swag dude
    Great guests! Great host!
    Matt does a great job asking about how these comics got their start but more importantly what helps them do their best. Funny and inspiring!
  • amy317pghpa
    Great Interviews with Some Funny People!
    I am so glad I finally started listening to The Last Laugh! It's made my morning runs much more enjoyable. Matt asks thoughtful questions and it makes for a fun and interesting interview!
  • brun.hanna
    Always funny, and always interesting!
    I recommend listening to The Last Laugh for many a laughs with the host and so many amazing guests!
  • Pacifica Chas
    Great guests, great host
    So glad I added this to my podcast subscriptions.
  • Elbonoodle
    Great Interviews
    I started listening to this podcast after finding The Daily Beast's The New Abnormal. I love it! Robert Smigel was a great guest. I had no idea what a genuinely sweet guy he is. Loved the Trump impersonator guy and the Sarah Silverman interview!
  • Don of LaMancha
    Pulling Back The Curtain
    One of my favorite things is getting to hear folks like “Kevin” (aka Brian B.) share background stories about the show they were on and various cast members. Please: More of the Same!!! Great episode!
  • Zelma Yvette
    TRump impersonation
    What a self important ass - he’s not funny.
  • mima604
    Courtesy to the listener, please.
    The episode with Eric was was my first and I wished he had turned off his email as a sign of respect to Matt and the listeners. Every time he received an email, I could tell he stopped to glance at it before answering Matt’s question to the point of almost forgetting what he was about to say. I’ve been on enough conference calls to recognize this. Answer your emails OR do the interview. That wasn’t the time to multi-task. Otherwise, great pod idea!
  • Hoist Petard
    Yes, the healing.
    This podcast heals my broken heart. It keeps me from spilling myCovid-saturated tears onto my fellow protesters.
  • matt bomarr
    Love it
    Matt Wilstein always gets the best guests, and is a great interviewer. A must for any fan of comedy.
  • KateSTP
    Refreshing take on comedians
    This podcast gives a unique, interesting look at comedic power players. I always look forward to who the next guest is!
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