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. 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 Monarch! Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PAPA at monarch.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 to IQ Bar! Text PAPA to 64000 to get twenty percent off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 for New York 23:19 The Mocktail Scam 26:10 Favorite Bottles and Wine Cheat Codes 32:05 Dinner With Ralph Macchio 37:47 The Broadway Show They Hated 42:01 An Accidental Comedy Special 44:35 Building the Next Stand-Up Hour 52:13 TikTok Takes Over New York Food 55:19 Steakhouses and Cigar Culture 1:01:39 Why Weed Shrinks Your World 1:04:23 The Perfect Martini 1:07:25 Dan Ahdoot Studies Wine 1:10:03 A Janitor With a Deed 1:12:44 Bread and Sourdough Cookies 1:15:30 Where to Watch the Special Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 ---------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 Cold open 01:00 Jeff Arcuri joins Tom 01:30 How comedians give compliments 03:23 Making crowd work work on camera 07:20 Five unpredictable special tapings 12:37 Tom's first special 14:33 Learning to edit comedy clips 21:04 Giving every clip an arc 24:42 Keeping crowd work authentic 28:06 Success, guilt and adapting 32:19 The Cellar gave Jeff confidence 38:26 Performing high or drunk 41:04 Moving seamlessly into material 43:04 What changes after a hit special 48:38 New York versus Los Angeles 50:35 Bread and sourdough cookies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 ⁠https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/PAPA⁠ to explore care options. Monarch! Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PAPA at ⁠monarch.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 given the Jetsetter Tech pant five stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program offers customizable accident and illness plans that can fit your budget, your lifestyle, and even your pet’s particular quirks. To explore coverage, visit ASPCApetinsurance.com/PAPA. Leesa! We love our Leesa mattress. Go to leesa.com and use my promo code PAPA for plus $50 off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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.com/papa for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome Sheng Wang to the table! He and Tom talk comedy touring, life moving quickly, and of course, lots and lots of food. Enjoy! Our thanks to: Square! Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/papa! #squarepod Monarch! Start your free trial and get 50% off your first year of total money clarity using link www.monarch.com/PAPA or code PAPA Butcher Box! As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between free ribeyes for a year, or ground beef or chicken breast for life, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/papa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome Oliver Cooper to the table! He and Tom talk all about the film industry, working in comedy, and how success feels. Enjoy! Our thanks to Leesa! Go to leesa.com and use my promo code PAPA for plus $50 off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week actor, comedian, and writer Dan Mintz joins us at the table! He and Tom talk awkward high school years, the joys and difficulties of doing standup, and more. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome Chef Noah Galuten to the table! He and Tom talk food, fun, and laughter. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome Matt Rogers to the table! He and Tom talk all about Long Island and the east coast, their starts in comedy, and of course, the Cultch Awards! Enjoy! Our thanks to 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

The incredibly funny Jamie Lee joins us at the table. She and Tom talk about their time working together, Ted Lasso, terrible AirBnB hosts, and more. Enjoy! And remember to check out our Patreon! For $5/month you can have access to ad-free episodes, early releases, behind the scenes content, and more! Head to: https://www.patreon.com/BreakingBreadWithTomPapa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week friend of the pod Taylor Tomlinson  @taylortomlinsoncomedy  is back to break more bread! She and Tom talk about comedy inspirations, growing up religious, writing bestsellers, and more. 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. Monarch! Start your free trial and get 50% off your first year of total money clarity using link www.monarch.com/PAPA or code PAPA Butcher Box! As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between free ribeye or top sirloins for a year or ground beef and bacon for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/papa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome legendary cookbook author, journalist, and all around fabulous human Mark Bittman to the pod. He and Tom talk all things food, and more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome the fabulous Sarah Sherman to the table! She and Tom talk all about writing, traveling, and performing comedy. Check out her incredible special, and enjoy! Our thanks to Leesa! Go to leesa.com and use my promo code PAPA for an extra $50 off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome the esteemed Ryan Hamilton to the table! He and Tom talk about working with Jerry Seinfeld, touring, and of course, the time Ryan got hit by a bus. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome the magnificent Fahim Anwar  @FahimAnwar  to the show! He and Tom talk stand up, parental expectations, and cooking. Enjoy! Thanks to: Sheath! The underwear of legends. Go to https://www.sheath.com/PAPA and use code PAPA for 20% off. Monarch! Start your free trial and get 50% off your first year of total money clarity using link www.monarch.com/PAPA or code PAPA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're thrilled to welcome Fumi Abe to the table! He and Tom talk crowd work, AI, and the life of a comic. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are so excited to have Orlando Leyba join Tom at the table! They chat about food, fun, LA, and Miami. 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. Butcher Box! As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between free Sirloin Tips, Ground Beef or Chicken Wings in every box for LIFE, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/papa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Thursday! We're so happy to welcome Dan Docimo to the table. They talk with Tom talk about being funny in school, comedy writing, and Catholicism. We think they're hilarious, and we know you will too. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome legend Lisa Ann Walter to the table! She and Tom gush about Italian food, dig into Lisa's experiences performing for the Mob, compare comedy notes, and have a blast. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome the phenomenally funny Kyle Mooney at the table! He and Tom work out on air, chat about the Land o' Lakes lady, and lament the artist's trajectory. 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. Quince! Give your kitchen essentials the upgrade they deserve with cookware from Quince. Don't wait. Go to Quince.com/PAPA for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Surprise! Happy Thursday. We welcome OG Bread Breaker Paul Morrissey back to the pod. He and Tom talk about early iterations of Breaking Bread, touring together, and Paul's cooking mishaps. Enjoy! Our thanks to: Butcher Box! As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between chicken breast or top sirloin for a year OR ground beef for life, PLUS $20 off when you go to ⁠ButcherBox.com/papa⁠ Monarch! Start your free trial and get 50% off your first year of total mo ney clarity using link ⁠www.monarch.com/papa⁠ or code PAPA 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

This week we welcome the fabulously funny Joel Kim Booster to the table! He and Tom talk about the Scrubs reboot, the perils of corporate comedy, and being hot. Enjoy! Our thanks to: Butcher Box! As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between chicken breast or top sirloin for a year OR ground beef for life, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/papa Monarch! Start your free trial and get 50% off your first year of total money clarity using link www.monarch.com/papa or code PAPA 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

This week we welcome Bobby Moynihan to the table! He and Tom talk all about standup, raising daughters, and cigarettes. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy surprise Thursday episode! We welcome Annabelle Gurwitch to the table, and she and Tom chat all about fun topics such as Cancer and Death. Seriously, though, it's a great discussion. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome Nick Swardson to the table! He and Tom chat all about ghosts, as well as other, more corporeal things. Enjoy! Our thanks to Hungryroot! For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/PAPA and use code PAPA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome the incredible Aaron Chen  ⁨@AaronCh3n⁩  to the table! He and Tom chat all around the world. Enjoy! Our thanks to: IQ Bar! We freaking love these bars and you will too. 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

This week we welcome Phil Rosenthal to the table! He and Tom talk about Phil's mom, the perfect cookie, and of course, diners. Enjoy! Our thanks to Butcher Box! We love Butcher Box and so will you. Go to ButcherBox.com/PAPA. Don’t forget to use our link so they know we sent you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back! This week we welcome Kenan Thompson to the table. He and Tom chat all things comedy, SNL, NYC, and plenty of other acronyms. Enjoy! Thanks to: Factor! Head to factormeals.com/papa50off and use code papa50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year! And to 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

Hi Breaking Bread Family! As an apology for the weird minute of silence in Rob's episode, please enjoy this ad-free, EXTENDED episode. For weekly extended episodes, head over to our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/BreakingBreadWithTomPapa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hi Breaking Bread Family! Please skip to 1 minute 10 seconds for the episode start. We're so sorry about this error. This week we welcome Rob Riggle to the table! He and Tom talk SNL, 9/11, Rob's new book, and so much more. Enjoy! Our thanks to Monarch! Start your free trial and get 50% off your first year of total money clarity using link www.monarch.com/papa or code PAPA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back friend-of-the-pod Craig Ferguson to the table! We're so glad to have him back. He brings his patented energy to talk about food and fun. Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tom Papa is a celebrated stand-up comedian with over 20 years in the industry. Watch Tom's new special "Home Free" out NOW on Netflix! Radio, Podcasts and more: https://linktr.ee/tompapa/ Website - http://tompapa.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tompapa Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tompapa Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/comediantompapa Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/tompapa #tompapa #breakingbread #comedy #standup #standupcomedy #bread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome Laura Benanti to the table! The Broadway legend talks everything from New York to LA, family, food, and fun. Enjoy! Our thanks to Butcher Box! As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between filet mignon, NY strip or chicken breast in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/PAPA And thanks to our favorite 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

This week Kevin Nealon joins Tom at the table. He stops by to talk about love, life, and comedy. Enjoy! Thanks to: Factor! Head to factormeals.com/papa50off and use code papa50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. Express VPN! Don’t forget to use my link at EXPRESSVPN.com/TOMPAPA to get up to four extra months of ExpressVPN! Monarch! Start your free trial and get 50% off your first year of total money clarity using link www.monarch.com/papa or code PAPA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Will Sasso joins us at the table! He and Tom chat all things food, fun, comedy, and wrestling. Enjoy! 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

This week Jenny Zigrino joins us at the table! She and Tom talk about fun things like death and comedy. Enjoy! Take advantage of this exclusive offer: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/PAPA and use code PAPASecure your online data TODAY by visiting ExpressVPN.com/TOMPAPA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Andy Richter joins us at the table! He and Tom talk about food, fun, and friends. Enjoy! Text PAPA to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between filet mignon, ny strip or chicken breast in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/PAPA Use code PAPA at monarch.com for half off your first year. That’s 50% off your first year at monarch.com with code PAPA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Mo Amer joins us at the table! Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy 300th episode! To celebrate we've got Jim Norton at the table. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Kathleen Madigan joins us at the table to discuss drunk neighbors, Waymos, and Nashville. Happy holidays, and enjoy! Text PAPA to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. Head to factormeals.com/TYSO50OFF and use code TYSO50OFF to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year. Offer only valid for new Factor customers with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase. Use code PAPA at monarch.com for half off your first year. That’s 50% off your first year at monarch.com with code PAPA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we've got Aparna Nancherla at the table. She and Tom talk about the difficult experience that sometimes is living life, the things that bring them joy, the foods of their youth, and of course, Aparna's new special, Hopeful Potato, out now on Dropout. Enjoy! Thanks to Monarch! Use code PAPA at monarch.com in your browser for half off your first year. That’s 50% off your first year at monarch.com with code PAPA. And thanks to Butcher Box! As an exclusive offer, our listeners can get free steak in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off your first box when you go to ButcherBox.com/papa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Connie Britton joins us at the table! She and Tom reminisce about their time in New York, becoming friends, industry success, and of course, raising children. Enjoy! Our thanks to: Factor! Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/papa50off and use code papa50off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. Squarespace! Head to https://www.squarespace.com/PAPA to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PAPA Mint Mobile! Turn your expensive wireless present into a huge wireless savings future by switching to Mint. Shop Mint Unlimited Plans at mintmobile.com/BREAKINGBREAD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Jon Lovett  joins us at the table! He and Tom talk politics, superheroes, and how to become funny. Enjoy! Text PAPA to 64000 to get twenty percent off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. Secure your online data TODAY by visiting ExpressVPN.com/TOMPAPA. Take advantage of Hexclad’s Holiday Sale! Head to https://hexclad.com/PAPA for Up To 50% Off! #hexcladpartner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices