After the Laundry, the Misery

What a week: Brett Kavanaugh's possible confirmation is looming, and #MeToo energy is exploding, thankfully, perhaps like never before. So that’s what Joe and Rod are talking about this episode — while trying not to contribute to the ever-growing clouds of toxic masculinity out there. But can they resist the allure of low-hanging — no pun intended — dick jokes? (Spoiler alert: NO.)

Turn On, Tune In, Drop Dead: Joe Raiola recalls his late MAD magazine comrade Nick Meglin, and we delve into the use (and misuse) of mild-altering substances for the purpose of spiritual—and comedic—attainment. Plus: Death! (On stage and off.)

Joe shares his tale of a “cinematic” visitation, of sorts, from Alan Watts, famed philosopher, rapscallion, and synthesizer of Zen -- and many other forms of -- wisdom.

Comedian and "After the Laundry, the Misery" co-conspirator Joe Raiola just did his “Joy of Censorship: Free Speech in the Age of Trump” show for a Red State audience. So, was it a blast? Or a bomb? Plus: unpacking the “Trump Monkey Theory,” which everyone needs to know about because, as Joe so eloquently puts it, “Monkeys funny. We love monkeys.”

Flashing lights. Families, and children, bathing in cigarette smoke. “Spiritual nightlife.” Welcome to Las Vegas, land of the Gene Wilder Slot Machine. "You will not," Joe Raiola contends, “find a more freakish place.” He just spent five nights there — before heading off to four days at a Zen monastery. Here’s what he saw.

Comedian and Full Frontal host Samantha Bee’s use of an epithet in reference to Ivanka Trump is big news. And now she’s issued an apology. Being a comedian and satirist deeply concerned with language and free speech, MAD magazine Senior Editor Emeritus Joe Raiola has lots to say about it all. “These words,” he says, “have power and meaning. How we use them matters!” Caution: this being a conversation about taboo words, there are taboo words ahead.

Comedian and MAD Magazine Senior Editor Emeritus Joe Raiola has been spending time with a Zen community for the better part of ten years. Now that he’s been asked to consider becoming a formal student, should Joe — who says joining’s never really been part of his brand — get out while the getting’s good?

This episode, MAD Magazine Senior Editor Emeritus and Lion's Roar's Rod Meade Sperry are talking about the elephants in the room: Guns. Trump. And, you know, a pervading sense of despair. But don’t despair too much. Thanks to Joe, there’s plenty of laughter soon enough — and some wisdom about staying sane when there's so, so, SO much to be angry about. Bonus: Joe reads his latest piece, "Reflecting on Mass Murder and the 'Most Extraordinary Hats' at the Royal Wedding."

The formula goes that Comedy = Tragedy + Time, so Episode 3 goes way back with MAD Magazine Senior Editor Emeritus Joe Raiola to the slightly disturbing (and, a little gross) moment that would lead him to realize that he wanted a life in comedy, to how he built that life: getting in trouble as a high-school standup, meeting and working with writing and performing partner Charlie Kadau, paying his dues amongst Eddie Murphy, Dice Clay, and other up-and-comers of the New York comedy scene, landing work with National Lampoon alumni, and of course, starting at MAD.

MAD magazine Senior Editor Emeritus Joe Raiola on how Catholicism, getting "bad advice" from Jesus, and Zen practice have all informed his worldview (comedic and otherwise), Plus: his so-far-unsuccessful choice to run for Pope.

After MAD magazine's move from NYC to Burbank, California, Senior Editor Emeritus Joe Raiola reflects on his 33-year career at MAD, whether the rebooted MAD might be more like a comic book, tells some classic stories about office life with William M. Gaines, and reveals what he's doing with his new-found free time back in New York: practicing Zen meditation.