Modern Day Philosophers with Daniel Lobell

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Daniel Lobell of Comical Radio and This American Life is back once again. This time, he's diving head first into philosophy (a subject he knows little about) with fellow comedians (Marc Maron, Artie Lange, Maria Bamford, Lewis Black, Greg Fitzsimmons, Larry Miller, Reggie Watts etc.) and attempting…

Daniel Lobell (of WTF and This American Life) talks Comedy & Philosophy


    • Oct 30, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 27m AVG DURATION
    • 82 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Modern Day Philosophers with Daniel Lobell podcast is a refreshing and unique take on the world of philosophy. If you're looking for a traditional Sunday preacher or someone to perform household tasks, you may be disappointed with this podcast. However, if you're seeking top-notch comedy and a lively and beautiful host, then you couldn't be in a better place.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the host's ability to probe for further clarification from his guests. Daniel Lobell knows how to navigate conversations with his guests and bring out thought-provoking insights and discussions. The episodes are enjoyable to listen to as he and the comedians he interviews explore various philosophers and their ideas. Even if you don't know who most of the guests are, each episode offers something interesting and entertaining.

    On the downside, some past episodes may no longer be available on certain platforms, but they can still be purchased on iTunes. While this may inconvenience some listeners, it doesn't detract from the overall quality of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The Modern Day Philosophers with Daniel Lobell is an entertaining and humorous podcast that combines comedy with intelligent conversation about philosophy. It provides an accessible introduction to different philosophies and ideas while keeping listeners engaged through laughter. Danny's skills as an interviewer make each episode engaging and insightful, leaving listeners eager for more. It's definitely worth subscribing to for anyone interested in exploring philosophy in a fun and relatable way.



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    Latest episodes from Modern Day Philosophers with Daniel Lobell

    Guest Eric Kaplan (Writer on The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, The Simpsons)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 92:39


    Daniel Lobell and Mark Schiff sit down for a chat with one of TV's top comedy writers; Eric Kaplan on the "We Think It's Funny" podcast. They discuss everything from how to get a job as a television writer to Eric's Jewish journey which led him praying with Tephillin on for a while. Enjoy!  

    We Think it's Funny Episode One: Darren Carter

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 52:43


    Comedian Darren Carter join Daniel Lobell and Mark Schiff to kick off the first episode of the new podcast We Think It's Funny!

    Remebering Al Martin

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 64:05


    Al Martin was a legend on the New York scene, owner and creator of The New York Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club and Greenwhich Comedy Clubs. He helped get many comedy careers launched including mine. May he rest in peace and may his soul soar high. Here is an interview I did with him in 2020. 

    Throwback: Carl Reiner

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2024 66:36


    Origionally recorded in 2014. Enjoy.

    Remembering Shecky Greene

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2024 76:21


    Origially posted in season 4. Rest in Peace Shecky.

    SEASON 10 WRAP UP SHOW with Daniel Lobell & Alex Fossella

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 53:27


    Daniel and Alex discuss the highlights of season 10 and Alex bids farewell to the show.

    wrap up show lobell modern day philosophers alex fossella
    Elon Gold and Jack Kerouac

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2023 93:33


    In the season 10 finale, Daniel Lobell sits down with comedian and impressionist Elon Gold to discuss everything from Jewish life to his feud with Jimmy Fallon and they study some Jack Kerouac as well. 

    Carl Gottleib interview

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2022 92:04


    Carl Gottleib best know for writing the Jaws screenplay and co writing the Jerk with Steve Martin sits down with Daniel Lobell to tell his story and discuss some philosophy quotes hand picked by Alex Fossella!

    Seth Glass Interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2021 112:07


    It's hard to describe Seth Glass and do him justice. He's a musician who's lyrics are incredible poetry. He's a spiritual man and a Jewish philosopher of sorts. He talks about his career as a musician playing Jewish themed music, he talks about his struggles with substance abuse, about touring with Reb Shlomo Carlebach and about getting older. He plays some songs shares some cool ideas and so much more! Enjoy.  

    Art Bell interview on his new book Constant Comedy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2021 56:05


    Daniel and Art Bell talk about the creation of Comedy Central, old comedy and making it in the TV exec biz! Check out Art's new book Constant Comedy: How I started Comedy Central and Lost my sense of Humor.  

    Daniel, Kylie and guest Al Martin- Special Coronavirus Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 95:27


    Daniel and Kylie check in to talk about the riots happening on their block in Los Angeles. He also interviews Al Martin, owner of the Broadway Comedy Club and Greenwich Comedy Club, as well as the founder of New York Comedy Club, one of the places where Daniel started his career. They talk about how the club came to be and where comedy is at nowadays. Al is the author of the new book "Did It On a Dare." For 10 percent off your first month of BetterHelp, visit Betterhelp.com/MDP. Enjoy!

    Daniel, Kylie and Matty Goldberg- Special Coronavirus Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2020 68:33


    Host Daniel Lobell welcomes back his wife Kylie Ora Lobell to chat with Matty Goldberg about how they met. They remember good times in Brooklyn, talk about the new puppy, and update listeners on their quarantine status. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/mdp for 10 percent off your first month.   

    Daniel and brother Josh call Scottish cousin Marc Frame - Special Coronavirus Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 81:12


    Daniel Lobell and his brother Josh Lobell decided in this episode that they just wanted to cheer people up and make them laugh in this tough time. Knowing that there is no one funnier than their cousin Marc Frame in Scotland, they decide to give a call to talk about everything from dating during quarantine to cooking to comedy to Ralphie May and so much more. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10 percent off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mdp. Enjoy!

    Daniel's wife Kylie Ora Lobell Returns - Special Coronavirus Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 105:05


    Daniel's wife Kylie Ora Lobell returns to the show to talk about the coronavirus and the impact it's having on their lives. They discuss an unexpected visitor in the backyard, Tiger King, Passover and Easter, and some things they found have made them happy during the quarantine. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. For 10% off, go to BetterHelp.com/MDP.  Enjoy!

    Daniel's Brother Josh Lobell Returns - Special Coronavirus Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2020 78:54


    Josh Lobell returns to the show to teach Daniel and the listeners how to make a healthy mint chocolate chip smoothie that is both delicious and will hopefully boost your immune system. They also talk about bats, Muppets, and what they've been watching on TV during quarantine. Enjoy!

    Daniel and his brother Josh Lobell - special Coronavirus edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2020 96:22


    Daniel sits down with brother Josh Lobell to talk about raw food and talk to some of his friends about keeping busy during coronavirus.

    Daniel and his wife Kylie - Special Coronavirus Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2020 63:19


    Kylie Ora Lobell joins Daniel on a special coronavirus edition. They talk about everything that's going on in the world, how to cope with it, the loss of their dog Juno, and also go over some inspiring quotes to find words of wisdom in these trying times. 

    Ashley Blaker and Leo Strauss

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2020 106:05


    Ashley Blaker join Daniel Lobell in his Edinburgh "Flat" to discuss philosophy from Leo Strauss, UK comedy, Little Britain, working with Joan Rivers, producing for the BBC and being an obsessive Orthodox Jew and UK football fan.  Brought to you by Better Help Visit BetterHelp.com/MDP for 10% off your first month (for a limited time only).

    Tommy Tiernan and Albert Einstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2020 111:49


    Tommy Tiernan and Daniel Lobell get together at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland to talk about everything from Jonathan Winters to growing up in Africa, England, and Ireland to having and raising kids to the philosophy of Albert Einstein. This conversation is a rare and intimate look into the mind of one of the world's greatest comedians.  This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/mdp to enjoy 10% off your first month. 

    Nick Vatterott and Miguel de Cervantes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2020 124:15


    Nick Vatterott visits Daniel Lobell to talk everything from sketch comedy to living in NYC and seeing Elephants walk through the Queens tunnel to Don Coyote. Great talk from to you by Better Help. Visit BetterHelp.com/MDP for 10% off your first month. Enjoy!

    Skyler Stone and Sylvia Plath

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2020 151:43


    Skyler Stone visited Daniel Lobell at his home studio. The discussion ranges from topics of addiction to acting to reminiscing about their mutual lost friend comedian Ralphie May. They also discuss some of the work of Sylvia Plath, who Alex Fossella picked out. It's a great episode to kick off the new decade. This episode is brought to you by Skillshare. Go to skillshare.com/mdp for two free months. Happy 2020! Enjoy!

    Dan Soder and Robert Louis Stevenson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2019 109:35


    Dan Soder and Daniel Lobell meet up for this podcast in Lobell's Edinburgh "Flat" this past August. It's a great talk ranging from topics of addiction to Dan's vulnerable thoughts on doing comedy about his since passed father. We talk about Dan getting ready to do his new HBO special "Son of a Gary" and so much more! We even get into Robert Louis Stevenson and impressionist comedians.  Enjoy! Brought to by: Skillshare, visit Skillshare.com/MDP and by: BetterHelp, visit BetterHelp.com/MDP

    SEASON 9 WRAP UP SHOW with Daniel, Alex Fossella and Jordon Ferber

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2019 132:36


    Daniel Lobell, Alex Fossella, and Jordon Ferber sit down at Stand Up NY Labs to record the season 9 wrap up show. They talk about episodes with AJ Jacobs, Colt Cabana, Barry Katz, Lola Blanc, George Wallace and many more. Tune in to hear the memories, stories behind the scenes, and who got it right and who got it wrong with the philosophies. This episode is brought to you by Skillshare. Go to Skillshare.com/MDP for your free two month trial for a limited time only. Classes available on a multitude of great topics. Try it today!

    A.J. Jacobs and JL Schellenberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2019 115:39


    A.J. Jacobs hosts Daniel Lobell to talk about philosophy, religion, what is involved in being an author, and a recap of the global family reunion that A.J. threw and Daniel participated in a few years back. It’s a great talk and they also discuss the ideas of JL Schellenberg.   Enjoy!    

    Bonus Episode: Remembering Howard Lapides

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2019 84:32


    Some years ago Daniel Lobell sat down for an interview with the now late Howard Lapides. In this episode Daniel also reflects on the tragic loss of his friend and former manager David Kimowitz. Please Zelle donations to help the Kimowitz family to thedavidkimowitzmemorialfund@gmail.com (if you are able to help his family. He is survived by a widow and two small Children) Thank you.

    interview comedy howard lapides
    Colt Cabana and Carl Von Clausewitz

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2019 107:06


    Colt Cabana comes by Daniel Lobell's Edinburgh flat (apartment) in Scotland at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They talk about Colt's career as a professional wrestler, getting into the WWE, and being fired from the WWE, which led him to doing the DIY thing. They discover together that they have a lot in common in their stories and somewhere along the line, even get into the ideas of Carl Von Clausewitz and get philosophical. Also, Daniel reveals some very big news at the beginning of the episode that you won't want to miss! With special guest Kylie Ora Lobell.   Enjoy!

    Lola Blanc and August Comte

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2019 116:11


    Lola Blanc comes over to Daniel Lobell's house to talk about her fascinating story of her childhood growing up in the Mormon church, her mother being taken by a deceptive false messiah and finding her way into music. The conversation touches on everything from dating Marlyn Mason to the philosophy of August Comte and this marks our first musician on the show! Enjoy!

    Barry Katz and Herbert Spencer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2019 135:20


    Barry Katz is a legendary comedy manager and producer. He co produced the hit show Last Comic Standing. He managed Dane Cook, Dave Chappelle, Nick Di Paolo and Louis CK. He stops by to talk to Daniel Lobell about his story, his life after divorce, being a father and to talk about some of the philosophy of Herbert Spencer. Enjoy!

    Jackie "The Jokeman" Martling and Jeremy Bentham

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2019 131:44


    Jackie Martling invites Daniel Lobell over for a talk the ranges on everything from the Howard Stern show to addiction to marriage to the philosophy of Jeremy Bentham. Lots of fun and of course Jokes! Enjoy!

    Myq Kaplan and Oscar Wilde

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2019 111:30


    Myq Kaplan joins Daniel to discuss some of the ideas of philosopher/writer Oscar Wilde. Myq and Daniel have been friends for years and they catch up. Myq is also the voice of the new intro song lyrics written by Zach Sherwin.

    Jimmy O. Yang and William Jevons

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2018 88:32


    Jimmy O. Yang of Silicon Valley and Crazy Rich Asians comes by to talk to Daniel about philosopher William Jevons and his new book "How to American". They talk about family, childhood stories, comedy and how to evolve artistically when your motivations shift. Enjoy!

    Luz Pazos and Giacomo Leopardi

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2018 97:36


    Luz Pazos is the only Peruvian comedian working in the U.S. currently. She comes by the show to talk with Daniel about Giacomo Leopardi as well as her story of international travel that led her to Los Angeles and to becoming a comedian. She also happens to be a huge Giacomo Leopardi fan! Enjoy!

    Manis Friedman and Thomas Nagel

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2018 78:13


    Rabbi Manis Friedman comes over Daniel's house to discuss his new book "The Joy of Intimacy" and some philosophy from Thomas Nagel. The conversation covers his growing up in the Chabad movement and meeting with the esteemed Lubavitcher Rebbe of blessed memory, having Bob Dylan as a congregant of his synagogue and of course the subject of Intimacy.  

    Mendy Pellin and Carl Jung

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2018 137:28


    Mendy Pellin talks with Daniel Lobell about what it's like to be one of the only Hassidic stand up comedians. They discuss performing for religious crowds, a funny story involving a holocaust survivor and philosophy from Carl Jung! Enjoy!

    Tony Hawk and Marcel Proust

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2018 75:25


    Tony Hawk and Daniel Lobell sit down and discuss skateboarding, music, following your dreams, Hollywood and philosophy from Marcel Proust. Enjoy!

    EPISODE 100! A LOOK BACK. (Featuring Maron, Burr, Bamford, Lewis Black and more)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2018 74:09


    Celebration of 100 episodes of Modern Day Philosophers with Daniel Lobell. Featuring: Matt Kirshen, Maria Bamford, Bill Burr, Lewis Black, Marc Maron, Carl Reiner, Jackie Mason, Doug Stanhope, Fred Armisen, Brian Regan, Mellisa Villasenior, George Wallace and Shelley Berman. Special appearance from Marc Frame.

    Salvador Litvak and Adam Ferguson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2018 125:32


    Salvador Litvak the great writer, director and host of the Accidental Talmudist sits down with Danny to tell his story of immigrating from Chile, Umbrella Stabbings, Harvard rowing, bad performance art and Mexican weed. They also talk Judaim, the holocaust and of course about the philosopher Alex Fossella picked for them Adam Ferguson. Brought to you by FairEnoughComic.com Issue #2 now available!

    George Wallace and Montesquieu

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2018 83:50


    George Wallace and Danny Lobell sit down in an airport lounge near LAX and talk everything from politics to Seinfeld to being at Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral. Its the first episode of SEASON NINE!! Enjoy!

    Special Episode: Ralphie May; a journey through podcasts, stand up and life.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2018 165:59


    Ralphie May; a journey. In this episode I look back at my friendship with my comedy mentor, brother, boss and friend Ralphie May. You will hear old episodes of my various podcasts featuring me (Danny Lobell), David Kasten, Chris Iacono, Myka Fox, Andrew Schulz, Joe Materese, Justy Dodge, Lahna Turner, Dan Naturman, and of course the late and very great Ralphie May. I also make some calls to Skyler Stone, The Smash Brothers (Corey and Chad), Steve Lee, Billy Wayne Davis and my cousin Marc.  May Mr. May be with us all in some way always. Long live the memory of the great Ralphie May.

    SEASON 8 WRAP UP SHOW with Danny and Alex Fossella

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2018 106:03


    Alex Fossella and Danny Lobell recount their favorite highlights from the season! 

    Tape Face aka Sam Wills and Alexis de Tocqueville

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2018 97:33


    Tape Face joins Danny Lobell, host of Modern Day Philosophers. America's Got Talent's Tape Face guests on this episode of the show to discuss philosophy from philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville. They talked about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, protecting your inner child, and the frustrations of social media. Tape Face went to clowning school, where he learned street performing, magic, and juggling, and failed at sword swallowing. Tune in to find out more. 

    Erica Rhodes and John Rawls

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2018 97:12


    Erica Rhodes comes by and she and Danny names, Prairie Home Companion, comedy, philosophy of John Rawls (with a surprise cameo from Alex Fossella), music and Tanglewood and so much more. Enjoy!

    David Koechner and Alexander Hamilton

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2017 87:17


    David Koechner and Danny Lobell talk about having kids, addiction, Improv, SNL, the Midwest and politics.   Enjoy!

    Jamie Kilstein and Thomas Jefferson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2017 94:51


    Jamie Kilstein came over and discussed his longtime friendship with Danny and how the two wound up on very different paths over the years. Jamie addresses the scandal that he found himself caught in and where he was at in that point in life. The two delve into how and why Jamie had gotten there. It's an episode packed with introspection and lots of vulnerability. It is full of laughs along the way. The philosopher that Alex Fossella picked for Jamie this episode is Thomas Jefferson and Danny and Jamie try and understand that he was a slave owner and preached about freedom. This episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh. Visit HelloFresh.com and use promo code MDP30 to receive $30 off your first week of meals. It's also sponsored by Stand Up! Records. Visit Standuprecords.com and pick up Danny Lobell's latest album "The Nicest Boy in Barcelona." You can pick up Jamie Kilstein's albums there, too. 

    Phil Proctor and Karl Marx

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2017 78:10


    Phil Proctor (of the Firesign Theatre) has Danny Lobell over his house in the Canyon to talk about his long exciting and at times Mystical career in the counterculture surrealist comedy group "Firesign Theatre" which put out classic comedy records in the 1960s. They discuss his new book "Where's my fortune cookie", The Manson murders, aliens, self hypnosis, a gangland shooting, naked swimming parties in the 70's, politics and of course Karl Marx. Brought to you by Stand Up! Records Enjoy!

    Baron Vaughn and Simone de Beauvoir

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2017 107:51


    Baron Vaughn comes by for a very in depth discussion about race, religion, his new album Blaxistential Crisis identity and of course our philosopher who in this case was Simone de Beauvoir. It's a great talk brought to you by the good folks over at The Fake Outrage Report podcast and GreenBlender. Enjoy!

    Jenny Zigrino and Hans-Georg Gadamer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2017 83:38


    Jenny Zigrino comes by discuss philosophy from Hans-Georg Gadamer. The episode is full of laughs and very sincere moments and covers everything from food to Nazis.  This episode is brought to you by: HelloFresh.com and Stand Up! Records  Visit HelloFresh.com and use promo code MDP30 for $30 off your first week of meal deliveries. pick up JZ’s new album at Standuprecords.com

    Rob Bell and Richard Dawkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2017 124:58


    Rob Bell comes over to discuss all things religion spirituality Christianity starting his own church and the philosophy of Richard Dawkins. It's a fascinating and enjoyable talk with a very insightful and different kind a guest then we normally have. Thanks to our Sponsors Stand Up! Records, Centered Health and Hello Fresh for supporting our podcast. Go to HelloFresh.com and use the code MDP30 to get $30 off your first week of deliveries.

    Remembering Shelley Berman

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2017 67:48


    The great Shelley Berman has passed away. Listen to my interview with him from season 2 and hear some stories of our friendship that transpired out of this interview. R.I.P. Shelley

    Jimeoin and Edmund Burke

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2017 87:19


    Jimeoin and Danny record this episode from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Great talk about the philosophy of Edmund Burke, and Jimeoin talks about growing up in Ireland and leaving to make his own way in the world and about getting older. Brought to you by Stand Up! Records and Renevatio Credit Enterprises. 

    Steven Alan Green and Franz Kafka

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2017 71:17


    Steven Alan Green comes by to talk Franz Kafka, Jerry Lewis and the showbiz struggle. Enjoy!

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