Why Are You Laughing?

Nick Mullen Prank Calls | The Cum Town Archives

Nick Mullen has always been known for his sharp instincts, patience, and ability to find comedy in discomfort — and some of his best work existed long before Cum Town ever began.In this episode of Why Are You Laughing?, we dig into Nick Mullen Prank Calls: The Cum Town Archives, focusing on a collection of early, largely underground prank calls Nick made before Cum Town was even a concept. These aren’t loud, obvious bits — they’re slow-burn, subtle exercises in tension, timing, and endurance, often built around keeping customer service representatives on hold for absurd lengths of time while barely saying anything at all.We break down why these calls are so effective, how they foreshadow the comedic sensibilities that would later define Cum Town, and why this material remains obscure even to many fans. The episode also explores what makes Nick Mullen such a unique comedic voice — his restraint, his ear for rhythm, and his willingness to let awkward silence do the work.There’s also an argument at the center of this discussion: that Nick Mullen is an underrated genius, and that it’s a shame we don’t have more recorded work from him in this mode. These prank calls feel like missing chapters — early proof of a comedian already operating on a different wavelength.For Cum Town fans, Nick Mullen obsessives, and anyone interested in unconventional comedy craft, this episode uncovers a hidden corner of his work that deserves far more attention.5:44 Movie Theater23:15 The Trains35:00 Starbucks43:51 Finish Line50:47 Costco58:59 Kelloggs1:03:22 Outback1:07:21 MacDonaldsIf you're interested in the full Nick Mullen prank call compilationhttps://youtu.be/zviwcSk2FwI?si=xY6ifCmX7X9ZfFOQFOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.orgFOR ALL THINGS HACKRIDEhttp://hackridethedemon.comFOR ALL THINGS DJ ELECTRA FRYhttp://djelectrafry.com

Doug Stanhope 'Something to Take The Edge Off'

This episode of Why Are You Laughing?, reviews Doug Stanhope’s two thousand comedy album Something to Take the Edge Off. The discussion focuses on the album’s themes, joke construction, delivery, and performance style, with attention to how it reflects Stanhope’s early development as a stand-up comedian. The episode also places the album within his broader body of work and considers its relevance in the context of stand-up comedy at the turn of the millennium.3:50 Analysis begins9:43 Smoking14:57 Laws21:43 Live like there's no tomorrow28:45 Getting famous from stand-up comedy41:22 CloserFOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.orgFOR ALL THINGS HACKRIDEhttp://hackridethedemon.comFOR ALL THINGS DJ ELECTRA FRYhttp://djelectrafry.com

The Rise and Fall of Comedy Central

Comedy Central once defined what mainstream comedy looked like.In this episode of Why Are You Laughing?, we break down the rise and fall of Comedy Central — how the network became the center of stand-up comedy, political satire, and boundary-pushing television, and why that dominance slowly unraveled. From Chappelle’s Show and South Park to The Daily Show, we examine the shows that made Comedy Central essential viewing and the cultural moment that allowed them to thrive.We also look at Comedy Central’s stand-up and roast catalogs, how the network shaped comedy careers, and why its influence over stand-up, political comedy, and pop culture began to fade as media habits changed. This episode isn’t just about a network declining — it’s about how comedy itself moved on.TIMESTAMPS3:39 Origin of Comedy Central5:51 Bill Maher & Politically Incorrect12:06 South Park from Trey Parker and Matt Stone19:29 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart31:46 Comedy Central Presents & their stand-up comedy cataloged40:27 Dave Chappelle & Chappelle's Show49:09 Comedy Central Roasts56:23 Tosh.0 + The Downfall1:00:55 Tough Crowd w/ Colin Quinn1:05:29 Norm MacDonaldFOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.orgFOR ALL THINGS HACKRIDEhttp://hackridethedemon.comFOR ALL THINGS DJ ELECTRA FRYhttp://djelectrafry.com

Karl Pilkington: Idiot Or Genius?

Karl Pilkington is known from The Ricky Gervais Show & Idiot Abroad, among other projects. We examine his philosophy and personality traits that built a cult following. FOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.orgFOR ALL THINGS HACKRIDEhttp://hackridethedemon.comFOR ALL THINGS DJ ELECTRA FRYhttp://djelectrafry.com

Steve Martin: A Wild and Crazy Guy

A breakdown of Steve Martin's 1978 stand up comedy album, A Wild & Crazy Guy. FOR ALL THINGS BLIND MIKEhttp://blindmike.netFOR ALL THINGS CRAIGGERShttp://www.verygoodshow.orgFOR ALL THINGS HACKRIDEhttp://hackridethedemon.comFOR ALL THINGS DJ ELECTRA FRYhttp://djelectrafry.com