Paula Poundstone

Meet standup stalwart Paula Poundstone this time out. Since emerging as a comedy star in the 1980s (including an American Comedy Award win), Paula has remained a favorite on tv talk shows, game shows, and the standup stage. Her comedy is thoughtful but pointed, calling out the absurdities of daily life and popular culture. As always, find additional cuts below. Want an easily searchable archive of past shows? Check out our YouTube Channel (Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy). And thanks for sharing our shows!

 

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Paula had great chemistry with Craig Ferguson, so it was no surprise that she was among is final guests as he wound down his late night show. This clip is vintage Paula, pulling big laughs from everyday life -- such as her son's first efforts at filling out a job application. https://youtu.be/G6WnBZ5G6fc

In recent years Paula may be best known as a regular panelist on the NPR news quiz "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me" where her brand of plain spoken snark is right at home. Here is Paula riffing on Suze Orman. And yes, we know "Wait Wait" is a radio show -- this footage was taken from BBC's attempt to create a video version. https://youtu.be/gR47v_2a8Lw

Paula remains a top standup draw both here and in Canada where this clip was filmed. It has Paula musing a little with her audience about the differences in tolerance between the two countries. https://youtu.be/AYHzVxhhSZA