Chasing Comedy

Brian Scott McFadden & Dustin Chafin

Chasing Comedy features professional comedians Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin as they dive deep into the chaotic world of comedy and the craft of Standup, exploring the nuances of joke writing, the unpredictable nature of live performance, and try to humorously make sense of the world while working out, or failing at crafting, that next great joke. With plenty of laughs and candid moments, join them as they tackle a lively exploration of the art of chasing comedy in a world filled with absurdities.

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20 episodes
Updated July 24

Episodes20

Newest first

July 24 · 1 hr 10 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 63: Why Gen X Will NEVER Be Replaced, Dad Issue Movies & Tattoo Regrets
Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin take a hilarious deep dive into the movies that shaped Generation X, the generational divide between Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z, tattoo culture, and the behind-the-scenes process of writing stand-up comedy. From comfort movies and dad issues to bad tattoo decisions and building the perfect joke, Episode 63 is packed with sharp observations, nostalgic laughs, and comedy shop talk.
July 20 · 58 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 62: Why Horror Movies Are WINNING, Comedy Movies are Dying & Has Technology Ruined Our Brains?
Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin discuss why horror movies are thriving while comedy films struggle, the impact of technology on our attention spans, the future of stand-up, AI, social media, classic books, and the ever-changing entertainment industry. Plus, they brainstorm new comedy bits, tackle pop culture, and spin the Comedy Wheel for another hilarious episode of Chasing Comedy.
June 9 · 1 hr 14 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 61: Joe Matarese on Why Comedy Keeps Changing, Nostalgia, AI Therapy, and More!
Joe Matarese joins Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden for a hilarious deep dive into stand-up comedy, aging, AI therapy, growing up in the golden age of arcade games and roller-skating rinks, and more. From comedy war stories and changing audiences to nostalgic memories and the challenges of life on the road, Joe brings his signature honesty and sharp wit to one of the funniest episodes of Chasing Comedy yet.
May 26 · 1 hr 10 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 60: Jared Freid on Swatch Watches, Oversharing Uber Drivers & Modern Standup
On Episode 60 of Chasing Comedy, Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden are joined by comedian and podcast star Jared Freid for a hilarious deep dive into roast culture, crowd work, hecklers, comedy fame, podcasting, and the changing world of stand-up. From Netflix roast controversy to nightmare Uber drivers and comedy club chaos, this episode is packed with sharp takes, behind-the-scenes comedy stories, and nonstop laughs.
May 18 · 1 hr 4 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 59: T.J. Miller on Roast Culture, Christmas Movies, Fame & Why Comics Never Quit
Comedian and actor T.J. Miller joins Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden for a hilarious deep dive into roast culture, stand-up comedy addiction, Hollywood, cancel culture, sports, classic comedy movies, and the weird realities of modern fame. The guys break down Kevin Hart roasts, Shane Gillis, Christmas movies, public bathroom anxiety, boomers on TikTok, and why comics can never truly quit stand-up. One of the funniest and most honest episodes of Chasing Comedy yet.
May 11 · 1 hr 7 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 58: Adam Muller on Late-Blooming Comics, Netflix Comedy Contests & DIY Specials
On Episode 58 of Chasing Comedy, Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden are joined by comedian Adam Muller for a deep dive into comedy contests, bombing on stage, self-producing stand-up specials, and building a comedy career later in life. The guys break down Netflix comedy shows, Comedy Cellar politics, joke writing, and what it really takes to survive in stand-up comedy today. Funny, honest, and packed with behind-the-scenes comedy stories.
May 1 · 1 hr 3 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 57: My Dad Was Snarf, Stand-Up Hacks, and The Reality of Killing vs Creating
In Episode 57 of Chasing Comedy, Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin dive into the reality of being a working stand-up comic—when to experiment, when to play it safe, and why even great comedians rely on jokes they’re tired of. Brian also shares hilarious and personal stories about growing up with his dad—the voice of many commerical and cartoon characters like Snarf from ThunderCats—and how that shaped his comedy. It’s a funny, honest look at the grind behind the laughs.
April 20 · 1 hr 1 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 56: You Couldn’t Write the Bible Today?!, Porky's, Stand-Up Movie Rant & Wild Bits
In Episode 56 of Chasing Comedy, Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin riff on why stand-up movies rarely work, pitch a parody of the genre, and stumble into a hilarious bit: “You couldn’t write the Bible today.” Plus, they workshop jokes live, debate comedy vs culture, and break down a killer premise about blocking people in real life vs social media.
April 13 · 1 hr 7 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 55: Joke Stealing and What Makes a Comedian a Hack?
In Episode 55 of Chasing Comedy, Brian and Dustin dive into one of stand-up’s biggest debates: what actually makes a comedian a “hack”? From cruise ship comics to joke stealing, they break down the blurry line between originality and survival in comedy. It’s a mix of comedy philosophy, real industry talk, and absolute chaos.
April 6 · 1 hr 13 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 54: Corporate Roasts, AI Bombs & Friend Funny vs "I Need to Eat" Funny with Chuck Nice
Brian Scott McFadden sits down with comedian Chuck Nice for a hilarious deep dive into the chaos of stand-up comedy. From bombing at corporate gigs to crushing impossible rooms, they break down why most jokes fail, how comics actually build material, and what separates “friend funny” from real stage funny. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at a wild corporate roast—and an AI that tries (and fails) to write comedy.
April 2 · 59 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 53: Arena Comedy, IKEA Relationship Tests, Outsourcing Your Entire Life & Wild Bits
Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden break down stand-up in real time—riffing on arena openers, IKEA relationship tests, and a ridiculous TaskRabbit bit that spirals into comedy gold. A chaotic, funny look at how jokes actually get built.
March 31 · 1 hr 4 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 52: Apocalypse Anxiety, Aggressive Dogs & Karen at a Renaissance Fair
Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden riff their way through apocalypse anxiety, doomsday bunkers, and a time traveler who fixes petty problems instead of history. From Karen at a Renaissance fair to aggressive dogs and comedy “Tourette’s,” this episode captures the raw, chaotic process of building stand-up bits in real time.
March 23 · 56 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 51: Nateland Cruise Stories, Military Football & Bit Breakdowns
In Chasing Comedy Episode 51, Dustin shares stories from performing on the Nateland Cruise while Brian helps break down new bits. A deep dive into joke writing, comedy life, and refining material on stage.
March 22 · 57 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 50: Time Travel Bits, Jim Jones Jokes & The Art of Fixing a Set
In Episode 50 of Chasing Comedy, the guys dive into the realities of performing stand-up on cruise ships—breaking down the highs, the challenges, and the art of adapting to wildly different crowds. From there, they riff their way into developing new material, including a hilarious time travel premise about fixing bad sets and missed opportunities. They also explore the tricky balance of political humor, punch up bits about cults and “drinking the Kool-Aid,” and dig into everyday absurdities like germs, buffets, and post-pandemic social habits. It’s a raw, funny, behind-the-scenes look at how comedians build jokes in real time.
February 28 · 1 hr
Chasing Comedy - Episode 49: Lobster Heists, Gen Z Nihilism & The Art of “Punching Down”
Episode 49 goes from lobster heists in Maine to generational warfare, AI taking everyone’s jobs, and whether comedians are “punching down” or just telling the truth. Brian, Dustin, and Adam spin the wheel, workshop bits, debate art, argue about music, and spiral into classic Chasing Comedy chaos.
February 7 · 1 hr 5 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 48: What’s a Plane Crash for a Comedian?
In Episode 48 of Chasing Comedy, Brian Scott McFadden and Dustin Chafin workshop a bit comparing stand-up to flying a plane — and debate what a “plane crash” looks like for a comedian. From bombing and black box recordings to cruise ship crowds and aggressive stage energy, the conversation turns into a deep dive on fear, authenticity, and finding your true comedic voice Part writers’ room, part therapy session — all comedy craft.
January 12 · 57 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 47: Top 100 Podcasters, Hat Cases & Losing Your Man Card
We accidentally made the Top 100 stand-up comedy podcasts… and immediately questioned its legitimacy. In Episode 47, Dustin Chafin and Brian McFadden break down what it means to be ranked, why they’re probably stuck at #80 forever, and how most of the show is still just talking about what the show should be. They dig into cruise-ship comedy pressures, bombing vs. adjusting, airline etiquette meltdowns, and a surprisingly heated debate about hat cases, man cards, and public overreactions. Add in unfinished bits, AI joke experiments, and classic Chasing Comedy chaos, and you’ve got another episode that’s equal parts insight, spiral, and laughs.
Dec 28, 2025 · 56 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 46: Clean Comedy, Fake Laughs & Zoom Therapy
In Episode 46, Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden dig into the strange realities of stand-up comedy—from trying to stay “clean” on stage to completely losing control when a sign-language interpreter shows up. The conversation winds through cruise-ship comedy nightmares, fake TV laughter, bombing while trapped with audiences, and why stand-up comedy movies almost never work. They also riff on Zoom therapy, AI-generated nonsense, crowd-work role-play ideas, and the growing gap between what comedians expect and how audiences actually laugh. A funny, honest, behind-the-scenes look at the chaos, psychology, and absurd expectations of life as a working comic.
Dec 27, 2025 · 49 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 45: Human Storage Units, Hecklers Gone Wild & Being Famous in Shanghai
Episode 45 of Chasing Comedy finds comedians Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden riffing on lost items, human hoarder pockets, hecklers gone wild, audience meltdowns, and the fine line between chaos and comedy. From drunken bachelorette disasters to becoming accidentally famous in Shanghai, this episode is packed with real stand-up stories, joke breakdowns, and nonstop laughs.
Dec 17, 2025 · 58 min
Chasing Comedy - Episode 44: Arena Comedy Chaos, Bombing in Front of 15,000, & Why Comics Hate Each Other
In Episode 44 of Chasing Comedy, Dustin Chafin and Brian Scott McFadden break down the realities of modern stand-up — from arena shows and bombing in front of thousands to crafting the perfect opener and surviving unpredictable crowds. Brian shares a wild onstage fall in front of 15,000 people, the guys talk local jokes, originality in comedy, and why comics secretly love small rooms. Honest, funny, and brutally inside baseball for stand-up fans.