HeadGum is an American podcasting network founded in 2015 by Marty Michael, Amir Blumenfeld, and Jake Hurwitz. The latter two – known collectively as comedy duo Jake and Amir – built upon the success of their podcast If I Were You to launch the network, with the show serving as its flagship program. Before founding HeadGum, Michael sold advertising space and branded content for CollegeHumor. HeadGum has studios in Los Angeles and New York and, as of 2019, hosts 57 shows, 34 of which are ongoing. HeadGum also features an active YouTube channel and presents HeadGum Live! – a series of live shows featuring podcast hosts from the network.
Programming
Current
''A Funny Feeling''
Comedians and supernatural enthusiasts Betsy Sodaro and Marcy Jarreau discuss paranormal experiences with their comedian friends and celebrity guests. Past guests include Aubrey Plaza and Sasheer Zamata. The show debuted on September 29, 2017.
''All Fantasy Everything''
Host Ian Karmel - with frequent co-hosts Sean Jordan and David Gborie - conducts a fantasy draft for pop culture topics with guests. People who have appeared on the podcast include Ron Funches and Kumail Nanjiani, who together drafted video games; Jon Cryer, who drafted candy; and Katie Nolan, who drafted MTV shows. The show premiered on September 15, 2016, and has aired 125 episodes as of March 28, 2019. John-Michael Bond of The Daily Dot praised All Fantasy Everything as one of the top comedy podcasts of 2018, describing it as "a refreshing change of pace."
Doughboys features Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger reviewing chain restaurants. The show has featured appearances from Sarah Silverman, for the review of McDonald's; Ike Barinholtz, for the review of Top Round Roast Beef; Haley Joel Osment, for the review of Quizno's; and Gillian Jacobs, who joined the Doughboys for their fourth review of Taco Bell. Premiering on May 21, 2015, as part of the Feral Audio network, Doughboys transitioned to HeadGum in April 2018 following the shutdown of its previous provider. As of April 2019, the DoughboysPatreon account is the 8th most popular among podcast Patreons, with over 7000 patrons. Brian Reinhart of The Dallas Observer lauded the mix of humor and food criticism evident in the podcast, describing Mitchell and Wiger as, "Americas funniest food critics".
''Dynamic Banter''
Hosts and friends, Mike Falzone and Steve Zaragoza tackle a different topic each week and - once monthly - present a movie commentary episode labelled 'The Commentarium'. Dynamic Banter is a continuation of the hosts prior podcast, Cloverfeels, and debuted on May 5, 2016 - reaching 150 episodes in April 2019.
''Gilmore Guys''
Veteran fan Kevin T. Porter and show newcomer Demi Adejuyigbe provide an episode-by-episode analysis of Gilmore Girls. Gilmore Guys premiered on October 1, 2014, and featured appearances from comedian guests, such as Retta and Lauren Lapkus, as well as actors from the show, such as Lauren Graham. and Milo Ventimiglia The original release concluded on June 3, 2017, and was succeeded by the hosts reviewing Bunheads, and then The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, for which Alice Wetterlund replaced Adejuyigbe as a host of the podcast.
''Girls On Porn''
Girls on Porn is a porn review podcast hosted by Rachel Napoleon and Laura Ramadei. Each week, they research and review porn based on popular search terms. The podcast was launched March 6, 2019.
''Good Christian Fun''
Kevin T. Porter and Caroline Ely explore the world of Christian pop culture. Good Christian Fun premiered on August 30, 2017.
On Hey Riddle Riddle, improv artists Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, and John Patrick Coan attempt to solve Riddles, Puzzles, and WhoDunnits while discussing and dissecting them along the way. The podcast debuted on July 25, 2018, and has since drawn praise from Forbes, Observer and The Irish Times, in which it was lauded as being "high octane and hilarious."
''High and Mighty''
hosts this podcast where he invites celebrities and friends on to discuss a different topic each episode. Past guests include Paul Scheer, Adam Pally, and Bobby Moynihan. High and Mighty premiered on July 30, 2015, and aired its 200th episode on March 28, 2019.
''If I Were You''
HeadGum co-founders Jake and Amir host this flagship comedy advice podcast, which has been running since May 10, 2013. The podcast has featured numerous recurring guest appearances; such as Ben Schwartz, who has guested 11 times; Thomas Middleditch, who has guested 8 times; Hoodie Allen, who has guested 4 times; and Allison Williams, who has guested 3 times. On September 16, 2019, the podcast aired its 400th episode. Sam Tabachnik of The Washington Post has written of If I Were You that it exemplifies how Jake and Amir "have their fingers firmly on the pulse of the digital comedy scene," while Kayla Culver of The Concordian likened the podcast to "listening to two best friends having a hilarious conversation on the couch next to you."
''Just a Tip with Megan Batoon''
Megan Batoon hosts this advice podcast. Just a Tip first aired on March 30, 2018, and reached 50 episodes on March 22, 2019.
''No Joke''
Each episode, Harvard Sailing Team members and comedians Billy Scafuri and Adam Lustick discuss their history and relationship with a single topic. No Joke debuted on February 5, 2016.
''Not Another D&D Podcast''
alumni Brian K. Murphy, Emily Axford, Jake Hurwitz and Caldwell Tanner present this Dungeons and Dragons play podcast. The main campaign follows the adventures of "the band of boobs" - composed of Axford, Hurwitz, and Tanner's respective characters; Moonshine Cybin, a Crick elf Druid; Hardwon Surefoot, a human fighter raised by dwarves; and Beverly Toegold V, a teenaged "City Halfling." Murphy serves as the dungeon-master for the campaign, which frequently features guest appearances. Not Another D&D Podcast has amassed over 10,000 patrons for the show's Patreon account. The podcast premiered on February 2, 2018, and reached episode 100 of its main campaign on May 10, 2020.
''Overdue''
Hosts Craig Getting and Andrew Cunningham host this podcast about notable literature. Each week, Craig and Andrew discuss a book in their backlog. Overdue premiered on February 11, 2013, and on April 1, 2019 reached its 350th episode.
''Punch Up the Jam''
Each week, comedians and friends Miel Bredouw and Demi Adejuyigbe review and try to improve upon a popular song. Punch Up the Jam has featured appearances from Griffin McElroy, for the punch-up of "Send Me on My Way"; Mara Wilson, for the punch-up of "Semi-Charmed Life"; and Grace Helbig, for the punch-up of "Welcome to the Jungle". The podcast premiered on December 21, 2017. Punch Up the Jam has received praise from numerous outlets, including Metro; Vulture.com; and Pitchfork. On the July 4, 2019 episode of the podcast, Adejuyigbe announced that he will no longer be involved with the show.
''Robot Congress''
, Austin Hoffman, and Ali Rothman, analyze and discuss topics around the intersection of law and technology. As of March 9, 2019, the podcast has released 81 episodes.
''The Baby-Sitters Club Club''
Jack Shepherd and Tanner Greenring go through and discuss Ann M. Martin's The Baby-Sitters Club novels. The Baby-Sitters Club Club debuted on February 23, 2016.
''The Complete Guide to Everything''
The Complete Guide to Everything is a weekly podcast that delves in to a wide array of topics, driven by hosts Tom Reynolds and Tim Daniels' quests to make the world a more informed place. The podcast aired its 500th episode on January 14, 2019.
''The Dumbbells''
and Ryan Stanger host this comedic fitness-themed podcast. The Dumbbells premiered on October 26, 2016, and reached 125 episodes on March 20, 2019.
''The Easy Chair''
Author Laura Hurwitz - with occasional guests - hosts this podcast which features weekly readings of short stories. The Easy Chair reached its 175th episode on December 11, 2018.
''The Jeff Rubin Jeff Rubin Show''
Jeff Rubin interviews creative people who have pursued careers based on their personal interests. The Jeff Rubin Jeff Rubin Show debuted on March 8, 2013, and has featured appearances from R.L. Stine, Pete Holmes, and Chris Gethard.
''This Is Why You're Single''
Writers of a humorous advice book of the same name, Laura Lane and Angela Spera meet weekly to analyze and explain real-life dating disasters. This Is Why You're Single premiered on July 30, 2015.
''Twinnovation''
Host Mike Karnell and identical twins Dave and Jeff Rosenberg comically design get-rich-quick schemes and inventions. Marc Heshon of Huffington Post has written of the podcast that, "the ideas all pretty bad... but the explaining of them is pretty damn funny." Twinnovation debuted on July 30, 2015, and was featured at the 35th annual Just for Laughs festival. As of May 6, 2019, host Mike Karnell is no longer a member of the Twinnovation Podcast.
''We Hate Movies''
Each week, Andrew Jupin, Stephen Sajdak, Eric Szyszka and Chris Cabin force themselves to watch and review infamous movies and box-office flops. We Hate Movies has aired over 480 episodes of its main catalogue as of May 2020.
''We Watch Wrestling''
Standup comedians Matt McCarthy and Vince Averill host this wrestling-centric podcast which premiered in 2013.
A joint project between HeadGum and Vulture.com, What the Tuck? A RuPaul's Drag Race Podcast is dedicated to the recapping of weekly RuPaul's Drag Race episodes. Hosts Nicole Byer and Joel Kim Booster reacted to RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in the first season of the podcast. Mano Agapion and Matt Rogers took over the hosting duties for the second season of the podcast, in which they discuss RuPaul's Drag Race. What The Tuck? was launched on December 17, 2018.
''Why Won't You Date Me?''
Why Won't You Date Me? is a quest to find why host Nicole Byer is perpetually single; exploring topics relating to love, life and sex along the way. The podcast premiered on December 1, 2017, and has featured appearances from Sasheer Zamata, Jameela Jamil, and Trixie Mattel. Why Won't You Date Me has been described as "a hilarious chronicle of dating life as she connects her own struggles to the bigger issues within the dating world," and was awarded 'Outstanding Foreign Series' at the 2019 Canadian Podcasting Awards.
Retired programs
''2 Jews Talking''
Josh Heller and Erika Brooks Adickman analyze pop culture, gender, politics, and life, from a Jewish standpoint. 2 Jews Talking premiered on April 4, 2016, and was retired after 90 episodes on February 5, 2019.
''8-Bit Book Club''
Hosts Brian Murphy, Emily Axford, and Caldwell Tanner discuss video game novels. 8-Bit Book Club debuted on September 27, 2016, and aired its final episode on April 2, 2018.
''Black Girls Talking''
Hosts Alesia, Fatima, Aurelia, and Ramou provide their opinions on a diverse range of topics, with specific attention to the perspective and representation of people of color. Black Girls Talking ended on October 13, 2016.
''Cloverfeels''
Mike Falzone and Steve Zaragoza review and analyze the 'Cloverfield' movie franchise. Cloverfeels aired its last episode on August 16, 2017; becoming a segment on Falzone and Zaragoza's Dynamic Banter! podcast.
''Come Out, Come Out''
Each episode, host Mo Welch invites a guest onto the podcast to talk about their experience with coming out. Come Out, Come Out was retired in September 15, 2017.
''Coupla Questions''
Hosts Dannielle & Claire interview their favorite couples about how they fell in love and how they stayed in love. Coupla Question ended on July 19, 2016.
''Don't Get Me Started''
Will Hines and Anthony King talk to talented people about what they love–rather than about their work. Don't Get Me Started has featured appearances from Jason Mantzoukas, D'Arcy Carden, and Matt Walsh. The podcast concluded - after running for almost 3 years - on August 22, 2017.
''Doodie Calls with Doug Mand''
Comedian and writer Doug Mand talks to guests about their most embarrassing bathroom moments and other awkward experiences. Past guests on the podcast include Phil Lord, Rachel Bloom, and Bob Saget. Doodie Calls ran for over 6 years; ending on June 28, 2018.
A podcast documenting the HeadGum Fantasy Basketball League, where members appear on the show to discuss their thoughts and actions. The podcast ended on January 17, 2017.
''HeadGum Fantasy Football League''
A podcast documenting the HeadGum Fantasy Football League, where members appear on the show to discuss their thoughts and actions. After 35 episodes, the podcast ended on June 1, 2017.
''I Feel Ya''
Hosts Katie Hilliard and Elaine Carroll present this podcast intended around cultivating empathy. I Feel Ya was retired on December 11, 2017.
''I'm Still Right''
Luke Kelly-Clyne hosts two guests who engage in longstanding debates of theirs. I'm Still Right concluded on February 14, 2019.
''It Feels like the First Time''
, Owen Carter, and Brett Register rewatch TV shows and movies. It Feels like the First Time was retired after 78 episodes, on November 13, 2018.
''Lady Lovin'''
Jilly Hendrix, Greta Titelman, and Lo Bosworth discuss all things female empowerment, from romance, to health, to entrepreneurship. The show premiered on August 17, 2015, and was retired on December 31, 2018, after 169 episodes.
Guests attempt to convince hosts Kelly Hudson and Dan Klein to like things that they currently do not. Guests who appeared on Make Me Like It include Paul F. Tompkins, Paul Scheer, and Horatio Sanz. The podcast premiered on April 7, 2016, with the 90th, and last, episode airing on October 25, 2018.
''Shock and Awesome''
interviews comedians and musicians to understand their creative inspirations. Features on the show include Lin-Manuel Miranda and Wayne Brady. The show was retired on April 20, 2018.
''That Was Us''
Every episode, a guest joins Julia Nunes and shares an embarrassing anecdote of who they used to be. The final episode of That Was Us aired on April 21, 2017.
''The Coe Show''
Former ESPN radio personality Tyler Coe hosts this sport-related podcast. It was retired on November 5, 2016.
''The Earthling's Podcast''
, Yessica Hernandez Cruz and John Ros host this comedic discussion podcast. The Earthling's Podcast premiered on April 3, 2017, and was retired on February 19, 2018.
''The Mindhouse Project''
Host Josh Ruben and guests discuss a wide variety of topics. Guests who appeared on The Mindhouse Project include Thomas Middleditch, Patrick Wilson, and Matt McGorry. The podcast was retired on September 19, 2017.
''What Did I Miss''
A current events podcast, hosted by comedians Susanna Wolff and Siobhan Thompson. What Did I Miss was retired on December 16, 2016.
''What Should We Draw?''
Illustrators Caldwell Tanner and Nathan Yaffe take inspiration from their conversation to design a drawing, publishing the finished drawings to their tumblr of the same name. The podcast debuted on February 22, 2016, and was retired on March 14, 2018, after 75 episodes.
Videos
The HeadGum YouTube channel was launched on February 8, 2016. The channel features uploads of filmed podcast episodes, IRL videos, and livestreams, as well as two original comedy series featuring HeadGum employees and occasionally podcast hosts; Geoffrey the Dumbass, and Off Days., the channel has amassed nearly 40,000 subscribers and 10 million views.
''HeadGum Live!''
In addition to their podcasting and YouTube releases, HeadGum has also presented multiple live shows. HeadGum Live! is described as, "a night of improv, sketch, stand-up, and more featuring the staff, podcasters, and friends of the HeadGum podcast network." The shows have been performed at the UCB and Hayworth theatres in Los Angeles, as well as in Montreal at the Just for Laughs 2017 festival, and in Austin, at SXSW in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
