[overthemoon]

I think podcasting is at its best when it's niche, weirdo content made by nobodies. I mainly listen to comedy podcasts, and the best ones aren't established celebrities barging into the space. See: Conan O'Brien, who I like quite a bit, but I was annoyed when he announced his show. They take up a lot of oxygen and discoverability is worse because of it. On the other hand, they probably roll up a lot of people who wouldn't be listening to a podcast at all otherwise, so it's not like they're sucking up audiences, but there's only so much room for promotion and ranking.

There's also a pool of topics which everyone has an opinion on that are saturated and you really have to have an interesting angle to stand out.

[Cthulhu_]

Mainstream people doing podcasts are paid by podcast hosters (think apple, spotify) to create content, because some people will use the platforms then - think Joe Rogan's $200M deal with Spotify.

[etrautmann]

Any recommendations for niche comedy podcast?

[overthemoon]

- Hollywood Handbook: two guys with an extended bit about how they're clueless, arrogant celebrity chasers and they interview comedians

- Rude Tales of Magic: easily the best D&D podcast out there. Has a real insane, cartoon quality to it, cast is great, production values are through the roof. Always funny, sometimes surprisingly affecting. They have another one called Oh These Those Stars of Space, similar thing but in space.

- Seeking Derangements: In the "funny people chatting with no structure" genre. Either you like that or you don't, I happen to think they're hilarious, but wouldn't blame anyone for not liking it.

- High & Mighty: This one I tune in when there's an interesting guest. Jon Gabrus is hysterical, though. I suppose the premise is that Gabrus and guest get high and talk about the topic of the guest's choosing, but usually it's just funny to hear him riff with his friends

- Most everything on CBB World, including everything on CBB Presents. If you're not familiar, Comedy Bang Bang is, IMO, the original comedy podcast. Been going on for like 14 years, Auckerman started his own platform recent called CBB World with fan favorite characters and comedians getting space to do extended bits and explore ideas. They don't always hit, but there's some gold there.

- ALAB: A bunch of lawyers chat up law topics. Funny, sometimes unbelievably grim, depending on the topic

- What A Time to Be Alive: 3 NYC comedians pick goofy stories in the news to riff on

- E1: Premise is that each episode is the first episode of some other podcast. I think Andy Daly did this concept, as well, but these guys are killing it.

- bigsofttitty.png: Australian comedians riffing. I just recently found this one, pretty good so far but I've only heard part of one ep.

I've heard good things about The Teacher's Lounge, but haven't listened to it much yet. Dan Lippert has been on Comedy Bang Bang a lot and he's really funny, though.

Less niche:

- Comedy Bang Bang: the GOAT. A zillion years now and still going strong

- Chapo Trap House (polarizing, I know, but I've been a listener since the beginning, big fan)

- The Neighborhood Listen (Paul F Tompkins is simply the funniest man alive IMHO)

[causi]

"Plumbing the Death Star" is pretty good. They discuss absurd questions like "What if Professor X ran Hogwarts?" and the like. "Hello From the Magic Tavern" is an improvisational comedy show set in a fantasy world. "Mad at the Internet" is fun if you like learning about and laughing at real-life batshit insane people.