Comedy

Local comedians appreciate the intimacy of Wisconsin comedy clubs and the quality of audiences they provide.

Jenny Slate joins WPR’s “BETA” to talk about the complicated beauty of motherhood and how she’s strengthened her connection to herself.

Comedian Sarah Silverman grapples with her grief in her stand-up tour, “Postmortem.” She spoke with WPR’s “BETA” host Doug Gordon about how her comedy has evolved, learning from failure and finding comfort in conversation with her audience.

WPR’s “BETA” talks with Eugene Mirman about his funny friends, his latest tour, and his nine-volume comedy album, “Eugene Mirman’s I’m Sorry, You’re Welcome.”

In his new book, “Gory Days,” Simon Rich tells us why the world’s most famous two-dimensional plumber, Super Mario, is having trouble dealing with turning 40.

Author Carrie Courogen chronicles the history of one of the most creative and talented improv comedians and directors of the 20th century with her book, “Miss May Does Not Exist: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywood’s Hidden Genius.”

Mary Mack was born in Minnesota and grew up in northwestern Wisconsin, which she still calls home. She taps that background — in particular, the area’s quirkiness  — for her comedy routine, sending audiences in stitches via the “Tonight Show,” the “Grand Ole Opry” and other national venues. 

Paul Scheer talks about his hilarious and heartbreaking memoir, “Joyful Recollections of Trauma.”

Demetri Martin has created a new experience for theatre and television audiences. His latest comedy special, “Demetri Martin: Demetri Deconstructed,” is the first in a trilogy of specials to tell a story beyond his jokes.

Does this mean that Julia Masli is the Anne Landers of comedy? It’s a little more complicated than that, she tells WPR’s “BETA.”