Advice From A Dipshit With Matt Braunger

Jenny Yang is what you call a worker. A comedian, fashion icon (according to me and others on the internet), a writer, and creator of one of the most successful covid-era shows in the world: Comedy Crossing. Every week people tune in to watch comedians do comedy in the hugely popular Animal Crossing world. She was one of those comics I didn’t know very well, but now I feel like we’re pals. Especially since we’ve now given dating advice. She was also cool enough to take time out from her first trip post-covid to talk to us. What a class act! THE CALLS: 1) A fella wants to know how to look and dress ONCE THE WORLD OPENS! 2) A lady has a hard crush on a co-worker. TELL HIM OR NO? 3) A dude’s lady refuses to go to couples’ therapy anymore because she says he’s WINNING THERAPY! (??). Listen to our advice, call us idiots, then shout out your own. Thanks, Mightys! Call Matt and ask a question 323-763-0228 New episodes arrive every Thursday via The Laugh Button. For advertising opportunities email advertise@thelaugh

Mara Wilson has lived a few lives. A former child star (Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda, Miracle on 34th Street), she’s now writer, mental health advocate, and fellow funny person. I’d never met her personally, but we were fans of each other online. So when Josh Gondelman recommended her I jumped at the idea, even though Josh does so much coke he doesn’t know which was is up (Ed note: He doesn’t do coke, never has). She was a dream. Funny, thoughtful, and insightful for all three callers whose names were Matt (Ed note #2: Only two of them were Matts, which was still weird). THE CALLS: 1) Matt #1 got into a fight with his girlfriend, who was kind of a loudmouth at dinner in front of their friends. His fault? 2) Matt #2 is 37, went to art school, and feels left behind by life and his more successful friends. True or no? 3) A non-Matt (thank GOD) whom is a lady saw me in Chicago and I didn’t get mad when someone told me to move the moment before I got onstage. When do you know to be nice or not as a performer? Thanks, M

Justin Martindale is a strong-jawed “Store guy” like myself (half of this is true for me). We’re both Comedy Store performers here in LA, we’re both tall guys, but only Justin is cool, and gay. He’s recently returned from a somewhat rough gig performing in the deserts of Palm Springs so we’ve caught him at a particularly hilarious time. Justin has always cracked me up, always been a cool dude, and always had a both a good sardonic side and a good heart (to me, the best kind of combination). Whew! That’s a long sentence (but necessary). This was a fun one. Also, the calls this week are NUTS. THE CALLS: 1) A guy with real dating trouble has found a lady he really likes! The problem: She has herpes. What to do? 2) A man’s wife has asked for divorce. He asks: What’s the best way to take revenge? (!!) 3) Justin wants to know what to do about his “shitting” dog, and how he should approach his position of authority at a new job. Help! Thanks, like, and subscribe. You’re helping people with herpes when you do!Call Ma

Comedian Amy Miller won the Funniest Person in Portland Tournament two years in a row, so of course, I love her. She’s also a great friend who’s known not to bullshit. Her honesty, cutting wit, and openness have made her one of the best comics out there. She grew up in a religious family, isn’t too religious anymore, but still has that age-old fear of God. Hence her hit podcast “Who’s Your God?” where she and Steve Hernandez (a former megachurch pastor turned stand-up) ask folks about their beliefs. Plus, she wore an amazing dad rock shirt in my honor while we recorded. What a perfect guest!  THE CALLS:  1) A nice lady wants to quit her job, but has no prospects. Tips?  2) Alicia is working from home tomorrow. What should she wear???!!  3) Chris Jones (a name so common he was able to give it, first AND last) has a younger brother who is so afraid of needles he won’t get the vaccine. WHAT TO DO? Thanks, Mightys! Tell your friends! Call Matt and ask a question 323-763-0228 New episodes arrive every Thursday via

Recorded from ON LOCATION on Tim’s hotel he’s staying in before shooting The Righteous Gemstones! You might have seen Tim on that show, Shrink, or any of the other things he’s been quietly hilariously in. But don’t let any of that normal person stuff fool you, he’s also a really nice guy. Tim sat down with me to talk comedy, improv, the Old Chicago scene, and what it’s like to be high on anxiety every day from showbiz crap. Tim’s done even more than I knew, and he’s worked with some amazing performers. Plus, like a said, real sweet dude.  THE CALLS:  1) A caller wants to know what it’s like to work on his current big show 2) A nice lady with a particular set of skills wants to know how to get the word out, and  3) A male caller has a VERY WEIRD REQUEST for Tim on behalf of his ex. It was very fun to watch his face as we listened to it.  Thanks, Mightys! Call Matt and ask a question 323-763-0228 New episodes arrive every Thursday via The Laugh Button. For advertising opportunities email advertise@thelaughbutt

Isaac Fitzgerald is a writer of essays, adult books, and even children’s books! Kyle Kinane gave me his book “How to be a Pirate” for my daughter Rose and she loves it. He’s also a story teller, a lovely guy, and a world-class drinking buddy. Like a lot of my episodes, we spend a good amount of time catching up on each other and talking about our new perspectives. We also talked writing, and all-around creation/dicking around. Whether you’re into writing or just having fun (and that’s all of you), you’ll love this episode. THE CALLS: 1) A lady asks, “How are you and Isaac finding joy and hope in these strange times?” !!! 2) A nice young man wants to move away somewhere more fun than where he lives, but then he’ll be away from his dad who is in bad health. What’s the best option? 3) A fella has moved in with his girlfriend, but she demands he go to bed when she does every night. Help! Listen, like, subscribe, and for God’s sake buy a book! Thanks, Mightys! Call Matt and ask a question 323-763-0228 New episode

I know, I know, we’ve had Arlo on already, but I love them so much, especially now that their curmudgeonly charm is in full bloom. The pandemic has been rough on all of us, and this podcast has let me check in on “Coach” twice! Cool fact: They were the last person I had a restaurant meal with!! And it was a special meal. I told them I was having a kid, and they’d chosen their non-binary name. Very cool! If you like listening to two old friends who are past giving a shit about norms, you’ll love this episode. THE CALLS: 1) A nice lesbian needs dating advice. Can Arlo help? Because I certainly can’t. 2) A caller has one for Dana (he missed last week). Can Arlo help with THAT? 3) A DARK ONE (you have to listen, I won’t describe it—sorry). Thanks, Mightys! Call Matt and ask a question 323-763-0228 New episodes arrive every Thursday via The Laugh Button. For advertising opportunities email advertise@thelaughbutton.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the one you’ve been waiting/asking for, even if you haven’t. Dana Gould was a guy I looked up to when I was coming up as a young comic, and now that I’m old, we’re actual, real-life friends. He’s done it all, seen it all, and still hasn’t lost his love of the art form. He’s also not very jaded, which is refreshing for a person who’s been doing stand-up since their teens. A Girl Dad three times over, it was fun talking to Dana now that I’m a new dad. Also, Halloween forever. THE CALLS: 1) A trucker has a girlfriend who will not get off the phone with him. How can he politely get her to give him some HIM time? 2) SALLY RETURNS! If you don’t know Sally, check out “Advice from a Dipshit.” eps. Spoiler: She’s great. 3) Max, a director and editor from New Jersey, moved in with his parents after a breakup and is working a day job. How long is it okay to “lick his wounds?” Listen to our answers, they’re right! We even did a speed round of comments sent to me via social media. DOES HE GIVE ADVICE AS DR. ZAIUS?

Hello Mightys, it’s me, your leader. Longtime listeners know a Mighty is a fan of the show, so if you’re not one, now you know. I thought I’d take this episode to say thanks, listen to the calls, and see if there’s anything you’d change/like to hear more of/etc. It’s a fun ep, as a few of the calls were meant for my maniac brother Eric Andre (we got a lot of calls for him), so I got to dig into some sweet, sweet insanity. The fun thing for me was to go FULLY REAL even when the calls were a joke. Or were they? Listen, compare, and enjoy. Thanks, Mightys. You are the wind beneath my bananas. Call Matt and ask a question 323-763-0228 New episodes arrive every Thursday via The Laugh Button. For advertising opportunities email advertise@thelaughbutton.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eric has a certain reputation, some of it earned (he likes drugs, he’s adventurous, he’s wildly creative/kind of fearless), and some of it not (he’s crazy). I’ve known Eric for at least 13 years and he’s one of the smartest guys I know. He also cares about what counts (friends, good times, being a good person) and not about what doesn’t (money, being famous, etc). We got deep on this episode, talking about our past, drugs, relationships, and of course, how we’re dealing with this epidemic. THE CALLS: Look, they’re so insane, you just have to listen. Eric has….. a certain kind of fan. Thanks, Mightys! Call Matt and ask a question 323-763-0228 SUBSCRIBE! http://thelaughbutton.podlink.to/TMH http://www.thismighthelppodcast.com​ FOLLOW MATT http://www.twitter.com/braunger http://www.instagram.com/braunger http://www.facebook.com/MattBraunger http://www.mattbraunger.com New episodes arrive every Thursday via The Laugh Button. For advertising opportunities email advertise@thelaughbutton.com​ Learn more about you

You know him as Champ Kind from Anchorman, Todd Packer on The Office, Bill on The Goldbergs, or a hundred other things. Me, I know him as a Chicago improv legend and one of the kindest dudes ever. From helping me and other friends of mine along the way through this minefield of a business to letting me and my then-girlfriend (now wife) use his dressing room at SNL and introducing me to Will Farrell, David is there for people. He also has five kids, so he’s got a lot of perspective to share. This was a fun one. THE CALLS: 1) A graphic designer who can’t sell his work is about to start an internship that will leave him no free time. It’s also unpaid, so he can’t take his new girlfriend out. Ideas? 2) A comic actor who idolizes David asks for showbiz advice. Also, how can he get a Funco doll of him as Champ Kind? 3) A man is convinced a neighbor took his EZPass out of his open convertible. Confront him or just order a new one? 4) We do a speed round of questions posted to my IG stories. How could you not listen

Reggie Watts is someone I love to watch on stage as well as hang out with (it’s less common than you might think). An improvisor at his core, Reggie creates music and comedy from scratch onstage and has an open, creative mind when it comes to others offstage. We first met at the Bumbershoot Festival in 2009 and he inspired me big time, because at one point I had to go on after him (Me back then: “Shit!!”). It made me conquer certain fears, something we all have to go through. Now he’s the head of the band on the Late Late Show with James Corden, but he still creates and performs regularly. He was an absolute blast and joy on TMH. THE CALLS: 1) A lady who’s just turned 40 is sick of guys saying “You don’t look that old” as a compliment. Can we help? 2) A man takes big dumps at his girlfriend’s house and at her parents’ place, but they don’t have a plunger. What to do? 3) A nice lady asks Reggie THE ULTIMATE QUESTION (listen to find out what it is!!). Thanks, Mightys! Enjoy, and spread the word. For advertisin

My friend Andy Wood is a comedian and massive nerd (his own admission) who started the Bridgetown Comedy Festival with me in 2007. It ran ten years and helped the PDX comedy scene hugely, as well as gave a ton of comedians and fans the times of their lives. He also won Jeopardy four times (!!). A kind and gentle fella, he was the only guy in my bachelor party that women actually hit on, which I of course forgot to mention.  THE CALLS:  1) A lady with a broken heart wants to know, how to get over it without becoming a full-blown drunk?  2) A 37-year-old woman accidentally put herself down as 30 on her dating apps and her likes exploded! The people on dates with her haven’t cared. Is she wrong?  3) A nice fella who served me drinks in Portland once lost a friend to suicide after gaining some professional success. It feels wrong to be proud of himself, is that weird? Listen, tell your friends, subscribe, and be good to yourself, my Mightys. For advertising opportunities email advertise@thelaughbutton.com Call M

Michelle is an old friend, and we have something in common: our lives have had many acts. We both started in very strong comedy scenes (her in Austin, me in Chicago) that both liked to drink strongly. We’re both now parents with kids, and don’t regret our party pasts. See? You CAN have it all! It was fun catching up with Michelle and busting each other’s chops. We went a full hour! Lucky you. THE CALLS: 1) Rob’s wife hates that he watches the same shows and movies over and over, even though he watches new stuff with her. Does he suck? 2) Jake in Philly wants to lose weight. Any tips from two people that have? 3) A comedian who’s just starting out wants to know how he can “make his mark” when you can’t play stages?? Listen, like, and subscribe, My Mightys!! For advertising opportunities email advertise@thelaughbutton.com Call Matt and ask a question 323-763-0228 New episodes arrive every Thursday via The Laugh Button. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Biz Hurst is my manager, a friend, and lately a zoom drinking buddy from time to time. They’re also trans non-binary, a snappy dresser, and somehow not entirely losing their mind in the current NYC lockdown. Oh, this is while also juggling a roster of young, hungry comedians like me (Kidding about me, but seriously all her other clients are pretty young, which definitely keeps me young (they’ve never heard me say this)). This was Biz’s first podcast guest appearance, and they knocked it out of the park. Take a listen. THE CALLS: 1) A lady’s male friend made “unwanted advances” and hurt the friendship, to the point where she “Can’t forgive him.” What can he do to get back in her graces? 2) Joe wants to know, specifically from Biz, how the hell do you eat healthy at the airport? 3) A big fan of mine (thanks!) is doing terrible in an expensive law school. Stick it out and risk more horrible debt for no reason, or go for (literal) broke? Thanks, Mightys! We’ve only just begun. For advertising opportunities email

I can’t tell you all the stuff I’ve been through with Matt Dwyer. We’ve known each other for decades, and more than a few of the memories are lost to utterly destroyed brain cells. Who better than him AND me to offer advice to you, the youth of the world? We’re also both dads now, and he’s one of the only people I’ve seen during the dreaded quar (he’s in my pod (not cast).  THE CALLS:  1) A repeat caller who was afraid of hell is STILL afraid of hell. What to do? 2) A man who used a HAM radio is being stalked by three men, or IS HE?  3) A college aged fella wants to know: Should I get a dog?  Enjoy, my Mightys! For advertising opportunities email advertise@thelaughbutton.com Call Matt and ask a question 323-763-0228 New episodes arrive every Thursday via The Laugh Button. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robin Tran is smart, trans, hilarious, and a badass on the comedy and roast scene. Recently she’s blown up online as well, partly because of Covid but also because of getting on the right track with her depression. This episode went long and I laughed out loud a lot. THE CALLS: All I’ll say is A) There are four of them, and B) They start with a compliment and end with a drunk guy giving US advice. HA! Enjoy. Call Matt and ask a question 323-763-0228 New episodes arrive every Thursday via The Laugh Button. For advertising opportunities email advertise@thelaughbutton.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whoo! 2020 is over! More BS is yet to come, but hopefully (with what we’ve been through) we’ll be ready. I wanted to do this episode by myself to kick the year off right, and to go old school with the pod. Way back when I started, I did it guest-less, so here I go again on my own (a la Whitesnake). I did five calls. Yes, five. Were they doozies? Hell f-ing yes! THE CALLS: 1) All I’ll say is, Rocky Dennis 2) A caller wants to know: What to do if your job pays dick? 3) A caller has onion rings on her Xmas tree. Also, how can she keep a good outlook on the future? 4) Chris has to take a psyche evaluation, and her therapist (who isn’t giving it) is suggesting she lie. YES, THIS IS REAL. 5) Steve and his family, by protecting their grandmother, have been ostracized by her. Next steps? Listen, like, subscribe, all that fun stuff. Thanks, Mightys. 2021 will still be hard, but it will be better. Love, Braung-Dongs Call Matt and ask a question 323-763-0228 New episodes arrive every Thursday via The Laugh Button. For a

Blaine Capatch is a friend, but also a comedy idol of mine. I know that sounds like a lot, but he’s one of those comedians whose writing and silly delivery I’ve looked up to for a very, very long time. He started out in the San Francisco comedy scene of the 90s with people like Patton Oswalt and Dana Gould, and since then he’s written on roughly 5 million television shows. When I was a guest on @Midnight on Comedy Central, I would always ask to get Blaine as the comedy writer I would bounce my jokes off of before we taped (and a LOT of funny people wrote on that show (RIP)). We had a great time, and it was nice to see he hasn’t lost his mind during Covid (any more than it was already gone). THE CALLS: 1) When caller Evan has people over for dinner, if anything (even the smallest thing) goes wrong, he is devastated. How to cope with his own brutal self-criticism? 2) A man’s mom has decimated his high scores on a mutually loved video game. It wasn’t a big deal, but she keeps bragging about it. Is it cool to des

Happy Holidays, Mightys! This is one of those amazing episodes where I didn’t know the person I was interviewing, but by the end we were close, personal friends. Ashley Gavin is hilarious and very amazing. Also, she’s gay. Why do I mention that? Well, for one, it makes her cool. And B, she has a podcast called “We’re Having Gay Sex.” Folks, talk about a grabber! Ashley talks to all kinds of folks (not just gay) about sex and relationships. It’s a gas, and so is she. Ashley is a New York-based comedian with a huge social media following. In fact, she’s even helping me navigate the rough waters of TikTok (because I am an old man).  THE CALLS:  1) A lady in an “unlabeled relationship” is having strong feelings for her gal, and her gal is moving away soon. Should she tell her how she feels?  2) 20-year-old Lauren is gay and doesn’t know how to meet other gays. Help! (Thank God I was here for this one (Don’t worry, I helped her)).  3) A nice gay lady is new to Tinder and doesn’t know how to text in a cool way. Doe