Getting Doug with High
Getting Doug with High
Main page

Getting Doug with High

logo
Community Hub0 subscribers
Read side by side
from Wikipedia

Getting Doug with High
GenreComedy
Created byDoug Benson
Country of origin
United States
Original language
English
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes258
Production
Production locations
Los Angeles, California
Running time45–60 minutes
Original release
NetworkVideo Podcast Network
ReleaseOctober 2, 2013 (2013-10-02) –
February 8, 2020 (2020-02-08)

Getting Doug With High is a video and audio podcast hosted by American stand-up comedian and actor Doug Benson.[1][2]

Guests are interviewed while smoking marijuana alongside Benson.[3][4] Each episode features different strains of sativa and indica, and showcases a series of smoking implements of unusual design, often including pipes designed by Chameleon Glass.[citation needed]

The show features several recurring segments:

  • High History—The guests talk about the first time they ever smoked marijuana
  • Pot Topics—Doug talks about news related to cannabis, with a particular focus on which states have legalized and/or decriminalized marijuana or are close to passing a legislative or ballot initiative to do so.
  • Pot Quiz Hop Shot—Doug asks the guests a series of cannabis-related trivia questions.
  • #HeavyMonkey—Doug tries to get one of the guests to comment about the weight of a broken lighter shaped like a monkey.
  • Gabe Time (now canceled)—To close out the show, Doug brings out magician Gabe Dylan to perform a magic trick for the guest, who by this point is usually very high.[5]

In 2016, Benson hosted an uninterrupted four hour and twenty minute version of the show at a festival hosted by Jash in Palm Springs, California. The show has also hosted live versions of the show, with several guests, in front of an audience in a theater.[6]

During the show that aired December 27, 2019, Benson noted that the show would be on hiatus.

Cast

[edit]
Benson at San Diego Comic-Con, 2009
  • Doug Benson - Host
Frequently appearing
  • Gabe Dylan
  • Alicia Glass
  • Taylor Rizzo

Episodes

[edit]
Date Guest(s) Notes
October 2, 2013 Jenny Slate
October 9, 2013 Jeff Ross
October 16, 2013 Anthony Jeselnik
October 23, 2013 Greg Proops
October 30, 2013 Eric André
November 6, 2013 Sarah Silverman & Todd Glass
November 13, 2013 James Adomian
November 20, 2013 Aubrey Plaza & Alia Shawkat
December 4, 2013 Natasha Leggero
December 11, 2013 Joey Diaz
December 18, 2013 Kassem G
January 8, 2014 Matt Besser & Howard Kremer
January 16, 2014 Ari Shaffir
January 24, 2014 Brian Redban, Tony Hinchcliffe & Comic Patriot
January 28, 2014 Steve Agee, Eric André, Jonah Ray, Rory Scovel & Harris Wittels Live from Largo
January 30, 2014 Kelly Carlin & Paul Provenza
February 6, 2014 Josh Wolf & Ron Funches
February 13, 2014 Reggie Watts, Ilana Glazer & Abbi Jacobson
February 20, 2014 Geoff Tate, Jacob Sirof, Riki Lindhome, Greg Proops & Matt Besser Live from Largo
February 20, 2014 Kyle Kinane, Tommy Chong
February 27, 2014 Brendon Walsh & Geoff Tate
March 6, 2014 Matt Walsh Matt Walsh requested this episode be taken down
March 12, 2014 Big Jay Oakerson
March 19, 2014 Todd Glass, Ari Shaffir, Brendon Walsh, Josh Wolf & Joey CoCo Diaz Live From Largo
March 19, 2014 Adam DeVine, Blake Anderson & Anders Holm
March 26, 2014 David Cross
April 2, 2014 Horatio Sanz
April 9, 2014 Dominic Monaghan
April 16, 2014 Ngaio Bealum
April 30, 2014 Gabe Dylan
May 7, 2014 Jimmy Dore
May 14, 2014 Jay Chandrasekhar
May 21, 2014 Shane Mauss
May 28, 2014 Morgan Murphy & Todd Glass
June 11, 2014 Jason Ellis & Sam Tripoli
June 18, 2014 Dan Harmon & Steve Agee
June 25, 2014 Wil Anderson & Gary Gulman
July 2, 2014 Sarah Silverman, Howard Kremer, Ngaio Bealum, Dan Harmon & James Adomian Live From Largo. Originally aired live on June 23, 2014
July 9, 2014 Matt Braunger & Jim Jefferies
July 14, 2014 Jay Chandrasekhar, Pete Holmes, Jerry Minor, John Roy & Horatio Sanz Live From Largo
July 16, 2014 Eddie Ifft & Brad Williams YouTube video is "Private", and the episode was also removed from iTunes.
August 6, 2014 Todd Glass
August 13, 2014 Brendon Small & Kurt Braunohler
August 20, 2014 Doug Stanhope "Wake and Bake" episode
August 27, 2014 Andy Richter & Matt Besser
September 4, 2014 Trailer Park Boys
September 10, 2014 Margaret Cho & Shooter Jennings
September 17, 2014 Kevin Smith & Brian Posehn
September 28, 2014 Jack Black
September 28, 2014 Cheech Marin & Tommy Chong Tommy Chong did not consume any cannabis this episode while he was on Dancing with the Stars.
October 1, 2014 Steve Byrne & Chris Porter Steve Byrne did not consume any cannabis in the episode.
October 15, 2014 Kassem G & Nick Rutherford
October 22, 2014 Kyle Kinane & Justin Willman
October 29, 2014 Kevin Weisman
November 5, 2014 Jon Daly & Zack Pearlman
November 12, 2014 Michael Ian Black & Greg Proops
November 19, 2014 Bonnie Rotten & John Roy
November 24, 2014 Tommy Chong, Kassem G, Ron Funches, Megan Neuringer & Eddie Ifft Live From Largo
December 10, 2014 Cameron Esposito & Ngaio Bealum Missing from YouTube and iTunes. Issue unaddressed by show.
December 16, 2014 Ralphie May & Jon Reep
January 5, 2015 Filip Hammar, Fredrik Wikingsson & Ngaio Bealum
January 7, 2015 Joey CoCo Diaz & Esther Ku
January 12, 2015 Ari Shaffir & Adam Carolla
January 20, 2015 Lucas Brothers & Kassem G
January 28, 2015 Todd Glass & Emily Heller
February 3, 2015 Wendy Liebman & Ron Funches
February 10, 2015 Josh Wolf & Danny Tamberelli
February 17, 2015 Greg Proops & P-Nut
March 3, 2015 Sarah Silverman, Todd Glass, Eric André, Brian Posehn & Rory Scovel Live From Largo
March 4, 2015 Felipe Esparza & Josh Blue
March 12, 2015 Chris Robinson, Farmer Dave Scher & Zack Pearlman
March 23, 2015 Baron Vaughn & Fred Stoller
April 7, 2015 Jay Chandrasekhar, Lahna Turner & Ralphie May
April 19, 2015 Todd Glass, Greg Proops, Megan Neuringer, Chris Porter & Daniel Kinno Live From UCB Theatre
April 23, 2015 Beth Stelling, Roy Choi & Horatio Sanz
May 12, 2015 Pete Holmes
May 21, 2015 Morgan Murphy & Daniel Kellison
May 29, 2015 Brooks Wheelan, Todd Glass & Ngaio Bealum
June 15, 2015 Rob Cantrell & Chris Cubas
June 21, 2015 The Lucas Bros, Geoff Tate, Morgan Murphy & Pete Holmes
June 23, 2015 Esther Ku & B-Real
July 1, 2015 Jade Catta-Preta, Margaret Cho & Nick Rutherford
July 27, 2015 Doug Benson
July 18, 2015 Owen Benjamin & Craig Robinson
July 25, 2015 Sara Schaefer & Larry Charles
July 31, 2015 Daryl Sabara & John Roy
September 8, 2015 Riki Lindhome, Ron Funches, Brooks Wheelan, Sean O'Connor & Gabe Dylan
September 18, 2015 Kimberly Congdon, Todd Glass & Michael McDonald
September 21, 2015 Doug Benson
October 6, 2015 Brian Redban & Felipe Esparza
October 12, 2015 Doug Benson
October 19, 2015 Jacob Sirof & Jon Gabrus
October 23, 2015 Janice Griffith & Kassem G
October 26, 2015 Sara Weinshenk & Tony Hinchcliffe
November 4, 2015 Trey Galyon & Greg Proops
November 14, 2015 Joe Pettis & Zack Pearlman
November 24, 2015 Adam Pally
December 1, 2015 Brian Posehn
December 8, 2015 Tom Rhodes & Josh Wolf
December 15, 2015 Whitney Cummings & Esther Ku
January 8, 2016 Lee Syatt & Joey Coco Diaz
January 14, 2016 April O'Neil & Janice Griffith
January 18, 2016 Doug Benson
January 29, 2016 John DiMaggio & Open Mike Eagle
February 4, 2016 Steve Rannazzisi
February 18, 2016 Esther Ku & Bree Essrig
February 22, 2016 Geoff Tate, Brandon Wardell & Ron Funches
February 29, 2016 Bonnie McFarlane & Todd Glass
March 8, 2016 Steel Panther & Kassem G
March 21, 2016 P-Nut & Ari Shaffir
March 24, 2016 Peaches & Ngaio Bealum
March 31, 2016 Kimberly Congdon & Mark Normand
April 2, 2016 Kassem G, Matt Besser, Brandon Wardell Special 4h20m Live from JASH Fesht Show
April 5, 2016 Tiffany Haddish & Simon Rex
April 15, 2016 Doug Benson
April 20, 2016 Geoff Tate, Rory Scovel, Todd Glass, Josh Wolf, Open Mike Eagle 4/20 special live from Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA
May 2, 2016 Ron White & Josh Blue
May 11, 2016 Geoff Tate, Todd Glass, Kassem G & Josh Blue Live in Denver
May 17, 2016 Taylor Rizzo & Kassem G
May 24, 2016 Esther Ku, Kimberly Congdon & Sarah Weinshenk
June 6, 2016 Asher Roth, Brandon Wardell & Ngaio Bealum
June 13, 2016 Riki Lindhome & Jay Oakerson
June 21, 2016 Janice Griffith & Ramon Rivas II Alt Title: "Good Day Worthless Heckler"
June 28, 2016 Taylor Rizzo & Greg Proops Alt Title: "Giant Doobies Will Help"
July 12, 2016 Jessimae Peluso & Birdcloud Alt Title: "Groundhogs Day Was Hilarious"
July 24, 2016 Melissa Moore & Esther Ku Alt Title: "God's Dank Weed Heaven"
August 11, 2016 Jessimae Peluso, Karlous Miller & Adam Ray
August 16, 2016 Riley Reid, Quincy Jones & Taylor Rizzo Alt Title: "Good Dabs Wreck Heads"
August 25, 2016 Doug Benson
August 31, 2016 Eric André & Sklar Brothers
September 9, 2016 Joe Lynch, Todd Glass & P-Nut Alt Title: "Gina Davis Was Here"
September 13, 2016 Jade Catta-Preta, Andrew Santino & Jacob Sirof Alt Title: "Great Dan's Want Herb"
September 22, 2016 Janice Griffith, Todd Robert Anderson & Rick Glassman Alt Title: "Gabe Dillon's Wizard Hour"
October 12, 2016 Jessimae Peluso & Melissa Etheridge Alt Title: "Gestures Don't Work Here"
October 19, 2016 Birdcloud & Todd Glass Alt Title: "Grandpa Doesn't Wash Himself"
November 1, 2016 Tiffany Haddish, Ahmed Bharoocha & Kassem G Alt Title: "Gremlins Don't Want Hummus"
November 10, 2016 Riley Reid, Joey Bada$$ & Jonny Shipes Alt Title: "Got Donald Wanted Hillary"
November 15, 2016 Trey Galyon, Dustin "Duddy" Bushnell & Slink Johnson Alt Title: "Gigantic Door We Handle"
November 22, 2016 Geoff Tate Alt Title: "Gregg's Doppleganger Went Haywire"
November 30, 2016 Pete Holmes, Brandon Wardell, Tiffany Haddish, Sara Weinshenk & Tony Hinchcliffe Live in West Hollywood, CA at the Troubadour.
December 13, 2016 Matt Jones & Zack Pearlman Alt Title: "Glorious Debauchery Will Heal"
January 4, 2017 Big Jay Oakerson & Jeff Ross Alt Title: "Great Days Warrant Hash"
January 12, 2017 Chris Franjola & Scott Thompson Alt Title: "Gabe Deceives With Hijinks"
January 25, 2017 Esther Ku, Jay Washington & Geoff Tate Alt Title: "Goths Don't Want Hugs"
February 1, 2017 Sara Weinshenk, P-Nut & Joe DeRosa
February 9, 2017 Andy Kindler & Greg Proops Alt Title: "Great Danes Wear Hats". Last episode with Gabe
February 20, 2017 Rosa Salazar & Adam Pally Alt Title: "Giant Doses Won't Hurt"
February 24, 2017 Taylor Rizzo, Kimberly Congdon, John Levenstein, Slink Johnson, Sara Weinshenk, Geoff Tate, Virginia Collins, Jessimae Peluso, Matt Jones, Janice Griffith, Esther Ku, P-Nut The 6 Hour Bong-a-Thon
March 7, 2017 Katie Morgan & Tiffany Haddish Alt Title: "Great Dudes Wonderful Hallucinogens"
March 22, 2017 Brandon Wardell, Todd Glass & Slink Johnson Alt Title: "Grizzlies Devour Whole Humans"
March 27, 2017 Josh Wolf & Ben Gleib Alt Title: "Garage Doors Weirdly Hum"
April 11, 2017 Chloe Dykstra & Joey Coco Diaz Alt Title: "Got Draded while Hallucinating"
April 17, 2017 Riley Reid & EpicLLOYD Alt Title: "Good Dudes Wave Hello"
April 20, 2017 Esther Ku, Taylor Rizzo, Jacob Sirof, Felipe Esparza & Josh Ransdell 4/20 Show! Live in San Juan Capistrano, CA at the Coach House
May 2, 2017 Jessimae Peluso & The Lucas Bros Alt Title: "Gotta Dance When Happy"
May 9, 2017 Sam Jay, Jeff Grace & Alex Karpovsky Alt Title: "Groot Definitely Wins Hearts"
May 17, 2017 Ron Funches, Sean "X-Pac" Waltman & Chris Cubas Alt Title: "Got Dank Wanna Hang"
May 23, 2017 Alexi Wasser, Abdullah Saeed & Jade Catta-Preta
June 12, 2017 Jenna Sativa & Todd Glass Alt Title: "Galant Dudes With Herbs"
July 12, 2017 Riley Reid, Gina Valentina & Taylor Rizzo Alt Title: "Given Danger Wear Heals"
July 17, 2017 Jessimae Peluso & Eddie Ifft Alt Title: "Gerba Derba Werba Herba"
August 7, 2017 Sen Dog & Tony Hinchcliffe Alt Title: "Goats Deserve Washed Hands"
August 15, 2017 Brett Gelman & Action Bronson Alt Title: "Gretchen Don't Want Ham"
August 29, 2017 Luis J. Gomez & Ron Funches
September 6, 2017 Dan Soder & Ramon Rivas II
September 11, 2017 Tom Thakkar & Ari Shaffir
September 19, 2017 Trey Galyon & Jacob Sirof
October 3, 2017 Lukas Nelson & Hampton Yount
October 17, 2017 Erik Hoffstad & Todd Glass
October 23, 2017 Ngaio Bealum & Jacob Sirof
October 30, 2017 Bethany Cosentino & Jon Gabrus
November 9, 2017 Jessimae Peluso & Tony Hinchcliffe
November 13, 2017 Ian Karmel & Taylor Rizzo
November 20, 2017 Todd Robert Anderson & Nick Rutherford
December 5, 2017 Jamie Lee & John Levenstein
December 11, 2017 Vince Averill & Joe DeRosa
December 22, 2017 Pete Holmes & Omar Gharaibeh
January 3, 2018 Dave Waite & Todd Glass
January 16, 2018 Emma Arnold & Beth Stelling
February 1, 2018 Rachel Wolfson & Geoff Tate
February 3, 2018 Ron Funches, Riki Lindhome, Ian Karmel, Jessimae Peluso & Jade Catta-Preta Live in West Hollywood, CA at the Troubadour
February 6, 2018 Janice Griffith & Josh Wolf
February 27, 2018 Doug Benson
March 5, 2018 Sofia Gonzalez, Steph Tolev & Ramon Rivas II
March 19, 2018 Sara Weinshenk & Jacob Sirof
April 2, 2018 Greg Proops & Vanessa Johnston
April 20, 2018 Bree Essrig & Trevor Moore
April 30, 2018 Keith Malley & Chemda
May 14, 2018 Kate Quigley & Alison Rosen First episode that Alicia Glass presents Pot Topics.
May 30, 2018 Adam Newman & Laganja Estranja Geoff Tate shows up later in the show.
June 5, 2018 Reggie Watts & Kelly McInerney
June 26, 2018 Mike Cannon & Kyle Kinane
July 17, 2018 Gina Valentina & Dave Waite
July 24, 2018 Natasha Leggero & Sara Weinshenk
August 21, 2018 Meredith Salenger & Geoff Tate
August 29, 2018 Baron Vaughn & Megan Gailey
September 4, 2018 Billy Wayne Davis & Chris Porter
September 19, 2018 Noel Leon & Taylor Rizzo
September 25, 2018 Dave Ross & Slink Johnson
October 3, 2018 Todd Glass
October 9, 2018 Sen Dog & P-Nut
October 17, 2018 Steph Tolev & Jon Dore Canada Legalization Marathon
October 17, 2018 Dino Archie & Gavin Matts Canada Legalization Marathon
October 17, 2018 Trailer Park Boys Canada Legalization Marathon
October 17, 2018 Julia Hladkowicz & Matt O'Brien Canada Legalization Marathon
October 29, 2018 Trey Galyon & Matt Jones
November 6, 2018 Jade Catta-Preta & Justin Rupple
November 13, 2018 Becky Robinson & Nick Rutherford
November 20, 2018 Tommy Chong & Joe Lynch
December 4, 2018 Bree Essrig & Ian Abramson
December 11, 2018 Billy Wayne Davis & Noah Gardenswartz
December 18, 2018 Nate Craig & Blair Socci
December 25, 2018 Todd Robert Anderson, Allan McLeod & Stephen Falk
January 9, 2019 Pete Holmes & Adrienne Airhart
January 15, 2019 Jessimae Peluso & Joel Kim Booster
January 29, 2019 Andy Kindler & J. Elvis Weinstein
February 5, 2019 Citizen Cope & Ron Funches
February 12, 2019 Tone Bell & Ben Gleib
February 19, 2019 Roxy Striar & Sara Weinshenk
February 26, 2019 EpicLLOYD & Nice Peter Epic Rap Battles of History
March 5, 2019 Chris Porter & Geoff Tate
March 19, 2019 Alison Becker & Jon Gabrus
March 26, 2019 Tiffany Haddish & Eric Edelstein
April 2, 2019 Open Mike Eagle & Baron Vaughn
April 9, 2019 Carlisle Forrester & Matt Besser
April 16, 2019 Vanessa Gonzalez & Billy Wayne Davis
April 20, 2019 Doing Doug with Dabs 4/20 Special with Ramon Rivas 2019 4/20 Special
April 23, 2019 Lindsay Ames & Ramon Rivas II
April 30, 2019 Box Brown & Larry Charles
May 7, 2019 Kelly McInerney & Todd Glass
May 14, 2019 Jade Catta-Preta & Todd Robert Anderson
May 21, 2019 Jessimae Peluso & Eddie Ifft
May 29, 2019 Dave Foley & Eric Edelstein
June 4, 2019 Sara Weinshenk & Lukas Nelson
June 11, 2019 Steph Tolev & Dan LaMorte
June 18, 2019 Alison Rosen & John Levenstein
June 26, 2019 Clare Grant & Josh Wolf
July 2, 2019 Pete Holmes & Yogi Watts
July 9, 2019 Ethan Edenburg & Johnny Pemberton
July 16, 2019 Frank Castillo & Brian Moses
July 23, 2019 Carmen Morales & Carlisle Forrester
July 30, 2019 Rob Cantrell & Jon Gabrus
August 6, 2019 Kelly McInerney & Andy Juett
August 13, 2019 Todd Glass & Tony Camin
August 20, 2019 Alison Rosen & Jeff Dye
August 27, 2019 John DiMaggio & Eric Edelstein
September 10, 2019 Justin Martindale & Ben Gleib
September 17, 2019 Nick Turner & Ramon Rivas
September 24, 2019 David Bienenstock & Abdullah Saeed
October 1, 2019 Todd Glass & Matt Fernandez
October 8, 2019 Jessimae Peluso & Daniel
October 15, 2019 Dave Ross & Billy Wayne Davis
October 22, 2019 Trey Galyon & Geoff Tate
October 29, 2019 Bri Pruett & Ngaio Bealum
November 5, 2019 Vanessa Johnston & Matt Besser
November 12, 2019 Allen Strickland Williams & Simon Rex
November 19, 2019 Jessimae Peluso & Vanessa Gonzalez
November 26, 2019 Sara Weinshenk & Michael Malone
December 3, 2019 Todd Glass
December 10, 2019 Liza Treyger & Todd Glass
December 21, 2019 Carlisle Forrester & Frank Castillo
December 27, 2019 Josh Wolf & Jon Gabrus Benson announces the show is going on hiatus.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Getting Doug with High is a comedy podcast hosted by American stand-up comedian and actor Doug Benson, featuring episodes where Benson and a guest consume cannabis and engage in casual conversations on topics including comedy, entertainment, and marijuana culture.[1][2] The show, which combines video and audio formats, premiered on October 2, 2013, and has produced over 250 episodes as of recent listings.[3][4] Benson, recognized for his marijuana documentary Super High Me and his film-trivia podcast Doug Loves Movies, leverages his advocacy for cannabis legalization and stoner humor to create a relaxed, improvisational atmosphere that appeals to audiences interested in unfiltered celebrity interviews under the influence.[1][5] Notable episodes have included high-profile guests such as Jack Black and live recordings with multiple comedians like Sarah Silverman and Eric Andre, contributing to its cult following in podcasting and comedy circles.[6][7] While praised for its authentic, substance-fueled banter, the podcast has drawn mixed reviews on Benson's hosting style, with some listeners noting reliance on guest dynamics for entertainment value.[3]

Overview

Premise and Format

Getting Doug with High is a podcast hosted by comedian Doug Benson, in which he interviews guests while both parties consume marijuana to achieve intoxication, fostering informal and humorous dialogues shaped by the substance's effects.[1] The premise emphasizes cannabis as a central element, drawing from Benson's background in marijuana-related comedy, such as his documentary Super High Me, to create an environment where guests share stories and opinions under the influence.[1][3] Episodes follow a straightforward talk show structure: Benson and the guest or guests smoke marijuana together on camera, often highlighting specific strains, before transitioning into open-ended conversations.[7] The format remains largely unstructured, prioritizing raw, cannabis-influenced interactions over scripted segments, though variations include multi-guest panels or live recordings that add audience energy and extended runtime.[7] This approach has produced notable moments of awkwardness or hilarity when guests react strongly to the high, distinguishing the show from conventional interview podcasts.[3]

Production and Availability

"Getting Doug with High" is produced as a live video podcast by the Video Podcast Network (VPN), a platform dedicated to weekly broadcasts of visual podcasts.[8] Episodes are recorded in Los Angeles, California, with host Doug Benson and guests consuming cannabis products while engaging in conversations on comedy, film, and personal anecdotes.[9] The production involves JASH as a key company credit, aligning with its focus on comedian-led content.[3] Each episode runs approximately 45 to 60 minutes, emphasizing unscripted, impaired discussions.[3] The series premiered on October 3, 2013, featuring comedian Jenny Slate as the inaugural guest.[9] It continued with weekly releases, accumulating at least 261 episodes by the mid-2010s, including special live events like the April 2016 broadcast from JASH studios.[10] Production maintained a consistent format of live taping and post-production for audio-video distribution, without affiliation to networks like Earwolf despite occasional guest crossovers from similar comedy circles.[11] Episodes are widely available for on-demand streaming and download across major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, where the full archive is hosted.[1] Audio versions can be accessed on Spotify, supporting offline listening.[2] Video episodes, including the complete playlist of over 170 full recordings last updated in August 2023, are archived on Doug Benson's official YouTube channel.[12] Additional distribution occurs via services like Amazon Music and Player FM, ensuring accessibility for both new and archival content as of late 2025.[13][14]

History

Inception and Launch (2013)

Getting Doug with High was conceived by comedian Doug Benson as an extension of his longstanding public persona as a marijuana enthusiast, drawing from his 2007 documentary Super High Me, in which he chronicled abstaining from cannabis for 30 days before resuming heavy use to explore its effects. The podcast format emphasized casual interviews with comedians and celebrities conducted while consuming marijuana, aiming to foster unfiltered discussions on comedy, personal experiences, and cannabis culture. In an August 2013 interview, Benson revealed the show's title and teased its October debut, playfully referring to the launch month as "Pot-tober."[15] The series launched on October 2, 2013, with its inaugural episode featuring comedian Jenny Slate as the first guest, where Benson and Slate smoked marijuana on camera while conversing about her career and experiences.[16] Initially produced as a live video podcast streamed on YouTube, episodes aired weekly on Wednesdays at approximately 4:15 p.m. PST, aligning with the cultural "4:20" reference to marijuana use, during which Benson's phone alarm would prompt on-air consumption.[17] The early broadcasts originated from Los Angeles studios, with Benson hosting solo alongside rotating guests primarily from the stand-up comedy scene, setting a precedent for the show's informal, impairment-influenced structure that eschewed scripted segments in favor of organic dialogue.[9] Subsequent 2013 episodes quickly established the podcast's rhythm, including appearances by Greg Proops on October 23 and Eric Andre by late October, which highlighted the format's appeal to fellow comedians open to on-camera cannabis use amid evolving legal attitudes toward marijuana in California.[18] The launch capitalized on Benson's existing audience from his Doug Loves Movies podcast, positioning Getting Doug with High as a niche outlet for cannabis-positive content in an era when such public endorsements by entertainers were still relatively bold, though supported by Benson's prior advocacy.[3] Early reception focused on the novelty of legalized impairment in media, with the show's unpolished, guest-driven energy distinguishing it from more conventional talk formats.[7]

Development and Expansion (2014–Present)

Following its inception, Getting Doug with High grew into a consistent weekly live video podcast on YouTube, airing every Wednesday at 4:15 PM PST from 2013 through 2019, which allowed for real-time audience interaction and built a dedicated following among comedy and cannabis enthusiasts.[19][20] The format emphasized unscripted conversations with comedian guests while consuming cannabis, fostering candid discussions on stand-up, personal anecdotes, and marijuana culture, which resonated during the period of increasing U.S. cannabis legalization.[21] By 2015, the show had solidified its niche appeal, with Doug Benson leveraging his stoner-comedian persona to attract high-profile guests and position it as a career milestone in web-based comedy content.[22] Episodes often featured segments like cannabis reviews and improvised games, contributing to its expansion beyond initial audiences to broader podcast directories and audio platforms, where clips gained traction for their raw, impairment-influenced humor.[7] The podcast produced over 260 episodes by its conclusion, including standout installments such as episode 49 with Jack Black in 2014, which highlighted the show's ability to draw mainstream celebrities for extended, cannabis-fueled interviews.[14][23] Guests like Sarah Silverman, Eric Andre, and Ron White appeared multiple times, underscoring recurring themes of comedy industry insights and substance use normalization.[7][24] Production ceased after episode 257, featuring Josh Wolf and Jon Gabrus, which aired on December 27, 2019, marking the end of its live run amid Benson's shift toward other projects like Doug Loves Movies.[1] Full episodes remain archived on YouTube and audio services, sustaining its legacy as a pioneering cannabis-themed talk show with enduring availability for on-demand listening.[12][25]

Host and Contributors

Doug Benson's Background

Douglas Steven Benson was born on July 2, 1962, in San Diego, California.[26] [27] He grew up in a middle-class Methodist household, with his mother working as a pharmacy clerk and his father as a salesman.[27] Benson attended Grossmont High School in El Cajon, where he participated in the drama department.[20] He later graduated from Grossmont College, a local community college, before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in acting and comedy.[20] [28] While establishing himself, he worked as a stand-in and extra on film sets.[28] At age 22, around 1984, Benson entered the stand-up comedy scene, beginning with performances in the Bay Area and Los Angeles encouraged by friends and fellow comedians such as Arj Barker.[29] His early television exposure came in the late 1980s and early 1990s through Comedy Central programs like The A-List and Two Drink Minimum.[20] By his late 20s, he had built a reputation in the Los Angeles comedy circuit.[19] Benson's comedy often drew from his personal experiences with marijuana, which he began using regularly during his early career alongside other performers.[30] This theme propelled his visibility as a marijuana rights advocate, particularly following the 2007 documentary Super High Me, where he underwent medical and psychological testing during 30 days of abstinence from cannabis followed by 30 days of continuous use to assess its impacts.[31] [32] The film highlighted his self-described "productive stoner" lifestyle and contributed to his niche prominence in cannabis culture.[33]

Recurring Guests and Staff

Brent Butler served as executive producer for 142 episodes of the podcast.[34] Daniel Kellison acted as a producer, with credits including early episodes alongside supervising producer AJ Tesler.[35] These contributors handled production logistics for the video podcast format, which involved live tapings and post-production for distribution on platforms like YouTube and Earwolf.[22] While episodes primarily featured rotating guests from comedy and entertainment circles, comedian Ngaio Bealum made several appearances, leveraging his expertise in cannabis culture and stand-up routines.[36] Bealum, known for hosting High Times events and starring in Netflix's Cooking on High, discussed marijuana strains and related topics in episodes such as one co-starring Peaches in 2014.[37] Other comedians like Matt Besser appeared on multiple occasions, including pairings with Andy Richter in 2014 and Carlisle Forrester later in the series.[38][39] Ari Shaffir also recurred, notably in a 2016 episode with P-Nut.[40] These repeat guests often aligned with the show's focus on cannabis-informed humor and personal anecdotes.

Content Structure

Episode Format

Each episode of Getting Doug with High follows a loose talk-show structure centered on cannabis consumption and discussion, typically lasting 45 to 60 minutes, with host Doug Benson and one or more celebrity guests—often comedians or actors—smoking marijuana on camera in a studio setting.[41][42] The format emphasizes casual, impaired conversation, beginning with introductions and joint-sharing to establish a relaxed, intoxicated atmosphere, reflecting Benson's advocacy for marijuana legalization and its recreational use.[22] Key recurring segments include "High History," where guests recount their first experiences with marijuana, often sharing personal anecdotes about initial encounters, effects, and cultural contexts.[41][43] Another staple is "Pot Topics," in which Benson discusses current cannabis-related news, such as legalization efforts, industry developments, or policy changes, sometimes incorporating viewer questions or headlines from sources like High Times magazine.[41] These segments provide a mix of humor, education, and advocacy, though the on-air intoxication frequently leads to tangential, unfocused banter rather than scripted progression.[42] Episodes occasionally feature additional elements like "Gabe Time," a brief interlude with sleight-of-hand magician Gabe Morales performing cannabis-themed tricks, adding visual entertainment amid the dialogue.[44] Free-form interviews dominate, covering guests' careers, stoner lifestyles, and marijuana preferences, with Benson steering toward weed-centric humor while avoiding formal debates.[4] The video format, originally broadcast live on Ustream and later archived on YouTube, prioritizes authenticity over polish, with production relying on simple setups including cameras, microphones, and smoking paraphernalia.[42]

Notable Episodes and Themes

The podcast features recurring segments dedicated to cannabis experiences and culture. "High History" prompts guests to recount their first encounters with marijuana, often yielding candid, humorous personal stories that highlight individual attitudes toward the substance.[44] Discussions frequently extend to "Pot Topics," covering current events in cannabis legalization, consumption trends, and related trivia quizzes like the "Pot Quiz Hop Shot," which test participants' knowledge amid on-air smoking.[45] These elements underscore broader themes of destigmatizing marijuana use through celebrity anecdotes, while intertwining comedy routines, film references, and improvisational banter influenced by intoxication.[7] Notable episodes often gain attention for guest star power and memorable interactions. The November 6, 2013, episode with Sarah Silverman and Todd Glass exemplifies chaotic, laughter-filled dialogue on personal highs and comedy, accumulating over 1.8 million YouTube views by 2024.[35] Episode 5, featuring Eric Andre, stands out for its high-energy absurdity and unfiltered exchanges, lasting 45 minutes and 54 seconds of rapid-fire humor.[4] Similarly, the September 28, 2014, appearance by Jack Black drew notice for its tension, as Black expressed unease with the setting despite attempts at levity, spanning over 40 minutes of strained conversation.[46] Other highlighted installments include those with Kevin Smith, praised for in-depth cannabis advocacy talks, and the Workaholics cast (Adam DeVine, Blake Anderson, Anders Holm), noted for group dynamics amplifying stoner comedy sketches.[47] Live episodes, such as multi-guest formats, further emphasize themes of communal high experiences, blending audience interaction with unscripted pot-fueled improv.[7] These selections reflect the show's appeal in raw, guest-driven content over polished production.

Reception

Critical and Audience Response

The podcast received generally positive audience feedback within comedy and cannabis enthusiast communities, evidenced by an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Apple Podcasts based on over 600 user reviews.[1] On IMDb, it holds a 6.9 out of 10 rating from 174 user votes, reflecting moderate approval among viewers who engaged with its video episodes.[3] These scores indicate sustained appeal for its casual, marijuana-influenced format featuring comedian interviews, though listener numbers were niche rather than mainstream, with episodes drawing consistent but not chart-topping viewership during its 2013–2019 run.[48] Critically, the series garnered praise for providing unfiltered glimpses into comedians' personalities under the influence, with Vulture describing it as "good-natured fun for stoners or squares" that appeals to fans of stand-up acts by allowing guests to "let their guard down."[7] Independent podcast review site Great Pods awarded it a perfect 5.0 out of 5 critic rating, highlighting host Doug Benson's ability to facilitate entertaining discussions akin to his other shows like Doug Loves Movies.[49] However, formal critical coverage remained sparse, limited largely to niche outlets focused on comedy or cannabis media, such as DGO Magazine, which recommended it for its accessible video-audio hybrid format available on YouTube.[41] Audience discussions on platforms like Reddit revealed a polarized reception, with enthusiasts lauding specific episodes—such as the Jack Black appearance—for lighthearted, improvisational humor, while others criticized awkward dynamics, including perceived host impatience or guests' discomfort during on-camera cannabis use, as seen in complaints about "cringe" moments and "bad trip" vibes in extended clips.[6][50] Some users expressed being "turned off" by Benson's demeanor, describing episodes as "uncomfortable" or lacking broader appeal beyond stoner demographics, though defenders appreciated its raw, unscripted style as a precursor to similar "faded" talk shows.[51] Overall, its cult following emphasized thematic consistency over polished production, aligning with Benson's established persona in cannabis-themed content.[52]

Achievements and Milestones

"Getting Doug with High" premiered on October 2, 2013, establishing itself as a pioneering weekly live video podcast on YouTube, broadcast every Wednesday at 4:15 PM PST, where host Doug Benson interviewed comedians while consuming cannabis.[3] [19] The series ran until 2019, culminating in 257 episodes that featured a diverse array of guests from the comedy world, including high-profile appearances by Sarah Silverman, Eric Andre, and Anthony Jeselnik.[2] [53] In recognition of its online popularity, the podcast earned a nomination at the 7th Annual Streamy Awards in 2017, highlighting its influence in the digital content space alongside other nominees like "Ladylike" and "Logan Paul Vs."[54] [55] A key milestone came in 2017 when the show's stoner talk-show format directly inspired the development of "The High Court with Doug Benson," a daily cannabis-themed courtroom parody series ordered by Comedy Central, which debuted on February 27 of that year and ran for two seasons.[56] Select episodes demonstrated substantial audience engagement, such as the November 6, 2013, installment with Sarah Silverman and Todd Glass, which amassed 1.8 million views on YouTube.[35] The podcast extended its reach through live performances, including appearances at the San Francisco Sketchfest in 2017 and 2018, where Benson hosted episodes onstage with guests amid festival crowds.[57] [58]

Criticisms and Controversies

Host Performance Critiques

Critiques of Doug Benson's performance as host of Getting Doug with High primarily stem from user reviews and online discussions, focusing on his interpersonal dynamics, conversational steering, and overall comedic delivery. Listeners frequently described Benson as displaying anger, frustration, or condescension, which created uncomfortable atmospheres during episodes, such as when he reacted negatively to feedback or dismissed unfunny segments.[51] These behaviors were attributed to an entitled demeanor that disrupted guest interactions and undermined the show's relaxed premise.[51] Benson's interviewing style drew complaints for frequent interruptions to pivot discussions toward cannabis strains, legalization, or personal promotions like merchandise, often at the expense of deeper engagement with guests' experiences.[51] Reviewers noted poor moderation skills, including missing key points, derailing topics, and an overall awkwardness exacerbated by on-air cannabis use, leading to rambling or unfocused segments.[51][59] This reliance on high-profile guests to generate entertainment was seen as a weakness, with Benson's contributions often labeled as lacking humor or energy, rendering some episodes painful despite strong lineups.[59][51] Specific episodes amplified these issues; for instance, the 2014 Jack Black appearance was called uncomfortable due to excessive intoxication and Benson's perceived insensitivity toward his guest's state, prompting disgust among some viewers over his handling of the situation.[6] Similarly, user comments on platforms like Apple Podcasts highlighted Benson's efforts to force humor as strained and off-putting, contributing to listeners abandoning the series.[1] While these critiques represent vocal minority opinions from informal sources during the podcast's 2013–2019 run, they consistently portrayed Benson's hosting as a limiting factor in realizing the format's potential.[51][59]

Concerns Over Cannabis Promotion

Critics of cannabis promotion in media, including podcasts like Getting Doug with High, argue that formats emphasizing recreational consumption normalize heavy use while often omitting discussions of health risks, potentially influencing vulnerable audiences such as young adults. The podcast's structure, involving on-air cannabis use by host Doug Benson and celebrity guests, exemplifies this approach, with episodes frequently portraying intoxication as a lighthearted enhancer of comedy without caveats on dependency or long-term effects. Health experts, including those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have linked exposure to marijuana advertisements and portrayals to increased use initiation and normalization among adolescents, suggesting similar dynamics apply to digital media like podcasts that glamorize consumption.[60] Empirical data underscores cannabis risks that such promotions may downplay: frequent use correlates with higher rates of cannabis use disorder, affecting approximately 30% of regular users, alongside cognitive impairments like reduced memory and executive function. High-potency products, increasingly common post-legalization, elevate psychosis risks, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals, with studies showing a dose-dependent association between daily use and schizophrenia odds ratios up to 4.8. Benson's self-described daily smoking habit, featured prominently in the podcast and his documentary Super High Me (2007), where he consumed cannabis continuously for 30 days, illustrates chronic use patterns that research ties to motivational deficits and respiratory issues, yet episodes rarely explore these outcomes.[61][62] Research on digital media's role amplifies these concerns, finding that marijuana-related content on platforms accessible to youth—such as podcasts and social media—associates with higher use prevalence and positive attitudes toward the substance. A study of U.S. adolescents and young adults reported that greater exposure to marijuana-themed digital media predicted increased use behaviors, independent of other factors. While the podcast targets adult comedy enthusiasts, its availability on YouTube and podcast apps exposes it to underage listeners, potentially countering public health efforts to delay initiation until after brain maturation around age 25, when risks like impaired neurodevelopment are mitigated. Pro-cannabis advocates counter that adult-oriented content informs responsible use, but skeptics, including authors like Alex Berenson, contend media like this contributes to underestimation of violence-linked mental health exacerbations from heavy use.[63][64][65]

Cultural and Broader Impact

Influence on Comedy Podcasting

"Getting Doug with High," launched on September 25, 2013, as a weekly live video podcast on YouTube, introduced a distinctive format in comedy podcasting by centering episodes around host Doug Benson and comedian guests consuming cannabis on camera prior to unscripted discussions.[66] This approach fostered relaxed, candid conversations that revealed unpolished sides of performers, differentiating it from traditional audio interviews and appealing to audiences valuing authenticity over structure.[7] Episodes typically aired Wednesdays at 4:15 PM PST, running until 2019 and accumulating over 130,000 views on introductory content alone, underscoring its draw within niche comedy circles.[20] The show's visual emphasis, including real-time impairment effects and cannabis-themed segments like "High History" or "Pot Quiz Hop Shot," advanced the shift toward video platforms in comedy podcasting, where live interaction enhanced engagement beyond audio monologues.[67] By hosting high-profile guests such as Jack Black, Sarah Silverman, and Greg Proops—many of whom were regular cannabis users—the podcast modeled a format blending stand-up camaraderie with substance use, which resonated during the mid-2010s podcast boom and legalization wave.[68][18] This contributed to the normalization of "hazy" talk shows, as evidenced by its later adaptation into Comedy Central's "The High Court with Doug Benson" in 2017, extending the concept to televised small-claims arbitration.[56] Within stoner comedy subgenres, the podcast's success—praised for letting comedians "let their guard down"—helped legitimize impaired hosting as a viable trope, influencing perceptions of casual, vice-infused content as entertaining rather than fringe.[7][69] Its run paralleled rising cannabis acceptance, with Benson leveraging prior audio success from "Doug Loves Movies" (started 2006) to pioneer this hybrid, though broader genre-wide transformations owed more to concurrent trends like mobile accessibility and guest-driven narratives.[22][70]

Context in Cannabis Culture

"Getting Doug with High" aired from 2013 to 2019, launching amid the early wave of U.S. state-level cannabis legalization, including Colorado's voter-approved recreational measure in 2012 that took effect on January 1, 2014.[22] Hosted by stand-up comedian Doug Benson, who had previously documented his marijuana consumption in the 2007 mockumentary Super High Me—a parody of Super Size Me involving 30 days of near-constant use—the podcast centered on Benson interviewing guests, primarily fellow comedians, while both parties smoked cannabis on camera.[71] This setup mirrored longstanding tropes in cannabis culture, such as stoner humor originating from films like Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke (1978) and the ritualistic sharing of cannabis in social settings, often amplified through comedy to destigmatize use.[7] The series positioned itself within a burgeoning niche of cannabis-themed media, emphasizing recreational enjoyment over medical or activist angles, which aligned with the subculture's emphasis on cannabis as a enhancer of creativity and conversation.[72] Episodes typically included improvised segments like cannabis-fueled games or "high court" judgments, fostering an unscripted, euphoric atmosphere that echoed the improvisational ethos of stoner comedy traditions.[42] Guests such as Jack Black in a 2014 episode discussed personal cannabis experiences candidly, contributing to a portrayal of marijuana as a normalized social lubricant among entertainers, rather than a fringe or illicit substance.[69] By featuring visible consumption in a comedic format available on platforms like YouTube, the podcast helped bridge underground cannabis culture with mainstream audiences during a period of shifting legal norms, predating broader legalization in states like California (2016).[73] Benson's affable, self-deprecating stoner persona—rooted in his stand-up routines and projects like The Marijuana-Logues stage show—reinforced cultural archetypes of the harmless, humorous user, influencing subsequent cannabis podcasts that blend entertainment with subtle normalization efforts.[74] However, its focus remained entertainment-driven, avoiding deep dives into policy or health data, consistent with comedy's role in cannabis culture as a vehicle for lighthearted advocacy rather than rigorous debate.[52]

References

User Avatar
No comments yet.