Tank Top Talks w/ Matt Braunger

Tom Thakkar is a Hilarious Dad in a Tank Top

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tom Thakkar and I did the Toledano Street Festival in New Orleans a couple weeks ago and we juuuuust got over our hangovers. Jeez, it’s almost like they get worse when you’re older when you also have to care for a small child. A native of Indiana and a graduate of the Chicago comedy scene, Tom lived in NYC for years before coming to LA. Like me, he has a small child (well, mine isn’t so small anymore) and he still goes on the road. He also hasn’t worn a tank top since he gained the “baby weight.” We laughed a lot during this one, but also hit some points I didn’t expect. Enjoy these two dads recovering from being not-so-young anymore lol.

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Beth Stelling is a Gold Medalist in the Women’s Stand-Up Comedy Olympics in a Tank Top

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Beth Stelling is one of my favorite comedians, male, female, or otherwise. She seems stoned on indecision, feeling around, then hits you with a punchline you never saw coming. A fellow graduate of the Chicago school of comedy, Beth and I became fast friends a long time back. She’s also a big time TV writer now. I always told her she should start a men’s clothing line called “Sweet Beth,” so maybe that’s the next thing. If you are a comic starting out, or have any interest in stand-up, this is the episode for you.

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Ian Karmel and Andrew Stephens are Wearing Tank Tops with Matt Braunger in New Orleans! Live!!!

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Folks, here it is, your very first Tank Top Talks Live. We were lucky enough to record it at the incredible Toledano Street Comedy Festival in New Orleans. You know the hilarious Ian Karmel from All Fantasy Everything and stand-up, but you might not know Andrew Stephens, young founder of the amazing Sports Drink Comedy Club in Nola. In any event, this is the live podcast taping for people who don’t like live podcast tapings. Fair warning: Drinking was involved (but hey, it’s the Big Easy). Grab a daquiri and check it out!

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Jackie Kashian has a Jokehole Full of Bees and is Wearing a Tank Top

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Jackie Kashian is a nice lady and friend/comedy hurricane. On the one hand, she’s a fun person to be around who is endlessly thoughtful and kind. On the other, she is a decades-working comedy legend with more jokes per second than anybody. She and I both share the tendency to talk, well, sometimes too fast onstage. Hey! We’re excited! Jackie joined me on TTT to talk comedy, our dream outfits, and why being a dork is f*&king cool.

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Lance Barber is the Dad on Young Sheldon and My Friend of 20+ Years in an Outsiders Tank Top

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:30:00 GMT

You might know Lance Barber as George Cooper Sr. on the hit show Young Sheldon, but I know him as my buddy onstage and off from my Chicago days. We wrote a show together that we performed at the Second City in, ah, ’98? JFC where has the time gone? Since then he’s gone on to numerous roles, one wife, and two kids. We almost never see each other, so this was a rare chance to catch up and make fun of the silly dudes we used to be. Listen in and join the fun.

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Drew Hancock Wrote and Directed “Companion” but Forgot His Tank Top

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:45:00 GMT

Drew Hancock is an old friend who was an absolute maniac for his art and it paid off. After working as a writer/director on a ton of things, he realized he wasn’t getting where he wanted to be and he spent a year on one script. After that year, he got new representation, sold the script, and even got the green light to direct what became “Companion.” He’s a great guy, a fantastic writer, and (most famously) played “Asshole Oates” of Hall & Oates on the web series Yacht Rock. If you are a writer or an actor or want to be in the biz, check this episode out (It’s low key a masterclass).

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Vinny Thomas is Having a Good Time, Doing Great, Hilarious, and Young. Like me

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Vinny Thomas blew the f&%k up online. A stand-up comic and member of the Second City Improv Theater in Chicago, his real success was found in TikTok and Instagram posts. Perhaps you’ve seen his ‘Cheryl Hines goes to brunch’? His online performances, combined with his touring act, got him cast on the hit show “Platonic” with Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. I reached out to have him on the show because I’ve spent too much time watching him online and wanted to meet him, and he did not disappoint. His bath house story alone is worth the episode. Enjoy!

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Chris Fairbanks is Neil Diamond Having a Breakdown in a Tank Top

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Chris Fairbanks is one of the funniest people alive. His off-kilter delivery and pitch-perfect timing/absurdity is unique and fantastic and I’ve been a fan (as well as a friend) for decades. You might know him from his numerous televised sets or his podcast “Do You Need a Ride?” with Karen Kilgariff, but you might not know how funny this guy truly is. Listen if you want to laugh for a solid hour, no kidding.

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Gerald Meerschaert Isn't a Heavy from Roadhouse But He Sure Looks Like One

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Gerald Meerschaert III (or GM3, as he’s known) is a husband, dad, gym owner, and a comedy nerd. He also holds the record for the most finishes in his weight class in the UFC (12) (!!). Unquestionably a bad ass, Gerald is also genuinely a hilarious guy. He doesn’t have any pretense or attitude about what he does, he just loves it and is good at it. We had a blast recording this one and I can’t wait for you to listen to it. GM3 rocks.

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Ricky Carmona is Cuban, Colombian, American, Thriving, and Wearing a Tank Top

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:00:00 GMT

My old friend-in-comedy-and-life Ricky Carmona is many things, not the least of which a good time. We first met doing stand-up in Chicago, just scraping by but loving it. To say we go way back doesn’t really scratch the surface. Ricky’s energy is contagious, and he BROUGHT IT to this recording. If you want an hour of a man on fire (via Cafecito y vida!), listen now.

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Skyler Higley Writes Incredible Jokes in a Tank Top

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Skyler Higley’s comedy writing resume (The Onion, Conan, The Oscars, Comedy Central, more) is amazing for such a young dude. Every time I was a panelist on After Midnight, I asked to work with him, but I didn’t know much about him. Turns out he was raised by white Mormons (!!), or as he joking puts it “The enemy” lol. This was an extremely funny and fun one to do. Strap on your fave tank (it’s getting warmer soon, I swear!) and have a listen.

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Maureen Bharoocha Makes Cool Shit in a Tank Top

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Film and television director Maureen Bharoocha has directed three major motion pictures (the newest of which has ME in it!) and dozens of TV show episodes, but she started out working at Sprinkles Cupcakes. Her journey is the best example of “If you can’t find a road, build one” I’ve come across, and her motto “Make cool shit” is something every artist should have a tattoo of (Maybe on their arm, so it’ll show in a tank top?). She’s such a boss, and I love her. Listen in now.

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Christian Duguay is Bringing the Valley Heat in His Wife’s Tank Top

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Valley Heat is the funniest scripted podcast of all time and Christian Duguay is the creator and star. Granted, I’m biased, because I play the perpetually self-injured Codi, but a lot of other people (Patton Oswalt and Ed Helms among them) agree with me. Christian doesn’t own a tank top (In fact, he thinks they’re dumb), but he agreed to come on and make me laugh anyway. What a gem. Listen in for an hour of hilarity (and maybe check out Valley Heat too, no presh).

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Ron Funches Wears a Tank Top Made of Friendship

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:00:00 GMT

You might know Ron Funches from stand-up comedy or any of his many acting roles (Loot, Trolls, Undateable, etc), but I know Ron from my hometown of Portland. We go back a lot of years, but we haven’t spoken much in the past couple. In fact, we had a blow-up recently that caused us to argue, talk, and repair our relationship. Listen to hear the story and see where Ron and I take it. This is, as we used to say in the 80s, a very special episode. Listen now.

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Kat Bird Forgot Her Tank Top so She Wore Mine

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Kat Bird forgot her tank top! Probably because she hits so many open mics on a nightly basis. Kat struck me as someone who’s been doing comedy for ten years, but turns out it’s only three. Maybe because she’s a former chef who’s worked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world (!!). Wild how she jumped from one high stress job to another! I love Kat, and this episode. Listen to get into a fascinating life, and life change.

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Ali Macofsky Gets Recognized at McDonald’s in a Tank Top

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Ali Macofsky is a murderous stand-up with a bone-dry wit and a real distaste for her boyfriend. I’m kidding, kind of. She also has serious opinions on the things that count, like fame, being cool in high school (or not), and what constitutes the best kind of fast food. She also told me that I shouldn’t eat healthy while I’m on the road, which was a revelation. I love you, Ali! Listen now

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Kevin Avery is in a Tank Top 4-Now

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Kevin Avery (Comedy Central’s The New Negroes, Thugs: The Musical) is a great writer, both on and off the stage, and an old friend of mine. He co-created a series with me called “White Flight” exactly ten years ago, and it blows my mind that I’ve known him even longer than that. He was also in a boy band called 4-Now, and there were more than 4 guys in the band. Amazing! Listen now.

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Matt O’Brien turned in His Hawaiian Shirt for a Tank Top!

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:08:09 GMT

Matt O’Brien (America’s Got Talent) is a hilarious comedian, a proud Canadian, and a hell of a fun guy. He and I hit it off immediately when we met, calling each other long lost brothers, even though his wife refuses to see the similarity. Hey lady, I’m the older one! We tank topped it up and got into a lot of fun stuff on this one. Check it out!

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Demi Adejuyigbe Can Backflip/Looks Good in a Tank Top

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Demi Adejuyigbe (@midnight, Smarty Pants) is one of those rare comedians who can kind of do anything, but it doesn’t piss you off as a comedian when you watch him. A young comic who is as funny onstage as he is online (again, rare), he’s also a genuinely nice dude who also rocks a mean tank top. I loved this episode. Check it out now!

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Ben Wise is a Musician and Composer in a Muscle Tank Who’s Never Been on a Podcast Before

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:15:00 GMT

Musician Ben Wise has written the music for everything I’ve ever done that needed scoring, from my first Comedy special “Shovel Fighter” to the podcast you’re listening to now. He’s also an old friend, an out-and-proud gay man, and partner to another tank top top guest, Dave Holmes. Believe it or not this is his first time on a podcast (!!). We talked creativity, finding your tribe, and why gay bars in small towns are the best places ever. Listen now!

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Fahim Anwar is Pure Hilariousness in a Tank Top

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:15:00 GMT

Comedian Fahim Anwar can’t not be funny. He ordered the strangest tank top I’ve maybe ever seen for this episode and kept Max and me laughing the whole time. Swear to God, I was wiping tears away for half of this recording. He and I have been friends for years, and I hate following him at The Comedy Store, but… it’s made me a better comic. Throw on your fave tank and this ep a listen if you need a good laugh.

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Johnny Pemberton is Wearing his Tulsa Tank Top and Ready to Rock

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:15:00 GMT

You might know Johnny Pemberton from Fallout and 100 other things, but I know him from our weird Los Angeles beginnings and an ill-fated tour for old Milwaukee beer we did together. A true son of the Twin Cities area, Johnny was the archetypal “adult who can play a teenager“ for many years, but now he’s off on his own doing whatever the hell he wants. Maybe it’s the new studio , but both me and Engineer Max couldn’t stop laughing during the recording of this one. Check it out now!

Watch the show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vfX95RtvqpU

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Frankie Quinones Wore His Creeper Tank on Tank Top Talks!

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:15:00 GMT

Folks, we’ve reached peak tank with the incredible Frankie Quinones who wore his famous Creeper tank on the show. Shut it down! You might know Frankie as Creeper from his viral series “Cholo Fit,” as an incredible comedian, or as Luis on the regrettably cancelled “This Fool” on Hulu, but you might not know his incredible journey and new perspective on life. He’s insanely busy right now (blowing up like we thought he would!), but he found time to rock with us. Throw on your best white Creeper tank and listen in!

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Dave Lyons is Coco from Yacht Rock Wearing a Tank Top

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Dave Lyons is so much more than Coco from Yacht Rock, the web series he co-created that invented the term (yeah, you can thank him for that). He’s also a location manager (currently on Abbot Elementary), a producer, and an absolute king of good times. He’s also an old friend of mine and deceptively hilarious. If you ever wanted a road map for making your own road in “The biz,” here’s a good podcast ep for you. Enjoy.

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Solomon Georgio is a Beautiful King in a Tank Top

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:15:00 GMT

Everybody in the 80s dressed like a kindergartener who got to pick out their own outfit.” Solomon Giorgio is a hilarious gay man with the funniest perspectives on everything. From shirts “betraying” him by not fitting like they used to, to how He-Man was not made for the male gaze, to just laughing about the past and never reliving it, his outlooks are a riot, but sound. He never wears tank tops, except this once. Thank you, Solomon! Listen now.

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Dana Gould Doesn’t Ever Remember Wearing a Tank Top

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:30:00 GMT

Dana Gould is not just an old friend. He’s also the host of one of my favorite podcasts out there, ”The Dana Gould hour.” Dana doesn’t ever remember wearing a tank top in his life, so this is huge for his fans. A humble guy, his credits list is nonetheless staggering. I mean, he’s probably written your favorite episode of The Simpsons for crissakes. Throw on a tasteful tank top and give it a listen!

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Arielle Isaac Norman Just Bought this Tank at Ross, is a Boss

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:30:00 GMT

I first met Arielle Isaac Norman in Austin when she opened for me and blew the doors off the room. A beast onstage, Arielle is also a kind soul who bucks labels and expectations, as her online handle “Ellen Degenderless” suggests. On this episode we got into the comedy scene in Austin, how Ju-Jitsu uses lesbian moves in combat, why sex is actually sacred, and how paying attention to your health is unfortunately about what you eat (dammit!!). Arielle is maybe the funniest serious person around. Listen now, and subscribe for more tank top times!

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Alec Flynn is Unapologetically a Tank Top Bro

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:15:00 GMT

Al is a special dude, emphasis on dude. He has a bbq grill and hockey gear in his car at all times. These are the necessities he has on hand at all times. And he's not doing it to seem cool – he just unapologetically loves what he loves and doesn't care what anyone else thinks. Unabashed, extremely genuine, and smart as all get out. He's also quite a looker, so I'm glad it's not just me carrying the torch of handsome dudes in comedy. Al is one of my favorite comics right now, and if you haven't checked out his show Big Al's Grill ASMR yet, do it now!

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Jodie Sweetin Will Survive (and Thrive) in Two Tanks!

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:15:00 GMT

Me: “How do you describe yourself?” Jodie Sweetin: “Other than loud?” Hollywood legend Jodie Sweetin is an actor since childhood and now has two teenage daughters. Stress navigation queen! Jodie and I first met when I tried (and failed) to get her on my comedy pilot (story on the pod) years ago. Just an absolute pro and the coolest/nicest person. “You have to find the truth in the ridiculous, otherwise it’s just stupid,” as she puts it. From politics to the business of show, Jodie is not one of those public figures where you don’t know where she stands. Also, she’s fun as hell. Throw on your tank, tune in, and enjoy!

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Mike Falzone is Pure Joy in a Tank Top

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:45:00 GMT

If the apocalypse actually happens, you will hear one man laughing, and it will be “Smiling” Mike Falzone. One of the first YouTubers ever, Mike now hosts the popular improvised stand-up show “Surrounded.” A proud son of Connecticut, Mike has had “so many brushes with death” (his words) that he has no choice but to be happy. Take the note, everybody! We talked trying new things, navigating the biz (and life), and bonkers things in general. An absolute prince, check it out now.

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Edi Patterson is Always Herself, Even in a Tank Top

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Edi Patterson, realizing she hadn’t brought a tank top, stopped at a convenience store, found they only had t-shirts, then bought one and cut off the sleeves. A pure champion of comedy and life. Edi made my year when we met at a friend’s holiday party when, after I gushed about what a fan I was, she responded with, “Oh dude, same for you” (!!) (WTF?). You might know her as Judy Gemstone, but she is SO much more. This episode rocks. Stop reading this, throw on a tank, and listen.

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David Gborie Wears Dirty Tanks!

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:04:35 GMT

Tank Tops are ridiculous, but they feel good, and the reason they feel good is that they’re ridiculous. Welcome to Tank Top Talks - a weekly conversation podcast where comedian Matt Braunger sits down with comedians, writers, actors, and other luminaries, each of them wearing a tank of their choice. Once Matt and his guest get past the well-earned silliness, the conversation is always worth the listen (or the watch).

David Gborie is the voice of Comedy Central, the co-host of the smash hit podcast All Fantasy Everything, and a world class stand-up comedian. He also spent years living on other people’s couches. Sardonic, irreverent, and more intelligent than he lets on, David always reminded me of Kyle Kinane and I told him so in this episode. I probably hit more lol’s-per-minute recording this with him then on any other tank top talks. Check it out right now and bust a gut!

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MattBraungerComedy

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Akela Munsey is a Playwright and is also Wearing My Wife’s Old Tank Top

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:45:00 GMT

Akela Munsey is Renaissance woman, but super chill about it. She writes plays, performs in all kinds of shows, makes puppets, and takes care of various children in her off hours. She’s also incredibly young and wise beyond her years. Tune in to hear her talk about being homeschooled, her unique and refreshing take on life, and how you have to take art seriously but also not that seriously (at the same time). Tanks!!

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Will Miles is the Darius Miles of Tank Tops

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Will Miles is a hilarious comedian, writer, and one of my best girldad bros (his daughter and mine were born months apart back in 2020). Maybe best known for his work writing on and co-starring in HBO’s insanely funny “Southside,” Will has also written on Grown-ish, Sherman’s Showcase, and All That. Will never fails to make me laugh hard, and you will too. Throw on your best tank (basketball jersey) and enjoy!

Watch Tank Top Talks on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MattBraungerComedy

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Alisha Mullally is Taylor Swift's Cat in a Tank Top

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:00:00 GMT

My friend Alisha is a lot of things: She’s the voice of Taylor Swift’s cat, an active dance instructor and cheer coach, and trains me once a week in Pilates. I had Alisha on the show to talk about how important staying active really is, how to work in a positive way, and why you just gotta work it. Throw on your tank top let’s get sweaty!

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Dad Tanks w/ Langston Kerman

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:00:00 GMT

A Netflix special, tv roles, and writing gigs aren’t enough for Langston Kerman. He’s gotta be handsome and a great dad too. This guy sucks. I’m kidding, kind of. I was a fan of Langston’s before we were friends, and I’m an even bigger fan now. This episode was a great opportunity to get into what makes him tick, and more importantly, his feels on the tops that are tanks.

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For Mav Viola, This is Skydiving

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Mav Viola is a comedian, a philanthropist, and “a full-blown lesbian.“ The last time I saw Mav we were both working in the kitchen at Project Angel Food, a Los Angeles organization that delivers meals to those in need. I didn’t recognize her at all when she said my name because she’d shaved her head (lol). This episode was especially great because she had to psych herself up to be on it because she hates how she looks in tank tops. She is insane. Tune in to listen to the awkwardness become hilarity!

Subscribe on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@MattBraungerComedy

Tour Dates: https://punchup.live/mattbraunger

Website: https://www.imattbraunger.com

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Dave Holmes Wears a Tank Top for the First Time

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode we welcome the great and hilarious Dave Holmes, one of my oldest friends and closest bros. If you’re near my age, you might know Dave as a famous MTV VJ. If you’re younger, you might know him as a writer/columnist for Esquire, a comic, an influencer, or just an all-around gay icon. Dave joins me to don his only tank top, which he has never worn, and share it with the world. Tune in to hear us talk tanks, friendship, coming out as who you are, and (of course) drinking in Provincetown during Bear Week.

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Steph Tolev's Other Ride is Your Mom

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:22:03 GMT

For our first episode, we welcome the great Steph Tolev, one the funniest comics working today. She sets the bar pretty high with her iconic "My Other Ride is Your Mom" muscle tee. You might argue that a muscle tee isn’t a tank top, but we might as well argue if a hot dog is a sandwich. Steph is one of my favorite comics, Canadians, and people around. Strap on a tank and listen in.

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Tank Top Talks Theme

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 21:08:01 GMT

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