The Other Side

Before headlining the club July 6-9, the "Last Comic Standing" champ tells us about his summer vacations, his quest to become the world's greatest breakdancer, and the fun of digital detox.

Every few months the Improv hosts "Beltway Pundits," the DMV's No. 1 pun competition. We rolled tape on the May 2 edition, and a few of the contestants gave us the thumbs up to put their speeches online.

Check out these pun soliloquies from Dana Fleitman, Alex Snider, Gail Ballantyne, Rachel Gross, Libby Bowers and Aaron Schwartzbaum.

The reigning "Last Comic Standing" champ is back at the Improv to headline April 21-23. We talk about repping his hometown of Atlanta, the intersection of pot and comedy, and naturally which exotic pet he would want.

As part of our 25th anniversary celebration, we asked great headliners to recommend rising stars that DC needs to see. Bob Marley picked Mike Speirs, so we're getting to know him before he headlines the lounge April 15.

Pat headlines the Improv on April 7-9 ... and this summer, she works to turn her amazing personal story into a TV pilot. We get her thoughts on the crazy process of adapting her life for the screen.

Brad Williams made his DC Improv headlining debut on March 2. The next day, he stopped by to talk about his path through the stand-up world, his upcoming wedding and more.

Check out this conversation, then get your tickets to see Brad March 3 or March 5. (Saturday shows are sold out!)

In January 2016, we asked a simple question: Who is the funniest president of all time? After shining the spotlight on 43 different men, we have our answer.

Join host Chris White for the inauguration of the Headliner of State!

Lincoln might be the greatest president. Can he also claim the title of funniest president?

Lincoln Prize winner Richard Carwardine spent the last several years researching and writing "Lincoln's Sense of Humor." He joins us to chat about Abe's remarkable gift for storytelling, his purposeful use of comedy, and the ways it affected his public career -- for better or worse. It's a thoughtful, joke-filled discussion about the humanity of an American legend. And it's a great conclusion to our profiles in presidential humor!

Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power Lincoln's Sense of Humor

MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Leapin' at Lincoln Gardens" by Charlie Barnet, "Springfield Stomp" by Cecil Scott and His Bright Boys

James Garfield was an insatiable student. But did he learn to be funny?

The National Park Service is here to help us find out. Todd Arrington, the site manager for the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, tells us all about the 20th president's personality -- and why Garfield's good nature helped him become a contender in the first place. It's a cool look at an underappreciated POTUS.

Garfield Historic Site online Garfield NHS on Twitter

MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "The Chant (St. James Informary)" by Art Shaw and His New Music, "My Ohio Home" by Jean Godkette and His Orchestra

Was Zachary Taylor the funniest president ever? If any experts out there know, they ain't talking.

So on a very special episode, we're going straight to Zachary Taylor himself. Get ready for seven minutes of stand-up comedy from the 12th president. Old Rough and Ready is back from the dead and on the mic. Will you Whig out?