Doughboys Podcast 10th Anniversary Live, Boston, MA [05-17-25]

I owe a lot to the Doughboys. I know it sounds funny to say (read?), and I’m pretty sure the hosts themselves would laugh if they heard (read?) this. But I mean it. I love these guys. I was introduced to them during COVID and have never looked back. The running gag is that this podcast is terrible: reviewing fast food chains. David Cross himself said, mockingly I think, “Thanks for your service.” We get it. This isn’t exactly high culture, but the podcast is extremely popular. It’s the 56^th most popular Patreon OVERALL. Those are big numbers. So, what’s the appeal?

I can only speak personally, but for me it’s the chemistry between cohosts Nick Wiger and Mike Mitchell. I don’t listen to Doughboys to hear them rate fast food, but to hear them interact. They’re like an old married couple with endearing and hilarious chemistry. When they are not bickering about scheduling conflicts and sauces, they are finishing each other’s sentences. It’s pretty beautiful. There’s a little of these cohosts in each one of us. Whenever I’m going through tough times, the podcast is something I look forward to to keep me company and provide a fun escape. They’ve been there for me in some way, and I love them for it.

They don’t often go on tour anymore, but this is a special year: 10 years of the Doughboys, and Boston, of all places, gets the official (?) 10^th anniversary show. It was an exciting announcement, but not a no-brainer for me. I have a complex relationship with the show, and every listener gets a different experience from the podcast, I’m sure. When they announced Jon Gabrus as the guest for the Boston show, it was a bittersweet realization that I would have to miss the show. I’m just not a fan of his type of humor and the kind of energy he brings to the show. It’s a personal thing. But, then they announced John Hodgman as the second guest and that changed things, because I consider him one of the best guests (if not THE best) guest on the show. Perhaps he would bring some balance to Gabrus’ energy.

I was right, and Hodgman himself joked that he would bring some Brookline sensitivity to the show. I’m not used to reviewing live podcasts, but it did feel like a special moment for everyone attending. The vibes were great, the hosts and guests were in top form and the effortless humor and friendly banter was plentiful and entertaining. Gabrus did his thing and Wiger would do his best to re-rail the podcast, thankfully. Even their review of local chain Legal Sea Foods was insightful and hilarious and very fair. Being a special 10^th anniversary show, the podcast had some special moments planned which were hilarious, and so beautiful that it nearly brought a tear to my eyes. Dammit, Doughboys! Why do you make me have these feelings!? The show was a mixed bag, yes, but it had so much to love.

What a night! What a terrific show! What a podcast! What a world we live in! WOW!

Photo: Zac Wolf

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