December Podcast Roundup: The Ha-Ha Holiday Edition

In the spirit of holiday festivities, let’s kick this roundup off with a fun fact: Comedy is the #1 most listened-to podcast genre in the US. And it’s no surprise—comedy podcasts spread joy like holiday carolers. But unlike those door-to-door serenaders, listeners want to invite them right in for more, with 65% of comedy listeners 18+ never missing an episode of their favorite show. Plus, it’s the only category where brands can lean into humor, even at their own expense, and still win big. By teaming up with the most iconic names in entertainment, advertisers can take a silly, light-hearted approach with ads that totally sleigh.

So, if you’re looking to sprinkle a little extra cheer into your marketing mix, consider teaming up with SiriusXM Media, where comedy legends bring your holiday messaging to life.

Conan’s Coming To Town

He’s tall, pale, and his hair’s got more volume than your holiday shopping list—no, it’s not Jack Frost—it’s the legendary Conan O’Brien, host of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend. He’s spreading the holiday cheer with his friends Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley on every laugh-filled episode, capturing the hearts of millions of comedy-loving millennials. That is, when he’s not traveling for his new Max series Conan Must Go or prepping to host the 97th Oscars (yes, a shameless plug). But here’s what really sets Conan apart: Even when he’s on the move, interacting with fans, and jumping into exciting ventures, he’s still managing to make brands feel like part of the fun. This red-headed genius even won awards for his ad integrations, proving him to be a front-runner in the comedy space, blending humor with brand storytelling. He’s got a knack for making advertisements feel as natural as the laughs he shares with guests and is the perfect partner for any brand looking to inject humor and personality into their campaigns.

Deck the Halls with Comedy

It wouldn’t be a holiday well spent without a disgruntled family member offering their two cents when no one asked for it, right? Well, Iliza Schlessinger is that auntie, but I promise listeners want her to stick around. Ask Iliza Anything brings the humor with heart-felt, rage-fueled, and sometimes off-the-wall advice, with topics ranging from bad coworkers to psychotic bridesmaids to dealing with a monster mother-in-law. This multi-hyphenate has built a cult-like female following that enjoys nothing more than taking her unlicensed counseling, sometimes with a celebrity guest in tow. Advertisers can access an eager-to-engage audience ready to take action, as 58% of Iliza’s listeners have purchased a product after hearing a podcast ad.

Mistletoe & Dating Mishaps

'Tis the season to swap dating disasters and belly laugh through the madness. And there’s no show more perfect than Bad Dates with Joel Kim Booster. Part of SmartLess Media’s roster of silly hits, this show brings the hilarity and awkwardness of dating fiascos to life. Whether it's a cringe-worthy first date, toxic situationship, or a painfully awkward meet-cute, Joel and his fabulous parade of guests deliver non-stop laughs with every outrageous confession. In a recent user study, we discovered multicultural audiences 18-34 are 73% more likely to say podcasts offer valuable advice on dating and relationships, which means your brand can align with a show that taps directly into the heart of modern dating culture with a light-hearted twist and reach a more diverse wave of listeners than ever before.

Humor is a Gift that Keeps on Giving

What’s that under the tree? It’s Scott Aukerman’s long-running release, Comedy Bang! Bang! 

Bringing joy and laughter to millions of homes during the holiday season and beyond, this series of unconventional interviews masterfully blends conversation and character work from today's funniest comedians. Listeners will hear an assortment of eccentric oddballs played by goofy celebs like Sarah Silverman, Adam DeVine, Nick Kroll, Paul F. Tompkins, and so many more. Scott wholeheartedly believes podcasting is the future of comedy, and his passion and persistence shines through in each outlandish episode. This fan-favorite title has cultivated a devoted audience of millennials (74%) who are highly influenced by humor and love to support brands that bring a sense of playfulness to their ad integrations.

The Ghost of Christmas Past

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the mic, Dan Cummins shared bizarre tellings of stories his listeners really like. Now that the cringe rhyming scheme is over, let's get into what the show’s really about: Timesuck with Dan Cummins is where curiosity meets comedy, history, and non-fiction with a fresh, irreverent spin. In each episode, listeners go on a wild ride through time and space, exploring fascinating stories, infamous figures, and bizarre events from the past. With a dedicated and rapidly growing audience, Dan has carved out a niche in the podcasting world, especially among young parents (52%). As one of the top-ranked comedy podcasts on all major platforms, the show offers advertisers an opportunity to tap into a loyal fanbase that spans demographics and interests, providing media buyers with unparalleled reach and exposure.

Rockin’ Around the Bonfire

Cozy up this holiday season and gather ‘round The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly. This SiriusXM show is a comedy powerhouse that ignites laughter and entertainment. With two wildly funny comedians running the show, listeners can expect an unfiltered deep dive into the absurdities of life, pop culture, and everything in between. With nearly half of their core audience over-indexing for being high earners and 93% taking any action after hearing a podcast ad, your brand will gain access to a valuable, high-income audience who not only listens but acts.

Don’t be a grinch, partner with us today and unwrap the potential of your brand with our expansive slate of comedy hits. Let’s chat.