Paul W. Downs

Shows

Episodes

  1. Shredded Mimes (w/ Paul W Downs)

    Aug 6

    Shredded Mimes (w/ Paul W Downs)

    On this episode of Staying Alive, hosts Jon Gabrus and Adam Pally received an unexpected treat when their friend, Hacks co-creator and co-star Paul W Downs, came by to do their podcast ON THE DAY THE HACKS FINALE AIRED. Paul was quite reasonably in his feelings that day, and the fellas really want to ask about putting five years of a successful TV show to bed, getting over his addiction to Mochalatta Chills, getting in shape to play a trainer on TV, and they all agree that the placebo effect is absolutely fine. Plus: we learn the three people who email Pally every birthday, and we stumble across Gabrus’ perfect job.   Follow Paul @paulwdowns Binge Hacks on HBO   This episode was recorded May 28, 2026 at Forever Dog in Los Angeles CA Staying Alive is produced by Devon Torrey Bryant and Anne Harris Engineered and edited by Devon Torrey Bryant, who also wrote the music Associate producer and video editor is Maddie McCann Executive produced by Jon Gabrus, Adam Pally, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Bernie Kaminski, and Rich Korson   Keywords: Hacks, MSG, cold turkey, hot turkey, Hannah Waddingham, Scarlett Johansson, Lucia Aniello, Keto, flax milk, bodega coffee, Mochalatta Chills, orthorexia, ectomorph, resistance training, the bro split, toes to bar, galaxy gas, mimes, cold plunge, NAD, Adderall, Meg Stalter, Tower Bar, RuPaul, Italy, French Open, Chandler Bing, Jen Statsky, Real Sex Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. Session 133: Paul W. Downs

    Jul 23

    Session 133: Paul W. Downs

    I give, lowkey, REALLY good advice... Download the Alo Wellness Club app for FREE at alowellnessclub.com/jake Thank you to Booking.com for sponsoring today’s episode! Find exactly what you’re Booking for at ⁠https://www.booking.com Tell Me What's Wrong at ⁠ passthatpuss.com Follow Paul! https://www.instagram.com/paulwdowns/?hl=en Follow Me! Instagram | @passthatpuss TikTok | @octopusslover8 Listen to "THERAPUSS" Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1BHDdC0OVuHqZ706FobfOF ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/therapuss-with-jake-shane/id1723626781⁠⁠ Amazon Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93117357-1f23-46e1-8f26-88f5182a68b8/therapuss-with-jake-shane⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Paul W. Downs

    05/26/2025

    Paul W. Downs

    Actor, writer, and director Paul W. Downs feels thrilled about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.   Paul sits down with Conan to discuss co-creating the hit series Hacks, the inside world of writing for a fake late night show, intertwining personal and professional lives with his partner and fellow creator Lucia Aniello, and a fateful missed encounter at a French hotel. Later, an unexpected secret about Sona’s past is revealed.   For Conan videos, tour dates and more visit TeamCoco.com. Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (669) 587-2847. Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/conan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. The Creators of ‘Hacks’ on Comedy, Creative Partnership and Surviving Hollywood

    May 7

    The Creators of ‘Hacks’ on Comedy, Creative Partnership and Surviving Hollywood

    Kara talks with "Hacks" creators and showrunners Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky about the state of comedy and ending the HBO Max hit on their own terms. The critically-acclaimed series follows Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedian played by Jean Smart, and Ava Daniels, a young TV writer played by Hannah Einbinder, as the pair navigate the many ups and downs of show business.  The team discusses Deborah and Ava’s “dark mentorship,” the intimacy of creative partnership and how Hollywood has changed over the show’s five-season run. They also get into the streaming boom-and-bust cycle and whether AI will help or hurt creativity. Plus: the chances of a "Hacks" reboot, and what Ava and Deborah might be facing five years from now. Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Bluesky @onwithkaraswisher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  5. “There Will Be Blood” (with Hannah Einbinder)

    Season 2, Episode 1

    “There Will Be Blood” (with Hannah Einbinder)

    In the first episode of the Hacks Official podcast, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky joined by guest host Hannah Einbinder, who plays Ava. They recap the season’s first episode that picks up right where season one left off, with Ava biting her nails over her drunken email that could land her in Deborah’s vengeful grasp. The group discusses collaborating as a three person showrunner team, Jean Smart’s love of Christmas, Hannah’s improvisation on set and what it was like to shoot the episode’s major fight scene. Hannah and the showrunners will explore the choices they made that set Las Vegas’s oddest comedy duo up for a season of hard lessons, strange locations, exciting cameos and a few stand-up sets that don’t exactly go as planned.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  6. "Quid Pro Quo" (with D’Arcy Carden)

    Season 2, Episode 2

    "Quid Pro Quo" (with D’Arcy Carden)

    In this episode of the Hacks Official podcast Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined with guest host D’Arcy Carden (The Good Place, Broad City). D’Arcy is a longtime best friend and collaborator of the team and together they share their origin story. The team talks about how they decided when and how to reveal the contents of Ava’s infamous email, rich people’s love for litigation, Jean Smart’s Hacks singing debut and “sad Kayla” among other behind-the-scenes moments that bring the show to life. D’Arcy also pitches the showrunners on a big character arc for a small child.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  7. Ep. 1: “Just For Laughs” with Jean Smart and Pat Regan

    Season 3, Episode 1

    Ep. 1: “Just For Laughs” with Jean Smart and Pat Regan

    In the first episode of The Official Hacks podcast, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by Jean Smart, who plays Deborah Vance. They talk about stepping back into Deborah’s heels, and her relationship with Ava. Then Hacks writer/actor Pat Regan joins the hosts to recap the episode, talk about why it was a tricky one to write, and Helen Hunt’s guest star turn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  8. "Trust the Process" (with Susie Essman)

    Season 2, Episode 3

    "Trust the Process" (with Susie Essman)

    In this episode of the Hacks Official podcast Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by guest host Susie Essman (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Broad City). They discuss the bravery of going on tour, the inspiration for that souped-up tour bus, and answer, “Who the heck is Pete Wentz?”. They also reveal what Laurie Metcalf brought to the character of Weed and the origin story behind her obsession with fast food. Listeners find out why Jean Smart jumped into the dumpster and how she harbored a secret desire to be standup herself. Plus Susie shares stories from her life as a comic and a fascinating insight into why she thinks women make better standups than men.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  9. “The Click” (with Rosie O’Donnell)

    Season 2, Episode 6

    “The Click” (with Rosie O’Donnell)

    In this episode of the Hacks Official podcast Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by guest host and Hacks superfan Rosie O’Donnell. They talk about motherhood, aging, and what went into shooting Deborah’s intimate bedroom scene. Rosie recounts her first stand-up set, and why she stepped away from her popular daytime talk show. Plus, she shares the unsolicited advice that she gave Hannah Einbinder via Twitter DM. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  10. “Retired” (with Margaret Cho)

    Season 2, Episode 5

    “Retired” (with Margaret Cho)

    In this episode of the Hacks Official podcast Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by guest host Margaret Cho (30 Rock, All-American-Girl), who makes a cameo as herself in episode 4 of the show. They discuss competitiveness and sexism in stand-up, what makes talented comedians give it all up and unpack the mother-daughter dynamic between Ava and Deborah. Plus, Margaret shares why Joan Rivers once gave her the silent treatment and some stories from being a road comedian. We’ll also learn about a dark joke that didn’t quite make it into Deborah and Ava’s pool scene.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  11. "The Captain’s Wife" (with Angela Gibbs and Luenell)

    Season 2, Episode 4

    "The Captain’s Wife" (with Angela Gibbs and Luenell)

    In this episode of the Hacks Official podcast Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by guest hosts Angela Gibbs (On My Block, This is Us) and Luenell (The Rock, A Star is Born) who play Marcus’s Mom and her friend Loretta. Angela and Luenell share their reaction to finding out they were cast together, mishaps on set with Marcus’s new puppy and the real-life challenges of performing on a cruise ship. They also learn how the team plucked Hannah Einbinder as Ava out of a 400-person casting pool and Luenell shares experiences from her own standup career. They also share insights on what Hacks adds to the conversation about gender and sexuality and their appreciation for the show’s strides toward more inclusive casting. Plus, they’ll pitch an idea that involves the two of them getting into mischief with Marcus left to pick up the pieces.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  12. “The One, The Only” (With Jean Smart)

    Season 2, Episode 8

    “The One, The Only” (With Jean Smart)

    In this episode of the Hacks Official podcast Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by guest host and Hacks star Jean Smart. They talk about the high stakes for Deborah and Jimmy of shooting the comedy special in the finale. They also discuss the thinking behind Deborah firing Ava at the end of the season. Jean opens up about finding childhood idols in Phyllis Diller and in Jane Goodall. She also shares secret insights into Deborah’s backstory. At the end, Jean pitches a kidnapping for a future episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  13. Ep. 5: “One Day” with Adam Bricker

    Season 3, Episode 5

    Ep. 5: “One Day” with Adam Bricker

    In this episode Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by the Hacks Director of Photography, Adam Bricker. They talk about shooting outdoors, generational views on climate change, and what you should yell when you need help.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  14. Ep. 9: “Bulletproof” with Hannah Einbinder

    Season 3, Episode 9

    Ep. 9: “Bulletproof” with Hannah Einbinder

    In this final episode, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by Ava Daniels herself, Hannah Einbinder. In unpacking the season finale they discuss Ava’s personal ambitions, the pressures of late night, and that final scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  15. Ep. 7: “The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular” with Rose Abdoo and J. Smith-Cameron

    Season 3, Episode 7

    Ep. 7: “The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular” with Rose Abdoo and J. Smith-Cameron

    In this episode Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by fan favorite Rose Abdoo, who plays house manager Josefina. They recap the episode and discuss Rose’s history in comedy coming with Second City. Then, actor J. Smith-Cameron (Succession) joins the pod to talk about her guest turn as Deborah’s estranged younger sister Kathy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  16. Ep. 8 “Yes And?” with Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Johnny Sibilly

    Season 3, Episode 8

    Ep. 8 “Yes And?” with Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Johnny Sibilly

    In this episode Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Johnny Sibilly, who play Marcus and Wilson. They recap the episode, unpack their characters’ progressive friendship, Marcus’s backstory, and the nature of fandom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  17. Ep. 2: “Better Late” with Mark Indelicato

    Season 3, Episode 2

    Ep. 2: “Better Late” with Mark Indelicato

    In this episode Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by guest Mark Indelicato, who plays Deborah’s long-suffering assistant Damien. They talk about filming at Television City, that Carrot Top cameo, and the world of late night TV.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  18. “On the Market” (With Wanda Sykes)

    Season 2, Episode 7

    “On the Market” (With Wanda Sykes)

    In this episode of the Hacks Official podcast Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by guest host and Hacks fan Wanda Sykes. They talk with her about life on the road, learn Wanda’s origin story as a comic, and Wanda’s ideas for future episodes. They also bond over the painful Hollywood pitch process and pre-pitch nerves.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  19. 937. - Paul W. Downs

    Apr 29

    937. - Paul W. Downs

    Paul W. Downs is a creator, writer, and star of the award-winning television show Hacks. We chat with him from his home in Los Angeles about furries, protein-rich gravy, Picasso plates, the Cinnabon Mochalatta Chill, Paul Newman and Martha Stewart, the AMAs in Vegas this year, Hacks coming for magicians this season, shaving his body as a teen swimmer, buying Gucci at the outlet mall in New Jersey, celebrity selfies, the meme work of Joe Mande, working with your wife, and Paul workshops his sleep-guillotine system. instagram.com/paulwdowns twitter.com/donetodeath twitter.com/themjeans howlonggone.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  20. Ep. 4: “Join the Club” with Jean Smart

    Season 3, Episode 4

    Ep. 4: “Join the Club” with Jean Smart

    In this episode Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by returning guest Jean Smart, who plays the one, the only, Deborah Vance. They talk about meeting your heroes, pickleball, and why you should ask for what you want.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul W. Downs on Apple