Stop It! with Zach Peterson & Brad Wenzel: Comedy, Nostalgia, and Moral Philosophy Over Pizza and Podcasts

In this episode of Stop It! with Zach Peterson, Omaha-based comedian Zach Peterson welcomes fellow stand-up comic Brad Wenzel for an offbeat and refreshingly candid conversation that veers from philosophical musings to nostalgic TV and the pros and cons of frozen pizza. With a relaxed tone and authentic rapport, the two comedians bring wit and introspection to even the most trivial topics—making for a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Omaha Shows, Grassroots Comedy & Why Mailing Lists Still Matter

Brad Wenzel, known for his deadpan delivery and acclaimed YouTube special Joke, Joke, Joke, kicks off the episode promoting his live shows in Omaha and his podcast Moment of Wenz. He details his grassroots approach to building a fanbase, including his mailing list campaign, which he updates regularly on his show. Wenzel’s humble hustle is both amusing and endearing—a reminder that in an era of viral fame, slow and steady still has a place in comedy.

If Omaha Had an NFL Team… The Big Huskers?

Zach poses a fun thought experiment: if Omaha had a professional football team, what should it be called? Brad’s suggestion—“The Big Huskers”—is a tongue-in-cheek nod to Nebraska’s beloved college team, the Cornhuskers. The bit spirals into comical banter about agricultural tires as mascots, absurd team names, and the natural escalation from college to pro in Midwestern sports culture. It’s classic “two comics in a room” energy: playful, absurd, and entertaining.

Moral Philosophy: Empathy as a Guiding Principle

In a rare pivot to serious conversation, Zach and Brad briefly discuss the idea of objective morality. Brad argues for the existence of moral truths, grounding his beliefs in empathy and the golden rule. He notes that many people misuse this principle by distancing themselves from others’ situations rather than trying to understand them. Zach agrees and humorously underscores it by declaring human rights violations a “big thumbs down.” It’s a moment of thoughtful insight tucked within the comedy.

Peak TV: Remembering the Thursday Night Comedy Block

The duo stroll down memory lane to revisit NBC’s golden comedy era of the late 2000s. The Office, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, and Community dominated Thursday nights, and Brad recalls watching them religiously in high school just to keep up with cafeteria conversation. He shares a fondness for Steve Carell’s run on The Office, but also defends the controversial Will Ferrell and Robert California arcs. Both comedians celebrate 30 Rock as a writing powerhouse and lament underrated gems like My Name is Earl. The nostalgia is strong—and surprisingly insightful about TV’s influence on a generation.

Clay Aiken, Reuben Studdard & American Idol’s Rise and Fall

Zach pulls a wildcard from the listener question bucket: Are Clay Aiken and Reuben Studdard still alive? The question launches a humorous but sincere discussion about early American Idol seasons and how the show captured a unique moment in pop culture. Brad and Zach note that the show’s earnest early years—before the commercialization of reality TV—felt genuinely democratic. They reflect on the few stars who emerged, like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, and how the industry later lost its innocence, particularly when negative audition segments were removed following a tragic real-world event.

Global Warming & Trains: An Unexpected Policy Chat

In a spontaneous policy riff, Brad and Zach debate global warming and infrastructure. Brad advocates for doing “anything”—starting with building out public transportation like trains. They frame this as a win-win: even if climate change weren’t real (which they don’t believe), better infrastructure still brings jobs and benefits. They also mock trivial environmental efforts, like banning plastic straws, which they see as scapegoating individuals instead of holding industries accountable. It’s another moment where comedy blends seamlessly with a real-world issue.

Secondhand Facts and Misinformation: We’re All Guilty

The podcast hits a comedic sweet spot as the hosts confess to spreading misinformation with full confidence. From Zach believing the Coast Guard suffers the most casualties to Brad insisting ZZ Top had oil money, both comics acknowledge how confidently we can repeat half-truths. It’s a playful reminder that we’re all vulnerable to bad intel—and maybe we should all be a little more skeptical of what we hear (even from podcasters).

Frozen Pizza vs. The Real Thing: A Heated Debate

An impromptu debate on frozen pizza reveals strong opinions. Zach defends frozen pizza as an essential part of his diet, championing Red Baron classic crust. Brad is more hesitant, preferring real, fresh pizza but concedes that Trader Joe’s and Tombstone are solid picks. The duo also discuss regional pizza styles—Detroit, Chicago, and New York—while mocking the proliferation of faux “local styles” like St. Louis’ Emo’s Pizza. It’s a deliciously funny segment with just enough food snobbery.

Fistfights and Altitude Aggression: The Boulder Story

Zach and Brad share stories about confrontation and fistfights—or lack thereof. Brad, self-described as “easygoing,” recounts the one time he nearly lost it: in Boulder, after a rough show at high altitude, he was confronted by a drunk heckler and had to restrain himself. The story is equal parts funny and tense, capturing the emotional exhaustion that can come with performing stand-up. It also underscores Brad’s overall chill demeanor—he’s not a fighter, but everyone has a breaking point.

The Joy of Bar Rescue & Laughing Till You Cry

When asked about the hardest he’s ever laughed, Brad recalls watching Bar Rescue while mildly high. The bright green bar decor, John Taffer’s over-the-top intensity, and his own exaggerated riffs had him laughing uncontrollably. He’s even been working on a stand-up bit comparing Taffer to the embodiment of heartburn in a Pepto Bismol commercial. It’s a prime example of how comics turn everyday absurdities into gold.

Sesame Street, Cookie Monster & Being a Muppet

The show wraps with a whimsical question: favorite Sesame Street character? Brad picks Cookie Monster, joking that the beloved puppet has gone “political.” Zach offers a surprising dislike for Grover, criticizing his overexposure. The conversation veers into how Sesame Street misrepresented vampires and whether there was ever a spelling witch. Brad then reveals someone once told him he looked like a Muppet—something he proudly claims is the highest compliment a comedian can get.

Final Thoughts: This episode of Stop It!with Zach Peterson is an effortlessly enjoyable blend of comedy, cultural critique, and conversational chaos. Brad Wenzel and Zach Peterson make for a compelling duo—earnest, quick-witted, and capable of making everything from pizza preferences to philosophical debates feel entertaining and personal. Whether you’re here to laugh or just enjoy the ride, Stop It! delivers.

This blog post is based on a transcript from the Stop It! with Zach Peterson podcast episode released on March 31st 2025.

Omaha comedian, Zach Peterson, hosts this fast-paced interview show where the questions are random and the answers are unpredictable. Part interview part game show, Stop It! with Zach Peterson is unlike any other podcast because it’s all the podcasts in one for short amounts of time. Give it a listen, after a while you won’t be able to stop it.

Edited by Grace Dunbar