#363 Favorite Woody Allen Movies with Adam Friedland

In this episode of The Downside, hosts Gianmarco Soresi and Russell Daniels welcome comedian Adam Friedland for a wide-ranging, chaotic, and often absurd conversation that veers from Woody Allen's filmography to the nature of cults, the absurdity of internet culture, and the moral complexities of public figures. The discussion begins with a surreal exchange about Supreme Court justices, including a fictional Andrew Tate and the Rizzler, before diving into Friedland’s personal history, his Jewish identity, and his complicated relationship with Woody Allen—whom he once sat next to at a restaurant. Friedland shares his unease with the cultural reckoning around problematic artists, expressing curiosity over their humanity despite their crimes, while also grappling with the ethics of platforming controversial figures like Anthony Weiner or Gavin Newsom. The episode is marked by sharp satire, dark humor, and a deep skepticism toward modern discourse, culminating in a surreal musical finale and a reflection on the absurdity of contemporary life. The hosts express gratitude for their team, their craft, and the strange joy of creating a show in a world that feels increasingly unhinged.