Draft:Legion of Skanks

Big Jay Oakerson

Big Jay Oakerson is an American stand-up comedian, radio host, podcaster, and actor renowned for his laid-back style and raw, unfiltered comedic delivery. Born on December 7, 1977, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Oakerson grew up in West Philadelphia before moving to New Jersey during high school. He briefly attended Camden County College but left to pursue a career in comedy, supporting himself with various jobs before breaking into the stand-up scene.

Oakerson’s comedy career spans over two decades, evolving from a “comic’s comic” in Philadelphia to mainstream recognition in New York City and across the United States. He is a frequent headliner at major comedy festivals such as Bonnaroo, Just For Laughs Montreal, and SkankFest, which he also helps produce. His television appearances include Comedy Central Presents, Inside Amy Schumer, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, This Is Not Happening with Ari Shaffir, FX’s Louie, and IFC’s Z Rock, among others.

In addition to his stand-up work, Oakerson is a prolific broadcaster. He co-hosts the SiriusXM radio show The Bonfire and is a founding co-host of the popular podcasts Legion of Skanks and The SDR (Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll) Show, both on the GaS Digital Network. His comedy specials include Big Jay Oakerson: Live At Webster Hall (Comedy Central, 2016), a set for Netflix’s The Degenerates (2018), and his YouTube special Dog Belly (2023), which was filmed at SkankFest.

Oakerson is celebrated for his honest, compelling storytelling and his ability to connect with audiences through both raunchy crowd work and personal anecdotes. He remains a prominent figure in American comedy, known for pushing boundaries while maintaining a devoted fanbase.

Luis J. Gomez

Luis J. Gomez is an American stand-up comedian, writer, podcaster, producer, and actor based in New York City, widely recognized for his unapologetic, high-energy comedic style and influential presence in the modern comedy scene. Launching his career in 2007, Gomez quickly distinguished himself with bold, edgy humor, performing at iconic venues such as the Comedy Cellar, The Stand Comedy Club, and Caroline’s.

He is best known as a founding member and co-host of the popular podcast Legion of Skanks, as well as the host of Real Ass Podcast and The Regz. Gomez is also the co-creator of [https://skankfest.com Skankfest], a major comedy festival that has sold out for several consecutive years and developed a devoted global following. In 2016, he co-founded the [https://gasdigitalnetwork.com GaS Digital Podcast Network] with Ralph Sutton, which has become a hub for successful comedy podcasts.

Gomez’s television credits include appearances on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, TruTV’s Comedy Knockout, NBC Seeso’s What’s Your F@%king Deal?!, MTV2’s Guy Code, and The Jim Gaffigan Show. He has also co-hosted The Countdown on SiriusXM with former UFC champion Michael Bisping, later launching the podcast Believe You Me which debuted at #1 on iTunes Sports.

Celebrated for his fearless approach, Gomez has performed at major festivals such as Just For Laughs Montreal, where he was named a “Breakout Performer” by Time Out NY.{{cite web |url=https://www.laughfactory.com/comedians/LuisJGomez}}, as well as Moontower and Bert Kreischer’s Fully Loaded Tour. He is a frequent guest on leading podcasts, including The Joe Rogan Experience, Kill Tony, The Tim Dillon Show, and Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast.

Luis J. Gomez remains a dynamic force in stand-up, podcasting, and comedy production, known for pushing boundaries and cultivating a vibrant, loyal fanbase worldwide.

Dave Smith

Dave Smith is an American stand-up comedian, podcaster, and libertarian political commentator, widely recognized for blending sharp wit with incisive political and social commentary. Born on April 20, 1983, in New York City and raised in Brooklyn by his single mother, Smith’s early influences included his Jewish heritage and the experiences of his family, notably being the grandchild of a Holocaust survivor.

Smith began his comedy career in the early 2000s, performing at venues across New York and quickly gaining attention for his unique comedic voice. His breakthrough came in 2013 when he was selected as one of the "New Faces" at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/07/just-for-laughs-chooses-its-new-faces-2.html |title=Just for Laughs Chooses Its 2013 New Faces |date=23 July 2013 }}. He subsequently performed at the New York Comedy Festival's "New York's Funniest" showcase in 2014 and 2015.

In addition to stand-up, Smith is a prominent figure in the podcasting world. He hosts the libertarian podcast Part of the Problem, which is regarded as one of the top libertarian podcasts globally, featuring interviews with political figures and commentary on current events from a libertarian perspective. Smith also co-hosts the comedy podcast Legion of Skanks alongside Big Jay Oakerson and Luis J. Gomez, further cementing his reputation in both comedy and political circles.

Smith’s media presence extends to regular guest appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience, Fox News’ Kennedy and The Greg Gutfeld Show, CNN’s S.E. Cupp: Unfiltered, and other major platforms. His 2017 comedy special, Libertas, spent several weeks at number one on the iTunes comedy chart.

A vocal member of the Libertarian Party and the Mises Caucus, Smith has spoken at events like FreedomFest and the Libertarian National Convention. He has considered political candidacies, including a potential run for the 2024 Libertarian presidential nomination, though he ultimately declined.

Dave Smith is known for his candid, thought-provoking approach to both comedy and political discourse, advocating for authenticity and critical analysis in media and public life. He continues to perform stand-up nationwide, host live podcasts, and influence audiences through his podcasts and public speaking engagements.

Legion of Skanks began as a collaboration between stand-up comedians Big Jay Oakerson, Luis J. Gomez, and Dave Smith, who were close friends and regulars in the New York City comedy scene. The idea for the podcast emerged organically from their shared sense of humor and camaraderie, as well as their desire to create an uncensored platform for their comedic voices.

The name "Legion of Skanks" has a humorous origin. According to Luis J. Gomez, it was first coined during a personal moment involving Big Jay Oakerson and his then-wife. During an argument, she sarcastically told Jay to "go hang out with your legion of skanks." At the time, Jay and Luis were playing Guitar Hero and decided to name their in-game band "Legion of Skanks." The name stuck, and they later used it for various creative projects, eventually settling on it for their podcast.

The podcast officially launched with the three hosts meeting weekly to share explicit stories, discuss current events, and riff on viral topics in a raw, unfiltered style. Their chemistry and willingness to push boundaries quickly attracted a dedicated audience. The show is now recorded live at The Stand comedy club in New York City and is distributed through the GaS Digital Network.

Over the years, Legion of Skanks has become known as "The Most Offensive Podcast on Earth," celebrated for its irreverent humor and candid discussions, and has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of comedy podcasting.

Legion of Skanks has built its reputation as "The Most Offensive Podcast on Earth," and with that notoriety has come a series of public scandals and controversies over the years {{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/donald-trump-andrew-schulz-flagrant-theo-von-podcast-interviews.html |title=Why Trump Was on Andrew Schulz's Flagrant Podcast |date=11 October 2024 }}. The show’s willingness to embrace taboo topics and host controversial figures has often placed it at the center of heated debates within both the comedy community and the broader public.

Hosting Controversial Guests

The podcast has faced backlash for inviting high-profile, polarizing guests such as Gavin McInnes, founder of the Proud Boys, and Milo Yiannopoulos, a right-wing provocateur and former Breitbart editor. In 2019, plans to host Yiannopoulos at The Creek and The Cave comedy club in New York sparked significant protest from both the comedy scene and the public, leading the venue’s owner to request the event be relocated {{cite web |url=https://qns.com/2019/05/long-island-city-comedy-bar-hopes-to-relocate-an-alt-right-provocateurs-podcast-appearance/ |title=Long Island City comedy bar hopes to relocate an alt-right provocateur's podcast appearance – QNS |date=24 May 2019 }}. The hosts defended their decision as being rooted in comedy and free speech rather than political endorsement, but the incident drew widespread criticism and media attention.

Association with Edgy and Offensive Content

The show’s brand of humor is intentionally provocative, often delving into explicit, offensive, or taboo subjects. This approach has led to criticism for crossing lines on issues such as race, gender, and sexuality. The podcast and its guests have been associated with segments and jokes that many consider transgressive or in poor taste, including instances of comedians making inflammatory remarks about marginalized groups.

Involvement with Figures from “Conservative Comedy”

Legion of Skanks has frequently collaborated with comedians and media personalities known for their controversial views, including Anthony Cumia, who was fired from SiriusXM for racist tweets, and other figures from the Compound Media network. These associations have reinforced the podcast’s reputation for courting controversy and challenging mainstream sensibilities.

Community and Industry Pushback

The show’s actions have sometimes led to direct consequences, such as being asked to move events or facing public campaigns against certain bookings. Owners of comedy venues, fellow comedians, and fans have at times voiced concern or opposition to the show’s decisions, reflecting ongoing debates about the boundaries of comedy and free expression within the industry {{cite web |url=https://qns.com/2019/05/long-island-city-comedy-bar-hopes-to-relocate-an-alt-right-provocateurs-podcast-appearance/ |title=Long Island City comedy bar hopes to relocate an alt-right provocateur's podcast appearance – QNS |date=24 May 2019 }}.

Despite, or because of-these scandals, Legion of Skanks has maintained a loyal fanbase and continues to thrive by leaning into its uncensored, boundary-pushing ethos. The hosts have consistently framed their approach as a defense of comedic freedom, even as they acknowledge and sometimes court the controversy that follows.

Legion of Skanks has featured a wide array of notable guests from the worlds of comedy, sports, entertainment, and beyond, reflecting its reputation as a hub for uncensored, boundary-pushing conversation. The show’s guest list highlights its influence within the comedy community and its appeal to figures who thrive on candid, offbeat, and sometimes controversial dialogue.

Comedians and Podcasters

Ari Shaffir: A frequent guest, Shaffir is known for his own boundary-pushing comedy and podcasting, making him a natural fit for the show’s ethos.

Tim Dillon: Stand-up comedian and host of "The Tim Dillon Show," Dillon has appeared on Legion of Skanks to share his sharp, satirical takes on current events.

Shane Gillis: A regular guest and notable figure in modern stand-up, Shane Gillis has appeared on Legion of Skanks multiple times, including high-profile live episodes such as the Skankfest Vegas 2024 tapings. Known for his sharp observational humor and energetic stage presence, Gillis’s collaborations with the hosts have been well-received by fans and have helped bridge the show with the broader alt-comedy scene.

Andrew Schulz: Known for his work on "Guy Code" and "The Brilliant Idiots" podcast, Schulz brings his quick wit and crowd work expertise to the show.

Adam Carolla: The prolific podcaster and comedian, famous for "Loveline" and "The Adam Carolla Show," has joined the hosts for lively discussions.

Mark Normand, Joe List, Robert Kelly, Rich Vos, Sal Vulcano, and Joe DeRosa: These respected stand-up comedians and podcast hosts have all appeared, contributing to the show’s comedic diversity and depth.

Sports and Wrestling Personalities

Michael Bisping: The former UFC champion and sports analyst has brought his fighting spirit and humor to the podcast, discussing both MMA and pop culture.

Sabu: The legendary ECW wrestler made his final public appearance on Legion of Skanks in May 2025, just days before his unexpected death {{cite web |url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/wrestling-news/watch-sabus-final-interview-from-just-days-ago-tna-pays-tribute |title=WATCH: Sabu's Final Interview from Just Days Ago, TNA Pays Tribute }}. This episode, released on May 6, 2025, featured Sabu alongside comedian Jiaoying Summers, discussing his storied wrestling career, ECW history, and his thoughts on retirement. The appearance is now regarded as a poignant and historic moment for both wrestling and podcasting communities, as it captured Sabu’s reflections and humor shortly before his passing.

Other Notable Guests

Pauly Shore: The actor and comedian, known for his unique comedic style and roles in 1990s films, has appeared to share stories from his career.

Adam22 (Adam Grandmaison): Host of the influential pop culture and hip-hop podcast "No Jumper," Adam22 has brought a different perspective to the show.

Milo Yiannopoulos: The controversial political commentator and writer, whose appearance sparked significant debate and protest, exemplifies the show’s willingness to host polarizing figures.

Anthony Cumia: Former co-host of "Opie and Anthony," Cumia is known for his edgy humor and has contributed to the show's reputation for pushing boundaries.

Rising and Alternative Comedy Voices

Matt McCusker: Co-host of "Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast," McCusker represents the new wave of alt-comedy, bringing a fresh sensibility to the show.

H. Foley: Co-host of "Are You Garbage?", Foley’s appearances add to the cross-pollination of popular comedy podcasts.

Adrienne Iapalucci, Greg Stone, Sean Patton, Robbie Goodwin, and others: These comedians, many of whom are fixtures in the New York stand-up scene, have helped maintain the show’s connection to its comedic roots.

While Legion of Skanks is fronted by its three comedian hosts, much of the show’s energy and production value also comes from a colorful and dedicated behind-the-scenes team. These producers and staff members handle logistics, technical production, and live show management, often becoming on-air personalities themselves and sometimes even the center of show drama.

Alex Scarlato

Affectionately known as “Alex,” Alex Scarlato is the show’s longest-serving producer. She manages guest bookings, live show production, technical direction, and frequently interacts with the hosts during recordings. Alex’s quick wit and rapport with the hosts have made her a fan favorite and a recurring on-mic presence. She is also a key producer for other GaS Digital Network shows.

Gay Blind Mike

Known on-air as “Gay Blind Mike” (real name Mike Harrington), he is a prominent member of the production crew. Mike handles technical duties, assists with live event logistics, and often joins the hosts for comedic segments. His unique personality and willingness to participate in the show’s bits have made him a memorable part of the Legion of Skanks universe.

Bobby Hutchinson (“Bobby Hutch”)

Once a core member of the GaS Digital production team, Bobby Hutch served as a technical producer and engineer for Legion of Skanks, ensuring high-quality audio and video for both live and recorded episodes. He was known for his easygoing attitude and for being the subject of good-natured teasing from the hosts.

However, Bobby Hutch’s tenure with Legion of Skanks came to a contentious end following a public falling out with Luis J. Gomez. The conflict reportedly stemmed from disagreements over work ethic, communication, and creative direction within the GaS Digital Network. Tensions escalated both on and off the air, with some disputes becoming fodder for on-show discussion and social media speculation.

Ultimately, Bobby Hutch parted ways with the show and the network. The split was addressed on-air, with both sides expressing their perspectives: Luis J. Gomez cited professional differences and a need for greater accountability, while Bobby Hutch’s departure was met with mixed reactions from fans who appreciated his contributions. The incident highlighted the high-pressure, personality-driven environment behind the scenes at Legion of Skanks and GaS Digital, where creative conflict is sometimes as much a part of the show as the comedy itself.

Legion of Skanks boasts one of the most passionate, loyal, and distinctive fan communities in the comedy podcasting world. Often referring to themselves as “Skankfans,” “Skankers,” or “the Legion,” the show’s audience is renowned for its enthusiasm, irreverence, and willingness to embrace the show’s boundary-pushing ethos.

Community Culture

The fanbase is known for its strong sense of camaraderie and inside jokes, many of which originate from recurring show bits, catchphrases, and running gags. Fans often engage with the hosts and each other through social media platforms, especially Twitter, Reddit, and Discord, where they share memes, episode highlights, and commentary on current events discussed on the show.

Legion of Skanks fans are also recognized for their willingness to defend the show and its hosts in online debates about free speech, comedy, and censorship. The community frequently rallies around the podcast during controversies, live event disputes, or when the show faces criticism from mainstream media or industry figures.

Live Events and Skankfest

A hallmark of the Legion of Skanks fan experience is their participation in live events, most notably Skankfest-the annual comedy festival created by the hosts. Skankfest has become a pilgrimage for fans, selling out rapidly each year and drawing attendees from across the United States and abroad. The festival is known for its raucous, anything-goes atmosphere, with fans and comedians mingling freely, participating in wild stunts, and celebrating the spirit of uncensored comedy.

At live podcast tapings and Skankfest events, fans are often part of the show, participating in audience games, Q&A sessions, and even on-stage antics. The hosts’ willingness to interact directly with their audience has fostered a sense of inclusion and mutual respect, even as the humor remains edgy and provocative.

Influence and Identity

The Legion of Skanks fanbase is often described as a “comedy counterculture,” embracing the show’s anti-mainstream, anti-censorship philosophy. Fans tend to value authenticity, free expression, and a willingness to laugh at even the most taboo subjects. This has created a unique identity that sets the community apart from more conventional comedy audiences.

While the fanbase is sometimes criticized for its rowdiness or for supporting controversial material, its members take pride in being part of a movement that champions comedic freedom and pushes back against what they see as the stifling effects of cancel culture.

Legion of Skanks is celebrated for its irreverent, unpredictable humor, and much of this comes from its inventive recurring bits and segments. These bits often blur the line between comedy, social experiment, and outright chaos, creating memorable moments that are beloved by fans and frequently referenced both online and at live events.

Springtern Olympics

A fan-favorite recurring event, the "Springtern Olympics" pits the show’s interns (often affectionately called “Springterns”) against each other in a series of absurd, humiliating, or physically challenging competitions. Events have included everything from eating contests and trivia to bizarre physical stunts, all designed to test the interns’ willingness to go above and beyond for the show’s amusement {{cite web |url=https://podyssey.fm/podcast/itunes507135865-Legion-of-Skanks-Podcast |title=The 4 Best Legion of Skanks Podcast Episodes | Podyssey }}

Lie Detector Games

The hosts frequently use lie detector tests as a comedic device, often bringing in guests or staff to answer embarrassing or revealing questions. This bit has led to some of the most awkward and hilarious moments on the podcast, with both hosts and guests subjected to the machine’s scrutiny.

Wet Dollar Tree & Other Holiday Specials

Episodes themed around holidays or special events often feature unique games or challenges, such as the “Wet Dollar Tree” St. Patrick’s Day episode, where the hosts and guests participate in themed antics, drinking games, and audience participation bits.

IQ Tests and “An IQ of Stupid”

The hosts have run recurring segments involving online IQ tests, often with the intention of exposing each other’s (or a guest’s) intelligence or lack thereof. The results are inevitably mocked, leading to running gags about who is the “dumbest Skank”.

Presidential Election Parodies

During major election years, the show has hosted elaborate mock “Presidential Elections” for the title of “President of Skanks.” These episodes feature debates, campaign speeches, and comedic mudslinging between the hosts and frequent guests like Ari Shaffir and Shane Gillis, parodying real-world political theater with the show’s trademark absurdity.

On-Air Games and Audience Participation

The Skanks regularly invent new games for themselves, their guests, and even the audience. These range from guessing games (such as identifying comedians from AI-generated art), to on-the-spot challenges and dares, to elaborate competitions at live events and Skankfest.

Humiliating Intern Challenges

Interns and producers are often roped into the show’s antics, whether it’s shaving an intern’s beard on air, making them perform embarrassing tasks, or involving them in on-air debates and roasts. These bits have become a rite of passage for production staff and a source of endless amusement for listeners.

Unfiltered Storytelling and “Most Offensive” Moments

True to its reputation as “The Most Offensive Podcast on Earth,” the show is famous for segments where the hosts and guests share their most outrageous, explicit, or taboo stories, often trying to outdo each other in shock value and comedic delivery.

These recurring bits are central to Legion of Skanks’ identity, setting it apart from other comedy podcasts and providing a constant source of in-jokes and memorable moments for the fanbase. Whether through competitions, games, or unfiltered storytelling, the show’s willingness to push boundaries is a key part of its enduring appeal.

Legion of Skanks has given rise to several spin-off projects, with Story Warz emerging as one of the most successful and innovative. Hosted by Big Jay Oakerson and Luis J. Gomez, Story Warz blends storytelling, comedy, and competitive gameplay into a unique format that has quickly gained popularity among fans of the original podcast and the broader comedy community.

In each episode, comedians and special guests submit true stories based on a predetermined theme. The show’s producer, Alex Scarlato, reads the stories aloud-sometimes rewording them to maintain anonymity and surprise. Contestants then take turns interrogating each other, trying to deduce whose story is whose and which tales are fabricated. Points are awarded for successfully deceiving others and for correctly identifying the storyteller, with the stakes rising in the later rounds thanks to double points.

Story Warz has attracted some of the biggest names in comedy as guests, including Shane Gillis, Matt McCusker, Joe DeRosa, Tim Dillon, Dan Soder, and Chris Distefano, among others. The show is recorded live at venues like The Stand Comedy Club in New York City and has been featured at major comedy events and festivals. Episodes premiere on the GaS Digital Network every Monday, with a YouTube release following later in the week.

The success of Story Warz highlights the creative versatility of the Legion of Skanks team, offering fans a fresh, interactive take on storytelling and deception while maintaining the irreverent, comedic spirit that defines the original podcast.

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