Comedian Gianmarco Soresi’s hit podcast The Downside, co-hosted by Russell Daniels, has officially joined the Headgum podcast network. Known for its sharp humor and irreverent take on life’s darker moments, The Downside now sits alongside Headgum hits like Handsome, Senses Working Overtime with David Cross, and Newcomers with Lauren Lapkus & Nicole Byer.
Launched as a space where complaining is not just welcomed but celebrated, The Downside features Soresi—described by Vulture as a master of upbeat cynicism—and his co-host Daniels as they dive into the less glamorous aspects of life with a rotating cast of guests. Past episodes have featured comedy heavyweights like Maria Bamford, Matteo Lane, Busy Philipps, Ilana Glazer, Brennan Lee Mulligan, and Dan Soder, among others.
Each episode begins with the hosts trading tales of weekly misfortunes before encouraging their guests to do the same—sharing childhood regrets, career disappointments, and everyday grievances. Listeners have come to love the show’s recurring segments, including “This Has Gotta Stop,” where guests vent about a societal norm they’d like to abolish, and “Count Your Blessing,” a surprisingly heartfelt closer where everyone shares something they’re grateful for.
Soresi announced the move with his signature wit: “I’m so jazzed to bring our listeners the one thing they’ve always complained our podcast is missing: ad reads!” Daniels, true to form, added, “I’m very excited to be joining the Headgum family even though my name is still not in the title.”
Produced by Soresi and Paige Asachika, The Downside embraces pessimism with a punchline. Its tagline says it all: “If you like looking on the bright side of life, f-off.”
Known for his animated storytelling and razor-sharp delivery, Soresi has performed stand-up on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Netflix’s Verified Stand Ups, Comedy Central, and more. He was a 2022 JFL New Face and is currently on the European leg of The Drama King Tour, which wraps with a run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August.