Bill Maher on His New Podcast Network With Hosts Billy Corgan, Fred Durst and Sage Steele and Preparing for the Election: ‘I’ll Do Everything I Can to Make Sure’ Trump Loses
28 March, 2024
After two years of hosting his own podcast, Bill Maher is venturing into helping others do the same with Club Random Studios, a podcast network and entertainment hub dedicated to amplifying “authenticity from unfiltered celebrity voices.”
The network’s inaugural show, “The Sage Steele Show,” hosted by Sage Steele, is set to debut on March 27. Steele, who joined ESPN as an anchor in 2007 and rose through the network’s ranks, faced controversy and a subsequent legal battle with ESPN over comments made on another podcast, ultimately settling the matter last year. Notable guests lined up for “The Sage Steele Show” include Dana White, Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne, Jillian Michaels, Drea DeMatteo, Adam Carolla, Reggie Watts, and Steve Garvey.
In a statement about the new venture, Maher expressed, “Dance like no one’s watching? We talk like no one can cancel us.”
Maher teamed up with “Club Random” co-creators and executive producers Chris Case and Chuck LaBella to establish Club Random Studios. He cited the unique style of his podcast as a motivation for creating a network that mirrors that authenticity.
“People want to hear not just a few voices, like in the old days when there were three talk shows,” Maher remarked. “These are people who I would be interested in listening to.”
Comparing the process of assembling podcast hosts to forming a sports team, Maher disclosed that Club Random would collaborate with NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett for his podcast “KG Certified” and develop new shows internally.
Musical talent also joins the lineup, with Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and Limp Bizkit singer Fred Durst set to launch their own podcasts under Club Random. Maher highlighted the unique connections fostered during podcast interviews, noting the camaraderie developed in just an hour and a half of conversation.
As Maher expands his audio endeavors, his long-standing TV program “Real Time” also continues to thrive, recently renewed for two more seasons on HBO. Additionally, the show will air on CNN on Saturday nights following its Friday night broadcast on HBO and the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streamer Max.
Reflecting on his upcoming presence on CNN, Maher acknowledged the potential contrast with the network’s usual programming but expressed excitement about the opportunity to reach a broader audience. Regarding the upcoming election, Maher shared his intention to avoid preemptively surrendering to political anxieties, choosing instead to focus on engaging discussions and perspectives on his shows.
Regarding reports about his agent situation, Maher clarified that no decision has been made yet and emphasized the fluid nature of show business dynamics. Despite speculation, Maher maintained appreciation for his agency and the positive relationship they’ve maintained.
