Joey Diaz & Lee Syatt Revive The Church of What’s Happening Now

Posted: Nov 16th, 2024

The Church of What’s Happening Now Returns: Joey Diaz and Lee Syatt Revive Iconic Comedy Podcast

Comedy fans, rejoice! After a four-year hiatus, one of the most beloved comedy podcasts, The Church of What’s Happening Now, is making its triumphant return. Hosted by Joey “Coco” Diaz and Lee Syatt, this cult favorite was a staple in the comedy world, delivering gut-busting stories, unfiltered rants, and wild guest appearances. With its unique mix of outrageous humor and heartfelt camaraderie, the show gained a devoted fanbase during its original eight-year run.

Now, as Joey Diaz puts it, “I’m back like herpes,” and fans couldn’t be happier.


Why Did the Church Close Its Doors?

When The Church of What’s Happening Now ended in August 2020, it left fans with a void in their weekly comedy fix. Joey Diaz had relocated to New Jersey to focus on family life, and Lee Syatt went back to Boston. Both hosts felt it was time for a break after nearly a decade of nonstop recording.

During the hiatus, Joey started Uncle Joey’s Joint, while Lee joined him for a Zoom-based podcast called The Check-In. However, the spark of the original Church was hard to replicate remotely. As Joey candidly admitted, the pandemic-era Zoom setup felt like a “farm team” version of the podcast they once had. But as life settled and the itch to create returned, Joey and Lee decided it was time to bring back the magic — this time, in person.


The New Testament of the Church

The revival of The Church of What’s Happening Now, dubbed “The New Testament,” will mark a fresh chapter for Joey and Lee. Now based in New York, the duo promises a mix of the old Church vibes with some exciting new twists. The updated format will feature:

  • Diverse Guests: Beyond comedians, expect appearances from Joey’s friends, family, and local New Jersey personalities — real people with fascinating stories to tell.

  • A New Studio: Their spacious new setup on the East Coast offers endless possibilities, from enhanced video content to interactive YouTube sessions.

  • Less Edibles, More Stories: While Joey assures fans they’ll still get “very high,” the focus will be on creating deeper, funnier, and more dynamic content.

“We’re not the same people we were when we started the Church,” Lee said. “This new version will reflect who we are today, but it’ll still be crazy and fun.”


What to Expect From Joey and Lee

One hallmark of The Church of What’s Happening Now was its ability to balance absurdity with heartfelt honesty. Whether it was Joey reminiscing about his wild past or Lee struggling to keep up with Joey’s edible consumption, the show always felt authentic.

In this new era, Joey is excited to explore new topics while maintaining the show’s core essence. From uncovering local gems in Hudson County to inviting lesser-known yet compelling guests, the New Testament will aim to be both familiar and fresh.


The Future of Comedy Podcasts

With the return of The Church of What’s Happening Now, history hyenas like The History Hyenas and Hey Babe are also making comebacks, proving that comedy podcasts are stronger than ever. Joey and Lee’s return couldn’t have come at a better time, as fans crave the raw, unscripted magic that only their dynamic can provide.

For Joey Diaz and Lee Syatt, it’s not just about recreating the past. It’s about building on it. As Joey said, “I want to come back stronger, not weaker. Let’s do things we didn’t do before.”