Gianmarco Soresi’s The Downside Podcast Joins Headgum: Format, Guests & Future
Comedy thrives on contradiction—and so does The Downside. The podcast, hosted by stand-up comic Gianmarco Soresi and actor-comedian Russell Daniels, was built on bemoaning the world’s ironies. On June 24, 2025, the pair announced they’re joining Headgum, a major podcast network home to celebrated shows like Newcomers, Doughboys, and Dead Eyes.
It’s a move that positions The Downside for major growth—but without losing its acerbic soul.
At its core, The Downside is a show where guests come to complain—and listeners leave laughing. Soresi calls himself a “lifelong cynic,” and the show’s strength lies in its refusal to sugarcoat the awkward, absurd, and frustrating aspects of life.
📌 Key Segments:
“This Has Gotta Stop” – A fan-favorite feature where guests pick one thing in society that drives them mad.
“Count Your Blessing” – The palate cleanser; after the griping, each person shares something they’re grateful for.
🎙️ Format:
Weekly episodes (approx. 60–75 minutes)
Recorded live or virtually, with minimal editing for authenticity
Starts with the hosts airing personal grievances before bringing in their guest
“It’s like therapy, but you laugh instead of cry.”
“I love how they never fake being ‘happy to be here.’”
“Headgum better not change a thing!”
📊 Audience Demographics (est.):
Ages: 25–44
Gender: Mixed
Geos: Primarily U.S., with strong New York and California audiences
🌍 Podcasting in 2025: The Industry Context
📈 Podcast Trends:
Growth: Global podcasting revenue is projected to hit $4.5B by 2026
Audience Loyalty: Episodic shows like The Downside retain high repeat listeners
Ad Insertion: Dynamic ad tech means even back-catalog episodes can monetize
🧩 The Move to Networks:
For creators, joining a network like Headgum:
Reduces hosting/tech burden
Increases ad opportunities
Enables cross-promotion
💼 For Indie Creators: A Case Study
The Downside’s trajectory offers lessons for indie podcasters:
Start niche: The show didn’t chase virality, just truth and humor.
Build slow: It scaled organically, then leveraged that into a network deal.
Retain control: Despite the move, creative direction remains with Soresi & Daniels.
🔮 What’s Next for The Downside?
📆 Expected Changes:
More guests from Headgum’s network
Live tapings at NY & LA venues
Video clips & short-form distribution via YouTube & TikTok
🚫 What Won’t Change:
The title (sorry Russell!)
The tone (still deeply, hilariously cynical)
The love for guests with odd and dark life stories
🧾 Conclusion
From basement recordings to network-backed studio sessions, The Downside is proof that leaning into life’s mess can be a winning formula. With Headgum’s backing, Gianmarco Soresi and Russell Daniels are poised to take their signature brand of misery mainstream—with better microphones and sponsors.
Whether you’re a long-time listener or a new recruit, now’s the best time to tune in, complain, laugh, and maybe even count a few blessings along the way.
