Podcast
Wilaker: A Journeyer's Podcast
Wilaker: A Journeyer's Podcast is a limited series podcast from and about comedian Will Abeles. Newly sober, Will put together a six-week nationwide comedy tour in May and June of 2025 to reclaim his identity. Ironically, the stress of putting it together contributed to his first relapse. But Will went anyway, touring from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon, living out of his Subaru while opening for some of his comedy heroes and headlining, or trying to anyway, throughout the Pacific Northwest. But Wilaker isn't a just sobriety podcast. It's a people podcast dedicated to all the conversations and experiences he had with strangers, friends, comics and family along the way. One part Jack Kerouac's On The Road, one part Anthony Bourdain and a huge dollop of Will Abeles storytelling and his failing forward mentality. If you're on a journey of you own, check out Wilaker: A Journeyer's Podcast.
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Catalog
Episodes
- Wilaker: Chapter 16 | Get a Fish On The LineJun 25, 2026 · 32 minThis has been a heavy week for the comedy community in that we lost our dear friend John Rosenberger so it's fitting that this episode is all about my childhood friend and Hagerstown native Andy Lytle. It's an episode about cherishing the moments you have with the special people in your life and making those moments last. Call a friend today and make it count.
Intro/Outro Song Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
Follow Andy Lytle @andy_appleseed88
Thank you to the town of Breckenridge, CO for an incredible 24 hours
- Wilaker: Chapter 15 | 0 to 60Jun 17, 2026 · 27 minChapter 15 is part one of Denver and coming up on the end of The Experience Files Tour but not quite the end of my journey. I've just dried out and reset so let's see how long it lasts (not long). This trip to Denver was a beautiful merger of my life growing up in Hagerstown, my life in Nashville and my life on the road and I hope it always stays this special.
Intro/Outro Music by Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
Comics to Follow:
Mike Stanley @mike_stanley
Korey David @fakekoreydavid
Jared Chandler @_jaredchandler
Go Support Live Comedy in Denver and the Denver Area!
Thick Skin @thickskincomedyshow
Denver Comedy Works @denvercomedyworks
Rotating Tap @rotatingtapcomedy
Don't Tell Denver @donttelldenver
Stellas Pinball @stellaspinball
- Wilaker: Chapter 14 | Almost Dried OutMay 20, 2026 · 36 minI have a few days off between Boise and Denver so I explore Shoshone Falls, Craters of the Moon National Park and Bear Lake and I get oh so close to finally drying out. But turns out we're not quite there yet. I would like to add, I will never apologize for using my charm to get out of a bit of trouble and to that State Park Ranger in Bear Lake, it wasn't you, it was me.
Support Your Parks and Protect Them From Tyrants
Craters of the Moon National Monument - Idaho
Shoshone Falls Park - Twin Falls, Idaho
Bear Lake State Park - Utah/Idaho
COME TO A SHOW!
- Wilaker: Chapter 13 | Pineapple Vinegar and Club SodaMay 6, 2026 · 35 minI chose a great time to dry out and Boise carved out a piece of my heart that it'll have forever. Thanks so much to Brad and T and the boys for getting me back on track just by being yourselves. The pendulum is swinging back up (for now).
Intro/Outro Music by Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
Comics to Follow:
Marina Wool @genuinemarinawool
Andrew Kent @andrewgetsweird
Reese Samuels @reese.samuels
Tanner Trachet @smoootht
Chris Foster @ChrisFoster
Henry Hawker @henry_hawker
Go Support Live Comedy in Boise!
The Cowboy Room @cowboyroomcomedy
Don't Tell Boise @donttellboise
Treefort Music Festival @treefortfest
- Wilaker: Chapter 12 | Like A Crow Smoking a CigaretteApr 22, 2026 · 28 minAs they say it's darkest before the dawn and dawn is upon us. I make my way from Portland to Bend where tragedy strikes once again but the power of people saves me. The next day is the first No Kings march and I'm genuinely concerned whether or not the country will still be standing by the time I get to Boise. Guess we'll have to find out.
Intro/Outro Music by Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
Comics to Follow:
Cody Michael @codyisfunny
Liam Gibler @liamgibler
Go Support Live Comedy and Good Beer:
Bend, OR
Craft Kitchen and Brewery @craftkitchenandbrewery
The Most Beautiful Rest Stop in America:
Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint
- Wilaker: Chapter 11 | Alarm BellsApr 15, 2026 · 30 minWelcome back to Portland Part Deux. Some of the most important lessons in life feel like absolute hell and it's only after that you can look back and go "Oh. I was growing. Or dying. Well I guess both." And that's what Portland ended up being for me. An incredible comedy scene that I am so thankful welcomed me with open arms because Megan Otto told them too.
Intro/Outro Music by Kenny Sharp @MusicCityKenny
Comics to Follow:
Megan Otto @mottobot
Robby Sherman (Preach) @robby_sherman
Go Support Live Comedy!
Portland, OR
Preach @preachcomedyshow
DOUGH @doughcomedy
Chill n Fill Comedy @chillnfillcomedy
McMenamins Al's Den @mcmenaminsalden
- Wilaker: Chapter 10 | Death You Are My Bitch LoverApr 8, 2026 · 35 minTurns out Portland was too much to fit into one episode. I've finally made it to Portland, Oregon and I'm ready to experience truly one of the best comedy scenes in the country. But it looks like some of that golden retriever trauma is about to catch up with me after being brought up by going for an "aesthetically cool" AirBnB instead of a practical one. Ya live and ya learn huh?
Intro/Outro Music by Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
Comics to Follow:
Megan Otto @mottobot
Korey David @fakekoreydavid
Chris Hudson @chriees
Kyle Kinane @kylekinane
Go Support Live Comedy!
Interrogation: True Crime Stories @interrogrationtruecrime
Portland, OR
Laugh Basement @laughbasement
Helium Comedy Club @heliumcomedypdx
Portland, ME
Laugh Shack at Lincoln's @lincolnsportlandmaine
That Cool Ass Coffee Shop in Missoula
Funk It Coffee and Thrift @funkit.coffeeandthrift
That Cool Ass Coffee Shop in Portland
Bare Bones Cafe & Bar @barebonescafeandbar
- Wilaker: Chapter 9 | Deadliest CatchMar 25, 2026 · 32 minA one-nighter headlining show at a glamping lodge turns into one of the more memorable 24 hours on tour and little did I know I was sitting next to a celebrity in Westport, Washington. And a Mama Bev cameo for a little insight into what was going on back in Nashville.
Intro/Outro Music: Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
I'm on the road so come see a show!
Tickets and times at https://linktr.ee/willabelescomedy
- Wilaker: Chapter 8 | Seattle's BestMar 20, 2026 · 32 minIt's always sunny in Seattle and you can't convince me otherwise. I come out of the wilderness in Idaho to reclaim my throne as the king of bar show headliners in Seattle and Bremerton was no different. I make some new friends, reconnect with some old ones and things are genuinely great which means something truly horrible is probably on the horizon.
Intro/Outro Song: Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
Comics to Follow:
Monica Nevi @monicanevi
Billy Wayne Davis @billywaynedavis
Mike Heath @miketonyheath
Go support live comedy!
Comedy in Kitsap @comedyinkitsap
Remedy Speakeasy @remedyspeakeasy
Carco Theatre @carcotheatre
CSz Seattle @cszseattle
Come see me on the road! All dates and times
https://linktr.ee/willabelescomedy
- Wilaker: Chapter 7 | Creekside SerenityMar 11, 2026 · 32 minThey say touch grass to calm your nerves but what about isolating yourself in the wilderness of Idaho with no cellphone service in Bear Country? That works too. After dropping Adam Mamawala off at the airport, I make my way to Missoula then Clark Fork and Sandpoint, Idaho to have a little fun and in no way do anything healthy. But as always, it's a learning experience. And if you met your wife on Bumble, congrats, you're the one.
Checkout Sandpoint, ID if you're ever looking for a fun summer getaway. Truly the gem of Northern Idaho. Ya hear that Coeur d'Alene?!
Intro/Outro Song: Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
Comedians to follow:
Tytan Rosencrans @tytanwithay
Adam Mamawala @adammamawala
Cool People to follow:
Tata Martin @tataconquers
Spots to check out in Sandpoint, ID:
Evans Brothers Coffee @evansbrotherscoffee
Matchwood Brewing Company @matchwoodbrewing
Come see me on the road! All dates and times at https://linktr.ee/willabelescomedy
- Wilaker: Chapter 6 | DetoursMar 4, 2026 · 52 minI'LL FIND YOU IN BOZEMAN MONTANA! This episode things take a wild turn (for the better (for me at least (kind of))) in Bozeman at Last Best Comedy Club as Adam Mamawala's flight is delayed in LA. And I also refuse to acknowledge the little voice in my head that's constantly ringing the alarm about my drinking and where it's heading back to. Hopefully it doesn't catch up with me somewhere over the next four weeks of touring (it does).
Intro/Outro Music by Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
Comics to follow:
Adam Mamawala @adammamawala
Kaiser Leib @kaiser.leib
Rachelle Parrish @rachelleybelly
Alex Speed @alexthespeedlimit
Go support live comedy!
Last Best Comedy Club, Bozeman @lastbestcomedy
302 Comedy, Montana @302Comedy
Spots to Check Out in Montana:
Saphire Motel, Bozeman @thesapphiremotel
Last Best Place Brewing Co, Bozeman @lastbestplacebrewingco (go find my sticker)
Old Salt Outpost, Helena @oldsaltoutpost
The Union Butcher Shop & Wood-Fired Grill, Helena @theunionbyoldsalt
Reeder's Alley, Helena @reedersalleysessions
Canyon Ferry Brewing, Townsend
Come see me on the road! All dates and times https://linktr.ee/willabelescomedy
- Wilaker: Chapter 5 | Only A 60% Chance Of A FunnelFeb 18, 2026 · 29 minSomething lighthearted and straightforward for once. In Chapter 5, I reflect upon my relationship with the living legend Josh Johnson, getting back into comedy and an incredibly fun first night in Omaha, NE before heading through the Badlands to Rapid City, SD. A bit of calm before the storm if you will.
Intro/Outro Song by Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
Comics/Folks to Follow
Breanna Kalhorn @breekalhorn
Ethan Josef Allen Richardson @nerdmeat
Josh Johnson @joshjohnsoncomedy
Josh Draper @truejoshuadraper
Venues to Support:
Beach House Bar & Grill @beachhouseomaha Omaha, NE
West River Comedy Club @westrivercomedy Rapid City, SD
Come see me on the road! All dates and times at https://linktr.ee/willabelescomedy
- Wilaker: Chapter 4 | Juan Invitational Beer Pong ChampionFeb 12, 2026 · 40 minWe've finally done it! It is May 27th, 2025 and The Experience Files Tour is kicking off. I'm leaving Nashville a day earlier than initially scheduled and heading up to Whittington, IL to make my first show in Omaha on May 28th a little more obtainable. And as is custom, I sniff out the nearest bar and have a grand ol' time.
Check out the Barn Bar near Rend Lake if you're ever passing through. It's the best god damn dive bar in the country.
The Barn Bar TikTok: @thebarnbarllc
Intro song: Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
Come see me on the road! All dates and times at https://linktr.ee/willabelescomedy
- Wilaker: Chapter 3 | Let The Bodies Keep the Score (Drowning Pool)Feb 6, 2026 · 29 minIf you know me, it's never the calm before the storm but the storm before the even bigger storm. In this episode, I find out what happens when unhealed trauma resurfaces and anxiety consumes you but I also learn about the overwhelming love and support I have out there. If you have a chance today, call that friend you've been putting off catching up with. You never know what that might mean to them.
Congrats to show pal Kenny Sharp for his debut on Kelly Clarkson on Thursday. We're proud of you Kenny and thanks for the intro song! Check out his music on Spotify/iTunes/wherever and follow him on IG/TikTok @musiccitykenny.
Catch me on the road!
https://linktr.ee/willabelescomedy
- Wilaker: Chapter 2 | LahbstaaaFeb 3, 2026 · 38 minPicking up where we left off, I've made it to Portland, Maine to open for my comedy hero Rory Scovel and decided to start drinking again because why not add a little trauma to the situation?
Intro Music by Kenny Sharp @musiccitykenny
Comics to follow:
Derek Humphrey @humpderek
Danny Dunn @dannydunnismyboyfriend
Learnmore Jonasi @learnmore_jonasi
Rory Scovel @roryscovel
Luke Null @luke_null
Go support live comedy!
Laugh Shack at Lincoln's | Portland, ME
Empire Comedy Club | Portland, ME
Duckworth's Comedy Club | Charlotte, NC
Bars Mentioned:
Room For Improvement @_room_for_improvement_
Cuties @cutiesportland
Come see me on the road! All dates and times at https://linktr.ee/willabelescomedy
- Wilaker: Mind If A Fella Goes On A Little Tangent?Jan 28, 2026 · 16 minChapter 2 is on its way but on the off chance you've been living under a rock the past week, power's been down in Nashville the last few days and there are a few events I want to highlight before moving forward. This is a new segment called "Mind If A Fella Goes On A Little Tangent?"
- Wilaker: The Prologue (I Think That's What This Is)Jan 21, 2026 · 25 minI really don't read enough to know if I'm doing this right but what's a story without a little introduction to the hero. Hi, I'm Will Abeles and welcome to Wilaker: A Journeyer's Podcast. In this episode, I give a little of my backstory and a few of the events that led to The Experience Files Tour, a comedy tour I embarked on through mostly the Pacific Northwest from May to June of 2025. I also touch on my sobriety journey so far. I'm coming up on six months sober again but began my journey on November 4th, 2024. I tried to keep it brief, glossing over my time in New York because that's a story for a different. Welcome to Wilaker and thanks for checking it out.
Come see me on the road! All dates and times at https://linktr.ee/willabelescomedy
- Wilaker: Chapter 1 | Sound LogicJan 21, 2026 · 33 minWelcome to Chapter 1 of Wilaker: A Journeyer's Podcast. This episode is dedicated to the time between getting sober and going out on the road in May and how The Experience Files Tour ended up happening (and how I ended up drinking again). Failing forward is the only way to go in my opinion.
Shoutout to all the comics and clubs mentioned this episode that helped put the initial tour together including Last Best Comedy (Bozeman, MT), Empire Comedy Club (Portland, ME), Adam Mamawala (@adammamawala), Monica Nevi (@monicanevi), Megan Otto (@mottobot), Korey David (@fakekoreydavid) and Rory Scovel (@RoryScovel)
Come see me on the road! All dates and times at https://linktr.ee/willabelescomedy
- Coming January 21st | Wilaker: A Journeyer's PodcastJan 17, 2026Coming January 21st from comedian Will Abeles, Wilaker: A Journeyer's Podcast.
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