Dave Smith

Dave Smith is an American stand-up comedian and libertarian political commentator who hosts the podcast Part of the Problem , where he critiques government policies, foreign interventions, and corporate media influence through a lens of individual liberty and skepticism toward state power. His work emphasizes first-hand examination of political events, often highlighting inconsistencies in bipartisan approaches to issues like war and economic regulation.

Smith gained prominence in comedy with his 2017 debut special Libertas , which held the top spot on the iTunes comedy charts for over three weeks, blending sharp observational humor with libertarian principles. He followed with 30 Minutes with Dave Smith in 2023, further establishing his reputation in stand-up circuits through nationwide tours and appearances at venues like Comedy Works and House of Comedy.

As a frequent guest on platforms including The Joe Rogan Experience , Fox News's Kennedy , and The Greg Gutfeld Show , Smith has built a following for his unfiltered takes that challenge prevailing narratives, associating with organizations like the Mises Institute to promote free-market ideas and anti-statism. While his commentary has drawn acclaim for its rigor within libertarian communities, it has also sparked debates, such as his 2025 exchange with Douglas Murray on The Joe Rogan Experience over U.S. foreign policy commitments, underscoring tensions between isolationist and interventionist perspectives on the right.

David Smith was born on April 20, 1983, in New York City and raised in Brooklyn by his single mother. He grew up in a lower-middle-class household alongside an older sister, with a half-brother born thirteen years later from his mother's second marriage.

Smith's family background is Jewish, and he has identified as the grandchild of a Holocaust survivor, noting that his heritage significantly influenced his early years. These elements shaped his perspective, though he has not detailed specific childhood experiences beyond the family structure in public accounts.

Smith attended Morrisville State College and later transferred to the University at Albany, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in history.)

Dave Smith began performing stand-up comedy in New York City around 2006, initially drawing inspiration from comedians such as Patrice O'Neal , Dave Attell , Big Jay Oakerson , and Kurt Metzger . He developed his act through the traditional New York club circuit, focusing on sharp observational humor infused with libertarian perspectives.

A key milestone came in 2013 when Smith was featured as one of the "New Faces" at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal , marking increased recognition in the industry. He followed this with performances in the New York Comedy Festival's "New York's Funniest" showcase in 2014 and 2015, solidifying his presence in competitive comedy environments.

Smith's career advanced significantly with the release of his debut hour-long special, Libertas , in September 2017, produced through the GaS Digital Network, which topped the iTunes comedy charts for over three weeks. This special highlighted his evolution toward politically charged material, blending personal anecdotes with critiques of government overreach, and helped transition his audience from club shows to broader online platforms. Subsequent work, including the 2023 half-hour special 30 Minutes with Dave Smith , further demonstrated his maturation as a comedian prioritizing unfiltered commentary over mainstream appeal.

Smith hosts the libertarian-leaning podcast Part of the Problem , which analyzes current events, government actions, foreign policy, and related topics from a perspective critical of state intervention. Co-hosted with Robbie "The Fire" Bernstein, the program has aired over 900 episodes, available through platforms including GaS Digital Network, Spotify, and YouTube.