The Machine’s Shirtless Storytelling
Bert Kreischer’s August 2018 Netflix special Secret Time cemented his persona as comedy’s party animal, performing shirtless while recounting absurd life stories. His larger-than-life energy and self-deprecating chaos made him podcasting’s most enthusiastic voice.
The Machine Story
Kreischer’s fame rests on “The Machine”—his story about accidentally joining the Russian mafia while drunk on a college trip. Told hundreds of times since 2011, the story became comedy’s most retold bit, eventually adapted into a 2023 film.
Secret Time expanded beyond The Machine, covering fatherhood, marriage, and his inability to say no to drinking. His comedy celebrated bad decisions rather than regretting them—earning him the “party comic” label.
Podcast Comedy Economy
Kreischer’s podcasts (Bertcast 2012-present, 2 Bears 1 Cave with Tom Segura 2019-present) built his fanbase. His willingness to be vulnerable about alcoholism, family struggles, and insecurities made him relatable despite his fraternity energy.
Secret Time preceded Hey Big Boy (2020) and The Machine film (2023). Kreischer’s career demonstrated podcasting’s power: cultivate audience weekly, monetize through touring and specials.
Timeline: August 2018 Secret Time release, Bertcast 2012-present, 2 Bears 1 Cave 2019-present, Hey Big Boy 2020, The Machine film May 2023
Sources: Netflix, Bertcast podcast, 2 Bears 1 Cave, The Machine film Sony Pictures, Rolling Stone profiles