It was a hot summer afternoon in 2015. Matt Christman sat in a small Brooklyn apartment with a few friends, riffing on politics, culture, and the absurdity of the American electoral process. The conversation quickly veered into dark humor, irreverent takes on mainstream liberalism, and a deep dive into the hypocrisies of both the Democratic and Republican parties. What started as a group of politically disillusioned friends venting into a microphone would soon explode into something much bigger than any of them had anticipated. Just a few months later, their podcast, Chapo Trap House, would become a sensation, captivating an audience of listeners who felt just as disillusioned with the political system—and craved a fresh, unapologetically irreverent take on it.
Today, Chapo Trap House stands as one of the most influential political comedy podcasts in the U.S. It has given rise to a dedicated following, often described as the “Dirtbag Left,” who revel in the show’s blend of sharp political analysis, biting humor, and a ruthless critique of neoliberalism. In this article, we’ll dive into the rise of Chapo Trap House, its impact on the podcasting world and political discourse, and explore the statistics behind its success.
The Origins of Chapo Trap House: A Voice for the Disaffected Left
Chapo Trap House was born during a time of significant political upheaval in the U.S. The 2016 presidential election was looming, and the political landscape was fraught with tension. While Bernie Sanders’ candidacy inspired hope for some on the left, many young, progressive Americans felt alienated from the mainstream Democratic Party and its centrist establishment, which they viewed as failing to address issues like income inequality, healthcare, and corporate influence in politics.
Against this backdrop, Chapo Trap House emerged as an antidote to traditional political commentary. Founded by Matt Christman, Felix Biederman, and Will Menaker—who were soon joined by Amber A’Lee Frost and Virgil Texas—the show quickly gained a reputation for its unapologetically socialist stance and its willingness to skewer political elites on both sides of the aisle. Unlike mainstream political podcasts, Chapo Trap House was crass, funny, and unfiltered. It didn’t hold back on using vulgarity, irony, and absurdist humor to make serious points about the failures of capitalism, the Democratic establishment, and right-wing ideologies.
The name “Chapo Trap House” is itself a tongue-in-cheek nod to the absurdity of political media—combining “Chapo,” a reference to the notorious Mexican drug lord El Chapo, and “Trap House,” a term from hip-hop culture referring to a house used for selling drugs. This irreverent name set the tone for the podcast: sharp political commentary delivered through the lens of satirical comedy.
The Rise of the “Dirtbag Left”
Chapo Trap House quickly gained a devoted fanbase, a group that would come to be known as the “Dirtbag Left.” The term was coined to describe the podcast’s ethos of blending socialist ideals with crude humor, direct action, and a rejection of the politically correct language that dominated liberal circles. The Dirtbag Left embraced the idea that being vulgar or crass wasn’t inherently counter to political engagement. In fact, the Chapo hosts argued that by abandoning performative politeness and civility, the left could better mobilize and connect with working-class and disaffected voters who felt alienated by the polished, corporate-friendly messages of establishment liberals.
The rise of the Dirtbag Left sparked considerable debate within progressive circles. While some critics accused Chapo Trap House of being too divisive or counterproductive, many saw it as a refreshing and necessary pushback against the increasingly sterile and ineffective rhetoric of mainstream liberalism. In their view, Chapo’s humor and unorthodox approach allowed for a more genuine, grounded form of political discourse—one that wasn’t afraid to call out hypocrisy or demand radical change.
The Podcast’s Unprecedented Success
Since its launch, Chapo Trap House has grown into a political podcasting powerhouse. One key reason behind its success has been its ability to tap into a specific segment of the population—primarily young, politically engaged leftists who felt disillusioned with traditional media and politics. According to statistics from Podtrac, which tracks podcast listenership, Chapo Trap House regularly ranks among the top political podcasts in the U.S., often competing with mainstream shows like Pod Save America and The Ben Shapiro Show.
By 2017, just two years after its debut, Chapo Trap House was reportedly earning over $100,000 per month through the crowdfunding platform Patreon, making it one of the highest-grossing podcasts on the site at the time (source: The Verge). As of 2023, the show continues to dominate Patreon, boasting more than 30,000 paying subscribers who contribute around $170,000 per month, cementing Chapo’s place among the top 1% of content creators on the platform (Patreon).
The show’s success can also be attributed to its willingness to embrace new media platforms and monetize its content without relying on traditional advertising models. The hosts consistently use Patreon to offer bonus episodes and exclusive content to paying subscribers, effectively creating a direct relationship with their audience. This model has allowed Chapo Trap House to remain independent, avoiding the corporate sponsorships or advertiser pressures that often dictate the content of mainstream political media.
A Platform for Leftist Political Commentary
At its core, Chapo Trap House is more than just a podcast that jokes about politics—it has become a platform for radical leftist political commentary. The show regularly features interviews with left-wing thinkers, activists, and politicians, and it covers issues ranging from economic inequality and labor movements to foreign policy and climate change.
While Chapo is known for its humor, it has also provided serious critiques of the U.S. political system, particularly focusing on how neoliberal policies have exacerbated wealth inequality and disenfranchised working-class citizens. The hosts have repeatedly criticized establishment Democrats for their failure to address the concerns of ordinary people, arguing that the party’s corporate-friendly policies have left a vacuum on the left that needs to be filled by more radical, socialist ideas.
Their approach has resonated with listeners who are tired of mainstream Democratic leaders’ incrementalism and complacency. For example, during the 2020 Democratic primaries, Chapo Trap House strongly supported Bernie Sanders, using the platform to campaign for his progressive policies like Medicare for All and tuition-free college. Even after Sanders lost the nomination to Joe Biden, the podcast continued to provide a space for leftist critiques of Biden’s centrist policies and the Democratic Party’s reluctance to embrace more transformative change.
The Influence of Chapo Trap House on Leftist Media
Chapo Trap House’s success has spurred the growth of similar podcasts and media platforms, contributing to the rise of a new, left-wing media ecosystem that provides an alternative to both mainstream liberal and conservative outlets. Shows like Red Scare, TrueAnon, and The Michael Brooks Show have followed in Chapo’s footsteps, combining humor with leftist political commentary to engage younger audiences. Collectively, these shows have helped create what some have referred to as the “left podcast industrial complex”—a growing network of socialist and progressive podcasts that challenge the corporate-dominated media landscape.
The influence of Chapo Trap House has also extended beyond the podcasting world. In 2018, the hosts published a book titled The Chapo Guide to Revolution: A Manifesto Against Logic, Facts, and Reason, which became a New York Times bestseller. The book, much like the podcast, used humor and satire to critique American politics and culture, further solidifying Chapo’s role as a cultural force within the progressive movement.
Criticism and Controversy
Despite its success, Chapo Trap House has been subject to controversy. The podcast’s irreverent and sometimes abrasive tone has drawn criticism from both the right and the left. Some have accused the show of promoting toxic discourse or being overly dismissive of more moderate progressive voices. Critics on the left have sometimes argued that the hosts’ crass humor and frequent use of insults may alienate potential allies or discourage productive political engagement.
In particular, the podcast has faced accusations of fostering a “bro culture,” with some claiming that the show’s aggressive style can sometimes come across as exclusionary to women and minorities. However, Chapo’s defenders argue that the show’s no-holds-barred approach is necessary to challenge the sanitized, corporate-friendly political discourse that has dominated the left for years.
Conclusion: A Voice for a New Left
Chapo Trap House represents a significant cultural shift in political media, offering a space for leftist politics to thrive outside the constraints of mainstream platforms. Through its unique combination of comedy, radical political commentary, and grassroots organizing, the podcast has given voice to a disillusioned segment of the population that feels ignored by both traditional parties and the media.
Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Chapo Trap House has had a profound impact on the political landscape and podcasting industry. By breaking the mold of what political commentary can look like—and who it can reach—Chapo Trap House has helped create a new space for the American left to express its frustrations, rally for change, and build a movement. For many of its listeners, the podcast is more than just entertainment—it’s a call to action.
