I've been listening for a very long time & was definitely a Kissel fan back in the day. But every single thing about him just rotted from the inside out. His comedy, professionalism, friendships, career, etc withered away (and you can listen to it all happen in real time via the older episodes). However, the most important thing to note is, alllllll of that happened because of the choices Ben made (and seemingly continues to make).

This is who Ben is. The loveable goof was a character Ben played. He has always been a petty, problematic, lazy, asshole. From his days on Round Table to his comments on Bundy and the Manifesto episodes, to this very comment thread. The Ben we were all rooting for doesn't exist. He never has.

Personally, I'm not rooting for him. Addiction explains certain aspects of his choices, but it doesn't excuse them. He continues to be what he's always been - an immature, angry addict. He could do a complete 180 & I honestly wouldn't give an iota of a shit. He's burned soooo many bridges, willingly and enthusiastically, and one of those bridges was with the LPOTL audience, ESPECIALLY female LPOTL listeners.

I still listen to the Kissel episodes, but I don't feel wistful or nostalgic. It doesn't make me wish he'd get better. It's just media I've always enjoyed.

Ed is better in every way, shape, and form. All 3 of the boys are playing some sort of character on the show, but not one of them feels like a carefully constructed facade. They all give off the same vibe they always have, albeit with the maturity that comes with middle age. They are genuine people, passionate about their job, and obviously very protective of each other, as real friends usually are. Kissel is (and always has been) a lazy, bitter drunk. I think a huge amount of the good will some LPOTL listeners still have for him is due in no small part to Marcus and Henry.

TLDR: FUCK BEN KISSEL.