In Memoriam | Analyze Phish Podcaster Harris Wittels

Last night we learned of the tragic death of Harris Wittels, a comedian, writer, producer and podcaster who never hid his love of Phish and the jam scene. Wittels, who was 30, may best be known by the world for his work as a writer and executive producer on the NBC comedy Parks and Recreation but to us he’ll best be remembered for creating and running the Analyze Phish podcast.

The goal behind Analyze Phish was simple -Wittels attempts to turn his buddy and fellow comedian of Comedy Bang Bang fame, Scott Aukerman, onto the music of his beloved Phish. At least that’s how it started, but after Aukerman had memorable experiences at the two Phish shows he attended and gained a respect for the foursome, Wittels turned his attention to other comedian friends who weren’t aboard the Phish train such as Tom Scharpling and Paul F. Tompkins. All ten installments of Analyze Phish can be streamed here.

Wittels died just a week before the series finale of Parks and Recreation is set to air. Harris parlayed his work as a writer on The Sarah Silverman Show and coining the phrase “humblebrag” (which he turned into a Twitter account and book) to become a writer, executive producer and occasional actor on Parks and Recreation.

Harris Wittels’ love of Phish helped show the world that “we are everywhere.” Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends, family and many fans.

Curious about Analyze Phish? Give the first episode a listen: