There are times when it seems comedian Duncan Trussel is just as surprised by what he says on stage as his audience. His free association-style comedy combines far-ranging topics like politics, astronomy and video game geekery with absurdist imagery and a laid-back, stoner philosophy.

Best known for his appearances on Joe Rogan's podcast and on his own weekly "The Lavender Hour," Trussel will be making a stop this Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Ann Arbor to perform at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase on East Liberty Street.

Trussel co-hosts "The Lavender Hour" with fellow comedian Natasha Leggero. They describe their podcast as a "salon-style super show," covering a variety of topics. Most episodes are available free to download, but, fair warning, they are not for the weak of heart or the delicate of ears.

Each of "The Lavender Hour" episodes are usually based around loosely around a topic or theme but much of the time is spent in clever back-and-forths between the hosts. The show welcomes occasional guests from the comedy world and beyond, including alt-rock folk guitarist Lou Barlow.

Trussel's philosophic musings have struck a cord with the podcast crowd. Fans have taken clips from his comedic hour show and turned them into quite serious existential videos. Clips of his stand-up routines are a bit less prevalent online but one of the gems includes a bit he told during the run-up to the last presidential election when President Obama was still candidate Obama.

Trussel suggests the future president probably should've waited until the invention of force fields to run for president. The joke is conversely dark and silly as Trussel weaves in gags about Illuminati conspiracies, lizard overlords, an "assassination omelet" and a giant, bullet proof hamster ball.

Duncan Trussel will be performing two shows this Friday and Saturday evening at 8 and 10:30 PM with another show tonight at 8.

Ryan Levin is a University of Michigan Screen Arts and Cultures graduate and a blogger about film, TV and local stand-up comedy. He moonlights as a waiter and bartender at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.