The Comedian's Comedian Podcast

A softly-spoken, foppish figure who luxuriates in language, Tom Wrigglesworth is equally at home spinning a yarn or smashing up a weekend club. He talks here about authenticity in his work, and the right of the teller to alter the empirical truth of a story, as well as outlining in detail his favourite trick for dealing with interruptions...Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders @comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laidback observationalist Ben Hurley made a foray to the UK some years ago, and returned to his native New Zealand to become a TV hero. We get stuck into the relationship between British and NZ comedy, and the pros and cons of each scene. We also cover natural talent, making laziness work for you, and whether observations hit harder when performed totally clean, or when injected with personality...Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders@ComComPod | www.comedianscomedian.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carey Marx is a silver-tongued charmer who delights in navigating boundaries of logic, language and taste. With a unique take on verbal dexterity and misdirection, informed in part by his previous career as a magician, he talks at the NZICF about what makes comedy offensive, which words he won't stop using, and even reveals some of his self-generated writing exercises...*Contains language that some people may find offensive*Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders@ComComPod | www.comedianscomedian.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claudia O'Doherty is a genuine comedy pioneer, who uses high concepts and holograms in order to have fun behaving like a dickhead. We talk about the inspiration behind topics like ocean research or soil erosion, and how she manages to make such esoteria properly funny, as well as why both clowns and standups are jerks.Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders@ComComPod | www.comedianscomedian.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To call Max and Ivan a comedy double-act with a narrative doesn't really do justice to this pair of rubber-faced, multi-voiced storytellers, who have a penchant for sneaking actual theatre into their work. They've only recently quit their day-jobs, but with a run of international festival appearances and award nominations under their belt, it seems to be working out – you could literally just slap them. Here, the boys outline their writing and rehearsal process, who gets final say over the editing, and which one of them has a google alert for their own reviews... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does "whimsy" have to mean fairy lights and bunting, or is it just owning a bag? David O'Doherty is a multi-award winning comic and musical noodler, with a real emotional depth at the core of his seemingly fanciful material. We discuss why he had a breakdown and how he recovered, the significance of sitting on the far left on a panel show, and what you should never ever do on a bicycle... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recipe for a happy life as a comic? Kerry Godliman is a superb observationalist, and a tremendous comic actor. She shares her philosophy on writing, gigging and how to achieve a positive work-life balance, as well as delving into why she's never been afraid to scratch a living. We also discuss positive discrimination, covens of rage, and why wahwah is way better than flimflam... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alongside his famously prodigious output of punnery, Tim Vine is a wonderfully imaginative comedy creator. As well as talking us through his writing techniques, he describes how he structures an hour-long barrage of punchlines, and gives us unprecedented access to the the notorious “Pen Behind The Ear”. But will he ever be one of the cool kids? Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Byrne is a charming, argumentative sod - with a fantastically natural comic ability. We discuss whether it's funnier to take time finding the truth of a subject, or to switch your opinions to find the must comically useful stance; and why a group of comedians is known as a “bitch”. We also glimpse how he side-steps a physical writing process by simply losing an argument and then dwelling on it for far too long... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean Hughes is a thoughtful, reflective performer, with a passion for self-expressive and profound comedy. A pioneer of the themed, narrative standup show, after the 90s he quit the fishbowl of comedy celebrity to become a novelist, poet and actor. We discuss his feelings on “outliving” his life experience; the amazing drug of comedy; and the challenges of attracting an audience other than the one you were aiming for... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Punchline virtuoso Gary Delaney knows one-liners inside and out, and in this crackling live episode treats us to a comprehensive technical analysis of his art.Taking grammar, rhythm, emphasis and narrative into account, he unpacks specific examples of his gags in forensic detail. Gary fiercely defends the value of hard work over talent, and also finds time to cry hacky, spunky tears...One Liners, Simon Munnery, Harry Hill, Stewart Lee, Stephen Wright, Tim Vine, Jongleurs, Tony Law, Martin Lewis, MoneySavingExpert.com, Buccaneer Club, Kate Copstick, Dan Evans, Milton Jones, Old Rope, Marcus Brigstocke, Mitch Hedburg, Stephen Fry, TalkSport, Katherine Ryan, Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr, Max Miller, Slaughterhouse, Jethro, Flavor Flav, Public Enemy, Douglas Rushkoff, Newsjack, Bernard Manning, Jim Davidson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Franken is a one-man sketch explosion who creates multi-layered and mind-bending comedy with the exuberance of a bedroom DJ. From writing a new 90 minute show monthly to be performed only once, to putting a kid in a headlock, he rails against an industry that expects comedians to be normal...Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Helm grunts and sweats his way through a hilarious hurricane of jokes, songs, poetry and swearing, all the while undergoing a total emotional breakdown on stage. We encounter the soft-spoken and articulate theatre-maker behind the heavy metal mask, exploring how he structures his epic shows, the origin of his bombast, and his feelings on his starring role in BBC3's “Uncle”.Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Law's regeneration from acquired-taste surrealist to must-see force of nature has been borne of depression and crippling debt. He exists now in a dynamic between ecstatic madness and total discipline, resulting in an unstoppable comic energy. In this more-than-usually revealing interview, we find out how Tony crafts his apparently uncraftable material, the unique influence his wife brings to bear on his writing, and why he thinks Stu is a bit of a prick...Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sidetracked by youthful addictions, and making up for it with an incredibly intense approach, Marcus Brigstocke produces brilliant political comedy underpinned by passion and rigorous research. Find out what it's like to storm a commercial club with stuff that you no longer believe in, why The Telegraph regard Marcus as a traitor, and the one thing about comedy that breaks his heart... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rambling man Norman Lovett is the comedy equivalent of a tai chi master, using subtlety and gentleness to often devastating comic effect. In this episode Norman is convinced to put aside his distrust of analysing comedy, at least some of the time, and we learn about the acts that inspired him, his audition for Red Dwarf, and the anger simmering beneath the whimsy...Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bo Burnham is a frighteningly talented youtube-wielding wunderkind, with a gag-filled show that defies you to write him off as precocious. We explore the inherent amorality of comedy, the responsibilities of the offensive comic and the consequences of attracting a demographic that isn't necessarily the one you were aiming for... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susan Calman is fierce and fiercely funny, unleashing her personal demons to devastating comic effect in her work and here in conversation. As well as exploring how not to approach the Edinburgh fringe, we also uncover how Susan translates her anger into comedy, the pressure she feels to be a spokesperson for gay people, and why she feels she doesn't deserve a glass... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to his mother, Rob Delaney is “a monster who does good things”. We talk about the differences between his standup persona and his voice on Twitter, as well as detailing the specific techniques he used to gather his 1,000,000+ followers. We also explore the dynamic between his creativity and his sometimes major depression, and investigate which elements of comedy still feel outside of his reach...Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Millican returns for a live sequel, in which we go into detail on how she copes with her ever-increasing fame, and being regarded as one of the "100 most powerful women in Britain". As well as discussing her views on feminism, and how she keeps challenging herself when playing to an audience who love her, she also explains how to stay grounded at Edinburgh, and why she feels "ballsy."Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Effortlessly charming observationalist Jason Manford is arguably comedy's Mr Accessibility. With a touring schedule designed to cover the entire country, we investigate the motives and consequences of his workaholic approach to the craft. As well as touching on the downsides of his fame, this candid interview explores Jason's struggle to challenge himself whilst giving his audience what they want. Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consistently better-informed than the motor-mouthed “funny fucker” he appears, Andrew Maxwell explains how he turns his opinions into comedy without the use of a writing desk. What he does instead might surprise you, as we cover the downsides of charm, the secret of his success at the Edinburgh Fringe, and a view on careerism that will have you playing back this episode after a tough gig.Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the best joke-smiths in the world, Milton Jones is a consistently funny powerhouse of verbal cartoons, wordplay and clowning. We explore his persona, his process, and the advantages of making something really bad rather than making it better. He also paints a picture of the community of one-liner specialists, describes his specific approach to “Mock The Week”, and explains how to get everyone's attention on sports day... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Wembley sell-out star to complex comic philosopher, David Baddiel returned to this year's Edinburgh Fringe with a stand-up lecture about fame. We discuss his rigorous self-analysis and how appealing he finds the transformative effective of walking onstage. We also delve into how David's obsession with the truth defines him, and was partly responsible for the end of one of his double-acts...Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For nearly twenty years, Al Murray has been at the forefront of British character comedy. We talk about the genesis of the “Pub Landlord” and really dig into the methods behind the crowd-work at which he excels. Al provides some fascinating and unexpected insight on arena comedy, hecklers, and the state of criticism – and we also unpack in detail how he writes and structures a show.Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Virtuoso sketch comedian, The Pajama Men combine rich characterisation and zinging one-liners, to the extent that one of their recent shows was the single best-reviewed work at an entire Edinburgh Fringe. They discuss their long-standing double-act dynamic, the pressures of touring, and also delve into how the audience becomes their “director”, offering a third voice to their creative process.Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although they are both of the highest quality, Phil Nichol keeps his two performance styles very separate. He gives us some very specific insight into the unusual dynamic between his constantly-evolving experimental work, and his tried-and-tested, roof-raising club set. Phil also speaks openly about anxiety, stage-fright, and the fear of somehow being “caught out”, even after years at the top of the circuit. Through it all though, he never stops chasing down the artistic epiphany. Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Smartest Man In The World speaks frankly about life, lyricism and the pursuit of laughter. We talks about the evolution of Greg's linguistic style, and how he borrows from authors to make it gooder...We discuss the thrill of improvisation, and the stream-of-consciousness style that allowed him to improvise an entire standup album on the night.All this and some fascinating behind-the-scenes details on Greg's podcast, and how it is further cultivating his audience - an unmissable episode!Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After years of superb work at the very top of the circuit, Hal Cruttenden is finally breaking through into the mainstream. We talk about how the best subjects are the ones that scare him, what risks are involved when sharing his flaws so honestly, and what's made him so angry he's walked off the stage. We also learn Hal's secrets of preparation for panel games, and discover how even the successful never feel safe... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raconteur, bon vivant and flanneur extraordinaire, the award-winning Marcel Lucont is inching his way up the comedy ladder. Alexis Dubus, Marcel's confidant, talks frankly about the differences between their styles and successes, and presents his template for a refreshingly angst-free comedy life... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh comedy award winner Brendon Burns speaks candidly about “the most self-absorbed art-form there is”, and savages what he sees as the covert bigotry and condescension in the UK. We also delve into the dynamic between the passionate truth-teller and the self-involved teenager that comprise his persona, and discuss whether you can find solutions to your problems by making shows... Recorded live at the Gilded Balloon at the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe. Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part two of the interview sees Richard talking about his standup. He explores his status and persona onstage, admits which subjects he finds difficult to include in his act, and reflects on his frustration at being labelled derivative of his ex-double act partner. We also discuss the future of comedy in Britain and Richard's optimism in the face of a changing landscape.Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Herring is a prolific comedian, blogger and podcaster, comprehensively mining his every experience for comic potential. As well as exploring the unique resource of his daily blog, his online strategy and some of his maddeningly self-indulgent impulses, we also discuss his success, and whether it will ever live up to his aspirations... Part two follows in the next episode of this podcast. Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you make comedy out of stuff that hurts? The low-falutin' Jarlath Regan opens up about the near-tragic event he turned into a show, and why he had to leave his own country to pursue comedy. We also explore the pros of flyering your festival show yourself; posing as your own agent; and what Jarlath will say to Louis CK's face if he ever meets him... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Milo McCabe is a superb character act with an unusual origin. We discuss growing up in the shadow of a comedian father, and the use of NLP and other psychological techniques to cope with the demands of life on stage. We also delve into his experience of Phil Burgers' infamous clown workshops, and how Milo is putting some of that learning into practice. Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the second Live special, and London-based Australian gagsmith Benny Boot lets us in on his effervescent cartoon-like imagination. We talk about the unusual techniques he employs to create a writing environment, why the true stories of his checkered past don't fly, and how long he can keep an owl impression going...*** This episode suffers from audio issues which do not represent the usual quality of the podcast *** Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A study in confidence, Australian Tom Gleeson trades in lean, punchy material that batters an audience into submission. We discuss how "comedy's Lex Luthor" changed from being a competent but boring standup, into a forceful presence with absolute faith in his comic perspective.Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talented, dedicated and analytical, Melbourne-based Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall is part of a new generation of comics. We discuss the acquisition of stage-time in a town with relatively few gigging opportunities, and geek out over the “mathematics” of joke-writing. Alasdair also reveals the ten thousand dollar motivational gamble that got his head in the game... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Felicity Ward hilariously combines expert physical characterisation with heartfelt storytelling. Speaking just after the recording of her first DVD in Melbourne, she describes her creative process, her experiences in pilot season in L.A., and her strategies for coping with the self-criticism that can make her want to run from the stage. Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The quintessential comic raconteur, Tom Allen's work sizzles with wit, candour and warmth. We discuss his rhythm, musicality and sociable methods of generating material, as well as investigating the self-criticism and loneliness with which he sometimes struggles. This delightful man also makes a convincing case for recognising comedians as "artists who are entitled to support"... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With an unselfconscious charm and a superb skill for finding the funny in true stories, Geraldine Hickey is a delightful comedian to spend an hour with. We talk about her recently-discovered sexuality and the perspective it gives her on previous work. We also explore the Melbourne comedy scene, “running one's own race”, and the benefits of combining a comedy career with an enjoyable second job. Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Known for his hyper-personal material about death, infidelity and suicide, David Quirk is happy to be an outsider, to the comedy community as well as his audience. We discuss the tropes of contemporary standup and David's decision to move away from them; the need to watch other people's shows or not; and what it feels like to release oneself from the compulsion to be funny. We also touch on negative-sounding noises that mean people hate you. Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rubber-legged comedy mantis Asher Treleaven has been nominated for the most prestigious awards in the UK and Australia. He talks here about his transition from art-house darling to club-fit road act, and the changes in his strategy towards festivals. As well as exploring the development of his persona, he's also admirably frank in describing his concerns about a dwindling audience, something he faces despite his critical acclaim... Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Variety superstar Clarke MacFarlane blends elements of stand-up, clowning and skills to create the show-stopping, crowd-surfing "Mario, Queen of the Circus". Touring with La Clique and La Soiree has allowed him to hone his act to perfection over years, but he still "pays his dues" with regular streetshows. We discuss his work rate and workaholism, his respect for standups, and his bizarre pre-performance habits, not to mention the dark voices that plague even a top level act such as himself.Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lindsay Webb is comedy's Mr Queensland. A hard-working positive-thinker, he once held a Guinness World Record for the longest stand-up show, and manages to make waves in the industry without a consistent TV profile. We also get an overview of the Australian comedy industry, and Lindsay opens up about his dismissal from national radio. Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suede-hooved waffler Carl Donnelly makes comic storytelling look easy. His turn of phrase and relaxed narrative style has influenced a wave of newer acts, but his eye for a genuinely funny idea sets him apart from his emulators. We discuss the importance of the truth in his work, and he also bangs on about theta-waves. Christ knows. Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heath Franklin performs stand-up as his alter-ego “Chopper”, a caricature of Australia's infamous career criminal and self-promoter. We explore the careful path Heath treads to avoid encouraging fans of the real thing, and instead make the character a victim of his own rage. We also uncover the challenges faced by a talented comic phasing out a successful character, in the search for richer pickings from his own identity...Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The only man who can say “cunt” in America, Jim Jefferies uses his brutal comic instinct to tell somehow heart-warming stories. He discusses here the self-deprecation that makes dirty comedy acceptable, the importance of identifying the correct victim, and the formula that underpins his live shows. We also talk about the one subject he won't make jokes about, and his fondness for Sondheim. Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How close is Rhod Gilbert's furious persona to his real self? In this revealing interview, the workaholic wizard discusses truth and fiction, lonely walks on Welsh cliff paths, and going a bit mental on callbacks. We also explore the therapeutic value of making comedy; but is Rhod really ready to sign himself out of the asylum? Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insidersGet tickets for Stu Goldsmith's stand-up tour at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.comAnd don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He might look like he's just won a Duke of Edinburgh Award, but he's got a mean streak a mile wide... In this special episode recorded live after a 30min performance, thrillingly talented “Slim Jimmy” Acaster reveals the difference between his real self and his onstage persona. We discuss sensitivity to the direction in which one's audience want to be taken, and also explore how James overcame the need for truth in his material, by hiding under a bush in a dress.Get ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more by joining the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.