After a truly horrible year, John Hastings has came swinging with yet another blockbuster  fringe show, working through the passing of his dear friend, the much loved comedy director Paul Byrne, not to mention a divorce and a wince-inducing bike crash.

We talk about John’s move from the UK circuit to Los Angeles, and discuss the finer details of what it means to participate in several different global markets; also the bad behaviour he’s experienced at the hands of certain [REDACTED] promoters. We go on to talk about the cost of doing business, the downside of reps, and John’s impressive social media video output and strategy…

Go to www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders for ad-free episodes, extra content from every show that has it, and much more - including exclusive Insiders Q&As plus the incredible “self-help for comedians” special with Amanda Donnet.

Catch up with John:

John’s new Edfringe show is on sale now!

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/john-hastings-the-times-they-are-a-john-hastings

Visit www.thejohnhastings.com for the unbelievable approach to promo shots if nothing else…

TW/IG: @thejohnhastings

Everything Stu's up to:

Stu’s new Edfringe show “Spoilers” (WINNER Best Show 2023, Leicester Comedy Festival, woo!) is on sale now - find preview dates as well as podcast community links, social media handles and comedy clips, and Stu’s official YouTube channel, all at linktr.ee/stuartgoldsmith

Or join the mailing list for unspecified freebies at:

www.comedianscomedian.com

www.stuartgoldsmith.com

Stu offers remote and in-person talks to business, distilling insights from over 400 comics on cultivating resilience and the ability to bounce back, to all levels from C-suite to team members.

“There’s perfect and there’s perfect; and that was perfect.” David Cooper, Chief People Officer Circle Health Group

LISTEN HERE

Filed Under: Age, Audiences, Barnstormers, BBC3, Canada, comcompod, Comedy Store, Controversial, Coping, Corporate Work, Edinburgh, Festival, Fringe, Interview, John Hastings, Radio 4, Reality TV, Risk, Stage Persona, Structure, Success, Writing Jokes

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Fresh from the ComCompendium annals we rediscover the indomitable Gina Yashere. An engineer in a previous life, and a comic tour de force in this one, Gina's boldness and clarity of mind saw her draft up a plan: simply selling up her life in the UK and moseying over to the ol' USA.

We examine Gina's annoyance at being the 'diversity' on panel shows, point the finger firmly in the direction of The Patriarchy, and discuss the myriad of pitfalls involved with plunging oneself headlong into starting afresh elsewhere.

Everything Stu's up to:

Podcast community links, social media handles and comedy clips, and Stu’s official YouTube channel are all at linktr.ee/stuartgoldsmith

Or visit:

www.comedianscomedian.com

www.stuartgoldsmith.com

Stu offers remote and in-person talks to business, distilling insights from over 400 comics on cultivating resilience and the ability to bounce back, to all levels from C-suite to team members.

“There’s perfect and there’s perfect; and that was perfect.” David Cooper, Chief People Officer Circle Health Group

LISTEN HERE

Filed Under: Acting, Andi Osho, Audiences, Chortle, Chris Rock, comcompod, Comedy Store, Diversity, Edinburgh, Fame, Festival, Gina Yashere, Ian Stone, Inspiration, Interview, Jimmy Carr, Jobs, Jongleurs, Last Comic Standing, Live At The Apollo, London, Louis CK, MOBOs, Mock The Week, Open Spot, Persona, Plagiarism, Reviews, Risk, Ros Jeep, Stage Persona, Success, TV, Urban Circuit, USA, Writing Jokes

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CW: Discussion of transphobia by people who aren’t affected by it.

Adam Rowe is a killer. Huge punchlines, banging material that draws screams and whoops from his crowd, and a laser-like focus on achieving his ambitions. But what does his urge to defend controversial opinions for fun cost him, or indeed his audience?

We talk at length about whether or not his “Victoria’s Secret” routine is transphobic, and whether getting the laugh is more important than a moral or ethical stance. We also cover whether aiming to be the best is enough to stay happy, the origins of his very shrewd “Club Comic” special, and where his drive comes from.

30 mins of extras available exclusively to the Insiders Club features Adam on the smash hit success of his and Dan Nightingale’s “Have A Word” podcast; some great insights into his writing process; and why he assumes he has ADHD.

 

Go to www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders for this and much more, including the exclusive Insiders Q&As with Nish Kumar, James Acaster and Fern Brady and the incredible “self-help for comedians” special with Amanda Donnet.

Catch up with Adam Rowe:

Have a word podcast - https://haveaword.page/

TW @adamrowecomedy

www.adamrowe.co.uk

IG @adamrowecomedian

“Club Comic” www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9E5NYKOBdk

Everything Stu's up to:

This podcast is @ComComPod on Twitter and Instagram

www.comedianscomedian.com

Stu offers remote talks to business on what the distilled wisdom of over 350 comics can teach you about resilience, especially in times of pandemic.

“The most inspiring talk I’ve had in years!” (LEGO staff member)

Find out more at www.stuartgoldsmith.com

Stu’s “Virtual Office Party” is now available as the perfect solution to remote-working office parties, sales conferences, motivational and wellbeing events.

“It was an absolutely hysterical and wonderful evening, for both those partaking and everyone watching online!”

- Maria Kuzak (Fundraising Manager at CALM)

The games and interactive element were hilarious and extremely well executed! 10/10 from us, you created a real buzz in our business, thank you." 

- Ben Gott, (SVP at Merkle)

For more info on how this unique concept can bring your staff together while working apart, go to www.stuartgoldsmith.com

LISTEN HERE

Filed Under: Adam Rowe, Audiences, Awards, Bethany Black, Bill Burr, comcompod, Comedy Store, Compere, Controversy, Edinburgh, Festival, Fringe, Interview, Jason Manford, Paul Smith, Peter Kay, Richard Pryor, Risk, Stage Persona, Success, YouTube

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Laser-guided comic, writer and corporate host, the "modnifique" Ian Moore is every inch the Comedy Store headliner, but in the early part of his career his battle with stage fright left him a more deadpan act than he intended. We talk about the phenomenon of white blokes in suits raging against the world; the reality of his apparent dream life commuting from rural France to the UK for gigs; and the excoriating ten-page editor's note on his first foray into detective fiction, and his brilliant response to it…

25 mins of extra content available exclusively to the Insiders Club includes Ian on what it means to him to be a Mod, his entry-point into being published as a writer, and the forces behind his doomed attempt to set up a creative retreat for artists. Go to www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders for this and much more, including the exclusive Insiders Q&As with Nish Kumar, Alfie Brown and your invite to the forthcoming one with Fern Brady (24th May)

Catch up with Ian:

ianmoore.info 

*Death and Croissants out July 2021*  Pre-Order HERE

*New Podcast - Mustn't Grumble* HERE

Everything Stu's up to:

This podcast is @ComComPod on twitter and instagram

www.comedianscomedian.com

Stu’s “Virtual Office Party” is now available as the perfect solution to remote-working office parties, sales conferences, motivational and wellbeing events.

“It was an absolutely hysterical and wonderful evening, for both those partaking and everyone watching online!”

- Maria Kuzak (Fundraising Manager at CALM)

The games and interactive element were hilarious and extremely well executed! 10/10 from us, you created a real buzz in our business, thank you." 

- Ben Gott, (SVP at Merkle)

For more info on how this unique concept can bring your staff together while working apart, go to www.stuartgoldsmith.co.uk

Stu also offers remote talks to business on what the distilled wisdom of over 350 comics can teach you about resilience, especially in times of pandemic.

“The most inspiring talk I’ve had in years!” (LEGO staff member)

Find out more at www.stuartgoldsmith.co.uk

LISTEN HERE

Filed Under: Age, Audiences, Blogging, comcompod, Comedy Store, Coping, Corporate Gigs, COVID-19, Edinburgh, Interview, Stage Persona, Success, TV, Writing Jokes

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Superb comedian, thrilling storyteller and born survivor Janey Godley not only answers back to her online death-threats, but publishes her whereabouts with an open invitation to "come and have a go". We talk about how she thrived despite abuse, poverty and alcoholism in her upbringing; detail her absolute conviction in the power of honesty; and learn how an early experience at the Edinburgh Fringe led her to reject the comedy industry and focus instead on her audience.

CW: We talk about abuse Janey suffered as a child, at the very start of this show, and throughout.

25 mins of extras available exclusively to members of the Insiders Club include Janey on how her refusal to play along led to her being banned from a chain of comedy clubs; how she approaches publicising criminal connections whilst keeping her own nose clean; the ramifications of her husband’s autism, and the glee she feels at her daughter Ashley Storrie’s success in the comedy world. Join now and support the show at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders

Thanks to the Stand Newcastle

www.janeygodley.com | @janeygodley

Janey Godley’s Soup Pot Tour is on right now - tickets available through her website 

Stuart Goldsmith's Edinburgh Fringe show "The Void" is on sale now at tinyurl.com/stu2020

LISTEN HERE

Filed Under: Acting, Actor, Age, Alan Davies, Alcohol, Audiences, Awards, BBC, Billy Connolly, Blogging, Bridget Christie, comcompod, Comedy Store, Competitions, Criticism, Edinburgh, Festival, Fringe, Interview, Jerry Sadowitz, Jimmy Carr, Jo Brand, Jobs, Josie Long, Leicester Square Theatre, Malcolm Hardee, Mental Health, Money, Morecambe & Wise, Onstage Persona, Panel Shows, Perrier, Perrier Comedy Award, Persona, Phil Kay, Plagiarism, Rhona Cameron, Risk, Stage Persona, Stereotypes, Storytelling, Structure, Stuart Goldsmith, Success, Tarantino, The Pleasance, The Stand, TV, TV Comedy, Twitter, Underbelly, Writing Jokes, Writing On Stage, YouTube

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The godfather of British alternative comedy, Alexei Sayle is always at the edge of catastrophe. The star of The Young Ones, Alexei Sayle’s Stuff, The Comic Strip Presents, many more and now his Imaginary Sandwich Bar, gets stuck into why inauthenticity is his bugbear, how to make the most of creative discomfort, the earliest days of the Comedy Store, and the transition from counterculture to national treasure

In 30 mins of extras available only to the Insiders Club, Alexei talks about his real feelings towards Ben Elton, and the current crop of arena comics; how he re-fit his show about political optimism when the wind changed; and identifies a link between standup and martial arts regarding the energy of the audience and his own… Available now only at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders

See Alexei on tour now! Details at www.alexeisayle.me

Thanks to Ellen Frost at Bloomsbury Theatre @bloomstheatre

Stuart Goldsmith's Edinburgh Fringe show "The Void" is onside now at tinyurl.com/stu2020

LISTEN HERE

Filed Under: Acting, Adrian Edmondson, Age, Alexei Sayle, Alternative Comedy, Art, Audiences, Awards, BBC, Ben Elton, Bob Monkhouse, Bottom, College, comcompod, Comedy Store, Compere, Compere/MC/Hosting, Fame, Fern Brady, First Open Spot, Fringe, Interview, Isolation, Jobs, Live At The Apollo, Liverpool, London, Onstage Persona, Persona, Phil Ellis, Podcasting, political, Political Comedy, Political Humour, Problems, Radio, Radio 4, Rik Mayall, Sketch, Stage Persona, Stewart Lee, Structure, Success, The Comedy Store, The Young Ones, TV, TV Comedy, Writing Jokes, Writing On Stage

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Combining all the best elements of a DIY approach to touring, a powerhouse comic ability, and some ridiculous positivity of mind, Carl Hutchinson is on the up. We talk about relatability, rooting your material in your own embarrassment and some nifty tricks to conceal your observations as something else. We also get stuck into some of the notable missteps that glance off his robust sense of self, and explore how Carl copes with being regarded by some as the sidekick to a higher profile act...

Sign up for the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders to get access to all the extra content from any episode that has it, plus loads of extra stuff on a special private podcast!

carlhutchinson.net | @CPHutchinson

Tickets and info for Carl's tour

Get tickets for Stu's tour:

08/11/19
Bristol – The Comedy Box at the Hen and Chicken

04/12/19
Aldershot – The West End Centre

25/01/20
Corsham – The Pound Arts Centre

01/02/20
Newcastle Stand (early show – 5pm)

02/02/20
Glasgow – The Stand

07/02/20
Farnham Maltings

11/02/20
York – The Basement

12/02/20
Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club

28/02/20
Cambridge Junction
www.comedianscomedian.com | @Comcompod

LISTEN HERE

Filed Under: Alcohol, Andy Parsons, Audiences, Carl Hutchinson, Chris Ramsey, comcompod, Comedy Central, Comedy Store, Competitions, Edinburgh, Festival, Fringe, Interview, Jack Whitehall, Jason Cook, Jason Manford, Stage Persona, Success, The Stand, Writing Jokes

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Simon Brodkin was best known as his comedy character "Lee Nelson", before handing Teresa May a P45, throwing money at Sepp Blatter, and invading Kanye's headline spot at Glastonbury. This former doctor with an impressive gag-rate and work ethic, now embarks on an even more challenging caper: playing himself. A new stand-up show sees him flex his joke-writing muscles in the pursuit of exploring his real life... but does he want to be himself?

Extras include Simon's blagger's guide to getting backstage at the world's biggest festival, reflections on the targets of his mockery and the challenges involved in gradually moving away from Lee step by step... Sign up for the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders to get access to ad-free new episodes, bonus content from interviews and much more.

@SimonBrodkin

Simon Brodkin brings his show 100% Simon Brodkin to The Pleasance Baby Grand as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 1st – 24th August at 9.30pm. More info and tickets available at edfringe.com

Tickets for my show Primer at this year's Edinburgh Fringe

@ComComPod | www.comedianscomedian.com

And many thanks to The Comedy Store for the recording space.

LISTEN HERE

Filed Under: Acting, Audiences, BBC, BBC3, Character, Character Comedy, College, comcompod, Comedy Store, Controversial, Controversy, Edinburgh, Fame, Festival, First Open Spot, Fringe, Interview, Jobs, Kanye West, Lee Nelson, Little Britain, Live At The Apollo, London, Mainstream, Mental Health, Onstage Persona, Persona, Pleasance, Political Humour, Risk, Simon Brodkin, Sketch, Stage Persona, Stereotypes, Stewart Lee, Structure, Success, Trump, TV, TV Comedy, Twitter, Viral, Writing Jokes, Writing On Stage

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