“Is there any more depth to you, or are you just jokes?"

…So went The Honourable Tom Houghton’s experience with Netflix influencer/reality show “The Circle”, and we get right into that here! We also discuss his ballistic comedy style, the social media strategy that has seen him accrue over 10M likes across Tiktok and Instagram, and his truly harrowing relationship with his boarding school.

We also discover his relationship with improv group The Noise Next Door and how it persists despite him leaving, and encounter a lifelong journey to master sincerity in his work…

25 mins of extras available exclusively to the Insiders Club include Tom exploring the relationship between his initial Posh Guy positioning and his most authentic comedy self; how he was called out by friends on his more obnoxious behaviour; and some excellent tips on social media mindset and work ethic.

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

And submit your unmissable moments of ComComPod at www.comedianscomedian.com/unmissable

Catch up with Tom Houghton:

Catch Tom on his sell-out tour with extra dates added as speak!

www.honourabletom.com/pages/tour

www.honourabletom.com

Twitter/Instagram/Tiktok: @honourabletom

Everything Stu's up to:

Stu’s new stand-up special “I Need You Alive” is available online video and audio on demand via www.stuartgoldsmith.com

Podcast community, links to comedy clips on Instagram and Tiktok, and Stu’s official YouTube channel are all at linktr.ee/stuartgoldsmith

Or join the mailing list to stay friends forever at:

www.comedianscomedian.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: Alcohol, Audiences, Channel 4, comcompod, Corporate Gigs, Do you ski?, Edinburgh, Fame, Festival, Fringe, Humility, Improv, Instagram, Interview, Jack Whitehall, James Acaster, London, Milo McCabe, Privilege, Roast Battle, Stage Persona, Success, Tom Houghton, Tower of London, TV, Twitter, Writing Jokes

Instinctive, irrepressible, and with an inimitable aversion to bullshit, today we revisit Fern Brady's 2016 nascent dalliance with success, mere moments before catapulting herself headlong into the comedy stratosphere...

Catch up with Fern via:

fernbradycomedian.com

@fernfrombathgate

@FernBrady

Go to www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders for ad-free episodes, extra content from every show that has it, and much more - including the exclusive Insiders Q&As with Nish Kumar, Alfie Brown, James Acaster and (this episode's very own!) Fern Brady, plus the incredible “self-help for comedians” special with Amanda Donnet.

And submit your unmissable moments of ComComPod at www.comedianscomedian.com/unmissable

Stu's new comedy special "I Need You Alive" is available to watch on Amazon Prime, The 800lb Gorilla website, and you can listen at loads of other places - go to stuartgoldsmith.com and hit the exciting yellow button to find all the links!"

Podcast community links, social media and comedy clips, and Stu’s official YouTube channel are 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: 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Alison Spittle, Audiences, Autism, BBC, Billy Crystal, Brendon Burns, Carl Donnelly, ComCompendium, comcompod, Competitions, Coping, Edinburgh, Fringe, Interview, Live At The Apollo, London, Phil Wang, Podcasting, Problems, Reviews, Risk, Stage Persona, Stereotypes, Stewart Lee, Structure, Success, Taskmaster, The Guardian, TV, Writing Jokes

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

A re-release of the 2013 live episode with a very young and sprightly James Acaster, on the responsibility of the comic to their crowd, sabotaging gigs and answering audience questions on slacks...

www.jamesacaster.com

Stu's new comedy special "I Need You Alive" has a worldwide digital premiere on Feb 23rd, see the trailer and find the ticket link at www.stuartgoldsmith.com

LISTEN HERE

Filed Under: 2013, Acaster, Age, Audiences, Awards, Bake Off, Cold Lasagne, Edinburgh, Festival, Fringe, Interview, Jobs, Josh Widdicombe, Josie Long, Live At The Apollo, London, Mental Health, Milton Jones, Repertoire, Stage Persona, Structure, Success, The Wow! Scenario, Writing Jokes

Skilfully navigating territory of misogyny and a clash between lad culture and woke lads, Esther Manito’s recent show “#NotAllMen” burst at the seams with relatable material rooted in the clash between her Middle Eastern heritage and her Essex upbringing.

Esther talks here about whether you can be too relatable; having children before comedy and musing on an agent’s misguided warning that no-one wants a ”comedy mum”; and growing up in Essex at the time of the Gulf War, with anti-Arab rhetoric prevalent in her school

15mins of extras available exclusively to the Insiders Club include more from Esther on her generalised anxiety disorder, and the worst gig of her life!

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

Catch up with Esther:
www.esthermanito.co.uk
TW: @esther_manito
IG: @esthermanito

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: #notallmen, Audiences, Edinburgh, Esther Manito, Fringe, Interview, Josh Widdicombe, Live At The Apollo, London, Rob Beckett, Russell Kane, Shappi Khorsandi, Stage Persona, Success, Tik Tok

Barnstorming breakthrough-in-waiting, Sean McLoughlin is extremely adept at big chunky stand-up with an interesting moral core. We outline his journey from an angry young man who either needed “a hug or a slap”, through the transformative effects of both being onstage and getting proper therapy, to a towering performer with gigs at the Palladium, Sydney Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall under his belt.  We also discover his conscious effort to maintain eye contact; how he became more reliable to bookers; and whether tall people come across as angry when they’re just animated…

25 mins of extra content available exclusively to the Insiders Club includes Sean’s reaction to sharing a name with one of the most famous people on the internet; and advice for comics starting tour support, which Sean has done at the highest level, from Sydney Opera House to the Royal Albert Hall, in service of comics like Bill Burr, Katherine Ryan and Ricky Gervais.

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

Catch up with Sean McLoughlin:

Edinburgh Fringe: Pleasance Beneath, 19:55
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/sean-mcloughlin-so-be-it
Podcast “Failing Better” with Jonny Pelham: @failingpod
www.seanmcloughlincomedy.com
TW: @seanmcloughlin
IG: @seanmcloughlincomedy

Everything Stu's up to:

Edinburgh Fringe: Monkey Barrel, 13:25 (4-11th only)
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/stuart-goldsmith-a-shared-illusion-wip
This podcast is @ComComPod on Twitter
www.comedianscomedian.com
IG and Tik: @stuartgoldsmithcomedy
Find out everything Stu’s up to at 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: 30 Rock, Adam Hess, Age, Audience Participation, Audiences, Bill Burr, Carl Donnelly, Chris Martin, Chris Rock, College, comcompod, Corona, Dara O'Briain, Edinburgh, Fear, Festival, Fringe, Interview, Jobs, Jonny Pelham, Katherine Ryan, Laughing Horse, London, Mat Ewins, Mental Health, Onstage Persona, Open Mic, Persona, Podcasting, Reviews, Ricky Gervais, Risk, Sean McLoughlin, Stage Persona, student comedy, Success, The Beatles

On the tenth anniversary of the first release, our first ever ComCom guest Rob Deering returns to discuss marathons not sprints. One of Stu’s all-time favourite acts, we’ll celebrate Rob’s huge “Running Commentary” podcast with Paul Tonkinson, and its associated fandom; whether Rob is secretly serious; walking away from the desire to be liked; and the secret of Roger Rabbit’s handcuffs…

25 mins of extras available exclusively to the Insiders Club includes Rob on meritocracy and the strange evolution of comedy from the 70s to now, as well as some informed speculation on its future!

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 Rob Deering:

Read Rob's brilliant book "Running Tracks" (that could even turn you into a runner): www.waterstones.com/book/running-tracks/rob-deering/9781800180444

TW: @deeringrob
IG: @robdeeringcomedian
www.robdeering.com

Everything Stu's up to:

This podcast is @ComComPod on Twitter and Instagram

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.

“Stuart was brilliant; he nailed the brief, and the balance of meaningful content and humour was perfect for our audience.” Jo Matkin, CEO Celsus Group

LISTEN HERE

Filed Under: Audiences, Carson, Chris Addison, Clown, comcompod, Competitions, Coping, Corona, Corporate Gigs, COVID-19, Ed Gamble, Edinburgh, Fame, Festival, Fringe, George Carlin, Interview, Jongleurs, Josh Widdicombe, Lee Evans, Lenny Bruce, Live At The Apollo, London, Mental Health, Milton Jones, Onstage Persona, Paul Tonkinson, Rik Mayall, Rob Deering, Running, Running Commentary, Stage Persona, Stewart Lee, Structure, Stuart Goldsmith, Success, Writing Jokes, YouTube

Back on tour after a period of self-reflection, comedy powerhouse Omid Djalili is admirably candid as he shares his concerns about the material that made him famous. Taking to heart some stinging criticism from his son, he explores the tension between his phenomenal commitment to live performance and his craving for validation

We talk about the tendency of white middle-class reviewers to froth at his otherness; whether or not his “everything and the kitchen sink” approach armed them against him; and find out what advice a young Michael McIntyre rejected…

20 mins of extra content available exclusively to the Insiders Club includes Omid on how Whoopi Goldberg inspired him when they worked together, an amazing true story about his approach to casting directors in the early days of his movie career, and the truth behind his mould-breaking audition for his key role in The Mummy (1999)…

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 Omid:
TW: @Omid9
“Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour” will be at London’s Eventim Apollo on 18th December and touring the UK until November 2022. For all tour dates and tickets visit www.omidnoagenda.com

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: Audiences, BBC, BBC One, Edinburgh, Have I Got News For You, Interview, Jack Dee, Live At The Apollo, London, Mainstream, Omid Djallili, Onstage Persona, Parenting, Persona, Racism, Rob Brydon, Stage Persona, Success, Would I Lie To You?, Writing Jokes