The Comedian's Comedian WITH STUART GOLDSMITH

For anyone who writes comedy, makes comedy, loves comedy, or just has an interest in comedians and what makes them so annoying.

283 – Ben “Yahtzee” Croshaw

In a double first for the podcast we speak not only across a transatlantic internet connection but also to our first critic! But Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw is unlike any other; a fast-talking and acerbic eviscerator of computer games, his hilarious "Zero Punctuation" reviews regularly attract downloads in the millions, while his sci-fi and fantasy novels have garnered critical acclaim. We discuss world-building, why games lend themselves to horror more than comedy, and cover investment, anxiety and shouting rude words.

Extras: Yahtzee explores his comedy influences, his one attempt at standup and explains the iterative process behind his videos. Sign up now at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders

@YahtzeeCroshaw | Youtube | Zero Punctuation | Yahtzee's Blog

Get tickets to my new tour dates at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour or on any of the following venues below:

13/03/2019 Salisbury Art Centre

20/03/2019 Cheltenham Playhouse

29/03/2019 Crawley -The Hawth

05/04/2019 Reading – South Street Arts

12/04/2019 Leamington Spa - Royal Spa Centre

17/04/2019 Oxford Old Fire Station

19/04/2019 Bromsgrove – The Artix

27/04/2019 Plymouth Barbican

9-11/05/2019 Soho Theatre, London

05/10/19 Edinburgh Stand (early show – 5pm)

11/10/19 Northampton Royal and Derngate

25/10/19 Teignmouth Pavillions

26/10/19 Swindon Arts Centre

04/11/19 Nottingham Glee Club

05/11/19 Birmingham Glee Club

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

28/02/20 Cambridge Junction

@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.com

The Comedian's Comedian - 283 – Ben “Yahtzee” Croshaw

Filed Under: Audiences, Character, Character Comedy, Charlie Brooker, Comedy, Eddie Izzard, Ego, Fame, First Open Spot, Gaming, Horror, Interview, Isolation, Jobs, Mental Health, Mogworld, Monty Python, Open Mic, Persona, Podcasting, Problems, Reviews, Risk, Stage Persona, Stereotypes, Success, Worth, Writing, Writing Jokes, YouTube, Zero Punctuation

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282 – Toby Hadoke

Toby is a quintessential English gent; bumbling, noble and Dr Who obsessed. He's also a very deft writer whose work keeps making Stu cry, as well as a respected compere and champion of newer acts. We talk about his stewardship of the club XS Mallarkey, using self-deprecation as a defense mechanism, and tease at the feeling of being surplus...

Extra material available exclusively to Insiders includes Toby on his brilliant contribution to a radio show commemorating the life of Spike Milligan, and the time he punched a heckler.

Sign up now at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders

@TobyHadoke | tobyhadoke.com | Toby Hadoke's Who's Round

WATCH my free comedy special on Dead Parrot's YouTube channel HERE

BUY the Directors Cut for £5 at www.comedianscomedian.com/special

OBSERVE my new tour dates at www.comedianscomedian.com/tour or at any of the following links below:

13/03/2019 Salisbury Art Centre

20/03/2019 Cheltenham Playhouse

29/03/2019 Crawley -The Hawth

05/04/2019 Reading – South Street Arts

12/04/2019 Leamington Spa - Royal Spa Centre

17/04/2019 Oxford Old Fire Station

19/04/2019 Bromsgrove – The Artix

27/04/2019 Plymouth Barbican

9-11/05/2019 Soho Theatre, London

05/10/19 Edinburgh Stand (early show – 5pm)

11/10/19 Northampton Royal and Derngate

25/10/19 Teignmouth Pavillions

26/10/19 Swindon Arts Centre

04/11/19 Nottingham Glee Club

05/11/19 Birmingham Glee Club

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

28/02/20 Cambridge Junction

@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.com

The Comedian's Comedian - 282 – Toby Hadoke

Filed Under: 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Acting, Actor, Adam Bloom, Age, Audiences, Awards, BBC, BBC4, Ben Elton, Bill Hicks, Charlie Brooker, Comedy, Comedy Store, Compere, Compere/MC/Hosting, Diversity, Dr Who, Fame, Fringe, Interview, Jack Dee, Jason Cook, Jim Jefferies, John Bishop, Mock The Week, Onstage Persona, Persona, Peter Kay, Phil Ellis, Podcasting, Radio 4, Russell Kane, Sarah Millican, Spike Milligan, Stage Persona, Stand Up, Success, The Comedy Store, The Guardian, Twitter, Whimsy, Who's Round, Worth, Writing Jokes, Writing On Stage, XS Malarkey

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281 – Jake Johannsen

A quintessential stand-up, with over three decades' experience and forty-five Letterman appearances, Jake Johannsen is an infinitely warm and funny man.

We talk about how his decisions have defined him, how to cope with periods of derailed progress, and why the plans of a comedian are pointless.

Extra content available to members of the Insiders Club include Jake on turning down a pivotal role in Seinfeld; how he utilises his massive experience to play corporate gigs, and how he deals with having material stolen...

Join up at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders for all the extra content from past and future shows, the "comedy critique" episodes, ad-free episodes and secret REDACTED live recordings!

@jakethis | www.jakethis.com

Book now for LIVE ComComPods:
Mar 23rd 1pm - Live special with comedy legend TBC @ Birmingham Podcast Festival!

Stu’s 2019 tour of “End Of” is on sale now!

“A comedy masterclass… Endlessly inventive” (The List)

Tickets for the first half of the tour at these links:

22/02/2019 Maidenhead – Norden Farm

01/03/2019 Falmouth – The Poly

13/03/2019 Salisbury Art Centre

20/03/2019 Cheltenham Playhouse

29/03/2019 Crawley -The Hawth

05/04/2019 Reading – South Street Arts

12/04/2019 Leamington Spa - Royal Spa Centre

17/04/2019 Oxford Old Fire Station

19/04/2019 Bromsgrove – The Artix

27/04/2019 Plymouth Barbican

9-11/05/2019 Soho Theatre, London

@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.com

280 – Jeff Innocent

A diamond-hard joke writer and phenomenally deft performer, there is no aspect of Jeff Innocent's act that hasn't been honed to perfection.

A purist about several aspects of comedy, some of them surprising, his hard man aesthetic conceals a deadly sophistication. We talk about the poetry of comedy, the pursuit of the rolling laugh, and find out why never to say "hello"...

Around 30mins of extra material available only to members of the insiders club includes Jeff on martial arts, misdirection, feeling vulnerable for the first time, and dropping bombs... Join now at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders

Jeff Innocent Comedy Academy | www.jeffinnocent.com | @InnocentJeff

Book now for LIVE ComComPods:
Mar 23rd 1pm - Live special with comedy legend TBC @ Birmingham Podcast Festival!

Stu’s 2019 tour of “End Of” is on sale now!
“A comedy masterclass… Endlessly inventive” (The List)
Tickets for the first half of the tour at these links:
22/02/2019 Maidenhead – Norden Farm
01/03/2019 Falmouth – The Poly
13/03/2019 Salisbury Art Centre
20/03/2019 Cheltenham Playhouse
29/03/2019 Crawley -The Hawth
05/04/2019 Reading – South Street Arts
12/04/2019 Leamington Spa - Royal Spa Centre
17/04/2019 Oxford Old Fire Station
19/04/2019 Bromsgrove – The Artix
27/04/2019 Plymouth Barbican
9-11/05/2019 Soho Theatre, London

@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.com

And don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here. Special Offer:
If you'd like to book Stu's 60min presentation "What Comedy Can Teach Your Business About Resilience" COMPLETELY FREE, there are a strictly limited number of talks available that I'll be using for rehearsal purposes!
Apply by emailing info (a t) comedianscomedian.com if you're in a position to assemble a team of 20 or more members of your staff, who'd benefit from an energising hour about bouncing back from difficult situations, with loads of takeaway tools.

278 – Eggsy (Goldie Lookin Chain) AKA John Rutledge

One of the co-founders of Newport's finest musical export "Goldie Lookin Chain", John "Eggsy" Rutledge is an irrepressibly joyful soul who raps but isn't a rapper.
We talk about the development of the band, why you can't ever get off the tour bus, his "Unexplainers" podcast with Mike Bubbins, and how and when to avoid the grownups.

www.theunexplainers.co.uk | @theunexplainers | @TheGLC | Goldie Lookin Chain
Enjoy ad-free episodes plus a ton of extra content from interviews, as well as access to the private podcast and our super-fan community at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders

Book now for LIVE ComComPod at Birmingham Podcast Festival:

Mar 23rd 1pm - Live special with comedy legend TBC @ Birmingham Podcast Festival!

Stu’s 2019 tour of “End Of” is on sale now!
“A comedy masterclass… Endlessly inventive” (The List)
Tickets for the first half of the tour at these links:
22/02/2019 Maidenhead – Norden Farm
01/03/2019 Falmouth – The Poly
13/03/2019 Salisbury Art Centre
20/03/2019 Cheltenham Playhouse
29/03/2019 Crawley -The Hawth
05/04/2019 Reading – South Street Arts
12/04/2019 Leamington Spa - Royal Spa Centre
17/04/2019 Oxford Old Fire Station
19/04/2019 Bromsgrove – The Artix
27/04/2019 Plymouth Barbican
9-11/05/2019 Soho Theatre, London

Filed Under: Adam and Joe, Age, Alcohol, Audience Participation, Audiences, Awards, BBC, Big Brother, College, Comedy, Directing, Drinking, Fame, Festival, Flight Of The Conchords, Improv, Inspiration, Interview, Jobs, John Cleese, Mainstream, Money, Monty Python, Music Videos, Musical Comedy, Nick Helm, Onstage Persona, Parody, Persona, Podcasting, Public Enemy, Radio, Reality TV, Rhod Gilbert, Risk, Success, Worth, YouTube

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277 – Jessica Fostekew

Character-filled comedian and actress, Jessica Fostekew is also the presenter of her own podcast "Hoovering", and guest co-host of The Guilty Feminist. We talk about how noticing her own faked confidence led to a sea-change in her creative process, the "crime" of mixing stand-up and acting, the joys of fabricating the truth, and when to drink the champagne...

Join the Insiders Club at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders to get access to an ad-free version of this episode plus 20 minutes of extras, including Jessica's exploration of her work directing standup shows for Sara Pascoe and Lauren Pattinson among others. Insiders Club membership also gives you a whole private podcast stuffed with inspiring extra content, the chance to critique newer acts en masse, and pitch to interview Stu about the subject of your choice - as well as a new community of hyper-fans!

See Hoovering Live at the Vault Festival, 3rd March!

jessicafostekew.com | @jessicafostekew

Book now for LIVE ComComPods:

Mar 23rd 1pm - Live special with comedy legend TBC @ Birmingham Podcast Festival!

g>Stu’s 2019 tour of “End Of” is on sale now! “A comedy masterclass… Endlessly inventive” (The List)
Tickets for the first half of the tour at these links:
22/02/2019 Maidenhead – Norden Farm
01/03/2019 Falmouth – The Poly
13/03/2019 Salisbury Art Centre
20/03/2019 Cheltenham Playhouse
29/03/2019 Crawley -The Hawth
05/04/2019 Reading – South Street Arts
12/04/2019 Leamington Spa - Royal Spa Centre
17/04/2019 Oxford Old Fire Station
19/04/2019 Bromsgrove – The Artix
27/04/2019 Plymouth Barbican
9-11/05/2019 Soho Theatre, London

@comcompod | www.comedianscomedian.com

And don't forget to join the Comcom Facebook group, which you can do here.

Filed Under: Actor, Audiences, BBC, Comedy, Corporate Work, Directing, Edinburgh, Equality, Fame, Fear, Feminism, Feminist, Festival, Festival Comedian, Frankie Boyle, Fringe, Gender, Interview, Lauren Pattison, Persona, Podcasting, Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, Sarah Millican, Stage Persona, Stand Up, Success, The Guilty Feminist, Worth, Writing, Writing Jokes, Writing On Stage

Comments: No Comments

268 – Imran Yusuf

Swaggering and slick yet positive and passionate, Imran Yusuf talks fast and funny, and dances around accusations of arrogance. The first free fringe act to be nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Festival, appearing shortly afterwards on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, it looked as if the world was at his feet. But he is the first to admit he didn't capitalise on his success, and now takes a forensic approach to the business decisions and alliances he regrets. We talk about how his previous job in the video-games industry affects his quality control; uncover the dynamic between his work ethic and an "internal unworthiness", and discover his voracious attitude to personal development... www.imranyusuf.com @ImranYusuf Enjoy all extras from shows past and present with access to the private Insiders Club podcast, alongside a host of other strands and projects, including the chance to interview Stu yourself, and take part in a group critical analysis of newer acts from all over the world: www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders Stu’s 2019 tour of “End Of” has just gone on sale!

“A comedy masterclass… Endlessly inventive” (The List)

Tickets for the first half of the tour at these links:

22/02/2019 Maidenhead – Norden Farm

01/03/2019 Falmouth – The Poly

13/03/2019 Salisbury Art Centre

20/03/2019 Cheltenham Playhouse

29/03/2019 Crawley -The Hawth

05/04/2019 Reading – South Street Arts

12/04/2019 Leamington Spa - Royal Spa Centre

17/04/2019 Oxford Old Fire Station

19/04/2019 Bromsgrove – The Artix

27/04/2019 Plymouth Barbican

The Comedian's Comedian - 268 – Imran Yusuf

Filed Under: Acting, Adam Bloom, Audiences, Bill Burr, Chris Rock, Comedy, Comedy Store, Dave Chappelle, Edinburgh, Festival, Fringe, Interview, Laughing Horse, Live At The Apollo, London, Mental Health, Michael McIntyre, Netflix, Onstage Persona, Open Mic, Perrier Comedy Award, Persona, Phil Nichol, Plagiarism, Pleasance, Reverse Racism, Risk, Rob Rouse, Stage Persona, Stand Up, Stephen K Amos, Success, The Comedy Store, TV, TV Comedy, Twitter, USA, Worth, Writing, Writing Jokes

Comments: No Comments

264 – Janeane Garofalo

Championed as a Hollywood icon of the Slacker generation, Janeane Garofalo is a brilliant and fascinating stand-up, with the structure-free style you'd expect from someone who read from notes on her first HBO special. She's candid about crying daily within the TV "sausage factory" of crime drama which draws in former film stars, and lets loose on the makers of 24 and Criminal Minds. She also talks about her activism, how her parents "raised a quitter", and turns out to be surprisingly well-informed on British comedy... Extra material for members of the Insiders Club includes Janeane on the competition between reviewers to be as critical as possible, how it felt to be actively passed on by Netflix, the trials of selling shows when you eschew social media, and a secret message left to Stu when he went for a wee and left the recorder running... All available when you join the Insiders Club for £2 per month or whatever you think is fair at www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders

Stu’s 2019 tour of “End Of” has just gone on sale!

“A comedy masterclass… Endlessly inventive” (The List)

Tickets for the first half of the tour at these links:

07/10/2018 Aberystwyth Comedy Festival – The Coliseum

22/02/2019 Maidenhead – Norden Farm

01/03/2019 Falmouth – The Poly

29/03/2019 Crawley -The Hawth

05/04/2019 Reading – South Street Arts

17/04/2019 Oxford Old Fire Station

19/04/2019 Bromsgrove – The Artix

27/04/2019 Plymouth Barbican