The comedians paradise

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of The Comedian's Paradise!

In this episode, we sit down with Barcelona-based stand-up comedian Mariah Girouard to look behind the scenes of her fearless Edinburgh Festival Fringe show, 'Trauma Made Me Hot'.

Mariah shares her fascinating journey of moving from Massachusetts to Spain, and how she managed to turn an incredibly dark, real-life survival story—a true crime tale of a man who tried to kill her—into a hilarious, tightly crafted comedy show. We dive into the fine line between true comedic structure and "trauma dumping", the diffe...

What does it take to master the art of the fool? In this episode, we sit down with award-winning British physical comedian, master mime, and clown David Hoskin.Fresh from acclaimed runs at Soho Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, David unpacks his time training at the legendary international theatre school, École Philippe Gaulier. We delve into the psychological power of "embracing the flop", the precise mechanics behind his hit comedy-horror show A Haunted House, and how he treats awkwardness on stage as a creative superpower.Whether you're an aspiring performer, a theatre maker, or just a massive fan o...

Join host Marvin McCarthy on The Comedians Paradise as he chats with stand-up comedian and writer Scott Adams about his hit Edinburgh Fringe show, The Van Man Can!. Discover the reality of juggling a UK delivery driver job with live comedy, mastering crowd work, and building a sustainable career on the British comedy circuit. Tune in for unfiltered backstage stories and sharp stand-up insights from a true festival maverick. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[02:45]] Being a van driver, public observation, and the reason I had to change my accent as a British...

In this interview we chat to the brilliant Sandra Battaglini, she is an award-winning stand-up comic who spearheaded a historic grassroots movement to unionise Canadian comedy, founding CASC(The Canadian Association of Stand-up, Sketch & Improv Comedians) and partnering with Unifor/CFU to secure essential performer benefits. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

00:00 – Introduction to Sandra Battaglini and Her Mission

02:48 – Sandra's Journey into Comedy and Activism

05:46 – The Formation of a Comedian's Association (CASC)

08:53 – Lobbying for Change in the Canadian Comedy Landscape

11:57 – The Impact of Unionization on Canadian C...

In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, we dive deep into the mind of Edinburgh Fringe legend and Malcolm Hardee Award winner, Mark Dean Quinn. From his legendary cult status as the man who ate a kilogram of cheese on stage at 2:00 AM, to the rules of his chaotic new late-night alternative hit, Mark Dean Quinn Tries to Walk Towards a Flipchart, we explore what it truly means to make maverick comedy.We break down the evolution of audience interaction, why live comedy is shifting away from corporate influences, and the psychological relationship between a comedian and the audience's...

We talk to Josh "Bonesy" Rice is an Adelaide-based comedian, writer, and director who has been a staple of the international Fringe circuit since 2008. Widely known for his work with comedy group DamnitLeanne! and his regular appearances at Adelaide's iconic Rhino Room, he specialises in physical comedy, improvisation, and sketch writing. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[03:19]] Fringes and Comedy Reviews [[05:49]]

[[05:49]] Tall Poppy Syndrome and Cultural Differences [[12:30]]

[[12:35]] Why I Like Small Fringes [[16:43]]

[[16:43]] Adelaide's Year-Round Comedy Scene [[19:43]]

[[19:43]] Flyering Strategies at the Edinburgh Fringe [[24:17]]

[[23:00]] Targeted...

Professional puppeteer and clown Michelle Stein joins the podcast to chat about her 15-year career and her solo show Always Sometimes Maybe at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We dive deep into the rich history of alternative theatre, the art of physical comedy, and why the Fringe has shifted from a haven for eccentric artists into an expensive party for the elite.

Plus, we debate the merits of Chicago deep-dish pizza and plug The Pieces—a spectacular circus show performing at the Underbelly Circus Hub. If you would like to know more on Michelle, you can go...

We interview Martin Mor, the Northern Irish powerhouse who transitioned from a successful career as a circus performer to take the unsuspecting comedy circuit by storm. With over 40 years of experience as a professional entertainer, Martin has established himself as one of the UK’s most popular and in-demand comedians. Now back in Northern Ireland, he works as a leading comedy tutor, sharing his decades of stage wisdom with the next generation of comics. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:00]] How I got started in stand-up comedy [[07:48]]

[[08:26]] The evolution of booking fe...

We chat to Andrew Ellard, he is a premiere British screenwriter, script editor, and story producer famed for his work on critically acclaimed shows like The IT Crowd, Red Dwarf, Miranda, Detectorists, and Chewing Gum. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[03:03]] Should Idris Elba play James Bond and the challenge of casting directors [[07:34]]

[[07:34]] Why I stopped watching Doctor Who when Peter Capaldi left [[10:26]]

[[11:14]] My comedy journey: Starting with Red Dwarf and getting into The IT Crowd [[17:09]][[17:20]] Why you need a unique perspective and flawed characters to write good scripts [[24:00]]<...

How do you interview a mime on an audio podcast? In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, we welcome viral mime star Silent Rocco! Known to millions on Instagram and TikTok for his mind-bending street performances and physical comedy, Rocco breaks his silence (metaphorically) to share his journey. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[01:25]] Handling drunk Scots, connecting with audiences, and why I became a mime [[16:22]]

[[05:00]] Channeling stage fright: Why I will stop as soon as I am not nervous [[05:30]]

[[16:22]] The good and the bad of social media al...

Our guest today is Sam Diplock a comedian, combat coach and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt instructor. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[01:00]] The reality of the BJJ community and the people who train [[07:24]]

[[01:13]] The Conor McGregor effect on modern combat sports [[02:26]]

[[07:24]] My personal journey into traditional martial arts [[13:56]]

[[13:00]] Underhand tactics and dirty tricks used in a live fight [[15:58]]

[[15:58]] Unconventional combat strategies and tactical psychology [[19:07]]

[[19:07]] The truth about fighting vs professional slap fighting [[24:00]]

[[24:00]] How to spot who can actually fight and...

Dave Cohen is a British comedian, author, and multi-award-winning comedy writer with a career spanning over four decades in UK television, radio, and live performance. He is best known as the lead lyricist for the hit BBC children's series Horrible Histories, which earned him eight BAFTA Awards. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[02:06]] How I got started in comedy: why many great comics actually started out as punks [[10:28]]

[[10:28]] Comedy in the 80s and 90s, the 2008 economic crash and how it hindered stand-up’s recovery, and how Covid almost killed the industry [[15:00]]

[[15:00]] Wh...

Welcome to The Comedian's Paradise! In this episode, we sit down with the critically acclaimed, award-winning UK stand-up comedian Tom Mayhew (BBC Radio 4’s Benefit Scum, Soho Theatre). Known for his fiercely funny, authentic working-class perspective and hit Edinburgh Fringe solo shows (I, Tom Mayhew). Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[01:05] Never Been Called Tantalising & What Do You Need for the Fringe? [05:32]

Tom shares a hilarious opening anecdote and looks at why the Edinburgh Fringe remains so brilliant.

[01:05] The Fringe: Do What You Want, Not What Everyone El...

In this episode, we sit down with international comedian Fedor Ikelaar to pull back the curtain on the booming European English-speaking comedy circuit. We dive deep into how the continental scene operates, the unique challenges of performing for multi-national crowds, and what it takes to build a career as a touring road comic in Europe. Here are the various chapters of the episode:

[[00:00]] My start in comedy and why I don’t use local comedians [[10:36]]

[[10:36]] Not needing gatekeepers and the work needed [[15:50]]

[[15:50]] Mid-show break / Behind-the-scenes thoughts [[18:27]]

[[18:27]] The cost of tr...

In this episode, former teacher and comedian Andy Gleeks explains why he left education after 18 years, discussing the intense pressures of the modern profession and his transition into stand-up comedy. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the UK comedy scene, wild open mic nights, and the realities of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe. The conversation also explores Northern Irish culture, comparing life in Belfast and London, while delving into the roots of Northern Irish humour and how Anglo-Irish relations have evolved over time. Here are the chapters of the episode:

[[01:21]] Why I am no longer a...

How do you build a 30-year comedy career that pays better than late-night TV? In this episode, legendary comedian Eric O’Shea pulls back the curtain on the highly lucrative world of the college comedy circuit. Eric shares his origin story, from skipping the New York City grind to dominating campus stages across America with 40 to 50 gigs every single year.We dive deep into the business of comedy, including booking strategies, audience demographics, and the stark reality of how "popularity equals talent" in the modern entertainment industry. Eric also tackles the massive shifts in campus culture, offering an honest lo...

How do you build a thriving comedy circuit in the heart of Scotland? In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, we’re joined by five-time Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist, Ross Leslie.As the founder of Good Egg Comedy, Ross has become a key figure in the Scottish "Central Belt" scene. We dive into the "maverick" mindset required to run a family-run comedy collective, the distinct differences between the Glasgow and Edinburgh crowds, and the reality of booking top-tier talent in 2024.Ross shares his journey from stand-up to promoter, explaining how he handles social media trolls, keeps his li...

In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, Marvin McCarthy is joined by a true industry titan: the legendary manager, producer, and ‘God of Comedy’, Barry Katz.As the man who helped launch the careers of icons like Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., and Whitney Cummings, Barry offers a masterclass in the realities of show business. Titled 'The Art of the Struggle', the conversation focuses on the grit and resilience required to survive the circuit. Barry discusses his "Mike Tyson" approach to preparation, the competitive nature of the industry, and his famously grounded advice on why you must master the smal...

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy and Jack Wheeler are joined by industry veteran Kate Lennon.

As the first employee of UTC Artist Management, Kate helped navigate the careers of household names and worked on some of the biggest shows in the UK, including the historic Black British Takeover at the O2. Now, she’s disrupting the circuit with REPPD —a consultancy designed to give unrepresented comedians the business tools they need to succeed without a traditional agent.

We discuss the "unwritten rules" of the UK comedy circuit, the realit...

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy sits down with the "Architect of Destiny" herself, Sharon Mannion.

As a powerhouse of the Irish entertainment industry, Sharon wears many hats: she is an award-winning writer, a star of hit sitcoms like Bridget & Eamon (RTÉ/Hulu), and a veteran of the Dublin Comedy Improv scene. Today, she holds one of the most influential roles in the country as the resident host and talent booker for The Comedy Cellar at the International Bar—Ireland's longest-running comedy club. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

...

Join host Marvin McCarthy on The Comedians Paradise for an exclusive sit-down with a true legend of the British comedy circuit—John Marshall, aka Agraman the Human Anagram.

As the founder of the iconic Buzz Comedy Club in Manchester, John has spent over 30 years as the ultimate "kingmaker," giving first gigs to some of the biggest names in comedy history. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[02:19]] How I became a comedy consultant , my journey to setting up Comedy buzz [[08::04]]

[[08:12]] My pattern for booking shows and Peter kay , fo...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Stop working for "exposure" and start getting paid. In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, we sit down with the legendary author of The Comedy Bible, Judy Carter, to discuss her brand new 2026 release: Make Money Being Funny.

Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[07:40]] The current problems facing comedy [[09:04]]

[[12:06]] How to find your niche: Where to start your career [[17:11]]

[[17:11]] Challenges of writing...

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, host Marvin McCarthy sits down with the brilliant Jack McMinn, a standout musical comedian and a true "man of interesting facts". Jack pulls back the curtain on his creative DNA, tracing his early inspirations from the deadpan genius of Flight of the Conchords and the lyrical mastery of Tim Minchin. They dive into the evolution of comedy through the noughties and tens, discussing the unique "weirdness" of being a musical act in a stand-up world and why musical comedy remains such a powerful tool for connection.

The co...

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy and Jack Wheeler sit down with the "Supremo of Ventriloquism", Steve Hewlett. With a career spanning 40 years, Steve discusses his journey from the "bread and butter" of the holiday park circuit to becoming a Britain's Got Talent finalist.

Steve opens up about the reality of touring with The Osmonds in America, why he wouldn’t step onto the BGT stage in the current climate, and a fascinating story about his fan, the late John Hurt. We also explore the technical challenges of the craft and whether Simon Cowe...

Join host Marvin McCarthy as he speaks with Jay Saunders, a former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy turned comedian. Discover how Jay is using Project Comedy to help UK veterans recover from PTSD and transition to civilian life through the power of military humour. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:00]] Why British Military Personnel are World-Class [[04:31]]

[[05:36]] From Lieutenant Commander to Comedian: Jay’s Journey [[07:00]]

[[07:00]] Camaraderie vs. Bullying: The Reality of Military ‘Banter’ [[09:36]]

[[09:36]] Joining the Armed Services: Jay’s Military Career Beginnings [[12:45]]

[[12:45]] Battling PTSD & Smashing the Edinburgh Fringe w...

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy interviews the "Beast of Physical comedy" himself, John Towsen, for an in-depth exploration of the mechanics of funny.

John breaks down the relationship between clowning and physical comedy, moving beyond typical red-nose tropes to look at the spirit of the performer. We compare American and European styles, discuss the legendary impact of Philippe Gaulier, and examine why so few people are teaching physical comedy correctly today.

Crucially for the stand-up community, John deconstructs gag structures, explaining exactly how a physical gag differs from a verbal jo...

The Comedian’s Paradise is the interview podcast giving you the inside scoop on global comedy scenes and the mavericks who define them. In this episode, host Marvin McCarthy sits down with the legendary physical comedian Michel Courtemanche. Known as the "Human Cartoon", Michel reveals why he walked away from international fame to pursue his true passion for directing.

Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[01:00]] My journey to being a physical comedian and how I eventually transitioned to my passion [[08:40]]

[[13:00]] My process for refining and creating bits: Building characters, placing them in...

How do you turn a kitchen-table pilot into a comedy powerhouse with 100,000 subscribers? Marvin McCarthy sits down with Phil Green to discuss his unique journey through the comedy circuit, his success as a festival regular, and the meteoric rise of Believe? The Myths & Conspiracies Pod. From debunking the 'bullied comedian' trope to productivity tips inspired by the likes of Romesh Ranganathan, this episode is the ultimate guide to mastering independence and connecting with an audience on your own terms. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:00]] Journey into comedy and the Believe Conspiracy podcast [[11:33]]

[[11:46...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop on what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Susan Nickson, the creator of the legendary British sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, joins The Comedian’s Paradise to share her journey of writing a hit show at just 19 years old. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:00]] Accents and finding love: Regional identity and chemistry [[06:04]]

[[06:04]] Starting Two Pints: The origin of the BBC cult classic [[07:52]]

[[07:52]] Asians ageing well: Cultural in...

Welcome to the interview podcast providing an inside scoop on comedy scenes across the globe. We are dedicated to speaking with the true mavericks of the comedy world.

In this episode, join acclaimed comedian Dane Baptiste for an unfiltered look at his journey, from his humble beginnings to conquering the Edinburgh Fringe. Dane dives deep into the harsh realities of the comedy industry, the hurdles of creating a Black sitcom, and the nuances of racism in the UK versus the USA.

From navigating "cancel culture" to the raw truth about fame and ego, Baptiste explores...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Join hosts Marvin McCarthy and Jack Wheeler as they interview Donatas Kveselys, the 6ft 7in Lithuanian comedian making waves in Sweden, the european circuit, Japan and conquering all UK gong shows. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, the "Lithuanian Giant" has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting rising stars in stand-up comedy. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[01:08]] The London Comedy Scene vs Everywhere Else

...

How does a WCW announcer and WGA screenwriter become a world-class clown? Chad Damiani joins Marvin McCarthy on The Comedians Paradise to break down the link between pro wrestling and physical comedy, the brilliance of Natalie Palamides, and why every comedian should question authority. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[07:35]] Clowning vs Wrestling: Examining the surprising parallels between these two art forms.[[14:58]]

[[08:35]] Gatekeeping in Comedy: Challenging the barriers to entry in the alternative scene. [[15:10]]

[[15:11]] The Wrestler as Clown: Which pro-wrestlers best embody the clown archetype? [[18:07]]

[[21:59]] Conservatory Training: Navigating the...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Our guest today is Simon Rakoff, Simon Rakoff is a veteran Canadian stand-up comedian with a career spanning over 40 years. Known for his sharp wit, observational humour, and storytelling, Simon has performed across Canada, the USA, and the UK, earning acclaim at major comedy festivals such as Just For Laughs, Halifax Ha!, and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:00]] A brief overview of Canadian...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Joining us today is Darren Sanders, a veteran of the Australian comedy circuit with over 30 years of stage and screen experience. Known for his sharp observational wit and relaxed storytelling, Darren has hosted five seasons of his own late-night program, The Darren Sanders Show, and appeared in hits like Underbelly and A Place To Call Home. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[02:07]] Coming from Adelaide and gigging for 33...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. We talk to Andy Huggins, a veteran stand-up comedian and "King of One-Liners". A beloved figure in the comedy world for over 45 years, he gained national recognition on Season 13 of America's Got Talent (AGT), where he surprised judges by revealing he started his career alongside Howie Mandel decades ago. Huggins' timeless humor and unique perspective on aging have made his performances with Don't Tell Comedy go viral, captivating millions across YouTube, TikTok...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. We speak to former crip gang member, prisoner of 23 years and now professional comedian, Stacey Taylor. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[01:00] Grew up being funny; there were no outlets for comedy in the ghetto, so I went into drugs and joined the Crips[03:41]

[05:28] It’s one-sided; that’s why people get into gangs, and why cults are always present.[08:56]

[13:33] How The Secret by Rhon...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. In todays episode we talk about two ladies Alice Frick and Sophie Quirk, two individuals who are seeking to make the UK comedy scene are much fairer and safer place for comedians:

[[01:07]] Brief intro on our main guests [[07:09]]

[[07:09]] Comedians are very divided and standup isn’t very organised, its good, but you may not get paid [[11:22]]

[[13:32]] How to make acts feel assured [[20:34]]

[[39:12 ]] False accusations an...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Leon Filewood is an emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stand-up comedian from Australia known for his observational humor and truth-telling style. He has performed at major events like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[01:39]] The two indigenous populations history in Australia and not being allowed to practice your culture and traditions [[15:27]]

[[15:27]] A...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. We speak to brilliant clown teacher, Mick Barnfather,he has a prominent background in physical theatre and clowning pedagogy, built over 40 years as an actor, director, and influential teacher. His approach centers on the philosophy of theatrical clowning rather than the traditional circus style. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[07:26]] Finding your clown and repeating things, how to recreate what works , how to re-create things as a director...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. We speak to Ed Rowett, , award-winning writer for BBC Radio 4's Reluctant Persuaders and script editor for Channel 4's Hullraisers. In this exclusive interview, Ed shares industry insights on crafting compelling sitcoms, breaking into the competitive UK comedy scene, and his creative process. If you would like to know more about Ed, you can look to find his sitcom reluctant persuaders with this link:https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b08...