This Week in Comedy with Ant, Morry and Stig

In Episode 38 of This Week in Comedy, Morry Morgan and Stig Wemyss are joined at The Rubber Chicken Podcast Studio by character comedian and social media star Nick White , whose videos have attracted more than 800,000 followers and over 40 million likes across TikTok and Instagram. Nick discusses his journey from architecture to comedy, explaining how a childhood love of drawing, creating characters and playing SimCity and The Sims eventually led him towards designing people rather than buildings. He also introduces the inspiration behind his best-known character, Carli Furplam, and reveals why his deliberately abrasive characters keep audiences watching, even when they are almost too uncomfortable to endure. The conversation follows Nick’s early stand-up career in Brisbane, his three years performing in New York and the controversial “bringer show” model, where comedians must supply audience members before they are allowed on stage. Nick also explains why crowd work has become such an important part of his live performances and how years of observing people help him build detailed worlds around his characters. Nick then shares his excitement and nerves about joining the Australian production of Monty Python’s Spamalot . Performing alongside Stephen Curry, he will take on several roles, including the infamous French Taunter. It is Nick’s first musical and his first major theatre production, meaning he has had to tackle singing, choreography, ensemble performance and an intense rehearsal schedule. Elsewhere, Morry and Stig examine Originate Comedy , the new development incubator created by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and VicScreen to help Victorian comedy storytellers turn original concepts into screen projects. They also celebrate the tenth anniversary of American comedy media company 800 Pound Gorilla, which has reportedly generated more than US$45 million for 700 comedians while releasing 1,500 hours of comedy content. Episode 38 also covers the week’s comedy news, Australian acts at the Edinburgh Fringe, touring comedians, the value of comedy as an industry and Stig’s search for an actor to lead a quirky new short film involving grief, cancer, a midlife crisis and a talking snail. Finally, the Morry and Stig taste Hop Nation’s Melbourne Black , a locally brewed nitro pub stout inspired by Melbourne’s historic drinking culture. Is it a Guinness replacement, a lighter stout or simply the liquid equivalent of a ham-and-cheese sandwich cut into little squares? Links: Monty Python's Spamalot Tickets: Click here Hop Nation's Melbourne Black: Click here Mezzanine Films: Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Week in Comedy breaks new ground with its first filmed episode, as host Morry Morgan welcomes returning co-host Stig Wemyss, new co-host Anthony Littlechild and special guest Amanda Spagnolo from Princess Bento. Together, they explore Australian comedy news and modern animation today. Amanda, an Emmy-nominated writer and producer, shares her journey from Canada’s Sinking Ship Entertainment to Melbourne’s Princess Bento. Her credits include Ginger and the Vegesaurs, Monster Beach, Space Chickens in Space and Michael Cusack projects. She explains how Princess Bento combines the local experience of Princess Pictures with its partnership with America’s Bento Box, and discusses the opportunities and pressures facing Australian animation. The team examines Sam Pang’s Gold Logie win, Anthony’s memorable encounter with Pang at an awards afterparty, Celia Pacquola’s comedy success and the ABC’s continuing support for Australian comedy. They also celebrate Caper Crew heading to Netflix globally, Superwog entering the National Film and Sound Archive, Nate Bargatze’s record-breaking ticket sales, Jimmy Carr’s forthcoming book about joke mechanics and touring news. Animation returns to centre stage as Amanda gives her professional take on the upcoming Bluey movie and its shift towards a 3D visual style. She explains why Bluey connects so powerfully with children and adults through play, humour, recognisable family relationships and simple storytelling. Amanda also reveals what Princess Bento has in production, including Dad’s House for Netflix, Universal Basic Guys Season 3 and new children’s projects based on Australian intellectual property. Stig reflects on voicing Little Elvis in the groundbreaking Australian series Little Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers, his early stand-up days, giving Dave Hughes stage time and his television adventures with Alan Fletcher on Photo Number 6. Anthony leads This Week in History, revisiting Andy Samberg, Denis Leary, Groucho Marx, Jerry Lewis and Russell Peters. The four also sample White Bay Brewery’s limited-release Hop Gun American IPA, a Top Gun-inspired beer with plenty of kick and a label filled with playful redactions. Morry contributes a scientifically informed look at when tragedy becomes funny, then tests his latest Funny in the Moment encounter involving Luna, South Melbourne Market, potato cakes and the risk of accidentally starting an interstate food argument. Links: Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Princess Bento Studios: Click here White Bay Brewery's Hop Gun IPA: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 36 of This Week in Comedy sees veteran entertainer Marty Fields join hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes for a packed conversation covering Australian comedy, showbusiness, Melbourne’s underworld and a dangerous Albert Park bike ride. With a career spanning more than five decades, Marty shares stories from stand-up, television, radio and musical theatre. He remembers playing five different characters on Blue Heelers, appearing opposite Nicolas Cage in Ghost Rider and spending seven years on Hey Hey It’s Saturday. Marty also explains how he began playing piano in Melbourne pubs at just 14, performing among the colourful characters of St Kilda's Fitzroy St and South Melbourne before touring Australia and moving into stand-up comedy. Marty credits his versatility to his father, legendary comedian Maurie Fields, who advised him to learn as many skills as possible so he would never be out of work. Maurie’s connections produced some extraordinary stories involving Melbourne’s criminal underworld. These include a murder weapon travelling in the boot of the family car and a young Mark “Chopper” Read arriving to collect the troublesome firearm. The discussion turns to Eric Bana, from his early comedy career to his acclaimed portrayal of Chopper. Marty, who knew Chopper personally, agrees that most impressions of the notorious criminal are really impressions of Eric Bana playing him. Marty also explains his theory that audiences prefer to “laugh downhill”, why comedians need to show vulnerability and the difference between comedians who say funny things and comics who say things funny. He discusses meeting Robin Williams, working alongside Australian entertainment legends and using humour to brighten the days of strangers. Morry and Lily guide Marty through comedy news, tours, festivals and milestones involving Lucille Ball, Candid Camera, Daryl Somers, Acropolis Now and Robin Williams. The episode also includes the remarkable story of Australian athlete Reg Spiers posting himself from London to Perth inside a wooden crate. For the episode’s beer tasting, Bridge Road Brewers provides its Coffee Stout , featuring Genovese Coffee’s Super Brazil blend. Morry and Lily enjoy its coffee, caramel and chocolate flavours, with Lily comparing it to an espresso martini in beer form. Marty is considerably less impressed, delivering a brutally honest review that leaves no uncertainty about his position. Episode 36 concludes with Marty discussing his support for The Lost Dogs’ Home and Animals Asia, before Morry recounts seeing him charge through schoolchildren on the Albert Park bike path, loudly ordering everyone to move. Links: Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Bridge Road Brewers Coffee Stout: Click here The Lost Dogs Home: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 35 of This Week in Comedy is served with something suitably special: a 500 ml Mountain Goat Brewery Rare Breed Bract 2, cracked open alongside a big conversation about comedy, creativity, cricket and Australian animation. With Lily Geddes stepping away from this episode, hosts Morry Morgan and Stig Wemyss take over the microphones for a fast moving and entertaining chat with Ken Cantrill, founder of Bigtoon Animation Studio. As the Rare Breed Bract 2 from Mountain Goat Brewery makes its way around the table, Ken talks about building original animation from the ground up, leaving Xentrix Studios after six years, and putting his energy behind his own creative projects through Bigtoon Animation Studio. Front and centre is Snick and Willow, Ken’s kids' cricket animation, Snick and Willow , inspired by his time in India, where cricket is more than just a sport. Ken explains how the idea came together, where the title originated, and why humour is essential when creating animation for younger audiences. He also opens up about the realities behind the finished product, from costly pilots and creative missteps to recognising when an idea needs more work. It is a candid look at the persistence, risk and constant refinement involved in getting an animated series right. The conversation then turns to Peggy and Molly , Ken’s animated project centred on the unlikely friendship between a magpie and a Staffy. With comedians lending their voices to the production and Stig himself involved, the discussion quickly moves into behind the scenes stories, self promotion and classic This Week in Comedy chaos. Morry and Stig also tackle comedy news, industry opportunities and the usual collection of unexpected tangents, all while enjoying the featured 500 ml Mountain Goat Brewery Rare Breed Bract 2. If you love comedy, animation, cricket, creative war stories, Australian entertainment and a quality beer to go with the conversation, this episode delivers all of it. Links: Mountain Goat Rare Breed Bract 2 IPA: Click here Snick and Willow animation: Click here Peggy and Molly animation: Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 34 of This Week in Comedy welcomes veteran comedian Lehmo for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from world records and television history to strange trivia, Australian comedy and everyday attempts to make strangers laugh. Lehmo begins by recalling his decade as a chartered accountant and joking that creative accounting allowed the years 1991 to 1997 to somehow equal ten. He then explains how his childhood obsession with the Guinness Book of Records inspired a fringe show and several publicity stunts involving the record for most jokes told in an hour. After unofficial attempts in Adelaide and Melbourne, including one linked to Rove Live and Damian Cullinan, he completed an official attempt at Adelaide’s Rhino Room, telling 549 jokes in sixty minutes. Guinness later changed the rules and restored Tim Vine’s record, but Lehmo remains delighted that his name appeared in the book and that he still owns the certificate. The discussion opens into memories of famous record holders including Robert Wadlow, Sridhar Chalal, Billy and Benny McCreary, and Lehmo’s childhood hero Peter Knights, who later launched Lehmo’s own book at the MCG. The news section pays tribute to The Goodies’ Bill Oddie, who died aged 85. The hosts reflect on how Oddie, Graham Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor became shared television icons through The Goodies before Oddie developed a second career presenting wildlife programs. Other comedy news covers the return of Glenn Robbins and Mick Molloy’s Celebrity Intervention, the second season of Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey, Andy Lee’s animated Do Not Watch This Show, and Working Dog’s stage adaptation of The Castle. The episode also pauses for a beer tasting of Rocky Ridge’s Cali IPA, a 5.8 per cent West Coast IPA from Western Australia. The group praises its bright pink and teal can, fruity aroma and pronounced hoppiness, imagining it as an ideal drink for a warm afternoon despite Melbourne’s cold weather. A comedy-history segment marks the birth of Burt Newton, an early Barry Humphries television special, the death of Peter Sellers, the release of Tony Martin’s Bad Eggs, and the brief run of The Comedy Sale. The episode also recounts the bizarre 1973 Michigan funeral for 29,188 frozen pizzas recalled during a botulism scare, before closing with “Funny in the Moment” observations about South Melbourne and spontaneous public comedy. Links: Rocky Ridge Cali IPA: Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 33, hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes welcome Sarah Maree Cameron , known as SMC, a broadcaster, comedian and presenter whose career spans community radio, commercial stations, sports hosting, acting and wellness broadcasting. Cameron reflects on beginning radio as a child with a Talk Girl recorder and homemade shows, then joining community radio around age eleven before moving into professional broadcasting. She discusses hosting for Richmond since 2013, working across tennis, football, cricket and other sports, and balancing those commitments with holidays, comedy and media work. She also explains why she resists gatekeeping in sport and comedy, preferring to remain an enthusiastic fan and versatile performer rather than an obsessive statistician. The hosts cover comedy news, including the closure of Sydney queer arts venue Divine Playhouse after protests, Dylan Cole’s appointment as CEO and Festival Director of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and record festival attendance alongside concerns about artists receiving a smaller share of ticket revenue. They celebrate Australians Elouise Eftos and Tom Cardy joining the 2026 Just For Laughs New Faces showcases, revisit a bizarre Dave Hughes backstage story involving Melanie Bracewell’s stage glass, and note Shane Gillis’s record setting Philadelphia stadium show, which sold 77,000 tickets. Conversation turns to Cameron’s acting role in the Australian Chinese film At Last, her improv training, and the value of improvisation for radio, stand up and business. She describes improv as “playtime for your brain,” a discipline that demands presence, collaboration, memory and the willingness to accept an offer rather than overthink it. The group also revisits comedy history, from Weird Al Yankovic’s UHF and ABC’s The Big Gig to Clueless, considering how older comedies can be appreciated within their era while still being viewed critically today. The episode finishes with lighter recurring segments, including birthdays, deaths and marriages in comedy, the extraordinary 1876 Kentucky meat shower, and a Funny in the Moment pub exchange about filling a glass or bucket from a beer tanker. Morry and Lily also review The Woodsman , an amber ale from Wolf of the Willows, describing its strong carbonation and fruity, slightly tangerine flavour. Cameron closes by promoting The House of Wellness, where she combines humour with serious health conversations, and hints that another live comedy show may arrive in 2027. Links: Wolf of the Willows - The Woodsman: Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 32 of This Week in Comedy brings hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan together with guest Tony Rogers for a lively conversation about Australian comedy, filmmaking and the strange paths that turn small ideas into enduring screen projects. Rogers discusses How to Talk Australians: The Movie , explaining how the project grew from an earlier pilot and web series set around a fictional language college in Delhi. Tony Rogers was the writer and director of How to Talk Australians Movie, as well as the creator, writer and director of Wilfred . He also reflects on Rats and Cats , the award-winning convict comedy Bruce , his advertising work, and the long-running development of Fun TV, a satirical project about an analogue network attempting to compete with streaming platforms. The discussion explores Rogers’ preference for carefully written comedy, while still leaving room for performers such as Rohan Ganju to contribute sharp improvised lines. He praises the acting ability of comedians, including Shane Jacobson, Ben Knight, Nick Capper, Stuart Daulman, Rohan Ganju and the Nelson twins , and shares behind-the-scenes stories about casting, accents, props and practical effects. One memorable detail concerns the realistic kangaroo prop built by Rogers’ partner Carol Van Rees, using altered toy fur, stitching, sand and extra weight to make the carcass move convincingly on camera. Rogers also talks about the challenge of getting Australian films into cinemas, noting the enthusiasm surrounding limited screenings and festival appearances for How to Talk Australians. Beyond the interview, Lily and Morry cover comedy news, upcoming productions and tours, including The Fox, Taskmaster Australia, Adam Kay and the development of a fourth season of Fisk. They sample a Sailors Grave Vienna lager , revisit comedy history through Mick Molloy, A Fish Called Wanda and The Hollow Men, and trade observations about karaoke, science fiction and everyday Australian behaviour. The episode retains the show’s relaxed, irreverent rhythm, moving easily between industry insight, cultural satire and spontaneous jokes. Rogers’ stories reveal a filmmaker drawn to modest, recognisable moments, collaborative performers and handmade movie magic, while the hosts keep the conversation grounded in South Melbourne connections and playful tangents. It is an energetic portrait of a distinctive Australian comedy career, capped by practical advice, affectionate teasing and excitement for Rogers’ current and future projects across film, television and advertising. Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 31, hosted by Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan, welcomes veteran comedian Jack Levi, better known as the deadpan character Elliot Goblet . The conversation mixes career history, comedy news, personal anecdotes and spontaneous observational humour. From the opening exchange, the episode feels strongly influenced by Curb Your Enthusiasm: ordinary social encounters are examined for their awkwardness, petty logic and unexpected comic consequences. Morry’s stories about gym memberships, covered cars and interactions with strangers especially echo Larry David’s habit of turning minor inconveniences into elaborate moral debates and uncomfortable misunderstandings that somehow become matters of principle instantly. Levi reflects on the rise of Elliot Goblet, recalling sixty national television stand-up appearances, including twenty-nine programs with Daryl Somers. He discusses the character’s trademark contradiction: grandiose stories delivered with almost no facial expression. What once seemed like an acting weakness became his greatest comic asset, helped by nerves and a teacher who told him he lacked expression. Levi also revisits his ARIA nomination, American touring, Montreal, working at Telecom (pre-Telstra), and the double life of maintaining an office job while becoming famous. His calm recollections create another Curb-like contrast between extraordinary success and mundane practicality. The hosts move through comedy anniversaries and industry news, celebrating Mel Brooks at one hundred, Jim Owen’s tour, Richard Watts’s departure from ArtsHub, and birthdays connected to Sammy J, Larry David and Peter Kay. The Larry David segment reinforces the episode’s flavour, with the hosts praising Curb Your Enthusiasm and its ability to make social discomfort hilarious. Elsewhere, they discuss Bob Franklin, Lawrence Mooney, Glynn Nicholas, Jeff Dunham, Kevin Bloody Wilson, Rodney Rude and other comedy figures. Even serious memories of 1987, including the Queen Street massacre, are handled with care before returning to levity. A beer tasting featuring Love Shack Aotearoa IPA opens further tangents about Vegemite, coriander, New Zealand and South Melbourne. Levi shares stories about audience recognition, ageing in comedy, famous colleagues and using humour to escape conversations. Morry’s “Funny in the Moment” story, involving a covered Honda mistaken for a Ferrari, could almost be a lost Curb scene: a harmless remark becomes a miniature negotiation about status, taste and social pride. The episode closes with Levi promoting upcoming performances with Lawrence Mooney at the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute . Links: Love Shack Aotearoa IPA : Click here Lawrence Mooney, Elliot Goblet and friends at the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute: Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click her Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 30 of This Week in Comedy is a milestone episode, and Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan celebrate it by welcoming Australian comedy favourite Hung Le into the studio. The result is an unfiltered, big-hearted conversation that leaps from couch distancing to football loyalties, early mornings and the survival instincts of a performer who has spent 45 years onstage. Hung brings effortless warmth, sharp timing and a seemingly endless supply of stories, while Lily and Morry make sure every tangent gets the attention it deserves. They talk comedy news, theatre, festivals and the peculiar thrill of being connected to almost everyone in Australian entertainment by one degree of separation. There are reflections on auditions that went nowhere, jobs that arrived when they were least expected, life on cruise ships, and the challenge of keeping material fresh in front of demanding audiences. Hung also shares memories of arriving in Australia as a child, and the colourful mix of music, acting, television and stand-up that has shaped his career. The beer taste-test for this episode of This Week in Comedy is Slow Lane Brewing’s “ Before Dawn ”, a Munich Dunkel Dark Lager at 5% ABV. And importantly it gets a great review, both on taste, and the hosts' pet-peeve, size of the can ( It's gotta be 375 ml ). A key part of the conversation is Hung Le’s book, The Crappiest Refugee . With characteristic humour and honesty, Hung discusses the personal history behind the title, his family’s journey from Vietnam to Australia, and why finding laughter in difficult experiences has always been central to his work. Lily and Morry recommend the book as a moving, funny and revealing extension of the stories Hung tells onstage. One of the episode’s highlights is Hung’s connection to Nick Giannopoulos and the enduring cultural footprint of Wog Boy , the movie. He revisits his memorable lines from the film, talks about joining Giannopoulos’s orbit after appearing on New Faces , and recounts the wild touring years of Wogarama . The conversation also examines how Australian comedy, casting and identity have evolved, always through the lens of personal experience rather than a lecture. Along the way, Hung pitches the roles he still wishes he had landed, including a very specific Wog Boy sequel appearance in Mykonos, and an embarrassing experience auditioning for Miss Saigon. Elsewhere, the trio cover Shaun Micallef’s new game show, Spamalot , comedy roadshows, clown burlesque, a dark lager tasting, Ricky Gervais, Airplane (aka F lying High) , and the kind of accidental public comedy that makes the show feel so local. It is a generous, rambunctious episode full of old-school showbiz insight and present-day comedy gossip, with plenty of room for Hung’s generosity and mischief. Whether you know him from stand-up, television, Wog Boy or T he Crappiest Refugee , this is a chance to hear a true original in relaxed, hilarious form. Plus, Hung invites aspiring comics to join him at the August Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School course in Melbourne. Links: Slow Lane Brewing Before Dawn Munich Dunkel Dark Lager: Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 29 of This Week in Comedy , hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan welcome filmmaker Nick Kozakis, who arrives straight from a Sooshi Mango pre-production meeting, for a lively conversation spanning film, comedy, Australian culture and the strange moments that become stories. Nick discusses his work with Sooshi Mango , music videos, commercials, short films and feature projects. He shares the excitement and pressure of helping expand the group’s comedy world into a feature film, with production scheduled from August through September and a future call-out for extras. The centrepiece is Dilemma , Nick’s darkly comic short selected for the 2026 St Kilda Film Festival. Written by Duncan Samarsinghe and made with Anthony Littlechild and Nick’s wife Carlia, the film poses a provocative time-travel question: would you kill Hitler as a child? Nick reflects on why the compact, one-day shoot was too good to refuse, and praises performers Jackson Tozer and Eliza Matengu for their chemistry, comic timing and ability to balance a heavy premise with unsettling humour. Nick also opens up about stunt work, armourers, safety teams, fake blood and practical horror effects. He argues that physical effects give horror a depth that audiences feel more immediately than heavily computer-generated imagery. For emerging filmmakers, he stresses networking, generosity and making concise, contained short films that festival programmers can easily schedule. He credits mentors and peers including the Cairnes brothers of Late Night with the Devil and the Philippou brothers for helping shape his filmmaking path. The episode’s beer break features Field Trip , a 7% West Coast IPA with grapefruit, pine and “dank resin” notes. Its weed-themed can gives Lily the perfect opening to expand on her cannabis expertise, explaining trichomes, THC-rich resin and why “dank” is a useful descriptor in both beer and marijuana culture. That leads naturally into a cannabis-fuelled Funny in the Moment story involving Lily, her Hilux canopy, a hotbox experiment and a supposedly suspicious stranger who ultimately turns out to be a pole. Elsewhere, Lily and Morry cover Kyle Sandilands’ settlement with ARN Media, Jackie O’s legal action, Multicultural Arts Victoria’s response to Pauline Hanson, Gold Logie nominees Sam Pang and Julia Morris, and Melbourne’s Defrost Festival. Comedy history brings in Moe Howard, Brian Brown, The Ed Sullivan Show , Garfield and Josh Thomas. The episode closes with Nick teasing an unannounced feature, Dilemma ’s festival run in Perth, and the chance for local performers to appear as extras in the upcoming Sooshi Mango movie. Links: Boatrocker Field Trip West Coast IPA: Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Nick Kozakis' IMDB account: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 28 of This Week in Comedy , hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes welcome comedian Danny McGinlay for a loose, wide-ranging conversation about stand up, sport, television and Australian culture. Danny reflects on writing the Western Bulldogs’ famous AFL banners, especially the 2016 preliminary final line about the club being formed in “blood and boots, not in AFL focus groups.” The group joke that AFL banners might be the peak of Australian culture. The news section begins with Monty Python’s Spamalot returning to Australian stages, prompting riffs on Eric Idle, John Cleese, punchline suburbs, musical theatre and Danny’s love of The Holy Grail . They also discuss How to Talk Australians , Only Murders in the Building and Aaron Chen’s new Technology tour, with Danny praising Chen’s quiet, hypnotic comic presence after working with him on Fisk and Have You Been Paying Attention (HYBPA). A major thread is television comedy. Danny talks about his warm-up work while highlighting Sam Pang's behind-the-scenes work as a writer, producer and warm-up figure. Danny praises Pang as generous, hard-working and ruthlessly efficient with jokes, comparing his style to classic roasters like Don Rickles. He also highlights Ed Kavalee and Tom Gleisner’s skill in keeping Have You Been Paying Attention sharp and generous. The beer review features Love Shack IPA, a 6.8 percent, 375 ml can described as citrusy, tropical, stone-fruity and “subtly boozy,” though the hosts joke that two standard drinks hardly feels subtle. Danny sits out because he has a gig later, explaining that one beer tells his brain the workday is over. The history segment marks Stan Laurel’s birthday, leading to talk of Laurel and Hardy, silent comedy and Danny’s belief that Buster Keaton was funnier than Charlie Chaplin. Carl Barron, Ross Noble and Flight of the Conchords also get mentioned before Lily’s bizarre fact about daredevil Bobby Leach, Morry’s Bunnings sausage story, and Danny promoting his upcoming recorded comedy specials. Links: Love Shack IPA: Click here Be in the audience of Danny McGinlay's recorded special: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 27 of This Week in Comedy brings a loose, sharp and properly funny visit from Bev Killick, a road-tested Australian comedy force. Bold, bawdy and high-energy, Bev looks back on clubs, festivals and national tours, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, Puppetry of the Penis and Busting Out . She also shares how stand-up found her after a trip to the Espy, how Joan Rivers shaped her approach to owning the stage, and how a circle of women helped her restart her life and step into comedy with purpose. The episode gives flowers to Rove McManus, newly appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for service to broadcast media, entertainment and community. The crew celebrates the honour while linking Rove back to his early South Melbourne comedy roots at the legendary Star and Garter. Charlie Pickering also lands in the news after calling Grace Tame “problematic” around her ABC podcast Autistic AF with Grace Tame . The room flips the lens: rather than Grace being the issue, Charlie becomes the problematic one, raising questions about who gets labelled difficult when outspoken women speak plainly. There is also a pointed discussion about Lisa Jane Spencer and the backlash to her “Auntie Lisa” material, with Bev and the hosts arguing the issue is not simply offence, but lazy, damaging work that lacks craft, punchlines and responsibility. The episode also highlights A Fair Cut’s first town hall meeting , being held on Saturday, 13 June, at The Ballroom, Donkey Wheel House, near Southern Cross. Supported by MEAA, the meeting is designed to gather performer input ahead of Fair Cut’s talks with Melbourne Fringe, especially around fairer venue deals and what a better split should look like for artists. And, of course, there is beer. After a shout-out to Two Bays for clarifying their gluten-free brewing ingredients, the crew cracks into Real Ale Golden from Reservoir. Served at cellar temperature, the beer earns praise for its warm fermentation, unfiltered body, canned conditioning, 100 percent Aussie ingredients and rounded flavour. Along the way, the episode covers Robert Irwin hosting the Logies, Liz Hicklin becoming a “sit-down stand-up” in her 90s, Fair Cut’s town hall on performer pay, Geelong Comedy Festival’s artist-friendly ticket split, Jane Kennedy’s influence, John Blackman’s legacy and the strange life of Thomas Midgley Jr. It is chaotic, reflective and proudly funny. Mostly, though, it is a showcase for Bev’s storytelling, resilience, generosity and ability to turn even messy life detours into comedy gold, with very real bite too throughout. Links: A Fair Cut's first town hall meeting: Click here Real ale Golden by Sobremesa Fermentary & Blendery: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 26 of This Week in Comedy, hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes welcome veteran Australian comedian Trevor Marmalade for a loose, warm and very funny conversation about comedy, television, football, regional Australia and the strange hazards of live entertainment. Trevor begins by swapping local South Melbourne and Port Melbourne stories, then looks back to the pre-internet joke economy, when good gag tellers mattered and punchlines travelled from person to person rather than through screens. The news segment lets the trio riff on Andy Lee’s Do Not Watch This Show , Will Gibb’s move from online comedy into acting, Sam Pang’s AFL satire, Tim Minchin’s support for Edinburgh Fringe performers, and shifts at BBC Comedy. Trevor adds first-hand stories about Pang’s early producing days and the difference between writing one-liners and being funny in conversation. A major highlight is Trevor’s deep dive into Hey Hey It’s Saturday . He explains how Russell Gilbert helped bring him in as a creative consultant, and how a late stand-up spot eventually led to live crosses. His best story involves Daryl Somers sending him into Geelong’s losing grand final function, where Trevor twisted Daryl’s supportive message into a brutal fake insult and won over the studio. That led to more crosses, including the infamous Tumut “Festival of the Falling Leaf” segment, where he turned an empty park into a comic set-piece and was nearly chased out of town. The episode also pauses for a beer break, celebrating CB Co’s 500ml 20th anniversary pale ale , a welcome answer to Morry and Lily’s complaints about shrinking 330ml cans. Trevor declines because he is not a beer drinker, but the hosts praise the larger format as efficient, generous and potentially sponsor-worthy. Later, the conversation moves through comedy history, Anh Do, Phil Hartman, Mel Blanc, Bob Hope, Ian Cognito’s death on stage, Sam Newman, plastic surgery, and the Pamela Anderson mural on Newman’s old garage. Throughout, Trevor comes across as relaxed, sharp and generous with showbiz memories, while Morry and Lily keep the pace conversational, cheeky and unmistakably Australian. Links: CBCo Brewing Pale Ale: Click here Visit Tumut and tell the locals Trevor is sorry: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 25 of This Week in Comedy lands with a studio glow-up, a stout in hand, and a guest who knows how to make chaos look classy. Hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan are joined by comedic actor, writer and author Stephen Hall , best known for his many characters across Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell and for being personally chosen by John Cleese to play Basil Fawlty in the Australian stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers . The episode moves through comedy news, festival updates, late-night TV farewells, AI poster debates, trivia, history and the kind of sideways banter that can only happen when the room is properly caffeinated, carbonated or both. Stephen brings sharp reflections on performance, parody, AI as a creative tool, and the strange grey zones facing artists, comedians and musicians today. Then comes the beer: Pirate Life Stout , a Port Adelaide brew sampled in studio after Morry’s visit to Pirate Life in South Melbourne. With its dark, Vegemite-meets-soy-sauce notes, bigger bubbles and 5.6% kick, the stout gets a warm reception from the table. It also comes recommended as a match for Pirate Life’s roast, and the verdict is clear: this is exactly the kind of beer that would sit beautifully beside a hearty roast, red meat, or possibly even a white rabbit, depending on how far the conversation has drifted. The episode also takes in Mike Myers, Matt Stone, Andy Lee, Graham Kennedy, Bill Hunter, Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, before Lily tests the room with the horrifying fact that a real parasite can eat a fish’s tongue and then become the tongue. From there, the gang heads into “funny in the moment” stories involving physios, vets, cats, dogs, private health cards and the eternal dream of becoming a taxidermied stubby holder. And if you'd like to see Stephen perform be sure to see him in For the Term of His Natural Lies on the 24 June 2026, part of the Glen Eira Storytelling Festival . Links: Pirate Life Stout: Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Radio Lab's 'Ripp'n the Rainbow a New One' podcast episode: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 24 of This Week in Comedy , hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan are joined in the studio by Melbourne comedy and radio legend Richard Stubbs for a fast-moving chat through comedy news, festival politics, television history, beer tasting and wonderfully strange historical detours. This episode that beer is Sailor's Grave Brewing Czech Pilsner . The episode opens with Richard reflecting on his decades in Australian entertainment, from starting stand-up at The Last Laugh in 1983 to filling in for Steve Vizard on Tonight Live and hosting Hey Hey It’s Saturday . His stories give the episode a warm industry-insider feel, balancing sharp comedy observations with genuine affection for Australian broadcasting and live performance. The team then turns to the latest comedy news, including the Sydney Comedy Festival awards, where Reuben Kaye and Frankie McNair jointly won Best of the Fest. This sparks a broader conversation about how comedy festivals have changed, especially with overlapping festival calendars and the increasing cost and pressure of doing full runs. A major focus is Adelaide Fringe, following the appointment of Canadian arts leader Marc Carnes as its new CEO. The discussion expands into festival leadership more broadly, including the search for the new CEO of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, with the role now open and prompting debate about whether a comedian, administrator, or comedy-loving arts professional would be best suited to lead such a major institution. Lily also interviews Lukas Meintjes, founder of A Fair Cut , a new initiative pushing for fairer venue deals for artists. Lukas explains how confusing and expensive venue contracts can make it almost impossible for performers to break even, even when they sell well. He outlines A Fair Cut’s push for clearer contracts, no double-dipping on fees, and a suggested 30% cap on venue revenue share, with venues beginning to sign up for accreditation. The episode also covers Sam Pang stepping away from hosting the Logies, Stephen Colbert’s final week on The Late Show , and comedy history moments including Seinfeld , Andy Kaufman and Kath & Kim . Along the way, Richard reveals his love of history, gaming and reading every label in sight, while the hosts keep things loose with beer tasting, crematorium facts and Morry’s Bunnings dog story. Oh, and if you enjoyed Richard Stubbs on this episode be sure to subscribe to his podcast, The Mess Around . Links: A Fair Cut: Click here Sailor's Grave Brewing Czech Pilsner: Click here Richard Stubb's podcast, The Mess Around: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 23 of This Week in Comedy , hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes are joined in the studio by special guest Rusty Berther from the iconic Australian comedy duo Scared Weird Little Guys. Rusty also chats about his latest project, The Grats , a comedy supergroup featuring Tom Gleeson, Andrew Hansen from The Chaser, Gatesy from Tripod, Rusty himself, and Sammy J. The episode kicks off with comedy news, including Arj Barker opening for Flight of the Conchords during their recent comeback performances. The hosts chat about Barker’s famous bandana look from the TV series and how it accidentally became part of his public identity. The trio also unpack the controversy surrounding The Roast of Kevin Hart , debating whether roast comedy actually suits Australian audiences. They discuss edgy material from Shane Gillis, criticism from Michael Che, and why Australians tend to roast each other naturally as part of everyday friendship culture. Another major topic is Weird Al Yankovic announcing a stage musical featuring hits like “Amish Paradise”, “White & Nerdy”, and “Smells Like Nirvana”. The conversation evolves into a broader discussion about comedy songs, musicals, and cult productions like Spamalot and The Book of Mormon. Rusty shares nostalgic stories about performing at Expo 88 in a barbershop quartet, the origins of his comedy career, and how performing alongside international street artists shaped his creative life. The group also reflects on classic television, including Cheers, Frasier, and the legacy of Monty Python. The episode also features the weekly beer review with the Skinny Dipper Hazy IPA by Garage Project, which sparks a surprisingly deep discussion about craft beer culture, tradie beer etiquette, and the proper currency for paying mates who help with odd jobs. The episode rounds out with hilarious chats about country life, philosophy, bizarre farming stories, awkward police encounters, and comedy industry life. It’s another chaotic and funny deep dive into comedy, culture, music, beer, and Australian life. Links: Skinny Dipper Hazy IPA by Garage Project: Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 22 of This Week in Comedy brings together hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan with special guest Greg Curcio for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, creativity, media and the future of Australia’s comedy industry. This episode get serious, with Greg sharing outcomes from the three day Business of Comedy Conference, where discussions centred on strengthening Australia’s comedy sector. Greg explains how his company, Future Ready Now , using AI tools to analyse the conferences sessions has produced a comprehensive “ white paper ” outlining strategies for improving the comedy ecosystem. Topics include fairer venue deals for performers, better access to funding, stronger industry organisation and the long-term vision of creating Melbourne as the world’s leading comedy destination. The trio discuss the idea of a dedicated Melbourne comedy hub featuring performance spaces, archives, museums, bars, teaching rooms and creative collaboration areas. Inspired by historic venues like The Last Laugh, they explore how comedy can drive economic, cultural and social outcomes. Greg argues comedy is deeply undervalued despite its impact across entertainment, politics, education and workplaces. Elsewhere, the hosts unpack major comedy and entertainment news stories, including Channel 10’s upcoming comedy telemovie Cop This , the controversy surrounding Bluey royalties flowing to the BBC instead of Australia, and comedian Alex Williamson being removed from his football club over offensive comments. Morry also highlights satirist Conrad Benjamin from Punter’s Politics , discussing how comedy and political satire influence public debate. The episode is filled with lighter moments too, including a bizarre tasting session involving a thick purple “smoothie sour ale” beer, nostalgic reflections on sitcoms like Frasier , Cheers and Friends , and a conversation about international towns named Dull, Boring and Bland forming a tourism alliance. As always, the episode finishes with Morry’s “Funny in the Moment” segment, where he recounts an awkward but successful attempt at making a local bread shop owner laugh. Links: Business of Comedy Conference: Click here Business of Comedy Conference DRAFT white paper for public consultation: Click here Contribute via the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HMFWF5B One Drop Brewing Co Come Over Pulp Smoothy Sour Ale : Click here Future Ready Now: Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 21 of This Week in Comedy is packed with big names, bold opinions, and major industry news from the Melbourne comedy scene. This week, we’re joined in-studio by the legendary Wilbur Wilde, bringing stories from his iconic career, sharp insights into live performance, and plenty of laughs along the way. We kick things off with a huge headline: Susan Provan has officially announced she’s stepping down as director of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival after an incredible 31-year run. As the festival celebrates its 40th year, we break down what this leadership change means for the future of comedy in Australia, who might step into the role, and why it’s such a pivotal moment for the industry. From there, we dive into MICF reviews and on-the-ground perspectives with reviewer George Stamkoski, who attended 22 shows across the festival. His unique “What’s Funny?” approach gives insight into what actually connects with audiences, from raw, emotional storytelling to pure joy and absurdity. If you’re a comedian or fan, this is a fascinating look at what’s working right now in live comedy. Wilbur Wilde also shares behind the scenes stories from decades in entertainment, including reflections on performing with the Ol' 55. And we also discuss his appearance at the Business of Comedy Conference , where he spoke on the session “ Why the laughter economy matters ”, exploring the value of comedy in Australia’s live performance ecosystem. Plus, we chat about the rise of new streaming platforms and how the industry is evolving both locally and globally. As always, there’s plenty of banter, a beer review featuring the Good Land Brewing Co. “ Good Lager ”, and some truly chaotic comedy moments, including a “funny in the moment” that could have gone horribly wrong. Links: Good Land Brewing Co's Good Lager : Click here Business of Comedy Conference session titled 'Why the laughter economy matters': Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 20 of This Week in Comedy lands at the tail end of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026, and there is plenty to unpack. Broadcasting from a brand new studio, the team are joined by special guest Bradford Oakes, bringing his signature insights, stories and sharp comedic perspective to the conversation. The episode opens with a reflection on the festival wrap up. While it is officially done and dusted, the reality for comedians is a bit different. From waiting on ticket sales to planning the next run, the grind never really stops. The crew chat about the highs, the exhaustion and what comes next after one of the biggest comedy events in Australia. In the news segment, the team dive into a headline grabbing protest in Brisbane, where a flash mob used John Farnham’s song Two Strong Hearts as part of a demonstration against new laws restricting certain phrases linked to Israel's genocide in Gaza. The discussion explores the importance of satire for a healthy democracy, a subject that was raised at the Business of Comedy Conference a week earlier. There is also a breakdown of the ongoing legal situation involving Rebel Wilson and her film The Deb, unpacking how controversy can collide with creative projects and impact releases. The episode goes deep into the reality of performing during festival season. Multiple gigs in a single night, long travel for short sets and the challenge of staying sharp are all part of the job. It is an honest look at the hustle behind the laughs and what it takes to survive in the comedy world. Add in the Bright Brewery’s Real Heroes Draught review, a bizarre story about pigeon guided missiles and a classic awkward public moment, and you have an episode packed with humour, insight and very Australian storytelling. Links: Bright Brewery’s Real Heroes Draught: Click here Business of Comedy Conference: Click here Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 19 of This Week in Comedy sees hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan hit their stride with a jam-packed episode blending global satire, Aussie comedy highlights, and plenty of laughs along the way. Joining them in the studio is none other than Scott Dikkers, founding editor of The Onion , who shares insights into the craft of satire, its role in modern media, and why it remains essential for a healthy democracy, just ahead of his appearance at the Business of Comedy Conference . The episode kicks off with a deep dive into one of Australia’s biggest comedy events, the Raw Comedy National Grand Final, held as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. With nearly a thousand entrants nationwide, the competition showcases the country’s best emerging stand-ups. This year, Sydney’s Joshua Khoury took out the top prize, earning a coveted opportunity to perform internationally. The competition was incredibly tight, with Melbourne comedians Jorgia Rice and Jake Zukerman named as runners-up, both earning well-deserved recognition for their standout performances. Lily and Morry also reflect on the energy of the night, the diversity of acts (including musical comedy), and the significance of Raw Comedy as a launchpad for new talent. Alongside this, they spotlight other major comedy happenings, including the Deadly Funny National Grand Final and upcoming tours, all while weaving in their signature humour and industry insight. Of course, it wouldn’t be This Week in Comedy without a beer review. This episode features a gluten-free brew from Two Bays Brewing Co., opening up a light-hearted discussion about taste, dietary quirks, and the ever-important role of beer in comedy culture—even if not everyone in the room is drinking. Links: Scott Dikkers on Instagram: Click here Two Bays Pale Ale Gluten Free: Click here Business of Comedy Conference: Click here Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.