What you’ll get when you join the insiders club:
<ul><li>Extra content from all future episodes (plus extras from back episodes with Russell Howard, Dara O’Briain, James Acaster and many more).</li><li>“Comedy critique” – where a member sends me a short clip of their act, and we all watch it and give them our feedback.</li><li>“You interview Stu” – where you can pitch to interview me over skype on the subject of your choice, and I podcast the results.</li><li>Recordings of the top secret “redacted” live shows.</li><li>Suggest new projects yourself and we can try them out (limited only by time, inclination, and loads of other limitations).</li></ul>

Private membership community

ComCom Insiders

Short extract from the 49 minutes of bonus content from my interview with Russel Howard.  
https://www.comedianscomedian.com/insiders

Get access now: https://awesound.com/p/comcominsiders


Extract from Russell Howard extras

Insiders' Club free sample

Aunty Donna sans ads; just for you...

Aunty Donna Return! (ad-free)

Almost 30 minutes of bonus content with Athena for your loyal lugs...

Almost 30 minutes of bonus content with Athena for your loyal lugs...

Athena Kugblenu (Extras)

This RSS feed is no more! Move your Insider's membership to Patreon.com/ComComPod today and receive full ad-free episodes,  exclusive extras, a monthly Stu&A and much more (including the existing full back catalogue)!

This Feed Has Moved To Patreon.com/ComComPod

NOTICE: This feed will discontinue on Tuesday 30th April 2024. Please transfer your membership to Patreon.com/ComComPod.

Releasing A Netflix Special, ADHD & Embracing Discomfort

Brian Simpson (Live @ SXSW) (Ad-Free)

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Protecting Yourself When Things Go Wrong & Committing To The Things That'll Bring You Joy

Julia Masli Extras

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The Importance Of Physical Communication, Gaulier & Vulnerability Within Improv

Julia Masli (Ad-Free)

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Temptation Of Quitting Stand-Up & The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Martin Urbano Extras

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The Apology Comeback Show, Avoiding Viral Success & Safety Sets

Martin Urbano (Ad-Free)

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Should Stand-Up Material Be Tailored To An Audience’s Wants Or Not?

Josh Pugh Extras

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Social Clip Superstar, Being A Premise Machine & Coping Through Humility

Josh Pugh (Ad-Free)

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Building and releasing tension through a confessional stand-up show, the struggle of touring a show across the world as a family man and Dara answers your questions around Mock The Week and Taskmaster.

Dara Ó Briain (Ad-Free)

NOTICE: This feed will discontinue on Tuesday 30th April 2024. Please transfer your membership to Patreon.com/ComComPod.

Extras with Janine including viral clips and the negative comments they can attract; style on stage and being in The Batman!

Janine Harouni Extras

NOTICE: This feed will discontinue on Tuesday 30th April 2024. Please transfer your membership to Patreon.com/ComComPod.

Touring and promoting a show as a new mum, delving into struggling with PTSD after a serious car accident and performing heartfelt material in difficult rooms.

Janine Harouni (Ad-Free)

Developing his debut show and touring it around the world.

Leo Reich Extras

Launching a debut hour on the cusp of a pandemic, his experience working with the late Adam Brace and the next cultural moment to be tackled in stand-up.

Leo Reich (Ad-Free)

Tomi's Magic the Gathering Career, the cultural influence on Finland from the US and UK comedy scenes PLUS if viral crowdwork clips are yet to hit their shores.

Tomi Walamies Extras

The cultural differences of stand-up between Finland and the UK PLUS Tomi's analytical approach to stand up (and life!)

Tomi Walamies (Ad-Free)

Over 27 minutes of extras with Mawaan Rizwan!

Mawaan Rizwan Extras

Growing up in a world of content creation, a childhood where failure was not an option and whether you can be mentally health and still do comedy.

Mawaan Rizwan (Ad-Free)

The Insiders Club is moving to www.Patreon.com/ComComPod

The Insiders Club is moving to Patreon! 🚨

Learning from bad gigs and the cultural differences that come from performing in Oz

Susie McCabe Extras

Delve into Susie's metoric rise, what it means to be "emphatically Glaswegian" and embracing the fear of failure.

Susie McCabe (Ad-Free)

Watch the full James Acaster special!

James Acaster Extras | Full Video Link

The second part of the 2024 James Acaster special!

James Acaster Returns, Again! (2024) | Part Two (Ad-Free)

He needs no introduction if you’re listening to this pod...

James Acaster Returns, Again! (2024) | Part One (Ad-Free)

Bonus video version of Harriet Dyer's episode!

Harriet Dyer Extras + Full Video Link

A whirlwind of wonderfully authentic absurdity, Harriet Dyer!

Harriet Dyer (Ad-Free)

Bonus Insider content with Iliza Shlesinger...

Iliza Shlesinger Extras

I catch up with Iliza Shlesinger, an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, producer, and author with *six* Netflix specials under her belt!

We discuss merging silliness with opinionated social commentary within her new show, Hot Forever, which comes to London next month, the "gauntlet" of working within the showbiz world and performing across the world to people of different political beliefs.

Iliza Shlesinger (Ad-Free)

Bonus Insider content with Sikisa...

Sikisa Extras

There’s drive, and then there’s Sikisa! Interrupting her holiday for this interview, we meet an amazing comic with a superhuman work ethic; working as an immigration lawyer, then filling her life with shows and part time work leaving her 4 hours a night to sleep.

We talk about self-care, how to manage multiple shows a day at the Edinburgh Fringe, why hosting a show is like throwing a party, and why she can still feel like a failure in the middle of an ascendant career…

Sikisa (Ad-Free)

“Very fulfilled as an unfulfilled comedian”, the hilarious Alistair Barrie isn’t lacking in comedy chops. 

We talk about his forthcoming tour “Woke In Progress”, as well as the clash between the need for approval and a persona that denies needing approval.

We discover his public school upbringing and the abandonment issues that forged his resilience, the experience of being of a generation that resists putting content out if it isn’t excellent, and his relationship with humility…

Alistair Barrie (Ad-Free)

Bonus Insider content with Alistair Barrie

Alistair Barrie Extras

Bonus Insider content with Jeff...

Jeff Shaw Extras

In 1987, Jeff Shaw decided he was going to do comedy for a living. He meant it.

With shades of “The Story Of Anvil”, this interview follows a man who has picked himself up and started again over four decades, each time achieving a version of his dream, and surviving the paradigm shifts that have accompanied his every decade in the US comedy industry.

With tens of thousands of shows under his belt, and still chasing his dream, Jeff lays out his career as a standup, a comedy writer, and a Carnival Cruise comedy show director, before he found stand-up again, all the while displaying limitless hope, humility and gratitude…

In 1987, Jeff Shaw decided he was going to do comedy for a living. He meant it.

With shades of “The Story Of Anvil”, this interview follows a man who has picked himself up and started again over four decades, each time achieving a version of his dream, and surviving the paradigm shifts that have accompanied his every decade in the US comedy industry.

With tens of thousands of shows under his belt, and still chasing his dream, Jeff lays out his career as a standup, a comedy writer, and a Carni

Jeff Shaw (Ad-free)

This episode is a splash of pure sunshine, with the veteran of 1000 full-length improvised musicals in Olivier Award-winning “Showstopper!”, Ruth Bratt. She’s a supernaturally brilliant improviser and a sparkling human being, who is a) ambitiously lazy and b) feeds off the carrion of her own heart.

We talk about her work with some of the biggest names in her craft; entering a waking dream state during 50-hour long improv marathon shows; getting down to the last two for Dobby in “Peep Show”; and the big choice that won her a role in “People Just Do Nothing”.

This episode is a splash of pure sunshine, with the veteran of 1000 full-length improvised musicals in Olivier Award-winning “Showstopper!”, Ruth Bratt. She’s a supernaturally brilliant improviser and a sparkling human being, who is a) ambitiously lazy and b) feeds off the carrion of her own heart.

We talk about her work with some of the biggest names in her craft; entering a waking dream state during 50-hour long improv marathon shows; getting down to the last two for Dobby in “Peep Show”; an

Ruth Bratt (Ad-free)

Ruth Bratt Extras with Ruth Bratt.

Ruth Bratt Extras

Nearly 12 years since his first appearance way back in episode 6, Adam Bloom joins us to celebrate the publication of his book “Finding Your Comic Genius” - an absolute treasure trove of his original and deeply technical comedy writing techniques. We talk about how his writing for and with huge comedians and celebrities over the years has honed his ability not just to write perfect punchlines, but also to share his knowledge with warmth and clarity.

It’s destined to be on every comedian’s bookshelf worldwide, and in this episode he shares some examples of its secrets including "balls and cubes", "see-saws", "balloon-pops" and much much more!

Nearly 12 years since his first appearance way back in episode 6, Adam Bloom joins us to celebrate the publication of his book “Finding Your Comic Genius” - an absolute treasure trove of his original and deeply technical comedy writing techniques. We talk about how his writing for and with huge comedians and celebrities over the years has honed his ability not just to write perfect punchlines, but also to share his knowledge with warmth and clarity.

It’s destined to be on every comedian’s book

Adam Bloom Returns (Ad-free)

Co-host of The Dollop podcast and a superb comic and improviser, Gareth Reynolds is touring the UK right now! In this gold-standard episode we talk about his improv characterisation, the history of his collaboration with Dave Anthony, and how taking “The Dollop Pill” has gradually changed everything he thought he knew about America.

Gareth Reynolds (Ad-free)

Insider bits featuring Gareth Reynolds.

Gareth Reynolds Extras

Nish Kumar is one of the most powerful and provocative voices in British stand-up comedy, and his debut special “Your Power, Your Control” is streaming now on Sky On Demand & Now TV, for those in the UK & Ireland.  He returns to the podcast to talk in depth about the creative process behind the writing of that show, the inciting incident in which a bread roll was thrown at him at a charity gig, and how that led to a media frenzy, terrifying death threats, and ultimately a total re-evaluation of his mental health.

We talk about making serious things funny, and the phenomenal rise of The Mash report, as well as “Birbiglifying”, “Frankensteining”, and phantom pooping…

23mins of extras exclusively available to members of the Insiders Club include Nish on his therapy journey, writing topical stuff for The Mash Report, and the rollercoaster of creating a stand-up show, from first scribblings to the marathon of the Fringe.

Nish Kumar is one of the most powerful and provocative voices in British stand-up comedy, and his debut special “Your Power, Your Control” is streaming now on Sky On Demand & Now TV, for those in the UK & Ireland.  He returns to the podcast to talk in depth about the creative process behind the writing of that show, the inciting incident in which a bread roll was thrown at him at a charity gig, and how that led to a media frenzy, terrifying death threats, and ultimately a total re-evaluation of

Nish Kumar Returns (Ad-free)

25(ish) minutes extra with the wonderful Nish Kumar.

Nish Kumar Returns Extras

12(ish) minutes extra with the wonderful Lucy Beaumont.

Lucy Beaumont Extras

Most recognised for her role on Meet the Richardson’s, writer and creator of To Hull and Back (BBR4) and co-writer on C4’s Hullraisers, Lucy Beaumont is about to embark on her 2023 stand up tour. Despite her massive success, she feels like she’s only just getting started. We discuss her honest and frank writing style and processes – both in writing for herself whether it be stage or TV and for other characters – who come through to her via dead peoples’ spirits. We also delve into her love/hate relationship with stand-up and the prejudice and misogyny she experienced early on in her career, leading her to take a hiatus from performing. Living much of her life on screen, she explains how she feels more prepared than ever to step back on the stage and she gives us some interesting insights into her next steps and future goals.  


12 mins of extra content available exclusively to the Insiders Club including Lucy’s experience with ADHD and the impact it’s had on her career, a cracking tip about how to think about jokes, and how she’s preparing for her tour.

Most recognised for her role on Meet the Richardson’s, writer and creator of To Hull and Back (BBR4) and co-writer on C4’s Hullraisers, Lucy Beaumont is about to embark on her 2023 stand up tour. Despite her massive success, she feels like she’s only just getting started. We discuss her honest and frank writing style and processes – both in writing for herself whether it be stage or TV and for other characters – who come through to her via dead peoples’ spirits. We also delve into her love/hate

Lucy Beaumont (Ad-free)

*Trigger Warning: discussion of child sexual abuse*

Bonus Jonny Pelham content for Insiders.

Jonny Pelham Extras

Trigger warning: Discussion of child sexual abuse.

Jonny Pelham has become one of the most disarmingly hilarious comics in the UK by building his punchlines on a bedrock of unflinching honesty. There’s a big difference between the comedy cliche of “saying the unsayable”, and being able to find the humanity and authenticity in a subject that people don’t want to talk about.

We talk about his new Edinburgh Fringe show “Optimism Over Despair”, and he leads us through the experience at that show’s core: his reflections over using his set on Live At The Apollo to discuss the sexual abuse he experienced as a child. We also learn about his clinical “maladaptive daydreaming”, and what it’s like to always come with a trigger warning.

Trigger warning: Discussion of child sexual abuse.

Jonny Pelham has become one of the most disarmingly hilarious comics in the UK by building his punchlines on a bedrock of unflinching honesty. There’s a big difference between the comedy cliche of “saying the unsayable”, and being able to find the humanity and authenticity in a subject that people don’t want to talk about.

We talk about his new Edinburgh Fringe show “Optimism Over Despair”, and he leads us through the experience at that show’

Jonny Pelham (Ad-free)

Mike Birbiglia (Ad-free)

Mike Birbiglia Extras

Here's your bonus Insider content featuring Gianmarco Soresi...

Gianmarco Soresi Extras

“I’m just a creative for an ad agency, and the only product is me…”

Gianmarco Soresi is a phenomenally driven, hard-working comic whose ambition and social media savvy might rankle, if he wasn’t so utterly funny.  We talk about growing up a theatre kid and what he had to let go of to become a comic, his need to be witnessed, and his adoration of “mathematically beautiful” jokes, including his love for the one-liners of Anthony Jeselnik and Rodney Dangerfield.

Gianmarco Soresi (Ad-free)

19 bonus minutes with Lee Kyle.

Lee Kyle Extras

One of the North East’s best-kept comedy secrets, Lee Kyle is a dimpled diamond with a twinkly warmth and bucket-loads of swearing. We talk about focusing on multiple projects and thriving in chaos - plus the downsides of ADHD, and how he wrestles with self-doubt and demotivation. We also discover the origins of NE comedy co-operative incubator “Felt Nowt”, and why the first minute of Lee’s set is purposefully a write-off.

Lee Kyle (Ad-free)

Master of miscellany, Neil Delamere has a huge presence in his home country of Ireland and across the UK, boasting a style of comedy where every single second is packed full of laughs. We talk about the difference between a good comic and a great comic; the type of comedy that piques Neil’s interests; and why he thinks storytelling is the purest, and most powerful, form of entertainment. We also learn how he combats the writing process of a tour show vs an Edinburgh Fringe hour; including the content and the title, and the all important ending.

Master of miscellany, Neil Delamere has a huge presence in his home country of Ireland and across the UK, boasting a style of comedy where every single second is packed full of laughs. We talk about the difference between a good comic and a great comic; the type of comedy that piques Neil’s interests; and why he thinks storytelling is the purest, and most powerful, form of entertainment. We also learn how he combats the writing process of a tour show vs an Edinburgh Fringe hour; including the c

Neil Delamere (Ad-Free)

Bonus Insider gold with Neil Delamere.

Neil Delamere Extras

Ingenious stand-up, actor and impressionist James Adomian’s impact is truly global, with his voice appearing on a hundred cartoons and a thousand podcasts - making him "a famous person no-one knows”.

Delving deep into his character performance and how he chooses who to impersonate, James lets us in on his love for Aristophanes and his processes of tackling intelligent and academic subjects, in voices ranging from US Presidents to Slovenian philosophers, all whilst maintaining mainstream appeal. We also discuss audience reactions to James being gay and how not fitting into the gay ‘template’ has helped shape his stand-up sets, and get POD-JACKED BY EDDIE PEPITONE NO LESS.

Ingenious stand-up, actor and impressionist James Adomian’s impact is truly global, with his voice appearing on a hundred cartoons and a thousand podcasts - making him "a famous person no-one knows”.

Delving deep into his character performance and how he chooses who to impersonate, James lets us in on his love for Aristophanes and his processes of tackling intelligent and academic subjects, in voices ranging from US Presidents to Slovenian philosophers, all whilst maintaining mainstream appeal

James Adomian (Live @ SXSW) (Ad-free)

Bonus Ignacio content for Insiders!

Ignacio Lopes Extras

Ignacio Lopez is an ascendant comic currently selling out his national tour due to a combination of talent, strategy, and sheer determination.

We talk about his enjoyment of playing high status and the pitfalls associated with that, about him flying alone as a child between families and countries, and how he used comedy as a social cheat-code. We also explore comedy as a separate language, and the different dialects and fluency that we all employ…

Inacio Lopes (Ad-free)

Emma Willmann is a New York killer comic, with a big online presence and a completely magnetic angle on gender and sexuality. We talk here about her unique origins with a schoolteacher who let her get up and perform if she managed to focus throughout the class; as well as covering hyperfocus, ADHD and stopping taking the pills, and the comfort in relating to finding a process.

All of this plus the systems she’s created for coping with her busy brain, an obsession with comedy book-learning, and some really insider stuff on social media processes - you love to hear it!

Emma Willmann is a New York killer comic, with a big online presence and a completely magnetic angle on gender and sexuality. We talk here about her unique origins with a schoolteacher who let her get up and perform if she managed to focus throughout the class; as well as covering hyperfocus, ADHD and stopping taking the pills, and the comfort in relating to finding a process.

All of this plus the systems she’s created for coping with her busy brain, an obsession with comedy book-learning, and

Emma Willmann (Live @ SXSW) (Ad-free)

Hilarious comic Steve Agee is known to many as John Economos in “The Suicide Squad”, and Steve from The Sarah Silverman Programme, as well as being the bearer of the most satisfying narrative arc in the insanely funny “Peacemaker” (HBO Max). He talks with us live at South By Southwest about being part of the James Gunn Cinematic Universe, and the panic attacks that ruled his life and meant he had to warn employers in advance about his propensity for walking away and never coming back.

We also talk about being sent to military academy as a child, his compulsive emetophobia, and how Gunn’s loyalty saved him after a savage pandemic experience in which he lost his mother.

Hilarious comic Steve Agee is known to many as John Economos in “The Suicide Squad”, and Steve from The Sarah Silverman Programme, as well as being the bearer of the most satisfying narrative arc in the insanely funny “Peacemaker” (HBO Max). He talks with us live at South By Southwest about being part of the James Gunn Cinematic Universe, and the panic attacks that ruled his life and meant he had to warn employers in advance about his propensity for walking away and never coming back.

We also 

Steve Agee (Live @SXSW) (Ad-free)

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

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

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

We talk about John’s move from the UK circuit to Los Angeles, and discuss the finer details of what it means to participate in several different global markets; also the bad behaviour he’s experienced at the hands of certain [REDACTED] promoters

John Hastings Returns

Insiders' content with Michelle

Michelle Brasier Extras

Launching her new show “Legacy” at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival right now, Michelle Brasier completes a trilogy of heartfelt, philosophical and very funny one-woman shows about loss and forgiveness, which includes the multi-award winning “Average Bear”.

We talk about her work with purveyors of sketch carnage Aunty Donna, and discover why drama school rejects have all the fun. We also discuss her secret fears that she’s doing some kind of TEDTalk and can’t write proper jokes; about main character syndrome and the “fraud cycle”; and why people will be commenting “one of the boys!” under everything she ever puts out, for the rest of her life…

Launching her new show “Legacy” at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival right now, Michelle Brasier completes a trilogy of heartfelt, philosophical and very funny one-woman shows about loss and forgiveness, which includes the multi-award winning “Average Bear”.

We talk about her work with purveyors of sketch carnage Aunty Donna, and discover why drama school rejects have all the fun. We also discuss her secret fears that she’s doing some kind of TEDTalk and can’t write proper jokes; abo

Michelle Brasier (Ad-free)

“I did Instagram Live for 2 years straight, for 5-6 hours a day”

Tub-thumping powerhouse Godfrey has been in the game for the best part of three decades and yet still radiates happiness and positivity. We talk about his phenomenal work ethic and drive; being the first English-speaking comedian to gig in Russia; why someone this happy needs to do comedy; and the business dimension to comedy where his confidence sometimes fails him…

Godfrey SXSW (Ad-free)

“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.

“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 

Tom Houghton (Ad-free)

Nigh on 25 minutes with Tom "Do you ski?" Houghton

Tom Houghton Extras

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...

Fern Brady 2016: ComCompendium (Ad-free)

Truly a global comedian, Vir Das has five Netflix specials to his name, and his latest “Landing” is an exceptional piece of work, relating the story of a plane journey at the end of which he faces arrest for bringing his country’s name into disrepute.

We talk about his beginnings in Bollywood; the difference a background in acting makes to a comics’ approach to authenticity; removing the middlemen between oneself and one’s audience; and why he doesn’t have the luxury of cynicism…

Vir Das (Ad-free)

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.

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 starti

Gina Yashere 2015: ComCompendium

Today we heave open the ComCom vault door and revisit this episode with the outspoken moral arbiter of stand-up Stewart Lee.

As principled as they come – punitively politically correct, and forever eschewing the same limelight in which other contemporaries love to bathe – we ponder the lengths to which he is willing to go in order to gleefully burn bridges. We also discuss what the autumn of his career might have in store, and explore how the righteousness of his onstage persona forbids any apologies... just how heavy is the head that wears the Comedy Police helmet?

Today we heave open the ComCom vault door and revisit this episode with the outspoken moral arbiter of stand-up Stewart Lee.

As principled as they come – punitively politically correct, and forever eschewing the same limelight in which other contemporaries love to bathe – we ponder the lengths to which he is willing to go in order to gleefully burn bridges. We also discuss what the autumn of his career might have in store, and explore how the righteousness of his onstage persona forbids any ap

Stewart Lee 2017: ComCompendium

Dusted down, and fresh from the archives, today we re-welcome the wry cynicism of the nation’s favourite (formerly chubby now svelte) vegan Romesh Ranganathan.

Fearless on stage, yet his own biggest critic off it, we discuss his stratospheric – and largely unplanned – comic success. We place parenthood under the microscope, revise his former vocations as teacher and rapper, before discovering that stolen jokes fuelled his first ever gig... a 1987 Pontins talent show.

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

Dusted down, and fresh from the archives, today we re-welcome the wry cynicism of the nation’s favourite (formerly chubby now svelte) vegan Romesh Ranganathan.

Fearless on stage, yet his own biggest critic off it, we discuss his stratospheric – and largely unplanned – comic success. We place parenthood under the microscope, revise his former vocations as teacher and rapper, before discovering that stolen jokes fuelled his first ever gig... a 1987 Pontins talent show.

Stu's new comedy special 

Romesh Ranganathan (Live at Soho Theatre) 2016: ComCompendium

In today’s trip down memory lane, the ever effervescent Shaparak Khorsandi leads the way – with a quick stop off at Comedy’s figurative playground – via her own yellow brick road. We dissect second chances, shifting statuses, and how the pursuit of money stunts artistic quality...

Candid, nuanced, and not lacking in poise, Shaparak opens up on the difficult situations to which her early standup inexperience subjected her, and the realisation of how bullying is ultimately rooted in jealousy.

Shaparak Khorsandi 2016: ComCompendium

This week we swing open the door of the ComCom vault and crack open a vintage 2012 with the indefatigable Sarah Millican.

We talk about her unbound positivity, the necessity to jettison pre-gig baggage, and managing her - as well as the audience’s - expectations. We also delve into Millican’s Law, Thermos pasta, and men’s proclivity to urinate in hotel kettles.

Sarah Millican 2012: ComCompendium

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

James Acaster 2013: ComCompendium

Despite his alt roots, barnstorming Kurt Braunohler straddles comedy scenes like a Colossus! We talk about his lifelong and very inventive quest to “insert absurdity into strangers' lives to make the world a better place”, choreographing randomness, and drawing inspiration from Kurt Vonnegut and Eugene Mirman.

We also dive into how his glorious new show ”Perfectly Stupid” represents an emotional maturity that sidesteps schmaltziness…

Kurt Braunohler (Ad-Free)

Sarah Keyworth is a seriously funny comedian, and has a succinct and uncomplicated way of showing it. In this very thoughtful interview, they talk about the point where being saddened by other peoples’ reality meets the irresistible pull of activism. We also explore their creative partnership with the late, great Paul Byrne; and why they’d love to have a pint with JK Rowling…

Sarah Keyworth (Ad-Free)

Bonus stuff from the Sarah Keyworth ep.

Sarah Keyworth Extras

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

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 

Esther Manito (Ad-Free)

15 extra mins with Manito...

Esther Manito Extras

Bonus content from the wonderful Glenn Moore.

Glenn Moore Extras

Comedy machine-gun Glenn Moore smashed Edinburgh again this year with a show in which every word and breath serviced his phenomenal joke-rate. Thrill, as you discover how he’s driven to this prodigious comedy output by an almost pathological fear of being told off by an audience for not trying hard enough!

We revisit his earliest shows, speculate as to what drives him to apply a much sterner standard to himself than anyone else, and find out what it means to him that “Mock The Week” has concluded…

Comedy machine-gun Glenn Moore smashed Edinburgh again this year with a show in which every word and breath serviced his phenomenal joke-rate. Thrill, as you discover how he’s driven to this prodigious comedy output by an almost pathological fear of being told off by an audience for not trying hard enough!

We revisit his earliest shows, speculate as to what drives him to apply a much sterner standard to himself than anyone else, and find out what it means to him that “Mock The Week” has conclu

Glenn Moore (Ad-Free)

20-odd wonderful bonus minutes with Grace...

Grace Petrie Extras

“Socialist, feminist, lesbian, protest singer” Grace Petrie made her first foray into “official” standupdom this year with a phenomenal Edinburgh debut, in which as well as skewering transphobes and bigots, she managed to extend genuine empathy towards them - all while being very, very funny.

As well as talking about her comedy origins as a support act for Josie Long and Robin Ince and her work with The Guilty Feminist podcast, we discover the peace she’s made with her impostor syndrome, and get deeply involved in the responsibility she feels to look inside herself and to not deny people their feelings.

“Socialist, feminist, lesbian, protest singer” Grace Petrie made her first foray into “official” standupdom this year with a phenomenal Edinburgh debut, in which as well as skewering transphobes and bigots, she managed to extend genuine empathy towards them - all while being very, very funny.

As well as talking about her comedy origins as a support act for Josie Long and Robin Ince and her work with The Guilty Feminist podcast, we discover the peace she’s made with her impostor syndrome, and g

Grace Petrie (Ad-Free)

This year comedy dynamo Lauren Pattison received a Best Show nomination to add to her Best Newcomer, with her show “It Is What It Is”, which detailed how she was among the first comedians to move home and proudly take up a day job during the pandemic.

We talk about her relentless work ethic; class structures in comedy; and why she there’s no shame in supplementing your comedy income. We also discuss her anxious core beliefs, running for the CALM charity, and find out how a podcast took the place of therapy in her life.

This year comedy dynamo Lauren Pattison received a Best Show nomination to add to her Best Newcomer, with her show “It Is What It Is”, which detailed how she was among the first comedians to move home and proudly take up a day job during the pandemic.

We talk about her relentless work ethic; class structures in comedy; and why she there’s no shame in supplementing your comedy income. We also discuss her anxious core beliefs, running for the CALM charity, and find out how a podcast took the pla

Lauren Pattison (Ad-Free)

22 glorious extra minutes with Lauren Pattison.

Lauren Pattison Extras

Exploding supernova Jordan Gray has just had the Edinburgh that every newer act dreams of: five-star reviews across the board, sell-out shows, a transfer to the Palladium, as well as being made an honorary X-Man by Sir Ian McKellen. She’s an extraordinarily funny, talented and skilled act who’s managed to pull an absolute Minchin!

We talk about the danger of believing your own hype, why she has to be an example not just a comedian, and we get an intimate snapshot of the very early stages of the sorts of hard choices that await someone experiencing this kind of success…

Exploding supernova Jordan Gray has just had the Edinburgh that every newer act dreams of: five-star reviews across the board, sell-out shows, a transfer to the Palladium, as well as being made an honorary X-Man by Sir Ian McKellen. She’s an extraordinarily funny, talented and skilled act who’s managed to pull an absolute Minchin!

We talk about the danger of believing your own hype, why she has to be an example not just a comedian, and we get an intimate snapshot of the very early stages of th

Jordan Gray (Ad-Free)

20 minutes extra with Jordan...

Jordan Gray Extras

Everyone’s favourite “clown in a gown”, Bianca Del Rio is an unstoppable onslaught of insult comedy, swathed in haute couture, and concealing an absolute gem in the form of Roy Haylock, who talks to Stu out of makeup and only occasionally in character…



Currently in the middle of a colossal tour, which drops into the Edinburgh Fringe this week, we talk about the unique crucible of combative performance circumstances that created her; how her surprising attitude to the RuPaul’s Drag Race interviews helped her shine; and how to “eliminate fuckery”. Plus: the secret benefit to doing meet & greets (it’s not the money!), and an astonishing claim not to spend any time at all writing her huge tour shows…

Everyone’s favourite “clown in a gown”, Bianca Del Rio is an unstoppable onslaught of insult comedy, swathed in haute couture, and concealing an absolute gem in the form of Roy Haylock, who talks to Stu out of makeup and only occasionally in character…



Currently in the middle of a colossal tour, which drops into the Edinburgh Fringe this week, we talk about the unique crucible of combative performance circumstances that created her; how her surprising attitude to the RuPaul’s Drag Race inter