The Comedian's Comedian Podcast

A study in confidence, Australian Tom Gleeson trades in lean, punchy material that batters an audience into submission. We discuss how “comedy’s Lex Luthor” changed from being a competent but boring standup, into a forceful presence with absolute faith in his comic perspective.

Talented, dedicated and analytical, Melbourne-based Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall is part of a new generation of comics. We discuss the acquisition of stage-time in a town with relatively few gigging opportunities, and geek out over the “mathematics” of joke-writing. Alasdair also reveals the ten thousand dollar motivational gamble that got his head in the game…

Felicity Ward hilariously combines expert physical characterisation with heartfelt storytelling.  Speaking just after the recording of her first DVD in Melbourne, she describes her creative process, her experiences in pilot season in L.A., and her strategies for coping with the self-criticism that can make her want to run from the stage.

The quintessential comic raconteur, Tom Allen’s work sizzles with wit, candour and warmth. We discuss his rhythm, musicality and sociable methods of generating material, as well as investigating the self-criticism and loneliness with which he sometimes struggles. This delightful man also makes a convincing case for recognising comedians as “artists who are entitled to support”…

With an unselfconscious charm and a superb skill for finding the funny in true stories, Geraldine Hickey is a delightful comedian to spend an hour with. We talk about her recently-discovered sexuality and the perspective it gives her on previous work. We also explore the Melbourne comedy scene, “running one’s own race”, and the benefits of combining a comedy career with an enjoyable second job.

Known for his hyper-personal material about death, infidelity and suicide, David Quirk is happy to be an outsider, to the comedy community as well as his audience. We discuss the tropes of contemporary standup and David’s decision to move away from them; the need to watch other people’s shows or not; and what it feels like to release oneself from the compulsion to be funny. We also touch on negative-sounding noises that mean people hate you.

Rubber-legged comedy mantis Asher Treleaven has been nominated for the most prestigious awards in the UK and Australia. He talks here about his transition from art-house darling to club-fit road act, and the changes in his strategy towards festivals. As well as exploring the development of his persona, he’s also admirably frank in describing his concerns about a dwindling audience, something he faces despite his critical acclaim…

Variety superstar Clarke MacFarlane blends elements of stand-up, clowning and skills to create the show-stopping, crowd-surfing “Mario, Queen of the Circus”.  Touring with La Clique and La Soiree has allowed him to hone his act to perfection over years, but he still “pays his dues” with regular streetshows. We discuss his work rate and workaholism, his respect for standups, and his bizarre pre-performance habits, not to mention the dark voices that plague even a top lev...

Lindsay Webb is comedy’s Mr Queensland. A hard-working positive-thinker, he once held a Guinness World Record for the longest stand-up show, and manages to make waves in the industry without a consistent TV profile. We also get an overview of the Australian comedy industry, and Lindsay opens up about his dismissal from national radio.

Suede-hooved waffler Carl Donnelly makes comic storytelling look easy. His turn of phrase and relaxed narrative style has influenced a wave of newer acts, but his eye for a genuinely funny idea sets him apart from his emulators. We discuss the importance of the truth in his work, and he also bangs on about theta-waves. Christ knows.