Laughing Dead

Plaything for a sheikh

In the final episode of our first season, Sami is joined by the creators of ABC's next podcast hit, TOKYO HOTEL, Ben Russell and Xavier Michelides. Improv gigs in Chi-town, prackfalls, and being hunted on a private island by rich Sheikhs, this episode has it all! And John Conway phones it in. Get in touch by emailing us - laughingdead@abc.net.au

A dark and doomed and desperate occupation

Corporate gigs, hecklers, mining tours, audience indifference, silence, it takes a toll. How can comedians protect their sanity from the stresses of the comedy life? Sami speaks to Associate Professor and psychiatrist Dr Steve Ellen to find out. Steve is also director of the Psychosocial Oncology Program at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.

Blindfolded on a ladder

Comedy can be honest. It can be searingly truthful, and intensely personal. Which is a powerful way of delivering laughter, but can also mean it hurts that much more when turned against the performer.  Laura Davis is a comedian who wields her honesty like a scalpel, but sometimes those edges can cut both ways. And Becky Lou is a burlesque superstar who combines precise comedic timing, storytelling, and dance to achieve her art. Some days though, it's a lot harder than it needs to be!  Music featured in this episode Suburb Home by The Royal Parks Elevator Music by Oliver Clark Get in touch by emailing us - laughingdead@abc.net.au

She mouthed sorry and walked out

In the history of terrible ideas, comedians taking their dates to a gig has to be the worst one. And if you don't know why, let Luke McGregor and Becky Lucas share their tales of tragedy and woe. No language warning this episode but adult themes like drug use and dating are discussed. Get in touch by emailing us - laughingdead@abc.net.au

No laughing on site

Mining Tours are the gold standard of hell-gigs for comedians. They make corporate gigs look like a delight. Which is why, Xavier Susai and Mike G, have the emotional scars that they do. Both are veterans of the mining tours, and their stories are gloriously depressing! Language warning. It's pretty rude episode.