Hard Knock Knocks

Hard Knock Knocks

Download on the App Store

Hard Knock Knocks episodes

  • 082: Cam Knight – Wistful wisdom and pissing in dishwashers
    What are the ingredients to become a stand-up comedian? For Cam Knight it was larrikinism, peer group pressure, and The Life of Brian. 

    In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast, host Steve Davis talks to comedian and actor Cam Knight about his city-hopping comedy career, butterfly gags, and performing at the Sydney Opera House. Cam also talks about the highs of stand-up comedy touring and TV hosting, and the 'lows' of performing to five people. Cam also shares his advice up and coming stand-up comedians.

    And if you're interested in kickstarting your stand-up comedy career, Cam Knight is our guest comedian for our August 4 - 8 stand-up comedy course in Sydney. Check out this link to book your spot.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min
  • 081: Matt O'Neill – Being delightfully dark
    Matt O'Neill just supported the legendary Steve Hughes. How'd it happen? Like all things great in comedy, luck, a friend of a friend, and humility.

    In this School of Hard Knock Knocks interview with our new host, Steve Davis, we learn how Matt O'Neill's bad experience with a comedian delayed his comedy career, how he has a 'nice' persona, and the origin of his sick jokes. And of course, we learn how he warmed up the audience at The Atheneum Theatre in Melbourne for Steve Hughes.

    As a side note, Steve and Matt are both alumni of the School of Hard Knock Knocks. And if you're interested in kick starting your stand-up comedy career, then check out www.schoolofhardknockknocks.com for our upcoming courses in Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne

    And now here's the delightfully dark, Matt O'Neill. 


    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min
  • 080: Joe Wong - No straight line to comedy success

    There's no straight line in building a stand-up comedy career. And this fact is highlighted in my interview with Korean Chinese comedian, now an American citizen, Joe Wong. In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast interview, you'll learn how Joe moved from Jilin Province in China, became a chemical engineer, and then performed at the White House. He's performed stand-up on David Letterman's The Late Show, Ellen DeGeneres show 'Ellen', and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert - just to name a few. He's now a China-based TV host, uncovering myths and making jokes and one of China's most successful stand-up comedy exports. This interview was conducted in a Beijing coffee shop, so, please ignore the background noise. And now, here he is, Joe Wong.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min
  • 079: Julia Clarke - From Adelaide Raw to Edinburgh Fringe

    Julia Clarke has achieved much in her eight years of stand-up comedy. A two time winner of South Australia Raw Comedy, and Edinburgh Fringe Festival performer, Julia is also one of the nicest stand-up comedians on the Adelaide comedy scene.

    In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast episode, comedian Julia Clarke and I discuss getting in trouble with the cops, burning celluloid, and advice for up and coming comedians.

    And if you'd like to get more advice from Julia , then the good news is that she's the guest comedian at the March 3 to 7 stand-up comedy course in Adelaide. This is the course for new comedians or bucket list tickers.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min
  • 078: Seizure Kaiser - Overcoming the politics of stand-up comedy

    Sydney based Seizure Kaiser (no, that's not his given name) is not afraid to broach edgy topics in his comedy. And performing stand-up is only one of his talents. He's also a comedy producer and promoter. 

    In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast episode Seizure Kaiser and I discuss the difference between 'racist jokes' and 'jokes about racism', performing comedy well outside political correctness, and forgetting the haters. Yeah, we discuss the politics of comedy!

    And if that hasn't scared you off, and you're interested in trying stand-up comedy, then the exciting news is that we have courses in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Get coached in February and March by Julia Wilson, Julia Clarke, and Steve Hughes. Just log onto www.schoolofhardknockknocks.com for the upcoming dates.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  • 077: Chris Franklin - Laughs of Launnie and Aussie comedy festivals

    Chris Franklin is a stalwart of Australian comedy. A 21 year comic veteran, Chris has not only witnessed the comedy industry grow, but has been instrumental in that growth. And so it should come to no surprise that Chris is behind the latest Australian comedy festival, 'Laughs of Launnie'. 

    From March 18 to 24, and smack bang between the Adelaide Fringe Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Laughs of Launnie has already attracted high profile comedians, including Lehmo, Tripod, The Kagools, and Randy Feltface, amongst many other top Aussie and international comedians.

    In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast episode, Chris and I discuss how Laughs of Launnie came to be, his upcoming shows, as well as his April School of Hard Knock Knocks guest comedian spot in Melbourne. That's right, if you'd like to be coached in stand-up by this living legend, visit www.schoolofhardknockknocks.com.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min
  • 076: Gabe Hogan - Raw comedy, radio and cliques

    Comedian Gabe Hogan has been a Raw Comedy state finalists twice. She's also built a solid comedy career that has extended into commercial radio. In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast interview, Gabe talks about that initial comedic journey, advice for Raw Comedy competitors, and the importance and dangers of comedy cliques. If you're curious about how to start a stand-up comedy career, then this is the podcast for you.

    And on that topic, the School of Hard Knock Knocks has announced stand-up comedy courses for 2019 in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. If your new year's resolution is to try stand-up, and you need a kick up the ass, then don't miss out on getting coached by some of Australia's best comedians. Greg Fleet, Glynn Nicholas, and Julia Wilson are our comedy coaches throughout January and February, so don't miss out. Go to www.schoolofhardknockknocks.com to secure your spot.

    And now for the delightful, 'arsehole', Gabe Hogan.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  • 075: Lehmo - The comedic journey from balls to sails

    Lehmo is one of Australia's favourite comedians - both on stage and on TV. Star on Utopia, That's Not My Dog, and a regular on The Project, Lehmo's comedy naturally dabbles in satire, showmanship, and current affairs. He's also one of my favourite Aussie comedians, making this last show of 2018 all that extra special.

    In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast episode, Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehmann discloses his original, and embarrassing, nickname, his journey from Adelaide's Rundle Mall 'balls' to Sydney Opera House's 'sails', his book 'This Shirt Won't Iron Itself', making that jump into being a full time comic, and advice for you, the up and coming comedian.

    And, if you're interested in jumping into comedy or polishing your act in 2019, here's your chance. Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney stand-up comedy courses have been announced and on sale at www.schoolofhardknockknocks.com. Greg Fleet, Steve Hughes, Julia Wilson, Chris Franklin, and Glynn Nicholas, are but a few of our guest comedians sharing their wisdom.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  • 074: Julia Wilson - Combative comedy

    It's fair to say that Julia Wilson is not afraid of conflict - both verbal and physical. Prior to her 17 year career as a stand-up comedian, Julia was a truckie, a bouncer and bodyguard. More recently, she's also got into NFL, American Football, and in a big way too! She's quite possibly the toughest woman in comedy. 

    In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast episode, Julia talks about her tough persona, being 'punchy-as-fuck' in her comedy routine, some rules of thumb as a female stand-up comedian, and not giving a shit about what other people think - which, according to Julia, is the reason for her success.

    And if you're thinking about trying stand-up comedy yourself, you might be pleased to know that we are beginning to announce course dates for Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney throughout 2019. That's right, the School of Hard Knock Knocks is quickly becoming Australia-wide. So whether you're a comedian of the future, or a bucket list ticker, you've got more opportunities to get up on stage.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  • 073: Mick Meredith - From The Footy Show to Comedy Cruises

    It was a stand-up comedy course, and a dare from a mate, that got Mick Meredith started in comedy. One moment a Sydney muso playing bass, the next Mick was a successful stand-up comedian, and soon after striking it big with a regular spot on Nine Network's The Footy Show.  

    In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast you'll learn how Mick went from open mics to TV, life on the high sea as a cruise comedian, and the benefits of mixing comedy income streams. We'll also talk about Mick's upcoming guest spot at the School of Hard Knock Knocks stand-up comedy course in Sydney from December 2 to 6. Join Mick, Ben Horowitz, and returning alumna Thalia-Joan to learn stand-up comedy skills, so like Mick, you can kick-start you comedy career.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

About Hard Knock Knocks

From the publisher's feed

Ready to take your stand-up comedy game to the next level?
If you’re grinding through open mics but feel like your progress is stuck in slow motion, the Hard Knock Knocks podcast is your shortcut to success. Each episode features candid interviews with Australia’s most seasoned stand-up comedians—unpacking how they got started, what they’ve learned, and what they wish they knew when they began. Get insider tips, avoid common pitfalls, and sharpen your craft with real-world advice from the pros who’ve been there and crushed that.