Hard Knock Knocks

Adelaide comedian, Marc Ryan is a self diagnosed bogan. He's also a state winner, and national finalist of Raw Comedy, and through his success has been able to go full time - although not without some serious thought. 

In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast, we discuss Raw, building a comedy career, supportive wives, and the Adelaide Fringe Festival. We also talk about the upcoming School of Hard Knock Knocks stand-up comedy course in Adelaide, from December 9 to 13. Comedians Glynn Nicholas and Marc Ryan will be developing Adelaide's next batch of comedians, alongside returning alumnus, Steve Davis. If you would like to compete at Raw Comedy, or even perform in 'The Best of' School of Hard Knock Knocks Adelaide Fringe show, then this is the course for you. Spots are filling up quickly.

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You can't say a bad thing about comedian Michael Connell. He's quite possibly the nicest guy in stand-up comedy, if not the world. He's also got an incredible intellect, which makes him a formidable comedian. In this podcast Michael talks about his achievements in Class Clowns, Australia's Got Talent, and Green Faces. We also talk about his passion for philosophy, remembering sets, moving to Brisbane and entertaining sick kids.

And while I have your attention, if you'd like to try stand-up comedy, and live in Melbourne, then this is the month to pull your finger out. Our guest comedian in October is the legendary George Kapiniaris. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so visit www.schoolofhardknockknocks.com to sign up. You also get a huge discount if you bring your friend.

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Adelaide-based Kim Le is one of those annoying high achievers. A qualified psychiatrist, Kim is also a blackbelt, speaks multiple languages, is an awarded keynote speaker, and now he's excelling in stand-up comedy. He's also a graduate of the School of Hard Knock Knocks and was the middle bracket at the most recent Adelaide graduation, alongside Glynn Nicholas and Gerry Masi (aka Mad Dog Malcolm).

In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast, Kim and I talk about his new open mic room, the 'Comedy Clinic', his upcoming comedy production, 'Pho Real' - an all Vietnamese-Australian comedian lineup with Lee Ton and Loc Tran on the October 26, and, just to emphasis how annoyingly gifted this guy is, we talk about his invitation to perform at next year's Adelaide Fringe Festival's 'Next Generation' comedy show. And he's only been doing stand-up for five months.

And, if like Kim, you'd like to kick start your stand-up comedy career with the School of Hard Knock Knocks, then this is your month - assuming you're in Melbourne. Aussie comedy legend, Greg Fleet, is our guest comedy coach, for the September 23 - 27 course. But don't dally - we're only days away.

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If there's a single take away message from this interview, then it's about embracing change. British born comedian, Jeff Green was at the top of his game in the UK, performing as an equal with comedy greats, featuring on TV and radio, and even living next door to Ricky Gervais. His career, fame, comedy connections, and bank balance were bigger than a London double decker.

And then things changed.

In this podcast, you'll learn how Jeff rolled with the punches, rebuilt his comedy career from scratch half a world away in Australia, and, by his admission, become a better comedian.

"Do what you've always done and you'll get what you've always got", is Jeff Green's mantra, and if you're looking for inspiration, as an new comedian, or with life in general, then I'm sure you'll thoroughly enjoy this interview.

And if you'd like to meet Jeff and get personally coached in stand-up comedy, he's our guest comedian for our November 25 - 29 stand-up comedy course in Melbourne.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so don't miss out.

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Dave O'Neil has been performing stand-up comedy for an incredible 29 years. It was only fitting that a TV show about his life should be made, and in this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast Dave and I talk about producing 'Dave' - the show about 'Dave'. We discuss the politics of the TV world, casting stand-up comedians as actor, podcasting, and the financial benefits of bring a comedy writer and not performer.

And one more thing, Dave is most certainly NOT starting his own stand-up comedy course. Not that I was worried. In September we have the incredible Glynn Nicholas and Greg Fleet, at our Adelaide and Melbourne stand-up comedy courses, respectively. If you'd like to get along and get coached by two of the most experienced comedians in Australia, who aren't Dave O'Neil, be sure to log onto www.schoolofhardknockknocks.com.

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A wig, flairs, and a fake moustache, and Mad Dog Malcolm Cummins was born. The creation of Adelaide comedian and musician, Gerry Masi, Mad Dog is part crooner, part playboy, with a light splattering of sleaze. Together, he's a hilarious 1970s character, that is all too familiar.

In this interview we talk call backs, one liners, getting away with 'inappropriate' humour, his band, Lucifer's Lounge, and being a comedian in Adelaide.

If you're a lover of character comedy, like Elliot Goblet, Bob Down, and Helen Bidou, then you'll love this interview with Gerry Masi. You'll also be excited by the news that Gerry Masi is our guest comedian for the September 9 - 13 stand-up comedy course in Adelaide. Get coached in a supportive environment, with guest comedian Gerry Masi, and resident comedy coach, Glynn Nicholas, over five evenings at The Archer in North Adelaide. The early bird price is about to end, so don't miss out. Click here to secure your spot today.

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Simon Hughes runs Kings of Comedy, a comedy room in the heart of Melbourne. He's also an up and coming stand-up comedian.

A class clown at school, Simon was naturally drawn to entertainment - until drug addiction turned his world upside down. But Simon has bounced back, and even turned his traumatic experience into a Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) and Sydney Fringe show, Man vs Meth

In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast we talk drug abuse, mental health, the Messiah Complex, and bringing light to dark topics. We also talk comedy, like how to promote yourself as a new comedian.

And while I have you, a final reminder that the early bird price for the Melbourne August 26 - 30 stand-up comedy course finishes in 5 days time. If you'd like to try your hand at stand-up, or have your current comedy set polished by seasoned professionals, then visit click here and book your spot. It's also a great birthday present.

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Rik Roberts runs the School of Laughs. But not in Australia. Rik is Kentucky born and now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, which will explain our two contrasting accents. As you can guess, like the School of Hard Knock Knocks, the School of Laughs is a stand-up comedy school.

That's where the similarities end. Rik, in contrast to just about all of our previous interviewees identifies as a Christian comedian.

In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast, you'll hear a unique perspective on finding the funny within the constraints of Christianity, and how being squeaky clean can be great for business - at least in the USA.

And while I have your attention, the upcoming Melbourne and Adelaide comedy courses are filling up quickly, with guest comedians Joe White, Glynn Nicholas, and Greg Fleet. If you're interested in kick starting your stand-up comedy career, or getting your set polished from seasoned comedians, then be sure to sign up to our August and September courses - while you can still get the early bird price. Who doesn't like a discount?! Amen!

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Kieran Butler is a political satirist, comedic antagonist, and a general contrarian. Heavily influenced by the Aussie alternative rock band, TISM, Kieran Butler is not afraid of speaking his mind and challenging the status quo. But many of you already know this.

For those that aren't familiar with Kieran and his work, you'll enjoy this emotionally charged interview, where we delve into the importance of being able to joke about taboos, the politics of the comedy industry, finding ones 'voice' as a stand-up comedian, and the amazing woman, Eurydice Dixon, a member of the comedy community, who was murdered in Melbourne in June.

There's a language warning on this episode, so best listen with your headphones in.

Interested in learning stand-up comedy? Visit the School of Hard Knock Knocks website.

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New Zealand born, Brisbane raised, and globally travelled, Chris Wainhouse, has been in the comedy game for over 20 years. The son of a fundamental Christian mother, it should come as no surprise for those that know Chris's material, that his views are somewhat different - after all, he called his most recent Melbourne International Comedy Festival show (MICF) 'The AntiChris'. Yeah, he's going to hell.

In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast Chris Wainhouse and Morry Morgan talk about awful Christian comedians, taboos or rather the importance of not having any taboos in comedy, the advantages of having a comedian as a partner, and comedy advice.

And a quick advertisement. This podcast is sponsored by the School of Hard Knock Knocks online comedy course. It's the full curriculum of the classroom course, only delivered online.

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