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A hungover morning, a throwaway song about Wednesbury, and a dad who said “stick it on YouTube” set off a chain reaction Jonny Cole is still riding. 

He started out singing covers and cheeky parodies in Black Country pubs to one man and his dog - today Jonny Cole is selling out theatres all over the country on a national tour that is being extended again and again due to phenomenal demand.

We dig into the real story behind that surge: how an online argument about Black Country borders did more for ticket sales than any TV slot, and Jonny's surprise at the material landing just as hard in Brighton as it did in Dudley.

We go beneath the laughs too. Jonny talks candidly about swapping Dutch courage for real courage in his bid to beat the booze, finding support in AA when mornings used to start with vodka before presenting the breakfast show on Black Country Radio. 

Jonny gives us an insight into how he comes up with his hit songs, and shares a cracking story about a costly plane journey which left him more embarrassed than he ever has been on stage.

He rules out ever going on shows like Britain’s Got Talent, and is a real life example of how social media and word of mouth is outmuscling the old gatekeepers. 

As for what’s next: more cities, more seaside dates, Birmingham arenas and a Perth Fringe run for the yam yams down under.

Book tickets to see Jonny live at www.funnybeeseness.co.uk/jonnycole

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A late start, a steady graft, and one perfectly timed camping bit—Scott Bennett’s road from product designer to Live at the Apollo and the Royal Variety isn’t a fairy tale, it’s a case study in how to climb the comedy ladder. 

We sat down with Scott to trace the unglamourous stretch between first gong show and arena supports, and the lifesaving role of family when your calendar is more motorways than milestones. He talks candidly about quitting a “proper job,” the year of petrol-money gigs, and how Gemma’s patience and a garden shed turned lockdown panic into momentum.

From there, we get into the state of modern comedy: how some creators go viral before they’re ready for a mic, while other stand-up veterans and masters of the craft like Troy Hawke have been able to take full advantage of their viral success. Scott explains the day his “angry zips” bit exploded, the dopamine itch of refreshing likes, and the practical way he uses social media to sell tickets. He shares how the bright lights of the Apollo taught him composure, why Royal Variety finally felt joyful, and how a barrage of comments about his “neck lump” became an absurd tour story that fortunately ended with a clean bill of health.

We also dig into the use of phones in the audience at gigs, heckler culture, and how to curate a room that feels warm rather than combative. Scott prefers inclusive crowd work to “destroying” strangers and believes live comedy remains the best value night out: a human craft you can’t stream. 

Some hilarious questions from the audience complete an episode which is both funny and a real look at how stand-up survives in a feed-driven world.

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Paul Sinha – doctor, comedian, quiz champion, and the man known to millions as "The Sinnerman" – pulls back the curtain on the hit ITV show and so much more in this laugh-out-loud podcast episode.

With trademark wit and refreshing honesty, Paul shares the fascinating path that led him from medicine to comedy clubs to television stardom. "I'm the only chaser that's not named after a sex toy," he quips, setting the tone for a discussion that's as thought provoking as it is hilarious. From revealing why producers actually prefer when contestants win on The Chase to explaining his stance on contestants taking the lower offer, Paul offers genuine insight into quiz show dynamics that will change how you watch.

Paul also opens up about his Parkinson's diagnosis with remarkable resilience and humour. "I'm very determined to live my life with a degree of good cheer and optimism," he explains, "main reason being I don't have a choice in the matter, do I?" This philosophy permeates everything from his approach to comedy to navigating fame and celebrity encounters – including the unforgettable moment when a fan confronted him in a comedy club for beating his dad on the Chase!

Beyond the laughs, we discover the fascinating story of Paul's family – his parents who immigrated from India in the 1960s and their shared love of Countdown.

Whether you're a Chase superfan, comedy enthusiast, quiz lover, or simply appreciate genuine conversation with an extraordinary person, this episode delivers knowledge, laughter, and unexpected wisdom. Tune in for an hour that will leave you eager to hear more from one of Britain's most interesting minds.

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