Open Mic Comedy Podcast

In this episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, Marc chats with rising comedian Rohan Ashar about his path into stand-up.

Rohan opens up about the highs and lows of the comedy circuit, what it takes to connect with an audience, and how recording gigs has helped shape his style. They dive into everything from writing challenging material and navigating representation in comedy, to the power of community support on the open mic scene.

Rohan also gives a sneak peek into his upcoming show ‘Other’, created with fellow comic Mani Ahmed, and reflects on what makes a great (or terrible) gig. Plus, there’s a fun twist at the end as Rohan takes on a joke book challenge—don’t miss it!

🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms!

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: 

https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Rohan Ashar: https://www.instagram.com/rohanashar_comedy/

https://www.tiktok.com/@rohanashar_comedy

http://www.youtube.com/@rohanashar_comedy

Other - Rohan Ashar & Mani Ahmed Tickets:

Watford Fringe: https://watfringe.co.uk/events/other

Camden Fringe: https://camdenfringe.com/events/other

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Voice over courtesy of Reb Day: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/rebstagram

In this episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, I sit down with comedian Sophie Sconcia about her journey into stand-up, the balance between improv and written material, and the art of reading a room.

Sophie shares stories from her early gigs, insights from comedy courses, and how she’s learned to embrace spontaneity on stage. They explore the evolving language of comedy, the fine line of edgy material, and the importance of community, kindness, and connection in the scene.

Sophie also talks about Cat Soup Comedy, the monthly night she runs that blends pro, semi-pro, and open mic acts—designed to give comics a great crowd and the chance to bring their best material to the stage.

🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms!

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: 

https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Sophie Sconcia: https://www.instagram.com/sophsconciacomedy

Comedy Cat Soup: https://www.instagram.com/comedycatsoup

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

🎤 This week on the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, Marc sits down with rising comedian Charlie Firth for a candid and insightful chat about life on the stand-up circuit. From his roots in drama and acting to overcoming his initial hesitation with stand-up, Charlie shares the key moments that pushed him toward the mic—and kept him coming back.

They dig into the highs and lows of performing, from unforgettable gigs to the nights that didn’t go to plan, exploring how feedback, audience perception, and even the art of the perfectly timed pause all shape a comedian’s craft. Charlie also reflects on the sense of community within the open mic scene, his experience at the Edinburgh Fringe, and how he’s carving out his unique comedic voice.

The episode wraps up with a playful joke book challenge that brings the laughs full circle. Whether you’re a comedy fan or an aspiring stand-up yourself, this one’s packed with real talk, laughs, and lessons from the stage.

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: 

https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Charlie Firth

https://www.instagram.com/charliefirthcomedy

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Voice over courtesy of Reb Day: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rebstagram

In this episode host Marc sits down with comedian Adam Dorr to talk about his journey into stand-up, the highs and lows of the open mic circuit, and what it’s like navigating comedy as a neurodivergent performer. Adam shares hilarious and insightful stories from his time on stage, opens up about the challenges of running an open mic night, and reveals how improvisation plays a key role in his performances.

They dive into everything from performance anxiety to the crossover between comedy and theatre, the art of joke writing, and what the future holds for grassroots comedy nights. Adam also shares his thoughts on audience engagement, staying authentic as a comedian, and why loving the craft is just as important as getting the laughs. To top it all off, he takes on a fun comedian’s challenge, bringing an extra dose of spontaneity to the conversation.

If you’re a comedy fan or an aspiring stand-up, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of open mic comedy.

🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms!

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: 

https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Adam Dorr 

https://www.instagram.com/poundlandvaluesanta

https://www.instagram.com/adamdorrandadamdorr

https://www.tiktok.com/@adamdorrcomedy

https://www.youtube.com/@AdamDorr

https://linktr.ee/adamdorr2002

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, host Marc sits down with comedian Lewis Howard, who takes us on a deep dive into his stand-up journey. Lewis opens up about finding his comedic voice through personal experiences, navigating the tricky waters of audience perception, and tackling imposter syndrome head-on.

They explore the value of comedy workshops, the unglamorous reality of bombing on stage, and the hard-earned lessons that come from both triumphs and disasters. Lewis also shares hilarious and insightful anecdotes about his best and worst gigs, along with a few unforgettable encounters with hecklers, those teddies can be a nightmare.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as they discuss balancing humour with sensitive topics, adapting material for different audiences, and the importance of building trust with a crowd. They also reflect on the revival of New Town Comedy and its mission to give rising comedians a platform to shine.

Whether you’re a budding comic or just love a behind-the-scenes look at the world of stand-up, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a glimpse into the ever-evolving journey of a comedian trying to get to making a living from telling jokes. 🎤✨

🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms!

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: 

https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Lewis Howard: 

https://www.instagram.com/lewiscomedy

https://www.instagram.com/newtowncomedy

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Voice Over Segment: Duncan Hart - www.opengatecomedy.tv

In this episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, I chat with Annabel Edmonds, a former stand-up comedian whose found a creative passion in improv and writing.

Annabel opens up about her journey through the comedy world, the highs and lows of the stand-up circuit, and the difficult realities of facing harassment in the industry. She reflects on the shift from the often isolating world of stand-up to the supportive and collaborative environment of improv, where community thrives.

Marc and Annabel also dive into the addictive nature of performing, the challenges of maintaining a consistent podcast schedule, and the exciting projects Annabel has in the pipeline including sitcom writing, and performances at the Brighton Fringe. Through it all, Annabel emphasises the importance of building safe and inclusive spaces in comedy. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just curious about life behind the mic, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the ever-evolving comedy landscape.

🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms!

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: 

https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Annabel Edmonds: 

https://www.instagram.com/annabel_edmonds_comedy

https://www.instagram.com/punorama_investigates/

https://open.spotify.com/episode/253sctqtZ1ws66HuZ6Bt82

https://www.instagram.com/ricky_improv/

Brighton Fringe:

https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/annabel-edmonds-does-a-live-read-through-of-her-sitcom-scripts-to-critical-acclaim-and-universal-approval/

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Voice Over Segment: John Pape - https://www.johnpape.co.uk/

This week on the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, Marc sits down with comedian Jack Henry for a lively and insightful chat about his journey through the stand-up world. From his early days taking a comedy course at the legendary Comedy Store to tackling the highs and lows of the open mic circuit, Jack shares the lessons he’s learned along the way. He opens up about his best and worst gigs, the nerves of competing at the Leicester Square Theatre, and why ticketed shows make all the difference for a great crowd.

Jack also gets candid about mental health, discussing how it influences his comedy and why taking breaks is just as important as hitting the stage. He dives into the role of vulnerability in crafting jokes, the struggle of putting content online, and his passion for building a strong comedy community—including starting his own comedy night. And, of course, no conversation would be complete without a deep reflection on the power of music… specifically, Cher’s Believe.

Tune in for an episode packed with laughs, real talk, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in the comedy world!

🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms!

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: 

https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Jack Henry: 

https://www.instagram.com/jackhenryhenryjack

Cover photo courtesy of : https://www.instagram.com/lucindadavidson_photography/

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Voice Over Segment: John Pape - https://www.johnpape.co.uk/

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In this episode host Marc sits down with comedian Claire Cox to dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between on the road to stand-up success. Claire shares how she developed her comedic persona, the lessons she’s learned from hecklers, and why audience feedback is both a blessing and a curse.

They explore the art of joke writing, the challenge of memorising material, and the crucial role of body language on stage. From open mic nights to comedy competitions, Claire reflects on her best and worst moments, the power of community support, and her ambitions for storytelling and future gigs—maybe even a shot at the Edinburgh Festival.

Plus, they chat about the unspoken rules of MC-ing, the impact of walk-on music, and the fun of sneaking unexpected jokes into a set. Whether you’re a comedian, an aspiring performer, or just a fan of behind-the-scenes comedy talk, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a candid look at the grind of stand-up.

🔊 Tune in now for a hilarious and honest conversation with Claire Cox!

🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms!

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: 

https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Claire Cox: 

https://www.instagram.com/claire_comedy

In this episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, I am with comedian Jamie Jackson for a deep dive into the highs and lows of stand-up comedy. From dodging hecklers to trying to find his comedic voice, Jamie shares the (very) raw, unfiltered realities of life behind the mic.

They tackle everything from the psychological hurdles of performing to the hidden admin work of comedy, the struggle of balancing family life with gigs, and why nostalgia is a secret weapon for audience connection. Jamie also breaks down the importance of likability on stage, how short sets can be the hardest to master, and the evolving role of social media in a comedian’s career.

To wrap things up, they shine a light on rising comedians and put their wit to the test in a lighthearted joke challenge. If you love comedy, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode is a must-listen!

🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms!

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Jamie Jackson: 

https://www.instagram.com/jamiejacksonati

https://tiktok.com/@jamiejacksonati

The Evening Almanac Podcast: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/5Ugnjr10t1vtzHZYubcjhg

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Voice Over Segment: Duncan Hart - www.opengatecomedy.tv

In this episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, it’s the turn of comedian and actor Kwami Odoom, the reigning Max Turner Prize winner. Kwami shares his journey from acting to stand-up, offering an inside look at the highs and lows of the Open Mic Circuit, the thrill of competitions, and the challenge of crafting material that truly resonates with audiences.

They dive into the art (or not) of joke writing, the unexpected success of certain bits, and the fine line between authenticity and audience expectations. Kwami also opens up about his acting career, including his role in Death in Paradise, and the crossover between theatre, television, and stand-up.

Along the way, they break down the importance of stage presence, storytelling, and resilience, ending with a light-hearted joke challenge that captures the spontaneity and fun of comedy. Whether you’re a comedian, a fan of stand-up, or just love a great conversation, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of inspiration.

🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms!

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Kwami Odoom: 

https://www.instagram.com/kwamiocomedy

https://tiktok.com/@kwami.odoom

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Voice Over Segment: John Pape - https://www.johnpape.co.uk/