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Open Mic Comedy Podcast episodes
- 044 - Growing up on Stage with Declan Evans
In this podcast episode, Declan recounts his journey into stand-up comedy, describing his early influences and the hurdles he encountered during his first gigs. He recalls the blend of excitement and nerves at his debut performance, and how much he learned from his experiences performing at venues like G and B Comedy. Declan underscores the value of mentorship in the comedy world, explaining how having a mentor has been crucial to his development. He also delves into his distinctive approach to writing jokes, which often emerges from spontaneous moments of inspiration.Throughout the conversation, Declan talks about how important constructive feedback is in refining his skills, along with the crucial role of timing and stage presence. He reflects on key performances that have shaped his growth, illustrating how every gig contributes to a comedian’s evolution. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring comedians, highlighting the importance of finding a supportive community and approaching comedy as an ongoing learning process.
LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
Declan Evans:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declanevanscomedy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@declanevans
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Voice Over Segment with John Pape https://www.johnpape.co.uk
1 hr 7 min - 043 - From Bear Suits to Belly Laughs with Siobhan Dodd
In this episode we have comedian Siobhan Dodd in to chat about her wild and wonderful journey through the world of stand-up. From her memorable first gig—where she performed in a bear costume—to juggling comedy with motherhood, Siobhan opens up about the ups and downs of finding her voice in a competitive scene.They dive into the importance of the open mic circuit, how personal life fuels her comedy, and what it really takes to connect with an audience. Siobhan talks candidly about her successes and missteps, the evolution of her writing, and the crucial role that competitions have played in building her confidence.The conversation also explores how the comedy scene has changed since the “Me Too” movement, with both Marc and Siobhan reflecting on the need for a strong, supportive network in comedy. Siobhan shares insights into her performance style, the challenges of creating new material, and her ambitions to make it to TV. They also have a fun chat about the role of costumes on stage and why being present and spontaneous is key to a great performance.
LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
Siobhan Dodd: https://www.instagram.com/unclesiobhan
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
1 hr 5 min - 042 - Fringes, Festivals & Funnies with Gareth P Morris
In this episode I chat with Welsh comedian Gareth P. Morris to talk about his journey into stand-up, the ups and downs of running comedy nights, and what it’s really like performing in different venues. Gareth shares stories from his time on the open mic circuit, how he engages with audiences, and his approach to crafting jokes. He also reflects on some of his best (and worst) moments on stage, the challenges of being an MC, and what he learned from a festival that didn’t quite go as planned. This chat dives deep into the world of comedy, especially in Wales, shedding light on the hard work and passion it takes to make it in the industry. Gareth also opens up about a festival crisis and how the comedy community rallied together. He talks about his involvement in fundraising for cancer awareness and shares his experiences from various comedy fringes. For any up-and-coming comedians, Gareth offers some great advice on joke writing and performance, stressing the importance of refining your material and really connecting with your audience.
LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
Gareth P Morris:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garethpcomedy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@garethpcomedy
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
1 hr 24 min - 041 - Edinburgh: Confronting the Reality with John Pape
In this episode, host Marc welcomes comedian John Pape for a candid conversation about his journey through the world of comedy. From his early days performing at open mic nights to taking the stage at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival, John shares the highs and lows of comedy. He opens up about the unpredictable nature of comedy and the importance of connecting with an audience, discussing how both success and failure have shaped his approach to stand-up.Throughout the episode, John reflects on the personal growth that comes with honing his craft, emphasising the need for authenticity on stage. He talks about how the search for comfort in his comedic persona has evolved over time and how vital preparation and adaptability are in the unpredictable world of live comedy.The conversation also touches on the continuous journey of comedy, from crafting unique jokes to pushing the boundaries of creative performance. For aspiring comedians, John offers insights and even introduces a fun challenge designed to help them stay engaged with their art. This episode is packed with humour, reflection, and valuable lessons, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the realities of life on the comedy circuit.
LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
John Pape: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnpapecomedy
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
1 hr 21 min - 040 - Talking the Talk on Stage with Kevan Hall
In this episode host Marc sits down with Kevan Hall, a fresh face in stand-up comedy who’s making the leap from a successful corporate career. They dive into how humour plays a big role in training and how supportive the open mic community can be. Kevan talks about his journey into comedy, sharing tips on the mindset it takes, balancing the writing and performing side of things, and how he keeps his material fresh in his mind. The conversation touches on the ups and downs of chasing a passion like comedy later in life. Marc and Kevan go deep into what it takes to craft a good joke, the importance of memory techniques, and the fine-tuning that goes into timing and delivery. Kevan also opens up about his experiences with comedy workshops and coaching, showing just how valuable structured learning can be in this space. They even explore how AI might help spark creativity! By the end of the episode, you’ll get a real sense of the joy and challenges that come with being a newcomer in the comedy world—and why the journey of learning never really ends.
LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
Kevan Hall:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevanhallcomedy
Finding Your Purpose (Book) : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Find-Your-Purpose-Better-Career/dp/1399812793
Photo by: Nick Gregan
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
1 hr 12 min - 039 - The ABC of Comedy with Paul CertiIn this episode, comedian Paul Certi takes us through his journey into comedy, starting from being a youngster, when he first discovered his knack for making people laugh, to finally diving into stand-up in his thirties. He opens up about the challenges he faced early on, like his first gig doing The Blackout at Up The Creek and King Kong, where he learned just how much he still had to figure out. Paul stresses the importance of preparation, constantly refining material, and adapting to new situations. He also talks about how embracing failure and learning from each performance is key to growth in comedy.Paul shares his experiences performing in competitions and doing gigs outside of London and how competitions shouldn’t be taken too seriously, instead encouraging comedians to focus on the long-term journey. He compares the differences between audiences in various cities and countries, noting that crowds outside London often bring a special kind of energy and enthusiasm. Reflecting on his time in the ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ competition, Paul talks about the balance between refining a set and experimenting with new material.Throughout the conversation, Paul and Marc dive deep into what it takes to make it in comedy: persistence, consistency, and the ability to get comfortable with discomfort. They touch on topics like following strong acts, and the tricky art of handling sensitive subjects on stage, all while reading the room. This episode is packed with personal stories, insights into the comedy world, and a lot of humour, making it a great listen for anyone interested in the art of stand-up. LINKS:Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod Paul Certi: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulcerti/https://www.tiktok.com/@paulcerti———————— Music: https://www.purple-planet.com1 hr 24 min
- 038 - Jokes Across Borders with Laura Quinn GohIn this episode, we sit down with Laura Quinn Goh, a dynamic comedian whose journey spans continents, from her beginnings in Asia to performing in Scotland and London. Laura dives deep into the nuances of the comedy scenes in these diverse locations, highlighting the smaller yet more supportive community she found in Scotland compared to the bustling circuit in London. Laura also opens up about her upcoming one-woman solo show, ‘You, Me, and Your Correctional Officer.’ This deeply personal performance chronicles her experience of falling in love with a man facing the death sentence in Asia and how that transformative event led her to remake her life in the UK. Laura shares the emotional and creative challenges of writing and performing such an intimate piece, offering insight into how creating a compelling narrative can resonate with audiences. In addition, Laura reflects on her broader comedy journey. She discusses the unique challenges of being an international comedian, particularly the need to adapt to different cultural references and comedic styles across various regions. Laura shares her writing process, emphasising the importance of honesty and constructive feedback within the comedy community. She also provides valuable advice for newcomers to the industry, stressing the significance of work-in-progress shows as a means to refine material before a final performance. The conversation touches on the differences between performing in open mics and gong shows, the transition from short to longer sets, and the importance of diversity in comedy lineups. Laura also speaks candidly about the sometimes unwelcoming nature of the comedy circuit and the importance of fostering supportive relationships within the community. As she looks to the future, Laura expresses her ambitions to continue evolving her craft, bringing her show to more festivals, and developing new shows that push the boundaries of comedy. LINKS: Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod Laura QuinnGoh: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraquinngoh/ Solo Show Details:You, Me, and Your Correctional OfficerDates: Friday 4 October 2024Times: 8.30pm show start, 8.15pm doors openTickets: https://wicf.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873647000————————Music: https://www.purple-planet.com1 hr
- 037 - Jokes and the Journey with Duncan HartGet ready for a deep dive into the unpredictable world of comedy with Duncan Hart, a seasoned comedian who's seen it all. In this episode, Duncan takes us on a journey through his fascinating career, from his early dreams of becoming a scientist and actor to discovering his true calling in comedy. He opens up about the trials and triumphs of his first gigs, the ever-changing comedy scene, and the daunting task of returning to the stage after a hiatus.Duncan doesn't shy away from sharing the tough moments either—like bombing on stage and the toll it took on his confidence. But it's not all doom and gloom; he also recounts the high points, revealing the secret sauce to a successful gig and the importance of an engaged audience. You'll hear about his unique approach to joke writing, where personal experiences meet careful refinement, and get a sneak peek into some of his favourite routines.Beyond stand-up, Duncan sheds light on his diverse career in comedy and television, including where he worked alongside some of comedy’s greats. As he talks about his future projects, including plans for comedy specials and a production company, Duncan offers invaluable advice to aspiring comedians and even shares a quick laugh from The Little Book of Sh*t Jokes.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the gritty, hilarious, and often heartwarming world of comedy, where every gig is a new adventure. LINKS:Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod Duncan Hart: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanhartcomedy/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunkiedunk/www: https://www.opengatecomedy.tv/ ————————Music: https://www.purple-planet.com1 hr 16 min
- 036 - Spotify to the Stage with Reb DayIn this episode, Reb Day takes us through her comedy journey - from working behind the scenes in production to stepping into the spotlight as a stand-up comedian. She opens up about the highs and lows of her time on stage, and how she got into the industry by building contacts from working in TV and running a You Tube channel. A lady of many talents, 1 million downloads on Spotify and 50k followers across social media platforms.Reb gives us a glimpse into her creative process and how she crafts her jokes - how she pulls on life experiences to entertain her audience. As the conversation unfolds, Reb shares stories from her gigs in London and Hertfordshire and reveals her ambition to take a show to the Edinburgh Fringe in the future. She and Marc dive into their experiences with comedy festivals, discussing the hefty costs associated and the barriers this creates for up-and-coming comedians. They also talk about their shared dreams of doing longer shows and eventually performing on big stages like Live at the Apollo. The episode wraps up with some fun banter about choosing the perfect walk-on music and the joys of telling jokes straight out of a joke book.————————LINKS:Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypodReb Day: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebstagramTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reborahdaymond?lang=enYou Tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/rebdaySpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YUf4BbXYSPM3RNySJaJ9J————————Music: https://www.purple-planet.com1 hr 7 min
- 035 - Wicket Wit with Mark RivlinIn this episode, we dive into the witty world of Mark Rivlin, a master of puns and one-liner jokes. Mark takes us on a delightful journey through his comedy career, starting with his early influences and love for collecting vinyl comedy albums. He shares how his passion for wordplay shaped his comedic style and recounts the story of his first gig—an experience that didn't quite hit the spot but ultimately helped him find his comedic persona.Mark emphasises the invaluable lessons learned from bombing on stage and the camaraderie that thrives among comedians. He gives a shout-out to some rising stars in the industry and delves into his unique approach to crafting jokes, underscoring the significance of audience reaction.The conversation also ventures into the realm of potentially offensive jokes and the varied reactions they provoke. Adding another layer to his multifaceted life, Mark discusses his role as a cricket umpire and his book 'Secret Umps,’ which offers an insightful look into the world of recreational cricket and the challenges umpires face.Listeners will hear about the trials and tribulations of umpiring, dealing with on-field behaviour and abuse, and why Mark prefers the traditional test matches over shorter formats. The episode also touches on monetising comedy writing and the vital importance of supporting fellow comedians.Join us for a fascinating and laughter-filled conversation with Mark Rivlin, where comedy and cricket intersect in the most entertaining ways.————————LINKS:Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypodMark Rivlin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivlinmarkSecret Umps Book: https://secretumps.co.uk/eMail for Bookings: [email protected]———————— Music: https://www.purple-planet.com1 hr 9 min
About Open Mic Comedy Podcast
From the publisher's feed
The Open Mic Comedy Podcast is a deep dive into the world of open mic stand-up. Hosted by Marc, it’s a space for comedians to share their journey—how they got started, what keeps them going, and the…
highs and lows of making people laugh. From writing jokes to bombing on stage, we explore the reality of open mic life. Guests include not just comedians but also promoters and comedy tutors who help shape the scene. Whether you’re a comic, want to give it a go or just love stand-up, this podcast pulls back the curtain on the comedy grind.