James talks to Paul about his upbringing in Ireland, body doubling for some of the biggest athletes in the world and misleading wellness advice on social media.James Haskell's book, What a Flanker, is out now in print, ebook and audio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What A Flanker: Paul Olima

James Haskell is facing an existential crisis. Since retiring as an international rugby star, he has become a ubiquitous personality, shape-shifting week-to-week from elite athlete to reality TV star, DJ, podcaster, author, MMA fighter, influencer and pundit.While James adapts to rapid-onset fatherhood, he is looking for his final form. In Haskell's opinion, the common thread running through his many post-rugby ventures is his unique brand of ‘comedy’... which brings us here.Amuse Douche puts Hask to the test in the most brutal arena: a live stand-up set. To prepare himself, he is speaking to some of the funniest comedians, actors and writers in the country, including Russell Kane, Sindhu Vee, Lou Sanders and Ed Byrne. While picking up tips and tricks, he’ll learn all about their journeys into comedy and find out what life is really like as a stand-up. But it's not all laughs as James and his guests also tackle serious issues such as alcohol dependency, living with ADHD and struggles with self-confidence.At the end of the series, James will take everything he's learned and get up in front of a live audience to see if he really is – or isn't – as hilarious as he says he is. Whether car crash or surprise success, the end result is sure to be compelling either way.

Comedy

Prepare to be entertained, surprised, and thoroughly amused as James Haskell takes to the stage with his first full-length 35-minute comedy set. Stepping away from the rugby pitch and into the spotlight, James fearlessly delves into the intricacies of his personal life, sharing hilarious anecdotes and unfiltered observations. Drawing upon his experiences as a professional athlete, he masterfully weaves tales of triumph, failure, and the absurdities of fame, while embracing vulnerability and a refreshingly self-deprecating humour. Get ready to witness the hilarious transformation of a rugby legend into a comedy force to be reckoned with. Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

Season 2 Episode 11 - Live Show (Bonus Episode)

It’s the last episode of Amuse Douche before James’ full length set. Luckily, he’s teamed up with the brilliant comedian Suzi Ruffell to explore the power of comedy in breaking down barriers. Together, they delve into the often unspoken challenges faced by comedians, particularly when confronting misogyny and homophobia.With her trademark wit and wisdom, Suzi Ruffell fearlessly opens up about her personal experiences, sharing anecdotes that shed light on the pervasive stereotypes and prejudice she has encountered throughout her comedy career.Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

Season 2 Episode 10 - Suzi Ruffell

As the twenty minute live set draws closer, another comedian takes a look at Hask’s previous eight minutes. This time, it’s former dominatrix and American comic Desiree Burch who casts her eye over his material. A far cry from the prudish British stereotype, Desiree isn’t afraid to tackle provocative subjects and speak her mind - so what will she make of James’ work? And has he finally met his match in comedy?Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

Season 2 Episode 9 - Desiree Burch

Seven weeks in and the reality of having to do a 20-minute set is hitting James hard. So he decides to share his eight minute set with today’s guest Jordan Gray, to get some constructive criticism alongside her advice.After a career change no one saw coming, moving from singing to comedy, Jordan knows a thing or two about how to transfer skills. She shares her wisdom on why the rule of three never fails, how comedy can be used to bridge divides and why ending a show naked has become a regular occurrence for her.Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

Season 2 Episode 8 - Jordan Gray

For Hask, today’s episode feels like meeting an old mate at the pub. But what comedian, actor and classically trained singer Lloyd Griffith teaches him, is that in comedy, this could be a recipe for disaster. What’s funny in the pub with your mates isn’t always funny on stage, and vice versa. Lloyd takes James through his non-traditional route to comedy success and the surprising lengths he went to to hone his craft - a magic recipe made up of an overnight sleeper train, a packet of sleeping pills and a few tinnies. And as they explore Hask’s own comedy journey, Lloyd reveals what compering can do for performance skills and why opening yourself up to criticism from other comics is the best thing you can do. Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

What A Flanker: Paul Olima

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