In the first of three SXSW specials, I’m joined by Pete Lee!

Raised in Wisconsin, in 2008 Pete made his network television debut performing on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, where he subsequently went on in the same year to earn his very own Comedy Central Half Hour Special. Now, he's a frequent face on late night television with 9 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and has featured on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle.

In this episode, we discuss performing on The Tonight Show while his house burned down in the LA fires, the loss of power held by traditional tastemakers, why being yourself now beats chasing Netflix fame and and I try to stop Pete riffing (which I eventually succeed with!).

Join the Insiders Club at patreon.com/comcompod where you can WATCH the full episode and get access to 15 minutes of exclusive extras including taking bad feedback from Roseanne Barr and Russell Peters and why all comics should self-produce their own content. GOOD STUFF!

Support the Podcast from only £3/month at Patreon.com/ComComPod

✅ Exclusive access to full video and ad-free audio episodes

✅ 15 minutes of exclusive extra content with Pete

✅ Early access to new episodes (where possible!)

✅ Exclusive membership offerings including a monthly “Stu&A”

PLUS you’ll get access to the full back catalogue of extras you can find nowhere else!

Catch Up with Pete:

Pete Lee is on tour throughout the US in 2025 with "Ready To Connect" - find out all the dates at PeteLee.net.

Everything Stu's up to:

Come and help me figure out some NEW STUFF…Find all the dates and more at stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy.

Machynlleth Comedy Festival: 4th May, 2025: Work In Progress

Leamington Spa: 2nd June, 2025: Work In Progress @ The Royal Pug

Exeter Comedy Festival: 5th June, 2025: Work In Progress​

Green Phoenix Festival: 6th July, 2025: Work In Progress

Oxford Comedy Festival: 15th July, 2025: Work In Progress

Edinburgh Fringe: 11th-17th August, 2025: "An Inconvenient Time" (11.05am, WIP) ​

Discover Stu’s comedy about the climate crisis, for everyone from activists to CEOs, at stuartgoldsmith.com/climate.

Find everything else at stuartgoldsmith.com.

See Stuart live on tour - www.stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shazia Mirza is an award winning British Asian Muslim stand-up comedian. Her latest show, Coconut - a hilarious and uplifting joyride into the art of survival in a world of crocodiles, solitary confinement and alpha males - was nominated for 'Best Stand-up Tour' at the National Comedy Awards. Shazia has also appeared on TV screens across the country, from SAS ‘Who dares Wins’ to QI!

In this episode we discuss truth as a foundation in comedy, growing up in Birmingham, life as a teacher, the changing attitudes towards race, religion and gender within the industry, the success of Muslim Women in comedy and how social media can give underrepresented comics an audience.

Join the Insiders Club at patreon.com/comcompod where you can WATCH the full episode and get access to 20 minutes of extras including the impact of meeting Robin Williams and Mort Sahl, the different attitudes towards comedians and reality stars on television shows PLUS privacy and persona in comedy.

Support the Podcast from only £3/month at Patreon.com/ComComPod

✅ Exclusive access to full video and ad-free audio episodes

✅ 20 minutes of exclusive extra content with Shazia

✅ Early access to new episodes (where possible!)

✅ Exclusive membership offerings including a monthly “Stu&A”

PLUS you’ll get access to the full back catalogue of extras you can find nowhere else!

Catch Up with Shazia:

You can keep up-to-date with Shazia at shazia-mirza.com and on Instagram, @theshaziamirza.

Everything Stu's up to:

Come and help me figure out some NEW STUFF…Find all the dates and more at stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy.

23 April 2025 | London

4 May 2025 | Machynlleth

Discover Stu’s comedy about the climate crisis, for everyone from activists to CEOs, at stuartgoldsmith.com/climate.

Find everything else at stuartgoldsmith.com.

See Stuart live on tour - www.stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iain Stirling is best known as the razor-sharp voice of Love Island, you may also know him from Series 8 of Taskmaster, hosting ITV2’s hit game show CelebAbility, his very own sitcom, Buffering, or maybe even his days on CBBC! He’s now back with Relevant, a brand-new stand-up show touring throughout the UK.

In this episode we discuss the creative freedom working within kids' television, growing up with the Edinburgh Fringe on his doorstep, the impact of success on his stand-up audience, the changing landscapes of a comedy career and the value of collaboration.

Join the Insiders Club at patreon.com/comcompod where you can WATCH the full episode and get access to over 10 minutes of extras including his kids TV panel show, The Dog Ate My Homework, the pressure to construct revelations and meaning within an Edinburgh show plus the secret to activate your authentic self.

Support the Podcast from only £3/month at Patreon.com/ComComPod

✅ Exclusive access to full video and ad-free audio episodes

✅ Over 10 minutes of exclusive extra content with Iain

✅ Exclusive membership offerings including a monthly “Stu&A”

PLUS you’ll get access to the full back catalogue of extras you can find nowhere else!

Catch Up with Iain:

Iain Stirling is on tour throughout the UK in 2025 with Relevant - find all the dates and more at iaindoesjokes.com.

Everything Stu's up to:

28 March 2025 | Bristol

1 April 2025 | Manchester

23 April 2025 | London

4 May 2025 | Machynlleth

Discover Stu’s comedy about the climate crisis, for everyone from activists to CEOs, at stuartgoldsmith.com/climate.

Find everything else at stuartgoldsmith.com.

See Stuart live on tour - www.stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Damien Power is one of the most exhilarating voices in Australian comedy. His bold, thought-provoking stand-up has made him a three-time nominee for Most Outstanding Show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and taken him all around the globe. His latest special, Not So Funny Now Is It?, is now streaming on YouTube.

In this episode we discuss neatly treading the line, the trap of chasing industry validation through awards, shooting a short film featuring his IndyCar driver brother, "nutting it out", believing in the bit and the pressure to achieve.

Join the Insiders Club at patreon.com/comcompod where you can WATCH the full episode and get access to over 20 minutes of extras including the lack of opportunities for alternative comedians in Australia, the challenges of filmmaking, finding joy in performing stand-up and creating premises through podcasting.

Support the Podcast from only £3/month at Patreon.com/ComComPod

✅ Exclusive access to full video and ad-free audio episodes

✅ Over 20 minutes of exclusive extra content with Damien

✅ Exclusive membership offerings including a monthly “Stu&A”

PLUS you’ll get access to the full back catalogue of extras you can find nowhere else!

Catch Up with Damien:

Damien Power’s latest special, Not So Funny Now Is It?, is streaming FREE on YouTube. You can also keep up-to-date with Damien on Instagram, @damienpower_.

Everything Stu's up to:

28 March 2025 | Bristol

1 April 2025 | Manchester

23 April 2025 | London

4 May 2025 | Machynlleth

Discover Stu’s comedy about the climate crisis, for everyone from activists to CEOs, at stuartgoldsmith.com/climate.

Find everything else at stuartgoldsmith.com.

See Stuart live on tour - www.stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Huge Davies is a stand-up comedian and musical act known for his deadpan delivery, dark humour, and unique performances using a custom-built keyboard.

His debut solo show, The Carpark, was a sell-out at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe, earning an Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nomination, which was followed up with two more hit shows, Whodunnit and Album 4 My Ancestors (dead), both selling out and earning critical praise.

In this episode we discuss Huge's strategic approach to booking TV gigs, life as a music teacher with the joy of seeing that first spark of creativity, self protection through personas and finding satisfaction in difficult gigs.

Join the Insiders Club at patreon.com/comcompod where you can WATCH the full episode and get access to over 20 minutes of extras including musical comedy in the digital age, Huge's unique way in handling online trolls and developing a short-form scripted comedy series for television.

Support the Podcast from only £3/month at Patreon.com/ComComPod

✅ Exclusive access to full video and ad-free audio episodes

✅ 20 minutes of exclusive extra content with Huge

✅ Exclusive membership offerings including a monthly “Stu&A”

PLUS you’ll get access to the full back catalogue of extras you can find nowhere else, including:

✅ Russell Howard on the importance of the edit

✅ Lise Mayer answering your questions on The Young Ones

✅ Rhys James on how to succeed in a writers’ rooms

Catch Up with Huge:

Huge Davies is now on tour throughout the UK with ALBUM 4 MY ANCESTORS (DEAD), culminating at London's Leicester Square Theatre on the 16th May. Find all the dates and more at hugedavies.com.

You can also keep up-to-date with Huge on Instagram, @hugedavies.

Everything Stu's up to:

Come and help me figure out some NEW STUFF…

28 March 2025 | Bristol

1 April 2025 | Manchester

4 May 2025 | Machynlleth

Discover Stu’s comedy about the climate crisis, for everyone from activists to CEOs, at stuartgoldsmith.com/climate.

Find everything else at stuartgoldsmith.com.

See Stuart live on tour - www.stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m joined by one of the UK’s top one-liner comedians (and 2024’s Dave’s Funniest Joke of the Fringe winner), Mark Simmons! Known for his razor-sharp wordplay, inventive misdirection and relentless punchlines - Mark’s new special, Quip Off The Mark, is now available to stream for FREE on YouTube.

In this episode we discuss why some jokes just don’t work, discovering underground comedy, the external factors that can affect a gig and the gentle balance between gut instinct and methodical joke development.

Join the Insiders Club at patreon.com/comcompod where you can WATCH the full episode and get access to over 20 minutes of extras including discovering new joke structures, the impact of performing with Crohn’s disease, early success in the lifecycle of TikTok and the difficulty in following other one-liner comics.

Support the Podcast from only £3/month at Patreon.com/ComComPod

✅ Exclusive access to full video and ad-free audio episodes

✅ 20 minutes of exclusive extra content with Mark

✅ Exclusive membership offerings including a monthly “Stu&A”

PLUS you’ll get access to the full back catalogue of extras you can find nowhere else, including:

✅ Russell Howard on the importance of the edit

✅ Lise Mayer answering your questions on The Young Ones

✅ Rhys James on how to succeed in a writers’ rooms

Catch Up with Mark:

Mark Simmons' new special, Quip Off The Mark, is now available to stream for FREE on YouTube.

You can also see him LIVE throughout 2026 with Jest To Impress, find out all the dates and more at marksimmons.co.uk.

Everything Stu's up to:

Come and help me figure out some NEW STUFF…

22 February 2025 | Leicester

28 March 2025 | Bristol

1 April 2025 | Manchester

4 May 2025 | Machynlleth

Discover Stu’s comedy about the climate crisis, for everyone from activists to CEOs, at https://www.stuartgoldsmith.com/climate.

Find everything else at https://linktr.ee/stuartgoldsmith.

See Stuart live on tour - www.stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Take a peak behind the curtain of my Live At The Apollo "journey" where we discuss booking the gig, the preparation of the set, performing live to over 3,800 people (plus everyone at home) and the immediate aftermath! You can now watch Live At The Apollo with myself, Tim Renkow and Janine Harouni on BBC iPlayer.

Join the Insiders Club at patreon.com/comcompod where you can WATCH this episode, plus you'll normally get some juicy exclusive extras!

Support the Podcast from only £3/month at Patreon.com/ComComPod

✅ Get exclusive access to video versions of episodes

✅ Ad-free audio episodes

✅ Exclusive extra content with the world's top comedians

✅ Exclusive membership offerings including a monthly “Stu&A”

✅ Plus, you’ll be the first to hear guest announcements and other exciting news

Everything Stu's up to:

Come and help me figure out some NEW STUFF…

22 February 2025 | Leicester

28 March 2025 | Bristol

1 April 2025 | Manchester

4 May 2025 | Machynlleth

Discover Stu’s comedy about the climate crisis, for everyone from activists to CEOs, at https://www.stuartgoldsmith.com/climate.

Find everything else at https://linktr.ee/stuartgoldsmith.

See Stuart live on tour - www.stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by fellow Live At The Apollo Series 19 alumni, Chloe Petts!

She’s now about to embark on a headline tour across the UK with How You See Me, How You Don't - Chloe’s third headline show which debuted at last year's fringe to much critical acclaim! Chloe is also a co-founder of The Lol Word, a queer comedy collective that hosts sell-out shows celebrating female and non-binary talent.

In this episode we discuss navigating authenticity on-stage, audience's expectations of gender, cancellation in comedy, Chloe's origins within the industry and the worst thing about touring with Ed Gamble.

Join the Insiders Club at patreon.com/comcompod where you can WATCH the full episode and get access to over 25 minutes of extras including the process of elevating material with co-writer and director, Adam Drake and managing anxiety.

Support the Podcast from only £3/month at Patreon.com/ComComPod

✅ Get exclusive access to video versions of episodes

✅ Ad-free audio episodes

✅ Exclusive extra content inc 25 minutes with Chloe

✅ Exclusive membership offerings including a monthly “Stu&A”

✅ Plus, you’ll be the first to hear guest announcements and other exciting news

Catch Up with Chloe:

Chloe Petts' headline UK tour, How You See Me, How You Don't kicks off this weekend and continues through to March, before heading over to Australia. You can find all the dates and more at chloepetts.org.

You can also keep up to date with Chloe on Instagram, @chloepetts.

Everything Stu's up to:

Come and help me figure out some NEW STUFF…

22 February 2025 | Leicester

28 March 2025 | Bristol

1 April 2025 | Manchester

4 May 2025 | Machynlleth

Discover Stu’s comedy about the climate crisis, for everyone from activists to CEOs, at https://www.stuartgoldsmith.com/climate.

Find everything else at https://linktr.ee/stuartgoldsmith.

See Stuart live on tour - www.stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to part two of Russell Howard returns where we're talking Russell’s process of crafting new material, the different international expectations of “a show” and I put your questions to him including reflecting on the legacy of Russell Howard's Good News.

Join the Insiders Club at patreon.com/comcompod where you can WATCH and LISTEN AD-FREE to the full episode and get access to over 20 minutes of exclusive extras including why choose to self-release a special, Russell’s involvement in the edit and what’s it like being rich and famous…

Support the Podcast from only £3/month at Patreon.com/ComComPod

✅ Get exclusive access to full video versions of episodes

✅ Ad-free audio episodes via your very own RSS feed

✅ Exclusive extra content inc over 20 minutes with Russell

✅ Membership offerings including a monthly “Stu&A”

✅ Plus, you’ll be the first to hear guest announcements and other exciting news

Catch Up with Russell:

Russell Howard - Live At The London Palladium premieres worldwide tonight (Wednesday 15th January) - find out more at russell-howard.co.uk/special.

Everything Stu's up to:

I'm back at Leicester Comedy Festival with a whole hour of new stuff. Come and help me figure it all out…22 February 2025 at 4.00pm | Firebug.

Discover Stu’s comedy about the climate crisis, for everyone from activists to CEOs, at https://www.stuartgoldsmith.com/climate.

Find everything else including live dates at https://linktr.ee/stuartgoldsmith.

See Stuart live on tour - www.stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russell Howard returns to the podcast for the first time in 8 years ahead of the premiere of his new special, “Live At The London Palladium” - streaming worldwide on Wednesday 15th January!

In the first part of this mammoth episode, we discuss his record-breaking 10-night run at the Royal Albert Hall, the business of selling stand-up and Russell’s intersection into the world of politics.

Join the Insiders Club at patreon.com/comcompod where you can WATCH and LISTEN AD-FREE to the full episode (no waiting for part two!) and get access to over 20 minutes of exclusive extras including why choose to self-release a special, Russell’s involvement in the edit and what’s it like being rich and famous…

Support the Podcast from only £3/month at Patreon.com/ComComPod

✅ Get exclusive access to full video versions of episodes

✅ Ad-free audio episodes via your very own RSS feed

✅ Exclusive extra content inc over 20 minutes with Russell

✅ Membership offerings including a monthly “Stu&A”

✅ Plus, you’ll be the first to hear guest announcements and other exciting news

Catch Up with Russell:

Russell Howard - Live At The London Palladium premieres worldwide on Wednesday 15th January - find out more at russell-howard.co.uk/special.

Everything Stu's up to:

I'm back at Leicester Comedy Festival with a whole hour of new stuff. Come and help me figure it all out…22 February 2025 at 4.00pm | Firebug.

Discover Stu’s comedy about the climate crisis, for everyone from activists to CEOs, at https://www.stuartgoldsmith.com/climate.

Find everything else including live dates at https://linktr.ee/stuartgoldsmith.

See Stuart live on tour - www.stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.