Ollie Horn Horn is joined by Kate Hammer, a stand-up comedian, writer, and director presenting her debut Edinburgh Fringe show Kate Hammer: Government Approved Comedian.

They talk about:

• The definition and industry pressure of an official Edinburgh Fringe "debut" hour compared to work-in-progress runs.
• Her background writing and developing for television (EastEnders, River City, Bridge of Lies) and the funding challenges facing independent Scottish comedy productions.
• Collaborating with comedian and director Stuart Laws to sharpen her show's narrative structure, pacing, and callbacks.
• Gender dynamics in comedy, confronting reviewer biases, and using stage presence and costuming to connect with audiences.

They recommend:

• Stuart Laws
• Rosco McClelland
• Jack Ansett
• Tom Ballard
• Tom Cashman
• Grace Mulvey

Ollie Horn is joined by Tom Little. Tom is a stand-up comedian and actor presenting his Edinburgh Fringe show Tom Little in His Comfort Zone.

They talk about:

• The rising financial costs and changing landscape of the Edinburgh Fringe.
• The differences between performing a 20-minute comedy club set and developing a 1-hour festival show.
• The mechanics, history, and economics of PBH's Free Fringe and bucket donation models.
• Online comedy videos and social media vs. the traditional live stand-up circuit.
• The fragmentation of media monoculture and how different generations consume comedy.

They recommend:

• Tom Towling
• Rachel Baker
• Mary Flanigan
• Anna Thomas
• Kyla Cobbler

In this episode Ollie Horn is joined by Amos Gill. Amos is a New York-based Australian stand-up comedian known for his unfiltered, high-energy comedy. 

They talk about:

• How the Edinburgh Fringe compares to Australian and American comedy circuits.
• The financial realities and creative freedom of performing at international festivals.
• Navigating political correctness, progressive culture, and boundary-pushing stand-up comedy.
• The rise of independent comedy, social media virality, and circumventing traditional industry gatekeepers.
• Crazy festival experiences, death threats from going viral, and an encounter with the FBI.

They recommend:

• Geoffrey Asmus
• Dan Tiernan
• Jessica Brodkin
• Kyle Legacy

In this episode Ollie Horn is joined by Stuart Laws. Stuart is an acclaimed stand-up comedian, director, and comedy producer.

They talk about:

• Directing live comedy, filming stand-up specials, and visual storytelling techniques.
• The creative mechanics, economics, and chaos of running concept Fringe shows.
• How venue layout, room setup, and environment shape audience psychology.
• Audience interaction, performance etiquette, and connecting with neurodivergent crowds.
• The role of a director in structuring solo stand-up and storytelling shows.
• How much Mr Blobby costs. 

They recommend:

• Kate Hammer
• Jennifer Jane
• John Kearns
• Elouise Eftos
• Li Jin Hao
• Bella Hull
• Sam Eley
• Phil Ellis

In this episode Ollie Horn is joined by David Hoare. David is an award-winning musical comedian bringing the show How to Live to 100 this year. 

They talk about:

• The learning curve of writing multi-year Fringe shows and comedy "boot camp."
• The concept and strategy behind the "Coward's Hour" versus full one-hour shows.
• PR, joke list submissions, and how national press coverage actually works at the festival.
• The financial realities, tax returns, and administrative side of freelance comedy.
• Handling gig mishaps, crowd work, and the craft of reading an audience.

They recommend:

• Chelsea Birkby
• James O'Donoghue
• Paul Hilleard
• Alex Kitson
• James Trickey
• Jordan Brooks
• Tom Neenan
• Andrew White

In this episode Ollie Horn is joined by Nathan Cassidy. Nathan is an award-winning stand-up comedian and founder of the ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards.

They talk about:

• The financial realities and business models of the Edinburgh Fringe.
• Review scandals and promotional stunts.
• Stand-up comedy as an art form versus viral social media clips.
• The purpose and structure of the Ish Edinburgh Comedy Awards.

They recommend:

• Elf Lyons
• Gary Starr
• Julia Masli
• Paul Foot
• Phil Ellis
• Mark Ford