This Week in Comedy with Ant, Morry and Stig

Lily Geddes is back, Jeremy 'Jez' Dooley is in the studio, and Morry Morgan has plenty to say about comedians doing everything on television except stand-up. Welcome to another episode of This Week in Comedy, recorded at The Rubber Chicken Podcast Studio in South Melbourne.

Fresh from his debut Edinburgh Fringe solo season, Jez shares stories from Daddy Cool, taking Melbourne material overseas, and surviving 25 shows alongside around 60 additional spots. There’s parenting chat, tales of travelling with fellow comedians, and a look at his plans for an Australasian tour in 2027. He also explains why giving emerging comedians opportunities matters, and how putting material online can help build an audience.

Lily brings her South Melbourne drama, recounting a flooded York Street bridge, a stranded BMW and an attempted rescue that made the news. She also takes us behind the scenes of Christmas House Wars, catching up with Stig Wemyss and Anthony Littlechild at Queen Victoria Market while they work on the festive television production.

In comedy news, the conversation covers Little Shop of Horrors hitting the road, Hamish Blake’s Unskilled Adult, Ed Kavalee’s Cop This!, Rowan Atkinson’s return to London’s West End, and Greg Davies heading to Australia. Along the way, the trio debate whether Australian television needs more stand-up, more variety, or more opportunities for comedians to do what they do best.

This episode’s drinks come courtesy of Cavalier Brewing, with a hard raspberry creaming soda prompting a discovery: the usual beer segment has taken a sweet, vodka-powered detour.

There are birthday shout-outs, a remembrance of Cal Wilson, lighthouse jokes inspired by Sammy Petersen’s challenge, and nostalgic tangents about Round the Twist, 1990s advertising and Jez’s interactive variety show.

Plus, mark October 13 in your calendar for the Business of Comedy workshop focusing on Voice-Overs at The Rubber Chicken Podcast Studio. The conversation previews the Sonic Playground team’s visit and explores how a recognisable voice can become part of a performer’s brand, what AI means for voice work, and why getting your voice heard could open opportunities.

Cavalier Brewery: Click here

Mezzanine Films: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

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Sammy Petersen joins Stig Wemyss and Morry Morgan on This Week in Comedy for a heart-stopping conversation about podcasting, stand-up, stage disasters and the strange places comedy can take you.

Known for Confessions, Not Another Crime Podcast and Two Drunk Aunties with Bron Lewis, Sammy explains how he became a prolific podcaster. He reveals why Confessions of the Idiots became Confessions, what happens when guests refuse to interrupt, and how Reddit stories provide endless fuel for funny conversations.

Sammy shares the frightening experience of suffering a cardiac arrest during a stand-up performance. With audience members thinking his collapse was part of the act, the incident led to six years away from stand-up and helped steer him towards podcasting. Stig responds with his story of a sketch comedy performance that ended in blood and stitches.

The team dives into Melbourne Fringe, unusual show titles and live podcast events, including Sammy’s Confessions appearance with Myf Warhurst at Humdinger Studios. There’s also plenty of appreciation for Bron Lewis’s crowd work and the chemistry that makes a comedy partnership click.

A debate follows: "Why does Australian television feature so many stand-up comedians without giving them much opportunity to perform stand-up?" From Class Clowns and Taskmaster Australia to Have You Been Paying Attention?, the trio discusses television formats, protecting material and whether broadcasters should make more room for live comedy.

Beer comes courtesy of Breheny Bros Brewers, with a shout-out to James Breheny for delivering the range to the studio. Expect tasting chatter, packaging appreciation and Morry’s explanation of what makes a good dog-walking beer.

Elsewhere, the conversation covers international tours and entertainment anniversaries. Stig reflects on working with Kim Gyngell on Col’n Carpenter, studying acting in New York and appearing in Around the Twist.

The weekly joke challenge tackles lateness before Sammy reveals his supposed lighthouse “fetish”, setting the next assignment: the life of a lighthouse keeper.

Stig shares preparations for Christmas House Wars for Channel 7, with families choosing Christmas trees before competing to transform their homes. Morry mentions he’s built The Rubber Chicken Podcast Course, helping creatives develop their ideas, create a website, record three episodes and distribute their podcasts, while Sammy previews a stand-up show about a breakup.

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Episode 42 of This Week in Comedy brings together Stig Wemyss and Morry Morgan for a loose, joke-heavy conversation with special guest Barry Morgan, the flamboyant organ salesman and comedy character best known for turning the home organ into an unlikely show business weapon.

Barry arrives with his trademark enthusiasm, a portable organ and plenty of double entendres, while Stig and Morry immediately speculate about whether Barry and Morry might actually be related. The Morgan family jokes continue throughout the episode, alongside discussion of Barry’s missing moustache, his roadie Stretch and his upcoming appearance at the Geelong Comedy Festival on 25 October. Barry explains that he will be bringing his beloved Hammond Aurora Classic and Leslie rotating speaker system, while repeatedly reminding listeners that, ultimately, he is still trying to sell organs.

Barry also recalls his breakthrough appearances on Spicks and Specks, remote travels through central Australia, and the simple joy of making audiences smile through live music.

The episode also moves through the week’s comedy news. Daniel Connell has released his new special, Box Headed Man Baby, while the Darwin Comedy Festival is discussed ahead of its 2027 return. Dan Ilic’s move to become CEO of GetUp is covered, with Morry reflecting on Ilic’s appearance at the Business of Comedy Conference and the role satire can play in public life.

There is also time for a beer break, with the team cracking open Stomping Ground Pale Ale from Collingwood. Morry recalls serving Stomping Ground at the old Rubber Chicken venue, while Barry joins the tasting and provides suitably upbeat organ music. The group discusses the beer’s passionfruit notes, its 5.2% alcohol content and even takes issue with the 355 mL can being smaller than the traditional Australian 375 mL.

The team also discusses Ronny Chieng and Hasan Minhaj bringing Hasan Hates Ronny, Ronny Hates Hasan to Melbourne’s Palais Theatre in December, with Morry pointing to Chieng’s career as an example of persistence in comedy.

Elsewhere, the show remembers illustrator Terry Denton, celebrates entertainment birthdays, and lets Barry provide impromptu musical stings throughout.

The episode closes with Stig discussing Christmas House Wars, Morry preparing the latest Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School students for their graduation gig, and Barry doing what Barry does best: playing, promoting and attempting to sell his beloved organ.

Barry Morgan Website: Click here

Book tickets for Barry Morgan at the Geelong Comedy Festival: Click here

Business of Comedy voice-over presentation and networking event: Click here

Stomping Ground Pale Ale: Click here

Mezzanine Films: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au

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Episode 41 of This Week in Comedy welcomes acclaimed Australian actor, comedian, writer and educator Roz Hammond for a lively conversation spanning Mad As Hell, comic performance, anxiety, television, sport and the week’s strangest comedy news.

Roz reflects on her ten seasons working alongside Shaun Micallef on Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell, describing the joy, discipline and generosity behind one of Australia’s most respected comedy programs. She revisits the wonderfully eccentric characters, outrageous wigs and inspired names that defined the series, including her favourite creation, Dolly Norman. Originally introduced as Jacqui Lambie’s adviser and a former Burnie fish-and-chip-shop owner, Dolly became unforgettable for her innocence, warmth and ability to say almost anything. Roz even slips back into character to offer Dolly’s perspective on a Chinese comedian reportedly punished for altering a patriotic song.

With hosts Morry Morgan, Stig Wemyss and Anthony Littlechild, Roz also discusses the craft of comic acting. Whether performing comedy or drama, she says the key is playing the truth, embracing vulnerability and finding the humanity inside even the most exaggerated character. She shares her passion for teaching, her Anxiety Toolkit workshops, and how her own experience with stage anxiety led her to help other performers.

Elsewhere, the team considers John Mulaney’s possible Get Smart reimagining, a satirical Fremantle football video that fooled Sky News, international comedy tours, the Berlin improv scene and whether Morry’s “Funny in the Moment” segment deserves to survive. Beerfarm’s Hazy Pale gets the customary taste test, complete with another overenthusiastic opening from Stig.

Along the way, they celebrate Sam Campbell and debate German humour.

Anthony then reports from the NFL spectacular at the MCG, where the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams. The group examines the Rams’ whirlwind visit, the 49ers’ longer Melbourne preparation, Netflix’s distinctive coverage and the huge festival atmosphere surrounding the game. Could Australian sport learn something from the Americans about turning a match into a citywide event?

Stig also previews his new Channel 7 reality series Christmas House Wars, while Morry announces an upcoming Business of Comedy event for aspiring voice-over artists. Finally, Roz reveals the topic for next week’s joke-writing challenge: AI and the singularity.

It is a packed episode full of backstage stories, sharp observations, affectionate chaos and a welcome return from Dolly Norman.

Roz Hammond's official website: Click here

Business of Comedy voice-over presentation and networking event: Click here

Beerfarm Hazy Pale: Click here

Mezzanine Films: Click here

Creative Head Rentals: Click here

Anthony Littlechild Productions: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au

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Episode 40 of This Week in Comedy celebrates a milestone with hosts Morry Morgan, Stig Wemyss and Anthony Littlechild, joined by special guest Felix Toohey.

Tired of being ghosted by creative agencies, Felix began creating “unhinged resumes” designed to make employers take notice. After conventional applications went nowhere, he abandoned the standard resume and started building elaborate physical creations instead.

His applications have included a detective evidence file featuring covert photographs, a resume hidden inside a handmade rock, a working clock, a pack of sandwiches and even a gravestone. Each creation demonstrated Felix’s skills in graphic design, storytelling and just as importantly humour, while making it almost impossible for a potential employer to forget him.

In this episode Felix Toohey explains how he transformed a bottle of mustard into an application for Mustard Creative in Cremorne, complete with a customised label, presentation box, QR code and cooking video. He also unveils an application that was never delivered: a handcrafted bottle of ketchup, aka “catch up”, created as a clever invitation to reconnect with the agency.

The wonderfully ridiculous campaign earned Felix meetings, attracted attention from major brands such as Canva and ultimately helped him secure a new role with The Taboo Group in Cremorne. Now that he has busted ghosting and found employment, Felix faces the next challenge: creating a second season about how not to get fired.

The team also dives into the week’s comedy news, including Chris Cantrill’s Edinburgh Comedy Award win, the campaign for government recognition of grassroots live comedy in the UK, Aaron Chen’s Australasian tour and the arrival of the Raw Comedy National Final on SBS On Demand. Morry celebrates three Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School alumni making the national final, while the team looks ahead to the 2027 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Anthony then takes listeners behind the scenes at the MCG as Melbourne prepares to host the NFL. He reveals the extraordinary lengths the American teams have gone to in recreating the experience of a US game, including shipping their own water, Gatorade, peanut butter, field-marking paint and specialist equipment to Australia.

Anthony also explains his role filming an NFL documentary, capturing everything from player arrivals and change-room preparations to cheerleaders and game-day action.

This week’s beer comes from Ballarat’s Corella Brewery. The team samples Annie, a 6.5 per cent NEIPA named after the brewery owner’s dog and double dry-hopped with Citra and Galaxy. It is strong, juicy and apparently perfect for generating wildly ambitious creative ideas.

Meanwhile, Stig reveals more about the newly announced Channel 7 series Christmas House Wars, which he created and will direct, with Anthony serving as director of photography. They also reflect on the latest Business of Comedy event, where filmmakers and creatives discussed how to take an idea through development, production and distribution.

Add comedy history, questionable celebrity stories, Charlie Chaplin lookalike folklore, births, deaths and marriages, and another instalment of “Funny in the Moment”, and Episode 40 delivers exactly the sort of intelligent chaos regular listeners have come to expect.

Felix Toohey Ghosting Busters: Click here

Cornella Brewery Annie NEIPA: Click here

Mezzanine Films: Click here

Creative Head Rentals: Click here

Anthony Littlechild Productions: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au

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Episode 39 of This Week in Comedy goes behind the wonderfully unhinged world of Aunty Donna with Georgia Mappin, Managing Director and Executive Producer at Haven’t You Done Well and Grouse House TV.

Georgia joins Morry Morgan, Stig Wemyss and Anthony Littlechild for a lively chat about what it takes to turn creative chaos into a functioning comedy business. She explains how Aunty Donna has built an entire ecosystem around Broden, Mark and Zach, spanning live tours, Patreon, YouTube, podcasts, books, merchandise, television, film and the Grouse House streaming platform.

Georgia also looks back at landing her first commission at 20, creating a children’s show that pitted kids against baby goats, and later taking comedy projects global through Netflix.

The big lesson? Never build your house in somebody else’s backyard. Rather than tying Aunty Donna’s future to YouTube or any single medium, Georgia and the team have created a platform-agnostic brand that can follow its audience wherever they want to watch, listen or buy something ridiculous.

Anthony also reveals that he worked with Broden and Zach back in 2009, long before Aunty Donna conquered Australian comedy. Even then, Broden confidently pulled him aside and declared that he would be on television one day. Annoyingly, he was right.

Georgia shares the less glamorous truth about screen production: whether you are making a tiny commercial, a television series or a multimillion-dollar feature film, there is never enough money or time. She discusses Aunty Donna’s forthcoming movie, the backing of Bluey producers Ludo Studio and the constant roller-coaster of finance, schedules and people dropping in and out.

Meanwhile, Broden has created a fresh logistical nightmare by promising personalised fatherly advice to new Grouse House subscribers. The team expected perhaps 100 responses. They received 506, leaving Broden to record hundreds of personal “dad” videos.

There is also comedy news involving Tyson Popplestone, Randy Feltface, Jimmy Carr, Top Gear, Ali G and the Dublin Fringe Festival, plus a detour through classic Australian advertising, risk-averse brands and Georgia’s two victories on Gruen.

Keeping everyone refreshed is Episode 39’s beer sponsor, Coldstream Brewery, born in the Yarra Valley. Georgia, Morry, Stig and Anthony crack open four different beers from this brewer.

Grouse House TV: Click here

Coldstream Brewery: Click here

Mezzanine Films: Click here

Creative Head Rentals: Click here

Anthony Littlechild Productions: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au

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In Episode 38 of This Week in Comedy, Morry Morgan and Stig Wemyss are joined at The Rubber Chicken Podcast Studio by character comedian and social media star Nick White, whose videos have attracted more than 800,000 followers and over 40 million likes across TikTok and Instagram.

Nick discusses his journey from architecture to comedy, explaining how a childhood love of drawing, creating characters and playing SimCity and The Sims eventually led him towards designing people rather than buildings. He also introduces the inspiration behind his best-known character, Carli Furplam, and reveals why his deliberately abrasive characters keep audiences watching, even when they are almost too uncomfortable to endure.

The conversation follows Nick’s early stand-up career in Brisbane, his three years performing in New York and the controversial “bringer show” model, where comedians must supply audience members before they are allowed on stage. Nick also explains why crowd work has become such an important part of his live performances and how years of observing people help him build detailed worlds around his characters.

Nick then shares his excitement and nerves about joining the Australian production of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Performing alongside Stephen Curry, he will take on several roles, including the infamous French Taunter. It is Nick’s first musical and his first major theatre production, meaning he has had to tackle singing, choreography, ensemble performance and an intense rehearsal schedule.

Elsewhere, Morry and Stig examine Originate Comedy, the new development incubator created by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and VicScreen to help Victorian comedy storytellers turn original concepts into screen projects. They also celebrate the tenth anniversary of American comedy media company 800 Pound Gorilla, which has reportedly generated more than US$45 million for 700 comedians while releasing 1,500 hours of comedy content.

Episode 38 also covers the week’s comedy news, Australian acts at the Edinburgh Fringe, touring comedians, the value of comedy as an industry and Stig’s search for an actor to lead a quirky new short film involving grief, cancer, a midlife crisis and a talking snail.

Finally, the Morry and Stig taste Hop Nation’s Melbourne Black, a locally brewed nitro pub stout inspired by Melbourne’s historic drinking culture. Is it a Guinness replacement, a lighter stout or simply the liquid equivalent of a ham-and-cheese sandwich cut into little squares?

Monty Python's Spamalot Tickets: Click here

Hop Nation's Melbourne Black: Click here

Mezzanine Films: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au

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This Week in Comedy breaks new ground with its first filmed episode, as host Morry Morgan welcomes returning co-host Stig Wemyss, new co-host Anthony Littlechild and special guest Amanda Spagnolo from Princess Bento. Together, they explore Australian comedy news and modern animation today.

Amanda, an Emmy-nominated writer and producer, shares her journey from Canada’s Sinking Ship Entertainment to Melbourne’s Princess Bento. Her credits include Ginger and the Vegesaurs, Monster Beach, Space Chickens in Space and Michael Cusack projects. She explains how Princess Bento combines the local experience of Princess Pictures with its partnership with America’s Bento Box, and discusses the opportunities and pressures facing Australian animation.

The team examines Sam Pang’s Gold Logie win, Anthony’s memorable encounter with Pang at an awards afterparty, Celia Pacquola’s comedy success and the ABC’s continuing support for Australian comedy. They also celebrate Caper Crew heading to Netflix globally, Superwog entering the National Film and Sound Archive, Nate Bargatze’s record-breaking ticket sales, Jimmy Carr’s forthcoming book about joke mechanics and touring news.

Animation returns to centre stage as Amanda gives her professional take on the upcoming Bluey movie and its shift towards a 3D visual style. She explains why Bluey connects so powerfully with children and adults through play, humour, recognisable family relationships and simple storytelling. Amanda also reveals what Princess Bento has in production, including Dad’s House for Netflix, Universal Basic Guys Season 3 and new children’s projects based on Australian intellectual property.

Stig reflects on voicing Little Elvis in the groundbreaking Australian series Little Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers, his early stand-up days, giving Dave Hughes stage time and his television adventures with Alan Fletcher on Photo Number 6. Anthony leads This Week in History, revisiting Andy Samberg, Denis Leary, Groucho Marx, Jerry Lewis and Russell Peters.

The four also sample White Bay Brewery’s limited-release Hop Gun American IPA, a Top Gun-inspired beer with plenty of kick and a label filled with playful redactions.

Morry contributes a scientifically informed look at when tragedy becomes funny, then tests his latest Funny in the Moment encounter involving Luna, South Melbourne Market, potato cakes and the risk of accidentally starting an interstate food argument.

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Princess Bento Studios: Click here

White Bay Brewery's Hop Gun IPA: Click here

Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au

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Episode 36 of This Week in Comedy sees veteran entertainer Marty Fields join hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes for a packed conversation covering Australian comedy, showbusiness, Melbourne’s underworld and a dangerous Albert Park bike ride.

With a career spanning more than five decades, Marty shares stories from stand-up, television, radio and musical theatre. He remembers playing five different characters on Blue Heelers, appearing opposite Nicolas Cage in Ghost Rider and spending seven years on Hey Hey It’s Saturday. Marty also explains how he began playing piano in Melbourne pubs at just 14, performing among the colourful characters of St Kilda's Fitzroy St and South Melbourne before touring Australia and moving into stand-up comedy.

Marty credits his versatility to his father, legendary comedian Maurie Fields, who advised him to learn as many skills as possible so he would never be out of work. Maurie’s connections produced some extraordinary stories involving Melbourne’s criminal underworld. These include a murder weapon travelling in the boot of the family car and a young Mark “Chopper” Read arriving to collect the troublesome firearm.

The discussion turns to Eric Bana, from his early comedy career to his acclaimed portrayal of Chopper. Marty, who knew Chopper personally, agrees that most impressions of the notorious criminal are really impressions of Eric Bana playing him.

Marty also explains his theory that audiences prefer to “laugh downhill”, why comedians need to show vulnerability and the difference between comedians who say funny things and comics who say things funny. He discusses meeting Robin Williams, working alongside Australian entertainment legends and using humour to brighten the days of strangers.

Morry and Lily guide Marty through comedy news, tours, festivals and milestones involving Lucille Ball, Candid Camera, Daryl Somers, Acropolis Now and Robin Williams. The episode also includes the remarkable story of Australian athlete Reg Spiers posting himself from London to Perth inside a wooden crate.

For the episode’s beer tasting, Bridge Road Brewers provides its Coffee Stout, featuring Genovese Coffee’s Super Brazil blend. Morry and Lily enjoy its coffee, caramel and chocolate flavours, with Lily comparing it to an espresso martini in beer form. Marty is considerably less impressed, delivering a brutally honest review that leaves no uncertainty about his position.

Episode 36 concludes with Marty discussing his support for The Lost Dogs’ Home and Animals Asia, before Morry recounts seeing him charge through schoolchildren on the Albert Park bike path, loudly ordering everyone to move.

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Bridge Road Brewers Coffee Stout: Click here

The Lost Dogs Home: Click here

Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au

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Episode 35 of This Week in Comedy is served with something suitably special: a 500 ml Mountain Goat Brewery Rare Breed Bract 2, cracked open alongside a big conversation about comedy, creativity, cricket and Australian animation.

With Lily Geddes stepping away from this episode, hosts Morry Morgan and Stig Wemyss take over the microphones for a fast moving and entertaining chat with Ken Cantrill, founder of Bigtoon Animation Studio.

As the Rare Breed Bract 2 from Mountain Goat Brewery makes its way around the table, Ken talks about building original animation from the ground up, leaving Xentrix Studios after six years, and putting his energy behind his own creative projects through Bigtoon Animation Studio.

Front and centre is Snick and Willow, Ken’s kids' cricket animation, Snick and Willow, inspired by his time in India, where cricket is more than just a sport. Ken explains how the idea came together, where the title originated, and why humour is essential when creating animation for younger audiences.

He also opens up about the realities behind the finished product, from costly pilots and creative missteps to recognising when an idea needs more work. It is a candid look at the persistence, risk and constant refinement involved in getting an animated series right.

The conversation then turns to Peggy and Molly, Ken’s animated project centred on the unlikely friendship between a magpie and a Staffy. With comedians lending their voices to the production and Stig himself involved, the discussion quickly moves into behind the scenes stories, self promotion and classic This Week in Comedy chaos.

Morry and Stig also tackle comedy news, industry opportunities and the usual collection of unexpected tangents, all while enjoying the featured 500 ml Mountain Goat Brewery Rare Breed Bract 2.

If you love comedy, animation, cricket, creative war stories, Australian entertainment and a quality beer to go with the conversation, this episode delivers all of it.

Mountain Goat Rare Breed Bract 2 IPA: Click here

Snick and Willow animation: Click here

Peggy and Molly animation: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au

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