In episode 28 of This Week in Comedy, hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes welcome comedian Danny McGinlay for a loose, wide-ranging conversation about stand up, sport, television and Australian culture. Danny reflects on writing the Western Bulldogs’ famous AFL banners, especially the 2016 preliminary final line about the club being formed in “blood and boots, not in AFL focus groups.” The group joke that AFL banners might be the peak of Australian culture.

The news section begins with Monty Python’s Spamalot returning to Australian stages, prompting riffs on Eric Idle, John Cleese, punchline suburbs, musical theatre and Danny’s love of The Holy Grail. They also discuss How to Talk Australians, Only Murders in the Building and Aaron Chen’s new Technology tour, with Danny praising Chen’s quiet, hypnotic comic presence after working with him on Fisk and Have You Been Paying Attention (HYBPA).

A major thread is television comedy. Danny talks about his warm-up work while highlighting Sam Pang's behind-the-scenes work as a writer, producer and warm-up figure. Danny praises Pang as generous, hard-working and ruthlessly efficient with jokes, comparing his style to classic roasters like Don Rickles. He also highlights Ed Kavalee and Tom Gleisner’s skill in keeping Have You Been Paying Attention sharp and generous.

The beer review features Love Shack IPA, a 6.8 percent, 375 ml can described as citrusy, tropical, stone-fruity and “subtly boozy,” though the hosts joke that two standard drinks hardly feels subtle. Danny sits out because he has a gig later, explaining that one beer tells his brain the workday is over.

The history segment marks Stan Laurel’s birthday, leading to talk of Laurel and Hardy, silent comedy and Danny’s belief that Buster Keaton was funnier than Charlie Chaplin. Carl Barron, Ross Noble and Flight of the Conchords also get mentioned before Lily’s bizarre fact about daredevil Bobby Leach, Morry’s Bunnings sausage story, and Danny promoting his upcoming recorded comedy specials.

Links:

Love Shack IPA: Click here

Be in the audience of Danny McGinlay's recorded special: Click here

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

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Episode 27 of This Week in Comedy brings a loose, sharp and properly funny visit from Bev Killick, a road-tested Australian comedy force. Bold, bawdy and high-energy, Bev looks back on clubs, festivals and national tours, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, Puppetry of the Penis and Busting Out. She also shares how stand-up found her after a trip to the Espy, how Joan Rivers shaped her approach to owning the stage, and how a circle of women helped her restart her life and step into comedy with purpose.

The episode gives flowers to Rove McManus, newly appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for service to broadcast media, entertainment and community. The crew celebrates the honour while linking Rove back to his early South Melbourne comedy roots at the legendary Star and Garter.

Charlie Pickering also lands in the news after calling Grace Tame “problematic” around her ABC podcast Autistic AF with Grace Tame. The room flips the lens: rather than Grace being the issue, Charlie becomes the problematic one, raising questions about who gets labelled difficult when outspoken women speak plainly.

There is also a pointed discussion about Lisa Jane Spencer and the backlash to her “Auntie Lisa” material, with Bev and the hosts arguing the issue is not simply offence, but lazy, damaging work that lacks craft, punchlines and responsibility.

The episode also highlights A Fair Cut’s first town hall meeting, being held on Saturday, 13 June, at The Ballroom, Donkey Wheel House, near Southern Cross. Supported by MEAA, the meeting is designed to gather performer input ahead of Fair Cut’s talks with Melbourne Fringe, especially around fairer venue deals and what a better split should look like for artists.

And, of course, there is beer. After a shout-out to Two Bays for clarifying their gluten-free brewing ingredients, the crew cracks into Real Ale Golden from Reservoir. Served at cellar temperature, the beer earns praise for its warm fermentation, unfiltered body, canned conditioning, 100 percent Aussie ingredients and rounded flavour.

Along the way, the episode covers Robert Irwin hosting the Logies, Liz Hicklin becoming a “sit-down stand-up” in her 90s, Fair Cut’s town hall on performer pay, Geelong Comedy Festival’s artist-friendly ticket split, Jane Kennedy’s influence, John Blackman’s legacy and the strange life of Thomas Midgley Jr. It is chaotic, reflective and proudly funny. Mostly, though, it is a showcase for Bev’s storytelling, resilience, generosity and ability to turn even messy life detours into comedy gold, with very real bite too throughout.

Links:

A Fair Cut's first town hall meeting: Click here

Real ale Golden by Sobremesa Fermentary & Blendery: Click here

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

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

In Episode 26 of This Week in Comedy, hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes welcome veteran Australian comedian Trevor Marmalade for a loose, warm and very funny conversation about comedy, television, football, regional Australia and the strange hazards of live entertainment. Trevor begins by swapping local South Melbourne and Port Melbourne stories, then looks back to the pre-internet joke economy, when good gag tellers mattered and punchlines travelled from person to person rather than through screens.

The news segment lets the trio riff on Andy Lee’s Do Not Watch This Show, Will Gibb’s move from online comedy into acting, Sam Pang’s AFL satire, Tim Minchin’s support for Edinburgh Fringe performers, and shifts at BBC Comedy. Trevor adds first-hand stories about Pang’s early producing days and the difference between writing one-liners and being funny in conversation.

A major highlight is Trevor’s deep dive into Hey Hey It’s Saturday. He explains how Russell Gilbert helped bring him in as a creative consultant, and how a late stand-up spot eventually led to live crosses. His best story involves Daryl Somers sending him into Geelong’s losing grand final function, where Trevor twisted Daryl’s supportive message into a brutal fake insult and won over the studio. That led to more crosses, including the infamous Tumut “Festival of the Falling Leaf” segment, where he turned an empty park into a comic set-piece and was nearly chased out of town.

The episode also pauses for a beer break, celebrating CB Co’s 500ml 20th anniversary pale ale, a welcome answer to Morry and Lily’s complaints about shrinking 330ml cans. Trevor declines because he is not a beer drinker, but the hosts praise the larger format as efficient, generous and potentially sponsor-worthy.

Later, the conversation moves through comedy history, Anh Do, Phil Hartman, Mel Blanc, Bob Hope, Ian Cognito’s death on stage, Sam Newman, plastic surgery, and the Pamela Anderson mural on Newman’s old garage. Throughout, Trevor comes across as relaxed, sharp and generous with showbiz memories, while Morry and Lily keep the pace conversational, cheeky and unmistakably Australian.

Links:

CBCo Brewing Pale Ale: Click here

Visit Tumut and tell the locals Trevor is sorry: Click here

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

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

Episode 25 of This Week in Comedy lands with a studio glow-up, a stout in hand, and a guest who knows how to make chaos look classy. Hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan are joined by comedic actor, writer and author Stephen Hall, best known for his many characters across Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell and for being personally chosen by John Cleese to play Basil Fawlty in the Australian stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers.

The episode moves through comedy news, festival updates, late-night TV farewells, AI poster debates, trivia, history and the kind of sideways banter that can only happen when the room is properly caffeinated, carbonated or both. Stephen brings sharp reflections on performance, parody, AI as a creative tool, and the strange grey zones facing artists, comedians and musicians today.

Then comes the beer: Pirate Life Stout, a Port Adelaide brew sampled in studio after Morry’s visit to Pirate Life in South Melbourne. With its dark, Vegemite-meets-soy-sauce notes, bigger bubbles and 5.6% kick, the stout gets a warm reception from the table. It also comes recommended as a match for Pirate Life’s roast, and the verdict is clear: this is exactly the kind of beer that would sit beautifully beside a hearty roast, red meat, or possibly even a white rabbit, depending on how far the conversation has drifted.

The episode also takes in Mike Myers, Matt Stone, Andy Lee, Graham Kennedy, Bill Hunter, Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, before Lily tests the room with the horrifying fact that a real parasite can eat a fish’s tongue and then become the tongue. From there, the gang heads into “funny in the moment” stories involving physios, vets, cats, dogs, private health cards and the eternal dream of becoming a taxidermied stubby holder.

And if you'd like to see Stephen perform be sure to see him in For the Term of His Natural Lies on the 24 June 2026, part of the Glen Eira Storytelling Festival.

Links:

Pirate Life Stout: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Radio Lab's 'Ripp'n the Rainbow a New One' podcast episode: Click here

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

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

In episode 24 of This Week in Comedy, hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan are joined in the studio by Melbourne comedy and radio legend Richard Stubbs for a fast-moving chat through comedy news, festival politics, television history, beer tasting and wonderfully strange historical detours. This episode that beer is Sailor's Grave Brewing Czech Pilsner.

The episode opens with Richard reflecting on his decades in Australian entertainment, from starting stand-up at The Last Laugh in 1983 to filling in for Steve Vizard on Tonight Live and hosting Hey Hey It’s Saturday. His stories give the episode a warm industry-insider feel, balancing sharp comedy observations with genuine affection for Australian broadcasting and live performance.

The team then turns to the latest comedy news, including the Sydney Comedy Festival awards, where Reuben Kaye and Frankie McNair jointly won Best of the Fest. This sparks a broader conversation about how comedy festivals have changed, especially with overlapping festival calendars and the increasing cost and pressure of doing full runs.

A major focus is Adelaide Fringe, following the appointment of Canadian arts leader Marc Carnes as its new CEO. The discussion expands into festival leadership more broadly, including the search for the new CEO of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, with the role now open and prompting debate about whether a comedian, administrator, or comedy-loving arts professional would be best suited to lead such a major institution.

Lily also interviews Lukas Meintjes, founder of A Fair Cut, a new initiative pushing for fairer venue deals for artists. Lukas explains how confusing and expensive venue contracts can make it almost impossible for performers to break even, even when they sell well. He outlines A Fair Cut’s push for clearer contracts, no double-dipping on fees, and a suggested 30% cap on venue revenue share, with venues beginning to sign up for accreditation.

The episode also covers Sam Pang stepping away from hosting the Logies, Stephen Colbert’s final week on The Late Show, and comedy history moments including Seinfeld, Andy Kaufman and Kath & Kim. Along the way, Richard reveals his love of history, gaming and reading every label in sight, while the hosts keep things loose with beer tasting, crematorium facts and Morry’s Bunnings dog story.

Oh, and if you enjoyed Richard Stubbs on this episode be sure to subscribe to his podcast, The Mess Around.

Links:

A Fair Cut: Click here

Sailor's Grave Brewing Czech Pilsner: Click here

Richard Stubb's podcast, The Mess Around: Click here

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

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

In Episode 23 of This Week in Comedy, hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes are joined in the studio by special guest Rusty Berther from the iconic Australian comedy duo Scared Weird Little Guys. Rusty also chats about his latest project, The Grats, a comedy supergroup featuring Tom Gleeson, Andrew Hansen from The Chaser, Gatesy from Tripod, Rusty himself, and Sammy J.

The episode kicks off with comedy news, including Arj Barker opening for Flight of the Conchords during their recent comeback performances. The hosts chat about Barker’s famous bandana look from the TV series and how it accidentally became part of his public identity.

The trio also unpack the controversy surrounding The Roast of Kevin Hart, debating whether roast comedy actually suits Australian audiences. They discuss edgy material from Shane Gillis, criticism from Michael Che, and why Australians tend to roast each other naturally as part of everyday friendship culture.

Another major topic is Weird Al Yankovic announcing a stage musical featuring hits like “Amish Paradise”, “White & Nerdy”, and “Smells Like Nirvana”. The conversation evolves into a broader discussion about comedy songs, musicals, and cult productions like Spamalot and The Book of Mormon.

Rusty shares nostalgic stories about performing at Expo 88 in a barbershop quartet, the origins of his comedy career, and how performing alongside international street artists shaped his creative life. The group also reflects on classic television, including Cheers, Frasier, and the legacy of Monty Python.

The episode also features the weekly beer review with the Skinny Dipper Hazy IPA by Garage Project, which sparks a surprisingly deep discussion about craft beer culture, tradie beer etiquette, and the proper currency for paying mates who help with odd jobs.

The episode rounds out with hilarious chats about country life, philosophy, bizarre farming stories, awkward police encounters, and comedy industry life. It’s another chaotic and funny deep dive into comedy, culture, music, beer, and Australian life.

Links:

Skinny Dipper Hazy IPA by Garage Project: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

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

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

Episode 22 of This Week in Comedy brings together hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan with special guest Greg Curcio for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, creativity, media and the future of Australia’s comedy industry.

This episode get serious, with Greg sharing outcomes from the three day Business of Comedy Conference, where discussions centred on strengthening Australia’s comedy sector. Greg explains how his company, Future Ready Now, using AI tools to analyse the conferences sessions has produced a comprehensive “white paper” outlining strategies for improving the comedy ecosystem. Topics include fairer venue deals for performers, better access to funding, stronger industry organisation and the long-term vision of creating Melbourne as the world’s leading comedy destination.

The trio discuss the idea of a dedicated Melbourne comedy hub featuring performance spaces, archives, museums, bars, teaching rooms and creative collaboration areas. Inspired by historic venues like The Last Laugh, they explore how comedy can drive economic, cultural and social outcomes. Greg argues comedy is deeply undervalued despite its impact across entertainment, politics, education and workplaces.

Elsewhere, the hosts unpack major comedy and entertainment news stories, including Channel 10’s upcoming comedy telemovie Cop This, the controversy surrounding Bluey royalties flowing to the BBC instead of Australia, and comedian Alex Williamson being removed from his football club over offensive comments. Morry also highlights satirist Conrad Benjamin from Punter’s Politics, discussing how comedy and political satire influence public debate.

The episode is filled with lighter moments too, including a bizarre tasting session involving a thick purple “smoothie sour ale” beer, nostalgic reflections on sitcoms like Frasier, Cheers and Friends, and a conversation about international towns named Dull, Boring and Bland forming a tourism alliance.

As always, the episode finishes with Morry’s “Funny in the Moment” segment, where he recounts an awkward but successful attempt at making a local bread shop owner laugh.

Links:

Business of Comedy Conference: Click here

Business of Comedy Conference DRAFT white paper for public consultation: Click here

• Contribute via the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HMFWF5B

One Drop Brewing Co Come Over Pulp Smoothy Sour Ale : Click here

Future Ready Now: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

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

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

Episode 21 of This Week in Comedy is packed with big names, bold opinions, and major industry news from the Melbourne comedy scene. This week, we’re joined in-studio by the legendary Wilbur Wilde, bringing stories from his iconic career, sharp insights into live performance, and plenty of laughs along the way.

We kick things off with a huge headline: Susan Provan has officially announced she’s stepping down as director of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival after an incredible 31-year run. As the festival celebrates its 40th year, we break down what this leadership change means for the future of comedy in Australia, who might step into the role, and why it’s such a pivotal moment for the industry.

From there, we dive into MICF reviews and on-the-ground perspectives with reviewer George Stamkoski, who attended 22 shows across the festival. His unique “What’s Funny?” approach gives insight into what actually connects with audiences, from raw, emotional storytelling to pure joy and absurdity. If you’re a comedian or fan, this is a fascinating look at what’s working right now in live comedy.

Wilbur Wilde also shares behind the scenes stories from decades in entertainment, including reflections on performing with the Ol' 55. And we also discuss his appearance at the Business of Comedy Conference, where he spoke on the session “Why the laughter economy matters”, exploring the value of comedy in Australia’s live performance ecosystem.

Plus, we chat about the rise of new streaming platforms and how the industry is evolving both locally and globally.

As always, there’s plenty of banter, a beer review featuring the Good Land Brewing Co. “Good Lager”, and some truly chaotic comedy moments, including a “funny in the moment” that could have gone horribly wrong.

Links:

Good Land Brewing Co's Good Lager : Click here

Business of Comedy Conference session titled 'Why the laughter economy matters': Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

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

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

Episode 20 of This Week in Comedy lands at the tail end of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026, and there is plenty to unpack. Broadcasting from a brand new studio, the team are joined by special guest Bradford Oakes, bringing his signature insights, stories and sharp comedic perspective to the conversation.

The episode opens with a reflection on the festival wrap up. While it is officially done and dusted, the reality for comedians is a bit different. From waiting on ticket sales to planning the next run, the grind never really stops. The crew chat about the highs, the exhaustion and what comes next after one of the biggest comedy events in Australia.

In the news segment, the team dive into a headline grabbing protest in Brisbane, where a flash mob used John Farnham’s song Two Strong Hearts as part of a demonstration against new laws restricting certain phrases linked to Israel's genocide in Gaza. The discussion explores the importance of satire for a healthy democracy, a subject that was raised at the Business of Comedy Conference a week earlier.

There is also a breakdown of the ongoing legal situation involving Rebel Wilson and her film The Deb, unpacking how controversy can collide with creative projects and impact releases.

The episode goes deep into the reality of performing during festival season. Multiple gigs in a single night, long travel for short sets and the challenge of staying sharp are all part of the job. It is an honest look at the hustle behind the laughs and what it takes to survive in the comedy world.

Add in the Bright Brewery’s Real Heroes Draught review, a bizarre story about pigeon guided missiles and a classic awkward public moment, and you have an episode packed with humour, insight and very Australian storytelling.

Links:

Bright Brewery’s Real Heroes Draught: Click here

Business of Comedy Conference: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

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

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

Episode 19 of This Week in Comedy sees hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan hit their stride with a jam-packed episode blending global satire, Aussie comedy highlights, and plenty of laughs along the way. Joining them in the studio is none other than Scott Dikkers, founding editor of The Onion, who shares insights into the craft of satire, its role in modern media, and why it remains essential for a healthy democracy, just ahead of his appearance at the Business of Comedy Conference.

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into one of Australia’s biggest comedy events, the Raw Comedy National Grand Final, held as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. With nearly a thousand entrants nationwide, the competition showcases the country’s best emerging stand-ups. This year, Sydney’s Joshua Khoury took out the top prize, earning a coveted opportunity to perform internationally. The competition was incredibly tight, with Melbourne comedians Jorgia Rice and Jake Zukerman named as runners-up, both earning well-deserved recognition for their standout performances.

Lily and Morry also reflect on the energy of the night, the diversity of acts (including musical comedy), and the significance of Raw Comedy as a launchpad for new talent. Alongside this, they spotlight other major comedy happenings, including the Deadly Funny National Grand Final and upcoming tours, all while weaving in their signature humour and industry insight.

Of course, it wouldn’t be This Week in Comedy without a beer review. This episode features a gluten-free brew from Two Bays Brewing Co., opening up a light-hearted discussion about taste, dietary quirks, and the ever-important role of beer in comedy culture—even if not everyone in the room is drinking.

Links:

Scott Dikkers on Instagram: Click here

Two Bays Pale Ale Gluten Free: Click here

Business of Comedy Conference: Click here

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

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