The episode moves through a mix of industry insights and absurd tangents, covering everything from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to the strange realities of being a working comedian. There’s discussion around visas, the grind of building a career, and the subtle differences between comedy scenes around the world. Along the way, the trio unpack classic “inside comedy” moments, including the universal joke about comedians wearing shorts on stage and what it really signals to other performers.

A highlight of the episode is the ongoing love letter to The Exford Hotel, a venue that holds a special place in both the Melbourne comedy scene and Lars’s personal journey. His story about discovering the venue, and how it mirrors his early days running comedy rooms in Canada, offers a rare mix of sincerity and humour that captures what makes live comedy spaces so important. It also ties into appearances from figures like Chris Franklin, whose presence looms large in the stories shared throughout the episode.

Naturally, no episode would be complete without a drink in hand, and this week’s choice is Foster's Lager. What starts as a simple tasting turns into a nostalgic and surprisingly thoughtful discussion about Australian identity, international perceptions, and the strange cultural journey of one of the country’s most recognisable beers.

The episode also leans into the bizarre, with stories ranging from a French performer who famously ate an entire airplane to offbeat “funny in the moment” encounters that highlight the unpredictable nature of comedy. Balancing industry talk with ridiculous anecdotes, Episode 17 captures the essence of what This Week in Comedy does best: blending insight, storytelling, and spontaneous humour into a conversation that feels both unfiltered and deeply connected to the comedy world.

Links:

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy Course with Lars Callieou: Click here

Lars Callieou's Instagram: Click here

Foster's Larger: 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.

From the buzz of opening week to the chaos of late-night afterparties, Morry and Lily dive headfirst into festival season. They break down what’s hot this year, including the iconic Exford Hotel afterparty scene, rising stars like Bron Lewis hosting major gala events, and the continued rise of Aaron Chen, whose Netflix special drops mid-festival. It’s a snapshot of a comedy scene that’s bigger, faster, and more competitive than ever.

But it’s not all celebration. The hosts tackle a spicy industry topic: the influx of online content creators stepping onto live stages. Does a massive TikTok following translate to ticket sales? Is the festival becoming oversaturated? And can 'digital creator comedy' hold up under the unforgiving spotlight of stand-up? Morry and Lily unpack the growing tension between online fame and live performance, sharing insights from the circuit and their own experiences.

There’s also a nostalgic detour into comedy history, from The Office to early silent film icon Roscoe Arbuckle - a reminder that comedy has always evolved alongside culture (and controversy). Plus the duo have a sip of the Northern Red from Boat Rocker Brewers in Victoria.

The highlight of the episode is a brilliant, down-to-earth interview with rising star Jorgia Rice, fresh off winning the Victorian RAW Comedy finals. Just over a year into her stand-up journey, Jorgia chats about her rapid rise, humble beginnings in Frankston, and what it feels like to be heading to the national finals at Melbourne Town Hall. It’s equal parts inspiring and hilarious, showcasing exactly why she’s one to watch.

Plus, the usual mix of festival chatter, quirky comedy facts (yes, including pregnancy tests involving frogs), and a classic “funny in the moment” story featuring Bunnings sausages and a dog with a mullet.

Links:

Girls Just Wanna Have Puns show at MICF: Click here

Boat Rocker Brewers Northern Red: Click here

Business of Comedy Conference: Click here

Jorgia Rice's Hard Knock Knocks graduation performance: 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.

With the Melbourne International Comedy Festival just days away, the hosts lean into the growing excitement around its 40th anniversary. They spotlight a mix of shows and talent set to take over the city, while also previewing the Business of Comedy Conference, running April 16–18. Framed as a must-attend for performers and industry professionals alike, the conference represents the more strategic side of comedy, where creativity meets economics.

A highlight of the episode is Morry’s interview with Wilbur Wilde, a veteran of Australian entertainment whose career spans decades. Wilde brings a unique perspective on the intersection of music and comedy, reflecting on the evolution of live performance and the enduring importance of laughter. His upcoming appearance at the conference, speaking on the “laughter economy”, reinforces the idea that comedy is not just an art form, but a serious contributor to culture and business.

The episode also tips its hat to Sammy J, with the hosts praising his sharp political humour and jokingly suggesting he could be a future prime minister. It’s a moment that perfectly captures the show’s tone: insightful, but never taking itself too seriously.

In between the bigger topics, the hosts go on tangents that range from behind-the-scenes TV set chatter to absurd personal anecdotes. One standout segment is the beer review, where they sample the Hargreaves Hill Dortmund Lager. The verdict is positive, with particular appreciation for the classic 375 ml can size, which the pair should be written into law.

Links:

Hargreaves Hills Dortmund Lager: Click here

Business of Comedy Conference: Click here

Business of Comedy Conference session featuring Wilbur Wilde: 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.

The conversation quickly shifts to major developments in the Australian comedy scene, beginning with the announcement of the Sydney Comedy Festival’s biggest program yet, boasting more than 400 shows. Morry and Lily highlight several headline acts, including international star Tiffany Haddish and Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd. While Lily admits she wasn’t completely sold on the Netflix hit, the hosts agree that Gadd’s notoriety alone is likely to draw curious audiences. The discussion becomes a broader reflection on how television success can revive a comedian’s stand-up career.

They also spotlight family connections in comedy, sharing examples of comedians performing alongside relatives. One standout pairing is Australian comedy icon Pete Rowsthorn performing with his daughter Frankie in their show Smooth and Wrinkly. Morry and Lily reflect on other family acts in comedy, including Marty Fields continuing the legacy of his father, the late Maurie Fields, and Doug Chappel working alongside his son Tyson Chappel. The segment celebrates how comedy can span generations while still evolving with new voices.

The beer of choice for this episode is the Mouth of Melbourne, brewed in South Melbourne at Brewmanity. Morry highlights that this is one of his favourite beers, and Lily recommends the audience check out Brewmanity's rooftop deck and fried pickles!

International comedy also gets attention when the hosts discuss David Cross releasing his ninth stand-up special, The End of the Beginning of the End, on YouTube. Known for his work on Arrested Development, Cross’s irreverent style sparks debate between Morry and Lily about different comedic approaches and the shifting landscape of streaming specials.

Later in the episode, Morry interviews animation producer Ken Cantrell, who is speaking at the upcoming Business of Comedy Conference. Cantrell discusses two projects, Snick and Willow and the developing animated series Peggy and Molly. With performers like Lawrence Mooney, Ross Noble, and Bev Killick attached, the project highlights the crossover between stand-up and animation.

The episode wraps with lighter segments, including a quirky historical fact about the first alarm clock and a “funny in the moment” story from Morry involving two strangers dressed like 1950s detectives at a Melbourne petrol station. As always, Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes balance industry insight with playful storytelling, giving listeners a lively snapshot of what’s happening across the comedy world.

Links:

Sydney Comedy Festival: Click here

The Business of Comedy Conference: Click here

The Business of Comedy Conference session with Ken Cantrill: Click here

Mouth of Melbourne by Brewmanity: 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.

First up is Jim Carrey’s rare public appearance at the César Awards in Paris, which sparked online chaos: plastic surgery, alien theories, “reptilian” conspiracy, and a viral post from drag makeup artist Alexis Stone claiming to be Carrey. They land on the simplest explanation: work done. But hey! They could be wrong.

The mood lifts with genuinely good news: Australian comedy icon Magda Szubanski announces she’s in remission from stage four mantle cell lymphoma. The hosts celebrate her legacy, from Fast Forward characters Michelle and Ferret to netballer Sharon Strzelecki and her role in Babe, calling her a national treasure.

They then circle back to the radio drama between Kyle and Jackie O. With ARN issuing Kyle Sandilands a serious misconduct notice and a 14-day window to remedy the breach, the hosts debate whether that's the end of this comedy duo...and maybe an opportunity for fresh new voices (Hint, hint ARN!). A lighter sidebar follows, with Morry revealing that “Rove McManus” is actually John Henry Michael McManus. We suppose it gets him through customs faster.

A comedy history segment ticks through milestones: Spike Milligan’s death (and his “I told you I was ill” gravestone), Gilbert Gottfried’s birth and voice work, Dr. Seuss trivia, Moonlighting’s premiere, and John Candy’s untimely death.

Beer of the week is Wolf of the Willows’ Chopper West Coast IPA, praised for its bitter finish—then the episode pivots to Morry’s interview with John Delmenico, editor of The Chaser. Delmenico previews his upcoming Business of Comedy Conference panel alongside The Onion’s Scott Dikkers and Silicon Valley writer Andrew J. Nash, arguing satire has always shadowed democracy, shaping how audiences see politicians and power.

The episode closes with oddball facts (Frisbee ashes memorial discs) and darkly relatable parenting jokes, before another plug for the Business of Comedy Conference in April.

Links:

The Business of Comedy Conference: Click here

The Business of Comedy Conference session with John Delmenico: Click here

Chopper West Coast IPA: 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.

The conversation then shifts to radio drama surrounding Kyle and Jackie O, currently under pressure in the Melbourne market despite their enormous $200 million, 10-year contract. An on-air clash saw Kyle criticise Jackie’s contribution to the show, prompting her to walk off mid-broadcast. The hosts explore whether the blow-up reflects genuine tension or a strategic stunt designed to generate headlines and boost ratings.

Attention turns to the BAFTAs, where Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur during a presentation by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. The team unpacks the broader context, noting the ceremony was pre-recorded and selectively edited, raising questions about production decisions and public reaction, while also clarifying misconceptions about Tourette’s.

Comedy history features throughout, including anniversaries of Comedy Inc., The Simpsons reaching its 500th episode, and the passing of Richard Belzer, best known for Law & Order: SVU but originally a stand-up comedian. There’s also nostalgic discussion of early 2000s sketch television and long-running shows like The Bill.

The “Beer of the Week” segment reviews a 6% Venom IPA in a smaller-than-standard 330ml can, sparking a humorous investigation into shrinkflation and Australia’s alcohol tax system.

A major highlight of Episode 12 is the conversation with Stig Wemyss and Anthony Littlechild, speakers at the upcoming Business of Comedy Conference. They share practical insights into producing, directing, shooting and editing comedy films, emphasising collaboration, improvisation and strong on-set energy.

And the episode wraps up with another “Funny in the Moment” at Bunnings.

Links:

The Business of Comedy Conference: Click here

The Business of Comedy Conference session with Stig Weymyss and Anthony Littlechild: Click here

Venom IPA beer: 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 comedy news, the hosts discuss Celeste Barber and her partner Apy Robin (often dubbed “Hot Husband”) separating after 20 years. The tone stays light and speculative as they reflect on Celeste’s evolution from Instagram parody posts to a broader comedy personality, while also joking about modern weight-loss culture and Ozempic. Next up is Jim Jefferies, who has announced his biggest Australian tour to date. The hosts praise his international rise, particularly in the UK and US, and note how unusually well Australia has embraced his success without much tall-poppy backlash, even if some audiences have taken time warming to his edgier material.

Lily then brings up Heathers: The Musical, describing its dark-comedy high school vibe and noting a TikTok-driven resurgence that’s expected to draw both comedy and theatre crowds. A quick aside follows on Ben Bankas, whose controversial joke about a recent homicide caused a venue cancellation, only for the show to move elsewhere and sell out, sparking a broader chat about venues, safety, and free speech.

Comedy history highlights include the deaths of sketch pioneer Sid Caesar (2014) and Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz (2000), plus anniversaries for Wayne’s World (1992) and The Chaser’s War on Everything (2006).

Beer of the week is “Herb Your Enthusiasm”, a raspberry and rosemary sour from Slow Lane Brewing, which they gleefully describe as oddly gin-like. That leads into a Pringles fact: inventor Fredric J. Baur requested some of his ashes be buried in a Pringles can.

The episode’s centrepiece is an interview with Peter Josip, winner of Raw Comedy 2025, who explains the prize trip to Edinburgh to compete in 'So You Think You’re Funny?' Pete even made the final, rare for Australian Raw winners, then performed at the Cyprus International Comedy Festival, and spent months gigging hard in Toronto, landing an agent and spots at clubs like Yuk Yuk’s. Back in Melbourne, he’s slated for Comedy Zone at the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

They wrap with a “Funny in the Moment” story about a son’s school uniform, and a review of Is This Thing On?—praised as a relationship film, but criticised as an unrealistic stand-up movie.

Links:

Morry's 'Is This Thing On?' six part TV show: Click here

Will Arnett's 'Is This Thing On?' trainer: Click here

Read more about Peter Josip's Melbourne Comedy Festival Raw Comedy win: Click here

Herb Your Enthusiasm beer: 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.

Morry and Lily then settle into the South Melbourne studio, happy to escape Sydney’s humidity and the constant roar of planes over Newtown. A quick (and slightly too cheeky) 9/11 reference lands, with the question 'too soon?'.

Comedy news begins with Adam Sandler receiving the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Modern Master Award for his influence across stand-up, film, and TV. Morry admits Sandler can be a bit slapstick for his taste, but gives a nod to Happy Gilmore. Lily, representing the millennials, rides hard for Big Daddy and Little Nicky, quoting lines and praising Sandler’s underrated serious chops in Click and Uncut Gems.

Next up, Jim Jefferies, who drops in as a surprise set at Melbourne’s Comics Lounge. Morry explains Jefferies’ real name and the extra “e” he added to satisfy a US union rule requiring unique stage names. Shoutout to host Doug Chappell, cruise-photo icon and future podcast guest.

Then it gets darker: US comedian Ben Bankas has six sold-out Minnesota shows cancelled after a controversial joke following a fatal ICE-related shooting. The venue cites threats and safety concerns, sparking a discussion about timing, risk, and when “too soon” becomes “never.”

More screens: Will Arnett’s film Is This Thing On?, directed and co-written by Bradley Cooper, hits Australian cinemas February 5. Morry reveals he made a comedy series with the same title years earlier, nearly picked up by the ABC before leadership changes killed it.

Beer time: Barossa Valley Brewing’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake Stout (7%, 2.1 standard drinks) tastes like dessert—sweet, gluggy, and dangerously drinkable.

Finally, comedy history: Leslie Nielsen would be 100 today (born February 11, 1926). They toast him, debate titles (Airplane! was Flying High in Australia), and wrap with a teaser interview featuring Tasmanian comedian “Red Ned” Townsend and Lars Calio’s 900,000km Volkswagen Jetta.

Links:

Morry's 'Is This Thing On?' six part TV show: Click here

Barossa Valley Brewing’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake Stout: Click here

Hobart Festival of Comedy: Click here

Red Ned Townsend Instagram: 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.

The episode kicks off with reflections on the road trip up from Victoria, including a surprise koala encounter near Shepparton and observations about regional Australia’s growing multiculturalism. From there, the show shifts into comedy news, led by a discussion of Matt Rife’s recent Australian tour and ongoing controversies. The hosts unpack his “rage-bait” persona, tongue-in-cheek apologies, and commercial savvy, noting how controversy, engagement, and branding increasingly go hand-in-hand in modern comedy.

A major focus of the episode is the return of Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School to Sydney for the first time in five years. Recording from Newtown is no coincidence, with the course running at the Newtown Hotel’s Laugh Inn. The hosts highlight the importance of live comedy education post-COVID and the value of rebuilding local scenes.

The episode features an in-depth interview with veteran comedian Tommy Dean, who reflects on decades in Australian comedy. Tommy offers thoughtful insights into how the industry has changed, particularly the impact of social media, fast news cycles, and the pressure on younger comics to chase topical jokes and crowd work. He strongly advocates for solid joke writing, personal storytelling, and being paid properly for gigs — dismantling the myth of “exposure” work along the way.

Later, rising Sydney comic Stella Wu joins the show, fresh from strong festival sets and her Comedy Zone 2026 announcement. She talks about her rapid career momentum, her show Asian Baby Girl, and the surreal realities of joke-writing, family expectations, and creative chaos.

The episode wraps with reflections on Australia’s comedy pipeline, the importance of developing mid-career comics, and a relaxed beer-fuelled sign-off — capturing the spirit of a podcast deeply embedded in the comedy scene, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Links:

Raw Comedy entry: Click here

Grifter Pale Ale by the Grifter Brewing Co: Click here

Sydney Comedy Festival: 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.

The episode opens with Lily and Morry celebrating making it past seven episodes, swapping stories about a heavy midweek beer session and then cracking into a new brew - the Fig Leaf Saison by Sailors Grave Brewing. Then it's onto the news.

The first major story centres on Dave Hughes, who faced an unusual heckle at a Noosa show when an audience member attempted to shut down jokes about Hughes’ own son. The situation escalated when it emerged the heckler was a carer and both got removed. The hosts unpack how this crosses from traditional heckling into real time moral censorship, praising Hughes for offering the affected fan free tickets and noting it was the first attempted onstage censorship of his 30 year career.

From there, the discussion widens to whether comedy is becoming more policed, especially in the context of large corporate platforms. The Netflix Is a Joke Festival is positioned as a major global event, rivalling Edinburgh and Melbourne, but raising questions about corporate control, promotion, distribution and how much creative freedom comedians will retain under a single powerful brand.

In lighter celebrity news, the hosts touch on the amicable split between Ali Wong and Bill Hader, using it as a springboard to reflect on how difficult relationships can be within the comedy industry. Touring, scheduling and public pressure all take their toll, particularly when both partners are high profile performers.

The regular segment, this week in history, looks at The Kid, the 1921 silent film by Charlie Chaplin, and how it helped prove comedy could sustain emotional, feature length storytelling rather than just short gag reels. They also discuss the invention of the television, and its possible connection to tampons...or not. We're not sure.

But the emotional core of the episode comes with an in depth interview with Craig Quartermaine, who was denied a Queensland arts grant on the grounds that stand-up comedy is “not an art form”. The interview explores the bureaucratic absurdity of the decision, its impact on regional and Indigenous artists, and what it reveals about funding bodies, gatekeeping and cultural stereotypes.

The episode wraps with festival plugs, reflections on dark comedy and censorship, and a reminder that comedy’s job has always been to challenge ideas, provoke discussion and find the funny.

Links:

Craig Quartermaine original Reel regarding Queensland grant rejection: Click here

Sailors Grave Brewing Fig Leaf Saison: Click here

The Kid, starring Charlie Chapman: 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.

The episode opens with a field trip to Raw Comedy at the Esplanade Hotel’s Gershwin Room in St Kilda, one of Australia’s biggest amateur stand up competitions. The hosts catch up with two Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School alumna, Jorgia Rice and Kiara Ariza, before and after their heats. Jorgia, less than a year into comedy and already around 40 gigs deep, talks about the thrill of performing for her biggest crowd yet, and shares how she's leaned into her now signature “rice” material. Kiara shares her own pre-show nerves, festival plans, and a background in performance work that is clearly paying off. Both comedians end the day on a high: they are announced as heat winners and progress to the next round.

From there, the conversation turns serious: censorship and free speech in the arts, sparked by the recent Adelaide Writers Festival controversies and the broader tension around political viewpoints, particularly those influenced from abroad. The hosts argue that debate and creative expression cannot be selectively allowed. It is either all on the table or none of it is.

Another scandal follows: Brisbane comedian Craig Quartermaine receives an arts grant rejection stating stand up comedy is not supported as an eligible performing art form, a line the hosts call equal parts absurd and illuminating, and a rallying point for better recognition of comedy as a legitimate art.

The episode wraps with a quick “funny in the moment” Aldi encounter and a nod to comedy pioneer Phyllis Diller and her data driven comedy approach. Finally, Morry shares an interview with Bob Stevenson and the upcoming Hard Knocks Comedy Course in Sydney, from 1 to 5 February in Newtown.

Links:

Raw Comedy entry: Click here

Craig Quartermaine original Reel regarding Queensland grant rejection: Click here

Sydney Hard Knock Knocks Comedy Course Sign-up: 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.

From there, the episode shifts into comedy news and history. The hosts note the Golden Globes introducing a podcast category for the first time, sparking dreams (and realism) about future international recognition. Then they go dark. Dead at 88, did you know that Charlie Chaplin was a Communist?! I mean, who isn’t these days. All the kids are doing it. This theme darkens further with discussion of the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack. Satire, free expression, and the real-world consequences comedy can provoke, before the mood is intentionally lightened again.

A major focus of the episode is “Comedy Country”. This is a large, PhD research project examining comedy’s cultural impact, inclusivity, and economic sustainability. Involving major universities and substantial funding, the project explores how comedy has broadened representation and reduced cultural barriers, while also asking how the industry can remain financially viable. This naturally connects to the business of comedy, streaming platforms’ obligations to fund Australian-made content, and the possibility of digital taxes on global tech companies profiting from comedy without directly supporting creators.

Beer is back, baby! Morry had popped into Swords Select at the South Melbourne Market, and picked up a Kiwi lager, called ‘Mutual Drift‘ – a hoppy beer, which was well received.

And then the episode looks at a near-death experience in Collingwood. That might be an exaggeration. In short, it’s a dry generational joke about football colours that lands with tension and awkwardness that one would expect when Morry tries to be ‘funny in the moment’. Ah, you just had to be there.

Finally, attention turns to Raw Comedy, with an in-depth interview with comedian Drago Ivan. He talks with Lily regarding winning his heat and surviving a serious car accident that pushed him into comedy. Ivan also discusses running rooms, networking, and offering practical advice for newcomers. The episode wraps with optimism as Australia’s comedy calendar ramps up, major festivals loom, and the year ahead promises momentum for the local scene.

Links:

Register for Raw Comedy: Click here

The Business of Comedy Conference: Click here

Melb Comedy Scene on Instagram: Click here

Slow Lane Brewing, New Zealand: 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.

This episode kicks off with festive season realities (fewer gigs, everyone half-checked-out) before looking ahead to 2026 and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival season. The pair unpack what’s coming up, including the emerging “Business of Comedy” conference within the festival timeline—an event that’s either about to become an annual institution or vanish like Schrödinger’s cat (don’t open the door).

In Comedy News, they celebrate Dick Van Dyke hitting 100 and spiral into robots, hecklers, and whether the future of stand-up involves fear-laughter and chest-kicking androids. In Comedy History, they revisit milestone moments like Candice Bergen becoming the first woman to host SNL, and The Simpsons’ first full-length episode.

Things get unexpectedly real with a discussion on comedian lifespans, dopamine crashes, and why the job can hit hard after the punchlines. They wrap with podcast recs, festival chatter, and a sneak peek at upcoming comedy courses—plus an open invitation for beer sponsors who can handle honest copy.

Links:

Marcel Blanch-de Wilt's interview with MICF Director Susan Provan: Click here

Hard Knock Knocks Comedy Courses in 2026: 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.

We kick things off in a “quiet week” for comedy news, which somehow still includes half a million dollars of government funding being handed to robot comedians. Yes, actual robots. Non-humanoid ones. Ranging from 40 centimetres to two metres tall. Performing non-verbal slapstick. In Melbourne. The duo grapples with what this means for the future of comedy, audience fear responses, accessibility ramps, and whether this is yet another example of governments funding literally anything except working comedians.

From there, things take a sharp, but refreshing turn into sponsorship territory, with a tasting of Oishi Rice Lager - described as “almost too dry” and tasting suspiciously like something a Starfleet food replicator would produce. It’s beer. It’s on trend. It’s reviewed with all the rigour you’d expect from a comedy podcast drinking on mic.

The heart of the episode is a deep dive into the Geelong Comedy Festival, via a long chat with festival director Blaise White. We cover the festival’s growth, its surprisingly rich comedy scene, venues ranging from cosy bars to an actual jail under the gallows, and why regional festivals might just be the future of Australian comedy touring. If you’ve ever wondered whether Geelong secretly rules, this segment will aggressively suggest that it does.

Elsewhere, we unpack the invention of canned laughter (and whether it was the first step in comedy’s robotic takeover), revisit the legacy of Arrested Development, tip our hats to Billy Connolly’s longevity, talk Raw Comedy, preview the Business of Comedy Conference, and somehow end up discussing under-16s being banned from social media and parents radicalising children on Roblox.

Links:

Geelong Comedy Festival: Click here

Oishi Rice Lager: Click here

Raw Comedy registration: 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.

The conversation moves into Australian comedy news with the announcement of the Brisbane Comedy Festival for 2026. With strong attendance figures from the previous year, the festival is framed as a major stop on the national comedy circuit, landing immediately after the Melbourne Comedy Festival. It turns out that while the lineup, which includes Denise Scott, Melanie Bracewell, Ray O’Leary, and Tom Cashman, is of top comedians, it might also be a little Kiwi-heavy for Lily's mum.

Up and coming comedian Elouise Eftos and her show Australia’s First Attractive Comedian show then takes centre stage. Lily highlights the satire, and the irony that a few female comedians couldn't take the joke. Were they the usual suspects? Probably. You'll have to listen.

The episode’s history segment looks back to 1963, when British theatre critic Kenneth Tynan intentionally dropped the first F-bomb on live television, causing public outrage and political fallout that now feels almost quaint. This leads into a trivia discussion about Fawlty Towers, revealing that Basil Fawlty was based on a real hotel owner, Donald Sinclair, whose rudeness toward guests and Monty Python cast members directly inspired the character.

And in the 'whip-around' segment Morry chats with Sydney comedian and producer Seizure Kaiser, who offers insight into Sydney’s comedy scene, paid rooms, touring acts, and his Comedy on Edge venues. The episode closes with a call to embrace being “funny in the moment,” finding small opportunities for humour in everyday life as a way to push back against an increasingly bleak world.

Links:

Brisbane Comedy Festival: Click here

Sydney Laugh Inn comedy tickets: Click here

Comedy on Edge: 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 2 the duo spotlight the Hobart Comedy Festival, celebrating Tasmania’s growing comedy presence and reminding listeners that great comedy doesn’t only happen on the mainland. Morry does a whip-around to Adelaide, with an interview with Adelaidian comedian Big Al. Al is one of the city’s most connected comedy voices and in their chat Al highlights local rooms, paid gigs, and what’s worth checking out in the lead-up to Adelaide Fringe.

Beyond Australia, This Week in Comedy explores how humour operates on a global stage. Morry points to New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and how he used comedy, satire, and short-form humour to help him win mayoral race. And again, this episode is sponsored (ie. self funded) by a beer. This time around it's the pickle-flavoured 'It's a Big Dill' beer, by Sailors Grave Brewing of Tasmania.

And if you'd like to recommend a comedy room, comedian, beer, or share some comedy gossip, reach out to us here.

Links:

'It's a Big Dill' Beer by Sailors Grave Brewing: Click here

Raw Comedy competition entry: 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 1, co-hosts Morry and Lily officially crack the seal on the podcast. You'll be introduced to a show that blends comedy history, industry gossip, live gig intel, and barely controlled chaos. Think part comedy news desk, part green room banter, part pub conversation that’s gone on five minutes too long, in the best way.

Each episode dives into 'This Week in History', revisiting key moments that shaped comedy and entertainment. It then moves into 'Import / Export', tracking which big names are coming into town, who’s leaving, and where you might spot a surprise set during festival season (hint: It's Jimmy Carr). There’s also 'New Room, Who Dis?', spotlighting comedy rooms around Australia, from Melbourne favourites to emerging stages worth the trip. This episode highlights a new paid comedy room in Melbourne, Moon Dog Wild West.

This episode checks in on Perth’s comedy scene, with an interview with the Comedy Lounge's John McAllister and his Australian Comedian of the Year competition, unpacking what it takes to win, why it matters, and how it can launch a career. The show also makes space for 'Funny in the Moment'. But as you'll hear, "you had to be there."

Rounding things out is Tight Five, a short, sharp chat with comedy veteran Bradford Oakes about gigs, wigs, and his other podcasts. Plus they highlight the “sponsored” beer (self funded, for now), as Tasmania's Albert Pilsner.

Links:

Perth's Comedy Lounge 'Australian Comedian of the Year Competition': Click here

Raw Comedy entry: Click here

Jimmy Carr's schedule: Click here

The Albert Brewery, Albert Pilsner: 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.