The Comedy Castle Podcast

Tim Finkel finally headlines The Comedy Castle for just one night this week, but what a night it will be. Tim has gone from high school teacher to top-tier comic over the last decade or so, but it’s bittersweet as Tim’s son Ryder faces the fight of his life. Hear Tim’s origin story, how Tim was able to teach a teen comedy class (that Joel could not!), and the balancing act of family and stand-up comedy. Also, hear how the late comedian Norm Stulz and Detroit Lions star Aiden Hutchinson have helped the Finkel family with Ryder’s battle. Please donate at this link if you’d like to help, too. Tim’s show is sold out as of now, but check the link below or call the club for availability. Ryan Davis rocks the house Friday and Saturday, too. Tix below!

Comedian and podcaster Geoff Tate is a Star Wars-loving, sometime drug-taking, hilarious guy and a great guest on this show. Geoff tells Joel of being mistaken for that Queensryche singer, his prolific stand-up comedy album releases, his start in the Cincinnati comedy scene, and why you don’t want to flip through a comedian’s notebook. Geoff has five shows this weekend at The Comedy Castle – get your tix at the link below.

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The hilarious Zach Martina is a favorite around these parts, so having him ring in 2025 at The Comedy Castle will be a real treat. Zach tells Joel about New Year’s Eves of yesteryear, recommends a place for the best wings in Detroit, revels in the glory of a Michigan euchre game, and much more. Plus, which Detroit sports legend should pop his head in for one of these shows? We’ve got thoughts! Zach has two shows on New Year’s Eve and a full weekend of shows to start 2025. Tix are available at the link below.

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Brad Wenzel is back! At the Comedy Castle this weekend, and on this show. On this episode, Joel and Brad discuss the philosophy of making it in comedy today, fun comedian merchandising ideas, and Brad’s thought process on changing his “look.” They also talk about Kill Tony, Bob Seger vs Bruce Springsteen, and Seger’s history with the Comedy Castle itself! This is a king-size, fun conversation with one of the best and most clever comics working today. Tickets for this weekend’s shows are available at the link below.

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Cam Rowe is back on the show to talk about his first year as a full-time headliner and his return to The Comedy Castle. Cam shares what he learned from departed comedy legend Norm Stulz, discusses the Lions chances of winning it all and shares his memories of The Malice at the Palace – where he was an eyewitness! Cam is a superstar on the rise! Catch him this weekend at the club! Tix link below.

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Mike Stanley has made a name for himself all over the the country, but he started in Detroit and returns to The Comedy Castle this weekend. Mike chats about his early days in comedy, adapting his show for an older audience, the challenge in following comedy legends on-stage in NYC, and much more. Joel and Mike also share recent injury stories – they’re getting older, but the show must go on! Catch Mike this weekend at The Comedy Castle! Tickets at the link below.

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Bryan McCree is a Michigan legend, and one of the good guys in comedy. Bryan and Joel reminisce about doing shows together, including the place Joel hated the most – of course, he bombed here while Bryan killed. Plus, Bryan’s Flint upbringing in a famous family, his beginnings in the improv scene, and the unknown history of showbiz mimic Rich Little. Bryan rocks the club for four shows this holiday weekend, tix are at the link below – and B1G1 for the holiday!

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Ben Bailey returns to The Comedy Castle this weekend and this show right now! Ben tells Joel of his unlikely start at The Comedy Castle, the Hollywood eccentric who gave him his break, and how he ended up driving the Cash Cab. Plus, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Fifth Third bank insanity, behind the scenes on Ben’s new special, and much more. Ben has five shows this weekend at the club – tix at the link below.

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John Heffron has appeared at The Comedy Castle for over thirty-five years now, and this weekend he’s back at it again. But does he run out of stuff to talk about? Never, as Joel finds out, John is spending a lot of time in his car doing gigs, perfecting his method of of “totem pole-ing” comedy writing, and thinking of new merch ideas – any want a Heffron-themed grabber tool? Plus, John has thoughts on arena comedy, comedy club excuses and the original soap opera-turned-comic, Walt Willey. Tix for John are going fast! Link below for those shows and Gus Constantellis on Sunday.

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T.Barb is a Detroit original who has run her comedy career on her own terms – and to great success. Joel chats with her about her beginnings in comedy, promoting her own tours, her hilarious “Only in Detroit” series and much more. She headlines next Thursday November 7th for one night only – don’t miss it! This weekend’s headliner Geoffrey Asmus was interviewed on this show in 2022. Listen to that here. Tix for all of these show can be found at the link below.

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