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.
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.
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.
Greg Warren is a seasoned comedian who has built up a huge following in recent years. He’s here with Joel before his headline shows this weekend at the Comedy Castle. Greg talks about finding success later in his career, the fun of writing and performing new stuff, his history as a very successful amateur wrestler, and, of course, peanut butter! Will Greg spill the beans on what makes Jif so much better than the other brands? Tune in to find out. Greg has five big shows this weekend, and tickets are available at the link below.
Jason Fylan-Mares started in comedy later than most, but has nothing but success as he performs in support of Joe List this week at the club. Jason tells Joel about how his wife challenged him to try stand-up comedy, how comedy “saved his life” and why performing in theaters is just so fun and easy. It’s a deep-dive into comedy’s nuts and bolts with one of the good guys on the Michigan comedy scene, and a real fun talk. Jason appears with Joe List this weekend at the Comedy Castle, and tix are going fast! Link for tickets is below.
Keith Alberstadt returns to talk his beginnings in comedy, why he is always a great act for a fundraiser, why he’s not doing long road trips anymore and why requesting bits at a comedy show isn’t always a great idea. Keith is one of the best in the business! See him this weekend! Tix link below. Also, Joel pays tribute to the late, great Norm Stulz. An early guest on this show, Joel includes Norm’s 2019 interview with Tom McCarthy and talks about why Norm was a fantastic comedian – and a better human being – who supported and loved being part of the Michigan comedy scene. You will never be forgotten, Norm! RIP
The 200th Comedy Castle Podcast has two big interviews – one with weekend headliner Tom Cotter, and Sunday’s special event performer Brad Upton. Even though he “lost”, Tom is probably the most impressive stand-up comedian in the history of America’s Got Talent. Hear how his fearless strategy paid off, why the winning dog-act wasn’t all it is cracked up to be, and how he has made a marriage of two comedians work for him (and her). Then, Brad Upton tells of going viral 30 years into a comedy career, his recent performances at The Grand Ole Opry, touring with Johnny Mathis, opening for Joan Rivers and how his recent heath scare made him almost lose it all. Tom and Brad are master comedians and you can’t go wrong seeing either – or both – at the club this weekend. Ticket link below!
Cam Bertrand arrives as this week’s Comedy Castle headliner with millions of internet views and some stories about how he got there. Cam used to work in a comedy club, got millions of views in a Dry Bar special, and refuses to rent a nice, big car when on the road. The Dry Bar show was almost his undoing – you gotta hear this story! Plus, you’ll also hear how he had a great debut on America’s Got Talent and then was never seen again. Hmm? Cam brings his humor and youthful energy this weekend for five shows. Tix at the link below.
Trae Crowder has made a name for himself as “The Liberal Redneck” and he’s talking to us before his headlining weekend at the club. Trae tells of his rural upbringing, how a video store gave him Hollywood dreams, and why you can’t put up a stop light in a small town. Plus, hear of Joel’s exploits as a touring comic in the south – not nearly as successful as Trae! Trae is hilarious talking politics or whatever he wants to talk about. Catch him this weekend! Tix link below.
Kevin Lepine returns for his 17th annual performance of Hypnosis Unleashed at The Comedy Castle this month and he returns, also, to this podcast. Kevin tell us of the state of live entertainment in Las Vegas, the problem with “old-time” stage hypnotists, and how to successfully use music as part of your act. Plus, Kevin gives Joel some sage advice for his upcoming wedding and marriage! Hypnosis Unleashed is a riotously funny and entertaining show – don’t miss it! Tix in the link below.
