The Comedy Castle Podcast

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.

• Facebook
• Instagram

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

• Facebook
• Instagram

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!

• Facebook
• Instagram

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.

• Facebook
• Instagram

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.

• Facebook
• Instagram

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.

• Facebook
• Instagram

TJ Wharry has made a name for himself in towns all over the US, but finally he headlines The Comedy Castle and he’s here to talk. TJ tells Joel about growing up in Oakland County but not doing comedy until he left, how Dave Landau brought TJ and Joel (awkwardly) together, and his 500+ pair sneaker collection. Plus, a hilarious story about his high school gang that always kills. Check out TJ this weekend! We think you’ll love him as we do! Tix at the link below.

• Facebook
• Instagram

Donte Lillard is a rising talent in the Michigan Comedy Scene and he’ll be opening the shows this weekend with Dave Landau headlining. Donte and Joel talk about moving from the west side of the state to the Detroit area, Donte’s memorable – and illegal – performance at The Comedy Rumble, the folly of comics living together, and they try to answer the question, “Is there too much weed now?”. Catch Dante with Dave Landau this weekend at the club. It’s going to be great!

• Facebook
• Instagram

Alonzo Bodden has been at The Comedy Castle and on this show, but he and Joel haven’t reconnected in over 20 years since they last saw each other on the road. Alonzo talks Olympics, cars, the election, and why comedy clubs will never go away no matter how bad cancel culture gets. Alonzo is a great comic and a pleaser of all crowds all over. He’s one of comedy’s good guys, so don’t miss him this weekend! Bring out the bachelor parties!

• Facebook
• Instagram

A member of the Detroit comedy scene that is doing great things is this week’s guest and emcee at the club, Genevive Clinton. Now an Austin, TX resident and regular at The Comedy Mothership, Gen tells Joel of her journey to Austin, her many appearances on Kill Tony, and how her relationship with a fellow comic has made her comedy better. She also opens up about struggling with mental illness – which has become a hilarious bit – and Joel shares his little-known family history with it as well. Genevive has a bright future ahead of her, and it starts this weekend with headliner Brian Simpson at The Comedy Castle. Tix at the link below.

• Facebook
• Instagram