The Comedy Castle Podcast

T.J. Miller is one of the The Comedy Castle’s most popular acts and while it didn’t work out to have him live on this week’s podcast, here’s the next best thing – two interviews he did for us in 2023 and 2024. Hear T.J. tell Joel of his unique style of comedy, his affinity for chicken tenders, his origins in the Chicago comedy scene, and his peanut butter and hot sauce business. Plus, Joel shares a message from T.J. to his comedy class students that’s profound and genuinely inspiring. Tickets are going fast for T.J. this weekend – get them at the link below.

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Paul Mecurio brings his high-energy, hilarious act back to The Comedy Castle for Valentine’s Day weekend. Paul tells Joel some hilarious stories from his one man show, why he creeps people out in the park for no reason, and why he’s this close to not being able to shop on Amazon. Plus, Joel tells of his visit to NYC to see Paul at Late Night with Stephen Colbert and the VIP treatment he received but never expected. Tickets for Paul’s shows this weekend will go quickly – get them at the link below.

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Marina Franklin has credits as long as anyone’s and she brings her talents to The Comedy Castle this weekend. Here she tells Joel of her memorable scene from the movie Trainwreck, how she inspired and then played a character on HBO’s Crashing, and how her Chicago roots make the Midwest her favorite spot to perform. Also, hear how dating younger usually doesnt work and why comics always end up dating each other. Marina is a world-class talent, don’t miss her shows this weekend! Tix at the link below.

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As a true “comic’s comic”, Stewart Huff has made a name for himself in the stand-up world and he makes his Comedy Castle debut this weekend. Stewart tells Joel of living in his car on the road, why he had a hard time going to his first open mike, and why his brilliant comedy is now based more on positive things than negatives. Also, hear about a bizarre rest stop incident and life hack that’ll save you at fast-food joints – save those cups! Stewart is a one-of-a-kind talent who you are going to love. Tix for his shows are at the link below.

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Nathan Macintosh returns to The Comedy Castle this week, and Joel shares his 2024 interview with Nathan, talking technology oligarchs, delivery drivers and that Big Beaver exit. in addition to being one of the best stand-ups around, Nathan’s Instagram is so great, too! Plus, Joel unveils new editions to the Advanced Comedy Class, and celebrates an unusual victory as an emcee. Tix for Nathan’s shows can be found at the link below.

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It’s 2026, and the Comedy Castle line-up starts with Lachlan Patterson. Lachlan tells Joel of the character piece that died at the club a decade ago, his unique writing style and structure, and how Last Comic Standing was a big break, but not a pleasant experience overall. Lachlan’s a riot! Catch him this weekend! Plus, a preview of 2026 with club booker Bill Bushart who runs down the 2026 calendar at The Comedy Castle that features Mark Normand, Pete Holmes, Maria Bamford and a huge name that is getting announced for the first time. Tix for all of these shows can be found at the link below.

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Nate Armbruster has his first chance to headline a New Year’s Eve show at The Comedy Castle – and he’s the first headliner of 2026! Nate tells Joel why he’s happy to be at the club, and he’d be happy to do nothing if he wasn’t there. Plus, Nate and Joel compare wedding stories, and that Jardiance jingle is so annoying, but the folks that take it are a-ok. End 2025 with Nate and The Comedy Castle, or start 2026 the same way. Either way, tix are at the link below.

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Matt Holt has been waiting years to get back on the Comedy Castle stage and this week is it! Matt and Joel catch up about Matt’s start in comedy, his moving around to different states and what he misses about Michigan, and their mutual love of Bruce Springsteen. Plus, hear the greatest faux pas at a private comedy show ever. Matt’s a gem! There’s four post Xmas shows this weekend – be there!

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Jason Jamerson has made his name as a Detroit comic who works clean. But don’t get that confused with someone who doesn’t have opinions or isn’t funny. Jason tells Joel why the Detroit Lions suck all of sudden, his recent foot surgery (and why he’s having another one), why he took a job at Target and much more. Jason is a comedic force who has four shows this weekend – tix at the link below.

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It’s our 250th show and what better guest than David Dyer. Dave is back for his fifth interview on the show, and he’s ready with stories of hell gigs on the road, the great success of his YouTube special, the pros and cons of hair plugs and dyes at his age and much more. David is an all-time great Castle headliner, and should be on your calendar even if you’ve seen him before. Tix at the link below.

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