The Comedy Castle Podcast

K. Trevor Wilson is an accomplished stand-up comedian, ad probably be best known as “Squirrely Dan” from the Canadian TV show Letterkenny. Before his headlining weekend at The Comedy Castle, he tells Joel about the origins of the show, developing his style in Toronto’s “pot shows”, appearing on the wild Last One Laughing TV show, and why the Letterkenny guys – live – are very different from The Trailer Park Boys. Plus, lots of pro-wrestling talk! Hear about Trevor’s early love for the sport and how his fame has helped him enjoy it more. Just don’t work with The Iron Sheik! There’s five shows with Trevor this weekend, get your tickets now!

Rocky LaPorte is one of the nicest guys in comedy – and one of the funniest, too! He talks to Joel about his start in comedy, his recent trip to Vegas, being a good Italian Grandfather and his appearance on the TV show Cheers (sorry, Ted Danson). Plus, memories of The Dick Purtan Show and the destruction of the Hudson’s building! Rocky is a blast to listen to, so get your tickets for his shows this weekend.

Zach Martina is on the podcast, but it’s not the fun, boys’-afternoon-out it used to be. Sorry, Zach! Zach talks about viral fame from his Detroit Lions “coach” videos, how he developed his physical style of comedy, his recent trip to Italy, and the possibility that there’s too much legal weed. Also, an update from Chris Barrett from last week’s show. Find out how opening for Craig Shoemaker actually went. Zach Martina is one of the best! He has four shows this weekend. Tix can be found at the link below.

In his second appearance on this show, Craig Shoemaker does something amazing. You’ll have to listen to find out what that is, but it is so great. Craig tells Joel about replacing Don Knotts, inspiring the LA Lakers, marrying Nancy Allen, being dragged with Magic Johnson, and being an unofficial member of Howard Stern’s “Wack Pack”. He also makes an offer to a young comedian that may change his life forever. Craig has appeared at The Comedy Castle for over 30 years running – this show is an example of his talents to make you laugh, and his ability to inspire. Tickets for Craig’s shows can be found at the link below.

JB Ball has appeared once before at the club as an opening act, and Joel things he’ll be a big star before too long, so see him now! Joel watched ALL of his excellent YouTube special, and the guys talk about Kanye, Florida’s weirdness, the Brad Williams circus, and the value of comedy festivals to a young comedian. JB also shares an embarrassing story from his last visit, but don’t worry he’s a pro and he finished the show. JB has five shows this weekend, so don’t miss him! You can say you saw him “way back in 2023!”. Tix are at the link below.

John Heffron frequently visits The Comedy Castle in early November. Should this be officially made “John Heffron Weekend” annually? That’s just one change John would make if he was in charge – others include opening acts busking, Saturday matinee shows and having acts do more incisive crowd work. Joel and John also talk how comedy specials have changed over the years, shopping mall memories, and how adults have ruined Halloween. There are five shows with John this weekend and tickets are limited. Follow the link below to get yours.

The honor of the most frequent guest on this show belongs to this week’s headliner David Dyer. David joins Joel for an entertaining talk about the perils of young comedians, when a comic finds their voice, and the genius of the late Kevin Meaney. Dave tells of his worst gig ever (at lunchtime!), and hear memories of the now-defunct Chaplin’s Comedy Club and The Comedy Den in Grand Rapids. Davis has five shows this weekend, tickets can be found at the link below. To support the fundraiser for Tim Finkel’s family, which Joel mentioned towards the end of the show, please go here.

A successful comic with tons of credits and experience, Johnny Beehner joins Joel to talk comedy, basketball, and how they’ve dealt with the realities of soap wars with their partners. Johnny tells how he made David Letterman clam up, his “great” idea to have his son see him do comedy, and why the school is, almost certainly, cyber-stalking him. Johnny hasn’t been to the club in almost ten years, so come check him out this weekend. Tix at the link below.

Paul Mecurio has an energetic, spontaneous style that has made him a favorite at The Comedy Castle, and on television. He talks to Joel about his approach to local media appearances, the legendary talents that have helped his one-man Broadway show, and how his recent movie role will have him dating a Hollywood starlet in no time. Paul is a killer on stage, so come check him out this weekend – either at the Thursday fundraiser or his four shows over Friday and Saturday. Tix can be found at the link below.

April Macie returns to the club this week and to this podcast. Joel asks why there aren’t more female headliners – he has some of his own opinions, to – it’s enlightening. April also talks about growing up Catholic in Eastern Pennsylvania, the club owner who got “grabby” and what happened to a lady heckler when she jumped on stage. Plus, a boxing workout is a good one – especially if you’re married! April is a big favorite at the club, so get your tickets at the link below.