The Comedy Castle Podcast

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

It’s a double-feature this week! Wednesday headliner Josiah Jones sits in-studio to talk with his opening act, Joel, about his rise to headlining The Comedy Castle, doing Showtime at the Apollo, playing the Comedy Store in LA, and how his experience in the ministry has helped his comedy. Josiah was a student of Joel’s Advanced Comedy Class and its a special full-circle moment this week. Later (at the 28:45 mark), weekend headliner Sam Tallent calls in to talk otters in Japan, his great book Running the Light, Norm Macdonald, Detroit freeways, Juggalos, and much more. Will a Detroit legend do a guest set this weekend? Listen to find out. Get tix for Josiah and Sam’s shows by clicking here or at the link below.

• Facebook
• Instagram

Will Green has been a staple of the Michigan Comedy Scene for years, but on this podcast Joel learns of Will’s beginnings in Maine, his worst show ever in a pole barn and much much more. Turns out Joel and Will met years before all of that, but Joel can’t remember! Ouch! Hear how Will developed his storytelling style of comedy, his success as a former teacher who is funny, and find out the very best place in Europe to visit. It may surprise you! Will headlines Thursday July 11th, before Chad Daniels performs the rest of the weekend. Tix at the link below.

• Facebook
• Instagram