The Comedy Castle Podcast

The annual competition for young comedians starts next week at The Comedy Castle. Its curator, Bill Bushart, joins Joel to talk about why the prize is a trip to Austin and not L.A., the benefits of performing in the contest, how the judging works, and how comics can register. Hear why your friends may not actually vote for you if you’re in the contest, hear some of the names of Detroit’s most succesful exports, and hear Joel’s horrible history with comedy contests. Plus, lots of great acts are coming to the club soon, and hear about the next round of comedy classes. Tix for Detroit to Austin and all the shows mentioned can be found at the link below.

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Mike Bonner is a Detroit legend on the comedy stage, and this Memorial Day weekend he’s back for more shows. Mike tells Joel about his start at the club, the big star who inspired him (who he later watched bomb), and how he transitioned from acting to stand-up. Hear why the legendary Def Comedy Jam wasn’t the break you might think is, how he’s incorporating music into the live shows and his recent accolades from a return to film acting. Also, hear how Mike and Joel shared the radio airwaves on Trump’s election night in 2016 – they’ll never forget it. Plus, a Dave Attell weekend round-up and how Joel’s dog ended up on stage with Dave. Tix for Mike Bonner’s shows and Chad Daniels this weekend are on sale at the link below.

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Jamie Lissow is on a roll with weekly television appearances and sold-out comedy shows. Jamie talks to Joel before his Comedy Castle weekend about finding success through Gutfeld, why he does early shows, touring with his doctor wife, and why he lives in Alaska, of all places. Plus, talk of TJ Miller, Rob Schneider and Joel’s connection to Jamie vis the late, great Robert Schimmel. There are five shows this weekend with Jamie and tix are going fast – get them at the link below.

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Two interviews this week, starting off with Preacher Lawson. Preacher talks being funny with his family, the pressures (or not) of appearing on America’s Got Talent, and what he learns touring the world as a famous comic. Plus, local hero Josh Adams reflects on his formative years in stand-up, tells harrowing stories from the road, and says the Detroit Pistons need just one lung to win the championship. Preacher has five shows this weekend, with Josh performing on April 23rd. Tix for all of these shows can be found at the link below.

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Christian Finnegan has been on people’s TVs for over twenty years and he makes his Comedy Castle debut this weekend. Christian tells Joel of his start on VH1’s Best Week Ever, the weird way he got on that show, his later fame from Chappelle’s Show, and the odd gaggle of celebs he met on Are We There Yet? on TBS. Christian is also a huge music “nerd” and writes a great newsletter for folks just trying to keep up with what’s hip. Has he heard of Angine de Poitrine? Of course he has. There’s five shows with Christian this weekend – tix are at the link below.

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Jeff Allen has been a staple of comedy clubs and theaters for years and he took some time to talk before his two shows on Sunday April 12th. Jeff tells Joel about his start in comedy in the 1970s, how left clubs for churches and corporate work, and how had a career renaissance going viral around the pandemic. Also, hear about the TV pilot he just shot and how his wife reacts to being part of the show (don’t mention the crown molding!). Jeff is a riot always a big hit at the Comedy Castle. Tix are going fast – get them at the link below.

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Steven Rogers has been on tour with some of the biggest names in comedy and he talks to Joel here before his return headlining engagement at The Comedy Castle. Steven tells Joel of his start in comedy at age twenty, why older folks have so much more life experience to relate to, and how Brian Regan and Nate Bargatze have helped him get to where he is today. Plus, travel hell delays the interview, the trials of life on the road, and the honor – or indignity – of your headshot by the restroom door. Steven is hilarious and has five big shows this weekend. Tix at the link below.

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Laurie Kilmartin returns to The Comedy Castle this week and she talked to Joel just hours after her writing gig at The Oscars ended. Hear what it’s like to write for Conan O’Brien and the pressure that the creatives feel getting ready for the show. Also, Joel picks his favorite bit from the show, asks why there were no Secret Agent jokes, and shares his memories from a Conan taping thirty years ago. Plus, insights into the comedy writers mind – turns out it’s really hard, but you end up getting health insurance. Laurie is an amazing comic, and she’s got four shows this weekend. Tix at the link below.

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Michael McDaniel is a Detroit original and a Comedy Castle favorite. Here he tells Joel of his audacious start of his comedy career, how winning a comedy festival in 2010 helped him, and how he was booed at a church show for an unknown reason. Plus, hear how Michael’s excellent impression came about. From crying babies to Denzel to Will Smith Michael’s a master of voices and they’ll all be heard on stage on March 19th at the Comedy Castle. Tix at the link below.

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Geoffrey Asmus has really gained a following at The Comedy Castle over the last few years. Going from an opening act to a summer headliner, Geoff has used social media and his infectious enthusiasm on stage to create unforgettable performances that quickly sell-out. Geoffrey tells Joel how tough road gigs shaped his style leading to his current, interactive wild shows. Geoff also tells of seeing Dead & Company and how that inspires him to do a “twenety minute guitar solo, but jokes”. Plus, he explains the viral clip of the Green Day/ghostwriter audience member from his last time at the club – was he legit or making it all up? Joel has his thoughts, too! There are four shows this weekend and they all may sell out, so get your tickets now at the link below.

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