Month: February 2026

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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