Author: Joel

Gus Constantellis got his start in comedy by (almost) winning a contest – not the easiest or most straightforward route to success, but successful he is. Gus tells Joel about how TikTok and an impression of his mother opened up his fanbase and how his children’s TV writing career has taken a new and exciting turn. Also, comedians doing OnlyFans is a thing, just don’t look for Gus, or Joel, on there anytime soon. Gus plays an early, age 13-and-up show this Sunday. Tix can be found at the link below.

Matt Braunger is known as one of the country’s best comics and one of the funniest podcast guests. So the pressure is on Joel to make it a good one, and thankfully – almost completely due to Matt – it is. Matt compares Detroit with his hotbed of Portland, tells you how the Chicago comedy scene shaped his act, and riffs on why guys named Robert are called Rob and not Bob. Funny stuff! Also, find out why Matt aped Bob Seger for his album cover, and it’s great. Matt has five shows this weekend at the club. Tickets can be found at the link below.

Comedian and actor Emma Willmann joins Joel in advance of her Comedy Castle debut this Sunday January 29th. As you’ll hear, Emma had previously played a bowling somewhere in the Great Lake State, but rest assured, you couldn’t hear the pins! Emma talks about being addicted to comedy documentaries, why cancel culture is unfair to comedians, why one comic’s writing process is not for everyone and so much more. You’ll also hear about what happens when Jerry Seinfeld pops in to a NYC comedy club! It’s funny! Tix for Emma’s shows can be found at the link below and Tom’s talk with our sold-out weekend headliner, Brad Williams from 2021 can be found right here.

Isabel Hagen was a gigantic hit in her last visit to the club two years ago. she returns to this show to talk with Joel about using her viola on The Tonight Show, the Mormons saving comedy, the secret life of Broadway orchestra musicians, and Joe List’s punchable face (Joel said it, actually). Isabel has five shows this weekend at the club. Tix can be found at the link below.

As we say goodbye to 2022, Tom McCarthy has a goodbye of his own for fans of this podcast. Listen as Tom and producer – and new host! – Joel Fragomeni, share a retrospective of Tom’s best interviews, laugh about how nutty TJ Miller is, and reflect fondly on interviewing some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy. Highlights include Dave Attell, Chris Kattan, Mick Foley, and the late Ricarlo Flanagan. Goodbye to Tom! You’re the best! Jackie Kashain performs at the club January 5th to 7th 2023. Tix can be found at the link below. Tom’s interview with Jackie from January 2022 can be found right here.

David Dyer is one of the top comics on the Midwest Circuit.  Many appearances on the Bob and Tom show, an excellent Dry Bar special titled “Further Along Than Anyone Expected”, and now the giver of an excellent Ted Talk.  When he’s not entertaining crowds he’s serving his community as a firefighter.  An interesting comic and a great conversation as always. David leads us into the holiday weekend with shows on December 22nd and 23rd. Tix can be found at thew link below.

A local boy done really, really good.  From early success with his appearance on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” to his current success on the popular “Louder With Crowder” show, it’s been a pleasure to watch his career grow.  His most recent album “Nimble Fingers” is a must listen and we are honored and excited to have him record his new special right here at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. Tix for Dave’s shows on December 8th – 10th are going quick – get them at the link below.

The “Godfather” of the Detroit comedy scene (he hates that!), Bill Bushart sits with Tom to talk the Night Before Thanksgiving show, his musings on teaching comedy, and much more. Bill is hilarious on stage, and as a producer, puts together some of the best line-ups of up-and-coming comics, you’ll see. Don’t miss this show! Plus, Sara Young calls in to talk about her comedy journey and how she ended up producing her own very successful comedy shows. Tix for Bill’s show and for Mike Cronin’s shows Friday and Saturday can be found at the link below.

Long before he became famous for the hit tv show “Cash Cab”, Ben Bailey was cutting his chops on the New York Comedy Scene.  He was an accomplished comic with some serious credits long before breaking through on television.  We are so excited that he’s out touring again and performing stand-up.  Check out his new show on YouTube @9:00 on Sunday nights, “The Big New Show.” There’s five shows with Ben this weekend at the club. Tix and more info at the link below.

It’s John Heffron week here at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle.  One of our favorites and one of the most successful comics to come out of the Southeast Michigan comedy scene.  From winning the second season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing to his many late night appearances, it’s been fun to see the success of one of our own.  Maybe Tyler Nissen will be that next breakout star from the local scene?  A great local comic with a unique delivery and voice, we had a great time catching up with him and learning more about what makes him tick. John Heffron has five shows this week at the club, click the link below for tickets.