Author: Joel

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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Blain Hill makes his headlining debut this weekend at The Comedy Castle and Joel talks to him on this show. Blain tells of his start in comedy, how he ran a showcase at one of Detroit’s most infamous bars, and why looking as young as he does is an advantage in comedy. Plus, Pistons, movie talk, and a comedy superstar stopped by unannounced this weekend and it was really cool. Blain has three shows over the holiday weekend – tix at the link below.

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Mary Santora is living her best life and talking to Joel about her upcoming weekend at The Comedy Castle. Mary tells of making the big comedy move to New York, how to get the good spots at NYC clubs, what she learned by being an opening act and so much more. Plus, are Midwest one-nighters in her past? We’ll find out. Let’s hope so! Catch Mary this weekend at the club – tix are linked below.

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J.D. Witherspoon makes his Comedy Castle debut this weekend and tells Joel about his upbringing as the son of comedy legend John Witherspoon, the worst places to do comedy, and how he got his start with the encouragement of a inebriated comedy club impresario. Plus, hear a hilarious story about a young J.D. and Katt Williams – Katt lives up to his reputation here! Should be a really fun weekend with J.D.! Tix at the link below.

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