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Matt Lauria, the fast-talking West Michigan comic and pickleball enthusiast, joins Joel on this show. Matt describes his start on the Kalamazoo comedy scene, how comedy has helped his day job in sales, and why a “douchebag” persona is so relatable. Plus, hear rap talk as Matt has helped the less hip understand Kendrick vs Drake, and Joel tells you his history as a hip-hop adjacent clown who grew up in the early days of the art form. It’s a big weekend with John Caparulo and Matt! Get tix at the link below.

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2025 has a tons of great shows at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle – including this week with The Sklar Brothers – and Joel has your complete guide to what’s coming this week and beyond. Drew Lynch! Ian Bagg! Pete Holmes and more! It should be a great year from here on out and it starts with Jen Fulwiler and The Sklar Brothers, who can be heard here in their interview with Joel from 2024. Tickets for all the shows mentioned on this podcast can be found at the link below.

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J. Chris Newberg is a producer, writer and stand-up comic with the chops to work with some of the best in Hollywood. He’s also an old friend of Joel’s and a multi-time headliner at The Comedy Castle – this makes for a great show! Chris talks writing for The Hollywood Squares, how the celebrities “know” the answers, which celebs were super-great to work with and much more. Plus, hear a first-hand account of the LA fires, Chris’ plans for this weekend’s shows and why his “joke of the day” is a (hilarious) social media minefield. Chris has five big shows this weekend! Get tix at the link below.

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Jackie Kashian returns! Jackie is a first rate comedian and podcaster who returns to this show to talk about making a new comedy special in a social media world, media recs for dorks, and the insanity of keeping up friendships on the road. She also tells Joel about why The Comedy Castle is the best and why you should go this weekend! Tix for Jackie’s shows can be found at the link below.

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Nick Grffin adds his dry, mischievous wit to this Valentine’s week at The Comedy Castle and on this podcast. Nick tells Joel about performing on The Tonight Show, the routine he gets in to develop new material, why he never fit in as a college comic, and why NYC’s The Comedy Cellar is such a legendary place. Plus, Nick remembers the old days sharing a comedy condo with Drew Carey! Nick is hilarious, and a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or if you just want to see one of the best comedians working today. Tix can be found at the link below.

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Drew Thomas is a favorite everywhere he goes and he headlines The Comedy Castle for the first time this week. Drew tells Joel about coming up on the Atlanta comedy scene, the pros and cons of being a regular comedian on cruise ships, why you should stay over with white people and so much more. Plus, the secret history of Detroit-style pizza and why you must have KFC in Jamaica! Drew has six shows this week, including a big fundraiser on Wednesday, tix can be found at the link below.

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Tim Finkel finally headlines The Comedy Castle for just one night this week, but what a night it will be. Tim has gone from high school teacher to top-tier comic over the last decade or so, but it’s bittersweet as Tim’s son Ryder faces the fight of his life. Hear Tim’s origin story, how Tim was able to teach a teen comedy class (that Joel could not!), and the balancing act of family and stand-up comedy. Also, hear how the late comedian Norm Stulz and Detroit Lions star Aiden Hutchinson have helped the Finkel family with Ryder’s battle. Please donate at this link if you’d like to help, too. Tim’s show is sold out as of now, but check the link below or call the club for availability. Ryan Davis rocks the house Friday and Saturday, too. Tix below!

Comedian and podcaster Geoff Tate is a Star Wars-loving, sometime drug-taking, hilarious guy and a great guest on this show. Geoff tells Joel of being mistaken for that Queensryche singer, his prolific stand-up comedy album releases, his start in the Cincinnati comedy scene, and why you don’t want to flip through a comedian’s notebook. Geoff has five shows this weekend at The Comedy Castle – get your tix at the link below.

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The hilarious Zach Martina is a favorite around these parts, so having him ring in 2025 at The Comedy Castle will be a real treat. Zach tells Joel about New Year’s Eves of yesteryear, recommends a place for the best wings in Detroit, revels in the glory of a Michigan euchre game, and much more. Plus, which Detroit sports legend should pop his head in for one of these shows? We’ve got thoughts! Zach has two shows on New Year’s Eve and a full weekend of shows to start 2025. Tix are available at the link below.

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Brad Wenzel is back! At the Comedy Castle this weekend, and on this show. On this episode, Joel and Brad discuss the philosophy of making it in comedy today, fun comedian merchandising ideas, and Brad’s thought process on changing his “look.” They also talk about Kill Tony, Bob Seger vs Bruce Springsteen, and Seger’s history with the Comedy Castle itself! This is a king-size, fun conversation with one of the best and most clever comics working today. Tickets for this weekend’s shows are available at the link below.

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