The Comedy Castle Podcast

Three interviews on this week’s show! Tonya Murray has been a staple on the Michigan Comedy Scene for the last decade.  She recently opened for Chris Porter at the Castle and did a fantastic job.  Her most recent release is “It Was My Birthday” and it is available on all streaming platforms. Jani Tillery drops by to discuss her path from Detroit to successful DC lawyer and accomplished stand up.  She’s a fantastic up and come in the comedy world and it was great catching up with her. We round out this week’s triple header with Andrew Yang, a relative newcomer to the Michigan scene who’s already accomplishing big things.  While building and refining his own act he has been able to turn one of the Midwest’s most legendary rock clubs into a stand-up hot spot.  A great behind the scenes look at how to build your own show.

Mike Geeter is a relentless ball of comedic positive energy.  He’s been a staple on the Michigan Comedy Scene for the last decade and has expanded to national credits including a coveted spot on Kevin Hart’s “Hart of the City” and “Laughs” on the Fox Network.  One of the best examples of good things happening to good people that we can think of. Mike headlines The Comedy Castle the weekend of April 21 – 23. Tix can be found at the link below.

Keith Alberstadt is a super accomplished stand up comic.  Multiple late night appearances including David Letterman and Stephen Colbert as well as being a freelance writer for Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live.  His album “Walk It Off” is an under-the-radar classic that is a must listen for any comedy fan.  We also are joined by Keith’s opener this weekend, Tim Finkel.  Tim is a staple on the Detroit comedy scene and also the teacher for our Stand Up for Teens class that is open for registration.  Some real interesting information on this one! Tix for this week’s shows with Keith and Tim can be found at the link below.

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We ARE having a good time with Dusty Slay!  Dusty returns to the Comedy Castle and this podcast to talk about the new season of Netflix’s “The Stand Ups” and the origins of his now famous catch phrase.  He also shares some insights into how his recent Ted Talk came together and the fine line you have to walk between being a stand up and being a motivational speaker.  Truly a Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle favorite, Dusty is one of the top touring comics out there right now and it is a pleasure listening to him talk comedy. Tix for Dusty’s shows can be found at the link below.

Don Friesen is a master story teller who taps in to the absurdity of the human experience in an easy going and hilarious style.  His most recent full special, “Ask Your Mother” is a must watch.  We are also joined by Don’s opener, Ron Rigby.  Ron is the likable, relatable, elder statesmen of Detroit Comedy and we welcome him on his first visit to the Comedy Castle Podcast. Catch Don and Ron this weekend – tix at the link below.

This week we pay tribute to, and remember a true Detroit original and Comedy Castle favorite, “The Amazing Jonathan.” Jonathan passed away on February 22nd after a long illness.  We are joined by Mark Ridley himself as he offers some memories of Jonathan as he began his career as well as one of Jonathan’s closest friends and famous hypnotist, Kevin Lepine. Plus, hear a replay of Tom’s interview with Johnathan from 2019. Please enjoy this longer, and special edition of Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle Podcast.

The returning Josh Blue won season four of Last Comic Standing, he was a finalist on America’s Got Talent, a member of the US Paralympics Soccer Team, and he is also an artist of some note.  On top of all that, he’s an incredible comic and Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle favorite.  We learn about how he picked up painting, how he ended up a foundational part of the Denver Comedy Scene, and a cool story about the background painting on he’s recent special, “Broccoli”. Tix are going fast for this weekend’s shows, get yours at the link below.

This week, we revisit Tom’s interview with this week’s headliner Erica Rhodes, from 2020. Erica has a unique background and infectious charisma which makes this episode worth a repeat listen or give it a spin for the first time. But there’s new content, too, as Tom talks to up-and-comer Nicholas Tenaglia about his start on the Detroit comedy scene. Look for Nick soon on a comedy stage near you! Tix for this week’s shows can be found at the link below.

This week’s headliner, Ismo, made his US debut in 2014 at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood where he won the title of “The Funniest Person in the World.” In December 2015, he relocated from Finland to Los Angeles and now performs regularly at various LA comedy clubs along with headlining across the US. He has appeared on national television; Last Call with Carson Daly, Conan, The Late Late Show with James Corden and NBC’s Bring the Funny. Ismo’s clip from Conan has become one of the most viewed late-night sets with over six million views to date. Tix for this week’s special Valentine’s Day show and five shows with Ismo this weekend can be found at the link below.

This week’s headliner, DeAnne Smith is a Canadian-American comic who has performed at some of the most prestigious festivals in the world including Montreal’s “Just For Laughs” and Melbourne Australia’s “Melbourne International Comedy Festival”. They have a sly observational style that is as unique as it is funny.  DeAnne is also the host of the popular online show, “DeAnne Smith and Acquaintances”  where they take pride in the great tagline, “Tender Comedy for Tough Times.”  Recent guests have included  Andy Kindler and Chloe Hilliard (Last Comic Standing), and will feature Baron Vaughn (Superstore, Grace & Frankie) on the February episode. There’s five big shows with DeAnne this weekend – get tix at the link below.