The Comedy Castle Podcast

Steve Hofstetter is best known for his viral “heckler destroyed” videos. But beyond that, he’s an experienced headliner and a Comedy Castle favorite who returns this week for a special Sunday show. Joel and Steve talk the origins of the viral videos, the expectations of the audience that come to his shows, how hecklers are different around the world, and how Steve is giving back to the comedy community in Pittsburgh. And yes, he’s asked about “plants” in the crowd – but the answer might be exactly what you’d expect. Tickets for Steve’s show this week, and all the shows at the club can be found at the link below.

Ryan Kelly has done a lot in a little time, and he’s making his Comedy Castle debut soon. Ryan tells Joel about his college days in Michigan, his Grandma’s Jägermeister proclivity, and all about his near-death experiences on sea, air and land. You’ll also hear how Ryan fights cybercrime, and why Jay Leno wanted to open for him. Ryan is multi-talented and hilarious and has two big shows on September 7th and 8th. Tix can be found at the link below.

High-energy comedy/hypnotist Kevin Lepine returns to the show to plug his return to The Comedy Castle. Kevin is a favorite guest of this show and he tells us of his Detroit roots, his earliest days in show business as a costumed character, the evolution of his Las Vegas show, and the one thing to never do if you get on stage. Isn’t hypnosis some phony thing with plants in the audience? If you’re thinking that, Joel asks the question, and the answer is quite revealing! Hypnosis Unleashed returns for one night on September 26th, 2023. Tix can be found at the link below.

Don’t let his massive 6’9″ frame scare you – Cam Rowe is a gentle giant and one of the funniest comics around. Cam joins Joel on the eve of his first headlining weekend at The Comedy Castle to talk his pro-sports upbringing, one-in-a-million fame on reality TV (in Europe!), and the joys and peril of comedy on-nighters on the road. Also hear how Joel’s Comedy Class helped Cam and why this weekend is a landmark for both guys. Tix for this weekend’s shows with Cam can be found at the link below.

Detroit native J. Chris Newberg visits The Comedy Castle every August. And he returns to this podcast to chat with Joel about a slew of topics on this show, including the perils of moving to Los Angeles for comedy, the rise of Matt Rife, touring with Dane Cook at his zenith, and how comedy has changed in the last 20 years. It’s informative and entertaining, Chris is a hit every time he’s in town – don’t miss this show! Tix at the link below.

It’s a fantastic week at The Comedy Castle, and we have a terrific visit from Derek Richards on this show. Derek is a frequent opener for this week’s headliner, Dave Landau, and has a 30-year career of his own, too. Derek tells of his unique beginnings in comedy, the current state of comedy in Las Vegas, why Ohio can’t love a Michigan comic and much more. It’s a loaded lineup at the club this week with Dave, Derek, and the legendary Al Aprill – get your tix ASAP! – the link is below.

Michael Longfellow is the newest cast member, erm, featured performer on Saturday Night Live. Joel asks about the pressure of being on the show, comparisons to past big stars like Bill Hader and Norm McDonald, and hear how his audition was different than what you might expect. Also, Michael talks about using his family as fodder for his material, how kids have it different now than we did, and how the ongoing Hollywood strikes effect his future on SNL. Tix for Michael’s shows this weekend, and Eric Neumann’s show on Sunday can be found at the link below.

Eric Neumann returns after less than one year away for a special Sunday night show on July 30th. And took some time to chat with Joel! Eric talks how social media is better than late-night television for exposure now, his fun times last year at The Comedy Castle, and why he’ll be making his won special shirt for this one. Plus, how to go to and Ed Sheeran show and still lose the girl! Tickets for Eric’s show and this weekend’s shows with the hilarious Nick Mullen can be found at the link below.

Will Burkhart has fun on stage – and the audience does, too! Will talks to Joel about making social media comedy clips, why it’s usually clips of crowd work, and why his headshot looks like that. plus, hear about Will’s first trip to Canada, the worst town he’s ever played in, and hear Joel’s scheme to siphon off Ed Sheeran fans for Will’s shows. Will has four shows this weekend – tix can be found at the links below.

Jay Stevens is from Cleveland, but no interstate rivalry can keep him from being a hit in Michigan, as you’ll hear in his interview with Joel. The guys talk about Ohio vs Michigan, guys who like little dogs, why you should always be nice to a comedy club staff, and the best port a cruise ship comedian could ever visit. Plus, the interview starts with a special shout-out from Jay to one of Joel’s most succesful former students. Jay has four big shows this weekend – with Tom McCarthy featuring, no less! – tix can be found at the link below.