The Comedy Castle Podcast

Jourdain Fisher makes his headlining debut at The Comedy Castle this weekend. He previously opened for Craig Robinson last year and crushed it – leading to this opportunity. Joel (embarrassingly) couldn’t remember, but he’s glad that Jourdain returns for five shows this week. Jourdain tells of his close call with Superhero stardom, why he’s glad he’s not in the family business, and why you know Kanye is crazy – just ask Alex Jones. Tix for Jourdain’s shows can be found at the link below. Get them so he doesn’t have to fight Jake Paul.

Jade Catta-Preta does it all – modeling, hosting, acting, singing and doing stand-up comedy – and she’ll be doing that last one this weekend at The Comedy Castle. Jade tells Joel about her humble start at The Comedy Store, why she always brings her own microphone, and how you can get her merchandise this weekend for trade! Plus, Jade’s collaboration with Joel’s old comedy friend from Michigan is funny and deserved better. Jade has five shows this weekend, get tix at the link below.

A plus-sized podcast has this weekend’s headliner and America’s Got Talent star Ryan Niemiller, and comedy legend Yakov Smirnoff who performs on Sunday. Ryan tells Joel how AGT changed his life, how his love of professional wrestling led to the comedy stage, and why he’s thrilled that an 80’s heartthrob is now his friend. Then, Yakov (starts at 44:26) tells about wild times living at the “Comedy Store House” with other legends, how Ronald Reagan employed his comedy style and why the “Russian Reversal” joke (“TV Watches You!) isn’t really what he did primarily, but he’s proud of being associated with it. He also evaluates Joel’s relationship and interviewing skills – “You Suck!“. Tickets for Ryan And Yakov’s shows can be found at the link below.

Carmen Morales makes her Comedy Castle debut (kinda) this weekend! Hear about her HBO Max special, her early life on the road, and why dating a comic isn’t that great – even if you’re a comic! Joel and Carmen swap stories of professional wrestlers in comedy and hear how Only Fans is getting into comedy -really! Also, Joel says goodbye to past guest, comedian Paul Piziks who sadly passed away this week. Remember Paul by listening to his appearance on this show by clicking here.

Another two interview week with the not-secretly-Canadian Ian Bagg who mixes crowd work and a take-no-prisoners attitude, to become one of The Comedy Castle’s favorite headliners. Ian and Joel talk the Canadian people’s identity, Joel’s memories of causing trouble in Canada, hockey fights, and Ian’s NHL-focused podcast, Enjoying Orange Slices with Jeff and Ian. Then Jen Fulwiler calls in (starts at 36:18) to promote her very nearly sold-out show next week at the club. Jen tells of funding her own theater comedy tour, performing with nuns in the crown, why Catholics have huge families and why TikTok is so great for comedians. Ian has five shows this week (including a fundraiser on Thursday), and Jen Fulwiler appears Wednesday April 19th. Tix can be found at the link below.

Jay Jurden is a fast-rising name on the comedy scene as both a comedian and TV writer. Jay tells Joel why TV writing is something all comics should pursue, the difficulties of starting a stand-up career in Mississippi, and why gay marriage legalization worked for him, but not everybody. This show was delayed for the strangest, weirdest, “small world” reason, and it involves Jon Stewart! Jay is hugely entertaining, so come out to his shows this weekend. Tix can be found at the link below.

Another double interview week with weekend headliner and America’s Got Talent star Vicki Barbolek and Sunday headliner Jeff Leeson. Vicki tells about her unique start in comedy, how Mitzi Shore helped her, growing up with an NFL dad, and Joel has words for Vicki’s friend Simon Cowell. Jeff is “The King of Crowd Work” and “Canada’s #1 Comedian” (according to Joel). Jeff Leeson tells of starting as a teenager, learning the ropes in the Midwest comedy circuit, headlining in a North Dakota snowstorm, and how getting fired led to his full-time career in comedy. Tickets for Vicki and Jeff’s shows can be found at the link below.

One of the favorites at The Comedy Castle returns to the club and this podcast – it’s Chris Porter! Chris is one of the nicest, funniest comics around but if you’re in a drunk birthday party, look out! Chris and Joel talk the effect of weed and other substances on audiences, Chris’ rules for dealing with hecklers and hear about how a mall security job led to the opportunity for Chris to pursue his dream. Chris has five shows this weekend – get tix at the link below.

Jon Rudnitsky brings his experience as a Saturday Night Live cast member and Resse Witherspoon’s co-star to his first headlining weekend at The Comedy Castle. Jon isn’t sure how to address the Detroit-ish crowd, but Joel tries to set him straight. Hear about Jon’s SNL audition, and which bit got him the job – he’s doing it this weekend, too! Plus, the New Jersey native forgives Joel for missing Thursday’s show and tells his own tale of hanging with rock and roll royalty. Jon has five shows this weekend – get tickets at the link below.

It’s rare to have the weekend’s emcee as the guest, but Brett Mercer and his journey to The Comedy Castle stage makes for a very entertaining podcast. Brett tells of the legendary Detroit alt-comedy venues he’s been a part of, duels with Joel in voice effects, tells why it’s taken him ten years to find his way to The Comedy Castle, and how he may be the unlikely source for a Detroit comedy/celebrity sighting that blows Joel’s mind. Brett is hosting for headliner Jeff Dye for five shows this weekend. Tix at the link below.