Episode 20 of This Week in Comedy lands at the tail end of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026, and there is plenty to unpack. Broadcasting from a brand new studio, the team are joined by special guest Bradford Oakes, bringing his signature insights, stories and sharp comedic perspective to the conversation.
The episode opens with a reflection on the festival wrap up. While it is officially done and dusted, the reality for comedians is a bit different. From waiting on ticket sales to planning the next run, the grind never really stops. The crew chat about the highs, the exhaustion and what comes next after one of the biggest comedy events in Australia.
In the news segment, the team dive into a headline grabbing protest in Brisbane, where a flash mob used John Farnham’s song Two Strong Hearts as part of a demonstration against new laws restricting certain phrases linked to Israel's genocide in Gaza. The discussion explores the importance of satire for a healthy democracy, a subject that was raised at the Business of Comedy Conference a week earlier.
There is also a breakdown of the ongoing legal situation involving Rebel Wilson and her film The Deb, unpacking how controversy can collide with creative projects and impact releases.
The episode goes deep into the reality of performing during festival season. Multiple gigs in a single night, long travel for short sets and the challenge of staying sharp are all part of the job. It is an honest look at the hustle behind the laughs and what it takes to survive in the comedy world.
Add in the Bright Brewery’s Real Heroes Draught review, a bizarre story about pigeon guided missiles and a classic awkward public moment, and you have an episode packed with humour, insight and very Australian storytelling.
Bright Brewery’s Real Heroes Draught: Click here
Business of Comedy Conference: Click here
Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here