Can a hypnotist turn strangers into rock stars? Stig Wemyss and Morry Morgan welcome guest Gerard V, a comedic hypnotist, to This Week in Comedy for a conversation about suggestion, stagecraft and the unpredictable things people do when they let their guard down.
Gerard explains how he combines stand-up with hypnosis, why choosing volunteers can make or break a show, and what separates an enthusiastic participant from someone who derails the entire stage. From entertaining AFL clubs to managing corporate crowds, he shares the practical realities behind an act that looks effortless when everything goes right.
There is also an unforgettable air guitar story involving a wig, an audience reaction Gerard never saw coming, and a volunteer who absolutely earned rock star status. Along the way, the conversation tackles trust, fake participants, cameras, waivers and why being a creepy hypnotist is a terrible strategy for meeting women.
This episode’s beer is The Ghost Hazy Pale from Hop Nation, providing the refreshment as the chat wanders between comedy, questionable impressions and the occasional Collingwood joke.
Stig and Morry also recap the latest Business of Comedy networking event at The Rubber Chicken Podcast Studio, where the discussion explored voice-over work and opportunities for performers to expand their careers beyond stand-up.
Looking ahead, Roz Hammond joins the next Business of Comedy workshop on 10 November to explore sketch writing and performance, with Stig helping bring the ideas to life. Morry also previews Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School courses for early 2027.
In the news discussion, the hosts cover Judith Lucy, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Australian screen comedy and the challenges of getting noticed in a crowded entertainment market. They also ask why television features so many stand-up comedians while offering so few opportunities to watch them actually perform stand-up.
The history segment brings Hugh Jackman, Steve Coogan, Russell Gilbert, Errol Flynn and Robbie Coltrane into the conversation, alongside memories, impressions and the usual diversions.
Finally, Gerard sets Stig and Morry a joke-writing challenge: you arrive at a venue, look around, and what happens next?
Gerard V Hypnotist: Click here
The Ghost Hazy Pale by Hop Nation: Click here
Hod do you turn an idea into a sketch with Roz Hammond: Click here
Mezzanine Films: Click here
Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here
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