This Week in Comedy

Episode 19 of This Week in Comedy sees hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan hit their stride with a jam-packed episode blending global satire, Aussie comedy highlights, and plenty of laughs along the way. Joining them in the studio is none other than Scott Dikkers, founding editor of The Onion, who shares insights into the craft of satire, its role in modern media, and why it remains essential for a healthy democracy, just ahead of his appearance at the Business of Comedy Conference.The episode kicks off with a deep dive into one of Australia’s biggest comedy events, the Raw Comedy National Grand Final, held as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. With nearly a thousand entrants nationwide, the competition showcases the country’s best emerging stand-ups. This year, Sydney’s Joshua Khoury took out the top prize, earning a coveted opportunity to perform internationally. The competition was incredibly tight, with Melbourne comedians Jorgia Rice and Jake Zukerman named as runners-up, both earning well-deserved recognition for their standout performances.Lily and Morry also reflect on the energy of the night, the diversity of acts (including musical comedy), and the significance of Raw Comedy as a launchpad for new talent. Alongside this, they spotlight other major comedy happenings, including the Deadly Funny National Grand Final and upcoming tours, all while weaving in their signature humour and industry insight.Of course, it wouldn’t be This Week in Comedy without a beer review. This episode features a gluten-free brew from Two Bays Brewing Co., opening up a light-hearted discussion about taste, dietary quirks, and the ever-important role of beer in comedy culture—even if not everyone in the room is drinking.Links:Scott Dikkers on Instagram: Click hereTwo Bays Pale Ale Gluten Free: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference: Click here

Episode 18 of This Week in Comedy sees hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan joined by special guest Andrew J. Nash, former technical advisor on Silicon Valley and upcoming speaker at the Business of Comedy Conference in Melbourne, April 16, 17 and 18, for a wide ranging and hilarious conversation that blends comedy, tech, and real world storytelling.Recorded bright and early (before 9am, somehow), the episode dives straight into Andrew’s experience working behind the scenes on one of the most detail rich comedy series ever made. He shares how the show’s creators, led by Mike Judge, were committed to making the technology as accurate as possible, right down to hidden Easter eggs, real code, and in jokes that only industry insiders would catch. From freeze frame worthy screens to subtle nods to real startups and billionaires, the level of authenticity is next level.Naturally, the conversation brings up the iconic characters that made Silicon Valley unforgettable, including Richard Hendricks, Erlich Bachman, Gilfoyle, Dinesh, Jared, Gavin Belson, Big Head, Jian Yang, and the Russ Hanneman, who it turns out way based on billionaire, Mark Cuban.One of the standout discussions revolves around the infamous “middle out” compression scene, widely regarded as one of the most elaborate d*ck jokes in television history. Andrew reveals how real Stanford experts contributed to the concept, and how a fictional idea ended up influencing genuine conversations in the tech world. It’s a perfect example of how comedy can intersect with reality in unexpected ways.Beyond Silicon Valley, the conversation expands into the broader relationship between satire, technology, and society. Andrew explores why satire is essential for both healthy democracies and evolving industries, drawing parallels between comedians and entrepreneurs as people who challenge norms and rethink systems.The episode also features This Week in Comedy History, highlighting figures like Eddie Murphy and Jackie Chan, plus updates from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Chortle Award nominations, a chaotic breakfast beer review, and a bizarre historical fact involving a unit of measurement called a “butt.”Links:Andrew J Nash on LinkedIn: Click hereBoat Rocker’s Neon Pop Watermelon & Lime Beer: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference: Click here

Episode 17 of This Week in Comedy brings together Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes with special guest Canadian comedian Lars Callieou for a full-episode deep dive into comedy culture, festival life, and the chaos that comes with it. From the opening moments, Lars settles in as more than just a guest, sharing stories from his career across Canada and Australia while immediately matching the show’s fast, irreverent energy.The episode moves through a mix of industry insights and absurd tangents, covering everything from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to the strange realities of being a working comedian. There’s discussion around visas, the grind of building a career, and the subtle differences between comedy scenes around the world. Along the way, the trio unpack classic “inside comedy” moments, including the universal joke about comedians wearing shorts on stage and what it really signals to other performers.A highlight of the episode is the ongoing love letter to The Exford Hotel, a venue that holds a special place in both the Melbourne comedy scene and Lars’s personal journey. His story about discovering the venue, and how it mirrors his early days running comedy rooms in Canada, offers a rare mix of sincerity and humour that captures what makes live comedy spaces so important. It also ties into appearances from figures like Chris Franklin, whose presence looms large in the stories shared throughout the episode.Naturally, no episode would be complete without a drink in hand, and this week’s choice is Foster's Lager. What starts as a simple tasting turns into a nostalgic and surprisingly thoughtful discussion about Australian identity, international perceptions, and the strange cultural journey of one of the country’s most recognisable beers.The episode also leans into the bizarre, with stories ranging from a French performer who famously ate an entire airplane to offbeat “funny in the moment” encounters that highlight the unpredictable nature of comedy. Balancing industry talk with ridiculous anecdotes, Episode 17 captures the essence of what This Week in Comedy does best: blending insight, storytelling, and spontaneous humour into a conversation that feels both unfiltered and deeply connected to the comedy world.Links:Hard Knock Knocks Comedy Course with Lars Callieou: Click hereLars Callieou's Instagram: Click hereFoster's Larger: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference: Click here

Episode 16 of This Week in Comedy lands right as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival celebrates its 40th year, and hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes are right in the thick of it.From the buzz of opening week to the chaos of late-night afterparties, Morry and Lily dive headfirst into festival season. They break down what’s hot this year, including the iconic Exford Hotel afterparty scene, rising stars like Bron Lewis hosting major gala events, and the continued rise of Aaron Chen, whose Netflix special drops mid-festival. It’s a snapshot of a comedy scene that’s bigger, faster, and more competitive than ever.But it’s not all celebration. The hosts tackle a spicy industry topic: the influx of online content creators stepping onto live stages. Does a massive TikTok following translate to ticket sales? Is the festival becoming oversaturated? And can 'digital creator comedy' hold up under the unforgiving spotlight of stand-up? Morry and Lily unpack the growing tension between online fame and live performance, sharing insights from the circuit and their own experiences.There’s also a nostalgic detour into comedy history, from The Office to early silent film icon Roscoe Arbuckle - a reminder that comedy has always evolved alongside culture (and controversy). Plus the duo have a sip of the Northern Red from Boat Rocker Brewers in Victoria.The highlight of the episode is a brilliant, down-to-earth interview with rising star Jorgia Rice, fresh off winning the Victorian RAW Comedy finals. Just over a year into her stand-up journey, Jorgia chats about her rapid rise, humble beginnings in Frankston, and what it feels like to be heading to the national finals at Melbourne Town Hall. It’s equal parts inspiring and hilarious, showcasing exactly why she’s one to watch.Plus, the usual mix of festival chatter, quirky comedy facts (yes, including pregnancy tests involving frogs), and a classic “funny in the moment” story featuring Bunnings sausages and a dog with a mullet.Links:Girls Just Wanna Have Puns show at MICF: Click hereBoat Rocker Brewers Northern Red: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference: Click hereJorgia Rice's Hard Knock Knocks graduation performance: Click here

Episode 15 of This Week in Comedy sees Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes in lively, free-flowing form as they juggle industry insights, festival hype and plenty of offbeat humour.With the Melbourne International Comedy Festival just days away, the hosts lean into the growing excitement around its 40th anniversary. They spotlight a mix of shows and talent set to take over the city, while also previewing the Business of Comedy Conference, running April 16–18. Framed as a must-attend for performers and industry professionals alike, the conference represents the more strategic side of comedy, where creativity meets economics.A highlight of the episode is Morry’s interview with Wilbur Wilde, a veteran of Australian entertainment whose career spans decades. Wilde brings a unique perspective on the intersection of music and comedy, reflecting on the evolution of live performance and the enduring importance of laughter. His upcoming appearance at the conference, speaking on the “laughter economy”, reinforces the idea that comedy is not just an art form, but a serious contributor to culture and business.The episode also tips its hat to Sammy J, with the hosts praising his sharp political humour and jokingly suggesting he could be a future prime minister. It’s a moment that perfectly captures the show’s tone: insightful, but never taking itself too seriously.In between the bigger topics, the hosts go on tangents that range from behind-the-scenes TV set chatter to absurd personal anecdotes. One standout segment is the beer review, where they sample the Hargreaves Hill Dortmund Lager. The verdict is positive, with particular appreciation for the classic 375 ml can size, which the pair should be written into law.Links:Hargreaves Hills Dortmund Lager: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference session featuring Wilbur Wilde: Click here

Episode 14 of This Week in Comedy features hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes diving into the latest stories, gossip, and oddities from the comedy world with their usual mix of banter and industry insight. The episode opens with playful tension between the pair, joking about astrology, personality traits, and who should really be welcoming whom back to the studio.The conversation quickly shifts to major developments in the Australian comedy scene, beginning with the announcement of the Sydney Comedy Festival’s biggest program yet, boasting more than 400 shows. Morry and Lily highlight several headline acts, including international star Tiffany Haddish and Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd. While Lily admits she wasn’t completely sold on the Netflix hit, the hosts agree that Gadd’s notoriety alone is likely to draw curious audiences. The discussion becomes a broader reflection on how television success can revive a comedian’s stand-up career.They also spotlight family connections in comedy, sharing examples of comedians performing alongside relatives. One standout pairing is Australian comedy icon Pete Rowsthorn performing with his daughter Frankie in their show Smooth and Wrinkly. Morry and Lily reflect on other family acts in comedy, including Marty Fields continuing the legacy of his father, the late Maurie Fields, and Doug Chappel working alongside his son Tyson Chappel. The segment celebrates how comedy can span generations while still evolving with new voices.The beer of choice for this episode is the Mouth of Melbourne, brewed in South Melbourne at Brewmanity. Morry highlights that this is one of his favourite beers, and Lily recommends the audience check out Brewmanity's rooftop deck and fried pickles!International comedy also gets attention when the hosts discuss David Cross releasing his ninth stand-up special, The End of the Beginning of the End, on YouTube. Known for his work on Arrested Development, Cross’s irreverent style sparks debate between Morry and Lily about different comedic approaches and the shifting landscape of streaming specials.Later in the episode, Morry interviews animation producer Ken Cantrell, who is speaking at the upcoming Business of Comedy Conference. Cantrell discusses two projects, Snick and Willow and the developing animated series Peggy and Molly. With performers like Lawrence Mooney, Ross Noble, and Bev Killick attached, the project highlights the crossover between stand-up and animation.The episode wraps with lighter segments, including a quirky historical fact about the first alarm clock and a “funny in the moment” story from Morry involving two strangers dressed like 1950s detectives at a Melbourne petrol station. As always, Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes balance industry insight with playful storytelling, giving listeners a lively snapshot of what’s happening across the comedy world.Links:Sydney Comedy Festival: Click hereThe Business of Comedy Conference: Click hereThe Business of Comedy Conference session with Ken Cantrill: Click hereMouth of Melbourne by Brewmanity: Click here