This Week in Comedy

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

Episode 13 of This Week in Comedy finds hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan powering through a lingering lurgy. From there, they dive into the week’s comedy-adjacent headlines with their trademark mix of pop culture, Australian references, and gentle conspiracy dabbling.First up is Jim Carrey’s rare public appearance at the César Awards in Paris, which sparked online chaos: plastic surgery, alien theories, “reptilian” conspiracy, and a viral post from drag makeup artist Alexis Stone claiming to be Carrey. They land on the simplest explanation: work done. But hey! They could be wrong.The mood lifts with genuinely good news: Australian comedy icon Magda Szubanski announces she’s in remission from stage four mantle cell lymphoma. The hosts celebrate her legacy, from Fast Forward characters Michelle and Ferret to netballer Sharon Strzelecki and her role in Babe, calling her a national treasure.They then circle back to the radio drama between Kyle and Jackie O. With ARN issuing Kyle Sandilands a serious misconduct notice and a 14-day window to remedy the breach, the hosts debate whether that's the end of this comedy duo...and maybe an opportunity for fresh new voices (Hint, hint ARN!). A lighter sidebar follows, with Morry revealing that “Rove McManus” is actually John Henry Michael McManus. We suppose it gets him through customs faster.A comedy history segment ticks through milestones: Spike Milligan’s death (and his “I told you I was ill” gravestone), Gilbert Gottfried’s birth and voice work, Dr. Seuss trivia, Moonlighting’s premiere, and John Candy’s untimely death.Beer of the week is Wolf of the Willows’ Chopper West Coast IPA, praised for its bitter finish—then the episode pivots to Morry’s interview with John Delmenico, editor of The Chaser. Delmenico previews his upcoming Business of Comedy Conference panel alongside The Onion’s Scott Dikkers and Silicon Valley writer Andrew J. Nash, arguing satire has always shadowed democracy, shaping how audiences see politicians and power.The episode closes with oddball facts (Frisbee ashes memorial discs) and darkly relatable parenting jokes, before another plug for the Business of Comedy Conference in April.Links:The Business of Comedy Conference: Click hereThe Business of Comedy Conference session with John Delmenico: Click hereChopper West Coast IPA: Click here

Episode 11 of This Week in Comedy kicks off with a quick housekeeping correction. Lily and Morry apologise for mistakenly saying comedian Eloise Eftos was from Adelaide when she was actually born in Perth.In comedy news, the hosts discuss Celeste Barber and her partner Apy Robin (often dubbed “Hot Husband”) separating after 20 years. The tone stays light and speculative as they reflect on Celeste’s evolution from Instagram parody posts to a broader comedy personality, while also joking about modern weight-loss culture and Ozempic. Next up is Jim Jefferies, who has announced his biggest Australian tour to date. The hosts praise his international rise, particularly in the UK and US, and note how unusually well Australia has embraced his success without much tall-poppy backlash, even if some audiences have taken time warming to his edgier material.Lily then brings up Heathers: The Musical, describing its dark-comedy high school vibe and noting a TikTok-driven resurgence that’s expected to draw both comedy and theatre crowds. A quick aside follows on Ben Bankas, whose controversial joke about a recent homicide caused a venue cancellation, only for the show to move elsewhere and sell out, sparking a broader chat about venues, safety, and free speech.Comedy history highlights include the deaths of sketch pioneer Sid Caesar (2014) and Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz (2000), plus anniversaries for Wayne’s World (1992) and The Chaser’s War on Everything (2006).Beer of the week is “Herb Your Enthusiasm”, a raspberry and rosemary sour from Slow Lane Brewing, which they gleefully describe as oddly gin-like. That leads into a Pringles fact: inventor Fredric J. Baur requested some of his ashes be buried in a Pringles can.The episode’s centrepiece is an interview with Peter Josip, winner of Raw Comedy 2025, who explains the prize trip to Edinburgh to compete in 'So You Think You’re Funny?' Pete even made the final, rare for Australian Raw winners, then performed at the Cyprus International Comedy Festival, and spent months gigging hard in Toronto, landing an agent and spots at clubs like Yuk Yuk’s. Back in Melbourne, he’s slated for Comedy Zone at the Melbourne Comedy Festival.They wrap with a “Funny in the Moment” story about a son’s school uniform, and a review of Is This Thing On?—praised as a relationship film, but criticised as an unrealistic stand-up movie.Links:Morry's 'Is This Thing On?' six part TV show: Click hereWill Arnett's 'Is This Thing On?' trainer: Click hereRead more about Peter Josip's Melbourne Comedy Festival Raw Comedy win: Click hereHerb Your Enthusiasm beer: Click here

Episode 10 kicks off back in Melbourne, celebrating a milestone: double digits. The “seven-episode glass ceiling” has been shattered and the duo are officially big kids now, complete with a tangent about pull-ups, bladder control, and the tragically named “Poise” range. Lily even has a joke charting “light, intermediate, heavy” leakage levels, because nothing says showbiz like sneezing statistics.Morry and Lily then settle into the South Melbourne studio, happy to escape Sydney’s humidity and the constant roar of planes over Newtown. A quick (and slightly too cheeky) 9/11 reference lands, with the question 'too soon?'.Comedy news begins with Adam Sandler receiving the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Modern Master Award for his influence across stand-up, film, and TV. Morry admits Sandler can be a bit slapstick for his taste, but gives a nod to Happy Gilmore. Lily, representing the millennials, rides hard for Big Daddy and Little Nicky, quoting lines and praising Sandler’s underrated serious chops in Click and Uncut Gems.Next up, Jim Jefferies, who drops in as a surprise set at Melbourne’s Comics Lounge. Morry explains Jefferies’ real name and the extra “e” he added to satisfy a US union rule requiring unique stage names. Shoutout to host Doug Chappell, cruise-photo icon and future podcast guest.Then it gets darker: US comedian Ben Bankas has six sold-out Minnesota shows cancelled after a controversial joke following a fatal ICE-related shooting. The venue cites threats and safety concerns, sparking a discussion about timing, risk, and when “too soon” becomes “never.”More screens: Will Arnett’s film Is This Thing On?, directed and co-written by Bradley Cooper, hits Australian cinemas February 5. Morry reveals he made a comedy series with the same title years earlier, nearly picked up by the ABC before leadership changes killed it.Beer time: Barossa Valley Brewing’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake Stout (7%, 2.1 standard drinks) tastes like dessert—sweet, gluggy, and dangerously drinkable.Finally, comedy history: Leslie Nielsen would be 100 today (born February 11, 1926). They toast him, debate titles (Airplane! was Flying High in Australia), and wrap with a teaser interview featuring Tasmanian comedian “Red Ned” Townsend and Lars Calio’s 900,000km Volkswagen Jetta.Links:Morry's 'Is This Thing On?' six part TV show: Click hereBarossa Valley Brewing’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake Stout: Click hereHobart Festival of Comedy: Click hereRed Ned Townsend Instagram: Click here

Episode 9 of This Week in Comedy finds the hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan broadcasting from a makeshift studio in an Airbnb in Newtown, Sydney, swapping their usual setup for a lively, on-the-road energy. Newtown itself becomes an early talking point, described as Sydney’s alternative, youthful, and proudly LGBTQIA+ hub, a Brunswick-meets-St Kilda hybrid with graffiti, share houses, and strong opinions everywhere you turn.The episode kicks off with reflections on the road trip up from Victoria, including a surprise koala encounter near Shepparton and observations about regional Australia’s growing multiculturalism. From there, the show shifts into comedy news, led by a discussion of Matt Rife’s recent Australian tour and ongoing controversies. The hosts unpack his “rage-bait” persona, tongue-in-cheek apologies, and commercial savvy, noting how controversy, engagement, and branding increasingly go hand-in-hand in modern comedy.A major focus of the episode is the return of Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School to Sydney for the first time in five years. Recording from Newtown is no coincidence, with the course running at the Newtown Hotel’s Laugh Inn. The hosts highlight the importance of live comedy education post-COVID and the value of rebuilding local scenes.The episode features an in-depth interview with veteran comedian Tommy Dean, who reflects on decades in Australian comedy. Tommy offers thoughtful insights into how the industry has changed, particularly the impact of social media, fast news cycles, and the pressure on younger comics to chase topical jokes and crowd work. He strongly advocates for solid joke writing, personal storytelling, and being paid properly for gigs — dismantling the myth of “exposure” work along the way.Later, rising Sydney comic Stella Wu joins the show, fresh from strong festival sets and her Comedy Zone 2026 announcement. She talks about her rapid career momentum, her show Asian Baby Girl, and the surreal realities of joke-writing, family expectations, and creative chaos.The episode wraps with reflections on Australia’s comedy pipeline, the importance of developing mid-career comics, and a relaxed beer-fuelled sign-off — capturing the spirit of a podcast deeply embedded in the comedy scene, both onstage and behind the scenes.Links:Raw Comedy entry: Click hereGrifter Pale Ale by the Grifter Brewing Co: Click hereSydney Comedy Festival: Click here