This Week in Comedy

In episode 24 of This Week in Comedy, hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan are joined in the studio by Melbourne comedy and radio legend Richard Stubbs for a fast-moving chat through comedy news, festival politics, television history, beer tasting and wonderfully strange historical detours. This episode that beer is Sailor's Grave Brewing Czech Pilsner. The episode opens with Richard reflecting on his decades in Australian entertainment, from starting stand-up at The Last Laugh in 1983 to filling in for Steve Vizard on Tonight Live and hosting Hey Hey It’s Saturday. His stories give the episode a warm industry-insider feel, balancing sharp comedy observations with genuine affection for Australian broadcasting and live performance.The team then turns to the latest comedy news, including the Sydney Comedy Festival awards, where Reuben Kaye and Frankie McNair jointly won Best of the Fest. This sparks a broader conversation about how comedy festivals have changed, especially with overlapping festival calendars and the increasing cost and pressure of doing full runs.A major focus is Adelaide Fringe, following the appointment of Canadian arts leader Marc Carnes as its new CEO. The discussion expands into festival leadership more broadly, including the search for the new CEO of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, with the role now open and prompting debate about whether a comedian, administrator, or comedy-loving arts professional would be best suited to lead such a major institution.Lily also interviews Lukas Meintjes, founder of A Fair Cut, a new initiative pushing for fairer venue deals for artists. Lukas explains how confusing and expensive venue contracts can make it almost impossible for performers to break even, even when they sell well. He outlines A Fair Cut’s push for clearer contracts, no double-dipping on fees, and a suggested 30% cap on venue revenue share, with venues beginning to sign up for accreditation.The episode also covers Sam Pang stepping away from hosting the Logies, Stephen Colbert’s final week on The Late Show, and comedy history moments including Seinfeld, Andy Kaufman and Kath & Kim. Along the way, Richard reveals his love of history, gaming and reading every label in sight, while the hosts keep things loose with beer tasting, crematorium facts and Morry’s Bunnings dog story.Oh, and if you enjoyed Richard Stubbs on this episode be sure to subscribe to his podcast, The Mess Around.Links:A Fair Cut: Click hereSailor's Grave Brewing Czech Pilsner: Click hereRichard Stubb's podcast, The Mess Around: Click here

Episode 22 of This Week in Comedy brings together hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan with special guest Greg Curcio for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, creativity, media and the future of Australia’s comedy industry.This episode get serious, with Greg sharing outcomes from the three day Business of Comedy Conference, where discussions centred on strengthening Australia’s comedy sector. Greg explains how his company, Future Ready Now, using AI tools to analyse the conferences sessions has produced a comprehensive “white paper” outlining strategies for improving the comedy ecosystem. Topics include fairer venue deals for performers, better access to funding, stronger industry organisation and the long-term vision of creating Melbourne as the world’s leading comedy destination.The trio discuss the idea of a dedicated Melbourne comedy hub featuring performance spaces, archives, museums, bars, teaching rooms and creative collaboration areas. Inspired by historic venues like The Last Laugh, they explore how comedy can drive economic, cultural and social outcomes. Greg argues comedy is deeply undervalued despite its impact across entertainment, politics, education and workplaces.Elsewhere, the hosts unpack major comedy and entertainment news stories, including Channel 10’s upcoming comedy telemovie Cop This, the controversy surrounding Bluey royalties flowing to the BBC instead of Australia, and comedian Alex Williamson being removed from his football club over offensive comments. Morry also highlights satirist Conrad Benjamin from Punter’s Politics, discussing how comedy and political satire influence public debate.The episode is filled with lighter moments too, including a bizarre tasting session involving a thick purple “smoothie sour ale” beer, nostalgic reflections on sitcoms like Frasier, Cheers and Friends, and a conversation about international towns named Dull, Boring and Bland forming a tourism alliance.As always, the episode finishes with Morry’s “Funny in the Moment” segment, where he recounts an awkward but successful attempt at making a local bread shop owner laugh.Links:Business of Comedy Conference: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference DRAFT white paper for public consultation: Click hereContribute via the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HMFWF5BOne Drop Brewing Co Come Over Pulp Smoothy Sour Ale : Click hereFuture Ready Now: Click hereHard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Episode 21 of This Week in Comedy is packed with big names, bold opinions, and major industry news from the Melbourne comedy scene. This week, we’re joined in-studio by the legendary Wilbur Wilde, bringing stories from his iconic career, sharp insights into live performance, and plenty of laughs along the way.We kick things off with a huge headline: Susan Provan has officially announced she’s stepping down as director of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival after an incredible 31-year run. As the festival celebrates its 40th year, we break down what this leadership change means for the future of comedy in Australia, who might step into the role, and why it’s such a pivotal moment for the industry.From there, we dive into MICF reviews and on-the-ground perspectives with reviewer George Stamkoski, who attended 22 shows across the festival. His unique “What’s Funny?” approach gives insight into what actually connects with audiences, from raw, emotional storytelling to pure joy and absurdity. If you’re a comedian or fan, this is a fascinating look at what’s working right now in live comedy.Wilbur Wilde also shares behind the scenes stories from decades in entertainment, including reflections on performing with the Ol' 55. And we also discuss his appearance at the Business of Comedy Conference, where he spoke on the session “Why the laughter economy matters”, exploring the value of comedy in Australia’s live performance ecosystem.Plus, we chat about the rise of new streaming platforms and how the industry is evolving both locally and globally.As always, there’s plenty of banter, a beer review featuring the Good Land Brewing Co. “Good Lager”, and some truly chaotic comedy moments, including a “funny in the moment” that could have gone horribly wrong.Links:Good Land Brewing Co's Good Lager : Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference session titled 'Why the laughter economy matters': Click hereHard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

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.Links:Bright Brewery’s Real Heroes Draught: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference: Click hereHard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

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