An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Our guest today is Simon Rakoff, Simon Rakoff is a veteran Canadian stand-up comedian with a career spanning over 40 years. Known for his sharp wit, observational humour, and storytelling, Simon has performed across Canada, the USA, and the UK, earning acclaim at major comedy festivals such as Just For Laughs, Halifax Ha!, and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:00]] A brief overview of Canadian comedy, including insights into working with different comedy promoters. [[10:16]]

[[10:16]] Keeping my skills sharp and how Canadian comedy differs from American comedy; legalising cannabis; should drugs be legalised? [[21:04]]

[[21:04]] The importance of knowing French; comparisons between Toronto and Montreal; how Toronto is perceived across Canada. [[24:17]]

[[24:35]] Adapting my stand-up set for different audiences. [[27:27]]

[[27:27]] Many talented comedians travel from Canada to perform in the USA and UK; how Canadian humour stands apart. [[31:25]]

[[52:37]] The “woke versus edge-lords” debate in comedy; insights from Anthony Jeselnik. [[55:16]]

[[56:25]] Navigating the line between true comedians and aspiring performers.[[57:45]]

[[58:00]] How many real comics are there and how many wannabe comics; people who aren’t original. [[01:03:00]]

[[01:12:00]] – I don’t have enough time for people I care about, never mind those I don’t. [[01:16:24]]

To learn more about Simon, you can listen to his album Surrounded by Idiots on Spotify at https://shorturl.at/MnAqu or visit his official website at https://www.simonrakoff.com/.You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #podcastinterview #standupcomedian #canadiancomedy

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Joining us today is Darren Sanders, a veteran of the Australian comedy circuit with over 30 years of stage and screen experience. Known for his sharp observational wit and relaxed storytelling, Darren has hosted five seasons of his own late-night program, The Darren Sanders Show, and appeared in hits like Underbelly and A Place To Call Home. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[02:07]] Coming from Adelaide and gigging for 33 years [[05:06]]

[[05:06]] Australia has been influenced from a wide range of comedy styles , some of my comedy influences, my idea of building a set. [[08:56]]

[[13:52]] My most memorable bomb [[17:37]]

[[17:48]] How are audiences in Australia different from each other , my experiences of being on cruises [[22:00]]

[[22:00]] My experiences of cruises [[29:31]]

[[29:38]] Why I don’t do comedy festivals [[31:20]]

[[33:21]] How my skin has become like a rhino over the years , since running a comedy club and dodgy business practices [[39:13]]

[[43:22]] Why I don't bother with the circuit and focus on corporate gigs and function [[47:03]]

[[51:25]] Is Russell Crowe a Kiwi or is he an Aussie?[[52:13]]

[[01:03:37]] What you need to prepare for when running a gig [[01:10:00]]

If you would like to know more on Darren Sanders you can go on his Linktree at https://linktr.ee/darrensanders. You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #standupcomedian #australiancomedy

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. We talk to Andy Huggins, a veteran stand-up comedian and "King of One-Liners". A beloved figure in the comedy world for over 45 years, he gained national recognition on Season 13 of America's Got Talent (AGT), where he surprised judges by revealing he started his career alongside Howie Mandel decades ago. Huggins' timeless humor and unique perspective on aging have made his performances with Don't Tell Comedy go viral, captivating millions across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. A genuine Houston comedy icon, Huggins was one of the original Texas Outlaw Comics in the 1980s, alongside legends like Bill Hicks and Sam Kinison. He is known for his deadpan delivery and sharp, relatable jokes about daily life, naps, and growing older, proving that laughter truly is a timeless art form. Huggins recently released his first full-length special at age 73, available for streaming on platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:41]] How has Don’t tell comedy helped me? [[02:35]]

[[06:49]] What do I need to perform my best? [[13:09 ]]

[[13:09]] Do I believe in cancel culture and is comedy in good shape?[[17:31]]

[[18:07]] Get so good they can’t reject you and why I don’t do cruises. [[27:40]]

[[27:40]] How financial freedom get rids of crap gigs, the relationship between being a performer and how being a single man helps him. [[33:56]]

If you would like to know more on Andy, you can go to his Linktree at https://linktr.ee/andyhuggins. You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #standupcomedian #donttellcomedy #americasgottalent