• 047 - Gigs, Gongs, and Gimps with Kristian Allman
    Nov 12 2024

    In this episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, host Marc sits down with comedian Kristian Allman for a raw, insightful chat about the ups and downs of life on stage. From the tough gig lessons to the thrill of winning over a crowd, Kristian pulls back the curtain on his comedy journey, sharing both the highs of successful sets and the humbling moments that taught him resilience.

    Together, Marc and Kristian dive into the unique challenges of open mic nights, the pressure of performing for friends and family, and the nuances of crafting a unique comedic voice. They break down the art of joke writing, the emotional rollercoaster of live performances, and the thick skin it takes to succeed in comedy. They also share a few laughs discussing the intensity of gong shows, where only the toughest jokes survive.

    For aspiring comedians, this episode is packed with advice, from building a network in the comedy world to embracing the highs and lows with a sense of humour. Plus, the episode wraps with a spontaneous, lighthearted challenge, showing the playful side of comedy and the creative spark that keeps these comedians coming back to the stage.

    LINKS:

    Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

    Kristian Allman: https://www.instagram.com/kristian_comedy

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    Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

    Voice Over Segment: Duncan Hart www.opengatecomedy.tv

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • 046 - Acting, Comedy and Jazz around the Planet with Maja Bloom
    Nov 5 2024

    Get ready for a laughter-filled, behind-the-scenes journey into the world of comedy in this episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast! Host Marc sits down with the multi-talented comedian and actress Maja Bloom, best known for her roles in Fantastic Beasts. Maja opens up about her evolution from delivering short sets to performing solo shows, and her experiences at the iconic Edinburgh Fringe.

    She candidly discusses the highs and lows of life on stage, from her best moments to the times when things didn’t go as planned. With a background in film and acting, Maja reflects on how her experiences in those fields shaped her unique comedic style. Along the way, she shares insights into the comedy industry, including the reality of self-doubt, the importance of confidence, and the delicate balance of promoting shows and connecting with audiences.

    Maja also dives deep into her joke-writing process, revealing how she’s always experimenting, learning, and pushing boundaries in her craft. From hilarious audience reactions to embracing her one-of-a-kind humour, this episode is packed with fun stories and valuable lessons for any aspiring comedian. And don’t miss the playful moment when Maja takes on a spontaneous challenge to weave a fresh joke into her set!

    This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who loves comedy, creativity, or just a good laugh. Tune in to hear Maja Bloom’s inspiring and entertaining journey, and discover what it truly takes to thrive in the world of stand-up.

    LINKS:

    Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

    Maja Bloom:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planetmaja

    Spotlight https://app.spotlight.com/0265-6755-3625

    LinkTr: https://linktr.ee/planetmaja

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    Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

    Voice Over Segment: Duncan Hart - https://www.opengatecomedy.tv

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • 045 - Punchlines, Poetry and Publishing with Jack Scullion
    Oct 29 2024

    In this lively episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, host Marc welcomes back the charismatic comedian Jack Scullion for a deep dive into his unique journey through the world of comedy. Jack opens up about his early beginnings in Spain and how his style has evolved from structured routines to spontaneous, chaotic performances that now blend poetry, storytelling, and audience interaction. Together, they explore the ups and downs of comedy competitions, the importance of community support, and the challenges of breaking into television, including Jack’s recent pilot for a quiz show.

    Jack also shares valuable insights for aspiring comedians—discussing the significance of preparation, networking, and the delicate balance between creativity and business. From creating horror-inspired t-shirt designs to self-publishing his poetry, Jack emphasises the importance of branding and finding joy in the creative process.

    If you’re passionate about comedy, curious about the behind-the-scenes grind, or looking for inspiration on how to make your mark, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and plenty of takeaways.

    LINKS:

    Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

    Jack Scullion & Your Friend & Mine:

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/jackscullioncomedy

    https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendandminecomedy

    https://www.instagram.com/notanotherquiznight/

    LinkTr: https://linktr.ee/Yourfriendandmine

    PoetryPod: https://tr.ee/GdN2S5ez5M

    Merch: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/YourFriendandMine

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    Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

    Voice Over Segment: John Pape https://www.johnpape.co.uk

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • 044 - Growing up on Stage with Declan Evans
    Oct 22 2024

    In this podcast episode, Declan recounts his journey into stand-up comedy, describing his early influences and the hurdles he encountered during his first gigs. He recalls the blend of excitement and nerves at his debut performance, and how much he learned from his experiences performing at venues like G and B Comedy. Declan underscores the value of mentorship in the comedy world, explaining how having a mentor has been crucial to his development. He also delves into his distinctive approach to writing jokes, which often emerges from spontaneous moments of inspiration.

    Throughout the conversation, Declan talks about how important constructive feedback is in refining his skills, along with the crucial role of timing and stage presence. He reflects on key performances that have shaped his growth, illustrating how every gig contributes to a comedian’s evolution. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring comedians, highlighting the importance of finding a supportive community and approaching comedy as an ongoing learning process.

    LINKS:

    Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

    Declan Evans:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declanevanscomedy

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@declanevans

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    Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

    Voice Over Segment with John Pape https://www.johnpape.co.uk

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 043 - From Bear Suits to Belly Laughs with Siobhan Dodd
    Oct 15 2024

    In this episode we have comedian Siobhan Dodd in to chat about her wild and wonderful journey through the world of stand-up. From her memorable first gig—where she performed in a bear costume—to juggling comedy with motherhood, Siobhan opens up about the ups and downs of finding her voice in a competitive scene.

    They dive into the importance of the open mic circuit, how personal life fuels her comedy, and what it really takes to connect with an audience. Siobhan talks candidly about her successes and missteps, the evolution of her writing, and the crucial role that competitions have played in building her confidence.

    The conversation also explores how the comedy scene has changed since the “Me Too” movement, with both Marc and Siobhan reflecting on the need for a strong, supportive network in comedy. Siobhan shares insights into her performance style, the challenges of creating new material, and her ambitions to make it to TV. They also have a fun chat about the role of costumes on stage and why being present and spontaneous is key to a great performance.

    LINKS:

    Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

    Siobhan Dodd: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unclesiobhan

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    Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 042 - Fringes, Festivals & Funnies with Gareth P Morris
    Oct 8 2024

    In this episode I chat with Welsh comedian Gareth P. Morris to talk about his journey into stand-up, the ups and downs of running comedy nights, and what it’s really like performing in different venues. Gareth shares stories from his time on the open mic circuit, how he engages with audiences, and his approach to crafting jokes. He also reflects on some of his best (and worst) moments on stage, the challenges of being an MC, and what he learned from a festival that didn’t quite go as planned.

    This chat dives deep into the world of comedy, especially in Wales, shedding light on the hard work and passion it takes to make it in the industry. Gareth also opens up about a festival crisis and how the comedy community rallied together. He talks about his involvement in fundraising for cancer awareness and shares his experiences from various comedy fringes. For any up-and-coming comedians, Gareth offers some great advice on joke writing and performance, stressing the importance of refining your material and really connecting with your audience.

    LINKS:

    Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

    Gareth P Morris:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garethpcomedy

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@garethpcomedy

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    Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • 041 - Edinburgh: Confronting the Reality with John Pape
    Sep 30 2024

    In this episode, host Marc welcomes comedian John Pape for a candid conversation about his journey through the world of comedy. From his early days performing at open mic nights to taking the stage at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival, John shares the highs and lows of comedy. He opens up about the unpredictable nature of comedy and the importance of connecting with an audience, discussing how both success and failure have shaped his approach to stand-up.

    Throughout the episode, John reflects on the personal growth that comes with honing his craft, emphasising the need for authenticity on stage. He talks about how the search for comfort in his comedic persona has evolved over time and how vital preparation and adaptability are in the unpredictable world of live comedy.

    The conversation also touches on the continuous journey of comedy, from crafting unique jokes to pushing the boundaries of creative performance. For aspiring comedians, John offers insights and even introduces a fun challenge designed to help them stay engaged with their art. This episode is packed with humour, reflection, and valuable lessons, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the realities of life on the comedy circuit.

    LINKS:

    Open Mic Comedy Pod:

    https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

    John Pape:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnpapecomedy

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    Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • 040 - Talking the Talk on Stage with Kevan Hall
    Sep 24 2024

    In this episode host Marc sits down with Kevan Hall, a fresh face in stand-up comedy who’s making the leap from a successful corporate career. They dive into how humour plays a big role in training and how supportive the open mic community can be. Kevan talks about his journey into comedy, sharing tips on the mindset it takes, balancing the writing and performing side of things, and how he keeps his material fresh in his mind.

    The conversation touches on the ups and downs of chasing a passion like comedy later in life. Marc and Kevan go deep into what it takes to craft a good joke, the importance of memory techniques, and the fine-tuning that goes into timing and delivery. Kevan also opens up about his experiences with comedy workshops and coaching, showing just how valuable structured learning can be in this space. They even explore how AI might help spark creativity!

    By the end of the episode, you’ll get a real sense of the joy and challenges that come with being a newcomer in the comedy world—and why the journey of learning never really ends.

    LINKS:

    Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

    Kevan Hall:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevanhallcomedy

    Finding Your Purpose (Book) : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Find-Your-Purpose-Better-Career/dp/1399812793

    Photo by: Nick Gregan

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    Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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    1 hr and 11 mins