Josh Adams has been one of Detroit’s best comics for years, but after his appearance on Hard Knocks with The Detroit Lions his stature has grown and he kicks of 2024 headlining The Comedy Castle. Josh tells Joel how the Hard Knocks appearance came about, how the reaction blew him away, and his approach do… Continue reading Podcast #171: Josh Adams →
Phil Palisoul is “on” from the get-go, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. On this show, you’ll hear why this year’s New Year’s Eve headliner is a favorite on land and sea! Phil mocks Joel’s punctuality, tells of his surprising pre-showbiz career, what weird thing happened after he appeared on the Tonight Show,… Continue reading Podcast #170: Phil Palisoul →
Melanie Hearn got her start in a Comedy Castle comedy class and now she’s headlining the club! Melanie talks her road to headlining, how one of her earliest bits got her booked on television, and where she intends to do comedy in 2024 – it might surprise you! Also, Joel eats good at his holiday… Continue reading Podcast #169: Melanie Hearn →
Nick Griffin speaks about the human condition in an angry, nihilistic way. And yet, he is the most relatable comic that you’d ever hope to see, and you’ll leave his show feeling that he’s just like you. Joel certainly felt that as the two bonded over old guy bars, rock and roll concert stories and… Continue reading Podcast #168: Nick Griffin →
K. Trevor Wilson is an accomplished stand-up comedian, ad probably be best known as “Squirrely Dan” from the Canadian TV show Letterkenny. Before his headlining weekend at The Comedy Castle, he tells Joel about the origins of the show, developing his style in Toronto’s “pot shows”, appearing on the wild Last One Laughing TV show,… Continue reading Podcast #167: K. Trevor Wilson →
Rocky LaPorte is one of the nicest guys in comedy – and one of the funniest, too! He talks to Joel about his start in comedy, his recent trip to Vegas, being a good Italian Grandfather and his appearance on the TV show Cheers (sorry, Ted Danson). Plus, memories of The Dick Purtan Show and… Continue reading Podcast #166: Rocky LaPorte III →
Zach Martina is on the podcast, but it’s not the fun, boys’-afternoon-out it used to be. Sorry, Zach! Zach talks about viral fame from his Detroit Lions “coach” videos, how he developed his physical style of comedy, his recent trip to Italy, and the possibility that there’s too much legal weed. Also, an update from… Continue reading Podcast #165: Zach Martina Gets No Free Lunch →
In his second appearance on this show, Craig Shoemaker does something amazing. You’ll have to listen to find out what that is, but it is so great. Craig tells Joel about replacing Don Knotts, inspiring the LA Lakers, marrying Nancy Allen, being dragged with Magic Johnson, and being an unofficial member of Howard Stern’s “Wack… Continue reading Podcast #164: Craig Shoemaker Returns →
JB Ball has appeared once before at the club as an opening act, and Joel things he’ll be a big star before too long, so see him now! Joel watched ALL of his excellent YouTube special, and the guys talk about Kanye, Florida’s weirdness, the Brad Williams circus, and the value of comedy festivals to… Continue reading Podcast #163: JB Ball →
John Heffron frequently visits The Comedy Castle in early November. Should this be officially made “John Heffron Weekend” annually? That’s just one change John would make if he was in charge – others include opening acts busking, Saturday matinee shows and having acts do more incisive crowd work. Joel and John also talk how comedy… Continue reading Podcast #162: John Heffron Returns →
The honor of the most frequent guest on this show belongs to this week’s headliner David Dyer. David joins Joel for an entertaining talk about the perils of young comedians, when a comic finds their voice, and the genius of the late Kevin Meaney. Dave tells of his worst gig ever (at lunchtime!), and hear… Continue reading Podcast #161: David Dyer Goes For Four →
A successful comic with tons of credits and experience, Johnny Beehner joins Joel to talk comedy, basketball, and how they’ve dealt with the realities of soap wars with their partners. Johnny tells how he made David Letterman clam up, his “great” idea to have his son see him do comedy, and why the school is,… Continue reading Podcast #160: Johnny Beehner →
Paul Mecurio has an energetic, spontaneous style that has made him a favorite at The Comedy Castle, and on television. He talks to Joel about his approach to local media appearances, the legendary talents that have helped his one-man Broadway show, and how his recent movie role will have him dating a Hollywood starlet in… Continue reading Podcast #159: Paul Mecurio Returns →
April Macie returns to the club this week and to this podcast. Joel asks why there aren’t more female headliners – he has some of his own opinions, to – it’s enlightening. April also talks about growing up Catholic in Eastern Pennsylvania, the club owner who got “grabby” and what happened to a lady heckler… Continue reading Podcast #158: April Macie Returns →
