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

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

In this episode, comedian Paul Certi takes us through his journey into comedy, starting from being a youngster, when he first discovered his knack for making people laugh, to finally diving into stand-up in his thirties. He opens up about the challenges he faced early on, like his first gig doing The Blackout at Up The Creek and King Kong, where he learned just how much he still had to figure out. Paul stresses the importance of preparation, constantly refining material, and adapting to new situations. He also talks about how embracing failure and learning from each performance is key to growth in comedy.

Paul shares his experiences performing in competitions and doing gigs outside of London and how competitions shouldn’t be taken too seriously, instead encouraging comedians to focus on the long-term journey. He compares the differences between audiences in various cities and countries, noting that crowds outside London often bring a special kind of energy and enthusiasm. Reflecting on his time in the ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ competition, Paul talks about the balance between refining a set and experimenting with new material.

Throughout the conversation, Paul and Marc dive deep into what it takes to make it in comedy: persistence, consistency, and the ability to get comfortable with discomfort. They touch on topics like following strong acts, and the tricky art of handling sensitive subjects on stage, all while reading the room.

This episode is packed with personal stories, insights into the comedy world, and a lot of humour, making it a great listen for anyone interested in the art of stand-up.

LINKS:

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

Paul Certi:

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

https://www.tiktok.com/@paulcerti

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