This Week in Comedy

Episode 24: Richard Stubbs, A Fair Cut and festival shake-ups

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 [https://www.richardstubbs.com.au/about/] 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 [https://sailorsgravebrewing.com/products/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 [https://afaircut.org/], 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 [https://www.richardstubbs.com.au/the-mess-around/]. LINKS: A Fair Cut: Click here [https://afaircut.org/] Sailor's Grave Brewing Czech Pilsner: Click here [https://sailorsgravebrewing.com/products/czech-pilsner] Richard Stubb's podcast, The Mess Around: Click here [https://www.richardstubbs.com.au/the-mess-around/] Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au [https://thisweekincomedy.com.au/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 23: Rusty Berther, beer currency and US comedy roasts

In Episode 23 of This Week in Comedy, hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes are joined in the studio by special guest Rusty Berther from the iconic Australian comedy duo Scared Weird Little Guys. Rusty also chats about his latest project, The Grats, a comedy supergroup featuring Tom Gleeson, Andrew Hansen from The Chaser, Gatesy from Tripod, Rusty himself, and Sammy J. The episode kicks off with comedy news, including Arj Barker opening for Flight of the Conchords during their recent comeback performances. The hosts chat about Barker’s famous bandana look from the TV series and how it accidentally became part of his public identity. The trio also unpack the controversy surrounding The Roast of Kevin Hart, debating whether roast comedy actually suits Australian audiences. They discuss edgy material from Shane Gillis, criticism from Michael Che, and why Australians tend to roast each other naturally as part of everyday friendship culture. Another major topic is Weird Al Yankovic announcing a stage musical featuring hits like “Amish Paradise”, “White & Nerdy”, and “Smells Like Nirvana”. The conversation evolves into a broader discussion about comedy songs, musicals, and cult productions like Spamalot and The Book of Mormon. Rusty shares nostalgic stories about performing at Expo 88 in a barbershop quartet, the origins of his comedy career, and how performing alongside international street artists shaped his creative life. The group also reflects on classic television, including Cheers, Frasier, and the legacy of Monty Python. The episode also features the weekly beer review with the Skinny Dipper Hazy IPA [https://garageproject.com.au/products/skinny-dipper]by Garage Project, which sparks a surprisingly deep discussion about craft beer culture, tradie beer etiquette, and the proper currency for paying mates who help with odd jobs. The episode rounds out with hilarious chats about country life, philosophy, bizarre farming stories, awkward police encounters, and comedy industry life. It’s another chaotic and funny deep dive into comedy, culture, music, beer, and Australian life. LINKS: Skinny Dipper Hazy IPA by Garage Project: Click here [https://garageproject.com.au/products/skinny-dipper] Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here [https://hardknockknocks.com/] Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au [https://thisweekincomedy.com.au/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 22: Greg Curcio, a comedy white paper and purple beer

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 [https://www.futurereadynow.com.au/], using AI tools to analyse the conferences sessions has produced a comprehensive “white paper [https://thisweekincomedy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Business-of-Comedy-Conference-DRAFT-Whitepaper-for-Public-Consultation-v1.pdf]” 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 here [https://businessofcomedy.com/] Business of Comedy Conference DRAFT white paper for public consultation: Click here [https://thisweekincomedy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Business-of-Comedy-Conference-DRAFT-Whitepaper-for-Public-Consultation-v1.pdf] * Contribute via the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HMFWF5B [https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HMFWF5B] One Drop Brewing Co Come Over Pulp Smoothy Sour Ale : Click here [https://onedropbrewingco.com.au/products/come-over-pulp-sour] Future Ready Now: Click here [https://www.futurereadynow.com.au/] Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here [https://hardknockknocks.com/] Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au [https://thisweekincomedy.com.au/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 21: Wilbur Wilde, MICF reviews and Susan Provan quits

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 [https://businessofcomedy.com/], where he spoke on the session “Why the laughter economy matters [https://businessofcomedy.com/schedule/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 [https://shop.goodland.beer/product/good-lager/52]”, 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 here [https://shop.goodland.beer/product/good-lager/52] Business of Comedy Conference session titled 'Why the laughter economy matters': Click here [https://businessofcomedy.com/schedule/why-the-laughter-economy-matters/] Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here [https://hardknockknocks.com/] Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au [https://thisweekincomedy.com.au/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 20: Farnham satire, Rebel lawsuit and Bradford Oakes

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 [https://brightbrewery.com.au/product/real-heros-draft/] 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 here [https://brightbrewery.com.au/product/real-heros-draft/] Business of Comedy Conference: Click here [https://businessofcomedy.com/] Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here [https://hardknockknocks.com/] Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au [https://thisweekincomedy.com.au/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.