The comedians paradise

Our guest today is Sam Diplock a comedian, combat coach and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt instructor. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[01:00]] The reality of the BJJ community and the people who train [[07:24]] [[01:13]] The Conor McGregor effect on modern combat sports [[02:26]] [[07:24]] My personal journey into traditional martial arts [[13:56]] [[13:00]] Underhand tactics and dirty...

Dave Cohen is a British comedian, author, and multi-award-winning comedy writer with a career spanning over four decades in UK television, radio, and live performance. He is best known as the lead lyricist for the hit BBC children's series Horrible Histories, which earned him eight BAFTA Awards. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[02:06]] How I got started in comedy: why many great comics...

Welcome to The Comedian's Paradise! In this episode, we sit down with the critically acclaimed, award-winning UK stand-up comedian Tom Mayhew (BBC Radio 4’s Benefit Scum, Soho Theatre). Known for his fiercely funny, authentic working-class perspective and hit Edinburgh Fringe solo shows (I, Tom Mayhew). Here is an overview of what we discussed: [01:05] Never Been Called Tantalising & What Do Y...

In this episode, we sit down with international comedian Fedor Ikelaar to pull back the curtain on the booming European English-speaking comedy circuit. We dive deep into how the continental scene operates, the unique challenges of performing for multi-national crowds, and what it takes to build a career as a touring road comic in Europe. Here are the various chapters of the episode: [[00:00]] My...

In this episode, former teacher and comedian Andy Gleeks explains why he left education after 18 years, discussing the intense pressures of the modern profession and his transition into stand-up comedy. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the UK comedy scene, wild open mic nights, and the realities of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe. The conversation also explores Northern Irish culture, c...

How do you build a 30-year comedy career that pays better than late-night TV? In this episode, legendary comedian Eric O’Shea pulls back the curtain on the highly lucrative world of the college comedy circuit. Eric shares his origin story, from skipping the New York City grind to dominating campus stages across America with 40 to 50 gigs every single year. We dive deep into the business of comedy,...

How do you build a thriving comedy circuit in the heart of Scotland? In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, we’re joined by five-time Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist, Ross Leslie. As the founder of Good Egg Comedy, Ross has become a key figure in the Scottish "Central Belt" scene. We dive into the "maverick" mindset required to run a family-run comedy collective, the distinct difference...

In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, Marvin McCarthy is joined by a true industry titan: the legendary manager, producer, and ‘God of Comedy’, Barry Katz. As the man who helped launch the careers of icons like Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., and Whitney Cummings, Barry offers a masterclass in the realities of show business. Titled 'The Art of the Struggle', the conversation focuses on the grit a...

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy and Jack Wheeler are joined by industry veteran Kate Lennon. As the first employee of UTC Artist Management, Kate helped navigate the careers of household names and worked on some of the biggest shows in the UK, including the historic Black British Takeover at the O2. Now, she’s disrupting the circuit with REPPD —a consultancy designed to...

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy sits down with the "Architect of Destiny" herself, Sharon Mannion. As a powerhouse of the Irish entertainment industry, Sharon wears many hats: she is an award-winning writer, a star of hit sitcoms like Bridget & Eamon (RTÉ/Hulu), and a veteran of the Dublin Comedy Improv scene. Today, she holds one of the most influential roles in th...

Join host Marvin McCarthy on The Comedians Paradise for an exclusive sit-down with a true legend of the British comedy circuit—John Marshall, aka Agraman the Human Anagram. As the founder of the iconic Buzz Comedy Club in Manchester, John has spent over 30 years as the ultimate "kingmaker," giving first gigs to some of the biggest names in comedy history. Here is an overview of what we discussed:...

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. Stop working for "exposure" and start getting paid. In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, we sit down with the legendary author of The Comedy Bible, Judy Carter, to discuss her brand new 2026 release: Make Money Being Funny. Here is an...

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, host Marvin McCarthy sits down with the brilliant Jack McMinn, a standout musical comedian and a true "man of interesting facts". Jack pulls back the curtain on his creative DNA, tracing his early inspirations from the deadpan genius of Flight of the Conchords and the lyrical mastery of Tim Minchin. They dive into the evolution of comedy through the noug...

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy and Jack Wheeler sit down with the "Supremo of Ventriloquism", Steve Hewlett. With a career spanning 40 years, Steve discusses his journey from the "bread and butter" of the holiday park circuit to becoming a Britain's Got Talent finalist. Steve opens up about the reality of touring with The Osmonds in America, why he wouldn’t step onto t...

Join host Marvin McCarthy as he speaks with Jay Saunders, a former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy turned comedian. Discover how Jay is using Project Comedy to help UK veterans recover from PTSD and transition to civilian life through the power of military humour. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[00:00]] Why British Military Personnel are World-Class [[04:31]] [[05:36]] From Lieu...

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy interviews the "Beast of Physical comedy" himself, John Towsen, for an in-depth exploration of the mechanics of funny. John breaks down the relationship between clowning and physical comedy, moving beyond typical red-nose tropes to look at the spirit of the performer. We compare American and European styles, discuss the legendary impact o...

The Comedian’s Paradise is the interview podcast giving you the inside scoop on global comedy scenes and the mavericks who define them. In this episode, host Marvin McCarthy sits down with the legendary physical comedian Michel Courtemanche. Known as the "Human Cartoon", Michel reveals why he walked away from international fame to pursue his true passion for directing. Here is an overview of what...

How do you turn a kitchen-table pilot into a comedy powerhouse with 100,000 subscribers? Marvin McCarthy sits down with Phil Green to discuss his unique journey through the comedy circuit, his success as a festival regular, and the meteoric rise of Believe? The Myths & Conspiracies Pod. From debunking the 'bullied comedian' trope to productivity tips inspired by the likes of Romesh Ranganathan...

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop on what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Susan Nickson, the creator of the legendary British sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps , joins The Comedian’s Paradise to share her journey of writing a hit show at just 19 years old. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [...

Welcome to the interview podcast providing an inside scoop on comedy scenes across the globe. We are dedicated to speaking with the true mavericks of the comedy world. In this episode, join acclaimed comedian Dane Baptiste for an unfiltered look at his journey, from his humble beginnings to conquering the Edinburgh Fringe. Dane dives deep into the harsh realities of the comedy industry, the hurdle...

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. Join hosts Marvin McCarthy and Jack Wheeler as they interview Donatas Kveselys, the 6ft 7in Lithuanian comedian making waves in Sweden, the european circuit, Japan and conquering all UK gong shows. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, the "Lithuania...

How does a WCW announcer and WGA screenwriter become a world-class clown? Chad Damiani joins Marvin McCarthy on The Comedians Paradise to break down the link between pro wrestling and physical comedy, the brilliance of Natalie Palamides, and why every comedian should question authority. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[07:35]] Clowning vs Wrestling: Examining the surprising parallels be...

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...

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-...

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 re...