We chat to Andrew Ellard, he is a premiere British screenwriter, script editor, and story producer famed for his work on critically acclaimed shows like The IT Crowd, Red Dwarf, Miranda, Detectorists, and Chewing Gum. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[03:03]] Should Idris Elba play James Bond and the challenge of casting directors [[07:34]]

[[07:34]] Why I stopped watching Doctor Who when Peter Capaldi left [[10:26]]

[[11:14]] My comedy journey: Starting with Red Dwarf and getting into The IT Crowd [[17:09]][[17:20]] Why you need a unique perspective and flawed characters to write good scripts [[24:00]]

[[24:00]] How sitcoms differ from traditional TV shows: Why Del Boy’s stupidity creates the comedy [[33:06]]

[[33:06]] Why the American Inbetweeners didn’t work: How US sitcoms differ from British versions and the cultural psyche [[39:19]]

[[39:19]] What made Chandler so good, the brilliance of Friends, and why the Joey spin-off failed [[44:28]]

[[45:21]] Do you work with a lot of comics? [[49:00]]

[[49:00]] Why you need your characters to be broken [[53:46]]

[[56:00]] Why we fall in love with characters on TV shows and sitcoms [[01:02:05]]

[[01:02:05]] How to get your sitcom commissioned [[01:06:25]]

[[01:06:25]] What I’ve noticed about the best scripts and the danger of writers getting stuck [[01:12:00]]

[[01:13:51]] Being a better writer and my definitive advice to comedians [[01:26:17]]

You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #podcastinterview #standupcomedian

We talk to Josh "Bonesy" Rice is an Adelaide-based comedian, writer, and director who has been a staple of the international Fringe circuit since 2008. Widely known for his work with comedy group DamnitLeanne! and his regular appearances at Adelaide's iconic Rhino Room, he specialises in physical comedy, improvisation, and sketch writing. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[03:19]] Fringes and Comedy Reviews [[05:49]]

[[05:49]] Tall Poppy Syndrome and Cultural Differences [[12:30]]

[[12:35]] Why I Like Small Fringes [[16:43]]

[[16:43]] Adelaide's Year-Round Comedy Scene [[19:43]]

[[19:43]] Flyering Strategies at the Edinburgh Fringe [[24:17]]

[[23:00]] Targeted Flyering: Reaching the Right Audience [[23:42]]

[[24:17]] Show Breakdown and Creative Process [[33:55]]

[[25:40]] Character Spotlight: Lord Sharon [[26:05]]

[[34:05]] The Art of Audience Interaction and Crowd Work [[39:00]]

[[44:57]] Navigating ADHD as a Comedian [[49:32]]

To check out his show Lost in Translation, head to the website: https://lostintranslation.com.au/. For sketches, follow @damnitleanne on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok..

You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #joshjonesyrice #lostintranslationshow #edfringe #adelaidefringe #edfringe2026 #edinburghfringe #comedyfestival #damenitleanne #18yearsoffringefestivals

In this interview we chat to the brilliant Sandra Battaglini, she is an award-winning stand-up comic who spearheaded a historic grassroots movement to unionise Canadian comedy, founding CASC(The Canadian Association of Stand-up, Sketch & Improv Comedians) and partnering with Unifor/CFU to secure essential performer benefits. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

00:00 – Introduction to Sandra Battaglini and Her Mission

02:48 – Sandra's Journey into Comedy and Activism

05:46 – The Formation of a Comedian's Association (CASC)

08:53 – Lobbying for Change in the Canadian Comedy Landscape

11:57 – The Impact of Unionization on Canadian Comedians

15:02 – Challenges and Changes in the Canadian Comedy Scene

17:50 – Personal Growth and Business Mindset in Comedy

21:00 – The Future of Comedy and Community Building

24:11 – Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Social Media and Comedy

26:50 – The State of the Canadian Comedy Industry

33:27 – The Struggles of Comedy and Unionization

36:43 – Life Beyond Comedy: Personal Insights

42:14 – The Unexpected Path to Comedy

48:23 – Workplace Dynamics: Comedy vs. Hospitality

If you would like to know more on Sandra, you can go on her website at https://www.sandrabattaglini.com/ or follow her on Instagram at sandrabattaglini.

You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #podcastinterview #standupcomedian