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 tricks used in a live fight [[15:58]]

[[15:58]] Unconventional combat strategies and tactical psychology [[19:07]]

[[19:07]] The truth about fighting vs professional slap fighting [[24:00]]

[[24:00]] How to spot who can actually fight and who cannot [[28:11]]

[[28:11]] Bouncer secrets: How to de-escalate aggressive people [[32:00]]

[[44:00]] The physical and mental benefits of training Jiu-Jitsu [[46:17]]

[[46:27]] Sakuraba: The legendary story of the Gracie Killer [[47:48]]

[[48:39]] What BJJ taught me about the stand-up comedy circuit [[54:44]]

[[54:44]] The eccentric and unique personalities you meet in BJJ [[59:55]]

[[59:55]] What statistically happens in a real street fight [[01:01:00]]

[[01:01:00]] Which martial art is actually the most effective [[01:03:00]]

[[01:03:00]] Why martial arts instructors change gyms so often [[01:09:00]]

[[01:06:00]] Should stand-up comedians train in martial arts [[01:06:30]]

[[01:09:00]] How I broke into the British comedy industry [[01:14:00]]

If you would like to know more on Sam, you can follow his Instagram at samolee91 and follow his podcast and production, the comedy mansion on their website at https://thecomedymansion.com/.

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. #bjjuk #bjjpodcast #bjjblackbelt #bjjblackbeltinstructor #brazilianjiujitsublackbeltinstructor #comedypodcast #bjjinstructorandcomedian

How do you interview a mime on an audio podcast? In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, we welcome viral mime star Silent Rocco! Known to millions on Instagram and TikTok for his mind-bending street performances and physical comedy, Rocco breaks his silence (metaphorically) to share his journey. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[01:25]] Handling drunk Scots, connecting with audiences, and why I became a mime [[16:22]]

[[05:00]] Channeling stage fright: Why I will stop as soon as I am not nervous [[05:30]]

[[16:22]] The good and the bad of social media algorithms for creators [[17:39]]

[[17:39]] Self-taught vs. mime school: How both independent study and formal training helped me [[21:36]]

[[21:36]] Why what works for one person won’t work for another, the problem with middlemen, and the issues with modern films [[27:53]]

[[28:00]] Suffering from a disease called people-pleasing, connecting with your tribe, and deciding what affects you [[30:22]]

[[34:20]] Why we let people decide what affects us, and why what we think isn’t that important [[36:53]]

[[36:53]] Working in terrible venues, how to stop getting offended, and taking accountability [[41:52]]

[[41:52]] A comedian's take on mental health: Why you don’t need therapy [[44:00]]

[[45:00]] The problem with performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival [[53:50]]

[[53:50]] Word of mouth and grassroots marketing: The best form of advertising [[58:24]]

If you would like to know more on Rocco, you can go on his website at https://silentrocco.com/ , or you can purchase tickets for his latest show if you are in London here:https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/untold-stories/.

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. #silentrocco #comediansparadise #mime #physicalcomedy #standupcomedy #mimeartist

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 actually started out as punks [[10:28]]

[[10:28]] Comedy in the 80s and 90s, the 2008 economic crash and how it hindered stand-up’s recovery, and how Covid almost killed the industry [[15:00]]

[[15:00]] Why I stopped performing stand-up, and the ongoing clashes between this generation and the last [[17:00]]

[[21:00]] Why everything you’ve heard about the legendary Malcolm Hardee is probably true [[27:24]]

[[27:32]] Why being a stand-up comedian and a sitcom writer are two very different disciplines [[31:39]]

[[49:19]] Is a deep understanding of human behaviour essential to becoming a brilliant comedy writer? [[59:10]]

If you would like to know more about Dave, you can find his podcast, The Shakespeare Mindset, on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/2baFbflqUTH35qbKRSftoQ. If you want more information on him, you can go to his website to buy his book at https://www.davecohen.org.uk/. 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.

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 You Need for the Fringe? [05:32]

Tom shares a hilarious opening anecdote and looks at why the Edinburgh Fringe remains so brilliant.

[01:05] The Fringe: Do What You Want, Not What Everyone Else Is Doing [14:57]A deep dive into making money at the Fringe and why it remains the absolute best place to build an audience.

[14:20] The Best Place to Get an Audience [14:42]

Why the live festival environment offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with real comedy fans.

[15:03] Are You a Club Comic or a Festival Comic & The Cost of the Fringe? [20:30]

An honest breakdown of circuit comedy versus solo shows, alongside the rising financial expenses.

[15:03] Are You a Club Comic or a Festival Comic? [15:21]

The core differences in performance style, joke structure, and material needed for these two distinct worlds.

[20:30] Being a Working-Class Comedian [22:43]

A raw, authentic conversation about class representation and navigating the modern British creative industry.

[26:55] You Can Joke About Anything & There Is No Such Thing as Bad Press [34:08]

Tom debates the limits of stand-up and whether negative media attention can actually boost a career.

[28:00] Dealing with Bad Press [29:26]

How modern comedians navigate public backlash, media criticism, and cancel culture on the UK circuit.

[26:55] Is It Funny Because It's Shock? [27:46]

An analysis of shock humour and the mechanics behind why taboo subjects trigger laughter.

[34:08] Controversy in Comedy [34:58]

Where the line is drawn in modern stand-up and how changing audience sensibilities impact comedians.

[42:00] Why Alternative Acts Struggle to Make It [43:45]

The unique hurdles that quirky, unconventional, and alternative comedy performers face in the mainstream.

[43:45] Why Taskmaster Is the Making of Comedians & Why You Need to Watch It [49:21]

How the hit TV show transforms comedy careers and why it has become essential viewing.

[52:23] Why I Respect Live Comedy Promoters [01:01:00]

A backstage look at the hard-working promoters who support grassroots talent and keep British comedy alive.

You can find out about Tom on his Linktree at https://linktr.ee/TomMayhew.

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.

#thecomediansparadise#tommayhew #comedypodcast#standup#comedian#edfringe#edinburghfringe#fringe#comedycircuit#alternativecomedy#workingclassartist#creativeindustry

#taskmaster#taskmasteruk#comedycontroversy

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 start in comedy and why I don’t use local comedians [[10:36]]

[[10:36]] Not needing gatekeepers and the work needed [[15:50]]

[[15:50]] Mid-show break / Behind-the-scenes thoughts [[18:27]]

[[18:27]] The cost of travelling and the truth of festivals [[30:00]]

[[30:00]] Intermission / Tour logistics breakdown [[33:16]]

[[33:16]] A story of advertising [[42:07]]

[[42:07]] How I got mugged by the airport police in Zagreb [[49:00]]

[[49:00]] How to find out what goes in a country [[52:19]]

[[52:19]] Living life a little and how do big names keep being funny [[58:00]]

[[58:00]] The transition to fame and staying grounded [[01:01:42]]

[[01:01:42]] Being famous and being nice [[01:05:00]]

[[01:05:00]] Being a people pleaser and comedians being bad with business and admin [[01:10:00]][[01:10:00]] Don’t be an arrogant prick [[01:13:46]]

[[01:13:46]] Wrap-up and final thoughts from The Comedian's Paradise [[01:16:00]]

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. #thecomediansparadise#standupcomedy#comedypodcast#fedorikelaar#touringcomedian#comedybusiness #redmic #touringcomedyineurope

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, comparing life in Belfast and London, while delving into the roots of Northern Irish humour and how Anglo-Irish relations have evolved over time. Here are the chapters of the episode:

[[01:21]] Why I am no longer a teacher after 18 years [[04:22]]

[[04:26]] What teaching was like 18 years ago and why it isn’t for me [[08:30]]

[[07:00]] Being asked to do more with less in schools [[08:15]]

[[12:00]] How I started in comedy and why you shouldn't join a comedy collective [[16:10]]

[[17:05]] The brilliant Dangerous T and open mic comedy characters [[23:30]]

[[25:56]] The two ways to play the Edinburgh Fringe Festival [[28:00]]

[[33:00]] Where the brilliance of Northern Irish humour comes from [[36:08]]

[[33:20]] Coping mechanisms: How to deal with the trauma [[33:54]]

[[36:08]] The culture of Northern Ireland compared with London life [[39:00]]

[[39:30]] The Guildford Four and Maguire Seven: Changing Anglo-Irish relations [[48:29]]

If you would like to find out more about Andy Gleeks, you can reach him on Instagram or Tiktok at andygleeks.

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 #andygleeks #andygleekscomedian #northernirishcomedian #exteacher

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, including booking strategies, audience demographics, and the stark reality of how "popularity equals talent" in the modern entertainment industry. Eric also tackles the massive shifts in campus culture, offering an honest look at cancel culture, political correctness, the truth about "woke" student audiences, and the unique challenges faced by a cisgender white male comedian today.Whether you are an aspiring stand-up comic trying to find your voice or a comedy fan curious about what real entertainment success looks like in the USA, this episode is a masterclass in longevity, artistic growth, and knowing your audience. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

02:00 – Pop Culture & Cobra Kai

04:00 – 30 Years in Comedy: Starting Out in Smaller Cities

06:40 – Why Skipping the NYC Comedy Scene Paid Off

10:00 – Cracking the College Circuit & Building a Long-Term Career

12:00 – Financial Realities: Buying a Car as a Comedian

14:00 – Winning the Comedy Game: Earning More Than Late-Night TV Stars

16:38 – How the College Market Has Changed18:40 – Navigating Content Overload and Industry Over-Saturation

21:58 – Cancel Culture, Woke Students, and Sensitivity on Campus

27:00 – Artistic Growth, Intention, and Delivery28:57 – The Modern Trap: Does Popularity Equal Talent?

30:17 – Follow Your Heart & Redefining American Success

40:00 – The Power of Consistency: Doing 40 to 50 College Gigs a Year

44:34 – The Fine Line Between a Bad Joke and Hatred

46:40 – Comedy in a Divided World: "If It Works, It’s Comedy"58:00 – Finding Honest Humour in Dark Places

59:00 – The Reality of Being a Cisgender White Male Comedian Today

01:08:00 – How a Comedian's Voice Changes Over Time

01:10:00 – Ultimate Advice for Booking & Playing the College Circuit

01:13:44 – Golden Rule: Know Your Audience

If you would like to know more on Eric , you can go on his website here:https://ericoshea.com/ or you can go and buy his book:https://www.amazon.co.uk/RICHEST-COMEDIAN-YOUVE-NEVER-HEARD/dp/B08FP3WJ2S.

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.

#standupcomedy#collegecomedy#comedybusiness#ericoshea#comedypodcast#howtobecomeacomedian#cancelculture

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 differences between the Glasgow and Edinburgh crowds, and the reality of booking top-tier talent in 2024.Ross shares his journey from stand-up to promoter, explaining how he handles social media trolls, keeps his line-ups fresh, and why a Glasgow funeral is famously more fun than an Edinburgh wedding. Whether you're an aspiring comic or a fan of the Scottish circuit, this is an essential look at the business of being funny.

If you would like to know more on Ross, you can go on his Linktree here:https://linktr.ee/rossleslie or you can go on the Good egg comedy linktree at https://linktr.ee/goodeggcomedy.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.