Open Mic Comedy Podcast

048 - Punchlines & Power Chords: A Musical Comedy Journey with Joe Da Costa

In this superb episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, Marc sits down with the ever-entertaining Joe Da Costa—a true triple threat in comedy, music, and acting. Joe opens up about his journey through the comedy world, revealing how his musical chops add a twist to his stand-up and sharing stories of the highs and lows that come with live performance. From early stage jitters to finding his voice, Joe recounts the lessons he’s learned on the road, how he chooses topics for his jokes, and how audience reactions keep him humble (and sometimes, hilariously humbled).
Throughout the episode, Marc and Joe cover a lot of ground. They dive into the art of writing jokes that work with music, balancing humor with rhythm, and the often-surprising moments that unfold on stage. Joe’s passion for voiceover work, his thoughts on AI’s impact on creative fields, and his quirky adventures in the world of jingles also make for some memorable moments.
But it’s not all laughs—Joe offers a candid look at the challenges comedians face in today’s digital world, from handling social media to self-promotion. With a mix of humour, insight, and personal anecdotes, Joe and Marc explore what it really takes to keep audiences engaged and entertained in the ever-evolving world of comedy.
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LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
Joe Da Costa: https://www.instagram.com/joedacosta_comedy
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Voice Over Segment: John Pape - https://www.johnpape.co.uk/

047 - Gigs, Gongs, and Gimps with Kristian Allman

In this episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, host Marc sits down with comedian Kristian Allman for a raw, insightful chat about the ups and downs of life on stage. From the tough gig lessons to the thrill of winning over a crowd, Kristian pulls back the curtain on his comedy journey, sharing both the highs of successful sets and the humbling moments that taught him resilience.
Together, Marc and Kristian dive into the unique challenges of open mic nights, the pressure of performing for friends and family, and the nuances of crafting a unique comedic voice. They break down the art of joke writing, the emotional rollercoaster of live performances, and the thick skin it takes to succeed in comedy. They also share a few laughs discussing the intensity of gong shows, where only the toughest jokes survive.
For aspiring comedians, this episode is packed with advice, from building a network in the comedy world to embracing the highs and lows with a sense of humour. Plus, the episode wraps with a spontaneous, lighthearted challenge, showing the playful side of comedy and the creative spark that keeps these comedians coming back to the stage.
 
LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
Kristian Allman: https://www.instagram.com/kristian_comedy
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Voice Over Segment: Duncan Hart  www.opengatecomedy.tv

046 - Acting, Comedy and Jazz around the Planet with Maja Bloom

Get ready for a laughter-filled, behind-the-scenes journey into the world of comedy in this episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast! Host Marc sits down with the multi-talented comedian and actress Maja Bloom, best known for her roles in Fantastic Beasts. Maja opens up about her evolution from delivering short sets to performing solo shows, and her experiences at the iconic Edinburgh Fringe.
She candidly discusses the highs and lows of life on stage, from her best moments to the times when things didn’t go as planned. With a background in film and acting, Maja reflects on how her experiences in those fields shaped her unique comedic style. Along the way, she shares insights into the comedy industry, including the reality of self-doubt, the importance of confidence, and the delicate balance of promoting shows and connecting with audiences.
Maja also dives deep into her joke-writing process, revealing how she’s always experimenting, learning, and pushing boundaries in her craft. From hilarious audience reactions to embracing her one-of-a-kind humour, this episode is packed with fun stories and valuable lessons for any aspiring comedian. And don’t miss the playful moment when Maja takes on a spontaneous challenge to weave a fresh joke into her set!
 
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who loves comedy, creativity, or just a good laugh. Tune in to hear Maja Bloom’s inspiring and entertaining journey, and discover what it truly takes to thrive in the world of stand-up.
 
LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
 
Maja Bloom:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planetmaja
Spotlight https://app.spotlight.com/0265-6755-3625
LinkTr: https://linktr.ee/planetmaja
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Voice Over Segment: Duncan Hart - https://www.opengatecomedy.tv

045 - Punchlines, Poetry and Publishing with Jack Scullion

In this lively episode of the Open Mic Comedy Podcast, host Marc welcomes back the charismatic comedian Jack Scullion for a deep dive into his unique journey through the world of comedy. Jack opens up about his early beginnings in Spain and how his style has evolved from structured routines to spontaneous, chaotic performances that now blend poetry, storytelling, and audience interaction. Together, they explore the ups and downs of comedy competitions, the importance of community support, and the challenges of breaking into television, including Jack’s recent pilot for a quiz show.
Jack also shares valuable insights for aspiring comedians—discussing the significance of preparation, networking, and the delicate balance between creativity and business. From creating horror-inspired t-shirt designs to self-publishing his poetry, Jack emphasises the importance of branding and finding joy in the creative process.
If you’re passionate about comedy, curious about the behind-the-scenes grind, or looking for inspiration on how to make your mark, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and plenty of takeaways.
 
LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
 
Jack Scullion & Your Friend & Mine:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jackscullioncomedy
https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendandminecomedy
https://www.instagram.com/notanotherquiznight/
LinkTr: https://linktr.ee/Yourfriendandmine
PoetryPod: https://tr.ee/GdN2S5ez5M
Merch: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/YourFriendandMine
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Voice Over Segment: John Pape https://www.johnpape.co.uk

044 - Growing up on Stage with Declan Evans

In this podcast episode, Declan recounts his journey into stand-up comedy, describing his early influences and the hurdles he encountered during his first gigs. He recalls the blend of excitement and nerves at his debut performance, and how much he learned from his experiences performing at venues like G and B Comedy. Declan underscores the value of mentorship in the comedy world, explaining how having a mentor has been crucial to his development. He also delves into his distinctive approach to writing jokes, which often emerges from spontaneous moments of inspiration.
Throughout the conversation, Declan talks about how important constructive feedback is in refining his skills, along with the crucial role of timing and stage presence. He reflects on key performances that have shaped his growth, illustrating how every gig contributes to a comedian’s evolution. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring comedians, highlighting the importance of finding a supportive community and approaching comedy as an ongoing learning process.
LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
Declan Evans:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declanevanscomedy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@declanevans
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Voice Over Segment with John Pape https://www.johnpape.co.uk

043 - From Bear Suits to Belly Laughs with Siobhan Dodd

In this episode we have comedian Siobhan Dodd in to chat about her wild and wonderful journey through the world of stand-up. From her memorable first gig—where she performed in a bear costume—to juggling comedy with motherhood, Siobhan opens up about the ups and downs of finding her voice in a competitive scene.
They dive into the importance of the open mic circuit, how personal life fuels her comedy, and what it really takes to connect with an audience. Siobhan talks candidly about her successes and missteps, the evolution of her writing, and the crucial role that competitions have played in building her confidence.
The conversation also explores how the comedy scene has changed since the “Me Too” movement, with both Marc and Siobhan reflecting on the need for a strong, supportive network in comedy. Siobhan shares insights into her performance style, the challenges of creating new material, and her ambitions to make it to TV. They also have a fun chat about the role of costumes on stage and why being present and spontaneous is key to a great performance.
 
LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
Siobhan Dodd: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unclesiobhan
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

042 - Fringes, Festivals & Funnies with Gareth P Morris

In this episode I chat with Welsh comedian Gareth P. Morris to talk about his journey into stand-up, the ups and downs of running comedy nights, and what it’s really like performing in different venues. Gareth shares stories from his time on the open mic circuit, how he engages with audiences, and his approach to crafting jokes. He also reflects on some of his best (and worst) moments on stage, the challenges of being an MC, and what he learned from a festival that didn’t quite go as planned.
 
This chat dives deep into the world of comedy, especially in Wales, shedding light on the hard work and passion it takes to make it in the industry. Gareth also opens up about a festival crisis and how the comedy community rallied together. He talks about his involvement in fundraising for cancer awareness and shares his experiences from various comedy fringes. For any up-and-coming comedians, Gareth offers some great advice on joke writing and performance, stressing the importance of refining your material and really connecting with your audience.
 
LINKS:
Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod
 
Gareth P Morris:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garethpcomedy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@garethpcomedy
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

041 - Edinburgh: Confronting the Reality with John Pape

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

040 - Talking the Talk on Stage with Kevan Hall

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

039 - The ABC of Comedy with Paul Certi

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