The comedians paradise

Marvin McCarthy
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  • Stand-Up Comedy
  • Updated weekly

Join comedian and promoter, Marvin McCarthy each Sunday at 8pm UK time as he interviews the mavericks of the comedy world.

  1. 18 Years of Teaching and 10 years of being a Northern Irish comedian

    1 day ago

    18 Years of Teaching and 10 years of being a Northern Irish comedian

    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

    58 min

  2. 24 May

    How to Get Booked on the College Circuit

    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

    1hr 35min
  3. Running Good egg comedy shows in the central belt

    10 May

    Running Good egg comedy shows in the central belt

    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.

    1hr 2min
  4. The Art of the struggle

    3 May

    The Art of the struggle

    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 and resilience required to survive the circuit. Barry discusses his "Mike Tyson" approach to preparation, the competitive nature of the industry, and his famously grounded advice on why you must master the small details—like "focusing on the bathroom"—before you can reach the big stage. Episode Timestamps: [[00:34:00]] Navigating the industry: Handling critics, resolving conflict, and the fundamental art of resilience [[08:24]] [[08:24]] The necessity of the struggle: Why very few performers escape the hard graft and how to use the audience as your writing partner [[14:59]] [[20:12]] Developing original material: Why great entertainers get famous and why you must accept the odds of the business [[23:23]] [[40:17]] The Andy Huggins story: A case study in the power of staying ready for your big break [[46:02]] [[46:00]] Industry reflections: What decades of managing comedy legends have taught me [[50:22]][[48:49]] Career longevity: Why holding grudges is the ultimate poison in the comedy world [[50:00]][[50:22]] Expert advice: How new and experienced comedians can use self-analysis to improve their sets [[57:55]] [[51:02]] Identifying the winners: The specific traits of comedians who actually move forward in the industry [[53:17]] [[53:17]] Beyond the 'easy' laugh: Writing great premises and what truly separates the good from the great [[57:55]] [[57:55]] The competitive edge: Why comedy is ultimately a competition and how to win [[01:03:00]] If you would like to know more on Barry Katz, you can go on his website at https://www.barrykatz.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.

    1hr 4min
  5. Why a Top Talent Agent Left to Help Unrepresented Comedians

    26 Apr

    Why a Top Talent Agent Left to Help Unrepresented Comedians

    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 give unrepresented comedians the business tools they need to succeed without a traditional agent. We discuss the "unwritten rules" of the UK comedy circuit, the reality of talent management, and how the industry must evolve to support independent creatives. Show Timestamps [[00:00]] My introduction to comedy and why I set up REPPD [[04:36]] [[04:36]] What is happening for agents and when I joined UTC [[08:27]] [[08:27]] What being an agent is like compared to Estelle from Friends [[18:22]] [[21:47]] The impact on comedians' careers that I am most proud of [[27:47]] [[27:47]] How my approach to developing acts changed in 2020 [[30:07]] [[37:00]] Analysing the audiences of different digital platforms [[39:00]] [[39:00]] The moment I wanted to set up Reppd and why I left the agency [[41:44]] [[41:44]] Who has contacted me and why my approach is universal [[47:21]] [[47:21]] The future of the comedy world and how I want to change things [[54:09]] [[54:09]] What not to do as a professional comedian [[56:32]] To know more on Kate Lennon and REPPD ,you can go on https://www.reppd.co.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. #comedybusiness #katelennon #thecomediansparadise #standupcomedy #ukcomedy #talentmanager #reppd #marvinmccarthy #comedyadvice

    1hr 7min
  6. Sharon Mannion: Stand-up Comedian and Booker of Ireland’s Oldest Comedy Club

    19 Apr

    Sharon Mannion: Stand-up Comedian and Booker of Ireland’s Oldest Comedy Club

    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 the country as the resident host and talent booker for The Comedy Cellar at the International Bar—Ireland's longest-running comedy club. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[00:00]] Sharon Mannion: The Architect of a Comedian’s Destiny [[01:58]] [[01:58]] Who is Sharon Mannion? Her Journey Through the Comedy World [[06:36]] [[06:36]] The Pros and Cons of Running Ireland’s Oldest Comedy Club [[12:02]] [[12:30]] Why I Love Improv and How It Informs My Writing [[18:31]] [[26:00]] Dealing with Hecklers: Getting Chewing Gum Thrown at Me [[30:03]] [[30:08]] Who is More Chaotic: Comedians or the Audience? [[31:55]] [[34:25]] How My Other Creative Work Shapes My Stand-up [[38:59]] [[38:59]] Why I Love "Barmy" Acts and Alternative Comedy [[44:42]] [[41:29]] Why I Love David McSavage and His Impact on Irish Comedy [[43:21]] [[45:10]] Defining the Unique Irish Style of Humour [[48:35]] [[55:00]] Why Should People Try Stand-up Comedy? [[59:15]] If you would like to know more about Sharon, you can go on her website at https://www.sharonmannioncomedy.com/ or you can reach her on Instagram at sharonmannioncomedy. 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. #sharonmannion #thecomedycellar #irishcomedy #standupcomedy #comedybooker #bridgetandeamon #dublincomedy #thecomediansparadise #improvcomedy #comedypodcast #jukeboxdonkey #middlerage #irishactors #behindthescenes #comedycellardublin

    1hr 1min
  7. Founder of Buzz comedy John Agraman Marshall

    12 Apr

    Founder of Buzz comedy John Agraman Marshall

    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: [[02:19]] How I became a comedy consultant , my journey to setting up Comedy buzz [[08::04]] [[08:12]] My pattern for booking shows and Peter kay , foreign comedians [[15:45]] [[18:39]] Whats going on in comedy now [[22:48]] [[22:48]] My attitude to joke stealing and how comedy has become dog eat dog [[30:44]] [[30:44]] My word of advice for comedians and how things have changed, the strange world of comedy [[38:00]] If you would like to know more about Buzz comedy and John Agraman, you can go on their website at https://www.buzzcomedy.co.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. #johnagraman #manchestercomedy #ukstandup #comedyindustry #comedypromoter

    45 min
  8. From The Comedy Bible to Making Money Being Funny: Judy Carter’s Ultimate Guide

    5 Apr

    From The Comedy Bible to Making Money Being Funny: Judy Carter’s Ultimate Guide

    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 overview of what we discussed: [[07:40]] The current problems facing comedy [[09:04]] [[12:06]] How to find your niche: Where to start your career [[17:11]] [[17:11]] Challenges of writing a book vs. the rise of influencers [[22:38]] [[24:00]] How my book will help your comedy career [[28:38]] [[28:38]] Five proven ways to make money in comedy [[33:22]] [[33:22]] Why Eddie Izzard is the ultimate blueprint for comics [[35:09]] [[35:09]] Why the "Golden Age" is over: Don’t listen to comedians [[39:23]] [[39:23]] The future of the comedy industry: Where is it going? [[41:42]] [[42:42]] Richard Gadd and the benefits of the festival circuit [[45:15]] [[45:29]] Why stand-up is ultimately about pleasing yourself [[48:08]] If you would like to know more on Judy, you can go on her website at https://www.judycarter.com/ or you can buy her new book on Amazon:https://shorturl.at/z21Lq. 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. #comedybible #judycarter #makingmoneybeingfunny #thecomediansparadise #comedycareer #standupcomedy #comedytips #creativeincome #showbusiness #comedywriter #humorist #openmic #comedyworkshop #judycartercomedy #thecomedybible

    50 min
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About

Join comedian and promoter, Marvin McCarthy each Sunday at 8pm UK time as he interviews the mavericks of the comedy world.

Information

  • Creator
    Marvin McCarthy
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Marvin McCarthy
  • Show Website
    The comedians paradise

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