Laughing Dead

ABC
  • 4.8 (36)
  • PERFORMING ARTS

In comedy, there are at least a thousand ways to die on stage. Laughing Dead is a podcast where comedians talk candidly about their worst ever gigs. Hosted by comedian Sami Shah, who has survived his share of cranky hecklers and depressing corporate shows, the show celebrates all the things that make comics weep.

  1. 01/12/2016

    Plaything for a sheikh

    In the final episode of our first season, Sami is joined by the creators of ABC's next podcast hit, Tokyo Hotel, Ben Russell and Xavier Michelides. Improv gigs in Chi-town, prackfalls, and being hunted on a private island by rich Sheikhs, this episode has it all!

    32 min

  2. 24/11/2016

    A dark and doomed and desperate occupation

    Corporate gigs, hecklers, mining tours, audience indifference, silence, it takes a toll. How can comedians protect their sanity from the stresses of the comedy life? Sami speaks to Associate Professor and psychiatrist Dr Steve Ellen to find out.

    19 min

  3. 17/11/2016

    Blindfolded on a ladder

    Comedy can be honest. It can be searingly truthful, and intensely personal which is a powerful way of delivering laughter, but can also mean it hurts that much more when turned against the performer.

    29 min

  4. 10/11/2016

    She mouthed sorry and walked out

    In the history of terrible ideas, comedians taking their dates to a gig has to be the worst one. And if you don't know why, let Luke McGregor and Becky Lucas share their tales of tragedy and woe. Warning: adult themes like drug use and dating are discussed.

    36 min

  5. 03/11/2016

    No laughing on site

    Mining Tours are the gold standard of hell-gigs for comedians. They make corporate gigs look like a delight. Which is why, Xavier Susai and Mike G, have the emotional scars that they do. Both are veterans of the mining tours, and their stories are gloriously depressing! Language warning. It's pretty rude episode.

    33 min

  6. 28/10/2016

    Don't bring a gun to a comedy night

    Legendary comedians in their own right Bev Killick and Alexei Sayle rejoice in their failings at comedy clubs. "But the lesson I learned from that night (at the Comedy Store) is that if you point a gun at an audience it makes them nervous" - Alexei Sayle

    34 min

  7. 20/10/2016

    Comedy is too serious to be funny

    Why do comedians do what they do? And why do we find them so fascinating? This episode, instead of speaking to more comics, we change direction a little by delving into the psychology of comedians and their role in society.

    34 min

  8. 14/10/2016

    Claire Hooper

    Claire Hooper may be the face of baking on national television, but she’s still not above a gig going bad every now and then. Features a guest appearance by Xavier Michelides, who owns up to having thrown Claire under the proverbial bus.

    31 min

  9. 05/10/2016

    Immigrant Comedians

    Is it harder to win over an audience when you’re not local? Is dying on stage worse when you’re a foreigner? Two of Australia’s best immigrant comedians, Dilruk Jayasinha and Ivan Aristeguieta, regale us with their tales.

    30 min

  10. 29/09/2016

    Corporate Gigs

    No two words summon more dread in a comedian than "corporate gig." Luckily, Ben Lomas has figured out the lifehack for surviving one. Janelle Koenig, meanwhile, still isn’t over that one time on a boat with a sliding door.

    36 min

  11. 22/09/2016

    Maz Jobrani

    Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani’s done comedy all over the world and he’s got the emotional scars to prove it. This episode also features a guest appearance by the comedian’s comedian, Andy Kindler.

    31 min

  12. 19/09/2016

    INTRODUCING — Laughing Dead

    Comedian Sami Shah introduces you to his new podcast about comedians dying on stage, and regales you with a story of his own worst comedy-death.

    8 min
See All (27)

4.8
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

In comedy, there are at least a thousand ways to die on stage. Laughing Dead is a podcast where comedians talk candidly about their worst ever gigs. Hosted by comedian Sami Shah, who has survived his share of cranky hecklers and depressing corporate shows, the show celebrates all the things that make comics weep.

Information

  • Creator
    ABC
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All right reserved.
  • Show Website
    Laughing Dead

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