9 episodes

Sitcom writer and creativity expert Tim Reid uncovers top comedians' backstories by exploring their key "first times", the pivotal first steps in their lives, their careers and their creative process. Like the first time they realised they were funny, first gig, first time they died on their arse, first thing they do when they're struggling for ideas...

There'll be surprising revelations, the odd embarrassing confession, and a load of top recommendations for how we can all be more creative. In Fist Of Firsts, Tim picks the brains of the nation's favourite comedians to find out how the people who think differently think, and to flush out the method in their madness.

A 'Keep It Light Media' Production

Fist of Firsts with Tim Reid Keep It Light Media

    • Comedy
    • 5.0 • 20 Ratings

Sitcom writer and creativity expert Tim Reid uncovers top comedians' backstories by exploring their key "first times", the pivotal first steps in their lives, their careers and their creative process. Like the first time they realised they were funny, first gig, first time they died on their arse, first thing they do when they're struggling for ideas...

There'll be surprising revelations, the odd embarrassing confession, and a load of top recommendations for how we can all be more creative. In Fist Of Firsts, Tim picks the brains of the nation's favourite comedians to find out how the people who think differently think, and to flush out the method in their madness.

A 'Keep It Light Media' Production

    S1 EP8: Zoe Lyons

    S1 EP8: Zoe Lyons

    Tim talks to multi-award winning comedian and TV host, Zoe Lyons about her journey into comedy, her relationship with writing and how she lets ideas percolate away in her subconscious, sometimes for months. Zoe talks about how her unsettled childhood made her comfortable with being uncomfortable and how that's helped her as a comedian.
    Email fistoffirsts@gmail.com with your answer to our 'listener’s first' question, or just let us know a story of what you've done for the first time this week. Tim will read the best out every episode.
    Follow him on X or Instagram - @timreid69' 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 51 min
    S1 EP7: Hannah Byczkowski

    S1 EP7: Hannah Byczkowski

    Tim talks to comedian, winner of series one of The Traitors and Ghost Hun podcaster, Hannah Byczkowski about her journey from a career in health and social care, to being a Faithful in the Traitors and launching her dream career as a stand-up comedian. Hannah talks about how she develops new material live, in front of an audience, how she and fellow comedian Suzi Preece launched their podcast Ghost Huns, and how just being nice to people can get you a long way.
    Email fistoffirsts@gmail.com with your answer to our 'listener’s first' question, or just let us know a story of what you've done for the first time this week. Tim will read the best out every episode.
    Follow him on X or Instagram - @timreid69' 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 52 min
    S1 EP6: Geoff Norcott

    S1 EP6: Geoff Norcott

    Tim talks to comedian, writer and political commentator Geoff Norcott about his journey into comedy, his creative process and what he learned about his own creativity during his time working in the relentlessly demanding environment of TV comedy Writers Rooms. Geoff talks about getting his first laughs as Cowboy Geoff from Essex, about his need to get pen on paper as quickly as possible, and how he found himself becoming a vocal advocate for men's mental health.
    Email fistoffirsts@gmail.com with your answer to our 'listener’s first' question, or just let us know a story of what you've done for the first time this week. Tim will read the best out every episode.
    Follow him on X or Instagram - @timreid69' 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 10 min
    S1 EP5: Kemah Bob

    S1 EP5: Kemah Bob

    Tim talks to comedian, writer and producer Kemah Bob about how her comedy journey has taken her from stabbing her own eyes out in a play in Texas to running her own comedy nights, the FOC It Up Comedy Club in London. Kemah talks about her approach to creating new shows and the balance between keeping it spontaneous and refining her material.
    Email fistoffirsts@gmail.com with your answer to our 'listener’s first' question, or just let us know a story of what you've done for the first time this week. Tim will read the best out every episode.
    Follow him on X or Instagram - @timreid69' 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 14 min
    S1 EP4: Richard Herring

    S1 EP4: Richard Herring

    Tim talks to comedian, writer and prolific podcaster Richard Herring about his comedy journey, from student shows in Edinburgh, through the Lee and Herring years and up to the massive RHLSTP and more. Richard talks about how his daily blog has, for over 20 years, provided material for stand up shows and helped him keep the ideas flowing.
    Email fistoffirsts@gmail.com with your answer to our 'listener’s first' question, or just let us know a story of what you've done for the first time this week. Tim will read the best out every episode.
    Follow him on X or Instagram - @timreid69' 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 7 min
    S1 EP3: Adil Ray

    S1 EP3: Adil Ray

    Tim talks to actor, writer, presenter and producer Adil Ray about his first big break into radio and how he first created the comedy characters MC Raa and Mister Khan. Adil explains how he's managed to build a career that spans sitcom actor and writer, morning news anchor, hard hitting documentary producer and daytime quiz show host.  or and
    Email fistoffirsts@gmail.com with your answer to our 'listener’s first' question, or just let us know a story of what you've done for the first time this week. Tim will read the best out every episode.
    Follow him on X or Instagram - @timreid69' 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 6 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
20 Ratings

20 Ratings

The Bollyman ,

Great companion

A great companion to time in the garden or working round the house. The format and Tim’s easy style allowed the guest to open up and left me feeling I knew the guest at the end of the hour. I think the format and Tim would work well for other creatives, not just comedians

Malawijones ,

Hilariously cathartic

This is a joy. It’s therapy. Laughter out loud is definitely therapy. Tim has a soothing voice and is obviously well respected in the comedy business.

Rudgie73 ,

Insightful

Funny, entertaining and insightful. Absolutely great listen and Tim seems to get to different answers than other podcasters. Top stuff!

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