The comedians paradise

Marvin McCarthy
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Stand-Up
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. 4d ago

    20 years as an open mic comedy legend

    In this episode of The Comedians paradise, we sit down with a true stalwart of the London open mic circuit: the brilliant and unpredictable John Sharp. With a comedy journey spanning over two decades, John shares his raw, unfiltered perspective on what it really takes to survive on the grassroots circuit without compromising your artistic integrity. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[00:50]] Starting Out in 2004: Gigs on Malcolm Hardy’s Wibbly Wobbly Boat [[01:21]] [[02:14]] Horrible Histories & Spotting Otis Cannelloni at the King's Head [[03:43]] [[03:43]] Podcast Interruption: The Next David Bowie in the Next Room [[04:13]] [[05:32]] Agency Monopolies: How Avalon and Off The Curb Hog the Circuit [[06:19]] [[06:19]] Industry Gossip: The Rise of Chambers Management & The Comedy Cafe [[07:20]] [[07:20]] Managing Expectations: Being a 65-Year-Old Comic with Low Goals [[08:22]] [[08:22]] Niche vs Mainstream: The Freedom of Saying No to Paid Gigs [[09:00]] [[09:00]] Morals on Stage: Respecting Trans Rights & Avoiding Toxic Line-ups [[10:23]] [[10:23]] Audience Feedback: "Brilliant But Crazy" Onstage Persona [[11:07]] [[11:07]] Mental Health & Physicality: Why 'Crazy' is a Lazy Word in Comedy [[11:58]] [[21:16]] The Andrew Sachs Scandal: Should the producer take the blame? [[23:15]] [[27:23]] How comedy has changed since John started [[29:31]] [[29:31]] Closing thoughts and reflections [[33:86]] If you would like to know more on John Sharp, you can follow his Facebook profile here and see his wonderful ramblings on the circuit:https://www.facebook.com/john.sharp.1048.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.

    20 years as an open mic comedy legend

  2. Oct 15

    Off the Rails Chat with Kiwi Comedian Matt Coombe

    Grab a drink and pull up a chair! In this episode, we sit down for an absolutely mad bar chat with award-winning Kiwi comedian Matt Coombe. Known for his high-octane crowd work, relentless energy, and scene-stealing appearances on hit Kiwi shows like Seven Days, Jono and Ben, and Comedy Central’s Bouncers, Matt brings his signature chaotic vibes straight to the microphone. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[01:21]] Surprise Guest: Coombe's Flatmate Joins the Podcast [[06:21]] [[06:21]] Small Town Comedy Circuits vs Big Cities & Rugby World Cup Heartbreak [[08:22]] [[08:22]] Commercialising Greatness: Dan Carter Selling Vitamins [[10:00]] [[10:00]] Magic Tricks, OnlyFans, and Why Creators Should Avoid the Platform [[11:28]] [[11:28]] Navigating the New Zealand Comedy Scene & Dodgy Accents [[13:55]] [[13:55]] The Pavlova Debate & Edinburgh Fringe Culinary Surprises [[15:31]] [[15:31]] Festival Obsession: Why Performers Fall in Love with the Fringe [[19:00]] [[19:00]] Post-Fringe Exploitation: Skyrocketing Prices & Shocking Crowds [[21:51]] [[23:00]] Scandal & Backlash: The X Factor New Zealand Cancellation [[28:00]] [[30:46]] High Stakes: The LGB Alliance, Conversion Therapy, and Systemic Homophobia [[35:09]] If you would like to know more on Coombe, you can visit his Instagram at coombegram.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.

    Off the Rails Chat with Kiwi Comedian Matt Coombe

  3. Oct 11

    Jailed in Dubai Over an Instagram Reel

    Yash Bhardwaj is an Indian stand-up comedian, actor, and producer who was based in the UAE before returning to India following a high-profile detention. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[04:25]] Live Audience Interaction: Fans Join the Podcast [[05:42]] [[05:42]] The Dubai Arrest: How It All Began [[06:30]] [[08:20]] The Viral Instagram Reel That Sparked a National Security Threat [[10:26]] [[10:26]] Confrontation: When the Dubai Police Called [[12:00]] [[14:42]] Debunking Prison Myths and Unspoken Rules [[17:43]] [[17:43]] Psychological Survival: Keeping Your Cool Behind Bars [[21:00]] [[21:00]] The Grim Reality: Who the Real Enemies Are in a Dubai Prison [[24:41]] [[24:41]] Prison Survival Test: Would Tony Robbins or Jay Shetty Last? [[27:07]] [[27:07]] Freedom in Sight: My Final Moments in Detention [[29:00]] [[29:00]] Mentorship Inside: Training New Detainees to Cope [[35:00]] [[36:33]] Crowd Work Consequences: Roasting a Teenager and the School's Complaint [[39:00]] [[40:55]] Making Friends in Prison: Why I Don't Keep in Touch with Them [[44:40]] If you would like to know more on Yash, you can go on his website at https://yashbcomedy.com/ or you can follow him on Tiktok or Instagram at yash_hour. 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.

    Jailed in Dubai Over an Instagram Reel

  4. Oct 4

    I Spent £4,000 to Perform to Zero People at the Fringe

    In this episode, we talk to West Yorkshire comic Liam Tully, who recently made headlines in Edinburgh Live after joking that playing to an empty room for four days in a row "must be a record". Liam opens up about the brutal reality of the festival circuit, what happens when nobody turns up to your venue at the Rotunda Theatre, and how a single self-deprecating TikTok video flipped his fortune overnight. In a hilarious twist of fate, Liam's empty-room dilemma perfectly mirrored the exact theme of his 2026 Fringe show, "Adult-ish"—a stand-up hour exploring what happens when life's expectations don't quite match up with reality.From dealing with fierce internet trolls (including a memorable run-in with a user calling themselves "Scottish Beyonce") to being secretly photographed by critics in the pub, Liam shares a bittersweet, unfiltered look at surviving a month on stage. We delve into the strange psychology of online antagonism, the overwhelming solidarity found within the comedy community, and the heartwarming moment a fan from Germany came seeking life advice after a show.

    I Spent £4,000 to Perform to Zero People at the Fringe

  5. Sep 27

    An American Comic in Barcelona

    🎙️ Welcome to another episode of The Comedian's Paradise! In this episode, we sit down with Barcelona-based stand-up comedian Mariah Girouard to look behind the scenes of her fearless Edinburgh Festival Fringe show, 'Trauma Made Me Hot'. Mariah shares her fascinating journey of moving from Massachusetts to Spain, and how she managed to turn an incredibly dark, real-life survival story—a true crime tale of a man who tried to kill her—into a hilarious, tightly crafted comedy show. We dive into the fine line between true comedic structure and "trauma dumping", the differences between quick-fire American jokes and vulnerable British storytelling, and why shows like 'Fleabag' handle tragedy so perfectly. ✨ Watch/listen now to explore how a comedian transforms real-life horror into award-worthy stage material. If you would like to know more on Mariah, you can go on her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/mariahbgirouard. 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.

    An American Comic in Barcelona

  6. Sep 20

    Starting clown at 30

    What does it take to master the art of the fool? In this episode, we sit down with award-winning British physical comedian, master mime, and clown David Hoskin.Fresh from acclaimed runs at Soho Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, David unpacks his time training at the legendary international theatre school, École Philippe Gaulier. We delve into the psychological power of "embracing the flop", the precise mechanics behind his hit comedy-horror show A Haunted House, and how he treats awkwardness on stage as a creative superpower.Whether you're an aspiring performer, a theatre maker, or just a massive fan of surreal alternative comedy, this deep dive offers a fascinating peek behind the curtain of contemporary physical theatre.Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast for more exclusive chats with leading creative voices! If you would like to know more on David, go on his website at https://www.davidhoskin.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. #ComedyPodcast #AlternativeComedy #ClownLife #PhysicalComedy #PodcastEpisode #PhysicalTheatre #MimeArtist #PhilippeGaulier #ClowningAround #StageCraft #StartingOverAt30 #CreativeJourney #LateBloomer #EmbraceTheFlop #CreativePivot

    Starting clown at 30

  7. Sep 13

    From 'White Van Man' to Stand-Up Comedian!

    Join host Marvin McCarthy on The Comedians Paradise as he chats with stand-up comedian and writer Scott Adams about his hit Edinburgh Fringe show, The Van Man Can!. Discover the reality of juggling a UK delivery driver job with live comedy, mastering crowd work, and building a sustainable career on the British comedy circuit. Tune in for unfiltered backstage stories and sharp stand-up insights from a true festival maverick. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[02:45]] Being a van driver, public observation, and the reason I had to change my accent as a British 'white van man' [[14:07]] [[14:07]] Bizarre roadside observations and why witnessing a lady eating a bogey is so incredibly weird [[18:00]] [[18:00]] Exploring the most haunted roads and paranormal highway myths across the UK [[19:00]] [[19:00]] Unfiltered delivery horror stories and the absolute worst houses I have ever visited on my route [[26:00]] [[26:00]] The freedom, daily realities, and perks of being your own boss and being self-employed [[31:00]] [[31:00]] My comedy origin story and exactly how I started out on the live UK stand-up circuit [[34:52]] [[34:52]] Entering the lion's den: gigging with big-name headline comics when first starting out in comedy [[39:27]] [[39:27]] An insider look at London's famous Lions Den comedy club and what ultimately happened to the venue [[40:31]] [[40:31]] The truth about controversial 'pay-to-play' comedy gigs and navigating the live gigging circuit [[43:12]] [[43:12]] Navigating the financial realities and industry gatekeeping of the modern comedy scene [[45:42]] If you like what you here from Scott, you can reach him on his Instagram at @scottadams07. 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 #podcastinterview #standupcomedian #TheComediansParadise #ScottAdams #StandUpComedy #UKComedy #ComedyPodcast #EdFringe #WhiteVanMan

    From 'White Van Man' to Stand-Up Comedian!

  8. Sep 6

    Unionising Canadian Comedy with Sandra Battaglini

    In this interview we chat to the brilliant Sandra Battaglini, she is an award-winning stand-up comic who spearheaded a historic grassroots movement to unionise Canadian comedy, founding CASC(The Canadian Association of Stand-up, Sketch & Improv Comedians) and partnering with Unifor/CFU to secure essential performer benefits. Here is an overview of what we discussed: 00:00 – Introduction to Sandra Battaglini and Her Mission 02:48 – Sandra's Journey into Comedy and Activism 05:46 – The Formation of a Comedian's Association (CASC) 08:53 – Lobbying for Change in the Canadian Comedy Landscape 11:57 – The Impact of Unionization on Canadian Comedians 15:02 – Challenges and Changes in the Canadian Comedy Scene 17:50 – Personal Growth and Business Mindset in Comedy 21:00 – The Future of Comedy and Community Building 24:11 – Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Social Media and Comedy 26:50 – The State of the Canadian Comedy Industry 33:27 – The Struggles of Comedy and Unionization 36:43 – Life Beyond Comedy: Personal Insights 42:14 – The Unexpected Path to Comedy 48:23 – Workplace Dynamics: Comedy vs. Hospitality If you would like to know more on Sandra, you can go on her website at https://www.sandrabattaglini.com/ or follow her on Instagram at sandrabattaglini. 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 #podcastinterview #standupcomedian

    Unionising Canadian Comedy with Sandra Battaglini
See All (300)

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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