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. 6d ago

    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

  2. Aug 30

    Winning the Malcolm Hardee Award by Eating Cheese

    In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, we dive deep into the mind of Edinburgh Fringe legend and Malcolm Hardee Award winner, Mark Dean Quinn. From his legendary cult status as the man who ate a kilogram of cheese on stage at 2:00 AM, to the rules of his chaotic new late-night alternative hit, Mark Dean Quinn Tries to Walk Towards a Flipchart, we explore what it truly means to make maverick comedy.We break down the evolution of audience interaction, why live comedy is shifting away from corporate influences, and the psychological relationship between a comedian and the audience's laughter. Whether you are a comedy nerd curious about the health implications of eating dairy for an hour on stage, or a performer looking to navigate corporate sponsorships without losing your joyful, unexpected spark, this episode is a masterclass in comic originality. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the Fringe and Mark Dean Quinn 02:57 – The Unique Experience of Live Comedy 05:58 – The Evolution of Comedy and Audience Interaction 09:09 – The Relationship Between Comedy and Laughter 12:06 – The Cheese Show Phenomenon17:59 – Health Implications and the Future of Comedy 25:32 – The Art of Comedy and Performance 28:14 – Navigating Sponsorship and Publicity 29:55 – The Fringe Experience: Joy vs. Corporate Influence 36:05 – Creating Unique Comedy Experiences 39:11 – The Evolution of Comedy Shows 50:04 – Audience Dynamics and Engagement 54:19 – Finding Joy in the Unexpected If you would like to know more about Mark, you can follow his Instagram at mark_dean_quinn. 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. #edfringe2026 #markdeanquinn #malcolmhardee #thecomediansparadise #alternativecomedy #edfringe2026 #freefringe #edinburghfringe #livecomedy #podcast #edinburghfringe #edinburghfringecomedyfestival #edinburghfringe

    Winning the Malcolm Hardee Award by Eating Cheese

  3. Aug 23

    18 years of fringe festivals

    We talk to Josh "Bonesy" Rice is an Adelaide-based comedian, writer, and director who has been a staple of the international Fringe circuit since 2008. Widely known for his work with comedy group DamnitLeanne! and his regular appearances at Adelaide's iconic Rhino Room, he specialises in physical comedy, improvisation, and sketch writing. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[03:19]] Fringes and Comedy Reviews [[05:49]] [[05:49]] Tall Poppy Syndrome and Cultural Differences [[12:30]] [[12:35]] Why I Like Small Fringes [[16:43]] [[16:43]] Adelaide's Year-Round Comedy Scene [[19:43]] [[19:43]] Flyering Strategies at the Edinburgh Fringe [[24:17]] [[23:00]] Targeted Flyering: Reaching the Right Audience [[23:42]] [[24:17]] Show Breakdown and Creative Process [[33:55]] [[25:40]] Character Spotlight: Lord Sharon [[26:05]] [[34:05]] The Art of Audience Interaction and Crowd Work [[39:00]] [[44:57]] Navigating ADHD as a Comedian [[49:32]] To check out his show Lost in Translation, head to the website: https://lostintranslation.com.au/. For sketches, follow @damnitleanne on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.. 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. #joshjonesyrice #lostintranslationshow #edfringe #adelaidefringe #edfringe2026 #edinburghfringe #comedyfestival #damenitleanne #18yearsoffringefestivals

    18 years of fringe festivals

  4. Aug 16

    15 years of puppets

    Professional puppeteer and clown Michelle Stein joins the podcast to chat about her 15-year career and her solo show Always Sometimes Maybe at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We dive deep into the rich history of alternative theatre, the art of physical comedy, and why the Fringe has shifted from a haven for eccentric artists into an expensive party for the elite. Plus, we debate the merits of Chicago deep-dish pizza and plug The Pieces—a spectacular circus show performing at the Underbelly Circus Hub. If you would like to know more on Michelle, you can go on her website at https://www.michelejoystine.com/ or go to her edinburgh fringe show:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/always-sometimes-maybe. 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

    15 years of puppets

  5. Aug 9

    40 years of stand-up wisdom

    We interview Martin Mor, the Northern Irish powerhouse who transitioned from a successful career as a circus performer to take the unsuspecting comedy circuit by storm. With over 40 years of experience as a professional entertainer, Martin has established himself as one of the UK’s most popular and in-demand comedians. Now back in Northern Ireland, he works as a leading comedy tutor, sharing his decades of stage wisdom with the next generation of comics. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[00:00]] How I got started in stand-up comedy [[07:48]] [[08:26]] The evolution of booking female comedians on the circuit [[11:38]] [[17:05]] How to approach hosting a comedy night [[19:00]] [[19:00]] The difference between a comedy closer and a headliner [[20:30]] [[20:30]] Why social media comedians should transition to live stage shows [[22:46]] [[22:46]] Writing for theatre shows vs preparing for different audiences [[24:29]] [[24:29]] Knowing your value: Why I don't take fifty-pound gig spots [[26:10]] [[26:10]] TV comedy acts, bill advertising, and the state of the modern circuit [[33:00]] [[33:00]] How to get paid work as a comedian [[35:05]] [[36:44]] Doing a favour for an act: Why comedy is a team game [[38:13]] [[38:13]] What to do if you're bombing on stage & the 10-year rule to get good [[38:54]] [[39:30]] Why five gigs a week isn't enough & rising to a closer in months [[41:11]] [[42:00]] New acts vs how hard the top professional comedians actually work [[44:03]] [[44:03]] The massive difference between good and bad crowd work [[46:22]] [[47:50]] The ultimate key to mastering crowd work on stage [[51:40]] [[01:00:00]] Treat every show as a big gig & dress for the job you want [[01:04:18]] [[01:04:18]] What to do when your comedy set is going brilliantly [[01:05:21]] [[01:05:21]] The critical mistakes to stop doing when you are doing well [[01:06:41]] [[01:06:41]] Bad clowns vs bad stand-up & getting robbed by Croatian police [[01:09:00]] [[01:09:00]] Performance vs writing: How many comics master both skills? [[01:15:00]] [[01:15:00]] Building an audience that will actually pay to see you live [[01:16:02]] [[01:16:02]] Joke theft: Does your material get stolen because you're not original? [[01:19:00]] [[01:19:48]] The link between ADHD and stand-up comedy performance [[01:22:00]] [[01:38:00]] The problem with École Philippe Gaulier students leaving clown school [[01:41:00]] [[01:41:00]] The issue with Edinburgh Fringe shows from Gaulier clowns [[01:44:00]] [[01:52:57]] Landing your big break in the entertainment industry [[01:55:15]] [[01:55:15]] Debunking the biggest BS in comedy: The struggling artist myth [[01:58:00]] [[01:58:00]] Creating alternative income streams and scaling your opportunities [[02:04:00]] [[02:04:00]] How comedians lose their biggest career opportunities [[02:13:00]] #martinmor #standupcomedy #comedycircuit #comedymasterclass #comedyadvice #crowdwork #ukcomedy #stagecraft #thecomediansparadise #comedycoach If you would like to know more about Martin, you can go on his website at https://martinmor.com/. You can also 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.

    40 years of stand-up wisdom

  6. Jul 19

    Script writer and editor Andrew Ellard

    We chat to Andrew Ellard, he is a premiere British screenwriter, script editor, and story producer famed for his work on critically acclaimed shows like The IT Crowd, Red Dwarf, Miranda, Detectorists, and Chewing Gum. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[03:03]] Should Idris Elba play James Bond and the challenge of casting directors [[07:34]] [[07:34]] Why I stopped watching Doctor Who when Peter Capaldi left [[10:26]] [[11:14]] My comedy journey: Starting with Red Dwarf and getting into The IT Crowd [[17:09]][[17:20]] Why you need a unique perspective and flawed characters to write good scripts [[24:00]] [[24:00]] How sitcoms differ from traditional TV shows: Why Del Boy’s stupidity creates the comedy [[33:06]] [[33:06]] Why the American Inbetweeners didn’t work: How US sitcoms differ from British versions and the cultural psyche [[39:19]] [[39:19]] What made Chandler so good, the brilliance of Friends, and why the Joey spin-off failed [[44:28]] [[45:21]] Do you work with a lot of comics? [[49:00]] [[49:00]] Why you need your characters to be broken [[53:46]] [[56:00]] Why we fall in love with characters on TV shows and sitcoms [[01:02:05]] [[01:02:05]] How to get your sitcom commissioned [[01:06:25]] [[01:06:25]] What I’ve noticed about the best scripts and the danger of writers getting stuck [[01:12:00]] [[01:13:51]] Being a better writer and my definitive advice to comedians [[01:26:17]] 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

    Script writer and editor Andrew Ellard

  7. Jul 12

    The Silent Interview with Mime Artist Silent Rocco

    How do you interview a mime on an audio podcast? In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, we welcome viral mime star Silent Rocco! Known to millions on Instagram and TikTok for his mind-bending street performances and physical comedy, Rocco breaks his silence (metaphorically) to share his journey. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[01:25]] Handling drunk Scots, connecting with audiences, and why I became a mime [[16:22]] [[05:00]] Channeling stage fright: Why I will stop as soon as I am not nervous [[05:30]] [[16:22]] The good and the bad of social media algorithms for creators [[17:39]] [[17:39]] Self-taught vs. mime school: How both independent study and formal training helped me [[21:36]] [[21:36]] Why what works for one person won’t work for another, the problem with middlemen, and the issues with modern films [[27:53]] [[28:00]] Suffering from a disease called people-pleasing, connecting with your tribe, and deciding what affects you [[30:22]] [[34:20]] Why we let people decide what affects us, and why what we think isn’t that important [[36:53]] [[36:53]] Working in terrible venues, how to stop getting offended, and taking accountability [[41:52]] [[41:52]] A comedian's take on mental health: Why you don’t need therapy [[44:00]] [[45:00]] The problem with performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival [[53:50]] [[53:50]] Word of mouth and grassroots marketing: The best form of advertising [[58:24]] If you would like to know more on Rocco, you can go on his website at https://silentrocco.com/ , or you can purchase tickets for his latest show if you are in London here:https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/untold-stories/. 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. #silentrocco #comediansparadise #mime #physicalcomedy #standupcomedy #mimeartist

    The Silent Interview with Mime Artist Silent Rocco

  8. Jul 5

    BJJ Black Belt Instructor and Comedian

    Our guest today is Sam Diplock a comedian, combat coach and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt instructor. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[01:00]] The reality of the BJJ community and the people who train [[07:24]] [[01:13]] The Conor McGregor effect on modern combat sports [[02:26]] [[07:24]] My personal journey into traditional martial arts [[13:56]] [[13:00]] Underhand tactics and dirty tricks used in a live fight [[15:58]] [[15:58]] Unconventional combat strategies and tactical psychology [[19:07]] [[19:07]] The truth about fighting vs professional slap fighting [[24:00]] [[24:00]] How to spot who can actually fight and who cannot [[28:11]] [[28:11]] Bouncer secrets: How to de-escalate aggressive people [[32:00]] [[44:00]] The physical and mental benefits of training Jiu-Jitsu [[46:17]] [[46:27]] Sakuraba: The legendary story of the Gracie Killer [[47:48]] [[48:39]] What BJJ taught me about the stand-up comedy circuit [[54:44]] [[54:44]] The eccentric and unique personalities you meet in BJJ [[59:55]] [[59:55]] What statistically happens in a real street fight [[01:01:00]] [[01:01:00]] Which martial art is actually the most effective [[01:03:00]] [[01:03:00]] Why martial arts instructors change gyms so often [[01:09:00]] [[01:06:00]] Should stand-up comedians train in martial arts [[01:06:30]] [[01:09:00]] How I broke into the British comedy industry [[01:14:00]] If you would like to know more on Sam, you can follow his Instagram at samolee91 and follow his podcast and production, the comedy mansion on their website at https://thecomedymansion.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. #bjjuk #bjjpodcast #bjjblackbelt #bjjblackbeltinstructor #brazilianjiujitsublackbeltinstructor #comedypodcast #bjjinstructorandcomedian

    BJJ Black Belt Instructor and Comedian
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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

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