This Week in Comedy

In episode 28 of This Week in Comedy, hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes welcome comedian Danny McGinlay for a loose, wide-ranging conversation about stand up, sport, television and Australian culture. Danny reflects on writing the Western Bulldogs’ famous AFL banners, especially the 2016 preliminary final line about the club being formed in “blood and boots, not in AFL focus groups.” The group joke that AFL banners might be the peak of Australian culture.The news section begins with Monty Python’s Spamalot returning to Australian stages, prompting riffs on Eric Idle, John Cleese, punchline suburbs, musical theatre and Danny’s love of The Holy Grail. They also discuss How to Talk Australians, Only Murders in the Building and Aaron Chen’s new Technology tour, with Danny praising Chen’s quiet, hypnotic comic presence after working with him on Fisk and Have You Been Paying Attention (HYBPA).A major thread is television comedy. Danny talks about his warm-up work while highlighting Sam Pang's behind-the-scenes work as a writer, producer and warm-up figure. Danny praises Pang as generous, hard-working and ruthlessly efficient with jokes, comparing his style to classic roasters like Don Rickles. He also highlights Ed Kavalee and Tom Gleisner’s skill in keeping Have You Been Paying Attention sharp and generous.The beer review features Love Shack IPA, a 6.8 percent, 375 ml can described as citrusy, tropical, stone-fruity and “subtly boozy,” though the hosts joke that two standard drinks hardly feels subtle. Danny sits out because he has a gig later, explaining that one beer tells his brain the workday is over.The history segment marks Stan Laurel’s birthday, leading to talk of Laurel and Hardy, silent comedy and Danny’s belief that Buster Keaton was funnier than Charlie Chaplin. Carl Barron, Ross Noble and Flight of the Conchords also get mentioned before Lily’s bizarre fact about daredevil Bobby Leach, Morry’s Bunnings sausage story, and Danny promoting his upcoming recorded comedy specials.Links:Love Shack IPA: Click here Be in the audience of Danny McGinlay's recorded special: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 26 of This Week in Comedy, hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes welcome veteran Australian comedian Trevor Marmalade for a loose, warm and very funny conversation about comedy, television, football, regional Australia and the strange hazards of live entertainment. Trevor begins by swapping local South Melbourne and Port Melbourne stories, then looks back to the pre-internet joke economy, when good gag tellers mattered and punchlines travelled from person to person rather than through screens.The news segment lets the trio riff on Andy Lee’s Do Not Watch This Show, Will Gibb’s move from online comedy into acting, Sam Pang’s AFL satire, Tim Minchin’s support for Edinburgh Fringe performers, and shifts at BBC Comedy. Trevor adds first-hand stories about Pang’s early producing days and the difference between writing one-liners and being funny in conversation.A major highlight is Trevor’s deep dive into Hey Hey It’s Saturday. He explains how Russell Gilbert helped bring him in as a creative consultant, and how a late stand-up spot eventually led to live crosses. His best story involves Daryl Somers sending him into Geelong’s losing grand final function, where Trevor twisted Daryl’s supportive message into a brutal fake insult and won over the studio. That led to more crosses, including the infamous Tumut “Festival of the Falling Leaf” segment, where he turned an empty park into a comic set-piece and was nearly chased out of town.The episode also pauses for a beer break, celebrating CB Co’s 500ml 20th anniversary pale ale, a welcome answer to Morry and Lily’s complaints about shrinking 330ml cans. Trevor declines because he is not a beer drinker, but the hosts praise the larger format as efficient, generous and potentially sponsor-worthy.Later, the conversation moves through comedy history, Anh Do, Phil Hartman, Mel Blanc, Bob Hope, Ian Cognito’s death on stage, Sam Newman, plastic surgery, and the Pamela Anderson mural on Newman’s old garage. Throughout, Trevor comes across as relaxed, sharp and generous with showbiz memories, while Morry and Lily keep the pace conversational, cheeky and unmistakably Australian.Links:CBCo Brewing Pale Ale: Click hereVisit Tumut and tell the locals Trevor is sorry: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 24 of This Week in Comedy, hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan are joined in the studio by Melbourne comedy and radio legend Richard Stubbs for a fast-moving chat through comedy news, festival politics, television history, beer tasting and wonderfully strange historical detours. This episode that beer is Sailor's Grave Brewing Czech Pilsner. The episode opens with Richard reflecting on his decades in Australian entertainment, from starting stand-up at The Last Laugh in 1983 to filling in for Steve Vizard on Tonight Live and hosting Hey Hey It’s Saturday. His stories give the episode a warm industry-insider feel, balancing sharp comedy observations with genuine affection for Australian broadcasting and live performance.The team then turns to the latest comedy news, including the Sydney Comedy Festival awards, where Reuben Kaye and Frankie McNair jointly won Best of the Fest. This sparks a broader conversation about how comedy festivals have changed, especially with overlapping festival calendars and the increasing cost and pressure of doing full runs.A major focus is Adelaide Fringe, following the appointment of Canadian arts leader Marc Carnes as its new CEO. The discussion expands into festival leadership more broadly, including the search for the new CEO of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, with the role now open and prompting debate about whether a comedian, administrator, or comedy-loving arts professional would be best suited to lead such a major institution.Lily also interviews Lukas Meintjes, founder of A Fair Cut, a new initiative pushing for fairer venue deals for artists. Lukas explains how confusing and expensive venue contracts can make it almost impossible for performers to break even, even when they sell well. He outlines A Fair Cut’s push for clearer contracts, no double-dipping on fees, and a suggested 30% cap on venue revenue share, with venues beginning to sign up for accreditation.The episode also covers Sam Pang stepping away from hosting the Logies, Stephen Colbert’s final week on The Late Show, and comedy history moments including Seinfeld, Andy Kaufman and Kath & Kim. Along the way, Richard reveals his love of history, gaming and reading every label in sight, while the hosts keep things loose with beer tasting, crematorium facts and Morry’s Bunnings dog story.Oh, and if you enjoyed Richard Stubbs on this episode be sure to subscribe to his podcast, The Mess Around.Links:A Fair Cut: Click hereSailor's Grave Brewing Czech Pilsner: Click hereRichard Stubb's podcast, The Mess Around: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 22 of This Week in Comedy brings together hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan with special guest Greg Curcio for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, creativity, media and the future of Australia’s comedy industry.This episode get serious, with Greg sharing outcomes from the three day Business of Comedy Conference, where discussions centred on strengthening Australia’s comedy sector. Greg explains how his company, Future Ready Now, using AI tools to analyse the conferences sessions has produced a comprehensive “white paper” outlining strategies for improving the comedy ecosystem. Topics include fairer venue deals for performers, better access to funding, stronger industry organisation and the long-term vision of creating Melbourne as the world’s leading comedy destination.The trio discuss the idea of a dedicated Melbourne comedy hub featuring performance spaces, archives, museums, bars, teaching rooms and creative collaboration areas. Inspired by historic venues like The Last Laugh, they explore how comedy can drive economic, cultural and social outcomes. Greg argues comedy is deeply undervalued despite its impact across entertainment, politics, education and workplaces.Elsewhere, the hosts unpack major comedy and entertainment news stories, including Channel 10’s upcoming comedy telemovie Cop This, the controversy surrounding Bluey royalties flowing to the BBC instead of Australia, and comedian Alex Williamson being removed from his football club over offensive comments. Morry also highlights satirist Conrad Benjamin from Punter’s Politics, discussing how comedy and political satire influence public debate.The episode is filled with lighter moments too, including a bizarre tasting session involving a thick purple “smoothie sour ale” beer, nostalgic reflections on sitcoms like Frasier, Cheers and Friends, and a conversation about international towns named Dull, Boring and Bland forming a tourism alliance.As always, the episode finishes with Morry’s “Funny in the Moment” segment, where he recounts an awkward but successful attempt at making a local bread shop owner laugh.Links:Business of Comedy Conference: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference DRAFT white paper for public consultation: Click hereContribute via the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HMFWF5BOne Drop Brewing Co Come Over Pulp Smoothy Sour Ale : Click hereFuture Ready Now: Click hereHard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 20 of This Week in Comedy lands at the tail end of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026, and there is plenty to unpack. Broadcasting from a brand new studio, the team are joined by special guest Bradford Oakes, bringing his signature insights, stories and sharp comedic perspective to the conversation.The episode opens with a reflection on the festival wrap up. While it is officially done and dusted, the reality for comedians is a bit different. From waiting on ticket sales to planning the next run, the grind never really stops. The crew chat about the highs, the exhaustion and what comes next after one of the biggest comedy events in Australia.In the news segment, the team dive into a headline grabbing protest in Brisbane, where a flash mob used John Farnham’s song Two Strong Hearts as part of a demonstration against new laws restricting certain phrases linked to Israel's genocide in Gaza. The discussion explores the importance of satire for a healthy democracy, a subject that was raised at the Business of Comedy Conference a week earlier.There is also a breakdown of the ongoing legal situation involving Rebel Wilson and her film The Deb, unpacking how controversy can collide with creative projects and impact releases.The episode goes deep into the reality of performing during festival season. Multiple gigs in a single night, long travel for short sets and the challenge of staying sharp are all part of the job. It is an honest look at the hustle behind the laughs and what it takes to survive in the comedy world.Add in the Bright Brewery’s Real Heroes Draught review, a bizarre story about pigeon guided missiles and a classic awkward public moment, and you have an episode packed with humour, insight and very Australian storytelling.Links:Bright Brewery’s Real Heroes Draught: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference: Click hereHard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 18 of This Week in Comedy sees hosts Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan joined by special guest Andrew J. Nash, former technical advisor on Silicon Valley and upcoming speaker at the Business of Comedy Conference in Melbourne, April 16, 17 and 18, for a wide ranging and hilarious conversation that blends comedy, tech, and real world storytelling.Recorded bright and early (before 9am, somehow), the episode dives straight into Andrew’s experience working behind the scenes on one of the most detail rich comedy series ever made. He shares how the show’s creators, led by Mike Judge, were committed to making the technology as accurate as possible, right down to hidden Easter eggs, real code, and in jokes that only industry insiders would catch. From freeze frame worthy screens to subtle nods to real startups and billionaires, the level of authenticity is next level.Naturally, the conversation brings up the iconic characters that made Silicon Valley unforgettable, including Richard Hendricks, Erlich Bachman, Gilfoyle, Dinesh, Jared, Gavin Belson, Big Head, Jian Yang, and the Russ Hanneman, who it turns out way based on billionaire, Mark Cuban.One of the standout discussions revolves around the infamous “middle out” compression scene, widely regarded as one of the most elaborate d*ck jokes in television history. Andrew reveals how real Stanford experts contributed to the concept, and how a fictional idea ended up influencing genuine conversations in the tech world. It’s a perfect example of how comedy can intersect with reality in unexpected ways.Beyond Silicon Valley, the conversation expands into the broader relationship between satire, technology, and society. Andrew explores why satire is essential for both healthy democracies and evolving industries, drawing parallels between comedians and entrepreneurs as people who challenge norms and rethink systems.The episode also features This Week in Comedy History, highlighting figures like Eddie Murphy and Jackie Chan, plus updates from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Chortle Award nominations, a chaotic breakfast beer review, and a bizarre historical fact involving a unit of measurement called a “butt.”Links:Andrew J Nash on LinkedIn: Click hereBoat Rocker’s Neon Pop Watermelon & Lime Beer: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 16 of This Week in Comedy lands right as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival celebrates its 40th year, and hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes are right in the thick of it.From the buzz of opening week to the chaos of late-night afterparties, Morry and Lily dive headfirst into festival season. They break down what’s hot this year, including the iconic Exford Hotel afterparty scene, rising stars like Bron Lewis hosting major gala events, and the continued rise of Aaron Chen, whose Netflix special drops mid-festival. It’s a snapshot of a comedy scene that’s bigger, faster, and more competitive than ever.But it’s not all celebration. The hosts tackle a spicy industry topic: the influx of online content creators stepping onto live stages. Does a massive TikTok following translate to ticket sales? Is the festival becoming oversaturated? And can 'digital creator comedy' hold up under the unforgiving spotlight of stand-up? Morry and Lily unpack the growing tension between online fame and live performance, sharing insights from the circuit and their own experiences.There’s also a nostalgic detour into comedy history, from The Office to early silent film icon Roscoe Arbuckle - a reminder that comedy has always evolved alongside culture (and controversy). Plus the duo have a sip of the Northern Red from Boat Rocker Brewers in Victoria.The highlight of the episode is a brilliant, down-to-earth interview with rising star Jorgia Rice, fresh off winning the Victorian RAW Comedy finals. Just over a year into her stand-up journey, Jorgia chats about her rapid rise, humble beginnings in Frankston, and what it feels like to be heading to the national finals at Melbourne Town Hall. It’s equal parts inspiring and hilarious, showcasing exactly why she’s one to watch.Plus, the usual mix of festival chatter, quirky comedy facts (yes, including pregnancy tests involving frogs), and a classic “funny in the moment” story featuring Bunnings sausages and a dog with a mullet.Links:Girls Just Wanna Have Puns show at MICF: Click hereBoat Rocker Brewers Northern Red: Click hereBusiness of Comedy Conference: Click hereJorgia Rice's Hard Knock Knocks graduation performance: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 14 of This Week in Comedy features hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes diving into the latest stories, gossip, and oddities from the comedy world with their usual mix of banter and industry insight. The episode opens with playful tension between the pair, joking about astrology, personality traits, and who should really be welcoming whom back to the studio.The conversation quickly shifts to major developments in the Australian comedy scene, beginning with the announcement of the Sydney Comedy Festival’s biggest program yet, boasting more than 400 shows. Morry and Lily highlight several headline acts, including international star Tiffany Haddish and Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd. While Lily admits she wasn’t completely sold on the Netflix hit, the hosts agree that Gadd’s notoriety alone is likely to draw curious audiences. The discussion becomes a broader reflection on how television success can revive a comedian’s stand-up career.They also spotlight family connections in comedy, sharing examples of comedians performing alongside relatives. One standout pairing is Australian comedy icon Pete Rowsthorn performing with his daughter Frankie in their show Smooth and Wrinkly. Morry and Lily reflect on other family acts in comedy, including Marty Fields continuing the legacy of his father, the late Maurie Fields, and Doug Chappel working alongside his son Tyson Chappel. The segment celebrates how comedy can span generations while still evolving with new voices.The beer of choice for this episode is the Mouth of Melbourne, brewed in South Melbourne at Brewmanity. Morry highlights that this is one of his favourite beers, and Lily recommends the audience check out Brewmanity's rooftop deck and fried pickles!International comedy also gets attention when the hosts discuss David Cross releasing his ninth stand-up special, The End of the Beginning of the End, on YouTube. Known for his work on Arrested Development, Cross’s irreverent style sparks debate between Morry and Lily about different comedic approaches and the shifting landscape of streaming specials.Later in the episode, Morry interviews animation producer Ken Cantrell, who is speaking at the upcoming Business of Comedy Conference. Cantrell discusses two projects, Snick and Willow and the developing animated series Peggy and Molly. With performers like Lawrence Mooney, Ross Noble, and Bev Killick attached, the project highlights the crossover between stand-up and animation.The episode wraps with lighter segments, including a quirky historical fact about the first alarm clock and a “funny in the moment” story from Morry involving two strangers dressed like 1950s detectives at a Melbourne petrol station. As always, Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes balance industry insight with playful storytelling, giving listeners a lively snapshot of what’s happening across the comedy world.Links:Sydney Comedy Festival: Click hereThe Business of Comedy Conference: Click hereThe Business of Comedy Conference session with Ken Cantrill: Click hereMouth of Melbourne by Brewmanity: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 12 of This Week in Comedy delivers a lively mix of industry gossip, comedy nostalgia, craft insights, and the usual offbeat banter. The episode opens with weekend reflections, including a rainy but memorable boat cruise along Melbourne’s Yarra River with a lineup of Australian comedy personalities. Among those on board were Elliot Goblet (Jack Levi), Trevor Marmalade, Wilbur Wilde, Luke McGregor’s family, and David “Hughesy” Hughes. Despite the drizzle, Melbourne’s skyline stole the show, providing a cinematic backdrop and reinforcing the sense of community within the comedy scene.The conversation then shifts to radio drama surrounding Kyle and Jackie O, currently under pressure in the Melbourne market despite their enormous $200 million, 10-year contract. An on-air clash saw Kyle criticise Jackie’s contribution to the show, prompting her to walk off mid-broadcast. The hosts explore whether the blow-up reflects genuine tension or a strategic stunt designed to generate headlines and boost ratings.Attention turns to the BAFTAs, where Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur during a presentation by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. The team unpacks the broader context, noting the ceremony was pre-recorded and selectively edited, raising questions about production decisions and public reaction, while also clarifying misconceptions about Tourette’s.Comedy history features throughout, including anniversaries of Comedy Inc., The Simpsons reaching its 500th episode, and the passing of Richard Belzer, best known for Law & Order: SVU but originally a stand-up comedian. There’s also nostalgic discussion of early 2000s sketch television and long-running shows like The Bill.The “Beer of the Week” segment reviews a 6% Venom IPA in a smaller-than-standard 330ml can, sparking a humorous investigation into shrinkflation and Australia’s alcohol tax system.A major highlight of Episode 12 is the conversation with Stig Wemyss and Anthony Littlechild, speakers at the upcoming Business of Comedy Conference. They share practical insights into producing, directing, shooting and editing comedy films, emphasising collaboration, improvisation and strong on-set energy.And the episode wraps up with another “Funny in the Moment” at Bunnings.Links:The Business of Comedy Conference: Click hereThe Business of Comedy Conference session with Stig Weymyss and Anthony Littlechild: Click hereVenom IPA beer: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 10 kicks off back in Melbourne, celebrating a milestone: double digits. The “seven-episode glass ceiling” has been shattered and the duo are officially big kids now, complete with a tangent about pull-ups, bladder control, and the tragically named “Poise” range. Lily even has a joke charting “light, intermediate, heavy” leakage levels, because nothing says showbiz like sneezing statistics.Morry and Lily then settle into the South Melbourne studio, happy to escape Sydney’s humidity and the constant roar of planes over Newtown. A quick (and slightly too cheeky) 9/11 reference lands, with the question 'too soon?'.Comedy news begins with Adam Sandler receiving the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Modern Master Award for his influence across stand-up, film, and TV. Morry admits Sandler can be a bit slapstick for his taste, but gives a nod to Happy Gilmore. Lily, representing the millennials, rides hard for Big Daddy and Little Nicky, quoting lines and praising Sandler’s underrated serious chops in Click and Uncut Gems.Next up, Jim Jefferies, who drops in as a surprise set at Melbourne’s Comics Lounge. Morry explains Jefferies’ real name and the extra “e” he added to satisfy a US union rule requiring unique stage names. Shoutout to host Doug Chappell, cruise-photo icon and future podcast guest.Then it gets darker: US comedian Ben Bankas has six sold-out Minnesota shows cancelled after a controversial joke following a fatal ICE-related shooting. The venue cites threats and safety concerns, sparking a discussion about timing, risk, and when “too soon” becomes “never.”More screens: Will Arnett’s film Is This Thing On?, directed and co-written by Bradley Cooper, hits Australian cinemas February 5. Morry reveals he made a comedy series with the same title years earlier, nearly picked up by the ABC before leadership changes killed it.Beer time: Barossa Valley Brewing’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake Stout (7%, 2.1 standard drinks) tastes like dessert—sweet, gluggy, and dangerously drinkable.Finally, comedy history: Leslie Nielsen would be 100 today (born February 11, 1926). They toast him, debate titles (Airplane! was Flying High in Australia), and wrap with a teaser interview featuring Tasmanian comedian “Red Ned” Townsend and Lars Calio’s 900,000km Volkswagen Jetta.Links:Morry's 'Is This Thing On?' six part TV show: Click hereBarossa Valley Brewing’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake Stout: Click hereHobart Festival of Comedy: Click hereRed Ned Townsend Instagram: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 8 of This Week in Comedy is a loose, lively mix of industry news, cultural commentary, beer tasting and big picture questions about censorship, art and who gets to decide whether is just that - art!The episode opens with Lily and Morry celebrating making it past seven episodes, swapping stories about a heavy midweek beer session and then cracking into a new brew - the Fig Leaf Saison by Sailors Grave Brewing. Then it's onto the news.The first major story centres on Dave Hughes, who faced an unusual heckle at a Noosa show when an audience member attempted to shut down jokes about Hughes’ own son. The situation escalated when it emerged the heckler was a carer and both got removed. The hosts unpack how this crosses from traditional heckling into real time moral censorship, praising Hughes for offering the affected fan free tickets and noting it was the first attempted onstage censorship of his 30 year career.From there, the discussion widens to whether comedy is becoming more policed, especially in the context of large corporate platforms. The Netflix Is a Joke Festival is positioned as a major global event, rivalling Edinburgh and Melbourne, but raising questions about corporate control, promotion, distribution and how much creative freedom comedians will retain under a single powerful brand.In lighter celebrity news, the hosts touch on the amicable split between Ali Wong and Bill Hader, using it as a springboard to reflect on how difficult relationships can be within the comedy industry. Touring, scheduling and public pressure all take their toll, particularly when both partners are high profile performers.The regular segment, this week in history, looks at The Kid, the 1921 silent film by Charlie Chaplin, and how it helped prove comedy could sustain emotional, feature length storytelling rather than just short gag reels. They also discuss the invention of the television, and its possible connection to tampons...or not. We're not sure.But the emotional core of the episode comes with an in depth interview with Craig Quartermaine, who was denied a Queensland arts grant on the grounds that stand-up comedy is “not an art form”. The interview explores the bureaucratic absurdity of the decision, its impact on regional and Indigenous artists, and what it reveals about funding bodies, gatekeeping and cultural stereotypes.The episode wraps with festival plugs, reflections on dark comedy and censorship, and a reminder that comedy’s job has always been to challenge ideas, provoke discussion and find the funny.Links:Craig Quartermaine original Reel regarding Queensland grant rejection: Click hereSailors Grave Brewing Fig Leaf Saison: Click hereThe Kid, starring Charlie Chapman: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first episode of This Week in Comedy for the year kicks off with relaxed, self-aware chaos as Lily and Morry ease into 2026. The conversation opens with Christmas reflections, including a clarification that while Christmas at Lily’s house isn’t fully “cancelled”, it has been significantly scaled back. So don’t worry, the kids ain’t getting coal. This leads into a surprisingly long and joyful discussion about objectively ugly footwear, with moccasins and Crocs emerging as the clear winners (for losers).From there, the episode shifts into comedy news and history. The hosts note the Golden Globes introducing a podcast category for the first time, sparking dreams (and realism) about future international recognition. Then they go dark. Dead at 88, did you know that Charlie Chaplin was a Communist?! I mean, who isn’t these days. All the kids are doing it. This theme darkens further with discussion of the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack. Satire, free expression, and the real-world consequences comedy can provoke, before the mood is intentionally lightened again.A major focus of the episode is “Comedy Country”. This is a large, PhD research project examining comedy’s cultural impact, inclusivity, and economic sustainability. Involving major universities and substantial funding, the project explores how comedy has broadened representation and reduced cultural barriers, while also asking how the industry can remain financially viable. This naturally connects to the business of comedy, streaming platforms’ obligations to fund Australian-made content, and the possibility of digital taxes on global tech companies profiting from comedy without directly supporting creators.Beer is back, baby! Morry had popped into Swords Select at the South Melbourne Market, and picked up a Kiwi lager, called ‘Mutual Drift‘ – a hoppy beer, which was well received.And then the episode looks at a near-death experience in Collingwood. That might be an exaggeration. In short, it’s a dry generational joke about football colours that lands with tension and awkwardness that one would expect when Morry tries to be ‘funny in the moment’. Ah, you just had to be there.Finally, attention turns to Raw Comedy, with an in-depth interview with comedian Drago Ivan. He talks with Lily regarding winning his heat and surviving a serious car accident that pushed him into comedy. Ivan also discusses running rooms, networking, and offering practical advice for newcomers. The episode wraps with optimism as Australia’s comedy calendar ramps up, major festivals loom, and the year ahead promises momentum for the local scene.Links:Register for Raw Comedy: Click hereThe Business of Comedy Conference: Click hereMelb Comedy Scene on Instagram: Click hereSlow Lane Brewing, New Zealand: Click hereLearn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.