How do you build a thriving comedy circuit in the heart of Scotland? In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, we’re joined by five-time Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist, Ross Leslie.As the founder of Good Egg Comedy, Ross has become a key figure in the Scottish "Central Belt" scene. We dive into the "maverick" mindset required to run a family-run comedy collective, the distinct differences between the Glasgow and Edinburgh crowds, and the reality of booking top-tier talent in 2024.Ross shares his journey from stand-up to promoter, explaining how he handles social media trolls, keeps his line-ups fresh, and why a Glasgow funeral is famously more fun than an Edinburgh wedding. Whether you're an aspiring comic or a fan of the Scottish circuit, this is an essential look at the business of being funny.

If you would like to know more on Ross, you can go on his Linktree here:https://linktr.ee/rossleslie or you can go on the Good egg comedy linktree at https://linktr.ee/goodeggcomedy.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.

In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, Marvin McCarthy is joined by a true industry titan: the legendary manager, producer, and ‘God of Comedy’, Barry Katz.As the man who helped launch the careers of icons like Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., and Whitney Cummings, Barry offers a masterclass in the realities of show business. Titled 'The Art of the Struggle', the conversation focuses on the grit and resilience required to survive the circuit. Barry discusses his "Mike Tyson" approach to preparation, the competitive nature of the industry, and his famously grounded advice on why you must master the small details—like "focusing on the bathroom"—before you can reach the big stage.

Episode Timestamps:

[[00:34:00]] Navigating the industry: Handling critics, resolving conflict, and the fundamental art of resilience [[08:24]]

[[08:24]] The necessity of the struggle: Why very few performers escape the hard graft and how to use the audience as your writing partner [[14:59]]

[[20:12]] Developing original material: Why great entertainers get famous and why you must accept the odds of the business [[23:23]]

[[40:17]] The Andy Huggins story: A case study in the power of staying ready for your big break [[46:02]]

[[46:00]] Industry reflections: What decades of managing comedy legends have taught me [[50:22]][[48:49]] Career longevity: Why holding grudges is the ultimate poison in the comedy world [[50:00]][[50:22]] Expert advice: How new and experienced comedians can use self-analysis to improve their sets [[57:55]]

[[51:02]] Identifying the winners: The specific traits of comedians who actually move forward in the industry [[53:17]]

[[53:17]] Beyond the 'easy' laugh: Writing great premises and what truly separates the good from the great [[57:55]]

[[57:55]] The competitive edge: Why comedy is ultimately a competition and how to win [[01:03:00]]

If you would like to know more on Barry Katz, you can go on his website at https://www.barrykatz.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.

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy and Jack Wheeler are joined by industry veteran Kate Lennon.

As the first employee of UTC Artist Management, Kate helped navigate the careers of household names and worked on some of the biggest shows in the UK, including the historic Black British Takeover at the O2. Now, she’s disrupting the circuit with REPPD —a consultancy designed to give unrepresented comedians the business tools they need to succeed without a traditional agent.

We discuss the "unwritten rules" of the UK comedy circuit, the reality of talent management, and how the industry must evolve to support independent creatives.

Show Timestamps

[[00:00]] My introduction to comedy and why I set up REPPD [[04:36]]

[[04:36]] What is happening for agents and when I joined UTC [[08:27]]

[[08:27]] What being an agent is like compared to Estelle from Friends [[18:22]]

[[21:47]] The impact on comedians' careers that I am most proud of [[27:47]]

[[27:47]] How my approach to developing acts changed in 2020 [[30:07]]

[[37:00]] Analysing the audiences of different digital platforms [[39:00]]

[[39:00]] The moment I wanted to set up Reppd and why I left the agency [[41:44]]

[[41:44]] Who has contacted me and why my approach is universal [[47:21]]

[[47:21]] The future of the comedy world and how I want to change things [[54:09]]

[[54:09]] What not to do as a professional comedian [[56:32]]

To know more on Kate Lennon and REPPD ,you can go on https://www.reppd.co.uk/.

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. #comedybusiness #katelennon #thecomediansparadise #standupcomedy #ukcomedy #talentmanager #reppd #marvinmccarthy #comedyadvice

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy sits down with the "Architect of Destiny" herself, Sharon Mannion.

As a powerhouse of the Irish entertainment industry, Sharon wears many hats: she is an award-winning writer, a star of hit sitcoms like Bridget & Eamon (RTÉ/Hulu), and a veteran of the Dublin Comedy Improv scene. Today, she holds one of the most influential roles in the country as the resident host and talent booker for The Comedy Cellar at the International Bar—Ireland's longest-running comedy club. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:00]] Sharon Mannion: The Architect of a Comedian’s Destiny [[01:58]]

[[01:58]] Who is Sharon Mannion? Her Journey Through the Comedy World [[06:36]]

[[06:36]] The Pros and Cons of Running Ireland’s Oldest Comedy Club [[12:02]]

[[12:30]] Why I Love Improv and How It Informs My Writing [[18:31]]

[[26:00]] Dealing with Hecklers: Getting Chewing Gum Thrown at Me [[30:03]]

[[30:08]] Who is More Chaotic: Comedians or the Audience? [[31:55]]

[[34:25]] How My Other Creative Work Shapes My Stand-up [[38:59]]

[[38:59]] Why I Love "Barmy" Acts and Alternative Comedy [[44:42]]

[[41:29]] Why I Love David McSavage and His Impact on Irish Comedy [[43:21]]

[[45:10]] Defining the Unique Irish Style of Humour [[48:35]]

[[55:00]] Why Should People Try Stand-up Comedy? [[59:15]]

If you would like to know more about Sharon, you can go on her website at https://www.sharonmannioncomedy.com/ or you can reach her on Instagram at sharonmannioncomedy.

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.

#sharonmannion #thecomedycellar #irishcomedy #standupcomedy #comedybooker #bridgetandeamon #dublincomedy #thecomediansparadise #improvcomedy #comedypodcast #jukeboxdonkey #middlerage #irishactors #behindthescenes #comedycellardublin

Join host Marvin McCarthy on The Comedians Paradise for an exclusive sit-down with a true legend of the British comedy circuit—John Marshall, aka Agraman the Human Anagram.

As the founder of the iconic Buzz Comedy Club in Manchester, John has spent over 30 years as the ultimate "kingmaker," giving first gigs to some of the biggest names in comedy history. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[02:19]] How I became a comedy consultant , my journey to setting up Comedy buzz [[08::04]]

[[08:12]] My pattern for booking shows and Peter kay , foreign comedians [[15:45]]

[[18:39]] Whats going on in comedy now [[22:48]]

[[22:48]] My attitude to joke stealing and how comedy has become dog eat dog [[30:44]]

[[30:44]] My word of advice for comedians and how things have changed, the strange world of comedy [[38:00]]

If you would like to know more about Buzz comedy and John Agraman, you can go on their website at https://www.buzzcomedy.co.uk/.

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. #johnagraman #manchestercomedy #ukstandup #comedyindustry #comedypromoter

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Stop working for "exposure" and start getting paid. In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, we sit down with the legendary author of The Comedy Bible, Judy Carter, to discuss her brand new 2026 release: Make Money Being Funny.

Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[07:40]] The current problems facing comedy [[09:04]]

[[12:06]] How to find your niche: Where to start your career [[17:11]]

[[17:11]] Challenges of writing a book vs. the rise of influencers [[22:38]]

[[24:00]] How my book will help your comedy career [[28:38]]

[[28:38]] Five proven ways to make money in comedy [[33:22]]

[[33:22]] Why Eddie Izzard is the ultimate blueprint for comics [[35:09]]

[[35:09]] Why the "Golden Age" is over: Don’t listen to comedians [[39:23]]

[[39:23]] The future of the comedy industry: Where is it going? [[41:42]]

[[42:42]] Richard Gadd and the benefits of the festival circuit [[45:15]]

[[45:29]] Why stand-up is ultimately about pleasing yourself [[48:08]]

If you would like to know more on Judy, you can go on her website at https://www.judycarter.com/ or you can buy her new book on Amazon:https://shorturl.at/z21Lq.

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. #comedybible #judycarter #makingmoneybeingfunny #thecomediansparadise #comedycareer #standupcomedy #comedytips #creativeincome #showbusiness #comedywriter #humorist #openmic #comedyworkshop #judycartercomedy #thecomedybible

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, host Marvin McCarthy sits down with the brilliant Jack McMinn, a standout musical comedian and a true "man of interesting facts". Jack pulls back the curtain on his creative DNA, tracing his early inspirations from the deadpan genius of Flight of the Conchords and the lyrical mastery of Tim Minchin. They dive into the evolution of comedy through the noughties and tens, discussing the unique "weirdness" of being a musical act in a stand-up world and why musical comedy remains such a powerful tool for connection.

The conversation takes a deep dive into Jack’s role as an archivist of the craft, exploring his "Whovian" obsession with Doctor Who and the profound influence of The Beatles on his songwriting. To wrap things up, Jack shares one of the most legendary stories in comedy lore: the incredible true tale of how Billy Connolly got discovered. From the wild characters of the circuit to the science of a perfect parody, this episode is a masterclass in the intersection of music, history, and humour.

Episode Chapters

[[00:00]] My inspiration from Flight of the concords and Tim Minchin [[04:16]]

[[04:16]] The noughties and tens, what matters in comedy, do I get any weirdness being a musical comedian, why musical comedy helps [[13:07]]

[[13:07]] Lots of wild people do comedy and restarting comedy multiple times [[19:47]]

[[34:39]] The story of the Beatles and my love for doctor who [[45:31]]

[[52:00]] How Billy Connolly got found [[59:00]]

If you would like to know more on Jack, follow him on Tiktok and Instagram at jackmcminnpiano. 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. #musicalcomedy #jackmcminn #thecomediansparadise #musicalcomedian

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy and Jack Wheeler sit down with the "Supremo of Ventriloquism", Steve Hewlett. With a career spanning 40 years, Steve discusses his journey from the "bread and butter" of the holiday park circuit to becoming a Britain's Got Talent finalist.

Steve opens up about the reality of touring with The Osmonds in America, why he wouldn’t step onto the BGT stage in the current climate, and a fascinating story about his fan, the late John Hurt. We also explore the technical challenges of the craft and whether Simon Cowell is truly qualified to judge variety acts.

Timestamps:

[[02:41]] Going on Britain’s Got Talent, my bread and butter, touring with The Osmonds, and why I wouldn’t do it now [[11:42]]

[[05:40]] Why I wouldn’t do Britain’s Got Talent [[06:12]]

[[06:30]] My advice for talent shows [[09:16]]

[[11:42]] Why I love small rooms and why I became a ventriloquist [[19:14]]

[[19:14]] The struggles of a ventriloquist and the reward of the craft [[20:30]]

[[19:14]] The struggles of being a ventriloquist [[19:50]]

[[20:30]] Can Simon Cowell judge ventriloquists? [[42:23]]

[[51:43]] The great things about live comedy [[01:03:59]]

[[01:04:00]] If you don’t like something, don’t watch it [[01:07:12]]

[[01:04:30]] John Hurt was a big fan of mine [[01:05:24]]

[[01:07:12]] Performing a show for my mum [[01:09:50]]

[[01:10:00]] My influences and advice [[01:26:00]]

To find out more about Steve Hewlett, you can go on his website at https://stevehewlettventriloquist.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.

#stevehewlett #thecomediansparadise #ventriloquism #bgt #britainsgottalent #varietycomedy #johnhurt #comedyinterview #ukcomedy #theosmonds