The Comedy Castle Podcast

Laurie Kilmartin returns to The Comedy Castle this week and she talked to Joel just hours after her writing gig at The Oscars ended. Hear what it’s like to write for Conan O’Brien and the pressure that the creatives feel getting ready for the show. Also, Joel picks his favorite bit from the show, asks why there were no Secret Agent jokes, and shares his memories from a Conan taping thirty years ago. Plus, insights into the comedy writers mind – turns out it’s really hard, but you end up getting health insurance. Laurie is an amazing comic, and she’s got four shows this weekend. Tix at the link below.

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Michael McDaniel is a Detroit original and a Comedy Castle favorite. Here he tells Joel of his audacious start of his comedy career, how winning a comedy festival in 2010 helped him, and how he was booed at a church show for an unknown reason. Plus, hear how Michael’s excellent impression came about. From crying babies to Denzel to Will Smith Michael’s a master of voices and they’ll all be heard on stage on March 19th at the Comedy Castle. Tix at the link below.

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Geoffrey Asmus has really gained a following at The Comedy Castle over the last few years. Going from an opening act to a summer headliner, Geoff has used social media and his infectious enthusiasm on stage to create unforgettable performances that quickly sell-out. Geoffrey tells Joel how tough road gigs shaped his style leading to his current, interactive wild shows. Geoff also tells of seeing Dead & Company and how that inspires him to do a “twenety minute guitar solo, but jokes”. Plus, he explains the viral clip of the Green Day/ghostwriter audience member from his last time at the club – was he legit or making it all up? Joel has his thoughts, too! There are four shows this weekend and they all may sell out, so get your tickets now at the link below.

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T.J. Miller is one of the The Comedy Castle’s most popular acts and while it didn’t work out to have him live on this week’s podcast, here’s the next best thing – two interviews he did for us in 2023 and 2024. Hear T.J. tell Joel of his unique style of comedy, his affinity for chicken tenders, his origins in the Chicago comedy scene, and his peanut butter and hot sauce business. Plus, Joel shares a message from T.J. to his comedy class students that’s profound and genuinely inspiring. Tickets are going fast for T.J. this weekend – get them at the link below.

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Paul Mecurio brings his high-energy, hilarious act back to The Comedy Castle for Valentine’s Day weekend. Paul tells Joel some hilarious stories from his one man show, why he creeps people out in the park for no reason, and why he’s this close to not being able to shop on Amazon. Plus, Joel tells of his visit to NYC to see Paul at Late Night with Stephen Colbert and the VIP treatment he received but never expected. Tickets for Paul’s shows this weekend will go quickly – get them at the link below.

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Marina Franklin has credits as long as anyone’s and she brings her talents to The Comedy Castle this weekend. Here she tells Joel of her memorable scene from the movie Trainwreck, how she inspired and then played a character on HBO’s Crashing, and how her Chicago roots make the Midwest her favorite spot to perform. Also, hear how dating younger usually doesnt work and why comics always end up dating each other. Marina is a world-class talent, don’t miss her shows this weekend! Tix at the link below.

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As a true “comic’s comic”, Stewart Huff has made a name for himself in the stand-up world and he makes his Comedy Castle debut this weekend. Stewart tells Joel of living in his car on the road, why he had a hard time going to his first open mike, and why his brilliant comedy is now based more on positive things than negatives. Also, hear about a bizarre rest stop incident and life hack that’ll save you at fast-food joints – save those cups! Stewart is a one-of-a-kind talent who you are going to love. Tix for his shows are at the link below.

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Nathan Macintosh returns to The Comedy Castle this week, and Joel shares his 2024 interview with Nathan, talking technology oligarchs, delivery drivers and that Big Beaver exit. in addition to being one of the best stand-ups around, Nathan’s Instagram is so great, too! Plus, Joel unveils new editions to the Advanced Comedy Class, and celebrates an unusual victory as an emcee. Tix for Nathan’s shows can be found at the link below.

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It’s 2026, and the Comedy Castle line-up starts with Lachlan Patterson. Lachlan tells Joel of the character piece that died at the club a decade ago, his unique writing style and structure, and how Last Comic Standing was a big break, but not a pleasant experience overall. Lachlan’s a riot! Catch him this weekend! Plus, a preview of 2026 with club booker Bill Bushart who runs down the 2026 calendar at The Comedy Castle that features Mark Normand, Pete Holmes, Maria Bamford and a huge name that is getting announced for the first time. Tix for all of these shows can be found at the link below.

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Nate Armbruster has his first chance to headline a New Year’s Eve show at The Comedy Castle – and he’s the first headliner of 2026! Nate tells Joel why he’s happy to be at the club, and he’d be happy to do nothing if he wasn’t there. Plus, Nate and Joel compare wedding stories, and that Jardiance jingle is so annoying, but the folks that take it are a-ok. End 2025 with Nate and The Comedy Castle, or start 2026 the same way. Either way, tix are at the link below.

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