Author: Joel

Josh Adams has been one of Detroit’s best comics for years, but after his appearance on Hard Knocks with The Detroit Lions his stature has grown and he kicks of 2024 headlining The Comedy Castle. Josh tells Joel how the Hard Knocks appearance came about, how the reaction blew him away, and his approach do nailing that difficult gig. Plus, hear how Josh’s work ethic has helped him succeed in comedy, and why he didn’t like Joel the first time he met him! Josh has five shows this weekend, so you know what to do!

Phil Palisoul is “on” from the get-go, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. On this show, you’ll hear why this year’s New Year’s Eve headliner is a favorite on land and sea! Phil mocks Joel’s punctuality, tells of his surprising pre-showbiz career, what weird thing happened after he appeared on the Tonight Show, and the pros and cons of working with your wife. This is probably the longest interview of 2023 on this show, but it’s one of the best, too. There are seven chances to see Phil this weekend including two big NYE shows, so get your tickets now!

Melanie Hearn got her start in a Comedy Castle comedy class and now she’s headlining the club! Melanie talks her road to headlining, how one of her earliest bits got her booked on television, and where she intends to do comedy in 2024 – it might surprise you! Also, Joel eats good at his holiday party, comedians as holograms, and 8 Mile vs 7 Mile. Five big shows with Melanie to head into the holiday. Get your tickets now!

Nick Griffin speaks about the human condition in an angry, nihilistic way. And yet, he is the most relatable comic that you’d ever hope to see, and you’ll leave his show feeling that he’s just like you. Joel certainly felt that as the two bonded over old guy bars, rock and roll concert stories and the devastation of the pandemic. You’ll also hear their mutual love of the great comedian Bobby Slayton, and how Joel’s near-miss with NYC’s The Comedy Cellar could’ve changed his life forever. Nick has five shows this weekend – don’t miss them!

K. Trevor Wilson is an accomplished stand-up comedian, ad probably be best known as “Squirrely Dan” from the Canadian TV show Letterkenny. Before his headlining weekend at The Comedy Castle, he tells Joel about the origins of the show, developing his style in Toronto’s “pot shows”, appearing on the wild Last One Laughing TV show, and why the Letterkenny guys – live – are very different from The Trailer Park Boys. Plus, lots of pro-wrestling talk! Hear about Trevor’s early love for the sport and how his fame has helped him enjoy it more. Just don’t work with The Iron Sheik! There’s five shows with Trevor this weekend, get your tickets now!

Rocky LaPorte is one of the nicest guys in comedy – and one of the funniest, too! He talks to Joel about his start in comedy, his recent trip to Vegas, being a good Italian Grandfather and his appearance on the TV show Cheers (sorry, Ted Danson). Plus, memories of The Dick Purtan Show and the destruction of the Hudson’s building! Rocky is a blast to listen to, so get your tickets for his shows this weekend.

Zach Martina is on the podcast, but it’s not the fun, boys’-afternoon-out it used to be. Sorry, Zach! Zach talks about viral fame from his Detroit Lions “coach” videos, how he developed his physical style of comedy, his recent trip to Italy, and the possibility that there’s too much legal weed. Also, an update from Chris Barrett from last week’s show. Find out how opening for Craig Shoemaker actually went. Zach Martina is one of the best! He has four shows this weekend. Tix can be found at the link below.

In his second appearance on this show, Craig Shoemaker does something amazing. You’ll have to listen to find out what that is, but it is so great. Craig tells Joel about replacing Don Knotts, inspiring the LA Lakers, marrying Nancy Allen, being dragged with Magic Johnson, and being an unofficial member of Howard Stern’s “Wack Pack”. He also makes an offer to a young comedian that may change his life forever. Craig has appeared at The Comedy Castle for over 30 years running – this show is an example of his talents to make you laugh, and his ability to inspire. Tickets for Craig’s shows can be found at the link below.

JB Ball has appeared once before at the club as an opening act, and Joel things he’ll be a big star before too long, so see him now! Joel watched ALL of his excellent YouTube special, and the guys talk about Kanye, Florida’s weirdness, the Brad Williams circus, and the value of comedy festivals to a young comedian. JB also shares an embarrassing story from his last visit, but don’t worry he’s a pro and he finished the show. JB has five shows this weekend, so don’t miss him! You can say you saw him “way back in 2023!”. Tix are at the link below.

John Heffron frequently visits The Comedy Castle in early November. Should this be officially made “John Heffron Weekend” annually? That’s just one change John would make if he was in charge – others include opening acts busking, Saturday matinee shows and having acts do more incisive crowd work. Joel and John also talk how comedy specials have changed over the years, shopping mall memories, and how adults have ruined Halloween. There are five shows with John this weekend and tickets are limited. Follow the link below to get yours.