Author: Joel

The honor of the most frequent guest on this show belongs to this week’s headliner David Dyer. David joins Joel for an entertaining talk about the perils of young comedians, when a comic finds their voice, and the genius of the late Kevin Meaney. Dave tells of his worst gig ever (at lunchtime!), and hear memories of the now-defunct Chaplin’s Comedy Club and The Comedy Den in Grand Rapids. Davis has five shows this weekend, tickets can be found at the link below. To support the fundraiser for Tim Finkel’s family, which Joel mentioned towards the end of the show, please go here.

A successful comic with tons of credits and experience, Johnny Beehner joins Joel to talk comedy, basketball, and how they’ve dealt with the realities of soap wars with their partners. Johnny tells how he made David Letterman clam up, his “great” idea to have his son see him do comedy, and why the school is, almost certainly, cyber-stalking him. Johnny hasn’t been to the club in almost ten years, so come check him out this weekend. Tix at the link below.

Paul Mecurio has an energetic, spontaneous style that has made him a favorite at The Comedy Castle, and on television. He talks to Joel about his approach to local media appearances, the legendary talents that have helped his one-man Broadway show, and how his recent movie role will have him dating a Hollywood starlet in no time. Paul is a killer on stage, so come check him out this weekend – either at the Thursday fundraiser or his four shows over Friday and Saturday. Tix can be found at the link below.

April Macie returns to the club this week and to this podcast. Joel asks why there aren’t more female headliners – he has some of his own opinions, to – it’s enlightening. April also talks about growing up Catholic in Eastern Pennsylvania, the club owner who got “grabby” and what happened to a lady heckler when she jumped on stage. Plus, a boxing workout is a good one – especially if you’re married! April is a big favorite at the club, so get your tickets at the link below.

Adam Degi is one of the best guests on this show. Ahead of his shows this week, he chatted with Joel about Dad skills, the insanity of Detroit Lions fandom, and the pressures of social media on stand-up comedians. Adam and Joel also share old Michigan comedy club stories including why the feature didn’t get a meal at The Holly Hotel. Adam appears on Thursday and Friday of this week in advance of Drew Lynch’s three shows on Saturday. Tix for all can be found at the link below.

Juston McKinney returns to The Comedy Castle after over 10 years of being away. He tells Joel about making the move from Los Angeles to back to New England for his family, how young comics and veteran comics are different (for now), and the challenges of keeping up with social media as a comedian in 2023. You’ll also hear about his past life as a cop, and how he has hilariously been asked to return to ranks of law enforcement. Juston is part of a big week at the club so follow the link below for tickets to his shows and everything else going on.

Steve Hofstetter is best known for his viral “heckler destroyed” videos. But beyond that, he’s an experienced headliner and a Comedy Castle favorite who returns this week for a special Sunday show. Joel and Steve talk the origins of the viral videos, the expectations of the audience that come to his shows, how hecklers are different around the world, and how Steve is giving back to the comedy community in Pittsburgh. And yes, he’s asked about “plants” in the crowd – but the answer might be exactly what you’d expect. Tickets for Steve’s show this week, and all the shows at the club can be found at the link below.

Ryan Kelly has done a lot in a little time, and he’s making his Comedy Castle debut soon. Ryan tells Joel about his college days in Michigan, his Grandma’s Jägermeister proclivity, and all about his near-death experiences on sea, air and land. You’ll also hear how Ryan fights cybercrime, and why Jay Leno wanted to open for him. Ryan is multi-talented and hilarious and has two big shows on September 7th and 8th. Tix can be found at the link below.

High-energy comedy/hypnotist Kevin Lepine returns to the show to plug his return to The Comedy Castle. Kevin is a favorite guest of this show and he tells us of his Detroit roots, his earliest days in show business as a costumed character, the evolution of his Las Vegas show, and the one thing to never do if you get on stage. Isn’t hypnosis some phony thing with plants in the audience? If you’re thinking that, Joel asks the question, and the answer is quite revealing! Hypnosis Unleashed returns for one night on September 26th, 2023. Tix can be found at the link below.

Don’t let his massive 6’9″ frame scare you – Cam Rowe is a gentle giant and one of the funniest comics around. Cam joins Joel on the eve of his first headlining weekend at The Comedy Castle to talk his pro-sports upbringing, one-in-a-million fame on reality TV (in Europe!), and the joys and peril of comedy on-nighters on the road. Also hear how Joel’s Comedy Class helped Cam and why this weekend is a landmark for both guys. Tix for this weekend’s shows with Cam can be found at the link below.