18 Years of Teaching and 10 years of being a Northern Irish comedian

In this episode, former teacher and comedian Andy Gleeks explains why he left education after 18 years, discussing the intense pressures of the modern profession and his transition into stand-up comedy. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the UK comedy scene, wild open mic nights, and the realities of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe. The conversation also explores Northern Irish culture, comparing life in Belfast and London, while delving into the roots of Northern Irish humour and how Anglo-Irish relations have evolved over time. Here are the chapters of the episode:[[01:21]] Why I am no longer a teacher after 18 years [[04:22]][[04:26]] What teaching was like 18 years ago and why it isn’t for me [[08:30]][[07:00]] Being asked to do more with less in schools [[08:15]][[12:00]] How I started in comedy and why you shouldn't join a comedy collective [[16:10]][[17:05]] The brilliant Dangerous T and open mic comedy characters [[23:30]][[25:56]] The two ways to play the Edinburgh Fringe Festival [[28:00]][[33:00]] Where the brilliance of Northern Irish humour comes from [[36:08]][[33:20]] Coping mechanisms: How to deal with the trauma [[33:54]][[36:08]] The culture of Northern Ireland compared with London life [[39:00]][[39:30]] The Guildford Four and Maguire Seven: Changing Anglo-Irish relations [[48:29]]If you would like to find out more about Andy Gleeks, you can reach him on Instagram or Tiktok at andygleeks.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. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #andygleeks #andygleekscomedian #northernirishcomedian #exteacher