EPISODE · Nov 20, 2025 · 1H 31M
Chatting with comedian Mike Van Acker. From the origins of the Brisbane comedy scene to building connected communities via trivia.
from The Laughter Clinic · host Mark McConville
This week I chat with comedian Mike Van Acker and we take a trip down memory lane talking about the origins of stand up comedy in Brisbane and touring road trips. We also explore how Mike enriched his comedy career by running multiple trivia nights that keep people entertained and connected. • from open mic to headlining, the early days of stand up in Brisbane• lessons from the golden era of Australian stand-up• being a good MC and the art of stagecraft• bombing, crutches, and wanting to be better• travelling comics and customs shake downs• building trivia nights and community mental health • writing fair, interesting questions that people care about• the success formula to creating a good time for trivia goers• raising boys, mobile phones, and scrolling entertainment• fitness, sobriety, and reinventionTo follow Mike Van Acker visit: https://www.facebook.com/triviatribeIf you enjoyed the episode, please share and subscribeWebsite: www.thelaughterclinic.com.auYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."Lifeline AustraliaPhone: 13 11 14 (24/7)Web: lifeline.org.auSuicide Call Back ServicePhone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.auBeyond BluePhone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)Web: beyondblue.org.auKids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)Web: kidshelpline.com.auMensLine AustraliaPhone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)Web: mensline.org.auSANE Australia (complex mental health issues)Phone: 1800 18 7263Web: sane.orgQLife (LGBTIQ+ support)Phone: 1800 184 527 Web: qlife.org.auOpen Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)Web: openarms.gov.au1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)Web: 1800respect.org.auHeadspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)Phone: 1800 650 890 Web: headspace.org.au13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)Web: 13yarn.org.auMusic by Hayden Smithhttps://www.haydensmith.com
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This week I chat with comedian Mike Van Acker and we take a trip down memory lane talking about the origins of stand up comedy in Brisbane and touring road trips. We also explore how Mike enriched his comedy career by running multiple trivia nights that keep people entertained and connected. • from open mic to headlining, the early days of stand up in Brisbane • lessons from the golden era of Australian stand-up • being a good MC and the art of stagecraft • bombing, crutches, and wantin...
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Chatting with comedian Mike Van Acker. From the origins of the Brisbane comedy scene to building connected communities via trivia.
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