PODCAST · comedy
The Comedy Castle Podcast
by The Comedy Castle Podcast
The Official Podcast of Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle
Episodes
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Podcast #275: Mike Cronin Returns
The always funny Mike Cronin returns this weekend to the Comedy Castle, and he’s here to talk about his life on the road now, working in Las Vegas, his Michgan football podcast and much more. Joel and Mike share tales of weird road gigs, what happens when the comic is late, the pros and cons…...
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Podcast #274: Matt Conn
Matt Conn makes his Comedy Castle headlining debut this week and he’s joined Joel for a interview. Matt’s excited to go from the club’s classes, to corporate shows, church shows, rough one-nighters and now this. Matt tells how his perseverance paid off and how an out-of-state booker saw great...
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Podcast #273: Brad Wenzel, Joke Machine
Brad Wenzel has become a living legend in Michigan comedy with his hilarious, jokes-only style, and it’s a pleasure to have him back at the Comedy Castle this week. Brad talks the influences on his style, his approach to writing and when the jokes are “just for him”, and he tells us which state...
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Podcast #272: Aaron Weber
Aaron Weber is a star on the rise. He makes his Comedy Castle debut this week and talked to Joel about everything comedy on this week’s show. He’s played the Grand Ole Opry following The Oak Ridge Boys and Lee Greenwood, he’s opened up in huge arenas for Nate Bargatze, and he promotes himself…
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Podcast #271: Mitch Fatel
Mitch Fatel has been known as one of comedy’s funniest and most unique performers for almost three decades. He makes his return to the Comedy Castle stage this weekend and he tells Joel all about his career, his style and if he’s really been running a comedy club in Arkansas. Mitch talks about…
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Podcast #270: Ben Bailey From The Archives
The Comedy Castle Podcast returns with Ben Bailey. The Cash Cab star talked to Joel back in 2024, but he’s appearing this week at the club and you should go – really! Ben tells Joel of his unlikely start at The Comedy Castle, the Hollywood eccentric who gave him his break, and how he ended…...
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Podcast #269: Detroit to Austin Special w/Bill Bushart
The annual competition for young comedians starts next week at The Comedy Castle. Its curator, Bill Bushart, joins Joel to talk about why the prize is a trip to Austin and not L.A., the benefits of performing in the contest, how the judging works, and how comics can register. Hear why your…
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Podcast #268: Mike Bonner
Mike Bonner is a Detroit legend on the comedy stage, and this Memorial Day weekend he’s back for more shows. Mike tells Joel about his start at the club, the big star who inspired him (who he later watched bomb), and how he transitioned from acting to stand-up. Hear why the legendary Def Comedy...
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Podcast #267: Jaime Lissow
Jamie Lissow is on a roll with weekly television appearances and sold-out comedy shows. Jamie talks to Joel before his Comedy Castle weekend about finding success through Gutfeld, why he does early shows, touring with his doctor wife, and why he lives in Alaska, of all places. Plus, talk of TJ...
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Podcast #266: Preacher Lawson/Josh Adams
Two interviews this week, starting off with Preacher Lawson. Preacher talks being funny with his family, the pressures (or not) of appearing on America’s Got Talent, and what he learns touring the world as a famous comic. Plus, local hero Josh Adams reflects on his formative years in stand-up,...
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Podcast #265: Christian Finnegan
Christian Finnegan has been on people’s TVs for over twenty years and he makes his Comedy Castle debut this weekend. Christian tells Joel of his start on VH1’s Best Week Ever, the weird way he got on that show, his later fame from Chappelle’s Show, and the odd gaggle of celebs he met on Are…...
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Podcast #264: Jeff Allen
Jeff Allen has been a staple of comedy clubs and theaters for years and he took some time to talk before his two shows on Sunday April 12th. Jeff tells Joel about his start in comedy in the 1970s, how left clubs for churches and corporate work, and how had a career renaissance going viral……
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Podcast #263: Steven Rogers
Steven Rogers has been on tour with some of the biggest names in comedy and he talks to Joel here before his return headlining engagement at The Comedy Castle. Steven tells Joel of his start in comedy at age twenty, why older folks have so much more life experience to relate to, and how Brian…...
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Podcast #262: Laurie Kilmartin Returns
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,...
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Podcast #261: Michael McDaniel
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...
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Podcast #260: Geoffrey Asmus Returns
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...
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Podcast #259: The T.J. Miller Anthology
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… Continue reading...
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Podcast #258: Paul Mecurio: Great Comic, Annoying to Dogs
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...
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Podcast #257: Marina Franklin
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…
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Podcast #256: Stewart Huff
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… Continue reading...
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Podcast #254: Lachlan Patterson
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...
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Podcast #253: Nate Armbruster For NYE
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… Continue...
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Podcast #252: Matt Holt
Matt Holt has been waiting years to get back on the Comedy Castle stage and this week is it! Matt and Joel catch up about Matt’s start in comedy, his moving around to different states and what he misses about Michigan, and their mutual love of Bruce Springsteen. Plus, hear the greatest faux pas…
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Podcast #251: Jason Jamerson Comes Clean
Jason Jamerson has made his name as a Detroit comic who works clean. But don’t get that confused with someone who doesn’t have opinions or isn’t funny. Jason tells Joel why the Detroit Lions suck all of sudden, his recent foot surgery (and why he’s having another one), why he took a job at…
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Podcast #250: David Dyer Has A Million Views
It’s our 250th show and what better guest than David Dyer. Dave is back for his fifth interview on the show, and he’s ready with stories of hell gigs on the road, the great success of his YouTube special, the pros and cons of hair plugs and dyes at his age and much more. David… Continue reading...
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Podcast #249: JeCorey Hawkins/Joe Machi Redux
JeCorey Hawkins is a shining light on the Michigan Comedy scene. He emcees this weekend and joined us for a chat on this show. JeCorey tells how socializing in high school and college made his personality come out, his experience winning the 2024 Detroit to LA competition, his goals for blowing…
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Podcast #248: Zach Martina’s Famous Potatoes
Zach Martina headlines this holiday weekend, and he joins Joel here to talk Thanksgiving, Lions football, and the ins and outs of making a comedy special. Zach tells of the dishes he contributes to family thanksgiving, and a novel way to consume the leftovers – no turkey goes to waste! Also, why...
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Podcast #247: Josh Wolf/TJ Wharry
Two fresh interviews this week, as weekend headliner Josh Wolf brings “The Campfire Tour” to The Comedy Castle. Josh tells of the innovations he’s brought to the show with music and collaborations, working with his son, Jacob, and doing one show a week on magic mushrooms! Josh is a crowd favorite...
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Podcast #246: Tim Finkel/John Heffron
A special Comedy Castle Podcast has Tim Finkel memorializing his son Ryder, who sadly lost his battle with childhood cancer recently. Tim tells us Ryder was brave and had a great sense of humor until the very end. Tim also tells of his eventual return to the comedy stage and has thoughts on Joel...
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Podcast #245: Keith Alberstadt’s Family Business
Keith Alberstadt is a busy man as he’s traveling the country doing comedy, as well as being a father of three. Keith takes a break to talk to Joel about opening for Nate Bargatze, Halloween with little ones and the do’s and don’ts of a family road trip. Also, is Joel the most “punctual podcaster…...
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Podcast #244: Halloween Week w/ Maher Matta
While the club is closed Halloween night, we still have a huge week of comedy ahead, and Joel is here to tell you all about it. Maher Matta returns for two shows on Saturday (and hear his 2023 interview on this show), The Comedy Rumble has a Halloween-theme for this Thursday, and big student...
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Podcast #243: Sam Tallent Returns
Sam Tallent has appeared everywhere in the last few years and returns this weekend to The Comedy Castle and this show! Sam reveals why he regularly performs comedy internationally, his pride in being a Detroiter for the last few years, and what happens when you have to kick a guy out from the...
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Podcast #242: Kevin Bozeman
Kevin Bozeman has been entertaining audiences for decades. Performing all over the US and at sea, Kevin has an infectious style that makes everyone in the room roar – even grandma! Kevin tells Joel about leaving the insurance business for comedy, why he works “clean” but not always, and how he…
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Podcast #241: Hannah Osborne
Hannah Osborne has put the work in, and this weekend she features for Comedy Central star Michael Kosta. Hannah tells Joel about sneakily watching Eddie Murphy specials as kid, the influence of Dane Cook, and how she searched out the club’s comedy classes to get her start. Hear how the pandemic…
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Podcast #240: Kevin Lepine Wants To Party
Kevin Lepine has been rocking Las Vegas for a decade and a half, and his annual hometown show is about to happen at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. Kevin tells Joel why Hypnosis Unleashed is a party, not a stale hypnosis show, he recaps some recent hilarious fan encounters and tells why Vegas is…
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Podcast #239: Brian Scolaro Wants Your Halloween Pics
Brian Scolaro is a favorite at the club and Joel was so pleased to reconnect with the actor/comedian on this show. Brian tells Joel why he’s driving to Detroit from NYC, why he’s ok being single in his 50s, and why he’s not traveling anywhere far – except Alaska. Plus, hear some hilarious on-set...
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Podcast #238: Charlie Wollborg/Jacob Russell
Two great talks to head into Labor Day weekend on this show, as Charlie Wollborg brings his TEDx “X=Laughter” event to the club this week. Charlie tells of how he began promoting TEDx Detroit, how he got to the comedy stage, and what he’s learned along the way. This event has an all-star line-up,...
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Podcast #237: Tom McCarthy Cannot Be Replaced
Tom McCarthy hosted this podcast for years, and he’s back as this Saturday’s headliner at the club. Tom and Joel reminisce about the origins of the podcast, their favorite (and least favorite) guests, and some behind-the-scenes stuff that fans of this show will enjoy. Tom also tells of the night…
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Podcast #236: Ryan Brown/Camila Ballario
Ryan Brown and Camila Ballario have both worked their way up the comedy food chain, and they are both headlining The Comedy Castle (separately!) next week. In this double episode, Joel chats with both about their start in Joel’s Advanced Comedy Class, the struggles of a work/life balance with...
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Podcast #235: Will Burkart Returns
When Will Burkart last joined us, Joel gave Will some advice. We’re not here to say he took it, but new headshots aside, Will is on a career roll as he heads into his weekend at The Comedy Castle. Will tells of the pains of traveling, his comedy pet peeves, and how Bobby Lee helped… Continue...
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Podcast #234: Sean Patton
Sean Patton has made a name for himself as a headlining comedian and star of the FX series The English Teacher and he headlines The Comedy Castle this weekend. Sean tells Joel how he loves Midwest crowds, why he’s not a “crowd work” comic, and how he found an amazing venue for his latest comedy…...
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Podcast #233: Dan St. Germain
Dan St. Germain may be “comic’s comics”, but he’s one of the best and headlines The Comedy Castle this weekend and talked with us here on this show. Hear about Dan’s history at the club and his attempts to break through as writer and close collaborator with some of comedy’s biggest names. He’s…
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Podcast #232: Craig Shoemaker Is Making Babies
Craig Shoemaker has been performing at The Comedy Castle since 1991! And here he talks to Joel before this weekend’s shows. Craig tells of his early days in the Philadelphia comedy scene, does some long-since retired (hilarious) impressions, says why he supports the Detroit Lions once in a while,...
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Podcast #231: Bret Hayden’s Double Rumble
Bret Hayden has had so much success with the Comedy Rumble over the years, he has challenged himself by running TWO Rumbles on the same night this holiday weekend, and we got him for an interview to promote the big shows. Bret talks the challenges of two Rumbles, how he’s streamlined the process…
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Podcast #230: Three Comic Supershow Redux
This week’s weekend shows three great comics all who have been featured on this show before. So, here’s all of those past appearances cut together with a new intro from Joel – ninety minutes, baby! Michael Longfellow headlines as he’s on SNL and pretty great on there, too. Still not sure he’s…
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Podcast #229: Chris Porter Has No Boombox
Chris Porter is a blast! His mix of energy and social commentary makes him the friendliest, angry comic around. He’s also among the most frequent headliners at The Comedy Castle, and here he talks his move out of L.A., playing guitar with Jelly Roll, why he doesn’t use sound cues or props, and…
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Podcast #228: Wes Ward Returns
Wes Ward has been a staple of the Michigan comedy scene for fifteen years, and on July 3rd he gets a chance to headline The Comedy Castle. Wes tells Joel about his start in comedy, why road comics are really just truck drivers, and why comics need a special on video these days. Plus, the……
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Podcast #227: Jeff Garlin
Jeff Garlin is a TV legend and accomplished stand-up comic, who stops by The Comedy Castle for one show this Sunday. Jeff tells Joel how he developed his improvisational style of stand-up, the best way an emcee should introduce an act, and hear some inside stories from Curb Your Enthusiasm...
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Podcast #226: K Trevor Wilson Returns
Canadian comedy superhero and Letterkenny star, K Trevor Wilson returns to the Comedy Castle this week! On this show he talks seasonal comedy bits, a Cap’n Crunch victory, living with rabbits and the future of possible spin-offs of his hit show. Plus, wrestling talk and why you don’t deny Jake…
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Podcast #225: Josh Adams Returns
Josh Adams returns to the Comedy Castle and this show to talk honey packs, his new fans, leaving after your set and much more. Hear who Josh thinks is right int the recent Detroit comedy controversy with a downtown club and how he came up in the comedy scene was different (and better) than the…...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Official Podcast of Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle
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The Comedy Castle Podcast
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How many episodes does The Comedy Castle Podcast have?
The Comedy Castle Podcast currently has 75 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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The Official Podcast of Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle
How often does The Comedy Castle Podcast release new episodes?
The Comedy Castle Podcast has 75 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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