The Comedy Writers Group

This week I'm joined by returning favourite, Penny Greenhalgh. Penny is a TV writer, actor, clown, director - she does it all! I wanted to chat to about her experience as sketch-writer on the new ABC sketch series Urzila, starring the iconic Urzila Carlson.We talk about what it's like in the writers room, before getting into Penny's relationship with directing solo shows, writing to a formula, and we explore the "rules" when it comes to getting earnest in a festival show.I also pitch Penny a sketch!Stick around at the end for a little preview of a split-bill coming to Melbourne Fringe.Follow @pennyagreenhalghFollow your host, @marcelthecomedianFollow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with a special Sydney Comedy Festival edition of Is This Anything? where we workshop material live on the show. I'm joined by three brilliant comedians (and longtime Comedy Writers Group members!), Mandy Scotney, Rachael Sue Ragland, and Kirsty Carr, to hear about their upcoming SCF solo debuts before throwing some joke ideas around.We also chat about Newcastle Fringe, Sydney Fringe, and the realities of being your own producer. Follow @_kirstycarr_Follow @rachaelsueraglandFollow @mandy_scotneyFollow your host, @marcelthecomedianFollow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by Raw Comedy National Finalist, Jorgia Rice.Jorgia represented Victoria in the iconic open mic competition. We discuss her experience leading up to the big day and how she felt stepping onto the stage at the Melbourne Town Hall. We also chat a lot about the value of a healthy mindset and what motivated Jorgia to document the whole thing on her blog.Featuring cameos from fellow competitors Aidan Mungai, Antoine Basseto, Tilly Harrison, and Joshua Pillay. Follow @jorgia.withajFollow your host, @marcelthecomedianFollow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the brilliant Elliot Ulm! Elliot is a comedian and improviser that you might know from his huge following on the socials making comedy out of graphic design. Elliot is in town for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with his show, Book Signing.We cover a lot of ground from naming shows, imposter syndrome, growing an online fanbase, social anxiety, and get stuck into how it all began with a single post.Follow @elliotisacoolguyFollow your host, @marcelthecomedianFollow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the legendary writer and filmmaker, John Safran. We chat about how his career started with Race Around the World and the upcoming reboot. We talk about the difference between writing books versus making TV shows, and the behind-the-scenes of how things get made.The Comedy Writers Group is a podcast where we explore the behind-the-scenes of all things writing and performing comedy. This is a podcast for comedians and the comedy-curious, anyone who wants practical insight into the comedy world. We're Australian-based but we feature guests from around the world.Follow @JohnSafranFollow your host, @marcelthecomedianFollow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by comedian and "Gaulier-trained harlequin", Elf Lyons. We chat about how we first met at the iconic and infamous Adelaide Fringe venue, The Producers Hotel and take a trip down memory lane.We discuss how those early days informed the next ten years of Elf's career. We get stuck into clowning, teaching, genre, and class.Follow Elf Lyons: https://www.instagram.com/elflyons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by Chloe Petts (Have I Got News For You, Hannah Gadsby's Gender Agenda) to chat about her show Big Naturals to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Chloe explains why MICF is her favourite festival in the world before playing a game of F*ck, Marry, Kill alongside Edinburgh Fringe and Just For Laughs. We also navigate networking, vomiting before shows, and the relationship between athletes and comedians.Stick around at the end of the episode to hear Gen Fricker and Tor Snyder workshop a new joke with me.Follow Chloe.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They said that tragedy + time = comedy. What if you didn't want to wait? What if you wanted to talk about your experience immediately? This week I'm joined by James Barr to chat about his show coming to Australia, Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum). We talk about the process of turning a traumatic experience into a stand-up show, the challenging first season, working with collaborators, the power of permission, and being "OK".Follow James.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by Amy Ruffle (Thank God You're Here) to talk about her new show Vampire coming to The Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Unfortunately, we are interrupted by an unfortunate double-booking when interrupted by surprise guests, Eric Shift the tech, and comedian Josh Bong. We still manage to chat serious subject matter, collaboration, production and improv. Follow Amy.Follow Barney.Follow Ben.Follow Something Good.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's bonus episode I'm joined by returning guests, Luke Heggie and Chris Ryan. We chat merch, not caring, jokes VS story, before getting into some new material from the note section.Stick around at the end of the episode to hear me workshopping a new joke with CWG member, Katie Eyles. Catch Chris and Luke performing around the country.Follow Chris.Follow Luke. Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the brilliant Josie Long! Josie is coming to The Melbourne International Comedy Festival with her show Now Is The Time of Monsters. We chat about her new show, taking a comedy class at 14, making independent films, and how to channel more positivity into stand-up.Follow Josie.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by Jett Bond, Zoe Heim, and Elyce Phillips to talk room running, open mics, and alt comedy.Jett and Zoe run Proudly and Elyce runs Script Jam. They're all doing excellent work championing the next generation of Melbourne comedy so I wanted to get together to hear about them and their approach.This episode is FREE to listen for a limited time only!Follow Proudly.Follow Script Jam.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by Abby Wambaugh who is bringing her show, The First Three Minutes of Seventeen Shows, to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. I figured there was no better way to promote the occasion than to do a very special concept episode where we do the first three minutes of seventeen podcast episodes.Follow Abby.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Special thanks to the contributors on this episode: Emma Leonard, Maddie Stokes, Dan Hough, Rob Hislop, Gabi De Bartha, and Jaye Heather.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steph Tisdell returns to continue our journey together developing her new show Steph Tisdell is Fat touring the country this year. In this episode we get into finding confidence, discussing the first act, and resisting the urge to apologise.Make sure you listen to Part 1 first.This episode is FREE to listen for a limited time only!Find tix to Steph's show here.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara Ricote (Mitchell & Webb are Not Helping, QI, Edinburgh Best Newcomer) is back on the podcast to chat about her new show INKLING coming to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. We dig into Lara's London lifestyle, how she landed her recent TV roles, and how she has been developing her latest live show.It's a delightful time.Follow Lara.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci of HYPROV, a live show that combines hypnosis and improvisation going on tour around Australia and NZ.We chat about Asad's relationship with hypnosis, how they both found improv in their lives, how Colin was cast in Whose Line Is It Anyway, and how Asad dreamed up the Hyprov concept.We also get into pre-show and after-show routines, AI "art", and hypnosis as an anesthetic!Get your tickets to Hyprov here.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by comedian, actor, and author, Steph Tisdell (Bump, Class of 07, Total Control) for the first in a series of episodes where I will be directing her new show Steph Tisdell is Fat coming to Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.Across this EPIC special episode, you'll be a fly-on-the-wall to our first meeting. You will hear everything that Steph wants to pour into her new show, her relationship with stand-up, fitness, diet culture, weight, regulation, anxiety, ADHD, singing, dancing, and so much more.It's frank, it's personal, it's a great conversation.Follow Steph.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Bloom, author of Finding Your Comic Genius (now in audiobook form) returns to the podcast to answer questions submitted by the CWG community. We chat about his time in Australia, boom-mic moments, recording the book, and workshop one of my new jokes.Become a member to access the bonus episode where Adam and I dig deeper into persona.Thanks to Amy, Huw, Jeremy, and Reegan for their questions.Follow Adam.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm alone in the studio answering YOUR questions! Alice wants to know about starting a podcast, Lily asks about being married to an actor / comedian, Sarah wants to know about marketing strategies, Marnie is keen to hear about directing, and Beray has a question about accents.I also listen back to one of my recent sets and try and assess myself in real time.Let's get stuck into it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the fabulous Steph Crothers! Steph is an improviser, stand-up, and voice actor. We chat about her career as a stripper, children's entertainer, and how she's combining both experiences into her new MICF show Daddy Day Care.We also get into how AI is coming for the Voice Actor jobs. Check out this week's bonus episode on Thursday for even more Steph!Follow Steph.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the brilliant Sweeney Preston. You might know Sweeney from his work in In Pour Taste, Late Nite Powerpoint Showcase, or seeing his stand-up shows around the world.We chat about his experience taking his wine-tasting comedy show that he co-created with his counterpart Ethan Cavanagh to Las Vegas. We also dig into his experience writing for Spicks & Specks, his solo show Australia's Worst Journalist. Follow Sweeney.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the return of the IS THIS ANYTHING? format where I workshop new bits and pieces with a special guest. This week I'm joined by Leigh Qurban. We started out in Adelaide together and we catch up on fourteen years of stand-up, starting out in a small pond, moving to the big smoke, and what it's like to be a new parent doing comedy.Follow Leigh.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that time again! We're looking back on the year that was with my special guest co-host (as always) Freya Morton and our guest, Jeremy Dooley!We chat about our comedy highlights in TV, movies, and comedy specials.In Part 2 (available Thursday in the BONUS feed) we chat personal comedy highlights, favourite books, and we announce The CWG Comedian of the Year!Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our most epic episode yet! I've invited everyone from the Christmas Party for a Marathon Podcast. Recorded at the CWG Christmas Party. I hope it makes you feel like you were there!Featuring Ben Volchok, Brad Shean, Alice Jones, Lukas Opasinov, Marnie Mills, Louis Nicoll, RJ Carey, Sowmya Hiremath, Tamara Absalom, Dean Gallagher, Noni Field, Jason Roche, Laura Bruce, Roisin McAlinden, Belinda Anderson-Hunt, Matt Jenner, Yeluselemi, and Ece Musatoff.We cover so many subjects from Christmas Party chit-chat, dogs VS babies, accents, alt comedy, clown school, European holidays, first jobs, and so much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast I'm joined by actor, comedian, and content-creator, Charlotte Grimmer. Charlotte boasts over 200K followers across her platforms and has hit millions of views.We chat about graduating NIDA, her first video, performing her solo show in Edinburgh, sponsored-content, the creative process, and her upcoming Melbourne International Comedy Festival season.Follow Charlotte here.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon.Unlock on our online meet-ups and workshopsAccess weekly bonus episodesAccess the first 90 episodes of the podcastExclusive access to our discord and facebook groups  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast I'm joined by the Director of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Susan Provan. Susan is an icon of the Australian comedy scene and it was great to get to chat with her. It's my first guest with an Order of Australia!Susan and I talk about the history of the Comedy Festival, how it's evolved over the years, programming, scouting, judging Raw Comedy, marketing, AI, and how she stays excited about the job.Tickets for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival are now on sale for 2026.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes along with the first 90 episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord communities, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NYC comedian Myq Kaplan returns to the podcast this week to talk all about his new special RINI now available on Youtube. Myq Kaplan is an absolutely profilic comedian boasting more than 20 years of experiences and with appearances on Conan, Letterman, and Last Comic Standing (just to name a few.)We have a great chat about co-authoring a special, creating the perfect title for a show, promotion stamina, the nature of comedy, and lots more.Follow Myq.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm joined by the brilliant Dave Thornton. Dave has been crushing it in comedy for more than twenty years. You might know Dave from stand-up stages around the world, and all the iconic shows over the years from Rove Live to The Project. We chat about what motivated Dave to get into stand-up, the challenges of self-promotion, celebrating the wins, and his new stand-up special Nothing's Unpossible, available on Youtube. We also discuss what it's like to both have grandparents in the Dutch Resistance.Follow Dave here.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the brilliant Claire Robin from the multi-award winning show, Nun Slut. I chat to Claire about the development of the show, her relationship with clowning, acting school, keeping the show fresh, and what it's like to get recognition in the form of AWARDS!We also discuss the value of The Comedy Writers Group and the upcoming Comedy Writers Group Retreat coming up in January.Follow Claire here.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're talking web-series with the creators of 'Til You Make It which has recently dropped on Youtube. I'm joined by actor Emma Choy, writer / actor Phillip Hayden, and producer Riley Sugars. We chat about how the show emerged, evolved, and how satisfying it is to put it out into the world.We also discuss the challenges of juggling work and parent life, and the hopes for the future of the series.You can watch all the episodes here and follow the behind-the-scenes on instagram.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by actor, writer, producer, director, Casey Feigh all the way from LA. We chat about his hit show Holy Shit Improv and it's upcoming Australian tour. We get into Casey's surprising comedy origins, his passion for improv, his relationship with feedback, and what motivates him to produce shows.Follow Holy Shit Improv and get tickets to upcoming shows.Follow Casey.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest this week is the brilliant Tim Batt. Tim is a comedian, podcaster, and producer. Podcast fans will know him from his cult-hit podcast The Worst Idea of All Time that he co-hosts alongside Guy Montgomery.We discuss making stuff for money versus making stuff for fun, the origins of his podcast, shooting a pilot in a sewer, and the preciousness of time as parent.Follow Tim Batt.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for another Group Workshop episode! I'm joined by Comedy Writers Group members: Mema, Phil, and Christopher to workshop some new material and tackle some challenging scenarios.We chat about how to approach performing outside, turning sandwiches into a story, and how boring sobriety can be. We also discuss the pre-show ritual and how we prepare for a show.Follow Mema.Follow Phil.Follow Chris.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the great Ray O'Leary (Thank God You're Here, Have You Been Paying Attention, Taskmaster NZ). We chat about how things changed when Ray put on the suit, starting out in Wellington, being stopped in the street, the value of setting goals, and the importance of persona.Follow Ray.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by John Glover who you might know from the Sydney comedy scene, or from the world-wide phenomenon, Breaking The Musical. We chat about John leaving his full-time job for comedy, explore the Japanese philosophy of ikigai (the reason for being), his stand-up special , and how he plans to make the most of the next twelve months in his comedy career.Follow John.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the iconic Roz Hammond. You might know Roz from every brilliant Australian comedy from the past thirty years like The Dish, Muriel's Wedding, Mad as Hell, The Librarians, Full Frontal, or The Eric Bana Sketch Show.We chat about Roz's career, how she got started, how she persevered, and what led her to running public speaking workshops. I also gather the courage to tell Roz about my screenplay.Follow Roz.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by comedian, musician, actor, Blake Everett. We chat about his latest project The Wham Bam Thankyou Jam, his children's theatre company, meeting his comedy heroes, and the value of having fun.Follow Blake.Follow The Wham Bam Thankyou Jam.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the brilliant Gen Fricker! We chat about Gen's return to stand-up, her love for Maria Bamford, her first directing experience, and what she has learned (and unlearned) from her fifteen years in comedy. It's a fantastic chat.Follow Gen.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for a Group Workshop episode! I'm joined by up-and-coming comedians (and CWG members) Maggie Baker, Marnie Mills, and Freya Morton for a comedy roundtable. We swap jokes, stories, and advice.We cover a lot of ground in this episode from how to end a story, dealing with heavy subject matter, structuring a show, and a whole lot of ADULTS ONLY content that will sound too strange outside of context.Follow Freya.Follow Marnie.Follow Maggie.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's bonus episode I'm joined by Chris McAllister AKA The Trans Comedian (boasting 49.1K followers on instagram!) to chat about going into comedy full-time. We talk about the first gig, making stuff for the internet, we workshop a new joke, and more.Chris is a member of the CWG and I always love platforming our members. Catch Chris and a line-up of gender-diverse comedians at the Sydney Fringe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the brilliant Daniel Connell (Have You Been Paying Attention, MICF Gala) to chat about his latest special Little Aussie Battler available to watch now on Youtube. We chat about Dan's fifteen years in stand-up, his relationship with bells and whistles, the value of management, and how he approaches filming his work.Follow Dan here.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's bonus episode I'm joined by Bahaa Dabbagh to talk about turning his story as a refugee into a comedy show premiering at the Melbourne Fringe Festival.We chat about the gig that started it all, show development, the Melbourne open mic scene, community events and much more.Buy tickets to My Refugee Disorder here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by returning guest Emma Leonard to chat about the premiere of her movie Zombucha at the Melbourne International Film Festival. We chatted about the writing of the screenplay way back on Episode 49! I'm also lucky to be joined by special guest co-host Eleanor Stankiewicz.We chat about how it feels to see your vision on the big screen, the development process, early reviews, creative relationships, test screenings, the next phase of making a movie, and a whole lot more.Follow Emma Leonard.Follow Eleanor Stankiewicz.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by Ece, Beray, and Esma from comedy collective: The Migration Office. We talk about what it's like to come to comedy from a Muslim background, joining improv to help with conversational Turkish, variety nights, character comedy, and how open mics compare to community-led events.Follow Esma, Beray, and Ece.Follow The Seeker's Stage.Follow The Migration Office for upcoming shows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast I'm joined by the great Oliver Hunter.We chat about the fun-side and not-so-fun side of stand-up comedy, cracking jokes about living with a disability, the first bomb, and his new show that dares to get a bit darker and angrier.Follow Oliver Hunter.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by Andy, Jack, and Jess from Weird Neighbour, filmmakers and sketch creators. We talk about how Weird Neighbour got started, the value of collaboration, why short-form, how to approach a sketch, branding, and the goals for the future.We also get a cameo from their new intern, Malcolm.I think you'll leave just as inspired as I was.Follow Weird Neighbour here.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the brilliant Mark Humphries to talk about his new documentary SOLD! Who Broke The Australian Dream?We chat about how Mark came to comedy, his brush with stand-up, the importance of collaboration, how to make serious topics funny, and the not-so-fun-parts of making stuff like getting called out by Media Watch.Follow Mark Humphries on instagram.Watch the documentary available on Binge.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by the great Peter Jones! Originally from Melbourne, now residing in London, I wanted to pick Pete's brain about the move and adapting to a new scene. We chat about Edinburgh Fringe, the comedy "middle-class", and how he came to put out his first special.You can watch Pete's first special here.Follow Pete.Follow your host, Marcel Blanch-de Wilt.Follow The Comedy Writers Group on instagram and join the patreon to get weekly bonus episodes, 90+ episodes behind the paywall, access our exclusive facebook / discord, and come along to our weekly online writing and workshop sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Free to listen for a limited time only. On this week's bonus episode you get to be a fly on the wall in one of our online Comedy Workshop Sessions.Hear what it's like to come along to one of our weekly sessions with new material from Laura Bruce and Kirsty Carr. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The great Bec Hill makes her triumphant return to the podcast to chat about her new show coming to the Edinburgh Fringe... at least that was the intention. We ended up talking a great deal about writers block, the nervous system, and the value of BREATHING. It's an excellent chat that should leave you feeling totally inspired.Expect a lot of shout-outs of folks to check out at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025.Follow Bec and go see her new show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.