The Comedy Writers Group

This week I'm joined by comedian and celebrity social worker (as seen on Netlfix), Esky Escandor. Esky has been a member of The Comedy Writers Group since the early days and it's time for him to make his solo debut at the Sydney Fringe.Come and be a fly on the wall as I offer my two-cents in the development process of the show. We chat about shortform versus storytelling, Esky's fifteen minutes of fame, finding the music in the delivery, and a whole lot more.Stick around at the end of the episode to hang out with Theo Rylan and Nicole Chapman. We have an exciting announcement.Follow @esky.eskFollow your host, @marcelthecomedianFollow The Comedy Writers Group on @comedywritersgroupThe CWG Podcast is a behind-the-scenes exploration of how comedians make what they make and how they make a career doing it. The Comedy Writers Group offers weekly online meetings for comedy writers to develop their material with professional comedians.Join the patreon and access the following: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.

This week I'm joined by the great Paul Williams. Paul is a comedian, musician, and the Taskmaster's assistant on Taskmaster NZ. He's also the creator of the new TV show, New Zealand Spy available to watch now on ABC iView and TVNZ.We chat about the origins of the new show, being cast in Taskmaster, Paul's relationship with confidence, stunts, problem-solving, music-making, and a whole lot more.Follow @paulwilliamsFollow your host, @marcelthecomedianFollow The Comedy Writers Group on @comedywritersgroup 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.

This week I'm joined by returning guest, Dylan Murphy. Dylan is an award-winning director, filmmaker, comedian, and actor. We chat about his recent success landing a major role in ABC's Ground Up alongside Sam Pang and Emma Harvie.We chat about the audition process, working with director Wayne Hope, and what it's like filming comedy. We also get into what else is on Dylan's slate and chat more about about his approach to directing as well as his solo show aspirations.Follow @dylanpatFollow your host, @marcelthecomedianFollow The Comedy Writers Group on @comedywritersgroup 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.

On this week's episode I'm joined by comedian, screenwriter, actor, Tegan Higginbotham. Tegan is returning to stand-up after several years from the spotlight. We chat about why she left and what she's working on now.We talk about our mixed relationships with stand-up, the state of the Melbourne scene, her new show, and "young people stuff."Follow @teganhigginbothamFollow 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.

On this week's episode I'm joined by the great Josh Earl to talk about his new show Coach coming to The Comedy Republic. We talk about the origins of the show, the value of an off-season, and get stuck into some parts that are still being worked out.We talk about smelly teenagers, the manosphere, and a whole lot more. It's a great chat.Tickets to Josh's show: https://www.comedyrepublic.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode I'm joined by Nicole Chapman (Raw State Finalist) and Ainslie Rose (Ainslie's Bootcamp). We get stuck into Beyonce fandom before discussing identity, the Black experience, and we workshop a new joke about the dark side of acting.Follow @blackchickabroadFollow @ainslierose4Follow your host, @marcelthecomedianFollow @comedywritersgroup 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.

This week on the podcast I'm joined by improviser and actor, Graham Dickson. Graham is the founder of The Free Association in London and a co-founder of the West-End smash hit, Austentatious.We talk about finding improv, working alongside Steen Raskopoulos, the game of the scene, the origins of long-form in London, building a theatre, and how it feels to discover you're living the dream that you might not have intended.Lots of shout outs in this episode to Carlo Ritchie, Amy Cooke-Hodgson, Cariad Lloyd, and a whole lot more.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by actor and comedian, Rhys Mitchell, to talk about guest starring on one of the best shows in town.We talk about how this Melbourne actor ended up in LA acting across from Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder as The Amazing Steven, along with Rhys' origin story, pitching shows, film school, low moments, and what particular thing has lead to the most success.I also practice pitching Rhys my new show.Follow @rhystvFollow 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.

This week I'm joined by multi-disciplinary award-nominated comedian Kate Dehnert. We talk about how her show Echo become a sensation (my words) at Melbourne International Comedy Festival with rave reviews, an award nom, and a heap of buzz.What's it like to have a break-up show that's a total break out?We also chat music, morning routine, after show rituals, the dread of social media, and a whole lot more.Follow @katedehnertFollow 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.

This week I'm joined by Conk to chat about their award winning and iconic show, Man Sings the Same Song Again and Again for an Hour.We chat about the value in chasing the fun, what's in a title, physical stamina, working with an outside eye, trusting the bit, and getting a producer on board.Conk is doing his show at Comedy Republic on June 28th.Follow @conkconkconkconkFollow 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.

This week we're in panel mode with Lukas Meintjes (professional clown), Casey Gould (director and dramaturg), and Darby James (musical comedian) to talk about the realities of the independent artist experience in the wake of additional fees being introduced at Melbourne Fringe.We chat about the festival experience in general, tour-ready awards, the rights of artists, the challenges of boards, the value of transparency, and a whole lot more.Follow @caseyfgouldFollow @lukas.mainkeysFollow @thedarbyjamesFollow 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.

This week I'm joined by the briliant Andy Procopis to have a long overdue catch-up. Andy left his job to pursue comedy full-time a little while ago and we check in to find out how it's all going.We talk about Andy's success posting stand-up carousels on instagram, his podcast The Advice Accreditation Bureau, his goals, the weekly routine, and we workshop some new jokes.Stick around at the end for a bonus chat with new member, Dan Hough!Follow @procopicsFollow 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.

This week I'm joined by Anastasiya Ador: actor, writer, character comedian and vision board enthusiast. I was looking to make new connections in the UK because I'm travelling there in July, little did I know that it would be our most globetrotting episode yet.Our story goes from Minsk to Mumbai as Anastasiya talks about growing up in Belarus before moving to India as a teenager. We cover the Indian indy movie scene, discovering comedy in the UK, the power of making a vision board, and so much more.Stick around at the end for a bit of a bonus bumper with Theo Rylan and Nicole Chapman.Follow @anastasiya.jiFollow 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.

This week I'm joined by the brilliant Yve Blake! Yve has long been one of my dream guests. She is a writer for film, TV, and stage - her show Fangirls was a smash hit that went from Belvoir to the Sydney Opera House to London.We chat about Yve's new show Mackenzie born of an incredible 'What if?' A re-imagining of Macbeth set in 2006 inspired by Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel. We also discuss the early years of Yve's career starting out making one-woman-shows at Fringe festivals before Fangirls changed everything. We explore boundaries, burn-out, and keeping things funny deep into rehearsal.Follow @yveblakeFollow 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.

This week I'm joined by actor, comedian, and writer, Grace Rouvray to talk about her memoir Is It Too Early to Bitch? The book explores a "lightning-in-a-bottle friendship" and what happens when it ends abruptly.We discuss writing about the death of a friend, if there's a right time to start writing, the publishing process, doing the Raw Comedy competition when things are much too raw, and a whole lot more.Buy the book at all good book stores.Follow @gracelacefaceFollow 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.

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.