Synopsis
A podcast that interviews comedians to discuss their careers and some of the challenges they have faced. I hope to use this platform to normalise and encourage the discussion of failure, particularly through the lens of the comedy industry, to show that it can be a stepping stone towards the road of success. Nothing is better than humour to normalise a situation, so having deep and meaningful conversations, interspersed with comedy and laughter, helps us celebrate and appreciate lifes frustrating moments.
Episodes
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#238: Colin Lane - Moving Forward Creatively
25/03/2024 Duration: 01h13minColin Lane is a comedian, actor & host. He is best known as Lano from Lano and Woodley, Australia's most beloved comedy duo. In almost 20 years together Lano & Woodley won the coveted Perrier Award for best show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, starred in their own television series and toured sold-out shows across the country. They said ‘Goodbye’ in 2006 with a national tour that took in 34 markets and sold more than 150,000 tickets. In 2018, the duo reprised their roles as Lano & Woodley for FLY, with a sold-out national tour of 85,000 ticket sales and winning the prestigious Melbourne Comedy Festival ‘People’s Choice Award’. Colin has appeared in Don's Party for the Melbourne Theatre Company and the Sydney Theatre Company, made many TV appearances including guest panellist on the UK favourite QI, alongside Stephen Fry and Alan Davies – most recently on the new-look, Sandi Toksvig version of the hugely popular show. 2016 has seen Colin working with Red Stitch under director Nadia Tass in a new
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#237: Felicity Ward - Opportunities
18/03/2024 Duration: 01h21minFelicity Ward is a multi-award-winning comedian, actor and writer. She has toured her award-winning, sell-out shows worldwide, winning the hearts of audiences and critics everywhere she performs. She is coming home to Australia for her first national tour in more than five years! So, before you see her as the new ‘David Brent’ in the Aussie remake of The Office this year, Felicity is returning to her first love – stand-up comedy – in her first tour since being nominated for the biggest award in live comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe. Felicity has appeared on Spicks and Specks, The Ronnie Johns Half Hour, Good News Week, Talking About Your Generation, Thank God You're Here, The Librarians, The Project and Ronny Chieng: International Student along with multiple appearances on The MICF Oxfam Gala and MICF Comedy All Stars. Felicity has also appeared in Wakefield, The Inbetweeners Movie 2 and Any Questions For Ben? She has been a regular face on many other international TV shows including Russell Howard's Good News
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#236: Rob Mills - Take the Note
11/03/2024 Duration: 01h25minROB MILLS is a born entertainer, he is singer- songwriter, presenter, actor, MC, author and media personality. He has built an impressive career across screen & stage for nearly 20 years and in more recent times he has developed into an accomplished presenter and subsequently an author. Rob first came to the nation’s attention in 2003 as a finalist on the first series of Australian Idol. Subsequently he spent 3 years as Erinsborough villian and series regular in Neighbours, where he played the ever troubled Finn Kelly. He is currently performing the role of William Shakespeare in the brand-new smash hit musical "&Juliet" at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. Last year saw Rob playing the role of Corny Collins in the Melbourne season of the 20th Anniversary of Hairspray the Musical. He has also had celebrated roles in musical shows Wicked, GHOST, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, Chess, Puffs! and on screen in Neighbours, Winners and Losers, the Peter Allen Telemovie, Dancing With The Stars, The Masked Sin
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#235: Ilan Kidron - Surfing through Grief
04/03/2024 Duration: 01h35minIlan Kidron an award-winning singer-songwriter. He is best known for his role as frontman for multi-Platinum, multi-APRA winning electronic group 'The Potbelleez'. Behind the scenes Ilan has evolved into one of Australia's most successful and in demand songwriters. With The Potbelleez, Ilan has enjoyed a golden run of hits in Australia and also tasted chart and radio success throughout Europe. He co-penned anthems 'Don't Hold Back', 'Are You With Me' and 'From The Music' which have featured prominently across major advertising and television campaigns for Jeep, The Apprentice and Samsung amongst many other notable synch uses. Ilan is not only a versatile entertainer but also an in-demand co-writer and producer. As a songwriter, he has over one billion combined streams and Billboard Number 1s, having written for Rita Ora, Ricky Martin, Jessica Mauboy, Chance The Rapper, Chris Brown, Sesame Street, Tina Arena, Timmy Trumpet, Kygo, Hayden James, Ricki Lee Coulter, Eurovision and many others... He also fronts
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#234: Sarah Wayne Callies - The Stories We Tell
26/02/2024 Duration: 01h22minSarah Wayne Callies is an actor, writer and director. She is perhaps best known for starring in multiple hit television series playing iconic roles such as as Lori Grimes in The Walking Dead, Dr. Sara Tancredi in Prison Break, Kate Bowman in Colony. Sarah recently launched her podcast “Prison Breaking” which she co-hosts with Paul Adelstein - a rewatch podcast for Fox’s, “Prison Break”. This season, she is set to direct another episode of the CBS hit “Fire Country” and her first episode of NBC’s The Irrational. Last year, Sarah starred in the ABC series “The Company You Keep” alongside Milo Ventimiglia. Prior to that, Sarah starred in the NBC series “Council Of Dads,” which is currently available on NBC’s website, Peacock, and Hulu. She has also starred in the critically acclaimed NatGeo limited series, “The Long Road Home'' based on the Martha Raddatz book of the same name. She also starred in the SundanceTV/CBC limited series, “Unspeakable,” where Sarah leapt into directing, having directed an episode of t
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#233: Enrico Colantoni - What If?
19/02/2024 Duration: 01h03minEnrico Colantoni is an actor, writer, director and producer. You probably recognise him from Veronica Mars, Galaxy Guest, Flashpoint, Just Shoot Me! and Person of Interest to name a few. He continues to distinguish himself as an actor who consistently showcases his talent in the world of stage, film, and television. He currently is a series regular on the new FX comedy series English Teacher. He will next be seen as the co-lead in Anar Ali’s upcoming CBC police procedural, Allegiance, and in the upcoming feature films Humane and the dark comedy Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Frank opposite Mindy Cohn. Previously, he co-starred in HBO Max's acclaimed drama series Station Eleven, based on the bestseller, and played the co-lead in Birthday Candles opposite Debra Messing at the Roundabout Theatre, receiving a 2022 Theatre World Award for a Broadway debut. He received a 2019 Canadian Screen Award nomination for Guest Actor/Drama in Travelers and has recently appeared in series, Ghosts, The Good Fight, Madam Secr
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#232: Isha Blaaker - I Try To Feel
12/02/2024 Duration: 01h29minIsha Blaaker is an actor and model and has just made his big screen debut opposite Aunjanue Ellis, Niecy Nash, Jon Bernthal, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Finn Wittrock, and more in Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay’s highly anticipated film feature “Origin” (Neon), based on Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson’s 2020 bestselling book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.” On the television front, Isha most recently starred in debut roles for season two of “Run The World” on STARZ and opposite Colman Dolmingo in the eighth and final season of AMC’s “Fear The Walking Dead.” Isha is also well-known for his role in the 12th film in Tyler Perry’s iconic Madea franchise, “A Madea Homecoming.” Before Isha landed his breakout role in a feature Netflix film, he honed his craft with a handful of recurring appearances in television, appearing on the Emmy-nominated HBO Max series, “The Flight Attendant,” opposite Kaley Cuoco, as well as Violet Hour Media’s horror-thriller series, “Red Riding Hoods,” and a SBS
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#231: Jamie Lissow - The Only Place I Need To Be
05/02/2024 Duration: 01h21minJamie Lissow is a comedian, writer, actor and producer. He is currently a regular weekly guest on the #1 rated late night talk show, Gutfeld! Jamie is best known for his starring role in two seasons of the Netflix Original Series “Real Rob”, alongside SNL alumni Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Norm MacDonald and David Spade; a show Jamie co-wrote and co-produced. Jamie has appeared on The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show, Last Comic Standing, has his own half hour Comedy Central special and a Dry Bar Comedy Special with over 20 Million views. Jamie recently wrapped his first movie, Daddy Daughter Trip, where he appears alongside John Cleese, Rob Schneider, and Michael Bublé - a movie he co-wrote and produced. Jamie is currently writing and will be starring in the feature film, The Animal 2 and headlines stand-up comedy shows across the country. We chat about living in his car, being at the right place at the right time, his unique mindset and philosophy on life, our individual unique paths, vulnerability and a
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#230: Paige Gallagher - Perfectionism
27/11/2023 Duration: 01h26minRising comedian and creator Paige Gallagher is best known for her unique yet universally relatable character parodies which she self-writes, produces, and stars in. Paige initially rose to digital fame via her videos on TikTok. She has since racked up more than a million followers. Paige has been cited by Los Angeles Magazine as a “comedian making sizzling content right now”. Her comedy sketches draw on her own personal life experiences. Paige continues to take the digital world by storm with her debut, self-produced talk show, “Pillow Talk with Paige”. Featuring Paige as the show’s head writer, producer, and host, the digital series combines two things: her loves of oversharing and lying in bed. The talk show features fellow creators and creates a uniquely cozy atmosphere for guests to embrace the relaxed and intimate conversations that usually occur while lying in bed. The series aired its premiere episode on October 11th, with nine total episodes slated to release weekly on Wednesdays across Paige’s YouT
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#229: Paul Sun-Hyung Lee - Building Each Other Up
20/11/2023 Duration: 01h18minPaul Sun-Hyung Lee is a Korean-Canadian award winning actor, writer and comedian. He is best known as family patriarch ‘Appa’ on the CBC/Netflix hit Kim’s Convenience. Paul received fan and critical acclaim globally winning four Canadian Screen Awards in the Leading Comedic Role category as well as a nomination for the role from the Seoul International Drama Awards. Twice nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Theatre Award for outstanding performance and winner of the prestigious Toronto Theatre Critics' Award for Best Actor. Paul continues to pursue excellence both onstage and screen. As an avid Star Wars fan and collector, Paul was thrilled to join the universe in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett and Ahsoka as X-wing fighter ‘Captain Carson Teva’ for Disney+. Next up, Paul joins the cast of Netflix’s live action version of Avatar: The Last Airbender as the beloved ‘Uncle Iroh’. We chat about his toy collection, rejection, being excellent, dealing with trolls, lifting others up, imposter syndrome, Kim’s Co
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#228: Matthew Richardson - Overcoming Adversity
13/11/2023 Duration: 01h29minThis is a man that needs no introduction in the Australian Football Space and even broader in Australia. An absolute superstar of his time. Matthew Richardson or 'Richo', as he is affectionately called is an ex professional Australian Rules Footballer, an icon of the Richmond Football club, where he played 282 games and kicked 800 goals. He is now an expert commentator on channel 7 and 3AW and of course is often heard on, Richmond’s podcast Talking Tigers. He is known for his passion, work ethic, courage, goal kicking and marking prowess, winning the Club’s leading goalkicker award 13 times for the Richmond Football club as well as winning a best and fairest award, 3X All Australian, being inducted in the team of Century as well as being a Richmond & AFL Life Member. He is currently the 12th highest goal scorer of all time. He is one of the most loved and humble humans in football. We chat about not taking yourself so seriously, nerves, collaboration, life after footy, injuries, being on live TV, vulnera
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#227: Dirk Blocker - Leap of Faith
06/11/2023 Duration: 01h36minDirk Blocker is an actor and author best known for his work in television and film, with his most recognised role as Detective Hitchcock in NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine where he starred in over 150 episodes. Dirk’s earliest role of note was as Abel Mckay on Little House on the Prairie. His first series regular role was on Blacksheep Squadron, another successful NBC series. Later, his film work included, The Border, Poltergeist and Starman, while also appearing on such classic tv series as: MASH, Newhart, 21 Jump Street, Matlock, The X-Files ER, and Deadwood. Dirk recently wrote and published the illustrated fable, 'Master and the Little Monk'. We chat about celebrity death hoaxes, taking a break and going to college in his 40’s, losing his father at young age, mentors and teachers, vulnerability, change, teaching, flow and his book. The video footage of this entire chat is now out as well (one day after release)! So check them out on YouTube under Michael Kahan Check Dirk out on: Instagram: https://www.instagr
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#226: Todd Stashwick - Points on the Map
30/10/2023 Duration: 01h23minTodd Stashwick is an actor & writer. You can find him in almost every TV show, with over 160 credits to his name! A Chicago native, he is an alumnus of the famed Second City Comedy Theater. As an actor he’s known for the role of Deacon on Syfy’s hit show 12 Monkeys and Dale Malloy on the critically acclaimed FX drama The Riches. His work in television includes notable roles on shows such as Star Trek: Picard, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Heroes, Supernatural, The Originals, Gotham and Justified. He can also be seen in the live action Kim Possible film as the villain Dr. Drakken on Disney+. As a writer Todd is the co-creator of the web-comic Devil Inside with collaborator comic artist Dennis Calero. Todd co-wrote Clandestine, an original space adventure pilot for the Syfy Channel. Todd also co-wrote a Star Wars video game for Electronic Arts and Lucasfilm, with Uncharted creator Amy Hennig. He co-wrote a draft of Suicide Squad 2, the sequel to the hit DC comics film from Warner Brothers
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#225: Jim Kouf - Life is a Puzzle
23/10/2023 Duration: 01h42minJim Kouf is a writer, director, producer & showrunner. He recently wrapped up the series GRIMM for NBC which had a successful six year run, where he served as the co-show runner & producer as well as writer and even directed a few episodes himself. His first feature films, co-written with David Greenwalt, were “CLASS”, “AMERICAN DREAMER”, and “SECRET ADMIRER”. He also wrote “THE HIDDEN” under the pseudonym Bob Hunt. Jim made his directorial debut with “MIRACLES” starring Tom Conti, Teri Garr and Christopher Lloyd. In 1985, he moved to the Disney lot where he began a partnership with Lynn Bigelow to form Kouf/Bigelow Productions. During that time, Jim wrote and produced “STAKEOUT” and “ANOTHER STAKEOUT”. He also wrote and directed “DISORGANIZED CRIME” and co-wrote “OPERATION DUMBO DROP”. Kouf/Bigelow Productions executive produced “KALIFORNIA” starring Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis, SILENT FALL starring Richard Dreyfuss and Liv Tyler as well as CONAIR starring Nicolas Cage. Jim also wrote and directed
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#224: Amy Louise Ruffle - No More What Ifs
16/10/2023 Duration: 01h26minAmy Louise Ruffle is an actor, comedian and producer best known for her lead role as Sirena in NETFLIX's Mako Mermaids, as well as various stage productions here in Australia and in Los Angeles. She is a trained improvisor, who performed Musical Improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles, and currently performs improv at the Comedy Republic theatre in Melbourne. Amy is a classical and contemporary singer, who can also be heard hosting several podcasts such as the Shake It Up Show, the series is about the different experiences in the Parkinson’s community, discussing a range of things including the road to diagnosis, coping with change, different therapies and interventions, misconceptions and everything in between. We chat about starting again, improv, taking a break from acting, producing, being an athlete and disordered eating, new takes on success, leaving LA, comedy tribes, happiness, Wil Anderson, writing, Thank God You’re here, plus plenty more! The video footage of this entire chat
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#223: Myq Kaplan - The Second Arrow
09/10/2023 Duration: 01h26minMyq Kaplan is a stand-up comedian who’s been in the business for 20+ years and has done pretty much everything there is to do including appearances on the Tonight Show, Conan, Letterman, James Corden, Seth Meyers, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, and America’s Got Talent. He has a half-hour special on Comedy Central, a one-hour standup special on Amazon called “Small, Dork, and Handsome,” and a new Dry Bar special called “Live From The Universe,” as well as two podcasts, “The Faucet” and “Broccoli and Ice Cream.” His debut album, “Vegan Mind Meld,” was one of iTunes’ top 10 comedy albums of the year, and his newest album, “A.K.A.,” debuted at #1 and was called “invigoratingly funny” by the NY Times! He is also the author of Heart Brain Art Train – which is a collection of 75+ new pieces with jokes by Myq Kaplan and art by Ramin Nazer. This beautiful glossy hardcover book is filled with the most vibrant colors. We chat about his unique name, views on success and longevity, comparing, love of music and his
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#222: Annie Louey - Your Funeral
02/10/2023 Duration: 01h40minAnnie Louey is an award-winning comedian, TV and radio presenter, writer and celebrant. She is known for her rapid-fire crowd work, blunt delivery and cheeky charm that allows her to get away with almost anything. She has recently wrapped up her fifth solo show ‘Gold’ at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2023. This comes after Annie received a Moosehead Award for bold, innovative ideas to support her show, Annie Louey is Flirting With Death, last year. She has also earned a spot touring around Australia with the Comedy Festival Roadshow. Annie also appears regularly on national television, having been a presenter and writer on ABC TV’s China Tonight for the past four seasons, and a comedian on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Opening Night Allstars Supershow. Her on-screen charisma as the host of the travel show Rediscover Victoria led to a nomination for ‘Personality of the Year’ at the 2021 Antenna Awards for community television. The Rediscover Victoria series will be coming to S
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#221: Max Price - The Burp
11/09/2023 Duration: 01h53minMax Price is a writer, director and actor who has spent over a decade creating sketch comedy content with some of the biggest brands in Australia including Kayo, Sportsbet, Xero and Channel 7. He is also a writer and director for Network Ten’s Kinne Tonight and is currently at Fox Footy as a part of a general entertainment department. Max is also the co-founder of Laughscape, an award-winning app where comedy meets mindfulness– their tag is mindfulness done differently, which is the new ‘go to’ for Australians (and others) struggling with stress, overthinking and insomnia. Their aim is to bridge the gap between people who don’t do anything for their mental health and those who meditate daily. Max is also the creative Director at Priceless Productions. We chat about starting his business the second time over, collaboration, Kinne, his unique name, purpose, success on social media, navigating feedback, winning together, success and how it varies, his Laughscape app and mental health. The video footage of t
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#220: Chas Licciardello - Uniting not Dividing
04/09/2023 Duration: 02h29minChas Licciardello is a comedian, writer and presenter. He was a member of the satirical comedy group The Chaser. The impact that The Chaser have on Australian TV, culture and politics is not to be underestimated. They were fearless and there hasn’t been anyone like them since. Chas is the creator and co-Executive Producer of ABC’s new entertainment series, WTFAQ. Formerly a member of The Chaser, Chas has appeared regularly on Australian TV over the past two decades on shows including CNNNN, The Chaser’s War On Everything and The Hamster Wheel. Over the last decade Chas has also pursued his love of American politics, and amazingly made it entertaining for others as the creator and co-host of the ABC’s Planet America. WTFAQ has just premiered on ABC TV and ABC iview, and Planet America airs Fridays at 8pm on ABC NEWS channel. WTFAQ’s crack team of presenters - Chas Licciardello, Alex Lee, Lawrence Leung, Lou Wall, Cameron James and Kirsten Drysdale - hit the sweet spot where comedy meets inquisition to answer t
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#219: Taylor Misiak - We are Unique
28/08/2023 Duration: 01h29minTaylor Misiak is an actor and the co-lead opposite Dave Burd (aka Lil Dicky) in DAVE (FX) playing Ally Wernick, she has also recurred on Season 2 of AMERICAN VANDAL (Netflix), recurred on Season 1 of TEN YEAR OLD TOM (HBO Max), and recurred on I FEEL BAD (NBC). Taylor can previously be seen in CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND (THE CW) and ABOUT A BOY (NBC). Taylor also has her own Ted Talk, “How not to be the worst”. We chat about her love of wings, great advice from her professors, big break, collaboration, waitressing, her ted talk and why the customer isn’t always right, moving to LA, being honest to herself, everyone’s unique path and Dave. The video footage of this entire chat is now out as well (one day after release)! So check them out on YouTube under Michael Kahan Check Taylor out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylormisiak/ Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgA654HnFGE ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.c