Funny In Failure

Brennan Brown is a stage and screen actor known for portraying complex and multifaceted characters. After graduating from Yale School of Drama, he landed roles on Broadway in revivals of Shaw’s Major Barbara, and Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound and The Fifteen Minute Hamlet, and in leading theatres throughout America. On screen Brennan has worked with such visionary directors including Tim Hooper on HBO’s “John Adams”, John Requa and Glenn Ficarra on both of their films, I Love You Phillip Morris, and Focus, State of Play (dir. Kevin Macdonald), Detachment (dir. Tony Kaye), Midway (dir. Roland Emmerich), The Wolf Hour, and Not Okay. He has appeared in dozens of primetime shows most notably as antique dealer Robert Childan on the acclaimed Amazon series “The Man in the High Castle”, Edward Biben on "Mozart in the Jungle", Agent Donnelly on "Person of Interest", and for the past ten seasons as Dr. Sam Abrams on "Chicago Med". He also appears in the upcoming Netflix series “The Beast In Me”. Other appearance

Maurice LaMarche is a Canadian comedian and voice actor from Toronto. He is most well-known for voicing The Brain from Steven Spielberg Presents Pinky and the Brain (for which he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy), Kif, Lrrr, Morbo and Calculon from Futurama (for which he has won two Primetime Emmys and been nominated for a third), Mr. Big from Zootopia, King Agnarr from Frozen, Mr. Freeze from Batman: Arkham City, Yosemite Sam from The Looney Tunes Show, Abradolph Lincoler from Rick & Morty, Toucan Sam for thirty three years in commercials for Froot Loops, and Orson Welles from The Critic. He was also the Voice of Lexus from 2009-2016. We chat about meeting the Dalai Lama and the impact he had, his many voices, sobriety and moving forward, Futurama, professional autograph seekers, journey with live action, losing weight, voice over world post c0vid, listening plus plenty more! Check Maurice out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maurice_lamarche/ Twitter/ X: https://x.com/MAURICELAMARCHE ------

Jena Friedman is an Academy Award-nominated writer, comedian, and creator behind critically acclaimed series such as TRUE CRIME STORY: INDEFENSIBLE on AMC+, SOFT FOCUS on Adult Swim, and co-writer of BORAT 2: Subsequent Movie Film, which garnered her an Oscar nomination. Her writing credits include Netflix’s NOBODY WANTS THIS, ABC’s THE CONNERS, and she served as a field producer for THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART and writer for THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN. A contributing writer to THE NEW YORKER, Jena’s bestselling debut book, Not Funny: Essays on Life, Comedy, Culture, Et Cetera., was published by Simon & Schuster in 2023. She has appeared on THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT, CONAN, THE NIGHTLY SHOW WITH LARRY WILMORE, and in the Sundance hit film PALM SPRINGS. Her first stand-up special and Edinburgh show, AMERICAN C*NT, was named one of the Top Ten Comedy Specials by Paste Magazine in 2016, and her sold-out follow-up, MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE, was critically-acclaimed. Her 2022 show, LADYKILLE

Mike de la Rocha is visionary strategist, acclaimed artist and compelling voice for change. He is the co-founder of Revolve Impact, a globally recognised creative agency that merges art, activism and storytelling to drive social change, and Tepito Coffee, a company dedicated to providing meaningful jobs for formerly incarcerated individuals through its partnerships with Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention and rehabilitation organisation in the world. Celebrated as one of the most influential change makers of our era, Mike has been instrumental in some of the largest policy victories and cultural shifts in modern history. He has been recognized as one of GOOD Magazine’s 100 people reshaping the world, a recipient of the AFL-CIO’s Justice, Peace & Freedom Award, a Shorty Social Good Award for Social Justice. His debut book, Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love (Simon and Schuster) was just released! The book explores how inherited definitions of manhood profoundly impacted Mike's abi

Liz Guterbock is an American born British citizen stand-up comedian, award-winning actor, improviser and voice over artist. In 2023 she made The Guardian’s 10 Best Jokes of Edinburgh Fringe and Dave Joke of the Fringe lists. Her 2023 Edinburgh Fringe debut show Liz Guterbock: Geriatric Millennial 4-star reviews from Funny Women, The Mumble and Pepper & Salt, and complimentary press from The Scotsman, Festmag and Chortle. In 2022, Liz was nominated by some of the country’s best promoters as one of 10 stand-up comedians on Union Jack Radio’s ‘Ones to Watch’ list. She was a finalist in the 2021 British Comedy Guide Pro Performance Awards and a nominee in the 2021 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Awards. In 2019 she was a finalist in the Funny Women UK Awards and a BBC Radio 4 New Comedy Award nominee. Liz’s television highlights include Armando Iannucci’s hit sci-fi comedy series Avenue 5 on HBO, Channel 4’s ‘For the Love of Cars,’ and CBBC’s Victorian Drama series ‘Hetty Feather.’ Stage highlights inc

Sergio Perera is a chef & nutrition expert. Having trained as a professional chef in some of Spain’s most respected restaurants and then training in Japan, a serendipitous moment saw Sergio become the go to private chef to Hollywood actors (such as Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chris Hemsworth), athletes, royalty and politicians. Growing up in Spain he was naturally an advocate for the healthy Mediterranean diet, but it was working with actors which prompted him to study and learn more about nutrition and during his time with Chris Hemsworth he helped prepare him for the role Thor, optimising his nutrition to support his exercise and muscle building regime. He was an integral part of the successful training app known as CENTR by Chris Hemsworth, writing recipes, diet programs and meditations, offering subscribers a holistic wellness approach. Sergio has an international upbringing, born in Spain to a Mexican/American and Spanish Parents and growing up on a US Airforce base, has given Se

Adriano Zumbo is a chef and TV presenter. He is one of Australia’s most celebrated pâtissiers and the star of the Netflix TV shows Zumbo’s Just Desserts and Sugar Rush. As a popular figure in the pastry world he has garnered many nicknames including, ‘The Sweet Assassin’, ‘Pâtissier of Pain, ‘Dark Lord of the Pastry Kitchen’ and has been lauded as ‘Australia's answer to Willy Wonka’. Adriano is a regular guest judge on MasterChef Australia and has appeared on Dessert Masters on Network 10. This country boy’s first taste of the sweet life was raiding the lollies and cake mix from his parent’s Coonamble supermarket. Adriano began his apprenticeship at the age of 15 where his love affair with pastry flourished. An appearance on the first series of MasterChef Australia was instrumental in introducing the croquembouche to an even wider audience and made Adriano – and macarons – a household name.  Adriano has released three bestselling cookbooks, has competed in several prominent international competitions includin

Troy Kinne is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. In the early days of his stand-up comedy career, Troy won almost every new comic competition in Australia. The Comic’s Lounge ‘You Gotta be Joking’ competition saw him receive the prize of a trip to New York to attend the American Institute of Comedy. He went on to perform at several well-known clubs in the U.S. including Caroline’s on Broadway, Stand Up New York, Gotham Comedy club, the Laugh Factory, The Hollywood Comedy Store and The Comedy Cellar.  On returning to Australia Troy became a sought-after headline act for The Australian Armed Defence forces, Mining camps and Comedy clubs around the country. In 2010 Troy added some steady work alongside the comedy club circuit, becoming a content producer for the Fifi and Jules radio show and hosting his own regular segment interviewing celebrity guests such as Seth Rogen, Josh Lawson, Simon Pegg and DJ Havana Brown. Troy has made guest appearances on TV and radio including Nova FM’

Cindy Busby is an actor who has been a prominent presence in Hollywood for over two decades, making her mark in both film and television. The television mainstay is best known for her series regular role as ‘Ashley Stanton’ on Heartland, one of the most successful Canadian television shows ever produced. Syndicated in over 81 countries and a fan favorite on Netflix, the series has solidified her as a beloved actress among audiences worldwide. She is now making the jump to When Hope Calls on Great American as series regular ‘Nora Anderson.’ In its second season, the series is now streaming on Pureflix and Great American Family. Over the years, Cindy’s dedication and talent have earned her over twenty lead roles, including her standout performance in Unleashing Mr. Darcy (2016), which premiered to over three million viewers and broke the network’s social media record. She also starred in Royal Hearts, filmed in Romania alongside James Brolin.  Cindy has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest names, making her

Stuart Laws is a comedian, actor, writer, producer, editor and director. He performs sketch comedy and stand-up comedy. He supported James Acaster on his UK tours and has appeared on and written for Radio 4, has two specials on NextUp Comedy, one on American label 800 Pound Gorilla Media, and has written a play The Journey, that debuted at The Edinburgh Fringe at The Pleasance in 2018. In 2021, he was nominated for Leicester Comedy Festival Best Show and in 2022 he was nominated for Comedians Choice Best Show. In 2023, his Fringe show was awarded 4.5 stars by Chortle. ​Stuart runs his own production company, Turtle Canyon Comedy, and writes and directs sketch shows, sitcoms, live shows and specials that have been shown on Netflix, Prime, BBC, Sky, ITV, Channel 4 and more. Stuart has directed Sindhu Vee, Nish Kumar, Rosie Jones, Suzi Ruffell, Paul Foot, Ivo Graham, Jess Fostekew, Jen Brister and Ian Smith’s Specials. Stuart had a breakout year at Edinburgh Fringe 2024 for review with 9 x 4-star reviews and a B

Garrett Millerick is an acclaimed stand-up comedian, writer, and director whose unique and versatile style has made him a favourite on the UK and international comedy circuits. A frequent Critics’ Choice, he has appeared on Conan, SiriusXM, and more. His breakout live show Sunflower became one of the most talked-about performances of 2018. Garrett recently wrote and starred in Do Gooders a workplace sitcom for BBC Radio 4 that takes audiences behind the curtain of the charity industry alongside a cast that includes Frank Skinner, Fay Ripley, Lisa McGrillis, Ahir Shah and Ania Magliano. Critically acclaimed comedian Garrett Millerick’s 2022 smash hit show, Just Trying to Help, is making its eagerly awaited debut as a streamable comedy special on the prestigious 800 Pound Gorilla platform. Following a celebrated run at the Edinburgh Fringe and sell-out performances at the Soho Theatre, Garrett’s intensely funny take on modern life is more relevant now – three years after it debuted - than ever before.  Garrett

Kirsten Vangsness is an actor, YouTuber, podcaster, graphic novelist & playwright. She is most known for playing Penelope Garcia on the long running CBS crime drama Criminal Minds, for which she co-wrote 5 episodes, including the series finale. In 2020, Kirsten launched her YouTube series KIRSTEN'S AGENDA as a way to promote mental health, wellness and civic duty. Her first season featured such guests as Aisha Tyler, Pauley Perrette and Karen David. She enjoyed the interviews so much she decided to spin them off into the KIRSTEN'S AGENDA Podcast, available wherever podcasts live. Kirsten has long been deeply involved in the L.A. theatre scene, scoring two Ovation Best Actress nominations (for "FAT PIG" at the Geffen and "Everything You Touch" at Boston Court), LA Weekly Best Playwright of the Year nomination (For her Theatre of NOTE production of "Potential Space") and winning the Los Angeles Drama Circle Best Comedic Actress. She is a long-time member of Hollywood’s Theatre of NOTE where she serves on t

Cam Knight is a standup comedian, actor and presenter. He was the co-host of the Channel 9 show called Unreal Estate alongside Kate Langbroek in 2016. He has regularly appeared on the Today show, co-hosted Studio 10 on Channel 10 and could be heard as a weekly co-host on Triple M’s Merrickville and The Weekenders with Dan Ginane in Sydney. As well as performing sell out shows across the country, performing around London and receiving 5 star reviews and award nominations, Cam featured on the televised Montreal Just for Laughs Festival Stand Up Series at the Sydney Opera House in 2015, 2019 and 2023 as well as hosting the televised Sydney Comedy Festival Gala on the Comedy Channel. He has guest starred on ABC’s Tonightly, Skit Box, Soul Mates, Comedy Up Late & How Not To Behave, the second series of The Other Guy on Stan and also the upcoming series of Drunk History on Network 10. In 2024 he landed the key role of Funny Steve Farley in the Last King of the Cross S2. He also hosted a variety of shows on Foxt

Genevieve Hegney is an actor, writer and performer. She has performed extensively in theatre, film and television. You probably recognise her from her role as Chiara in the groundbreaking and award-winning comedy ‘Colin From Accounts’. Her other television credits include All Her Fault (Peacock), Sunny Nights (Stan), In Our Blood (ABC), Pieces of Her (Netflix), Young Rock (CBS) Diary of an Uber Driver (ABC), Tim Minchin’s Upright (Foxtel) Kinne Tonight (Ten), The Commons (STAN), Doctor Doctor (Series 2-3), Janet King (Series 2), The Kettering Incident, Here Come the Habibs! (Series 1-2), The Moodys (ABC), Camp (NBC), Bedhead, Devil’s Dust, Rake, Spirited, All Saints, Home and Away, The Alice, and Out There (Series 1 & 2). Her film roles include Rip Tide, The Little Death, Burning Man, Preservation, and Happy Feet. Short films include Red Ink, Outbreak Generation, and Desirable for which she won Best Actress at the Kaleidoscope Film Festival. Genevieve’s theatre credits include credits include; Tot Mum (di

Beth Broderick is a thirty -plus year veteran of stage and screen as well as a writer, model and chef. She is widely known for her portrayal of Aunt Zelda in the long running hit TV series “Sabrina the teenage Witch”. Beth has appeared in over forty seven feature and made for television films including the “The Merry Gentlemen” which recently debuted at No. 1 on NETFLIX and “Holiday Mismatch” a new Hallmark hit. Others include: “Bonfire of the Vanities”, “Stealing Home”, “Psycho Beach Party”, “Christmas Town”, “When I Think of Christmas”, “Revenge of the Bridesmaids” and many others as well the soon to be released Hulu feature, “The Nana Project”. She recently completed filming on “The Prince”. She has also starred in numerous series such as “Heart’s Afire”, “Glory Days”, The Five Mrs. Buchanans” and has been a featured recurring character on “Lost” “Under the Dome” “Love and Death” and many others. Beth has an extensive background in fundraising and community outreach. She has was the co-founder of MOMENTUM

Pierre Novellie is a stand-up comedian, writer, radio host and podcaster. He is co-host of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, and recent TV appearances include World’s Most Dangerous Roads (Dave), The Mash Report (BBC2), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). On the radio, Pierre has performed on The Now Show (Radio 4), hosts the BBC Sounds podcast series Obsessed With… SAS: Rogue Heroes and co-hosts the hit podcast Budpod with Phil Wang. As a writer, Pierre was one of the regular writers on the rebooted Spitting Image (ITV/Britbox) and has also written on shows including Mock the Week (BBC2), The News Quiz (Radio 4) and The Mash Report (BBC2). ​One of the UK’s most acclaimed live acts, Pierre‘s previous show Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things? saw a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and was his third show to have been placed in the top 20 best-reviewed comedy shows across the entire festival. His first special, Quiet Ones, was distributed by US comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla Records and has am

Ivan Aristeguieta is an award-winning stand-up comedian, writer and performer. Originally from Venezuela, Ivan moved to Australia after he was carjacked at gunpoint (true story!). He has performed all over the world, from South America to the US, Canada, Japan, NZ and the UK, featuring on and headlining some of the biggest comedy festivals and rooms. You may have seen him on the telly or online, performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala (2016-2022), as well as the Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival, or as guest panellist on shows including Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Project, The Weekly, Hughesy, We Have A Problem and The Living Room. In 2016, his Australian immigration experience was fictionalised in a short form series, Lost in Pronunciation (ABC iView), which he co-created, co-wrote and performed in. In 2021, his live show, Pinata, was nominated for the biggest award in Australian comedy – Most Outstanding Comedy, at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Ivan has

Ray O’Leary is a comedian and writer. The Kiwi comic known for his deadpan delivery and iconic grey suit, Ray has been nominated two years running for Best Male Comedian by the New Zealand Comedy Guild, and in 2022 he picked up a win for Best Joke and Best TV Comedy Performance, after being nominated for Best TV Comedy Performance the previous three years. Additionally, he has been twice nominated for New Zealand Comedy Festival’s prestigious Billy T James Award. His razor-sharp wit has seen him perform across both sides of the Tasman and tour sold-out runs in Christchurch, and Auckland & Wellington as part of the New Zealand Comedy Festival. He has also performed alongside top comedic talent including Flight of the Conchords and Rhys Darby. Ray is a staple on Australasian television screens and can be seen on Ten’s Have You Been Paying Attention?, Thank God You’re Here, Cheap Seats, and SBS’ Patriot Brains, hosted by the UK’s Bill Bailey and Sue Perkins. He is a regular writer for Cheap Seats, Have You B

Akmal Saleh is a stand-up comedian, actor, voice over artist, author and writer. He’s done it all - appeared in movies, sketch, TV appearances, radio, talk show host and is a published author. Akmal is one of Australia’s most respected, successful and accomplished comics. Lightning quick and a master of unscripted comedy gold, Akmal has an incredible ability to deal with hot topics in an hilarious and slightly offensive way. Don’t miss this avalanche of laughs that’s going to hit the Comedy Festival. He is currently touring in Australia, so check out his shows, links in episode notes. As Seen on Thank God You’re Here, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Just For Laughs, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, Rove, Spicks and Specks, Good News Week and was even a script consultant for Superwog. We chat about his love of comedy, opening for $tripper$, his doco, bad gigs, regrets and radio, cab driver to stand up, perspective, dodgy tax accountants, learnings from I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, almo

Cameron James is an award-winning stand-up comedian, musician and storyteller across stages, screens, boomboxes and podcasts.  As seen on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, Spicks & Specks, Guy Mont-Spelling Bee, Bump and more. He’s won countless rave reviews for his completely unique “rockstar without a band” comedy style; blending songs as catchy as they are funny, painfully true stories and sharp improvisation.  In 2024, Cam partnered up with Aussie music legend Ben Lee’s indie record label to release his own comedy music, with his single “Medium D*ck” racking up tens of thousands of Spotify streams and over 9 million views on Instagram and YouTube. His most recent one-hour solo shows, Electric Dreams and Mixtape have sold out around the country, earning him the Director’s Choice Award at Sydney Comedy Festival and a nomination for the highly coveted Most Outstanding Show Award at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He’s won multiple awards including the Raw Comedy National Runner U