The Comedy Kiosk

In the red corner: the UK - masters of dry wit, sarcasm, and surreal wordplay, from Monty Python to Ricky Gervais. In the blue corner: the US - well-polished, punchline machines like Seinfeld and Eddie Murphy. British subtlety vs. American spectacle; David and Igor weigh the pros and cons to crown comedy’s ultimate champ.

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Do you remember COVID? Not really? It was that thing where the majority of the world decided to have a staycation/slumber party but still tried to do work and stuff online like nothing was different and kept saying that "this is the new normal"... Remember it now? Good! Igor and David definitely do, and discuss if it did change "the new normal" permanently for stand-up comedy, or was it just a temporary blip and now we all live in ...

Which generation do you belong to? Boomer? X? Millennial? Z? Or are you some kind of amalgamation like a fraternity house name: Alpha-Beta-Pi? Igor and David look at their generations, if they can agree which one they are, and inquire why it seems others have it figured out while theirs seem lost. Or is it all an illusion and no one knows what the hell they are doing. Listen in and tell us what YOU think.

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Comedy has been a social lubricant since the first ape slipped on a banana peel and the rest of the primates laughed, then proceeded to make him their leader to make apes great again. Igor and David ponder the other possible uses of comedy from politics, to business meetings, to funerals and how comedy elevates a situation...or can it have the opposite effect and be inappropriate? Probably not, but Igor and David will leave no come...

Our intrepid comedians Igor and David have decided to track down what people really want to know about comedians and try to give honest and unflinching answers. Failing that, they punched into Google "Why do comedians.....", as well as several other prompts, and saw what were the most commonly searched for questions. Some they expected, others were conundrums that confused and confounded them and yet, they still answered! 

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How many cooks should there be in a kitchen? When is one comedy club, one comedy club too many? Igor and David ponder these questions and discuss if there should be just one. A single highlander in every town (Is that reference too old?), or, can it be like one giant hippie commune sharing the love and whatever filthy thing the new guy brought with him (Ask your grandparents about that reference). Come join the discussion and see i...

In this episode, we dive into the evolving role of AI in comedy, exploring how tools like ChatGPT are being used for joke writing, image generators for posters, and even early experiments in AI-powered performance. Is AI a creative partner that enhances the comedian's toolbox, or a potential threat to originality and the craft itself? We unpack the possibilities, limitations, and ethical questions around AI in comedy, asking: is it...

In this episode, we dive into the art of comedy merchandising—where laughs meet sales. From designing the perfect branded T-shirt to turning your punchlines into profits, we explore how comedians are using merch and creative revenue streams to enhance their shows and connect with fans. Get ready to learn how to make your comedy career not just funny, but financially rewarding!

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In this episode, we explore how to find your unique style in stand-up comedy, diving into the world of character comedians like James Acaster and Maria Bamford, and various comedic styles - from music and clowning to sharp social commentary and dark humor. We discuss different examples of the masters of the craft, insights on discovering your comedic voice, experimenting with different approaches, and crafting a stage persona.  Do...

Ever wondered what it takes to pull off a comedy show? Spoiler: it’s a lot more than just a funny person and a microphone. In this episode, we're peeling back the curtain on the chaotic, hilarious world behind the scenes! From the stressed-out producers and caffeine-fueled show managers to the tech magicians who keep the lights on and the audio clear (fingers crossed), we’re spotlighting every unsung hero—and occasional villain—in ...

The host duo breaks down the different types of standup shows; from intimate open mics to large comedy solos, and the unique "magic" each one brings. Whether it's the charm of a small crowd or the electrifying energy of a big theater, they dive into how comedians keep the production smooth and the jokes fresh, no matter the stage size. With funny anecdotes, behind-the-scenes tips, and a few disasters, this episode reveals how pulli...

In this episode, we're diving into the wild world of false advertising in the comedy industry! From exaggerated claims to downright fabrications, we're breaking down the most ridiculous and laughable ways shows and events are hyped up, and tackling the question; what is allowed and what not? Donations

We do this podcast for the love of comedy (and our own voices), but we do have certain expenses in terms of equipment and productio...

In this episode, we dive into the wild world of online reviews and explore the hilariously brutal aftermath of one standup comedian's worst nightmare - a scathing one-star review! Tune in as we dissect the ridiculous complaints, the over-the-top insults, and the comedian's desperate attempts to defend their dignity. Get ready for a rollercoaster of cringe, laughter, and a few questionable metaphors as we learn that not everyone can...

In this episode, we're diving into the world of standup comedy workshops. Ever wondered how comedians sharpen their wit, polish their punchlines, and perfect their timing? Join us as we pull back the curtain on these dynamic and often hilarious training grounds.

Our seasoned hosts and workshop instructors David and Igor talk about what happens behind the scenes. Discover how newcomers find their comedic voice, how veterans refine t...

Join us as we explore the world of comedy in Zagreb (Croatia), highlighting the city's first-ever Zagreb Comedy Festival in English. We dive into the festival's origins, its impact on the local comedy scene, and the exciting lineup of international and local comedians gracing the stage. We'll also take a closer look at the open mic production, get insights into the challenges and triumphs of starting in comedy, and discover what is...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating dynamic between the on-stage personas of stand-up comedians and their real-life selves. Join us as we explore how comics craft their characters, the impact of these personas on their careers and personal lives, and the blurred lines between performance and reality. Tune in for a blend of humor, individual takes of our hosts, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to make an audien...

Buckle up for a hilariously nostalgic ride with "Kodak Moments," the episode where we dive into the treasure trove of the most unforgettable and outright bonkers moments from our stand-up history! Join us as we rewind and laugh through our top picks, from the infamous venue flood that nearly ended in a Titanic-shape disaster, to the drunk heckler show where we're still debating if it was just our imagination. We've dug deep into t...

Can comedy save........The world? Your soul? Your sanity? Or are comedians just deluded fools with a messiah complex with the inability to shut up? Igor and David discuss the role of comedy in society and in our lives and what purpose it can possibly serve. Can comedy ever be a conduit of change? Join us on this quasi-existential episode to hear our musings on the subject. Donations

We do this podcast for the love of comedy (and o...

In this episode of The Comedy Kiosk, David and Igor discuss the influence social media and the internet as a whole has had on stand-up comedy. Do comedians pander to YouTube? Are hecklers now part of the experience and why? Has TikTok killed the grand raconteur (storyteller)? Or is comedy just evolving, and does this mean these two dinosaurs are just going to have to get with the times, invent a silly dance to go with their lip-syn...