Podcast

Interview: Zoe Tomalin and Charlie Dinkin (SeanceCast)

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Hi guys, how is Lockdown 3.0 treating you lately?

Zoe: I’d point you to the fact we’ve just made a 10-part horror podcast.

Charlie: In my mind I’m on holiday in Hawaii, but also listening to the podcast we just made.

How did you two become comedy partners and what drew you to each other?

Z: The first time I saw Charlie we were both doing a stand-up gig (remember those?), and I was overwhelmed with this weird feeling that we were related.

C: Right, because we’re both short women with curly hair and glasses. How could we not be related?

Z: Charlie thought I was just being a creep, but then six months later she finds out she’s got a great great grandfather with the surname… Tomalin. So I guess the answer is: nepotism.

C: We’re both professional gag writers, so we got to know each other properly last year after writing on a couple of topical shows together. We both agreed it would be nice to write about some horrible things that weren’t actually happening. And like a creeping sickness that tells you you’ve made a terrible mistake… it grew from there!

Can you describe SeanceCast to readers who haven’t had a chance to listen yet?

C: SeanceCast is an extremely haunted sketch show, which follows two beautiful women (spoiler alert: it’s us) as we hold seances in order to find otherworldly content for our podcast.

Z: Each episode has its own story, as well as four ‘scenes from the beyond’ performed by some of the best comedy talent in the UK… we’re talking Amy Gledhill, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Alison Thea-Skot, Kat Bond, Nimisha Odedra, Toussaint Douglass, Amy Sutton, Jen Ives and Mali Ann Rees.

C: We spent most of the budget getting our incredibly talented cast cursed with bursting pustules so they couldn’t do TV work and had to make our podcast.

SeanceCast features sketches specifically from female and non-binary comic writers, how has this decision affected the content of the podcast?

Z: Firstly, it’s made it fucking great. We were so lucky to work with brilliant writers including Olga Koch, Athena Kugblenu, Catherine Brinkworth, Jen Ives, Shelf (Ruby Clyde and Rachel Watkeys-Dowie), Siân Docksey, Tasha Dhanraj, Heidi Regan, Charlie V Martin, Kate Hinksman, Georgia Wagstaff, Jain Edwards, Atlanta Green and Emerald Paston. Follow them all on Twitter before they’re megastars!

C: From the start we wanted to do something by and for womxn that allowed them to be weird and gross. Too often, shows that are supposed to be ‘for girls’ flatten the female experience into this glittery girlboss thing. So we’ve made a show about ghosts and murder instead – stuff chicks are really into.

You’ve just been nominated for the BBC Audio Drama Award, what does this mean to you?

Z: I got into comedy because I was obsessed with the now defunct Radio 7 when I was a kid so it’s a real honour to be on a list with writers and performers who made you want to do the job in the first place. Basically when we saw the nominations we did a big fangirl.

C: … and then, of course, thanked Satan for delivering on his side of the bargain. 

What one episode of SeanceCast would you recommend people listen to in order to get the full spooky experience?

C: Episode 1, but our other favourites are 4 and 9.

Z: I hear episodes 2,3,5,6,7,8 and 10 are pretty good too.

CATCH UP ON ALL EPISODES OF SEANCECAST HERE

Podcast Picks: Cuddle Club

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Podcasting has taken on a life of its own in recent years, with vast swathes of comedians coming forward with new interview, anecdotal and improv show formats. As this medium has grown, it has become saturated with assorted comedic content. Podcast Picks is a place for MoodyComedy’s comedy podcast recommendations.

Podcast Picks is back and it’s back with good reason; to recommend Cuddle Club with Lou Sanders. Beginning in February this year, Cuddle Club is a podcast that is still in its infancy. Despite this, Lou has bagged a number of high profile comedy guests, including Katherine Ryan, Richard Herring and Aisling Bea.

With a premise that centres around the weird and wonderful world of cuddles, snuggles and hugs, Lou Sanders has understandably had to reconsider her approach during the Covid-19 pandemic. Switching to a video call interview format, Lou marches on undeterred, demanding her guests share their most intimate cuddle moments, regardless of how uncomfortable they may feel.

Rather Freudian in her approach, Sanders’ adopted pseudo-psychiatrist character serves to highlight the ridiculous nature of many of the conversation topics. The episodes vary massively depending on whether our host is close friends with the guest or not. Often the conversation borders on awkward, and this is something that Sanders relishes, seemingly enjoying making her interviewees squirm with her hyper-sexualised chat.

That is not to say, however, that this podcast is all fluff. Each conversation goes in depth into topics such as relationships, family, childhood and romance, all accessed through the lens of cuddles, past and present. Lou’s candidness encourages immediate openness from her guests. Aisling Bea and Pope Lonergan’s conversations are particularly thought-provoking, with Lou’s close friendship with both comics allowing her to ask direct questions whilst remaining empathetic, yet always cheeky.

Cuddle Club is a collection of laid back chats with comedians that presents humanity realistically, with no polish or filters. Lou Sanders celebrates the real human condition, with all our ugly parts, guilty secrets and messy histories.

SERIES TWO OF CUDDLE CLUB HAS JUST BEGUN. CATCH UP ON ALL EPISODES HERE.

Podcast Picks: My Favorite Murder

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Podcasting has taken on a life of its own in recent years, with vast swathes of comedians coming forward with new interview, anecdotal and improv show formats. As this medium has grown, it has become saturated with assorted comedic content. Podcast Picks is a place for MoodyComedy’s comedy podcast recommendations.

Returning from a recent two month hiatus, Hardstark and Kilgariff are back with more tales from the darkest corners of humanity.

Enthralled by conversations with an assortment of friends, acquaintances and strangers at parties and get-togethers about their ‘hometown murders’, the pair came to the realisation in 2016 that while talking about horrendous abductions and murders isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it certainly sparks a certain interest for a particular demographic. And so My Favorite Murder was born.

Talking about the most horrific assaults and murders in unflinching detail, Georgia and Karen are certainly doing their bit to lift the taboo on topics that many people simply do not want to think about. From rape, to child murder, to pedophilia, these horrendous things do exist. But we are not laughing at the circumstances, and certainly not at the victims. We laugh because we acknowledge our own discomfort regarding these terrifying things. We laugh in the communal recognition that laughing at something takes the power away from it.

© My Favorite Murder

The pair also talk candidly about their experiences with addiction and mental health. Their unfiltered conversation is not only hugely refreshing to hear, but also an undeniable source of comfort to thousands of listeners who express their gratitude on a weekly basis in their emails.

We hear from someone whose Dad was the vet of the ‘satanic’ dog that the Son of Sam blamed his murders on. We hear from someone who found photo evidence that their grandparents were swingers. We hear from Mary Vincent, who showed tenacious survival spirit when she was raped by a man who proceeded to chop her arms off and throw her over a cliff. It’s heart-stopping stuff, but the fact we can come together to share it soon gets those hearts beating again.

If you want to hear about the darkest corners of humanity, if you want to be shocked, if you want to be prepared… if you want to be reminded of the human connection and warmth that withstands all this murderous bullshit, then My Favorite Murder is an excellent place from which to start.

CATCH UP ON ALL EPISODES OF ‘MY FAVOURITE MURDER’ HERE.

Podcast Picks: Off Menu

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Podcasting has taken on a life of its own in recent years, with vast swathes of comedians coming forward with new interview, anecdotal and improv show formats. As this medium has grown, it has become saturated with assorted comedic content. Podcast Picks is a place for MoodyComedy’s comedy podcast recommendations.

Off Menu is a food-based interview podcast hosted by James Acaster and Ed Gamble. The two comics invite their guests to describe each of their favourite courses in a dream restaurant, which works as a vehicle for getting to know their guests on a deeper level.

Self-declared foodies, Acaster and Gamble are on a mission to learn more about the eating and drinking habits of their friends. Each guest is asked to explain (and sometimes defend) their choice of starter, main, side and dessert, which opens up the conversation for a more general discussion about food, as well as giving an insight into each interviewee’s past life experiences.

© Off Menu

Beginning in December of last year, Off Menu is now well into its second series. Their diverse set of guests have included comedian Aisling Bea, TV chef Tom Kerridge, actress Sian Clifford and the magician Dynamo.

It’s surprisingly eye-opening stuff, with the majority of the show’s guests being incredibly candid when sharing experiences from their childhood and adolescence. And it’s funny too – Acaster acts as the dream restaurant’s waiter (who is also a genie), which gives the whole show an air of surrealism. Not to mention the infamous ‘poppadoms or bread?’ question, which listeners attempt to prepare themselves for each week, but always seem to be caught out.

Off Menu is perfect for comedy fans and hungry people. What’s not to like?

CATCH UP ON ALL EPISODES OF ‘OFF MENU’ HERE.

January Comedian of the Month #55, Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff

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Each Comedian of the Month on MoodyComedy is a comic who has never previously featured on the website. Reasons for selection can include various current projects the comedian is involved with, or perhaps recent appearances on television programmes or podcasts. There is no strict criteria however, as Comedian of the Month simply stands as a collection of recommendations, highlighting interesting and original aspects of certain comedians and their work.

January’s Comedian(s) of the Month is the American comedy podcasting duo behind the hit series, My Favorite Murder.

Television host Georgia Hardstark and comedy writer and comedian Karen Kilgariff teamed up in 2014 to create the My Favorite Murder podcast, where they talk about the crime stories that have shocked them most over the years and shaped the way they view the world. They also talk about prolific murders from their hometowns as well as the hometowns of their listeners who send their stories in.

© My Favorite Murder

From JonBenét Ramsey to the Alphabet Murders, this podcast is for anyone who has an interest in murder and crime that they worry might be a bit unhealthy. And Karen and Georgia are here to tell us that it’s not abnormal (or at least, they are as abnormal as you). But with nearly a quarter of a million Twitter followers and over 300k page likes on Facebook, it’s clear that those of us who obsess a little over true crime are certainly not alone.

And even if true crime isn’t really your thing, it’s hard not to get drawn in by Karen and Georgia’s lighthearted conversations. They’re not afraid of taboo, and as a result, My Favorite Murder is a surprisingly liberating listening experience.

Devilishly funny and endlessly fascinating, these two comic minds have created a franchise like no other, and My Favorite Murder continues to go from strength to strength.

For more information, follow My Favorite Murder on Twitter, or visit their website.

COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH

Podcast Review: My Dad Wrote A Porno, Series 4

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Jamie Morton, Alice Levine and James Cooper have been recording the My Dad Wrote A Porno podcast since 2015, where listeners were first introduced to the legendary pots and pans saleswoman Belinda Blumenthal. A remarkably put together Morton narrates each chapter of the erotic novel written by his dad (yes, his dad), writing under the pen-name Rocky Flinstone. The team have been packing out huge venues for their lives shows, including Sydney’s Royal Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall.

The plot is winding and fast-paced, and it often seems as though the writer himself has no clue where these events will lead. And this is, apparently, frequently the case. With an inappropriate use of adjectives and a post-modern take on syntax and grammar, hearing the trio try to make sense of Belinda’s escapades is highly entertaining. The sexual encounters are disgustingly graphic and are teamed with the most cringeworthy, stunted dialogue (note, ‘Hi I’m Kristina, and here’s my ass!’). It’s ridiculous moments such as these which make Belinda Blinked so remarkable.

Jamie Morton, Alice Levine and James Cooper © My Dad Wrote a Porno

Belinda Blinked is packed with surprises, surreal characters and images the listener would rather forget. And the three friends only add to the hilarity with their frustrated outbursts, uncontrolled laughter and skilled impressions. Soon enough, the listener can’t help but become immunised to the smut. And this is because what we are listening to isn’t sex. It’s power play, networking and a cervix grab here and there. My Dad Wrote A Porno celebrates the ridiculousness of Rocky Flinstone and his vibrant characters, and listening to it is truly joyous.

Have a listen if you want to find out who the special one is… the drama certainly doesn’t disappoint. And Monday 17th December also saw the release of the third Christmas Porno. All information about My Dad Wrote a Porno can be found on their website.

Interview: Jarlath Regan, Men Behaving Better Podcast

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Jarlath Regan began his Men Behaving Better podcast in July this year, and in this short time he has interviewed a variety of interesting people, discussing subjects such as the #MeToo movement, consent and the responsibility men have to help combat inequality in our day to day lives.

MoodyComedy had a chat with Jarlath about his podcasting experiences

Talk us through your experience with podcasting over the years.

Like most I first downloaded The Ricky Gervais Show – that really opened my eyes to the format. After that I became mildly obsessed with long form interview pods. I then created my own, An Irishman Abroad, and fell in love with the form and the space it provides both guest and host. Men Behaving Better grew out of that show because we had the space and time to explain the complicated thoughts everyone was having in relation to male and female behaviour.

Do you ever receive any backlash regarding the angle that Men Behaving Better takes?

Yes. Mainly from old men, angry men or people who haven’t listened yet. The show takes its time to have a nuanced conversation on tricky, delicate things like calling out your Dad or brother on their language, why #MeToo fatigue is a thing or can we enjoy the art of fallen men. The knee jerk response is to shout back at those questions but that’s really the opposite of what the show is.

Jarlath Regan

What attitudes do you want to challenge with this podcast?

There’s one that really annoys people: Some men don’t need to change. I like challenging that because it seems so obvious that that thought is driven by a massive blind spot in your perception of the world, your impact upon it and the supposed guilt involved in all of this. I’ve always been into self-improvement. Some people simply hate that notion. I like to challenge that and broaden it out as the season progresses.

Is talking about the topic of sexism and discrimination easy for you to make funny, or do you and your guests ever find it tiresome?

It’s all about your purpose for me. Are you punching up or down? And why? You can make anything funny but first we need to talk about what’s not funny in all of this. What’s absurd about all of this – that’s closer to funny. There’s funny available at every turn but it’s how you get there and why you get there that counts. It’s only tiring if you’re not interested.

How do you choose which guests you have on the show?

For season one I wanted comics I respect, activists with passion, journalists who have moved me and artists I know have a new or interesting take on the issues. That can be the human rights lawyer Simone George or Sara Pascoe, the actor Mark O’Halloran or Brett Goldstien. Balance is crucial so we never get too one-note in the discussion – it’s been challenging and fun every step of the way.

Who would you like to have as a guest?

Where do I start? Jo Brand, JK Rowling, Madonna, Cher, OJ Simpson, Tiger Woods. I mean this subject would make for some interesting chats with pretty much anyone in the public eye right now and that is the plan for next season.

How do you think we can each make a change within society?

I’d say listening. It’s a rare thing. Hearing someone out. Listening to the fullness of what they have to say and why they’re saying it. People are way more likely to listen to you if you listen to them. Also, maybe have a second referendum on Brexit.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MEN BEHAVING BETTER HERE

Interview: Daddy-Less Issues Podcast

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Daddy-Less Issues is a podcast created and hosted by orphan comedians Amber Rollo and Chanel Ali, with the aim of opening up discussion about the experiences of losing one or both parents, whilst also investigating the effects that this can have on an artist’s outlook and process.
This podcast discusses topics that are often seen to be too heavy or sensitive for casual conversation, but Rollo and Ali are challenging this presumption by producing such a fascinating and largely upbeat show. MoodyComedy spoke to Amber and Chanel to find out more about Daddy-Less Issues…

What spurred you to start The Daddy-less Issues podcast?

We kept seeing this pattern of orphans talked about in fiction but not in real life. Fairy tales, comic books and movies are filled with stories about orphans that are fantastic and magical, we wanted to show that real life orphans are pretty fantastic and magical themselves.

What, for both of you, does it mean to be an orphan?

In the nitty gritty definition sense, we go by the UN definition of orphan “a child who has lost one or more parents through death or abandonment.” But in a general more spiritual sense, it means we are enterprising independent kick ass hustlers, but who like also need love too.

Chanel Ali (left) and Amber Rollo, © Mindy Tucker

How do you think being an orphan has affected your career choices and comedy style?

We have found that we are a bit more free to talk about whatever we like on stage, compared to other comics who struggle with parental tsk tsking.

Have you discovered anything surprising about being an artist without parents as you’vebeen making this podcast?

We’ve discovered so many things, but our favorite is a sentiment best stated by Armistead Maupin “there are biological families, and then there are logical families” and we are both growing beautiful and supportive logical families. We have enjoyed the freedom to pursue our dreams and define success without the pressure or judgment that is often accompanied by two parent households.

What is the most difficult aspect about talking to people about potentially painful subjectssuch as losing a parent?

Often guests have never openly talked about this stuff with others who truly understand, sometimes they get so swept up in that release that they don’t want to stop talking about the past traumas. One of the hardest most delicate parts is to move the conversation forward into the present: what they are doing now, what tools have they picked up to self-parent and how are they thriving.

What has been the most valuable thing you have gained or learned since beginning thispodcast?

We love learning about all the famous orphans from history, it is really inspirational to hear all their stories and at the same time seeing our guests making history, in real time, right in front of us.

Who would be your dream future guest?

That’s a hard question, there are so many amazing orphans. Someone we are reaching for right now is Tiffany Haddish, she is killing as an orphan comedian and we love that. But a real dream dream, Obama or Madonna (both orphans).

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DADDY-LESS ISSUES AND LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE