The Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Podcast

Rick Molland is a comedian, host of one of the longest running comedy nights in Edinburgh, director of the Scottish comedy festival, and one of the main brains behind all Hoots venues at Edinburgh Fringe. Today he is joined by stand-in host, Stephen Case, of RGB Monster.They talk about:The reality of small Fringe teams; big venues aren't running how you thinkThe importance of rolling from one Fringe straight into planning the nextMaking big decisions and sticking to them, despite the Fringe's rollercoaster natureThe truth about the Yurt rumours

Steve Hutchinson is an experienced critic and reviewer for One4Review. They talk about:The hazards of being a critic and running into people you've reviewed badlyScottish representation in comedy awards lists, and the McTavish awardDetails of the reviewing process through the eyes of an actual reviewerHow reviewers scout possible talent at lineup shows, and what it looks like to cover the Fringe this wayThey recommend:Corbin MilliganChris ForbesMiles Jupp

Stuart Goldsmith has his own wildly successful podcast, alongside his thriving comedy career, and joined us to discuss all things comedy, climate and corporate.They talk about:Money or vibes - which of these is more important to your shows?Discovering through an ADHD coach the importance of financial resilienceThe outdated career blueprint for comediansRedefining success as you level up in comedy, and Elf Lyons, queen of EdinburghEvolving the comedy business model and building new landscapes for production

Harry Jun is a critically acclaimed Sydney-based comedian, who has sold out his whole run of shows this year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.They talk about:Navigating identity as an Asian-Australian comic performing internationallyThe difference between Edinburgh Fringe versus the Australian Fringe festivalsFarming your shows for contentSocial media strategies for comedians - converting one-off viral viewers to longterm fans

Multi-award winning comedian Adele Cliff has brought a WIP to the Fringe this year. She joins host Ollie Horn to discuss.They talk about:Ever-decreasing Fringe attendance, including the huge amount of shows this year that have been heavily impacted by low attendanceThe importance of brand consistency as a comedian, and building a recognisable identityGrowing and changing over 12 years of the Fringe - from student sketches to international solo showsHow to build a joke that'll win you a 'Best Joke of the Fringe' award

John Robertson is the face and brain behind the hugely successful show, 'The Dark Room.' He is currently performing both this, and a straight stand-up show at the Edinburgh Fringe.They talk about:The challenge of bringing the same show every year, competing with new conceptsThe perils of putting your face on your merchThe Evolution of The Dark Room, and how it has transformed over 15 yearsTV deals, development hell, and failures we don't mention

David Correos is a New Zealand comedian currently performing his show 'Noise Zealand' at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.They talk about:Show evolution and the importance of flexibility in your conceptsWhether drinking alcohol helps or hinders your comedy performanceThe balance between absurd alternative bits and traditional observational stand-up, and how one might feed the otherThe psychology of the audience and how to 'trap' themHow to get a crowd to 'buy in' to your showThey recommend:Dan RathRay O'LearyHoani HoteneBooth the ClownJack Ansett

Bennett Aaron is a stand-up comedian presenting his show I Regret This Already at this year's festival.They talk about:How the comedy circuit was in the olden daysBecoming the UK's first major victim of identity theft and how that show skyrocketed his careerWriting and teaching sitcom structureHow to process personal grief on stage How comedians make money these daysThey recommend:Ignacio LopezMilton JonesMark Simmons

Abbie Carter Simpson is a stand-up comedian, singer, and actor presenting her Edinburgh Fringe show Stand-up Couple alongside her partner Joe McTernan.They talk about:Performing a joint double-act show as a romantic couple, delegating show management duties, and navigating trust on stage.Writing comedy together, adapting jokes to fit individual performance voices, and the ethics of "punching down."Transitioning from musical theatre and drama school into stand-up comedy, commercial castings, and how the audition process works. Abbie's experience performing on Britain's Got Talent, writing family-friendly comedy songs, and live television production logistics.The importance of supporting arts and music education in schools.They recommend:NewsRevueJames Beatty's Comedy BrunchAidan JonesBecky UmbersMilo EdwardsMassioke

Ollie Horn Horn is joined by Kate Hammer, a stand-up comedian, writer, and director presenting her debut Edinburgh Fringe show Kate Hammer: Government Approved Comedian.They talk about:The definition and industry pressure of an official Edinburgh Fringe "debut" hour compared to work-in-progress runs.Her background writing and developing for television (EastEnders, River City, Bridge of Lies) and the funding challenges facing independent Scottish comedy productions.Collaborating with comedian and director Stuart Laws to sharpen her show's narrative structure, pacing, and callbacks.Gender dynamics in comedy, confronting reviewer biases, and using stage presence and costuming to connect with audiences.They recommend:Stuart LawsRosco McClellandJack AnsettTom BallardTom CashmanGrace Mulvey