Sasheer Zamata (2017): ComCompendium

Amy Annette

Jun 25, 20261h 8mSummary

In this episode of The Comedian's Comedian Podcast, host Stuart Goldsmith speaks with the multifaceted comedian Amy Annette. Known for her critically acclaimed work at the Edinburgh Festival and her extensive background in production, script editing, and consulting, Annette offers a unique perspective on the craft of stand-up. The conversation delves into the challenge of developing an authentic stage persona while maintaining a necessary level of control. Annette discusses the importance of avoiding the trap of raw, unchecked vulnerability, suggesting that the best performers are those who can present a version of themselves that feels genuine while remaining intentionally crafted. They also touch upon the nuances of "inside baseball" humor, debating whether comedians should prioritize universal accessibility or trust their audience's intelligence enough to follow specific, niche references. Annette highlights her transition from the production side of the industry to the stage, noting how her experience working with various creative teams helped her overcome the need to justify her presence in the comedy world. The episode provides a thoughtful exploration of how comedians can balance observation, intellectual engagement, and the essential, often difficult work of refining a punchline.

Joe Wells

Jun 18, 20261h 13mSummary

In this episode of The Comedian's Comedian Podcast, host Stuart Goldsmith interviews Joe Wells, a comedian known for his sharp political commentary and more recent, deeply personal work exploring neurodiversity and mental health. The discussion centers on how Wells's experiences with autism and parenthood have reshaped his approach to stand-up comedy. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the mechanics of live performance when catering to a neurodivergent audience. Wells shares his insights on creating accessible environments, such as "relaxed" performance settings where audience members feel free to move or use their phones, which he argues removes the unnecessary pressure to adhere to traditional, restrictive comedy club norms. Wells also explains how his career evolved from political satire to introspection, noting that he often uses his writing as a tool to process his own diagnosis and life transitions. The two comedians further reflect on the pressures of show business, the importance of humility in their craft, and the challenge of maintaining creative authenticity while ensuring their material remains accessible and engaging for their respective audiences.

Suzi Ruffell (2019): ComCompendium

Jun 11, 20261h 0mSummary

In this archival episode of The Comedian's Comedian Podcast, host Stuart Goldsmith revisits a 2019 conversation with comedian Suzi Ruffell. The pair explores Ruffell’s evolution as a performer, moving from her early days of "impersonating" what she thought a stand-up should be to finding her authentic voice. Ruffell discusses the struggle of her initial years in the industry and how a period of disillusionment—and a crucial career intervention—eventually led her to fall in love with comedy. A central theme of the discussion is the role of representation. Ruffell highlights the importance of sharing her experiences as an openly gay woman, aiming to make LGBTQ+ audience members feel seen without ever turning her identity into a punchline. She reflects on the maturity of her writing, noting her decision to abandon traditional "coming out" tropes in favor of more personal, relatable storytelling. The episode also offers a fascinating look at her creative process, which involves handwriting her set lists on postcards rather than using word processors, a method that respects her experience with dyslexia and keeps her performance feeling natural, joyous, and profoundly grounded in her own truth.

Sara Pascoe Returns

Jun 4, 20261h 28mSummary

In this episode, host Stuart Goldsmith welcomes acclaimed comedian Sara Pascoe back to the podcast. Following a technical failure during their initial recording, the two engage in a fresh conversation, reflecting on their shared experiences and the evolution of their careers. The discussion centers on the psychological challenges inherent in the comedy industry, exploring the comedian's constant pursuit of validation and the lingering sting of rejection. Pascoe provides candid insights into the realities of appearing on high-pressure panel shows, comparing the intensity of these programs to a demanding workout that remains challenging regardless of one’s career stage. The duo delves into the dynamics of the comedy circuit, discussing the divide between career circuit comics who have honed their material over decades and those, like Pascoe, who are frequently testing new, experimental material. They touch upon the perceived unfairness audiences sometimes feel when established acts perform alongside newcomers, as well as the ethical questions surrounding successful comics taking spots at smaller gigs. Ultimately, they reflect on the necessity of performing for one’s own creative growth and the vulnerability required to continue taking risks.

A Very Important Announcement...

May 29, 20265 minSummary

In this episode of The Comedian's Comedian Podcast, host Stuart Goldsmith shares an exciting personal update regarding his return to the stage for his first national tour in eight years. He officially introduces his new climate-focused comedy show, titled Canary, which serves as a follow-up to his previous work on the subject. While his initial show explored the basics of the climate crisis, this new material grapples with the nuanced question of whether individual action can truly make a meaningful difference. Drawing from interviews with over a hundred sustainability experts, Goldsmith aims to provide a fiercely hopeful and positive perspective for audiences who feel overwhelmed by the current state of the world. He reflects on how much the global landscape has changed since his last tour, noting that his show serves as a grounding experience for those experiencing climate anxiety. With a successful string of preview performances behind him, Goldsmith expresses genuine confidence in the material, describing it as his strongest work to date, and invites listeners to join him at various festival appearances and tour stops throughout the autumn.

Rose Matafeo (2018): ComCompendium

May 22, 202652 minSummary

In this 2018 episode of The Comedian's Comedian Podcast, host Stuart Goldsmith sits down with award-winning comedian Rose Matafeo to explore her creative process and her rapid rise in the comedy scene. Recorded during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the conversation provides a fascinating snapshot of Matafeo’s mindset before her transition to international stardom. The pair delve into the intricacies of crafting a solo show, with Matafeo discussing the intense pressure of the Edinburgh environment and her transition from relying on broad, observational material to creating more personal, mature work. She reveals her "quintuple threat" performance style—incorporating impressions, dance, music, and character work—which she admits is largely a strategy to compensate for her own stage fright. They also discuss the unique challenges of performing comedy as a woman, particularly the often-misunderstood dynamics of "relatability" and the blurred lines between a stage persona and personal life. Additionally, Matafeo shares her experiences regarding the "tall poppy" syndrome in her native New Zealand, contrasting it with the supportive comedy culture she found in the United Kingdom. It is an insightful look at the discipline, insecurity, and artistic growth required to succeed on the comedy circuit.