All Episodes

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

Ollie Horn is joined by Tom Little. Tom is a stand-up comedian and actor presenting his Edinburgh Fringe show Tom Little in His Comfort Zone. They talk about:The rising financial costs and changing landscape of the Edinburgh Fringe.The differences between performing a 20-minute comedy club set and developing a 1-hour festival show.The mechanics, history, and economics of PBH's Free Fringe and bucket donation models.Online comedy videos and social media vs. the traditional live stand-up circuit.The fragmentation of media monoculture and how different generations consume comedy.They recommend:Tom TowlingRachel BakerMary FlaniganAnna ThomasKyla Cobbler

In this episode Ollie Horn is joined by Amos Gill. Amos is a New York-based Australian stand-up comedian known for his unfiltered, high-energy comedy.  They talk about:How the Edinburgh Fringe compares to Australian and American comedy circuits.The financial realities and creative freedom of performing at international festivals.Navigating political correctness, progressive culture, and boundary-pushing stand-up comedy.The rise of independent comedy, social media virality, and circumventing traditional industry gatekeepers.Crazy festival experiences, death threats from going viral, and an encounter with the FBI.They recommend:Geoffrey AsmusDan TiernanJessica BrodkinKyle Legacy

In this episode Ollie Horn is joined by Stuart Laws. Stuart is an acclaimed stand-up comedian, director, and comedy producer.They talk about:Directing live comedy, filming stand-up specials, and visual storytelling techniques.The creative mechanics, economics, and chaos of running concept Fringe shows.How venue layout, room setup, and environment shape audience psychology.Audience interaction, performance etiquette, and connecting with neurodivergent crowds.The role of a director in structuring solo stand-up and storytelling shows.How much Mr Blobby costs. They recommend:Kate HammerJennifer JaneJohn KearnsElouise EftosLi Jin HaoBella HullSam EleyPhil Ellis

In this episode Ollie Horn is joined by David Hoare. David is an award-winning musical comedian bringing the show How to Live to 100 this year.  They talk about:The learning curve of writing multi-year Fringe shows and comedy "boot camp."The concept and strategy behind the "Coward's Hour" versus full one-hour shows.PR, joke list submissions, and how national press coverage actually works at the festival.The financial realities, tax returns, and administrative side of freelance comedy.Handling gig mishaps, crowd work, and the craft of reading an audience.They recommend:Chelsea BirkbyJames O'DonoghuePaul HilleardAlex KitsonJames TrickeyJordan BrooksTom NeenanAndrew White

In this episode Ollie Horn is joined by Nathan Cassidy. Nathan is an award-winning stand-up comedian and founder of the ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards. They talk about:The financial realities and business models of the Edinburgh Fringe.Review scandals and promotional stunts.Stand-up comedy as an art form versus viral social media clips.The purpose and structure of the Ish Edinburgh Comedy Awards.They recommend:Elf LyonsGary StarrJulia MasliPaul FootPhil EllisMark Ford