In comedy, there are at least a thousand ways to die on stage. Laughing Dead is a podcast where comedians talk candidly about their worst ever gigs. Hosted by comedian Sami Shah, who has survived his share of cranky hecklers and depressing corporate shows, the show celebrates all the things that make comics weep. Sami’s guests include some of Australia’s best working comedians and internationally-renowned acts, reliving the shows that made them question their life choices. It’s a podcast for people who love comedy and comedians ... and hearing stories that make you laugh while you cringe!
Plaything for a sheikh
In the final episode of our first season, Sami is joined by the creators of ABC's next podcast hit, Tokyo Hotel, Ben Russell and Xavier Michelides. Improv gigs in Chi-town, prackfalls, and being hunted on a private island by rich Sheikhs, this episode has it all!
12/1/2016 • 32 minutes, 10 seconds
A dark and doomed and desperate occupation
Corporate gigs, hecklers, mining tours, audience indifference, silence, it takes a toll. How can comedians protect their sanity from the stresses of the comedy life? Sami speaks to Associate Professor and psychiatrist Dr Steve Ellen to find out.
11/24/2016 • 19 minutes, 6 seconds
Blindfolded on a ladder
Comedy can be honest. It can be searingly truthful, and intensely personal which is a powerful way of delivering laughter, but can also mean it hurts that much more when turned against the performer.
11/17/2016 • 28 minutes, 52 seconds
She mouthed sorry and walked out
In the history of terrible ideas, comedians taking their dates to a gig has to be the worst one. And if you don't know why, let Luke McGregor and Becky Lucas share their tales of tragedy and woe. Warning: adult themes like drug use and dating are discussed.
11/10/2016 • 36 minutes, 14 seconds
No laughing on site
Mining Tours are the gold standard of hell-gigs for comedians. They make corporate gigs look like a delight. Which is why, Xavier Susai and Mike G, have the emotional scars that they do. Both are veterans of the mining tours, and their stories are gloriously depressing! Language warning. It's pretty rude episode.
11/3/2016 • 32 minutes, 45 seconds
Don't bring a gun to a comedy night
Legendary comedians in their own right Bev Killick and Alexei Sayle rejoice in their failings at comedy clubs. "But the lesson I learned from that night (at the Comedy Store) is that if you point a gun at an audience it makes them nervous" - Alexei Sayle
10/28/2016 • 33 minutes, 58 seconds
Comedy is too serious to be funny
Why do comedians do what they do? And why do we find them so fascinating? This episode, instead of speaking to more comics, we change direction a little by delving into the psychology of comedians and their role in society.
10/20/2016 • 33 minutes, 54 seconds
Claire Hooper
Claire Hooper may be the face of baking on national television, but she’s still not above a gig going bad every now and then. Features a guest appearance by Xavier Michelides, who owns up to having thrown Claire under the proverbial bus.
10/14/2016 • 31 minutes, 19 seconds
Immigrant Comedians
Is it harder to win over an audience when you’re not local? Is dying on stage worse when you’re a foreigner? Two of Australia’s best immigrant comedians, Dilruk Jayasinha and Ivan Aristeguieta, regale us with their tales.
10/5/2016 • 30 minutes, 2 seconds
Corporate Gigs
No two words summon more dread in a comedian than "corporate gig." Luckily, Ben Lomas has figured out the lifehack for surviving one. Janelle Koenig, meanwhile, still isn’t over that one time on a boat with a sliding door.
9/29/2016 • 36 minutes, 25 seconds
Maz Jobrani
Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani’s done comedy all over the world and he’s got the emotional scars to prove it. This episode also features a guest appearance by the comedian’s comedian, Andy Kindler.
9/22/2016 • 30 minutes, 45 seconds
INTRODUCING — Laughing Dead
Comedian Sami Shah introduces you to his new podcast about comedians dying on stage, and regales you with a story of his own worst comedy-death.
