Hard Knock Knocks

In her very first Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) show, Nikki Osborne not only sold out, but also managed to attract over 100,000 dollars of free, or 'earned', publicity for her show "On the Spectrum".

That was the good news.

The bad news was she also endured an emotional onslaught for her show's topic - autism. In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast, you'll learn how Nikki's 'go hard or go home' attitude helped her battle online trolls and survive the criticism, all the while polishing and improving her show to make it a positive experience for all, and a true success.

And if the name 'Nikki Osborne' is familiar, but you can't recall it from the stand-up scene, that's because she's best known for her TV appearances, most recently as Delvene Delaney, in the TV mini-series, "Hoges: The Paul Hogan Story". She's also a regular as face as gameshow host and witty guest contestant.

Nikki Osborne is extremely talented and an inspiration to anyone who's interested in smashing the status quo, whether that be on stage or on screen, so I'm sure you'll enjoy this interview.

And if you're enjoying these podcasts, and would like to become part of a comedy community, we've launched our School of Hard Knock Knocks Podcast Community group on Facebook. It's absolutely free to join and full of advice.

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In 1988 The Comedy Company changed the face of Australian sketch comedy. Kylie Mole, Uncle Arthur, Con the Fruiterer, and Colin Carpenter became part of the Australian lexicon. So too their creators - Mary-Anne Faye, Glenn Robbins, Mark Mitchell and Kym Gyngell, as well as Russell Gilbert, Tim Smith and, the group's founder, Ian McFadyen. You know them as comedy royalty. What you don't know is that it all started with a loaned hammer.

In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast episodes, host Steve Davis interviews The Comedy Company creator, Ian McFadyen, as they name-drop down Australian comedy memory lane. You'll learn how a poorly funded comedy show beat the 800-pound gorilla of the time, 60 Minutes, how the 'writers room' generated ideas, and ultimately learn how serendipity created this national treasure.

And if you're interested in learning how to write comedy sketches, then stay tuned. In 2021 the School of Hard Knock Knocks is launching our sketch writing course. Learn how to write, edit and even produce your own sketch show, with help from veteran comedy writers and directors. Best of all, your comedy will be turned into an actual Australian sketch comedy web series!

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Tim Ferguson has taken his abusive style of comedy from the streets of Canberra to New York and London, as one-third of the Doug Anthony All Stars. Back in Australia, and still performing, Tim also teaches comedy writing at the New York University, the Australian Film Radio & Television School, NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art), and through his own company, The Cheeky Monkey. In this School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast you'll learn about prostitutes, abusing audiences, and what's at the heart of all comedy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marty Wilson is an award winning comedian. He's also an author, and in this School of Hard Knocks podcast we talk about his new book ON comedy - More Funny, More Money.

Originally an online course, also called More Funny, More Money, the book was the obvious evolution, and in the interview Marty highlights that humour is not only useful on a stand-up comedy stage, but is also scientifically linked to better leadership, increased attractiveness, and reducing stress.

Marty also talks about his International Business Humour Summit, and takes up the 'Pay It Forward Joke Challenge' with the word 'pedestal clock.

And if you're enjoying these podcasts and would like to be part of a comedy community, be sure to check out our School of Hard Knock Knocks Podcast Community group on Facebook. You'll meet like minded comedy lovers, get free advice, and be reminded of upcoming comedy courses.

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Damian Callinan is one of Australia’s most versatile performers. Actor, writer and comedian all rolled into one.

As you’ll hear in this School of Hard Knock Knocks’ podcast Damian’s journey to comedy began as dabbling in theatre, then dying at the Espy, competing at Raw Comedy, before jumping into the movies – including his most recent comedy movie, The Movie.

Damian Callinan is a Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala and Road Show performer, and one of Australia’s funniest comedians, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy this episode.

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