Ep. 160 – ‘Making a Career in Comedy’ with Jordan Brookes

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02/26/25 • 67 min

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This week, we're joined by the hilarious Jordan Brookes, an award-winning comic known for pushing boundaries in stand-up. His latest show, Fontanelle, is currently running at Soho Theatre and we dive into the highs and lows of comedy, taking creative risks and how the industry is evolving.

In this episode, Jordan discusses:

Why bombing on stage is a good thing for comics
How Fontanelle came about
The changing landscape of comedy
The Titanic
The difficulty of enjoying any success without always chasing the next thing
His early years as a comic.
Why masculinity is so confusing to talk about
Lessons from 15 years in comedy and more

Jordan Brookes

🎭 Jordan Brookes: Fontanelle – Soho Theatre – https://sohotheatre.com/shows/fontanelle🎤 Jordan Brookes – Comedian –https://www.jordanbrookescomedy.com

▶️ Watch the full discussion on YouTube

🌍 Visit our website: https://www.justgetarealjob.com

💙 Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob

📲 Follow us on:Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

🎧 Listen on:Spotify | Apple Podcasts

In this episode, Jordan discusses:

Why bombing on stage is a good thing for comics
How Fontanelle came about
The changing landscape of comedy
The Titanic
The difficulty of enjoying any success without always chasing the next thing
His early years as a comic.
Why masculinity is so confusing to talk about
Lessons from 15 years in comedy and more

Jordan Brookes

🎭 Jordan Brookes: Fontanelle – Soho Theatre – https://sohotheatre.com/shows/fontanelle🎤 Jordan Brookes – Comedian –https://www.jordanbrookescomedy.com

▶️ Watch the full discussion on YouTube

🌍 Visit our website: https://www.justgetarealjob.com

💙 Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob

📲 Follow us on:Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

🎧 Listen on:Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Previous Episode

EP. 159 - 'The UK TV Industry is in Crisis: What Happens Now?’ | A Live Panel Discussion

This week’s episode is something different—a live panel discussion featuring voices from across the UK TV industry, including Philip Ralph, Ashley Catherine Dick, Marcus Anthony Thomas, Nasreen Ahmed, and Vito Milazzo.

After a brutal year of job losses, production slowdowns, and financial struggles, we’ve made it to 2025—but what happens now? Many hoped things would improve, but if anything, the industry’s challenges are deepening.

In this live discussion, we explore:
🎬 How we got here – from the post-COVID content boom to streamer cutbacks and broadcaster struggles.
💰 The reality of surviving the downturn – with over 50% of workers still out of work and increasing financial pressure.
🔮 What needs to change – exploring solutions, industry trends, and the fight for a more sustainable future.

🔗 Useful links:
📝 Phil’s viral thread
📄 Dr. Richard Wallis’ article
🎙️ The Directors Take Podcast
🎬 Cinora Films

▶️ Watch the full discussion on YouTube
🌍 Visit our website
💙 Support us on Patreon

📲 Follow us on:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

🎧 Listen on:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Next Episode

Ep. 161 – 'Telling Stories for Stage & Screen' with Morna Young

This week, we’re joined by Scottish writer Morna Young, whose powerful storytelling has made waves in theatre and on screen. From tackling imposter syndrome to writing the River City Christmas special, Morna shares her journey, the highs and lows of her career, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way.

We chat about:

🎭 Playwriting vs. screenwriting

🤯 Imposter syndrome & feeling out of place

🌊 The story behind Lost at Sea, her debut play

🏞️ How growing up in the north-east of Scotland has shaped her writing.

✍️ Writing the River City Christmas special

🎤 Learning how to pitch and sell your work

📚 Advice for up-and-coming writers and creatives

An honest, inspiring conversation filled with insights for writers and creatives

Morna Young:

🌐 Visit Morna Young’s website: https://www.mornayoung.com/

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