Comedy moments from the comedians of the moment. Hosted by Claire Hooper.
Proudly brought to you by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and OPPO.
Remembering the wedding with Rhys Nicholson and Zoë Coombs Marr
Ten years ago, something happened that no one could ever have predicted - comedians Rhys Nicholson and Zoë Coombs Marr got legally married on the Festival Club stage. In this episode, the pair discuss how the idea came to be, what their real-life partners thought of the nuptials, and what the wedding was really about.
Follow Rhys Nicholson on Instagram @rhysnicholson
Follow Zoë Coombs Marr on Instagram @zoecoombsmarr
Follow Claire Hooper on Instagram @theclairehooper
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Thanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
15 Apr 2026
When it all comes full circle with Ivan Aristeguieta and Rove McManus
These days, Ivan Aristeguieta is a beloved award-winning comedian, but 20 years ago, he was just a budding Venezuelan comedian who became obsessed with watching clips from Rove Live, hosted by Rove McManus. Years later, Ivan found himself on a reboot on Rove's show, and they're here today to tell the tale. In this episode, the pair discuss the trials and tribulations of live TV gigs, how to maintain community over competition, and why Australian comedians are so nice.
Follow Ivan Aristeguieta on Instagram @ivancomedy
Follow Rove McManus on Instagram @rovemcmanus
Follow Claire Hooper on Instagram @theclairehooper
Other ways to follow the #MICF funnies:
Facebook: / melbournecomedy
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YouTube: / TheMelbComedyFest
Join our mailing list: https://micf26.au/mailinglist
Thanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
8 Apr 2026
The advice that changed everything with Pete Helliar and Rowan Thambar
Pete Helliar thinks he met Rowan Thambar while working together on The Project - what he doesn't remember is judging the Class Clowns National Grand Final that Rowan was a finalist in years earlier. Rowan remembers it clear as day, as well as the life-changing advice that Pete gave him after the show. In this episode, the pair discuss their time working together on The Project, what it feels like working with the comedians you once simply admired, and why you shouldn't wear sunglasses on stage.
Follow Pete Helliar on Instagram @pjhelliarFollow Rowan Thambar on Instagram @rowanthambar_
Follow Claire Hooper on Instagram @theclairehooper
Other ways to follow the #MICF funnies:
Facebook: / melbournecomedy
Instagram: / melbcomedyfestival
TikTok: / melbcomedyfestival
YouTube: / TheMelbComedyFest
Join our mailing list: https://micf26.au/mailinglist
Thanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
1 Apr 2026
Comedy gig horror stories with Bron Lewis and Nick Cody
Every great comedian has one gig that haunts them forever. For rising comedy superstar Bron Lewis, that gig occurred several years ago when she bombed spectacularly in front of radio presenter and comedy legend, Nick Cody. Thankfully, he doesn't quite remember it the way she does. In this episode, the pair discuss how they got their starts, the joys of corporate comedy, and share the horror gigs they'll never forget.
Follow Nick Cody on Instagram @thenickcody
Follow Bron Lewis on Instagram @bronlewiscomedy
Follow Claire Hooper on Instagram @theclairehooper
Other ways to follow the #MICF funnies:
Facebook: / melbournecomedy
Instagram: / melbcomedyfestival
TikTok: / melbcomedyfestival
YouTube: / TheMelbComedyFest
Join our mailing list: https://micf26.au/mailinglist
Thanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
25 Mar 2026
The confession years in the making with Lizzy Hoo and Kushi Venkatesh
Lizzy Hoo and Kushi Venkatesh met in 2023 at the Class Clowns National Grand Final, and despite the fact they were host and competitor, they've been friends ever since. In this episode, the pair discuss the interests that brought them together, outfit choices on stage, and the advice Lizzy gave Kushi all those years ago that she's finally taken on board.Follow Lizzy Hoo on Instagram @lizzyhooFollow Kushi Venkatesh on Instagram @kushi.venkateshFollow Claire Hooper on Instagram @theclairehooperOther ways to follow the #MICF funnies:Facebook: / melbournecomedyInstagram: / melbcomedyfestivalTikTok: / melbcomedyfestivalYouTube: / TheMelbComedyFestJoin our mailing list: https://micf26.au/mailinglistThanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
18 Mar 2026
34 years without rehearsals with The Umbilical Brothers
David Collins and Shane Dundas met at acting school almost forty years ago, and have worked together as comedy duo The Umbilical Brothers ever since. In this episode, the pair discuss the formative assignments that shaped their comedy style, their thoughts on stretching and rehearsing, and discover the reason they work so well together.
Follow The Umbilical Brothers on Instagram @umbilicalbrothersFollow David Collins on Instagram @yesdavidcollinsFollow Claire Hooper on Instagram @theclairehooper
Other ways to follow the #MICF funnies: Facebook: / melbournecomedy Instagram: / melbcomedyfestival TikTok: / melbcomedyfestivalYouTube: / TheMelbComedyFestJoin our mailing list: https://micf26.au/mailinglist
Thanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
11 Mar 2026
From the seats to the stage with Maddy Weeks and David Quirk
Maddy Weeks first fell in love with comedy at 17 years old, when David Quirk came to town with the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow. 11 years later, Maddy had the ultimate full circle moment, when they found themself performing with David on the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow. In this episode, the pair talk about David's unique choice of CD merch, what it's like doing comedy in a regional town, and how to fall back in love with comedy after burning out.
Follow Maddy Weeks on Instagram @maddyyweeksFollow David Quirk on Instagram @dedbeetFollow Claire Hooper on Instagram @theclairehooper
Other ways to follow the #MICF funnies: Facebook: / melbournecomedy Instagram: / melbcomedyfestival TikTok: / melbcomedyfestivalYouTube: / TheMelbComedyFestJoin our mailing list: https://micf26.au/mailinglist
Thanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
4 Mar 2026
Laughter and medicine with Georgie Carroll and Noah Szto
Georgie Carroll and Noah Szto have a few things in common - including that they're both comedians and medical professionals. In this episode, the pair discuss whether you can work in comedy and medicine at the same time, how both industries are different, and reveal the truth behind the stories they tell on stage.
Follow Georgie Carroll on Instagram @nurse_georgie_carrollFollow Noah Szto on Instagram @nozzystuffFollow Claire Hooper on Instagram @theclairehooper
Other ways to follow the #MICF funnies: Facebook: / melbournecomedy Instagram: / melbcomedyfestival TikTok: / melbcomedyfestivalYouTube: / TheMelbComedyFestJoin our mailing list: https://micf26.au/mailinglist
Thanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
25 Feb 2026
From flyering to friendship with Daniel Connell and Luke Heggie
Aussie comedy legends and longtime mates Daniel Connell and Luke Heggie have come a long way since they met - from humble beginnings handing out flyers for their Comedy Zone show in 2011, to sell-out tours across Australia. In this episode, Daniel and Luke express their deep hatred for flyering, explain what drives them to write a new show each year, and give us an insight into what their friendship means to them.
Follow Daniel Connell on Instagram @daniel_connell_comedyFollow Luke Heggie on Instagram @heggielukeFollow Claire Hooper on Instagram @theclairehooper
Other ways to follow the #MICF funnies: Facebook: / melbournecomedy Instagram: / melbcomedyfestival TikTok: / melbcomedyfestivalYouTube: / TheMelbComedyFestJoin our mailing list: https://micf26.au/mailinglist
Thanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
18 Feb 2026
Internet or IRL with Sez and Gabbi Bolt
Sez and Gabbi Bolt have a lot in common - they're both musical comedians who found a new audience making online videos during lockdown, only to be welcomed back to the comedy world branded as 'influencers'. In this episode, Sez and Gabbi share the story of the article that connected them, what it's like being the only musical comedian on a lineup, and the difference between online and on stage comedy.
Follow Sez on Instagram @sez.com.auFollow Gabbi Bolt on Instagram @gabbiboltofficial
Other ways to follow the #MICF funnies: Facebook: / melbournecomedy Instagram: / melbcomedyfestival TikTok: / melbcomedyfestivalYouTube: / TheMelbComedyFestJoin our mailing list: https://micf26.au/mailinglist
Thanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
11 Feb 2026
The phone call that changed everything with Janty Blair and Wes Snelling
Deadly Funny winner Janty Blair and producer, comedian, and drag queen Wes Snelling have a friendship like none other - but how did it all start? They join Claire in this episode to discuss meeting for the first time twice, tips for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the importance of seeing comedians on stage that look like you.
Follow Janty Blair on Instagram @janty_blairFollow Wes Snelling on Instagram @wessnellingFollow Claire Hooper on Instagram @theclairehooper
Other ways to follow the #MICF funnies: Facebook: / melbournecomedy Instagram: / melbcomedyfestival TikTok: / melbcomedyfestivalYouTube: / TheMelbComedyFestJoin our mailing list: https://micf26.au/mailinglist
Thanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
11 Feb 2026
Horsing around with Sammy J
On this episode, beloved Australian comedian, musician, and radio personality Sammy J throws all of the rules out the window so that he can grill Claire on a song about a horse that has haunted his memory for the past 18 years. Turns out, he doesn't even remember the full story himself...
Follow Sammy J on Instagram @sammyjcomedianFollow Claire Hooper on Instagram @theclairehooper
Other ways to follow the #MICF funnies: Facebook: / melbournecomedy Instagram: / melbcomedyfestival TikTok: / melbcomedyfestivalYouTube: / TheMelbComedyFestJoin our mailing list: https://micf26.au/mailinglist
Thanks to OPPO for supporting this podcast. For more, head to https://www.oppo.com/au/
11 Feb 2026
Introducing The Callback!
The Callback is a podcast all about comedy moments from the comedians of the moments. Hosted by Claire Hooper, with new episodes dropping each Thursday.
We're bringing together some of your favourite comedians to talk about the defining moments in their comedy careers. Whether it’s the first time an artist fell in love with comedy, the start of a powerhouse duo, or a chance meeting of artists in the right place at the right time.
Available in audio form on all major podcast platforms, or right here on our YouTube channel in video form!
This podcast is proudly supported by OPPO.
Contact The Callback
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