In 2011 I wrote this blog about three of my favourite podcasts. All 3 are still top listens- TOFOP has been on hiatus while it has transformed into the Charlie-less "FOFOP", it is back and funnier than ever, I wrote about Dum Dum's recent year here and CYTTPP has evolved from a comedy podcast to more of an about comedy podcast (that still has its fair share of laughs). Justin's ability to probe comedians on the finer point of their art is an amazing thing to hear and if you have any aspirations to become a comedian have a listen to any number of his episodes and get an idea of what you are in for. His 2011 and 2012 year in review podcasts are essential listening to any comedy fan. But of course, there are other worthy companions that have crept into the market which you may be interested in....
Santo, Sam & Ed
People roughly my age will more than likely remember that awesome show "The Panel" from the early to late '90s when Tom Gleisner, Rob Sitch, Santo Cilauro and a host of other great Aussie comics sat around dissecting the weekly news with liberal doses of good humour. This is the podcast equivalent.
Cilauro is joined by comedian Sam Pang and TV writer and personality Ed Kavalee (who is currently on the longest holiday ever, possibly flogging his idea for a complete blu-ray set of "TV Burp") come together and wax lyrical on the weeks events.
Clive Palmer is the butt of many-a joke but absolutely nobody is safe here. Cilauro keeps the gags rolling across episodes (his current fetish is a hilarious take on the Happy Days theme) whilst Sam and Ed deliver a huge amount of laughs themselves (and you'll soon be wanting your own "Frank The Drummer"). Gleisner pops in at the end of every episode to give the boys a quiz whilst the absent Kavalee has been represented recently by Rob Sitch and Glenn Robbins. A perfect way to end the week.
I Love The Green Guide Letters
In a market getting more and more crowded, it is hard for a podcast to get some cut-through with a fresh angle. Comedian Steele Saunders has done just that. Combining some of Australia's funniest comedians with the whinging letters from the readers of The Age's "Green Guide" is a sure-fire formula for laughter. The format works well both in studio and in the live format too. Such a hit has this become that Saunders has written a column for the guide and now there are frequent letters to the guide about the podcast! Regardless of whether you live in Melbourne or not, this is one of the funniest podcasts going at the moment.
The Shelf
I feel a tiny bit guilty adding Justin Hamilton's second podcast to the list but I simply cannot ignore it. Justin is joined every week by Adam Richard and the two have an awesome time just riffing on each other and talking through the most hilarious scenarios. Richards' laugh is worth the download alone. These are two finely seasoned pros and they do not hold back. If CYTTPP is Hamilton at his most probing and personal, this is Hamilton the comedian- funny and brutal at the same time. If you love this podcast then make the effort to get to Melbourne and see the live comedy room of the same name run by the two of them.....
