The Comedy Writers Group podcast, hosted by the ever-charming Marcel Blanch-de Wilt, has been dishing out comedy wisdom for about three years now. As of March 24, 2025, they’ve dropped 125 episodes, and honestly, that’s a lot of laughs packed into digital form.
The podcast is like a crash course in stand-up, sketch, and screenwriting, aimed at de-mystifying the comedy industry. The one we’ve all daydreamed about joining when our day jobs get too dull. Marcel, a popular comedian and improviser, knows his stuff, and this live episode at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 is pure gold. He’s joined by Kate Dolan, a podcast regular and fellow comedy guru, and together they’re like the Yoda and Obi-Wan of Aussie comedy, guiding the next generation through a mentorless wilderness. It’s inspiring.
Let’s talk guests. Past episodes have featured big names like Luke Heggie, Gabbi Bolt, Lizzy Hoo, and Claire Hooper, talents who’ve left audiences in stitches and critics scrambling for superlatives. Over time, Marcel’s built this tight-knit crew of listeners, a sort of comedy cult, cheering each other on with advice, praise, and the occasional brutal roast. It’s community gold, guys.
But this live 2025 Festival episode? It brought out the big guns. Enter Olga Koch, the UK-based comedian whose show, Olga Koch Comes From Money, is turning heads this year. Olga has been busy turning 30, earning a Master’s degree, and surviving salmonella, all while crafting jokes that hit like a truck. In this live episode, Olga joins Marcel and Kate to spill the beans on joke writing, testing material, and the wild ride of performing at a beast like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Her insights? Fascinating. Even for a non-comedian like me. Peering behind the curtain of that hour-long show feels like sneaking into a secret club. Marcel and Kate lobbed questions that were sharp, witty, and perfectly timed, proof they’re the dynamic duo we need to navigate this crazy industry.
But wait, there’s more! Dane Simpson, another festival fave, crashed the party with a story he needed to turn into a joke. Watching Marcel, Kate, and Olga help him rework it was like witnessing a real-life writers’ room, minus the coffee stains and existential crises. They tossed ideas back and forth, polished the rough edges, and bam: out came a killer punchline. It was a joy to see how the comedy sausage gets made, all messy and magical.
Dane’s known for his infectious energy and personable delivery. Think a guy who giggles at his own jokes and makes you laugh right along with him. His festival show this year? A riot, no doubt, packed with stories that make you feel like you’re hanging out with a friend who’s just too funny for his own good.
Now, about that comedian chat in front of an audience. Why’s it so interesting? Picture this: four hilarious humans, mic’d up, riffing in real time while a crowd watches, laughs, and occasionally gasps. It’s like eavesdropping on a therapy session, but instead of tears, you get punchlines. There’s something electric about seeing comedians dissect their craft live, vulnerabilities and all.
Marcel and Kate, with their easy banter and deep industry know-how, create a safe space where Olga and Dane can geek out over gag structures or confess their stage fright. The audience gets to feel like they’re part of the process, not just passive observers. It’s raw, it’s real, and yeah, it’s a little chaotic. Like a jazz improv session where the notes might clash but somehow still groove.
Plus, who doesn’t love watching pros like these fumble, recover, and shine? It’s human, it’s hilarious, and it reminds us that even the funniest people are still figuring it out. That’s the magic of live chat. It’s comedy stripped bare, served with a side of charm.
So, if you’re a comedy fan and haven’t tuned into the Comedy Writers Group Podcast yet, what are you waiting for? This live Festival episode series is a must-see, offering a backstage pass to the brains behind the laughs. Marcel and Kate, they’re not just talking shop. They’re building bridges between stage and seat, making us all feel like we could grab a mic and try our hand. Trust me, it’s worth every second. Now go laugh your socks off!
The Comedy Writers Group Live is performing twice more on 6 and 13 April at the Theory Bar Screening Room. 19-23 Meyers Place, Melbourne as part of the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Tickets: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/the-comedy-writers-group-podcast-live#show-calendar
Website: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/ and https://marcelblanchdewilt.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/melbcomedyfestival/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/comedywritersgroup/
Images supplied Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
