In this episode of "Kidding," Reece Kidd chat with British comedian, Elliot Steel. Despite being in his twenties, Elliot boasts the wisdom and wit of a comedy veteran, having started at sixteen.

Elliot's distinctive brand of comedy, dark yet intelligent, has resonated with audiences and critics alike, catapulting him into the spotlight as a voice for those navigating their mid-twenties. His multiple viral clips and impressive performances have solidified his status as a rising star on the UK's comedy circuit.

"The Independent" has marked Elliot as "one to watch," and he received critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with his show "Merked" in 2019. With appearances on Comedy Central's "Roast Battle" and "Comedy Central at the Comedy Store," as well as contributions to BBC Radio 1's "Comedy Lounge" and BBC Radio 4, Elliot Steel is a dynamic force in the world of comedy.

As Reece delves into the interview, they explore a myriad of topics. They dissect the challenges and opportunities of starting comedy at a young age with a comedy background, touching on the benefits of early confidence and the potential hindrances to long-term growth. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as they discuss nepotism in comedy and privilege, highlighting the importance of working harder to prove doubters wrong.

Elliot shares insights into the unique confidence that private school can instill, offering a glimpse into the world of the comedy elite. They also delve into the art of interviewing and its role in honing comedic skills. The challenges of stand-up comedy, including hosting difficult gigs and learning through act outs, are thoroughly explored.

The discussion turns introspective as they delve into the struggles of writing and self-judgment in comedy, along with the power of incorporating personal challenges into one's material. Elliot Steel also shines a spotlight on fellow comedian Daniel Sloss, whose talent he believes has been overlooked.

Elliot's goes into his martial arts experience, including his "blue belt phase" and the inevitable white belt embarrassments.

Tune in for a chat with a young comedian who is unafraid to tackle dark and intelligent humor while navigating the complexities of the comedy world.

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In this episode of "Kidding," Reece Kidd sits down with the multi-talented comedian, writer, and actor, Andy Haynes, hailing from Seattle, WA. Andy's comedy journey has taken him to some of the most iconic stages and television shows in the industry.

Andy's stand-up comedy has graced the sets of renowned late-night shows like Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Conan, as well as Comedy Central Presents and the Pete Holmes show. His debut album, "Greatest Hits," released in 2014, has garnered laughs and applause from audiences far and wide.

Beyond stand-up, Andy's versatile talent shines in the world of television and acting. He's been featured in hit shows such as "Another Period" on Comedy Central, "Adam Ruins Everything" on TruTV, and most recently, "Loosely Exactly with Nicole Byer" on MTV. Andy's comedy brilliance extends to his work as a writer, where he served as the head writer for "HOT TAKES with Brandon Wardell" on Comedy Central. He also created and starred in "After Sheldon with Andrew Haynes" on Jash.

But that's not all – Andy is the creative mind behind the animated show "The Champions" for Bleacher Report, which is now entering its second season. His talent has earned him the status of a paid regular at both the Comedy Store in LA and the Comedy Cellar in NYC, two of the most prestigious comedy venues in the world.

Throughout the episode, Reece and Andy delve into a wide array of topics. From the nuances of Northern Irish politics to the wild tales of Liam Neeson, they touch on mental health in comedy. Andy shares his experiences performing comedy at college shows and the adjustments required for different types of comedy performances. They also explore the transient nature of fame and the significance of forging ambitious friendships in the comedy world.

Andy provides insights into his writing process and the business side of comedy, shedding light on the traits that make a comedian truly exceptional. Andy discusses his practical joke about going to Ukraine.

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Reece Kidd welcomes a true luminary of the comedy world, Steve Hall. Known for his exceptional stand-up, writing, and legendary sketch group We Are Klang, Steve is a comedic force to be reckoned with.

Steve's career has been nothing short of meteoric, with notable appearances alongside comedy giants like Lee Mack, Bill Burr, and most significantly, Russell Howard. For Russell, he not only opened shows but was a vital part of six different tours, including jaw-dropping venues like Wembley Arena, the O2, and the illustrious Royal Albert Hall. His Edinburgh Festival shows have consistently received critical acclaim, with Metro describing his phrasing as "joyous" and his storytelling as "tales of hilarious woe."

In 2022, Steve embarked on a highly successful joint-headline tour with his Russell Howard Hour co-writer, Steve Williams. The duo has further tour dates lined up for late 2023. Adding to his impressive portfolio, Steve is set to release a filmed show in collaboration with the prestigious comedy production company Go Faster Stripe.

Steve's comedic prowess extends beyond the stage; he was the first guest stand-up on Russell Howard's Good News (BBC) and went on to write for six series of that show. He also contributed his wit to six series of The Russell Howard Hour (Sky) and has penned humor for numerous comedians on Mock The Week, as well as shows like A League of Their Own and The Now Show. You can catch him as a regular guest on The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio and as a participant in programs like The Rest is History, Act Your Age, and My Teenage Diary for BBC Radio 4.

Steve's comedy journey includes being a crucial part of the legendary sketch group We Are Klang, alongside Greg Davies and Marek Larwood. The group was known for its "stupid comedy done with great intelligence" (The Times), and Steve wrote and starred in their sitcom series for BBC 3 in 2009. We Are Klang was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show in 2006 and the Barry Award at the 2007 Melbourne Comedy Festival.

As the conversation unfolds, Steve delves into the journey of We Are Klang, a riotous "fuck about tour," and why reviews aren't the be-all and end-all of comedy. He highlights the beauty of organic creativity and collaboration, finding space for a joke, and his role as a comedy creative consultant.

Join Reece and Steve for an hour filled with laughter, wisdom, and a peek into the intriguing world of a comedy veteran. This episode is a captivating blend of comedic anecdotes, insider insights, and the contagious joy of making people laugh.

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