Sparks of Madness

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A podcast about comedy and mental health. Hosted by stand up comedian Graeme Rayner, each week features a different guest from various levels of the UK comedy industry discussing their career and their mental health.

Graeme Rayner


    • May 25, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 54m AVG DURATION
    • 28 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Sparks of Madness

    Episode 27 - Meryl O'Rourke

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2022 75:06


    After a lengthy break we're back with a new episode featuring the amazing Meryl O'Rourke. Despite some tech and sound issues, we had a great chat about loads of issues. Meryl is a BAFTA nominated comedy write, having worked with Frankie Boyle for over a decade on various TV projects, most recently New World Order. Boyle describes her as "inspiringly funny". Meryl's special "Vanilla" drops on Next Up Comedy on 10 June 2022 - you can sign up for Next Up here. In the episode, we also discussed an article Meryl wrote for The New Statesman about the only time she's every agreed with Julia Hartley-Brewer. You can read this here. Meryl can be found on Facebook and Twitter

    Episode 26 - Is there a doctor in the house? with Dr Nic Harper

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2021 52:21


    In this episode Graeme chats with Dr Nic Harper, who moved from New Zealand, where he worked as a doctor, to the UK to join the NHS. He started work in the same month that COVID-19 really hit the UK, March 2020. He has since worked on the frontline during the pandemic in Covid wards, at the same time as starting a career in stand up. We hear about all of this and Nic's mental health issues, as well as his plans for the future.

    Episode 25 - Kevin Dewsbury

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 62:42


    After a lengthy break Graeme chats with Kevin Dewsbury, a comic who has been a professional on the circuit for well over a decade. In 2008 Kevin was about to launch a solo Edinburgh show when he had a full on mental crisis. Kevin discussed how this came about, what happened at the time and how he's used what happened to him in the years since. Other topics covered include what it's like being one half of a double act, especially one where the two members are married... to each other. Follow Kevin on Twitter here or visit https://www.yourdadsmum.com/ to find out about his double act with his wife, the fabulously funny Bexie Archer.

    Episode 24 - Big G meets Big D

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2021 46:29


    In this episode Graeme chats with Darren "Big D" Archer, a comic based in Hereford who is, much like Graeme, a larger than life figure with a knack for oversharing details of his personal life on stage. These two have lots in common, and they explore that in this chat.

    Episode 23 - Vicki Delirious

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2021 53:11


    In our 23rd Episode, Graeme chats with Southampton-based comic Vicki Delirious about her mental health issue and how they have impacted her fledgling comedy career. Content Warning: Vicki's issues stem from a particularity traumatic event, and this episode includes discussions of attempted suicide. Find out more about Vicki here: https://www.facebook.com/victoriadelirious

    Episode 22 - Leanne Easthope

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2021 44:30


    In this episode Graeme chats with Leanne Easthope about her life as a single mother, with kids who have profound special needs. As well as being a full time mum and a part time stand up, Leanne is also a studying to become a teacher. Content warning - this episode includes a discussion about a suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide. You can find out more about Leanne here: https://www.facebook.com/leanneEasthopecomedy

    Episode 21 - Dave Chawner

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 60:17


    Dave Chawner is a number 1 best-selling author, award-winning stand up, presenter & mental health campaigner. In this episode. set to the occasional backdrop of squeaking dog's toys, Graeme and he discuss Dave's journey into stand up and how his willingness to use his mental health issues as material led to a sell out Edinburgh show, awards, TED talks and writing his bestselling book - "Weight Expectations". Naturally, we also chat Covid, lockdown and the future of comedy, including Dave's new venture running comedy course for folk with mental health conditions. Find out more about Dave here Watch his TED Talk here Buy his book here

    Episode 20 - Tom Evans

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 57:27


    Tom Evans is a Welsh comedian who also works at Hot Water, one of the country's leading comedy venues. In this episode we discuss eating disorders, the impact of covid, the future of comedy and Tom's desire for an industry with fewer cliques and a more supportive approach. Find out more about Tom at https://www.facebook.com/Tomecomedy/

    Episode 19 - Ian Peskett

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 52:10


    Ian Peskett is far from your everyday stand up. A former heroin addict who has spent several spells behind bars at Her Majesty's pleasure, he has been clean for 8 years. By day, he works with addicts. By night he entertains audiences with true tales of his colourful past. In this episode, host Graeme Rayner tries to understand Ian's path into stand up, and understand exactly what he gets from it. We also chat about Covid, entering comedy later in life and the power of words.

    Episode 18 - Anthony Williams

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 47:19


    In this episode host Graeme Rayner chats with Anthony Williams, a comic and promoter from Derbyshire, about the impostor syndrome, anxiety and impact of COVID19 on comedians and their mental health. Anthony heads up RockCentral Promotions, a relatively new comedy club/promotions company who managed to put on some cracking outdoor shows last summer .

    Episode 17 - AJ Hill

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2020 73:03


    In this episode host Graeme Rayner chats with AJ Hill, a pro comic from Manchester, about the impact of COVID19 on comedians and their mental health, the potentially high risk habits acts can fall into with travelling to gigs alone and relying on alcohol to "self-medicate" and the need for the industry to take better care of comics' mental health.

    Episode 16 - Jed Salisbury

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 55:11


    In this episode Graeme chats with Hull based comic Jed Salisbury about how lockdown has had a significant impact on both his career and his mental health – examining the practical impact of the profession rather than the emotional highs and lows of performance. We also chat about his experiences of appearing on TV – he has previously appeared on the BBC's “The Naked Truth” and also in the documentary mini-series “Who are you calling fat?”. Jed's lovely, this is a really nice chat and I recommend looking him up now that comedy is (finally) coming back. You can watch Who Are You Calling Fat? here You can watch The Naked Truth here You can follow Jed on Facebook here You can read my blog about Jed's appearance on Who Are You Calling Fat? here

    Episode 15 - Ginny Allende from Headspace Bolton

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 52:52


    In Episode 15, Graeme chats with Ginny Allende from Headspace Bolton, a comedy collective with a difference. Ginny, as well as bing a comic herself, is a therapist and facilitator at Headspace Bolton. Headspace offers an exciting and creative outlet for people with Mental Health issues through a programme of creative activities, including stand-up comedy and musical theatre workshops. It is a forum where people can freely express their unique traits and individuality by focusing on positive personal, social and professional achievement. Graeme and Ginny chat about how Headspace became a comedy collective, running stand-up courses and hosting regular shows for people with mental health issues. Find out more about Headpsace on twitter here and on Facebook here Headspace also have their own podcast, called "I'm Mental So...." - have a listen here.

    Episode 14 - Kat Kasisopa aka PussyKatBangkok

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2020 38:13


    In this episode Graeme chats with Kat Kasisopa, aka PussyKatBangkok, a comedian from Thailand who may be better known to some as a contestant in series 9 of Big Brother in 2008. Kat has recently joined the world of stand up and her infectious energy and optimism shine through in this conversation. Graeme and Kat talk about the need comics have to please and entertain, as well as her high levels of pre-show anxiety that often lead to physical sickness. Kat talks about her Buddhism and how mediation helps her centre herself before she explodes on to stage, and she promises Graeme a happy ending - will she deliver? Find out more about Kat on her Facebook page here

    Episode 13 - Kerry Robinson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 67:28


    In this weeks episode, Graeme chats with one of his oldest friends in comedy - Kerry Robinson. Not only did they start comedy at the same time but they also work together in their day jobs. They chat anxiety, depression, disordered eating and various other issues including the impact of reviews, the #MeToo movement and the importance of a good support network. Look Kerry up on Facbook - https://www.facebook.com/kegster12002

    Episode 12 - Graeme Rayner plus bonus Q and A

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 70:38


    In episode 12, we don't actually have a guest due to some scheduling issues. Rather than not put an episode out, Graeme has recorded a special episode. In the first half, he describes his route into comedy, his own mental health issues including his MH crisis, which was ten years ago this month. He then talks about how the two issues coexist and his aims for the future. In the second half, Graeme answers questions (some serious, some frivolous, some debauched) from listeners, friends and peers in the industry. Let us know what you think. You can follow Graeme at @b1g_daddy_g on Twitter and Instagram, or search Facebook for "Graeme Rayner Comedian", or visit his website www.graemerayner.co.uk

    Episode 11 - Paul Dennis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2020 72:04


    In Episode 11 Graeme chats with Paul Dennis, a comic who has been in the industry (on and off) for over 2 decades. Paul has had a recent diagnosis of ADHD, which (as a man in his 50s) has caused him to look back on past life events through a new lens. ADHD has, naturally had an impact on his mental health, and while he has not sought a diagnosis for anxiety or depression it's clear from this conversation these issues have become intrinsically linked. Graeme and Paul chat about gigging in London, New York and Swansea, as well as the evolution of a parody song that was a throwaway idea almost 20 years ago that, when resurrected, became a mainstay of Paul's set that saw him win King Gong at London's Comedy Store in 2019. Follow Paul on social media @thatpauldennis and visit his YouTube channel "Paul Dennis, Comedy Worker" Finally, the parody song discussed towards the end of this episode can be heard here

    Episode 10 - SJ Cooke

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2020 45:07


    In this episode, Graeme talks to SJ Cooke, a young open mic level comic who is at the start of his mental health treatment, having only recently sought help. SJ and Graeme started out in comedy at the same time, but their trajectories and experiences have been quite different, as have their lives during lockdown. We will check in again with SJ at some point soon to see how he is doing. Remember, please like, subscribe, share etc and feel free to fire a few questions Graeme's way for future episodes.

    Episode 9 - Alex Stringer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2020 60:43


    In our ninth episode, Graeme speaks with Alex Stringer about her recent competition success (Alex is the runner up at the 2020 New Act of the Year competition at the West Didsbury Comedy Festival), her mental health history (which includes suicidal thoughts and alcohol addiction) and her willingness to be open about her issues on stage, Trigger warning: Discussions of suicide and addiction Follow Alex on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Alex-Stringer-Comedian-407151883418058 Follow her on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/alexstringer5

    Episode 8 - Jem Stuart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2020 50:45


    In episode 8, Graeme chats with old friend Jem Stuart. Poet, comic and recovering alcoholic turned addiction counsellor, Jem and Graeme have a friendship that predates their time in comedy (they made their debuts together) and they join the dots between substance addiction, mental health and performance. They also discuss sobriety without a reliance upon the 12 Step programme espoused by Alcoholics Anonymous, and managing recovery when your work as a comic will often mean being surrounded by drink and drinkers.

    Episode 7 - Elizabeth Vantaa Black

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2020 70:10


    This week's episode is a little longer than usual, as our host Graeme Rayner and guest Elizabeth Vantaa Black discuss the recent revelations within the UK comedy industry, which has been having something of a #MeToo moment. They also then discuss Liz's PTSD, which stems from two horrifying events in her life (to be heard to be believed) and how she took up comedy as a direct result of trying to face her fears and lay some ghosts to rest. Also covered are Liz;s comedy car crash moment (not a metaphor) the benefits and pitfalls of having your own goth fan club and the origins of the phrase "blowing smoke up your arse". If you like this episode, please review, like, subscribe or whatever else people do when they like podcasts.

    Episode 6 - Maxine Wade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2020 54:13


    In Episode 6, host Graeme Rayner talks to Maxine Wade about her experiences of being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, and later with Borderline Personality Disorder. We also discuss how the COVID19 lockdown is affecting Maxine (she's a frontline NHS worker) and her time under more intensive care for mental health issues, after she was sectioned. Please listen, like, subscribe, share and let us know what you think. We've had some great feedback about our first 5 episodes and would love to hear your comments or suggestions for future episodes. If you want to find out more about Maxine, visit her Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/WaxineMade/

    Episode 5 - Matt Reed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 59:31


    In this episode our host Graeme Rayner chats with Matt Reed, a highly successful comic from the North East., about loads of issues - the Black Lives Matter movement, social media (and how it can be toxic when dealing with a mental health condition), deep depression leading to considering suicide and crippling panic attacks caused by the prolonged behaviour of a very disturbed stalker. Matt later turned this into a successful show, "Stalked" which you can enjoy here: https://watch.hotwatercomedy.co.uk/videos/matt-reed-stalked Somehow, the conversation is very lighthearted and there is even the sound of birdsong in the distance. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion of suicide.

    Episode 4 - Sam Serrano

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2020 49:45


    In this episode, host Graeme Rayner chats with Sam Serrano about life with Kabuki Syndrome, learning difficulties and mental health issues, and how starting out as a comic at the tender age of 17 helped Sam face life with all 3. They also discuss the impact of the COVID19 lockdown and why flatulence is not necessarily a reason to end a relationship. Follow Sam on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/samuelserranocomedian/

    Episode 3 - James Bayes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 46:37


    This week's episode sees regular host Graeme Rayner chatting with James Bayes, who has been something of a mentor for Graeme since he started out in comedy. James talks openly about his attempted suicide, the Edinburgh fringe show that resulted and his own robust views on the way people talk about and manage their own mental health.

    Episode 2 - Jonny Brook - The Sat Down Stand Up

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2020 50:32


    In Episode 2, Graeme chats with kindred spirit (and often times road trip buddy) Jonny Brook. Jonny is a gentle soul with an ability to weave words together eloquently when discussing the darkest of topics. Jonny discusses life with a physical disability, how this informs but does not define his act and how having been forced to cope with long term isolation has meant that the COVID-19 lockdown's only impact has been his inability to get out and gig. This episode contains some strong language and excellent humour some may find offensive.

    Episode 1 - Keith Wild

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2020 50:55


    In our first episode Graeme talks to one of his best friends in the business - Keith Wild. Winner of King Gong at the Manchester Comedy Store, Beat the Frog at the Frog and Bucket and the Shoecake Gong show in Stockton, Keith is a rude, lewd and hilarious musical comedian, singing original songs (he thinks parodies are "hack"). This episode contains strong language and discussions of drug use, suicidal thoughts and mental health issues, as well as songs of a sexual nature.

    Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2020 2:00


    In this very brief trailer, host Graeme Rayner explains what Sparks of Madness is about.

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