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The Hindu
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Comedian Shamik Chakrabarti on debuting at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Comedian Shamik Chakrabarti began his journey at a Thursday open mic at a pub in Bengaluru in 2016, six months after he returned from North Carolina, in the US, where he worked as an engineer. He came across the open mic on social media. And after attending one of the mics in the audience, Shamik mustered the courage to perform there the following week. He was the 15th and final act of the night — performing in front of four drunk people, managing to crack them up just once, he recalls. However, that evening did not discourage Shamik. Instead, he expanded on what worked from his bit and persistently attended open mics in Bengaluru. He gained nationwide attention in 2022 as a participant on the third edition of Comicstaan, with his deadpan style of delivery and seamless writing. And now he is set to debut his stand-up comedy special, 'Despite Appearances', at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, one of the largest festivals for performing arts in the world. 'I consider myself a joke writer rather than someone who approaches comedy with a central theme in mind. 'Despite Appearances' is my second or third attempt at putting that into practice. However, over the years, it has evolved into a one-hour special with one half jokes and the other a story which has a connection to the title,' says Shamik over a Zoom call from Mumbai. A unique voice 'I started performing stand-up without reading much about its dos and don'ts. I was someone who just watched stand-up and was used to telling jokes in schools and colleges,' says Shamik, who believes in being himself on stage. 'I don't usually jump or shout a lot in real life,' he comments about his on-stage persona, which hinges on astute observations and relatable anecdotes delivered with a laid-back attitude. 'I've always performed this way. I believe the performance should feel natural and not feel like a performance,' says the comedian. His early inspirations include comedians Russel Peters and Conan O'Brien. 'In Late Night with Conan O'Brien, I came across a lot of stand-up comedians who would come on the show to do their sets. I also discovered David Letterman, legendary talk-show host and comedian, on the show,' he says. During his time in the US as a postgraduate student and later working there , the engineer discovered comedians like Demetri Martin and Brian Regan by watching parts of their performances online. 'During my time in the US, I was fully focused on my studies and job because you are there on a visa. As an Indian student, you must first find a way to make a living. So even though I was always into comedy, I never thought I would do anything with it,' says Shamik. For an international crowd The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a three-week festival featuring theatre, comedy, dance, music, and more, founded in 1947 with an objective to make art more democratic. Over the recent years, comedians from India have performed at multiple editions of the Fringe. 'The Fringe is like a boot camp for comedy. You perform every day for about a month, watch other performers from all over the world, and hopefully get inspired,' says Shamik. 'Usually you do three nights of comedy in a row over the weekend, but this is going to be 25 days with a day off in between.' Earlier this year, Shamik performed at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in Australia and at the Soho Theatre in London, UK. 'My shows had a mix of Indian and local people in London. So, you must explain certain references that are not universal. For instance, I talk about the PAN card as part of my story, so I add a quick, fun explanation about it.' Shamik adds, 'Stand-up comedy in its current state is an older art form in the West. Since they have been doing it for so many years, you don't get any disturbance from the crowd there. There is pin-drop silence before the punchlines, and silence is a huge part of comedy. The ideal stand-up audience is the one that listens and waits for your jokes.' The comedian is also excited to watch Urooj Ashfaq and Prashasti Singh from India take the stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 'It's nice to have a contingent from India. I have seen bits of their special but not the full shows, and it will be exciting to watch them.' Moving forward Shamik is planning to tour with 'Despite Appearance' across the country from September to December. He hopes to do more sketch comedy in addition to stand-up. He is currently working on The Cricheads Podcast with comedian Siddharth Dhudeja and Broke Studio Podcast with comedian Gautham Govindan. 'My only aim is to make people laugh and make myself laugh,' he says. Watch Despite Appearances by Shamik Chakrabarti at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from July 30 to August 24. Venue: Gilded Balloon Appleton Tower-Eve.
NZ Herald
29-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Rotorua Council maintains pokie rules but warns of wider gambling issue
If numbers dropped below 350, a venue may open in the CBD with up to nine machines but must be 100m from schools or community facilities. Relocation rules vary according to location. However, several councillors remained uneasy with the current situation and would like to do more. 'We are straightjacketed by the legislation that we have to abide by,' said councillor Conan O'Brien. A suggestion to remove cash machines from pokie venues was considered to have limited impact, with bank ATMs sited nearby. O'Brien highlighted new self-service TAB terminals, which began operating in March, as a bigger concern. 'I find it very hard that the Government expects us to reduce gambling but not give us powers over TAB,' said O'Brien. 'The amount of TAB pods makes it very unequal. We have been tasked with dealing with something but not given the tools to do so.' The TAB's new self-service terminals. Photo / Supplied The Racing Industry Act requires councils to have a policy on TAB venues but they have no power to regulate the number and location of TAB agency venues, such as full-service shops or self-service betting terminals. Annual losses from gambling in Rotorua total over $26 million, a figure that has gone up year-on-year since the Covid-19 pandemic. The most recent data from the Ministry of Health showed 5.33% of all clients who received some form of gambling intervention in 2022-23 were based in Rotorua. Only Auckland (41.38%) and Christchurch (9.18%) were higher, leaving Rotorua with a higher gambling intervention share than the likes of Wellington, Hamilton and Tauranga. Councillor Conan O'Brien. Photo / Laura Smith Councillor Gregg Brown said he was concerned by some of the figures involved, including Rotorua's 2.3% share of the nation's class-four gambling venues, compared to its 1.5% population share. 'Even if it is virtue-signalling or signalling to our gambling suppliers that we would like to see the numbers reduced, that's where I sit with it,' said Brown. According to Entain Australia and New Zealand, which operates the TAB and Betcha brands in New Zealand, there are seven venues in Rotorua and Ngongotahā with TAB facilities. These included one full-service TAB store on Eruera St and self-service terminals at six other locations, including the Arawa Park racecourse. In June, new legislation banned offshore betting agencies from accepting bets from New Zealand punters – effectively giving Entain a monopoly on domestic racing and sports betting. The TAB store on Eruera St, Rotorua. Photo / NZME Entain said it had been 'relentlessly focused' on improving betting experiences and minimising gambling harm. A refresh in 2024 brought in safer betting tools such as deposit limits, individual bet limits, curfews, customer control on what markets are visible, blocking days of the week, self-exclusion and account closure. Some of those options are available on self-service terminals. 'Further to this, safer betting messaging is shared through self-service terminals, including information on where to seek help, and retail staff can assist customers with self-exclusion,' said an Entain spokesperson. The difficulty managing and understanding problem gambling is not limited to Rotorua. In February, the Gambling Commission criticised the Ministry of Health for seeking a $92 million levy increase without evidence its problem gambling strategy works. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey called the situation 'unacceptable' and the levy was reduced to $81m. Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell acknowledged gambling causes 'significant harm' in the Rotorua community. 'It is a very challenging topic,' she said. 'It is difficult for a council but we do want to advocate further.' She also highlighted social media influencer betting ads as an increasingly dangerous activity for Rotorua's young population – insisting more assistance from central government was needed to tackle online gambling. Mathew Nash is a Local Democracy Reporting journalist based at the Rotorua Daily Post. He has previously written for SunLive, been a regular contributor to RNZ and was a football reporter in the UK for eight years. - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Time Business News
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
The Ultimate Guide to the Funniest Podcasts That Will Leave You Laughing Out Loud
Podcasts have become a huge part of modern entertainment, and funny podcasts are leading the way in popularity. Whether you're driving, doing chores, or just need a mental break, a good comedy podcast can transform your mood instantly. With thousands of options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why we've created this ultimate guide to help you find the best funny podcasts that promise uncontrollable laughter, quirky commentary, and hilarious storytelling. In this guide, we'll explore what makes a podcast truly funny, share top recommendations across various categories, and even help you discover hidden gems that haven't hit the mainstream yet. Get ready to subscribe, laugh, and repeat! Before we dive into the list, let's define what makes a podcast actually funny. After all, humor is subjective. A funny podcast usually combines several of the following: Witty banter between hosts between hosts Relatable topics delivered with a humorous twist delivered with a humorous twist Improvisational comedy or stand-up elements or stand-up elements Surprising guests and offbeat interviews and offbeat interviews Ridiculous scenarios , games, or segments , games, or segments Strong storytelling with comedic timing The magic lies in the host's ability to create an atmosphere that feels both casual and wildly entertaining. Whether scripted or spontaneous, a great comedy podcast doesn't just tell jokes—it invites you into its weird, wonderful world. Podcasts have exploded in popularity over the last decade, with comedy consistently ranking among the most downloaded genres. This is no accident—comedy podcasts are: Easy to digest Portable and binge-worthy A perfect remedy for stress and boredom Streaming services and podcast apps like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pocket Casts now offer personalized recommendations, but sometimes the best gems are buried under the algorithm. That's where this guide steps in. Let's kick things off with the crème de la crème —the shows with massive followings and consistent laugh-out-loud moments. Conan O'Brien blends celebrity interviews with self-deprecating humor, making this podcast a must-listen. His awkward charm, quick wit, and authentic conversations with A-listers make it laughably endearing. Hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, this podcast features unexpected guests and unscripted chaos. The chemistry between the hosts is electric, and the laughs are non-stop. Looking for light-hearted chuckles while doing the dishes or walking your dog? These daily or short-form podcasts are perfect for micro-doses of joy. Trevor Noah's team delivers punchy political satire and comedy gold from their nightly show, in bite-sized podcast form. Australian YouTubers talk nonsense, tell wild stories, and prank each other endlessly. It's like hanging out with your most unfiltered friends. Long drive ahead? These episodic podcasts are perfect companions when you need something funny, yet engaging enough to stay awake on the road. Quirky facts mixed with British humor? Yes, please. Hosted by researchers behind the BBC show QI, this podcast is both educational and hysterical. Comedians interview guests about their dream meals—sounds simple, but their over-the-top reactions and surreal tangents take this show to another level of funny. Let's dig deeper into less mainstream comedy podcasts that deserve a place in your feed. Dramatic readings of real, one-star reviews. The deadpan delivery and absurdity of the reviews make this podcast a comedy goldmine. Comedian Connor Ratliff investigates why Tom Hanks allegedly fired him from a small acting role. The mystery is real, but the humor is rich and quirky. An American history podcast where one host reads a bizarre true story while the other reacts in real-time—sometimes shocked, always laughing. Comedy is not just a boys' club. These female-led podcasts prove that women are absolutely killing it in the humor department. Nicole's no-filter approach to dating and relationships is honest, hilarious, and heartwarming all at once. Chelsea Peretti's surreal humor and awkward energy create a unique, hilarious podcast experience. Improvised comedy takes serious talent—and these podcasts are bursting with it. An improv podcast set in a fantasy realm. Think Lord of the Rings , but with more fart jokes and wizard puns. A sci-fi improv series that's equal parts Star Wars parody and space sitcom. You don't need to be a nerd to appreciate the laugh-out-loud moments. If you're looking for something to enjoy with someone else , these podcasts have wide appeal and spark lots of shared laughter. Comedians bring their partners on the show for surprisingly sweet and funny relationship talk. Jake and Amir from CollegeHumor give hilarious (and terrible) advice to listener-submitted questions. Who says you can't laugh and learn at the same time? John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman's satirical news podcast blends sharp analysis with British humor. This show debunks health and wellness myths—with brutal honesty and biting humor. Most of the podcasts mentioned can be found on major platforms like: Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Pocket Casts Stitcher YouTube (for video versions or clips) To get the best experience: Use headphones to catch every giggle. to catch every giggle. Download episodes in advance for offline laughs. in advance for offline laughs. Create playlists of your favorites for road trips or workouts. In a world full of stress, deadlines, and doomscrolling, funny podcasts offer a refreshing escape. They're more than just background noise—they're therapy for your funny bone. Whether you're into absurd improv, sarcastic banter, or honest confessions turned comedic, there's a podcast out there waiting to become your next favorite. So plug in, press play, and prepare to laugh until you cry. And remember: the best funny podcast is the one that makes you smile, again and again. Which of these made you laugh the hardest? Or do you have a hidden gem we missed? Let us know and keep the laughs going! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Journal
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
How much do you know about the Irish heritage of these famous people?
GALWAY GIRL SINGER Ed Sheeran this week said he identifies culturally as Irish – despite being born and raised in England. While he was brought up in Suffolk, Sheeran has a large Irish family and said he would spend his holidays in the country as a child. Advertisement 'I class my culture as Irish. I think that's what I grew up with,' Sheeran told the latest episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast. After Sheeran's announcement that he identifies 'culturally' as Irish, we want to test your knowledge on the supposed Irishness of these famous figures: 'My dad is Irish,' remarked Sheeran on The Louis Theroux podcast. Where is his dad from? Alamy Stock Photo Cork Belfast Limerick Galway Former US president Barack Obama famously has Irish roots, but to where? Alamy Stock Photo Ballina, Co Mayo Moneygall, Co Offaly Carlingford, Co Louth Virginia, Co Cavan The DUP recently commissioned a report into the supposed Scots-Irish heritage of a US politician but came up short and found no connection. Who is the politician in question? Alamy Stock Photo Donald Trump Alamy Stock Photo Lindsey Graham Alamy Stock Photo Marco Rubio Alamy Stock Photo JD Vance Which famous celebrity loves to holiday in Ireland but this month said they have given up on their ambition to gain Irish citizenship? Alamy Stock Photo Kim Kardashian Alamy Stock Photo Jeremy Irons Alamy Stock Photo Sarah Jessica Parker Alamy Stock Photo Matt Damon While the above celebrity has given up their hopes of an Irish passport, Rosie O'Donnell said she is in the process of getting hers. Why did she move to Ireland? RTÉ For a new job To 'escape' Trump For the scenery She choose Ireland at random from a map Model and actress Emily Ratajkowski has grandmothers who are both from Ireland and her artist father has a farmhouse in Bantry, Co Cork. He has a book featuring drawings of which animals found in fields near his Bantry home? Alamy Stock Photo Cows Chickens Pigs Horses Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise previously said he can trace his Irish ancestry back to the ninth century and that research on his family showed they owned 'most' of a city at 'a certain point'? What was the city? Alamy Stock Photo Tipperary Galway Cork Dublin Former Sex Pistol John Lydon, once known as Johnny Rotten, has strong Cork roots. What did he say the 'local boys would slag me off for' when he visited during the summer as a child? Alamy Stock Photo His name His fashion sense His Cockney accent His music taste Conan O'Brien is of Irish descent, and what Irish drama did he appear in last year? Alamy Stock Photo Kin Hidden Assets Fair City Ros na Rún Irish-American Hollywood star John C. Reilly was honoured with an Oscar Wilde Award in February. What did he say makes Ireland 'great'? AER Guinness Its care to the most vulnerable The Music The storytelling Answer all the questions to see your result! RAY RYAN You scored out of ! Conan O'Brien Proven Irish bona fides Share your result: Share Tweet Alamy Stock Photo You scored out of ! John Ratajkowski You love quizzing as much as John loves cows Share your result: Share Tweet Mark Rode You scored out of ! Barack Obama Plaza Ireland's best pitstop Share your result: Share Tweet Alamy Stock Photo You scored out of ! JD Vance Needs more work Share your result: Share Tweet Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Viola Davis, Ryan Murphy announced as 2025 Hall of Fame inductees
Actress Viola Davis is among the six people who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame later this year. This year's class marks the first inductee ceremony since 2022. The Television Academy is set to honour a group of television legends at the 27th Hall of Fame ceremony later this year. Inductees include an impressive list who represent the arts and have left an undeniable imprint on the industry. The ceremony will take place during the upcoming Televerse Festival on August 16, 2025, at the JW Marriott at LA LIVE. Among the honorees are talk show host and comedian Conan O'Brien, legendary music composer Mike Post, prolific producer Ryan Murphy, and the late Don Mischer, alongside distinguished actors Viola Davis and Henry Winkler. These icons join the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Jane Fonda, Colin Farrell and Lucy Liu, among others. "These trailblazing performers, creators and producers have left an indelible mark on our industry. Their groundbreaking work has shaped and elevated the television landscape in profound ways," expressed Cris Abrego, chairperson of the Television Academy through a statement. Alongside him, Rick Rosen, chairperson of the Hall of Fame selection committee, praised the inductees for their transformative leadership and innovative storytelling, stating: 'All six honorees have elevated the art of storytelling and have had an extraordinary influence on television culture and history." Since its inception in 1984, the Hall of Fame has welcomed over 150 prominent figures. highlighting the Academy's commitment to honouring those who have made extraordinary contributions to television.
