Romesh Ranganthan, Stewart Lee, Ross Noble, Adam Rowe, Boy George, Russell Kane, Vittorio Angelone, Red Richardson and Joanne McNally reveal the key moments from their childhood that shaped their character and influenced the success they each have enjoyed in their career. Don't forget to catch the brand new YouTube specials from Red Richardson and Vittorio Angelone Catch Seann live on tour in 2026! We'll be back next week with an all new Class Clown interview! 00:00 Intro 01:16 Romesh Ranganthan 10:01 Stewart Lee 14:01 Adam Rowe 21:46 Ross Noble 26:51 Boy George 35:33 Vittorio Angelone 42:34 Red Richardson 46:02 Russell Kane 55:11 Joanne McNally 01:07:44 Adam Rowe - Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie Higson co-created the Fast Show, wrote on Harry Enfield & Chums and Vic Reeves' Big Night Out. He is a celebrated author having written the best-selling Young Bond novels and Enemy series. His latest book Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee is a an irresistible, family-friendly deep dive into the murky lives of the British monarchy, illustrated by Jim Moir, AKA Vic Reeves. Check out the book here. Go to ⁠https://surfshark.com/classclown⁠ or use code CLASSCLOWN at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! See Seann On Tour in 2026! 00:00 Intro 01:28 Early Years, Signs Of Creativity 10:05 Starting A Band, Dealing With Shyness 15:44 Finding Peace On Stage 22:58 The Fast Show character inspiration 29:10 Monty Python, Dad's Army, Benny Hill 38:26 Meeting Paul Whitehouse at University 40:20 The Philosophy Of The Fast Show's Writing 43:30 Love Of Creativity 48:44 Aristotle 50:00 Meeting Vic Reeves, Harry Enflield 54:55 New History Book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head to ⁠SurfShark.com/ClassClown⁠ for our exclusive VPN deal - save money, enhance your streaming options & secure your sensitive data! Britain's Got Talent winner and viral comedy juggernaut Axel Blake talks struggling with his early private school education, how undiagnosed Dyslexia and ADHD affected his behaviour, how he ended up getting into a physical fight with a teacher, being suspended multiple times and how it all culminated in him doing a prison sentence. He talks about how he was determined to never end up back in prison and how that stint helped him really ask fundamental questions that lead to his later success, wowing Simon Cowell, winning Britain's Got Talent and achieving major social media success. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head to ⁠SurfShark.com/ClassClown⁠ for our exclusive VPN deal - save money, enhance your streaming options & secure your sensitive data! In the second part of Seann Walsh's interview with Russell Howard, Russell explains how he dodged the temptations of hedonism, despite achieving incredible success in his 20's, developing his work ethic alongside his peers Michael McIntyre, Daniel Kitson and Ross Noble. He reveals how he's battled with, and been motivated by, negative internal thoughts, why he relates to Rugby hero Johnny Wilkinson and how he sees himself as "more Ronaldo, than Messi" when it comes to comedy. He gets into the details of how he made Russell Howard'd Good News & The Russell Howard Hour and how working with Frankie Boyle during his Mock The Week years trained his approach to generating material. He also recalls a very funny early comedy story about Johnny Vegas! Need a Christmas present? Get Tickets For Seann's new tour This Is Torture here. https://www.seannwalsh.com/ 00:00 Trail 01:02 Early Success 05:00 Hedonism, Daniel Kitson 09:02 Parental Motivation 12:02 Frankie Boyle, Mock The Week 17:02 Good News, Topical Comedy 22:45 Work Ethic 29:12 Johnny Vegas, Fear of Failure 33:42 Stardom, Live Mishaps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head to SurfShark.com/ClassClown for our exclusive VPN deal - save money, enhance your streaming options & secure your sensitive data! The incredible Russell Howard sits with Seann Walsh to discuss why he loved school, growing up in the West Country, the value in kids who lie, how losing his cousin at a young age lead to a fear of death which haunts him to this day. We also get into his love of football, his positive outlook on life and why his love for jokes is the key factor in his success as a comedian known for topical material. Check out Part 2 on Patreon! Need a Christmas present? Get Tickets For Seann's new tour This Is Torture here. 00:00 Trailer & Intro 01:32 West Country 06:55 Fear Of Death 10:30 Football Success 15:30 Teen Years as Comedy Training 20:33 Robbie Williams 'Better Man' Biopic 26:06 Michael Jackson & Early Creativity 29:23 Lee Evans, Billy Connolly, Comedy Influences 34:28 Topical Comedy 36:40 Positivity 42:30 Starting Comedy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jack Skipper has been all over your TikTok and Instagram feeds for the last few years and this week he joins Seann Walsh to talk how he discovered the social currency of humor, what turned him from a good boy into a naughty kid, the role lockdown played in turning him into a social media superstar, the influence of Ricky Gervais and Steve Coogan, how he felt lost until he found comedy. We also discuss class politics, some hilarious tales of boyhood pranks and a misguided attempt to start a gourmet burger restaurant. For early Access to Seann Walsh's 2026 THIS IS TORTURE tour use the code POD26 and hit the link! https://linktr.ee/seannwalshthisistorture2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Instagram superstar turned stand up comedy sensation Kyla Cobbler joins Seann for a hilarious chat about growing up in Cork, how she went from feeling stupid at school to learning several languages and what made her give stand up a go at 31 years old. She chats about how one of Ireland's finest new comedian's Mike Rice encouraged her and why she thinks school isn't the environment for creatives. She also chats about her love for Limp Bizkit and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, living in Italy and Spain and details how she blew up on Instagram by being authentic. Get Tickets to Seann Walsh Live at The Hackney Empire on Oct 23rd 2026 here. 00:00 Intro 00:43 Pogs Or Panini Stickers 02:23 Oasis, Blur, Limp Bizkit 04:20 Favourite Spice Girl 05:26 Weed, Booze, Love For Reading 06:36 First: Drunk, Kissing 13:40 Cork Council Estate 21:24 Dyspraxia, Little Mermaid, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 37:50 Kya's "X-Men Moment" Discovering Her Ability 47:43 Dealing With Adversity, Positive Outlook 51:00 Discovering Stand Up, Living Abroad 55:00 Mastering Instagram Comedy 57:36 Mike Rice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ross Noble continues his interview with Seann Walsh, sharing hilarious tales about his early days as a juggler and accidentally setting people on fire and how failing at school and dealing with abuse from classmates helped make him the resilient comedian he is today. He also shares stories of his early gigs with Lee Evans, sharing a car with Rolf Harris in which Rolf revealed his not-so-kid-friendly side. Seann meanwhile shares a very funny story about his early days bonding with Jack Dee. Looking to get off the Vape? Check out FUM 00:00 Supportive Dad & Comedy Influences 05:25 Grandad's Practical Skills & Charity Work 08:25 Street Performers & Ugly Juggling Company 12:20 Setting Punters On Fire 16:40 Funding His Circus Ambitions 20:20 First Live Comedy Experience, Jack Dee, Jo Brand 30:55 Lee Evans, Rolf Harris 32:50 Bullies and Bad Reports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The incredible Ross Noble joins Seann Walsh on Class Clown to discuss his savvy career moves, why saying " No" is more powerful than saying "Yes" and the influence of Eddie Izzard, Jasper Carrot & Billy Connolly. Ross talks about his surprisingly strong performance on Celebrity Apprentice, achieving incredible success despite being dyslexic and achieving only two GCSE's. Watch Part 2 Now on the Class Clown Patreon Get Tickets to see Seann Walsh Live at The Hackney Empire in 2026 00:00 Panel Shows and Saying "No" 04:17 Building His Comedy Audience 08:18 Career Savvy 13:25 ADHD, Evolving Language 16:58 Labelled "Bonkers" 21:40 Early Comedy Inspirations & Career Goals 28:08 Life Philosophies 30:51 Celebrity Apprentice 36:47 Confidence & Responsibility 42:20 Terrible Grades, Amazing Parents 51:20 Growing Up In Cramlington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of our Horatio Gould interview he talks first fights, first kisses, the significance of his early crush on Jennifer Lawrence and how Monty Python, Stewart Lee and Michael McIntyre influenced his comedy career. He also shares the story of how putting a play on for his school might be the highlight of his career so far and shares why he's glad he didn't go to film school. He also gives advice on what he would say for anyone who wants to pursue a creative career. Our episode is sponsored by Better Help - for 10% off click here. Support Class Clown on Patreon for early ad free access and a chance to ask Seann your Class Clown related questions. Catch Horatio on Fin VS History and the Boys Gone Wild podcast and on tour here. See Seann Walsh live at the Hackney Empire on 23rd October 2026 here. 00:00 Being Punched 06:20 First Time Drunk 08:30 Jennifer Lawrence & Not Driving 10:36 First Kiss 11:23 Monty Python, The Life Of Brian 13:00 Michael McIntyre & Stewart Lee 24:16 Writing A Play & Ambitions 34:20 Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Natalie Cawley joins Seann to dissect all the themes from our live Class Clown Podcast record with Essex's best boy, Josh James - Childhood Guilt, Bullying, Flow State and Denial! It's all covered here! Plus, Seann reads a very funny story from one of our Patreons! And don't forget to check out Dr Natalie Cawley's book Just About Coping! 00.00 Denial 06.23 Flow State & Creativity 16.59 Childhood Guilt 23.45 Listener Stories - Bad Lunch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The phenomenal Horatio Gould, co-host of Fin Vs History & Boys Gone Wild and behind the scenes creative of Fin Vs Internet, joins Class Clown and reveals his comedy origin story which occurred in French class, how his love for History birthed one of the UK's biggest podcasts and how the combination of having an aspirational working class father and a middle class mum gives him a unique perspective on class. He talks about the dynamics of private school, and being on the receiving end of anti-semitism despite not being Jewish and tells a very funny story about starting a teenage Fight Club. Check our part 2 straight away on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ClassClown See Horatio Gould live https://www.mickperrin.com/tours/horatio-gould-return-of-the-space-cowboy/ 00:00 Intro, Horatio and Seann's Early Achievements 02:00 Panini Stickers V Pokemon 03:28 Oasis, Richard Ashcroft 08:40 Weed v Booze 14:00 Playing Out v Computer Games 17:05 Harry Potter v Super Hero Films 18:13 House Parties, Smoking, Hip Hop 23:04 Attitude to being in Trouble 26:28 Early Life, Class, Private School 39:28 The Future, Hating School 41:12 Dyspraxia 48:31 Class Clown, Bad Behaviour 55:22 Fin Vs History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stewart Lee gets deep about how being adopted had a profound effect on his outlook and career choice, his early comedy influences and how why considers luck to be such a key factor in his success as a stand up comedian. He also talks growing up in Solihull, his grandparents view that reading was "nancy boys" and the effect seeing The Two Ronnies at 8 years old later fed into one of his routines. For 10% off at Better Help go to https://www.betterhelp.com/ClassClown If you are looking to quit Vaping or Smoking check out FUM https://www.tryfum.com Follow us on Patreon for early Ad Free access and exclusive bonuses https://www.patreon.com/ClassClown 00:00 Growing Up In Solihull 07:13 Adoption 16:46 Different Approaches To Comedy 20:30 Comedy Being Easier Than Life 24:08 Stewart At School 25:10 Early Comedy Influences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stewart Lee gives his characteristically honest takes on the performers who chose to play the Riyadh Comedy festival in Saudi Arabia, why he's not into the Oasis reunion despite liking their work, why the current state of Marvel is in direct opposition to what the brand once stood for, why Star Trek is superior to Star Wars (and why Star Trek is better for people with autism). He also shares a story about getting beaten up by teenagers a few years ago, his love of Top Trumps, why you'll soon be able to buy an action figure of him and why you shouldn't use Chat GPT to write interview questions. Safe to say, this episode is an all timer! Access Part 2 right now on the Class Clown patreon 00:00 Intro, Chat GPT 04:05 Panini Stickers V Top Trumps 09:02 Riyadh Comedy Festival 10:46 Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel 20:26 Modern Comedy Industry 22:30 Oasis Reunion 26:19 Only Fools & Horses V Blackadder 27:48 Bad Behaviour 31:20 Being Beaten Up Recently 39:30 Early Drinking Stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Natalie Cawley is back for another Bonus episode with Seann Walsh breaking down our amazing episode with Boy George, where she discusses family dynamics, the power of denial, the concept of "twinship" as it relates to our teenage years, the potent effects of social media on mental health and how Bonnie Blue is an example of the extremity of where this has gotten to. For More, check us out on Patreon 00:00 - Bullying, Long Term Effects 09:23 - Effects of Being Expelled 14:56 - Bonnie Blue, Trauma Creation 20:11 - Bonnie Blue Documentary 21:49 - Denial in Families 26:41 - Listener Story - Crowdsurfing Goes Bad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of this incredible interview, Russell gets deep, discussing his love for raving, and how he met an upper class girl who opened his mind to the possibilities ofa life much greater than what was promised to him and how this completely changed his approach to life. He talks about living with his hilarious Nan, the secret sauce to what makes his comedy specials so powerful, how Russell Howard gave him advice that altered his comedic subject matter, his thoughts on Russell Brand's use of language and how it differs to his own and the advice he would give to anyone wanting to achieve a high level of success in comedy, that can be applied to any profession. We also chat his early life as salesman selling Rolex watches! Support the Show and get exclusive content on Patreon Ditch Smoking & Vaping By Heading to FUM 20% Off Your Next Pair Of Underwear At Sheath - Discount Code: CLASSCLOWN 00:00 - Teaser 00:45 - Russell's Comedy Style 06:01 - Finishing School, Bad Results 11:20 - Selling Rolex's/First Love 13:10 - Eccentric Nan 16:06 - How Raving Changed his Life 19:40 - Angry Awakening 27:18 - Competing With Private School Kids 31:16 - Russell Brand, use of language 34:09 - Russell's favourite comedians 35:33 - Advice SHOW DESCRIPTION Part nostalgia trip, part confessional, part masterclass in unconventional success—this is no ordinary interview podcast. In Class Clown, Seann Walsh chats to the boldest rule-breakers in entertainment, uncovering the wild tales of childhood chaos, brushes with disaster, and the personal battles that shaped them. But beneath the mischief lies a powerful thread—how the very traits that caused trouble early on became the unexpected fuel for their biggest achievements. Expect laugh-out-loud memories, raw moments of vulnerability, and the kind of hard-won wisdom you won't hear anywhere else. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seann Walsh and Dr. Natalie Cawley break down our incredibly revealing interview with the brilliant Mike Rice. They dive into the psychological reasons why teenager years are so difficult, some potential ADHD markers that Mike exhibited as a youngster, the effect of late puberty and the anxiety that that lead to. Elsewhere, they get into on stage persona and the concept of Shadow Self, and Seann reveals the underpinning philosophy of his own comedy persona. Check out Dr Natalie Cawley's book here "Just About Coping: A Real-Life Drama from the Psychotherapist's Chair" And head to the Class Clown Patreon for exclusive content and the chance to ask Seann about his own Childhood. 00:00 - Teen Nightmare 03:37 - Late Puberty, Body Image 09:05 - Fighting, Possible ADHD 14:29 - Mike's Persona, Shadow Self 16:13 - Seann's Comedy Philosophy 19:56 - Anxiety, DBT as coping mechanism 23:17 - Listener Stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The phenomenal Russell Kane talks to Seann Walsh about growing up in council housing, the pluses and minuses of having a scary "Ray Winstone"- style Dad, playing Dungeons & Dragons, the dangers of being a self proclaimed "Jester Bellend" and what makes someone statistically more likely to find success in comedy, and what makes you more likely to find success in Football and sports. We do our usual nostalgia-drenched either/or quiz where Russell makes the case that The Prodigy are the dance music equivalent of Oasis. To hear Part 2 immediately (and Ad FREE!) go to the CLASS CLOWN Patreon To help you ditch Vaping and Smoking, check out our sponsor, FUM. 00:00 - Episode Preview and Intro 01:17 - Nostalgic Either/Or Quiz 03:59 - Russell's love for Dungeons & Dragons 07:26 - Childhood Foolishness and Having A Scary dad 16:29 - Life in Council Housing in Enfield 22:45 - Family Heritage 27:07 - Aristotle, Early Performing and School Popularity 32:58 - What makes someone likely to be a Comedian vs a Footballer 37:20 - Intelligence, Power of a Strong Father Figure 49:39 - Russell Kane Part 2 Preview SHOW DESCRIPTION Part nostalgia trip, part confessional, part masterclass in unconventional success—this is no ordinary interview podcast. In Class Clown, Seann Walsh chats to the boldest rule-breakers in entertainment, uncovering the wild tales of childhood chaos, brushes with disaster, and the personal battles that shaped them. But beneath the mischief lies a powerful thread—how the very traits that caused trouble early on became the unexpected fuel for their biggest achievements. Expect laugh-out-loud memories, raw moments of vulnerability, and the kind of hard-won wisdom you won't hear anywhere else. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel flips the the format on it's head and puts Seann under the spotlight for a moment as the pair discuss their early days gigging together. They then dig into Joel's teen years in a band, how his step Dad became a hugely influential force in shaping his psychology around work and effort, the meritocracy of the comedy circuit, how he adds his own comedy perspective into his presenting scripts (including some fun banter with Jonathan Ross when he appeared on The Masked Singer). To use our 10% Discount code foe Better Help head to ⁠BetterHelp.com/ClassClown Next week's episode will feature the hilarious Russell Kane - access 48 Hours early head to patreon.com/classclown⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you want to hear/watch Part 2 straight away head to patreon.com/classclown In Part 1 Joel Dommett chats about being dumped for being frigid, how he learned comedy from the Class Clown's around him and how a misjudged comment landed him a confrontation with the hardest lad in school. We get into why he was never into Blur or Oasis and he feels that he has never really fit neatly into any group. To use the 10% Discount code foe Better Help head to BetterHelp.com/ClassClown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices