General Comedy Audiobooks | Comedy

Be Funny or Die: How Comedy Works and Why It Matters

Comedy can soothe our pain, vent our anger, make us feel less alone, and provide the answer to life’s most difficult questions, such as What do you call a man with a seagull on his head?* It’s a social glue, but it can also be divisive, and the joke is on us if we don’t understand how it works. So what are the rules? How does comedy do its magic, and why does it matter? Join professional comedy writer Joel Morris on a hilarious journey into the hidden world of shared laughter, where he reveals the mechanisms that make jokes work and what comedy can teach us about ourselves. Offering astute analysis of everything from stand-up to slapstick and sitcom to spoof, Morris examines comedic patterns, rhythms, and dynamics to uncover the algorithms that secretly underpin comedy. Packed with gags and examples of comedy at its best—plus some invaluable tips on how to master that b’dum tish timing—Be Funny or Die is a fascinating investigation into how our species has developed and mastered this essential art form where laughter is the universal language and only the funniest survive. *Cliff.

Joel Morris (Author), Joel Morris, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

One Person Found This Helpful: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Panel Game

Frank Skinner hosts the series where a celebrity panel delve into the bizarre world of online shopping Everyone has an online life, and when the great British public put pen to keyboard to leave a review, they almost always write something hilarious. One Person Found This Helpful is the panel game that invites an all-star line-up to celebrate the good, the bad and the baffling. Over the course of six episodes, the celebrity guests are presented with a selection of hilarious reviews and tasked with working out what exactly is being described. Maybe they'll even have a go at writing their own reviews along the way... Production credits Hosted by Frank Skinner Devised by Jason Hazeley and Simons Evans with David Tyler Produced by David Tyler A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4 www.pozzitive.co.uk First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 19 February - 25 March 2024 (Series 1) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Frank Skinner, Jason Hazeley, Simon Evans (Author), Frank Skinner, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep-Fried South: Sassy, Sacred, Southern Stories Filled with Hope and Hu

Southern humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong brings joy and humor with her fifty unusual-but-true faith-filled stories of growing up in the South Carolina low country. Whether you love Southern ways of life or find their ways strange and amusing, you'll be entertained and inspired with warm Southern-fried humor and tried-and-true tips for attaining the best version of yourself. Jane's fifty stories address specific landmark events along with issues in a woman's life, such as fitting into the covered-dish church culture, sacred sisterhood, sassy seasoned Southern women and why we are drawn to beauty pageant competition, and much more!

Jane Jenkins Herlong (Author), Jane Jenkins Herlong (Narrator)

Audiobook

[German] - Im Westen viel Neues - erste Hälfte

Als Nikita Miller als Fünfjähriger mit seinen Eltern aus der Ukraine nach Deutschland kam, musste er über die Jahre feststellen: Ein Mensch kann vielleicht die Sowjetunion verlassen, die Sowjetunion aber niemals den Menschen. Er hat das Beste aus Deutsch und Sowjet zusammengemixt und gelernt, beide Kulturen mit all ihrer Schönheit und Vielfalt, mit all ihrer Marotten und Unannehmlichkeiten, zu lieben und wertzuschätzen. Denn wir müssen uns alle doch mal eingestehen: Die Kulturen sind gar nicht so unterschiedlich. Pelmeni sind doch auch nur kleine Maultaschen.

Nikita Miller (Author), Nikita Miller (Narrator)

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[German] - 30 Jahre WortArt - Klassiker von und mit Philip Simon

In dieser Sonderreihe von WortArt zum Anlass des 30-jährigen Bestehens wird jeweils ein(e) Wegbegleiter*in und 'WortArtist*in' per Audio-Porträt und anhand eines Zusammenschnitts der besten Klassikernummern aus dem Programmarchiv des Künstlers/der Künstlerin präsentiert. Somit entsteht ein einzigartiges Highlight für die Lach- und Denkmuskeln. Ein Künstlerporträt zusammengetragen aus 30 Jahren Fleißarbeit mit vielen herausragenden Szenen und Programmen der deutschen Humorlandschaften. 30 Jahre WortArt Klassiker - ein Dankeschön an alle, die dabei waren und sind.

Philip Simon (Author), Philip Simon (Narrator)

Audiobook

[German] - Mann gegen Mann

Tobias Mann, seines Zeichens Satiriker und Musiker, stellt sich in seinem Kabarettprogramm 'Mann gegen Mann' seinem ultimativen Endgegner und - Überraschung - es ist Tobias Mann selbst. Die härtesten Diskussionen führt er mittlerweile nicht mehr im Internet, sondern in seinem tiefsten Inneren und dabei zeigt sich: Selbst bei Facebook und Twitter geht es gesitteter zu. Jedes Selbstgespräch eskaliert und mündet in wüsten Beschimpfungen und Hasskommentaren, ohne Chance darauf, dass der User gesperrt wird. Schlimm für ihn, aber gut für sein Publikum, das nun an diesem höchst unterhaltsamen, kabarettistischen Kampf Mann gegen Mann teilhaben darf.

Tobias Mann (Author), Tobias Mann (Narrator)

Audiobook

[German] - Sie haben Ihren Rollator beim Zumba vertauscht (ungekürzt)

Das Seniorenheim Haus Sonnenuntergang ist in Gefahr Die konkurrierende Luxus-Residenz Senior Palace, droht das Heim aufzukaufen und ihm seine profitorientierten Strukturen aufzuzwingen. Aber nicht mit Pflägekraft Sybille Bullatschek! Kurzerhand schleust sie sich mit der betagten Seniora Frau Spielmann undercover bei den Reichen und Schönen ein und stellt deren Luxusleben mal so richtig auf den Kopf. Bei so viel Action kann es schon mal passieren, dass man seinen Rollator beim Zumba vertauscht. Nebenbei müssen die Pflegekräfte auch noch einen Kriminalfall lösen, der mit der ominösen Tasche eines Seniors in Verbindung steht. Und wer Sybille kennt, der weiß, dass auch im Liebesleben der engagierten Single-Pflägekraft wieder die ein oder andere Überraschung wartet.

Sybille Bullatschek (Author), Sybille Bullatschek (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Good, the Bad and the Unexpected: Highlights from the BBC Radio Comedy Panel Show

Mark Nelson and celebrity guests separate the good from the bad, with a few unexpected twists Hosted by Mark Nelson, this lively show sees a panel of celebrities competing to share the best, worst and most hilarious anecdotes from their daily lives. Each guest is vying for the audience's vote as they try to convince Mark that their 'good' story is the most joyful, serendipitous or worthy, and their 'bad' story is the most unfortunate, outrageous or unforgivable. To keep them on their toes, they're also faced with some spontaneous surprise questions, and must rely on their quick wits to come up with snappy answers. Collected here are 39 of the finest episodes from Series 2-14, featuring a fantastic mix of talent from across Scotland and beyond. The stellar line-up includes Rory Bremner, Kirsty Wark, Gyles Brandreth, Tony Hadley, Kerry Katona, Toyah Willcox, Phil Hammond, Mr Motivator and Carol Smillie. Lorraine Kelly unveils her inner geek, Shaparak Khorsandi recalls her family's favourite and most disgusting story, Janey Godley shares her tale of landing at the feet of George Clooney and Les Dennis reveals the best and the worst things about his celebrity lifestyle. Plus, Pippa Evans learns the hard way that whisky is a sipping drink, Fred MacAulay feels like he's fed the five thousand after becoming father of the bride and Zoe Lyons goes a long, long way for spicy noodles that she ultimately regrets. Laugh along with them all as they share their moments of joy, tales of peril, personal failings and funniest confessions in this joke-packed panel show. Though the rules tend to break down, the good things often outweigh the bad - and there's always something unexpected waiting around the corner... NB: Contains some adult themes Production credits Based on an original idea by Jo Caulfield and Kevin Anderson Written by Jo Caulfield and Kevin Anderson, with additional material by Ross Craig, Dan Evans, Keiron Nicholson, Jane Walker, John Hamilton and Gareth Waugh Presented by Mark Nelson Produced by Richard Melvin A Dabster Production for BBC Radio Scotland First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland on the following dates: 4 January 2019 11 January 2019 1 February 2019 15 February 2019 30 August 2019 13 September 2019 20 September 2019 27 September 2019 4 October 2019 11 October 2019 10 January 2020 17 January 2020 19 June 2020 11 September 2020 8 January 2021 22 January 2021 29 January 2021 5 February 2021 12 February 2021 3 September 2021 10 September 2021 24 September 2021 1 October 2021 8 October 2021 7 January 2022 14 January 2022 21 January 2022 28 January 2022 4 February 2022 11 February 2022 29 April 2022 13 May 2022 20 May 2022 27 May 2022 10 June 2022 26 August 2022 6 January 2023 28 April 2023 5 May 2023 19 May 2023 26 May 2023 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Mark Nelson (Author), Carol Smillie, Gyles Brandreth, Hal Cruttenden, Kerry Katona, Kirsty Wark, Lorraine Kelly, Mark Nelson, Phil Hammond, Pippa Evans, Rory Bremner, Seann Walsh, Toyah Wilcox, Various, Zoe Lyons (Narrator)

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Little House Life Hacks: Lessons for the Modern Pioneer from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Prairie

A humorous yet practical book of life lessons from the seminal Little House on the Prairie, blending Laura Ingalls Wilder's timeless teachings with her surprisingly timely penchant for homesteading, crafting, and the lifestyle we now call Cottagecore. The Little House on the Prairie was a childhood TV classic for a generation of kids, and Laura Ingalls Wilder's novels have never gone out of style for young bookworms. Her stories of her family's life in the 1870s offer countless gems of wisdom, and many facets of their lifestyle and the skills they relied on have become some of the hottest trends of today, from sourdough bread and modern pioneering to DIY prairie dresses and needlepoint. Little House Life Hacks playfully compiles the most crucial takeaways from that world, practical enough to work for pioneering stock and updated for today's evolving world. The Ingalls are the perfect reminders of what's important: love, family, community, honest work, and integrity. Alongside the life advice are selected inspirational quotes from the Little House books and show and fun pop culture tidbits (like that The Rock's first celebrity crush was original mean girl Nellie Oleson), as well as with meaningful takeaways for creating more balance, wellness, and fun in all aspects of your life.

Angie Bailey, Susie Shubert (Author), Angie Bailey, Susie Shubert, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Lucy Porter in the Family Way: Four BBC Radio Comedy Stand Up Specials

Lucy Porter explores family life via songs, sketches and stand-up ‘One of the most talented comics on the circuit’ Time Out Lucy Porter is well known for her cheery, feelgood comedy. She has toured both nationally and internationally with her one-woman shows, and her many TV and radio appearances include Live at the Apollo, QI, The Now Show and The News Quiz. In this trilogy of stand-up specials, she examines domestic life from the dramatic to the dreary, aided by comedian and impressionist Luke Kempner. Lucy Porter in the Family Way sees her probing what family life means to her, as a mum and a middle-aged orphan. Beginning with her childhood in Croydon, she chats about leaving the nest, motherhood and her parenting style (benign neglect). She also offers helpful tips on swearing, sleepovers and the importance of always having a pound coin handy; addresses the pros and cons of siblings; and discusses what it’s like to parent your own parents. With a lot of laughs and a dollop of poignancy, this warm, witty show charts the life cycle of a typical nuclear family – from soft play centres to garden centres and Morrisons café. Lucy Porter In The Family Way… Again finds Lucy pondering the concept of legacy. Contemplating the bric-a-brac her parents left behind them, she muses on the other things they’ve passed on to her – weak ankles, terrible teeth and a small third nipple – and the weird quirks and foibles she’s inherited. But it’s her parents’ values, like kindness and charity, that she wants to pass on to her own kids. Funny and moving, In The Family Way… Again is a love letter from Lucy to her mum, and a tender reflection on the things our parents do that drive us mad – things we’ll inevitably end up doing ourselves. In Lucy Porter: Back in the Family Way, recorded at Lucy’s local village hall with a socially distanced audience of her family, friends and neighbours, she reflects on how the pandemic affected our relationships with our loved ones. She looks back on the months spent locked down with her husband, children and cats – and on the challenges of home schooling, Zoom meetings and online weddings and funerals. And, from ‘next slide please’ to sourdough bread and clapping for carers, she considers all the things that brought us together – even while we were kept apart. Finally, in Lucy Porter’s Lucky Dip Lucy is back with a delightful celebration of midlife madness. Ably assisted by her young apprentice Luke Kempner, Lucy tackles bank holiday bin collection schedules, video doorbell footage, and being a member of the ‘sandwich generation’. Apparently, human happiness peaks at 18, dips to its lowest point between the ages of 49 and 54, then picks up again - by the age of about 65 you’re as happy again as you were at 18. So this show will be a comfort to those in the dip, a warning to younger listeners, and will make the older generation feel incredibly smug. Production credits Written by Lucy Porter Starring Lucy Porter and Luke Kempner Additional material by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Mike Shepherd Production Manager: Sarah Tombling Studio Engineer and Editor: Jerry Peal Production Runners: Abbigayle Bircham, Sahara Dennis, Kareem Elshehawy and Sakshi Gupta Produced and directed by Marilyn Imrie and Gordon Kennedy Lucy Porter: Back in the Family Way would not have been possible without Marilyn Imrie An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 April 2018 (Lucy Porter in the Family Way), 28 April 2019 (Lucy Porter In The Family Way… Again), 4 July 2021 (Lucy Porter: Back in the Family Way) and 15 March 2023 (Lucy Porter’s Lucky Dip) © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd ? 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Lucy Porter (Author), Lucy Porter, Luke Kempner (Narrator)

Audiobook

True Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t: World History: 500 Preposterous Facts They Definitely Didn’t Te

Turkeys used to be worshipped as gods? Bull$#*t! Prove you are the smartest schmuck in the room with 500 world history facts that sound too absurd to be true. Knowledge is power! Crush the competition at trivia night or start the most interesting conversation ever with real facts that are hard to believe. This book is loaded with mind-blowing facts that are sure to keep you wondering, 'How are these even true?' while equipping you to outsmart everyone in the room. Including: - Turkeys were once worshipped as gods by the Mayans. - Forks were seen as sacrilegious in 11th century Italy. - Pope Gregory IV once declared a war on cats. - President Abraham Lincoln is in the Wrestling Hall of Fame. - The longest war in history lasted from 1651 to 1986, between the Netherlands and the Isles of Scilly. There were no casualties. Put your game face on and prove once and for all that you are the real history know-it-all! Gather your friends and family 'round and get ready to learn some crazy trivia they definitely didn't teach you in history class.

Shane Carley (Author), Gary Tiedemann, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Spot the Bullsh*t Trivia Challenge: Find the Lies (and Learn the Truth) from Science, History, Sport

Learn some amazing truths about sports, science, history, and more with this interactive trivia book asking you to spot the lie—perfect for a personal challenge or group game night! Was Cleopatra the last Egyptian pharaoh? Can you really make diamonds out of tequila? Is the platypus actually poisonous? Think you can spot the fake? Get your bullsh*t radar warmed up, because each entry in Spot the Bullsh*t hides one well-crafted fib among a pair of unbelievable truths. And it's up to you to figure out what's fascinating and what's full of sh*t in science, history, pop culture and more. A flip of the page reveals whether you're right or wrong as well as more information on the true trivia—and why you might have fallen for the fake fact. Whether you're in the mood to learn some fun facts or challenge your friends in a game of trivia, this book has you covered.

Neil Patrick Stewart (Author), Max Meyers (Narrator)

Audiobook

General Comedy Audiobooks in Comedy