Janey Godley, a Scottish comedian and storyteller known for her honesty and humor, shares jaw-dropping tales from her tumultuous upbringing in a gangster family. She discusses the surreal moments of her life, from witnessing accidents to the lighter side of performing in unusual venues. Janey recounts the edgy moments of her career and reflects on the power of comedy in processing trauma. With anecdotes about the Bay City Rollers, ghostly encounters, and family dynamics, her storytelling is both hilarious and poignant.
Janey Godley's candid stories about her marriage to a gangster and overcoming family tragedies reveal her resilience and complexity as a comedian.
The podcast pays heartfelt tribute to Janey Godley, celebrating her humor and strength as well as her inspiring autobiography, 'Handstands in the Dark'.
The discussion explores the challenges faced by women in comedy and emphasizes authenticity and personal experiences as crucial to stand-up performances.
Deep dives
Upcoming Events and Performances
The host announces upcoming live performances at the Leicester Square Theatre, featuring notable guests such as Ednish Kumar and Milton Jones. There’s anticipation for future events, including Chesney Hawks on November 25th, and a big name hinted for November 18th, 2024. The focus on early ticket bookings is emphasized, especially to avoid last-minute hassles. The host expresses excitement about the return to live performances and how important audience attendance is for the success of the shows.
Tribute to Jamie Godley
A heartfelt tribute is made to comedian Jamie Godley, who recently passed away, reflecting on her resilience and career. The host shares memories of Godley, including her remarkable humor and strength, up until her final days. A mention of Godley’s autobiography, 'Handstands in the Dark', highlights her inspiring life story. The intention of sharing Godley’s past podcast appearances is to honor her legacy and showcase her talent.
Insights into Stand-up and Comedy
The discussion touches on the environment of stand-up comedy, particularly the challenges that comedians face. The host emphasizes the importance of female voices in comedy, acknowledging the absence of white, working-class Scottish women in mainstream media. Stories from early career experiences, including heckling and confrontations with audience members, illustrate the sometimes chaotic nature of live performances. Ultimately, the host encourages all aspiring comedians to stay true to their roots and maintain authenticity in their work.
Reflections on Personal Experiences
A segment of the podcast delves into personal anecdotes shared by the host and guests, including experiences with adversity and resilience. The conversation highlights the impact of childhood upbringing and formative experiences on their comedic voices. There’s a discussion on societal issues such as mental health and the importance of support systems. This sharing of vulnerabilities aims to foster a connection with listeners and more profound discussions within the comedy community.
Navigating Social Media and Public Perception
The complexities of social media interactions and their implications on public figures are explored, particularly regarding trolling and online harassment. A distinction is made between the treatment of celebrities compared to ordinary individuals when dealing with abusive comments on platforms like Twitter. The host discusses instances of receiving threats and the differing responses from law enforcement based on a person’s public standing. This highlights ongoing conversations about accountability and the need for consistent enforcement of policies across social media platforms.
RETRO RHLSTP #87 - I’ve Never Stabbed Anyone…Oh No, I Have. - A tired and possibly ill Richard Herring tries to get through another podcast without vomiting on his guest, the disaster-magnet that is Janey Godley.
She talks candidly about marrying the son of a Glasgow gangster, her many family tragedies and how she survived them plus how Jerry Sadowitz was almost killed at one of his first gigs, what she’d like to do with Roland Gift, witnessing horrific accidents and heart-warming scenes from daily life. Plus the Bay City Rollers, Vesta curries, working with your daughter, performing in a prison and that wonderful moment when you forget that you’ve stabbed someone.
Some truly incredible stories from this brilliantly funny, mildly terrifying, but ultimately rather lovely woman. Check out her book “Handstands in the Dark”, her blog (www.janeygodley.blogspot.co.uk/) and her podcasts (www.janeygodley.podomatic.com/)