The podcast is devised and presented by Dr Oliver Double (Director of the Comedy & Popular Performance Research Centre and previously a professional comedian) and Elspeth Millar (Archivist in the University’s Special Collections & Archives). Each episode features a particular item/object/record from the archive, which Olly and Elspeth discuss to show what it reveals about the art and craft of stand-up and the recent history of the form.

In the first episode, Olly and Elspeth discuss the origins of the archive, the project of the podcast and whether it’s possible to archive a live performance. The main feature of the first episode is an orange from the Josie Long Collection. The orange was originally from one of Josie’s Trying is Good shows, but was returned to Josie when she performed All the Planet’s Wonders. Olly and Elspeth discuss the brownish citrus fruit and its significance. Episode two, just out, looks at a flyer for early alternative comedy gig.

The podcast might have academic overtones, but it is easily accessible and decidedly non-spoddy. You don't need to ne studying for a PhD in stand-up to appreciate it. If you enjoy Stewart Goldsmith's Comedian's Comedian podcast, which dissects the coemdy craft, HistComPod should tickle your brain and your funny bone too. 

HistComPod is available via iTunes.