71. Lars Callieou - The Rain Man Of Comedy

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71. Lars Callieou - The Rain Man Of Comedy

Lui Diaz

May 11, 2025

Transcript

Lars Callieou is a Canadian professional comedian with a genuine stoke for life and an infectious enthusiasm and genuine passion for comedy!

In this episode, Lui sits down with Lars for a lively conversation that captures Lars’ infectious enthusiasm for comedy, his love for Australia, and his knack for finding humour in cultural quirks. From polar bear pranks to the art of crafting a perfect joke, Lui and Lars dive into the intricacies of stand-up comedy, the similarities between Canadians and Australians, and the wild unpredictability of performing for a live audience. The episode is a blend of heartfelt appreciation for the craft, hilarious anecdotes, and a celebration of Melbourne’s unique vibe.

Highlights and Key Takeaways

Cultural Exchange Dream (00:01:18 - 00:01:44): Lars shares his whimsical wish for a Canada-Australia exchange program, highlighting the striking similarities between the two nations. Both Commonwealth countries, founded in 1867 (Canada) and 1901 (Australia), share a polite, sarcastic demeanour and a pioneer spirit shaped by vast landscapes. This sets the tone for Lars’ affection for Australia, which Lui finds magnetic.

The Goon of Fortune Bit (00:12:30 - 00:15:32): Lars breaks down the evolution of his beloved “Goon of Fortune” joke, a uniquely Australian drinking game involving a Hills Hoist clothesline and a wine bag. He explains the meticulous process of tweaking the punchline—from “Spin the Bottle in the Thunderdome” to “Russian Roulette with a Pinot Grigio”—to maximise laughs, showcasing his dedication to comedic precision.

Polar Bear Pranks in Churchill (00:20:27 - 00:23:10): Lars delivers a wild fact about Churchill, Manitoba, where it’s illegal to lock car doors due to polar bear migrations. This leads to a darkly funny bit about pranking someone by locking them out during a bear chase, revealing Lars’ knack for finding humour in the absurd.

The Genius of the Audience (00:28:49 - 00:29:15): Lars passionately defends the collective wisdom of comedy audiences, arguing that their laughter (or silence) is the ultimate judge of a joke’s success. This takeaway underscores his respect for the craft and the audience’s role in shaping it.

Parallel Thought and Comedic Integrity (00:42:17 - 00:47:59): Lars recounts instances of “parallel thought,” where he and other comedians unknowingly developed similar jokes. He shares a story of choosing not to perform a Catholic wedding bit after discovering a peer’s similar material, highlighting his commitment to integrity in comedy.

You can follow Lars on his comedy journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extralars/

🫶 Thanks again for listening and watching! Let us know what you think and catch you in the next episode.