80. Rob Hourigan - Wild Australia & Standup Comedy

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80. Rob Hourigan - Wild Australia & Standup Comedy

Lui Diaz

Jul 13, 2025

Transcript

Rob Hourigan is an Irish comedian currently based in Melbourne, Australia and kind enough to join me for Episode 80 of what might be the most Melbourne way to record a podcast.

It might be hard to believe, but this self-described once ‘quiet kid’ left his cosy teaching job back in Ireland to move out to Australia for a once in a lifetime experience, collectively known as a kind of right of passage for the Irish.

But make no mistake, behind his pleasant demeanour and comforting smile, Rob Hourigan is a wild man in the making! I mean, he moved to Australia, started out selling medicinal cannabis, survived a wild magpie attack, took up the terrifying art of stand-up comedy and hung out with a guy who goes by the name of ‘Snake Hunter’. It’s like something out of a movie!

But all jokes aside, it was a real pleasure to sit with Rob as he embarked on his final few months in Aus to indulge in a Portuguese Tart, a bag of Tato’s and a bit of craic in one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways. If Rob taught me anything it’s not to underestimate yourself and how quickly your life can change if you’re willing to take chances.

Key Themes: Cultural adaptation, comedy, adventure, Australian wildlife, Irish identity, personal growth, community, travel, resilience, embracing the unexpected.

Highlights:

The Magpie Attack:
Rob recounts a harrowing encounter with an Australian magpie on St Kilda’s promenade, where he was pecked in the eye while distracted by a café sign. “It felt like somebody threw a phone at me, like a mobile phone”. This chaotic tale of suburban wildlife and human indifference is peak unhinged Aussie madness.
Tagging Along with the Snake Hunter:
Rob’s obsession with snakes led him to message a Melbourne snake relocator on Instagram and join him for a morning of releasing deadly tiger snakes. Standing just six feet from a venomous serpent, Rob was both terrified and thrilled as the professional calmly handled the situation. “I was like, you know, ready to run at any second”. The sheer audacity of casually hanging out with a snake handler is gloriously reckless.
Comedy as a Cultural Bridge:
Rob reflects on how comedy helped him navigate his move to Melbourne, where the lack of “begrudgery” (Ireland’s version of tall poppy syndrome) gave him the confidence to try stand-up. “I notice with Australians... they’re more inclined to be like, oh, good on you, kind of a thing”. This highlights the cultural freedom that can unlock personal growth in a new environment.
The Power of Taking Risks:
Rob’s decision to contact a snake handler and try comedy in a foreign country underscores the value of seizing opportunities without overthinking. “No one knows you here, I could try it”. This mindset of embracing the unknown is a call to action for stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

You can follow Rob Hourigan on Instagram via - https://www.instagram.com/rob_hourigan_comedy/

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