Arthur Smith: Comic Chaos and the Naked Truth | EP 28

Mind Cake Podcast

In this episode of Mind Cake, Lee Crompton and Paul Beeson welcome the indomitable Arthur Smith, comedian, writer, and self-proclaimed grumpy old man. Known for his role as the backward bar manager in Red Dwarf, Arthur shares his experiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he's been a fixture since 1977. He reminisces about the evolution of the festival, from university review groups to the present-day stand-up comedy scene, and the rise of personal storytelling, particularly around mental health.

Arthur candidly discusses his own journey with sobriety after a life-changing health scare and reflects on how it has impacted his comedy career. He shares anecdotes from his storied career, including the infamous bet that led him to sing the Moldovan national anthem naked outside Woolworths. Arthur also touches upon the unique relationship between comedy and mental health, exploring the cathartic power of humour in confronting life's absurdities.

Join Lee and Paul for a conversation filled with laughter, introspection, and a touch of rebellion, as Arthur reveals the wisdom gained from a lifetime of comedy.

00:00:00 " If you love the show, please hit that follow button

00:00:48 " Mind cake podcast about our mental health with Lee Crompton and Paul Beeson

00:02:40 " This week I shall mostly be doing anecdotes about spirit guides

00:03:36 " Arthur Smith says he stopped drinking after suffering from pancreatitis

00:09:26 " What do you think has changed most about the Edinburgh festival in the last decade

00:14:14 " Tony bet me he could beat Moldovan footballers at tennis

00:17:00 " Paul Beeson can't make it tonight because he's rehearsing in Edinburgh

00:19:52 " Your comedy often blends humour with a more reflective theme

00:21:26 " People become comedians partly, I think, because it's a way of laughter

00:25:53 " Arthur says being faced with mortality can be a double edged sword

00:32:04 " You probably came across as quite boring to Arthur Miller because you were hungover

00:32:46 " The actor who plays Rebus is called Richard Rankin

00:35:39 " There's, there's a. I recommend that book by Julian Barnes

00:38:37 " Arthur Lee thanks Lee for taking time out to talk to him

00:40:34 " Paul: Arthur Smith's chat with me was fascinating. What did you think it was

00:43:07 " A lot of comedians talk about their mental health on their shows

00:47:57 " So do we need to do, are we still doing housekeeping

00:48:48 " The audio automatically goes onto YouTube when we do an episode now

00:51:18 " Let's start a podcast about our mental health for no good reason why

🎧 Tune in for an engaging blend of storytelling, humour, and candid reflections on life and comedy.

#ArthurSmith #EdinburghFringe #Comedy #MentalHealth #Sobriety #MindCakePodcast #LifeLessons #Humour