E117 | Guy Williams

Episode summary | Guy Williams

Guy Williams is one of New Zealand’s best known comedians and is currently the host and creator of the critically acclaimed show New Zealand Today.

After starting out in stand-up comedy, he won the Dai’s Protégé Project competition – through Jono’s New Show – which saw him opening for Dai Henwood during the NZ International Comedy Festival. He then found himself working with Jono Pryor on his TV show The Jono Project and eventually Jono and Ben.

His well-publicized interactions with Paul Henry, David Tua, and Sonny Bill Williams have earned him cult status in New Zealand and he has established himself as one of our most original and successful TV comedians. In 2014 he joined The Edge as a co-host on what became the most popular NZ radio drive show since commercial ratings began.

Guy is a tornado of energy, noise, and good chat! Lots of laughs in this one, mixed with some moments of real introspection.

Show notes | Guy Williams

2:02: A critique of the Between Two Beers and a history of New Zealand parody

4:25: Front footing yarns with Guy Williams

6:24: A series of scandals: Marc Ellis, Dion Nash, and Daryl Tuffey

11:01: Basketball chat

15:50: The worst contestant in Taskmaster history?

22:19: Gary Williams goes to India

27:48: Comedy: an opportunity for the privileged

31:47: Becoming Dai’s protégé

39:06: Reflections on Dai Henwood

40:53: Contradiction and playing a character

51:05: The Jono and Ben years (and Sonny Bill)

1:03:22: Nerves, anxiety, procrastination, and working hard

1:07:47: The New Zealand comedy “circuit”

1:13:07: New Zealand Today

1:18:30: Patrick and Roy and the stories behind the story

1:28:06: Visiting small town New Zealand

1:36:20: Humanizing the Mongrel Mob

1:43:41: Guy Williams on social media

1:46:43: Last words from Steve, Seamus, and Guy