66. Jarryd Goundrey Part 2 - Theories Of Evolution: From Early Man To Stand-up Comedian

Author: Lui Diaz
Published: Wed 16 Apr 2025
Episode Link: https://luidiazpodcast.substack.com/p/66-jarryd-goundrey-part-2-the-comments

Jarryd Goundrey is a former Australian Army Infantryman (guy that blows sh!t up), chef and is now living the dream as a road-tripping standup comedian.

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In the electrifying conclusion of this two-part episode, Lui continues his chat with Aussie Army veteran turned stand-up comedian Jarryd Goundrey, in the gritty, vibrant Hosier Lane. This episode is a rollercoaster of gut-busting laughs, raw storytelling, and deep dives into Jarryd’s unconventional journey from military life to the comedy stage. From recounting the chaos of transitioning to civilian life to embracing comedy as a lifeline during personal struggles, Jarryd’s tales are equal parts unhinged and inspiring. The conversation veers into philosophical territory, exploring history, societal pressures, and the courage to chase dreams against all odds. Packed with wild anecdotes—like the infamous Mad Cow pub, their chosen time in history and imagining Genghis Khan on Instagram—this episode is a testament to resilience, creativity, and living life unapologetically.

Show Notes

* Guest: Jarryd Goundrey, Aussie Army veteran and stand-up comedian

* Location: Hosier Lane, Melbourne

* Episode Length: Approx. 53 minutes

* Themes: Transition from military to civilian life, comedy as therapy, following passions, historical perspectives, societal expectations, fatherhood

* Content Warning: Contains explicit language, discussions of substance use, and humorous references to historical figures that may be sensitive for some listeners

Highlights

Comedy as Training, Not Just Learning (00:00:57 - 00:01:34)Jarryd compares his comedy career to military training, emphasising the constant need to “retrain” and up-skill. His analogy of treating comedy like a daily drill—watching better comedians, refining reels—offers a practical blueprint for creative growth.

Growing a Beard and Breaking Army Rules (00:02:25 - 00:03:21)Jarryd recounts the first thing he did after leaving the Army: growing a beard and indulging in forbidden freedoms like smoking weed. His excitement over ditching the daily shave and embracing civilian rebellion is hilariously raw, capturing the thrill of shedding military discipline.

The Mad Cow Pub’s Wild Reputation (00:03:06 - 00:04:15)Jarryd’s vivid description of Townsville’s Mad Cow pub—“helping ugly people have sex since 1996”—is a riot. His nostalgic recounting of sunk beers, Time Warp singalongs, and chaotic nights as a young soldier is both absurd and endearing.

Midlife Crises from Unlived Dreams (00:08:36 - 00:09:41)Jarryd reflects on how midlife crises stem from suppressing dreams, manifesting in reckless acts like “f**king the secretary.” His realisation that comedy saved him from a similar fate after cheffing burned him out is a profound call to pursue what truly matters.

History’s Humbling Perspective (00:29:14 - 00:30:14)Jarryd’s take on history—that 99.9% of people vanish into obscurity—frees us to live authentically. His advice to “do what you want” because future generations will judge us as archaic anyway is both liberating and deeply grounding.

Genghis Khan’s Instagram Dreams (00:50:04 - 00:52:11)The episode peaks with Jarryd’s absurd fantasy of following Genghis Khan on Instagram, picturing him posing with severed heads and sparking modern-day comment wars. This tangent, blending historical reverence with social media chaos, is comedy gold.

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

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Equipment

Audio Recorder - Zoom H6

Microphone - Shure SM58

Camera - Insta360 X4

Headphones - Audio Technica ATH-M50x