Episode 79 marks the long-awaited return of Mullinger’s Weekly Ramble after a four-month disappearance - and James is back with a vengeance, a voice slightly hoarse, a brain slightly fried, and a lot to get off his chest. He dives straight into the real reason for his absence...

What follows is a gloriously unfiltered, deeply personal and frequently hilarious catch-up, as James charts the chaotic road to his latest stand up special taping. From nine shows in nine days and near vocal collapse, to testing new material in breweries, comedy clubs and even his children’s school (with mixed results), this is a candid behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build an hour of stand-up.

Along the way, he reflects on everything from EV disasters and Costco encounters to meditation attempts inspired by Phil Hanley, the joy of performing for healthcare workers across New Brunswick, discovering a hidden gem of a great Irish pub in Saint John, and the strange psychology of comedy audiences - why some rooms soar and others stall, and what that does to a comedian’s mind.

Multiple tangents on social media absurdity, the grind of self-promotion, Fight League Atlantic, improv experiments, and the surreal pressure of pinning “all future happiness” on one night. He also shares the emotional payoff: a sold-out theatre, a dream realised nine years in the making, and the overwhelming support of ramblers who gently nudged him to bring the podcast back.

Honest, chaotic, reflective and very funny, this episode is both a triumphant return and a reminder of why the ramble matters - not just to listeners, but to James himself.