Episode 80 finds James back on the mic less than 24 hours after returning from the whirlwind that was the Winnipeg Comedy Festival - exhausted, slightly delirious, but very much in full ramble mode.

Fresh from a career milestone week, he takes us behind the scenes of performing on a major televised gala after years of trying to get booked, sharing the nerves, near-meltdown, and last-minute crisis of confidence. What follows is a rare moment of satisfaction as the set lands exactly as hoped - alongside a glimpse into the surreal machinery of big TV comedy: wardrobe teams, rehearsals, drivers, and the strange novelty of not having to do everything himself.

There are stories from the road, including headlining Yuk Yuk’s for a mental health fundraiser, performing at the legendary Rumor's Comedy Club, and recording another episode of The Debaters, all while running on minimal sleep and maximum adrenaline.

Elsewhere, the ramble veers into airport encounters with fellow New Brunswickers, the peculiar moment of returning home via Toronto and instantly knowing everyone again, the perils of late-night McDonald’s decisions, and his near-death steak-choking incident. There are punchy new jokes on Will Smith, Hulk Hogan, and the psychology of performers chasing big moments, plus thoughtful reflections on ambition, ageing, and choosing family time over relentless touring.

As ever, it is chaotic, candid and deeply funny - a snapshot of a comedian riding the high of a huge career moment while already overthinking the next one.

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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.

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To purchase Ganong’s new Sea Salted Caramels and Peanut Butter Caramel Clusters that James can’t stop raving about, please visit Shoppers Drug Mart, Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, Canadian Tire, Atlantic Superstore, Dominion or Walmart Atlantic.

Episode 78 is a funny, reflective, slightly frazzled and deeply grateful end-of-year ramble, opening with the oddly satisfying (and mildly annoying) fact that Christmas 2025 is almost 25/25/25, if only the calendar would cooperate.

From there, James looks back on an extraordinary year on the road: over 100 shows, six provinces, thousands of laughs, countless hugs and a profound sense of gratitude for the audiences, venues, promoters and fellow comedians who made it the best year of his life.

There are shout-outs, tour highs, cultural observations, Christmas traditions, favourite films and songs. Beneath the jokes, though, this episode gets honest. James talks candidly about anxiety, overthinking, creative insecurity and how performing is often the only reliable switch that quiets his brain. He reflects on grief, friendships, career knockbacks, confidence after good gigs and disappointment after bad ones, plus the strange balance between caring deeply about the world and protecting the emotional energy your family deserves.

There are musings on comedy as purpose, why getting out of the house can save your sanity, why laughter is still the fuel, and why a life built around pubs, theatres and making people laugh in New Brunswick might just be the perfect version of success. Funny, heartfelt and reassuringly human, this is a Christmas Eve episode for anyone trying to stay hopeful, grateful and sane.

Mullinger's Weekly Ramble is brought to you by Ganong Chocolatier

Please send any questions to comedy@jamesmullinger.com
For podcast sponsorship opportunities, please email info@podstarter.ca
Produced by Podstarter