Dam Yankee

Ed Gamble

Comic Ed Gamble Draws an Ethical Line at Riyadh, and His New Obsession with Wrestling
British comedian and presenter Ed Gamble (from Off Menu and Great British Menu) sits down with Dam Yankee host Zack Newmark to discuss his successful 15-year career, his first proper international tour, and the ethical dilemmas that come with fame. While preparing for his upcoming shows in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, Gamble speaks candidly about his decision to turn down the highly lucrative offer to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, despite some colleagues jumping at the massive paycheck.
Gamble is unequivocal about his moral stance, stating that his line is "heavily drawn" long before reaching Saudi Arabia. He highlights that his main issue with the Riyadh event is being directly paid by the Saudi Arabian Royal Family and the entertainment commission, which he views as crossing an insurmountable ethical boundary. He also dismisses the justifications of other comedians who claim they are performing to bring comedy to the Saudi people, saying he wishes they would simply admit it was for the money.
The conversation then shifts to Gamble’s famously obsessive personality, a trait that has powered his career in comedy and his lifelong obsession with food. He jokingly expresses concern about finding great late-night eats in Amsterdam and Rotterdam after his shows, and shares his goal to try local favorites like bitterballen and James Acaster’s proclaimed "best beef Wellington" in Amsterdam.
But his latest fixation is professional wrestling, a childhood love rekindled by his wife, a TV producer who is now training for the sport. Gamble details his experience training and competing in a sold-out "Clash of the Comics" match in London, where he took on fellow comedian Phil Wang. Gamble, competing as "Ed 'The Gambler' Gamble," calls the wrestling stunt the biggest buzz of his life, even eclipsing the thrill of a successful comedy gig. He explains that the underlying fear of getting the physical performance wrong created an unmatched level of excitement.
As he prepares for the tour, Ed Gamble Live, the comedian reflects on his past experiences with Dutch audiences, whom he finds have a distinctly different—but still enjoyable—"sensibility" compared to "rambunctious" UK crowds. He discusses his plan to focus on his strongest material rather than relying on local jokes, ensuring fans get "the good stuff."
The food fanatic also wants fans to tip him off to the best spots to try in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, as well his other tour stops. He posts frequently on his Instagram account, @edgamblecomedy. Tickets for Gamble's two shows at Comedy Club Haug in Rotterdam on Nov. 15 are sold out, as is the evening show at Boom Chicago in Amsterdam the following day. Tickets are still available for his late matinee on Nov. 16 in Amsterdam, with tickets priced at 28 euros. More information about the Ed Gamble Live tour is available on his website.
Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube. Ed Gamble goes on to discuss life with diabetes, his 2023 autobiographical work, Glutton, and his plan to bring out his best material on the upcoming tour, especially after his oddly humorous interaction with the audience member at his previous Amsterdam gig.
Ed Gamble, Off Menu, Riyadh, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Riyadh Comedy Festival, James Acaster, Phil Wang, 2025 Riyadh Comedy Festival, Saudi royal family, Off Menu podcast, London, United Kingdom, Great British Menu, Lisbon, Portugal, comedy, Stand-up Comedy, Dam Yankee, podcast, Comedy Club Haug, Charlie Jamison, Boom Chicago, diabetes, wrestling, pro wrestling, United States, podcast, Podcast Interview, entertainment, social media

Cuebrick

Dam Yankee Podcast: Episode DescriptionTop 100 DJ Cuebrick: AI, Avicii, and the Antidote to Industry Pressure
On this episode of Dam Yankee, host Zack Newmark sits down with Top 100 DJ and producer Cuebrick (Mannheim, Germany) to discuss the raw reality of a 15-year career in electronic music. Cuebrick shares his surprisingly positive take on Artificial Intelligence (AI), explaining why artists must "go with the time" and how AI is already driving up the quality of music production—specifically the "top lines" for dance tracks.
The veteran DJ also offers a candid reflection on the intense, non-stop pressure of the industry, fueled by his meditations on the tragic suicide of EDM superstar Avicii. Cuebrick reveals his personal antidote to the stress: the quiet strength and perspective of his late grandmother, who taught him not to take life too seriously, famously saying, "We’re not coming out of this alive."
Discover how a forced stop during the pandemic helped Cuebrick find gratitude, set boundaries, and protect himself from the industry pressures that can overwhelm even the biggest stars.
Listen to the full interview for Cuebrick's thoughts on his future plans, the illusion of success on social media, and what it takes to survive and thrive on the long road to success.
Listen to the entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube. Cuebrick also talks about his future plans in music and other trends happening in the music industry. He mentioned his presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where you can find him @cuberick_dj.Cuebrick, AI, Avicii, Mental Health, Resilience, Electronic Music, DJ Mag Top 100, Dam Yankee Podcast, Music Industry Pressure, Grandmother's Wisdom, Production Quality, Tobias, Creative Independence, Amsterdam Dance Event.

Meg Buzza

Three years ago, musical comedian Meg Buzza was practically paralyzed by Long Covid, facing months of bedridden isolation and intense uncertainty. Today, the Bay Area native is living her dream as a full-time professional improv comedian in Amsterdam.
Join us as Meg shares her incredible story of resilience with host Zack Newmark on Dam Yankee. A former professional dancer, Meg recounts the mysterious illness that left her with crushing pain, chest pressure, and a "suicidal depression." She details her exhaustive search for a diagnosis and recovery, which ultimately led to a life-changing realization while visiting the Netherlands.
Hear how Meg shifted her focus from the "obsession with healing" to cultivating joy with the physical capacity she has, a philosophy rooted in her decade-long practice of Buddhism. She discusses her upcoming one-woman show at Boom Chicago and how she uses comedy to explore self-acceptance, chronic illness, and finding happiness despite physical limitations.
Find Dam Yankee on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Join Meg on Instagram and her website.
Tags:
Amsterdam, San Francisco, California, Meg Buzza, musical comedy, improv comedy, Boom Chicago, Long Covid, chronic illness, Buddhism, Dam Yankee, Zack Newmark, self-acceptance, performance art, one-woman show, health, Noord-Holland, comedian, United States, comedy, podcast, podcast interview, entertainment, immigration, social media, Bay Area, Santa Rosa, disability advocacy, Dutch audiences, Dutch

Katie Nixon

Boom Chicago's Katie Nixon on Comedy, Doomscrolling, and Life in Amsterdam 🇳🇱
Join Emmy-winning journalist Zack Newmark, host of the Dam Yankee podcast, for a chat with American comedian and Boom Chicago cast member, Katie Nixon. Now living in Amsterdam, Katie discusses how she transforms the anxiety of the news cycle into comedy, including a song about doomscrolling from the improv show The Good, the Bad and the Algorithm.
Katie recounts her move from the boisterous laughs at Second City and iO in the Chicago improv scene, to the far more reserved audiences in the Netherlands, the surreal experience of seeing ICE raids intensify in her former Chicago neighborhood, and the cultural differences she faces.
Hear her take on using political comedy as a powerful "release"—screaming about billionaires and political figures—while acknowledging that not every moment needs a huge laugh. She shares how the Boom Chicago team handles tricky, real-time audience input on stage.
Don't miss this candid conversation on life as an expat comedian, teaching improv, and hosting the monthly Laugh Out Proud queer comedy show.
 
Katie Nixon, Amsterdam, Chicago, Boom Chicago, doomscrolling, comedy, Comedian, Dam Yankee, entertainment, immigration, social media, United States, Donald Trump, anti-immigration, Illinois, Improv comedy, Chicago Improv, Second City, Improv Olympic, Political Comedy, Improv, Zack Newmark, Laugh Out Proud, ICE raids

Best Comedy Bits from 30 Episodes!

Ready for the funniest highlights from the Dam Yankee Podcast ? Don't miss out on this collection of great comedy bits from the first 30 episodes, featuring Morgan Jay, Neema Naz, Ria Lina, Russell Howard and more! 
This episode brings together the best moments from our conversations with some of the world’s most exciting stand up comedians.
From Morgan Jay’s musical comedy brilliance to Neema Naz’s hilarious takes on culture and family life, this episode is packed with nonstop laughs and insights.
You’ll also catch Ria Lina’s razor sharp humor, Stacey Smith’s quick wit, Roue Verveer’s storytelling genius, Kyla Cobbler’s wild honesty, Matt Castelvi’s improv energy, and Russell Howard’s classic British charm.
If you love stand-up comedy, crowd work, and behind the scenes stories from today’s top comedians, this Comedians compilation is for you.
🎙️ Featuring:
1: Morgan Jay
2 : Neema Naz
3 : Ria Lina
4 : Stacey Smith
5 : Roue Verveer
6 : Kyla Cobbler
7 : Matt Castelvi
8 : Russell Howard
 
Timestamps :0:00- Intro1:24 - Neema Naz3:34 - Morgan Jay11:27- Ria Lina18:42 - Russell Howard20:50 - Roue Verveer23:09 -Stacey Smith26:41- Matt Castelvi 29:30 - Kyla Cobbler ---------Connect with me - Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharynewmark
Instagram ( Dam Yankee Podcast ) : https://www.instagram.com/damyankeepodcast?igsh=YmxxbHpiMnZxZGlm
Website : https://damyankeepodcast.nltimes.nl/

He Huang

Comedian He Huang on Challenging China’s One-Sided Narratives
This week on Dam Yankee, host Zack Newmark talks to Chinese comedian He Huang, the rising star whose career exploded after her viral Australia’s Got Talent audition garnered over 60 million views but also triggered a fierce cultural backlash back home. Huang, who traded a path in public policy analysis for the stage, explains that comedy is the truest platform to "say whatever I want," and that this freedom is precisely why her material, which challenges established cultural norms, is so empowering.
Huang shares her philosophy on why her humor is the "highest form of critique." Having studied public policy and observed different political systems, she recognized that in her home country, "only one voice is allowed." She explains that her use of comedy directly pushes back on the societal teaching that tells Chinese women, "The problem is you," giving her a sense of "self value" and power that she had never felt before.
Her unconventional journey began in an unexpected place: a free comedy class at a local library in Arlington, Virginia, while she was a graduate student at Georgetown University. That first gig convinced her, "Okay, this is it. I'm never going to stop." Though her European tour plans were recently derailed by a last-minute visa issue, Huang joins the podcast from London, expressing a firm commitment to reschedule her canceled shows in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Don't miss this candid conversation as He Huang discusses navigating the tricky balance between global fame and domestic criticism. She explains how easily her jokes are taken out of context by flat translations, and why she believes the attempts to silence her are futile. The full episode is available on all podcast platforms.
The full episode of Dam Yankee is available on all podcast platforms, and can also be seen on YouTube.
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He Huang, Chinese Comedian, Stand-up Comedy, Viral Comedy, Australia's Got Talent, Cultural Backlash, Provocative Humor, Freedom of Speech, Chinese Culture, Policy Analysis, Georgetown University, Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Dam Yankee, Zack Newmark, Podcast, Comedian Interview, Canceled Shows, China, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Australia, London, United Kingdom, England, Boom Chicago, Comedy Club Haug, comedy, comedian, show, gender, gender stereotypes, racial stereotypes, cultural humor, entertainment, immigration, public policy, Beijing, Chongqing, Washington D.C., Arlington, Virginia, comedy tour, Russell Peters, Stephen Colbert, Stephen Chow, Doug Stanhope, social media, WeChat

Neema Naz

"Uncancellable" Neema Naz says comedy reflects his multicultural roots & big dreams
Canadian-Iranian comedian Neema Naz sits down with Dam Yankee this week ahead of his first stand-up performance in Amsterdam. He is known for his playful use of accents and impersonations of his family, not to mention a clever turn on The Boys.
He joins Emmy-winning host Zack Newmark during his "My Estupid Life" world tour. Naz, a first-generation Canadian whose parents fled Iran, shares how his family's story of sacrifice fuels his incredible drive and ambition.
He opens up about why his comedy, which blends personal storytelling with cultural humor, is "uncancellable" and his goal to build a comedy empire inspired by legends like Russell Peters and Kevin Hart. Naz also touches on the challenges of a grueling tour schedule and the rewarding experience of connecting with fans across the globe.
For all of his ambition and drive, Naz also speaks openly about the criticism he faces for his comedy, particularly when using accents he heard growing up in Toronto. He says he is not phased by it and believes his pure intention to "make jokes and bring light to darker topics in this world" makes him "uncancellable." He acknowledges that he can't please everyone, and that is his guiding principle when writing jokes, creating videos, and performing on stage.
 
Neema Naz frequently posts updates and content on Instagram, TikTok, and several other platforms. Tickets for his upcoming show at Boom Chicago start at 25 euros. The full episode of Dam Yankee is available on all podcast platforms, and can also be seen on YouTube.
Keyword Tags
Neema Naz, Canada, Dam Yankee, Zack Newmark, Iran, Toronto, Stand-up Comedy, My Estupid Life, Amsterdam, podcast, comedy, Podcast Interview, Comedy Tour, Cultural Humor, cancel culture, immigration, Entertainment, Social Media, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Russell Peters, Kevin Hart, Boom Chicago, Berlin, Germany

Julia-Beth Harris

Poetic Liberation: Julia-Beth Harris on Finding Home and Voice in Amsterdam
This week on Dam Yankee, podcast host and Emmy-winning journalist Zack Newmark sits down with Julia-Beth Harris, the South African-born poet, performer, and creative force making her mark in Amsterdam. Having lived in the Netherlands for 14 years, Julia-Beth offers an intimate look at the immigrant experience, sharing how the complex emotions of homesickness and longing fuel her powerful, politically charged poetry.
Hear how the "silence" of her new home unexpectedly polished her ability to listen to "deeper voices," enabling her to become a working poet. Julia-Beth discusses her upcoming staged show, Where the Clouds Gather, and explains why her work—which delves into diasporic identity, ancestral knowledge, and collective liberation—is not just art, but a shared experience aimed at bridging fragmented cultures.
Plus, find out what simple thing still triggers a powerful sense of longing for Cape Town. 🇿🇦🇳🇱
Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full videos on YouTube. During the episode, Harris recites her poem, "Forward," which will be part of her upcoming show, Where the Clouds Gather, on November 29 at the Keizersgrachtkerk during The Spirit of Amsterdam Festival.
Julia-Beth Harris announces her upcoming performances on Instagram and her website.
Keywords:
Julia-Beth Harris, Amsterdam, Poet, Poetry, South African, Expat, Immigration, Longing, Homesickness, Belonging, Cultural Identity, Poetic Activism, Diasporic Identity, Ancestral Knowledge, Collective Liberation, Performance, Amsterdam Artists, Dam Yankee Podcast, NL Times, Where the Clouds Gather, Dam Yankee

Ria Lina

An interview with Filipina-British comedian, writer, and scientist Ria Lina. A regular on TV shows like Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week, Lina is known for her provocative, satirical style. In a candid conversation with Dam Yankee podcast host and Emmy-winning journalist Zack Newmark, she shares how her late-in-life autism diagnosis helped her find her unique comedic voice and her unflinching commitment to speak her mind, regardless of the backlash.
Lina discusses the pervasive gender bias in the entertainment industry and the double standards she’s faced as a woman in comedy. She also opens up about her unconventional personal journey—from earning a doctorate in virology to leaving a career in forensic science to pursue comedy full-time.
Tune in to hear Lina’s thoughts on “cancel culture,” political correctness, and the surprising role of science in her comedy. Whether she's on stage, on TV, or sitting down for an interview, Ria Lina proves she’s never afraid to punch up. Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full videos on YouTube.
Ria Lina will head out on the Riabellion tour later this fall, and will take the stage in Utrecht on December 14. She has plans to book more performances in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and her former hometown of The Hague. Lina releases updates on her website, her Instagram account, and her new WhatsApp channel.
 
Keywords
Ria Lina, Dam Yankee, podcast, interview, comedy, comedian, satirical, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, autism, neurodiversity, political correctness, cancel culture, gender bias, entertainment industry, double standards, Riabellion, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You, BBC Radio, Zack Newmark, NL Times, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague.

Sairah Erens

Actress and Theater Maker Sairah Erens gives us a piece of her mind on the European Union, explains how she met her business partner, and divulges the writer who inspires her most.
Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.
Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo
Produced by: Peach Rizzo
Edited by: Marcus Engel