The world's funniest podcast festival returns - Cheerful Earful 2025 expands into the US

The acclaimed Cheerful Earful Podcast Festival, returns this October with its most ambitious edition yet: 15 days of live podcast shows across London, Melbourne, and - for the very first time - New York City.

Kicking off this October, the festival expands beyond its London roots to light up stages in Melbourne and NYC. Expect 15 jam-packed days of live podcasts, from household-name comedians and cult favourites to hidden gems you’ve never heard (yet).

Festival Director Giles Gear said:
“Cheerful Earful began as a four-day run of live shows and has since grown into a year-round celebration of funny podcasts. From our inaugural Golden Lobes Podcast Awards in May to the Festival’s fourth birthday, it’s been amazing to see audiences, creators, and partners connecting in ways that go far beyond the stage. We’re proud to be global but grassroots.”

2025 FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS BY CITY

MELBOURNE Dates: 3–5 October · Venue: Stupid Old Studios
Returning for its second year in Australia, Cheerful Earful’s Melbourne edition brings back fan favourites like TOFOP, Do Go On, and Plumbing the Death Star, alongside late-night hangouts and special guests at the Stupid Old Studios hub.

NEW YORK CITY Dates: 7–9 October · Venue: Caveat
Making its US debut, the New York edition delivers sharp, concept-driven comedy with headliners What Went Wrong, Go Touch Grass, and The Puzzler with AJ Jacobs. Expect tightly curated shows and East Coast energy at Lower Manhattan’s Caveat.

LONDON Dates: 12–19 October · Festival Hub: The Bedford, Balham & The Clapham Grand
The home of the festival since its inception, The Bedford hosts most shows and VIP events. Headliners include Trusty Hogs, Clinton Baptiste’s Paranormal Podcast, Lateral with Tom Scott, and BudPod, with fan-favourites and debuts across multiple venues. The “Listen Up” stage returns to champion new and indie podcasters, who receive full festival perks and financial support.

Becky, Event Manager at The Bedford, said:
“Cheerful Earful have quickly become a part of The Bedford story and we’re so proud to be the festival hub again this year. The festival brings in such a good vibe and we love being a part of it.”

Adelicious returns as Headline Sponsor, continuing their commitment to growing the podcasting space in creative and accessible ways.

Adelicious CEO Andrew Goldsmith said: “We’ve backed Cheerful Earful since day one and it’s still one of our favourite moments in the podcast calendar. Comedy’s a big part of our business at Adelicious, in fact, it’s now our second biggest vertical across our shows. The festival always delivers on laughs, line-ups, and a brilliant sense of community, so we’re proud to be part of it again this year.”

What’s New for 2025

• First US edition in New York City
• Return to Melbourne after sell-out debut
• Over 50 live shows across three cities
• Expanded support for indie podcasters

Tickets & Info:

Tickets are on sale now via www.cheerfulearful.co.uk

Full Lineup (more TBA):

AUSTRALIA

• Plumbing the Death Star
• Thumb Cramps
• Gamey Gamey Game
• Do Go On
• Book Cheat
• Mel and Sam
• Free To A Good Home
• Call an Adult
• Who Knew It with Matt Stewart
• TOFOP

UK

• Lateral
• Trusty Hogs
• BudPod
• Go Home You’re Drunk
• Loremen
• 40ish
• Adelicious VIP
• Guestimators
• Glue Factory Podcast
• Cheap Show
• Birthday Girls
• Poppy Hillstead: Brainwash Me
• Pottervision
• Clinton Baptiste’s Paranormal Podcast
• A Wheezing Groaning Sound
• Smersh Pod
• Holly Burn’s Dream House
• Pappy’s

US

• The Puzzler
• Chris Turner
• Go Touch Grass
• What Went Wrong