Diary of a Failed Comedian

The Xanadu Review: Episode 27- Peter James

On today’s episode of The Xanadu Review, I am joined by Peter James. We talk stand-up comedy, why he gave it up, comedy as an art form, how the culture…

Published on Dispatches From The Golden Horde • Nov 3

1:15:39

October 2025

The True Horror of The Shining

When a haunted hotel is the least of your concerns

Oct 20 • 

Peter James

277

56

19

If You Want To Experiment, Master The Basics

The best way to start? Simply.

Oct 6 • 

Peter James

26

7

4

September 2025

Tires Is The Only Comedy Show On TV

Saluting a Rarity in the Modern Streaming Age

Published on The Republic of Letters • Sep 17

State

A short story about memory, emotion, and high school football

Sep 16 • 

Peter James

18

4

5

July 2025

Paternity Leave

There are about to be some big changes around here

Jul 21 • 

Peter James

23

20

4

The Pain From An Old Wound

Nostalgia isn’t always fun and lighthearted

Jul 7 • 

Peter James

26

8

6

June 2025

The Art of Letting Go

On Bill Burr's 'Drop Dead Years'

Published on The Metropolitan Review • Jun 24

Nobody Likes A Guy Who Tries Too Hard To Be Funny

Lessons on reading the room

Jun 6 • 

Peter James

21

7

3

Jerrod Carmichael Picks Up The Pace

The oft-venerated (and vilified) comedian finally released a true one-hour stand-up special

Jun 2 • 

Peter James

24

8

5

May 2025

I Am So Tired Of Nathan Fielder’s Whole Thing

I’m deeply opposed to his project, on both a comedic and human level

May 12 • 

Peter James

671

244

79

April 2025

Why I Never Made It In Comedy

A working theory

Apr 28 • 

Peter James

86

27

12