James Donald Forbes McCann

James Donald Forbes McCann is an Australian stand-up comedian, writer, and podcaster known for his sharp wit and multifaceted talents. Born in Adelaide, South Australia, McCann has made significant contributions to the comedy scene both in Australia and internationally.

From Australia to Texas

McCann began his comedy career in Adelaide, performing in various local venues and quickly gaining recognition for his unique comedic style. He has been a repeated performer at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, one of the largest annual arts festivals in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2018, he won three awards at the Adelaide Comedy Awards, highlighting his impact on the local comedy circuit. In 2024, he made the move to Austin, Texas, where he continues to perform regularly at top comedy clubs while expanding his audience in the U.S.

Career Highlights: Comedy, Writing, and Television

• Stand-Up Comedy – McCann has performed in comedy clubs across the globe, delivering his signature mix of high-energy performances and reflective storytelling.
• Television Writing – McCann has contributed as a writer for Australian TV programs such as Tonightly with Tom Ballard and Corey White's Roadmap to Paradise.
• Podcast Appearances – He has been a guest on numerous popular comedy and philosophy podcasts, including Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast, Kill Tony, Stuff Island, Chubby Behemoth, The Crowject, New Polity, and Pints with Aquinas.
• Books: McCann has written 3 books and you can check them out on Amazon.
  • Splish Splash: James Donald Forbes McCann’s third book of poems, published in 2024
  • My Monkey and I Have Something to Hide: Unpleasant Poems with Limited Appeal: James Donald Forbes McCann’s second book of poems, published in 2023.
  • Marlon Brando 9/11: Beautiful Poems that Everybody will Love: James Donald Forbes McCann’s first book of poems, published in 2022.

The James Donald Forbes McCann Catamaran Plan Podcast

Beyond the stage, McCann is the host of The James Donald Forbes McCann Catamaran Plan, a podcast where he humorously chronicles his ambitious goal of purchasing a catamaran. The podcast blends absurd comedy with personal reflections, attracting a dedicated following of fans who appreciate his mix of self-deprecating humor and high-minded aspirations.

Literary Contributions and Poetry

In addition to his comedy career, McCann is an accomplished writer and poet. His essays and poems have appeared in respected periodicals such as AGONY, The Spectator, The Australian, News.com.au, and Quadrant. He has also published multiple #1 bestselling poetry books, further solidifying his place as a uniquely creative voice in both comedy and literature.

Highly Recommend Seeing a Show

I saw James McCann open for Matt McCusker in Pittsburgh, and he absolutely stole the show. He killed every second with rapid-fire jokes and an energy that had the entire audience in tears. If you have the chance, I highly recommend seeing him live—you won't regret it.