Bonus Episode - Meet Fool Me Twice producer, Morry Morgan

In this bonus episode of Fool Me Twice, host Steve Van Aperen swaps the usual format for a behind-the-glass conversation with Morry Morgan, the show’s producer. With co-host Bradford Oakes away, Steve and Morry use the opportunity to revisit how the podcast began, how they first met, and the strange chain of events that eventually led to Fool Me Twice.

Steve traces his journey from detective work at Flemington to training with the FBI’s Behavioural Sciences Unit, where his interest in profiling evolved into a fascination with cognitive and behavioural engineering. That path led to public speaking, international training, book opportunities, media work, and even a connection with Jennifer Lopez’s production company.

Morry then takes the story back to 2007, when he and Steve first crossed paths through mutual friend Chris Mooney, who skippered a sailboat trip on Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay. At the time, Morry was working in China and looking at bringing Steve, along with lateral-thinking expert Dr Michael Hewitt-Gleeson, over for speaking engagements. Michael eventually toured China, but Steve’s plans were interrupted by the global financial crisis.

The conversation then turns to Morry’s other major project: Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School. Morry explains how the school inspired a six-part comedy-drama called Is This Thing On?, developed with Stig Wemyss of Mezzanine Films. Stig encouraged Morry to add more emotional depth to the series, suggesting a psychological “B story” that would explore why ordinary people were willing to put themselves through the fear of stand-up comedy. Morry immediately thought of Steve, whose expertise helped the participants manage self-doubt, stage fright and performance anxiety.

Steve reflects on how fear is often created internally, and how many of the aspiring comedians had to overcome their own assumptions before stepping on stage. The pair discuss the difference between being funny among friends and becoming a stand-up comedian, where truth is often only the starting point for a joke.

Finally, Morry explains the origin of Fool Me Twice: a podcast about lying from two perspectives. Steve uncovers lies through his professional expertise, while Bradford Oakes, as a comedian, creates playful lies to make people laugh. That contrast became the heart of the show.

LINKS

Book Steve Van Aperen as your next keynote speaker: Click here

Get coached in stand-up comedy with Brad Oakes: Click here

Learn stand-up comedy with Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here

Watch "Is This Thing On?" comedy-drama: Click here

Learn more about Fool Me Twice by visiting www.foolmetwice.com.au

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