Hard Lines
Hard Lines is the Roast Battle UK podcast hosted by Drew Stearne and two-time UK champion Shalaka Kurup. From battle breakdowns and live reports to joke-writing theory and backstage chaos, each episode dives into what makes Roast Battle work. Smart, filthy, and surprisingly analytical, it’s for comedy fans, future battlers, and anyone who wants to get inside the craft of insult comedy.
Episodes
Apr 3, 2026
Apr 3, 2026
57 min
Drew Stearne and Shalaka Kurup break down a classic Roast Battle UK clash between Shalaka and Helen Kay. They get into the writing, the callbacks, the stereotypes, the comebacks, and why this battle still stands out as one of the best. Plus: joke theft, mic technique, and what makes a battle truly work.
Mar 20, 2026
Mar 20, 2026
44 min
In this episode Drew and Shalaka break down James Mileham vs Adam Riley in one of the best battles in recent history. Delve into the genius of their joke writing and the expertise (or otherwise) in which it's performed.
Mar 11, 2026
Mar 11, 2026
56 min
In the first episode of Hard Lines, Drew Stearne and Roast Battle UK champion Shalaka Kurup introduce the show, look back at a recent live night, and then break down a standout battle from the 2024 tournament: Luke Hall vs Steph Aretone. From joke structure and rebuttals to timing, crowd reaction and persona, they dig into what made it such a strong clash, and why Luke edged it. A funny, filthy and surprisingly nerdy deep dive into Roast Battle craft.