JRE 1450 · March 31, 2020

Brian Redban

comedybusinesspodcasting

Who is Brian Redban?

Brian Redban is a comedian and the founder of the Deathsquad podcast network. Also look for him on “Kill Tony” available on Apple Podcasts & YouTube: @KillTony @redban

Topics and Timestamps

01Brian Redban discusses the history and evolution of the Deathsquad podcast network and Kill Tony
02Conversation covers the comedy podcast landscape and how the format has changed over the years
03Brian talks about his experience as co-founder of JRE in its early days and how podcasting has grown
04Discussion of comedy roasting culture and the dynamics of the Kill Tony show format
05Redban shares insights about building communities around comedy and podcasts
06Topics include the business side of podcasting and how content creators monetize their work
▶Redban talks about the early days of JRE and how different podcasting was back then0:05:00
▶Discussion about the Kill Tony format and what makes roasting work as entertainment0:20:00
▶Redban explains how Deathsquad was built and the philosophy behind the podcast network0:35:00
▶Conversation about how podcasting has evolved and become more mainstream0:50:00
▶Reflection on the comedy community and how the platform has changed opportunities for comedians1:10:00

The Show

JRE 1450 brings back Brian Redban, the original co-founder of the Joe Rogan Experience and current head of the Deathsquad podcast network. This is a full circle moment for the show, with Redban reflecting on the early days of podcasting when it was still a fringe medium. The conversation dives into how podcasting has evolved from a wild west of audio content to a legitimate entertainment platform with massive audiences.

Redban talks about his journey from helping launch JRE to building out Deathsquad, which houses shows like Kill Tony. The Kill Tony format of roasting comedians has become a cultural phenomenon, and Redban breaks down what makes the show work. It's not just about the insults, it's about the community and the chemistry between the roasters. He discusses how the show has grown from small venues to touring arenas while maintaining the raw energy that made it special.

The episode touches on the early podcast days when Joe and Redban would record episodes with basically no plan, just letting conversations flow naturally. That unpredictable format is what people loved about it, and it's a contrast to how more polished and corporate podcasting has become. Redban explains how he's tried to maintain that authentic feel with his network while also building sustainable business models around the content.

There's discussion about the comedy community and how roasting as an art form has evolved. Redban talks about finding comedians with thick skin who can handle the Kill Tony format without taking it personally. He also reflects on how podcasting gave comedians a new platform to reach audiences outside of traditional stand-up venues, fundamentally changing the economics of comedy.