JRE 1601 · June 27, 2024
Brian Redban
Who is Brian Redban?
Brian Redban is a comedian, producer, and co-host of the podcast and live-streaming YouTube show Kill Tony, and founder of the Deathsquad podcast network.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Brian Redban discusses the evolution of Kill Tony from a small podcast to a massive live touring phenomenon
- 02Conversation about the comedy scene, roasting culture, and how the podcast network has grown exponentially
- 03Brian shares stories about building Deathsquad and managing multiple shows and comedians
- 04Discussion of the challenges and rewards of live comedy production and audience interaction
- 05Insights into podcast business models and monetization strategies in the modern comedy space
- 06Brian talks about his role as a producer and curator of comedy talent across different platforms
- ▶Kill Tony's evolution from small podcast to arena tours0:05:00
- ▶How roasting culture works and what makes it different from regular comedy0:15:30
- ▶Building and managing the Deathsquad podcast network0:35:00
- ▶Monetization and business model for modern comedy podcasts0:55:00
- ▶The future of Kill Tony and live comedy in the streaming era1:10:00
The Show
Brian Redban sits down with Joe to talk about Kill Tony, the roast comedy show that's become a cultural phenomenon, and how he built the Deathsquad podcast network from the ground up. What started as a smaller project has blown up into sold-out arenas and massive international tours, and Brian breaks down how that actually happened without losing the raw energy that made it work in the first place.
The conversation touches on the comedy scene and what makes roasting different from traditional stand up. Brian explains how Kill Tony operates as this mix between a podcast, a live show, and a roasting battle that somehow appeals to people who don't even consider themselves comedy fans. He gets into the logistics of producing a show that big, managing comedians, and keeping the quality consistent when you're doing multiple cities in different countries.
Brian also talks about the broader Deathsquad network and how he's built this ecosystem of shows and talent. It's not just about Kill Tony anymore. He's managing a whole universe of podcasts and live events, each with their own audience and momentum. The conversation covers what it takes to scale something like that without it becoming corporate or losing its identity.
They discuss the business side of podcasting, how monetization works, and the challenges of keeping something edgy and real while also trying to make it sustainable. Brian's been in this space long enough to see the whole industry evolve, and he shares perspective on what's changed and what's stayed the same in terms of what audiences actually want.
Best Quotes
“Kill Tony went from being something small to selling out arenas, and we didn't change the format - we just did more of it”
— Brian Redban
From the JRE 1601 conversation with Brian Redban.
“The roasting aspect is what makes it work because everyone gets to participate, even the audience”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1601 conversation with Brian Redban.
“Building Deathsquad was about creating a network where comedians could own their own thing”
— Brian Redban
From the JRE 1601 conversation with Brian Redban.
“You have to stay true to what made it work in the first place, even when you're scaling”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1601 conversation with Brian Redban.
“The podcast industry is still figuring itself out, but comedy has always been about connecting with people live”
— Brian Redban
From the JRE 1601 conversation with Brian Redban.
