JRE 1720 · June 27, 2024
Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban
Who is Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban?
Tony Hinchcliffe is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor known for his sharp roast comedy and quick wit. He co-hosts the wildly popular podcast and live YouTube show Kill Tony alongside Brian Redban, where they feature comedians performing short sets followed by comedic roasting from the panel. Brian Redban is a podcast producer, comedian, and the original co-host of the Joe Rogan Experience, bringing decades of experience in comedy and media production.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Tony Hinchcliffe and Brian Redban discuss the evolution and success of Kill Tony as a live and digital phenomenon
- 02The pair talk about roast comedy, the art of the joke, and what makes a good or bad roast
- 03Discussion of their comedy tours, live show experiences, and connecting with audiences across different formats
- 04Tony and Brian share behind-the-scenes stories from Kill Tony's production and guest appearances
- 05The hosts discuss their individual comedy careers, writing process, and approach to stand-up
- 06Conversation about the comedy community, relationships with other comedians, and the current state of stand-up comedy
- ▶Tony and Brian discuss how Kill Tony started and evolved0:03:00
- ▶The mechanics of roast comedy and what makes a good roast work0:18:00
- ▶Behind-the-scenes stories from Kill Tony live shows and guest appearances0:42:00
- ▶Discussion of touring, connecting with live audiences, and scaling the show1:08:00
- ▶Tony and Brian reflect on comedy careers, writing, and the state of stand-up today1:35:00
The Show
When Tony Hinchcliffe and Brian Redban rolled into the studio, they brought the energy of two guys who've built something genuinely special with Kill Tony. What started as a concept has turned into a legitimate comedy phenomenon that's managed to maintain its edge while scaling to massive audiences. That's harder than it sounds in comedy, where success often means watering things down.
The conversation bounced around the various dimensions of what they've built. Kill Tony works because it's unpredictable. You've got comedians coming up to do their thing, and then the panel just goes to town roasting them. It's brutal, it's funny, and it creates this tension that's missing from a lot of comedy content. Tony and Brian clearly understand the formula they've cracked because they've been doing this long enough to know what lands and what doesn't.
One of the interesting aspects of having both of them on is the dynamic itself. Brian was there at the beginning of Joe's podcast journey, so there's this historical perspective baked into the conversation. He's seen how podcasting has evolved, how live comedy has changed, and how the internet has fundamentally altered what audiences expect from comedians. Tony represents the newer generation who's never known comedy without the internet, which creates an interesting contrast.
They got into the weeds on roasting as an art form. It's not just insults thrown randomly. Good roasting requires knowing your target, understanding their vulnerabilities, and being quick enough to land the punch before the moment passes. Both of them excel at this, which is why Kill Tony works so well. The panel can pivot in seconds and keep the energy moving.
The touring aspect came up too, which is relevant because Kill Tony has become this touring spectacle. They're playing legitimate venues, selling out shows, and building a community around the experience. That's different from just streaming content. There's something about being in a room with people who get the joke, who understand the edgy humor and the competitive spirit of roasting, that creates a unique energy.
What makes this conversation valuable is that both guests have perspective on different eras of comedy and media. Brian's been through the rise of podcasting itself, understands the business side, and has maintained relevance through the shifts in how people consume content. Tony's built something from the ground up in the modern era and understands how to leverage that. They complement each other well, which probably explains why Kill Tony works as well as it does.
Best Quotes
“Good roasting is about knowing your target and being quick enough to land it before the moment passes.”
— Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban
From the JRE 1720 conversation with Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban.
“Kill Tony works because it's unpredictable. You never know exactly what's going to happen on stage.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1720 conversation with Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban.
“The comedy community is tight, but the roasting format creates this competitive energy that keeps everyone sharp.”
— Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban
From the JRE 1720 conversation with Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban.
