JRE 1841 · June 27, 2024

Brian Redban

comedybusinesspodcast

Who is Brian Redban?

Brian Redban is a comedian, producer, co-host of the podcast and live-streaming YouTube show "Kill Tony," and founder of the Deathsquad podcast network. https://www.deathsquad.tv/

Topics and Timestamps

01Brian Redban discusses his journey from JRE co-host to building the Deathsquad podcast network into a major comedy brand
02Conversation covers the evolution of Kill Tony from a live show to a massive podcast and YouTube phenomenon with international tours
03Brian talks about discovering and developing comedy talent through the Deathsquad network and roast battle format
04Discussion of the challenges and rewards of running a podcast network and managing multiple shows simultaneously
05Brian shares insights into comedy culture, the roast battle community, and how comedy has changed in the streaming era
06They explore the business side of podcasting and how independent networks compete with major media companies
▶Brian explains how Kill Tony evolved from a weekly live show to a global phenomenon0:05:00
▶Discussion of the roast battle format and why it resonated with audiences0:15:30
▶Brian talks about discovering and developing comedy talent through Deathsquad0:35:00
▶Conversation about the business challenges of running an independent podcast network0:55:00
▶Brian reflects on how streaming and podcasting have democratized comedy and bypassed traditional gatekeepers1:15:00

The Show

Joe sits down with Brian Redban on JRE 1841 to dive deep into his evolution as a podcaster, producer, and comedy entrepreneur. From his early days as co-host of the JRE, Brian has built something remarkable with Deathsquad and Kill Tony, turning a live weekly show into a cultural juggernaut that tours internationally and attracts massive audiences across multiple platforms.

The conversation centers on how Kill Tony transformed from a Wednesday night comedy show into the phenomenon it is today. Brian explains the organic growth of the format, how the roast battle structure created compelling content, and why audiences connected with the show's unique blend of comedy and camaraderie. He discusses the challenge of scaling without losing what made it special in the first place, dealing with the pressure of growth, and maintaining the show's integrity as it expanded globally.

Brian gets into the nuts and bolts of running the Deathsquad network, which produces multiple podcasts and shows. He talks about discovering talent, nurturing comedians, and creating an ecosystem where artists can thrive. The conversation touches on how the comedy landscape has shifted with streaming, how traditional gatekeepers matter less, and how direct fan engagement through podcasts and YouTube has changed the game entirely.

There's real talk about the business side too. Brian discusses revenue models, sponsorships, the challenge of competing with major media conglomerates, and how independent networks carve out their space. He's candid about the grind of producing content consistently, managing personalities, and dealing with the logistics of touring and live production at scale.

Throughout, the conversation has that relaxed JRE energy where two people who've worked together for years can speak freely about their journey, the comedy community, and what it actually takes to build something sustainable in the podcast space.