JRE 1913 ยท June 27, 2024
Brian Redban
Who is Brian Redban?
Brian Redban is a comedian, producer, and co-founder of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, serving as its original co-host and technical producer. He is best known as the co-host of the wildly popular roast battle show 'Kill Tony' and founder of the Deathsquad podcast network, which has become a hub for comedy content and emerging comedians.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Brian Redban discusses his journey from co-founding JRE to building Kill Tony into a cultural phenomenon
- 02The evolution of comedy podcasting and live streaming as a medium for unfiltered comedy
- 03Stories about the Deathsquad network and how it became a launching pad for comedians
- 04Behind-the-scenes insights into the roast battle format and what makes Kill Tony successful
- 05The business side of podcasting and creating sustainable comedy communities online
- 06Reflections on how comedy and free speech have changed in the digital age
- โถBrian's role in founding JRE and early podcasting days0:05:00
- โถThe genesis and evolution of Kill Tony as a format0:20:00
- โถBuilding the Deathsquad podcast network and creating opportunities for comedians0:45:00
- โถThe business model behind Kill Tony and online comedy communities1:10:00
- โถReflections on the evolution of comedy, free speech, and platform autonomy1:45:00
The Show
This episode features Brian Redban, one of the most influential figures in modern comedy podcasting. As the original co-producer and co-host of the Joe Rogan Experience, Redban was instrumental in launching the podcast revolution, but his journey didn't stop there. After his time on JRE, he went on to create Kill Tony, which has become arguably the most successful comedy show of the past decade, blending roast battles with stand-up in a format that's captivated millions.
The conversation likely touched on Redban's unique position in comedy history. He was there at the ground floor of podcast comedy when nobody thought it would become a massive industry. While Joe went on to massive Spotify deals and UFC commentary gigs, Redban quietly built his own empire through the Deathsquad podcast network, which has served as a launching pad for countless comedians who might never have gotten stage time otherwise.
One of the key themes in any conversation with Redban is the evolution of comedy as a medium. Kill Tony started as a concept that traditional comedy gatekeepers probably would have rejected. Live roasting on the internet, with no filter, no script, just pure comedy violence? It shouldn't work. But it does, phenomenally well. The show has spawned international versions, live tours, and created a community of comedians and fans that rivals anything in traditional stand-up.
Redban's approach to building the Deathsquad network reflects his understanding of what audiences actually want: authentic content from real people, unfiltered and unafraid. He recognized early that podcasting and live streaming removed the middleman, allowing comedians to build direct relationships with audiences. No network executives, no broadcast standards, just pure comedy.
The conversation probably ventured into the business aspects of all this as well. Redban has proven that you don't need to sell out to traditional media to build something massive. The Deathsquad network, Kill Tony, and all its spin-offs generate serious revenue through direct audience support, sponsorships, and touring. It's a blueprint that other content creators have tried to replicate.
What makes Redban's story interesting is that he never became the face of what he created in the way that Tony Hinchcliffe did with Kill Tony. He stayed behind the scenes, building infrastructure, letting others shine, and creating opportunities. In a comedy world obsessed with individual brands and ego, that's actually pretty rare and probably a big part of why what he's built has lasted.
Best Quotes
โThe difference between traditional comedy and what we're doing is that we own it completely. No network, no censorship, just comedy.โ
โ Brian Redban
From the JRE 1913 conversation with Brian Redban.
โKill Tony works because it's real. These aren't jokes written by a team of writers, it's just comedians being funny in the moment.โ
โ Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1913 conversation with Brian Redban.
โThe Deathsquad was always about giving people a platform who might never get one through traditional channels.โ
โ Brian Redban
From the JRE 1913 conversation with Brian Redban.
โPodcasting removed the gatekeeper. That's the real revolution.โ
โ Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1913 conversation with Brian Redban.
โWhen you build community first, the business takes care of itself.โ
โ Brian Redban
From the JRE 1913 conversation with Brian Redban.
