JRE 1948 · June 27, 2024

Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban

comedybusinesspodcast

Who is Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban?

Tony Hinchcliffe is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor. He's also the co-host, along with Brian Redban, of the podcast and live-streaming YouTube show "Kill Tony." Brian Redban is a comedian, producer, and founder of the Deathsquad podcast network.

Topics and Timestamps

01Tony Hinchcliffe and Brian Redban discuss the evolution and success of Kill Tony as a podcast and live show phenomenon
02Conversation covers the comedy roast format and how it differs from traditional stand-up comedy
03Discussion about the challenges and rewards of doing live comedy shows across different venues and audiences
04Tony and Brian talk about their creative process for developing material and managing the Kill Tony brand
05Joe and guests explore the comedy podcast landscape and how Kill Tony carved out its unique niche
06Banter about the Deathsquad network, touring, and the business side of comedy in the streaming era
▶Joe welcomes Tony Hinchcliffe and Brian Redban, discussing Kill Tony's massive success0:00:00
▶Discussion of the roast format and how Kill Tony differentiates itself in the comedy space0:15:00
▶Tony talks about the creative process of writing roasts on the fly during live shows0:35:00
▶Conversation about touring, different crowds, and the unpredictability of live performance0:55:00
▶Discussion of the business side of comedy podcasts and the value of direct audience connection1:25:00

The Show

Joe Rogan sits down with Tony Hinchcliffe and Brian Redban, the masterminds behind Kill Tony, one of the most successful comedy podcasts and YouTube shows in the world. The conversation dives into how two comedians built a roast-based format into a cultural phenomenon that packs theaters and commands massive online audiences.

Tony and Brian break down what makes Kill Tony different from other comedy podcasts. Unlike traditional stand-up showcases, Kill Tony is built on live roasting, crowd participation, and a mix of established comedians and open mic performers all getting material written about them on the spot. The format keeps things unpredictable and raw, which is a huge part of its appeal. Joe and Tony discuss how the roast dynamic creates a different energy than typical comedy shows, with the audience being part of the experience rather than just watching from the sidelines.

The conversation touches on the grind of touring and doing live shows consistently. Brian and Tony talk about the logistics of taking Kill Tony on the road, hitting different cities, and dealing with different crowds. There's discussion about how some nights hit differently than others, and how the live format means you never know exactly what's going to happen once you're on stage. Joe relates to this as someone who tours constantly and understands the unique pressure of performing live night after night.

Tony opens up about the creative process behind Kill Tony and how he writes roasts. The speed and timing required to roast people off the top of your head is a skill that takes years to develop. Joe and Tony discuss comedy writing in general, the importance of timing, and how much harder roasting is compared to prepared stand-up material. There's a genuine appreciation in the room for the craft involved in making people laugh in real time.

The business side of comedy in the streaming era comes up naturally. Kill Tony went from a small podcast to selling out huge venues and building a massive YouTube following. Brian and Tony talk about the value of direct audience connections, how streaming changed the comedy game, and the freedom that comes with owning your own platform. They don't have to answer to networks or traditional comedy gatekeepers, which has been crucial to their success and creative control.

Throughout the episode, there's genuine camaraderie between Joe, Tony, and Brian. They're talking about something they're clearly passionate about, and the conversation flows naturally between comedy shop talk, business strategy, and just riffing on what makes comedy work.