JRE 2046 · June 27, 2024

Brian Redban

comedybusinesspodcastentertainment

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 founding the Deathsquad podcast network and producing Kill Tony
02Conversation covers the evolution of comedy podcasting and how the format has changed the stand-up industry
03Redban shares insights into producing high-volume content and managing multiple shows simultaneously
04Discussion about the creative freedom that comes with independent podcast production versus traditional media
05Brian talks about building community through comedy and the Deathsquad network ecosystem
06They explore how Kill Tony became a phenomenon and the roast comedy format's appeal to audiences
▶Brian reflects on his journey from JRE co-host to podcast network founder0:05:30
▶Discussion of Kill Tony's explosive growth and the roast comedy format's appeal0:25:15
▶Redban explains the Deathsquad network structure and how it supports multiple shows0:45:00
▶Conversation about creative freedom in independent podcast production versus traditional media1:10:30
▶Brian talks about the daily grind of producing consistent content and building loyal audiences1:35:45

The Show

Joe welcomes back Brian Redban to JRE 2046, and the two dive into everything from Redban's early days as co-host of the podcast to his current role as a major player in independent comedy production. Redban has come a long way since the early days of JRE, building the Deathsquad network from the ground up and producing Kill Tony, which has become one of the most successful comedy shows in the world.

The conversation centers on how podcasting democratized comedy and gave creators the ability to build massive audiences without needing network approval or gatekeepers. Redban explains how the podcast format allowed comedians to be authentic and develop real relationships with their audiences in ways that traditional comedy media never allowed. Joe and Brian talk about the grind of producing content consistently and how that daily discipline builds loyal fanbases.

A big part of the discussion involves Kill Tony and why the roast format resonates so hard with audiences. There's something about comedians roasting each other that cuts through the noise in a way traditional stand-up sets can't. Redban discusses how the show started and grew into multiple tapings with thousands of attendees, becoming a cultural phenomenon that transcends typical comedy circles.

Redban also opens up about the business side of independent podcast production, the challenges of scaling content creation, and how the Deathsquad network operates as an umbrella for multiple shows and creators. The two discuss creative freedom and how being independent means you can take risks and experiment without worrying about sponsors or network notes killing your vision.

Throughout the conversation, there's genuine respect between Joe and Brian about how far they've both come and how the podcasting space has evolved. They touch on how the early days of JRE were just two guys talking, and now podcasting is a legitimate media force that rivals traditional entertainment.

Best Quotes

“Podcasting gave us the ability to build real relationships with our audiences that traditional media never allowed”

— Brian Redban