JRE 2155 · May 23, 2024

Brian Redban

comedybusinesspodcast

Who is Brian Redban?

Brian Redban is a stand-up comic, producer, co-host of the podcast and live-streaming YouTube show "Kill Tony," founder of the Deathsquad podcast network, and a co-owner of the Sunset Strip Comedy Club in Austin.

Topics and Timestamps

01Brian Redban discusses the evolution of Kill Tony from a podcast to a massive live touring operation
02Conversation about the comedy scene in Austin and how it's transformed over the years
03Redban talks about building the Deathsquad podcast network and managing multiple shows
04Discussion of the challenges and rewards of co-owning the Sunset Strip Comedy Club
05Insights into podcast monetization and the business side of content creation
06Stories about memorable moments from Kill Tony live shows and audience interactions
▶Brian talks about Kill Tony's evolution from podcast to touring juggernaut0:05:30
▶Discussion about the growth and changes in Austin's comedy scene0:18:45
▶Redban explains the business model behind podcast networks and monetization0:32:15
▶Stories about memorable Kill Tony live show moments and audience reactions0:48:00
▶Insights on running the Sunset Strip Comedy Club and venue ownership challenges1:05:20

The Show

Joe brings on Brian Redban, the co-founder of Kill Tony and driving force behind the Deathsquad podcast network, for a deep dive into comedy, podcasting, and building a comedy empire. Redban has come a long way since his early days co-hosting the JRE, and this episode captures the full scope of what he's accomplished in the comedy space.

The conversation centers heavily on Kill Tony's explosive growth from a simple podcast concept into a touring phenomenon that sells out massive venues. Redban breaks down how the show evolved, what made it click with audiences, and the logistics of taking comedy on the road at that scale. He's candid about the business side of things, explaining how podcasting and live comedy tours actually make money and what it takes to sustain that kind of operation.

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Austin comedy scene and how it's completely transformed. Redban reflects on the early days when Austin was just starting to develop its comedy infrastructure, and how the scene has matured into something that can compete with Los Angeles and New York. He talks about the Sunset Strip Comedy Club co-ownership and what goes into running a venue while also trying to maintain creative energy.

Redban is refreshingly honest about the podcast network side of things too. Managing multiple shows, different personalities, and keeping the Deathsquad brand cohesive while allowing creative freedom is a balancing act he's clearly had to figure out on the fly. He shares war stories about memorable Kill Tony moments, difficult shows, and the unexpected viral moments that made the show what it is today.

Throughout the conversation, there's a real appreciation for how far podcasting has come as a medium and how comedians can now build sustainable careers without traditional gatekeeping from networks or studios. Redban embodies that independence, having built something from scratch that now generates significant revenue and cultural relevance.

Best Quotes

“Kill Tony started as just a fun thing to do, but it became something way bigger than we ever imagined”

— Brian Redban