JRE 2161 · June 5, 2024
Tony Hinchcliffe
Who is Tony Hinchcliffe?
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 YouTube show "Kill Tony."
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Tony Hinchcliffe discusses his journey from writing for other comedians to becoming a successful stand-up performer and Kill Tony co-host
- 02The conversation covers the evolution of Kill Tony from a live show to a massive podcast and YouTube phenomenon with a dedicated fanbase
- 03Tony shares stories about roasting celebrities and public figures, and the balance between comedy and genuine harm
- 04Discussion about the stand-up comedy scene, touring, and what makes a joke land versus what crosses the line
- 05Tony talks about his acting work and how his comedy background influences his approach to scripted performance
- 06The podcast explores the creative process behind joke writing and the importance of timing and delivery in comedy
- ▶Tony explains how he went from writing for other comedians to becoming a headliner himself0:05:30
- ▶Discussion about the origins and growth of Kill Tony from a small live show to a massive cultural phenomenon0:18:45
- ▶Tony talks about the balance between edgy roasting and actually hurting people's feelings0:35:20
- ▶Conversation about his acting work and how it differs from stand-up comedy0:52:15
- ▶Tony explains the craft and mechanics of writing jokes and why timing and delivery are everything1:08:30
The Show
Tony Hinchcliffe pulls up to the JRE studio as one of comedy's most polarizing figures, and Joe dives right into what makes Tony tick. This episode is essentially a masterclass in how a comedy writer becomes a comedy force. Tony started out writing for other people, grinding in the background while guys like Bill Burr and other established comedians got the attention. But that changed when he and Brian Redban launched Kill Tony, which went from a small live show to absolutely dominating the podcast and streaming landscape.
The thing about Tony is that he's built an entire comedy empire on roasting. Kill Tony takes amateur comedians and tears them apart on stage, but there's something weirdly affectionate about it. It's brutal but never feels genuinely mean spirited, which is harder to pull off than it sounds. Joe and Tony dig into what separates a roast that lands and feels good from one that just feels like bullying. Tony explains that the key is knowing your audience and understanding what they find funny versus what they find uncomfortable.
Tony's approach to comedy is surprisingly thoughtful for someone who built his reputation on taking shots at people. He talks about the craft of stand-up, the importance of timing, and how a joke can completely change based on delivery. The conversation touches on his acting work too, and how transitioning from stand-up to scripted performance requires a different skill set. You can't improvise your way through a scene the same way you can on stage.
The Kill Tony phenomenon is discussed at length because it's legitimately one of the most successful comedy operations in the world right now. They're selling out massive venues, the podcast has millions of listeners, and they've created a community around roasting that somehow feels inclusive despite being based on insults. It's counterintuitive but it works. Tony attributes a lot of this to the live element and the fact that the people getting roasted are usually willing participants who understand what they're signing up for.
What becomes clear throughout the episode is that Tony has spent years studying what makes people laugh and what makes comedy work. He's not just making jokes, he's understanding the mechanics of humor at a deeper level. Joe respects that approach and keeps pushing him to explain the thinking behind his comedy choices. By the end of the episode, it's obvious why Tony has become such a major figure in comedy. He's talented, he's worked incredibly hard, and he genuinely understands his audience.
Best Quotes
“I wasn't the guy getting the laughs, I was the guy writing the laughs for other people for a long time”
— Tony Hinchcliffe
From the JRE 2161 conversation with Tony Hinchcliffe.
“Kill Tony works because people know what they're getting into, and there's something weirdly affectionate about roasting someone”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 2161 conversation with Tony Hinchcliffe.
“A joke can completely change based on how you deliver it, it's not just about the words”
— Tony Hinchcliffe
From the JRE 2161 conversation with Tony Hinchcliffe.
“Stand-up gives you freedom but acting requires discipline in a completely different way”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 2161 conversation with Tony Hinchcliffe.
“The community we built around Kill Tony is based on roasting but it somehow feels inclusive”
— Tony Hinchcliffe
From the JRE 2161 conversation with Tony Hinchcliffe.
