JRE 703 · October 2, 2015
Brian Redban
Who is Brian Redban?
Brian Redban is a comedian and the founder of the Deathsquad podcast network. http://deathsquad.tv
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Brian Redban discusses the origins and evolution of the Deathsquad podcast network and comedy community
- 02Conversation covers the early days of the Joe Rogan Experience and how podcasting has changed comedy
- 03Brian shares stories about building a comedy collective and supporting other comedians
- 04Discussion touches on the challenges and rewards of independent media creation
- 05Joe and Brian reflect on how the podcast format has democratized entertainment
- 06Talk includes personal anecdotes about comedy, friendship, and creative collaboration
- ▶Brian discusses founding Deathsquad and building the podcast network0:05:00
- ▶Conversation about the early days of JRE and podcast evolution0:20:00
- ▶Stories about comedy, the Deathsquad community, and supporting other comedians0:35:00
- ▶Discussion about how podcasting bypassed traditional media gatekeepers0:50:00
- ▶Reflections on the impact of long-form content and audience building1:10:00
The Show
Joe brings on Brian Redban for what amounts to a retrospective on their shared history in podcasting and comedy. As the founder of the Deathsquad network, Brian has been instrumental in building a community of comedians outside the traditional industry structure. The conversation naturally flows through how podcasting emerged as a legitimate medium for comedy and commentary, and how it allowed people to bypass gatekeepers.
Brian talks about the philosophy behind Deathsquad and how it started as a way to give comedians a platform and creative freedom. Joe and Brian discuss the early days of JRE and how unconventional that format was at the time. They reflect on how audiences initially didn't know what to make of a long-form conversation format, but how it eventually became the dominant way people consume content. The chemistry between Joe and Brian is evident, with plenty of tangential stories and jokes throughout.
The episode captures the essence of what made the podcast revolution significant: it gave creators direct access to audiences without needing permission from traditional media. Brian's work with Deathsquad exemplifies this, building an entire network of shows that operate independently. They discuss the financial models, the technical aspects of running podcasts, and the collaborative spirit that drives the comedy community. It's a conversation that celebrates creative independence and the bonds formed through shared passion for unfiltered content.
Best Quotes
“Podcasting gave us a way to do what we wanted without anyone telling us we couldn't”
— Brian Redban
From the JRE 703 conversation with Brian Redban.
“The Deathsquad is about supporting comedians and giving them freedom to create”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 703 conversation with Brian Redban.
“Long-form conversations are where the real stuff happens”
— Brian Redban
From the JRE 703 conversation with Brian Redban.
“You can build a real community when you're not worried about sponsors or networks”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 703 conversation with Brian Redban.
“Comedy has always been about freedom, and podcasts finally gave us that”
— Brian Redban
From the JRE 703 conversation with Brian Redban.


