Today I sat down with comedian and producer Matt Banwart, who’s starting a pop-up comedy club in Des Moines, Iowa — despite having “$500 in the bank and $2K in debt.” Matt breaks down how he’s bootstrapping an indie club from scratch, booking national headliners, and proving you don’t need investors to build a scene.We talk about the economics of starting a club with no money, why Austin’s comedy ecosystem actually works, and how comics can market themselves like small business owners. Matt shares why social media is non-negotiable for modern comedians, how he spots breakout comics before they blow up, and why the Midwest might secretly be the next big comedy hub.We also get into the rise of “showcase culture,” the myth of “comedy purists” who won’t post clips, and how to survive the chaos of the scene without losing your mind (or your rent money).📍 Chapters00:00 – Starting a Pop-Up Comedy Club in Iowa02:00 – Building a Venue with No Money & No Staff04:30 – Why Des Moines Is the Perfect Test Market07:00 – Local Comedy Politics & The Indie Scene Trap09:00 – Social Media or Starve: The Modern Comic’s Dilemma12:30 – How to Market Standup Without Posting Standup15:00 – Turning Analytics into Laughter18:00 – Comedy Clubs, Crowd Work & Camera Angles22:00 – Austin vs. Chicago vs. New York Comedy Scenes27:00 – The Mothership Effect & Austin’s Comic Cliques31:00 – Showcase Culture and Club Quality Control34:00 – Why Austin’s Scene Is Actually Thriving40:00 – Alt Comedy, Theater Kids & Hamilton Slander47:00 – Building an Audience of 5,000 True Fans55:00 – How Roast Battles Went Viral1:00:00 – Advice for Comics Who Want to Build Something Real👇 Follow Matt Banwart📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt_banwart/🎭 Tour Dates: https://www.mattbanwart.com💥 Support the Show & Unlock Bonus ContentPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thejimmyclifford🧢 Follow Jimmy CliffordInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejimmyclifford/Twitter: https://x.com/notjimcliffordTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejimmyclifford📢 SPONSORSWant to sponsor Pastor Bullsht*? Hit us up: Jimmy@arrogantmenace.com

Today I talked with Brandon Legendre, a comedian and podcast producer who went from playing college football to grinding in Austin’s standup and production scene. Brandon has spent years balancing stage time with behind-the-scenes work, producing shows, editing pods, and learning how to make comedy sustainable.We discuss the reality of working for “exposure” instead of pay, why comics undervalue the work that goes into podcasts, and the frustration of endless “pow-wows” without clip timestamps. Brandon shares how football prepared him to handle bombing, the importance of discipline, and what it means to chase comedy with no plan B.We also get into the economics of being a broke groomsman, the culture of living in cars vs. just getting a job, and how Austin’s comedy community differs from cutthroat LA or New York. Brandon reflects on competitions, Kam Patterson’s kindness, and why the most successful comics are often the most generous.📍 Chapters00:00 – Introducing Comedian/Producer Brandon Leon01:28 – The “Free Editor” Problem & Why Comics Won’t Pay02:58 – Pow-Wows vs. Just Sending Timestamps04:11 – Remembering Comedy is Still a Job05:56 – Football, Podcasts & Starting Standup06:52 – From “Standup is Lame” to Full Commitment07:42 – The Ex Who Never Tried Comedy08:50 – Why Discipline Beats Laziness09:10 – The Broke Groomsman Economy11:04 – Wedding Gift Discounts & Comic Math12:10 – Why Comics Won’t Get Regular Jobs14:06 – Falling Out of Love with Football15:23 – How Sports Prepared Him for Bombing17:28 – Austin Comedy as a Team Sport19:35 – Competitions & Why They Suck21:05 – The Moms Who Judged Wrong & Audience Revolt22:45 – The Gong Show & Fun Competitions24:07 – Creek Green Room Vibes vs. LA Gatekeeping25:19 – Why the Nicest Comics Are the Biggest Stars26:53 – Day-One Podcasting & “Last Resort” Origins28:58 – Family Reactions & Oversharing on Mic30:45 – What Do You Tell Strangers You Do?32:57 – Friends Think It’s Cool, You Feel Like the Bum Friend34:08 – Success: 12 Years Away (or Never)👇 Follow Brandon Legendre📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonlcomedy/🎥 I KNOW YOU F*CKIN LYING Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/youlyingpod/💥 Support the Show & Unlock Bonus ContentPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thejimmyclifford🧢 Follow Jimmy CliffordInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejimmyclifford/Twitter: https://x.com/notjimcliffordTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejimmyclifford📢 SPONSORSWant to sponsor Pastor Bullsht? Hit us up: Jimmy@arrogantmenace.com

Today I talked with George Paul Knap, a filmmaker and creative who has worked in Houston’s indie film scene and Austin’s comedy world. George has spent years making films on small budgets, working with different crews, and building connections in both cities.We discuss his move from Austin back to Houston, how the creative communities differ, and why Houston focuses on big monthly shows while Austin has more regular weekly events. George shares his views on film school compared to learning on the job, how his family influenced his creativity, and the importance of working with the right team.We also talk about directing, his thoughts on Wes Anderson’s style, and what it is like working on “Tubi” films in Houston. George ends with some wild behind-the-scenes stories, including breaking into abandoned malls and working with unexpected people on set.📍 Chapters00:00 – Introducing Filmmaker George Paul Knap00:19 – Moving from Austin to Houston: Love, Family & Career02:28 – Houston’s Big Shows vs. Austin’s Weekly Grind03:33 – Childhood Creativity & Family Influence06:05 – Is Film School Worth It?09:19 – Why Hands-On Filmmaking Beats the Classroom12:23 – Wes Anderson, Nolan & The Form vs. Function Debate17:41 – The Power of Writer-Directors & Small Budgets20:57 – Taika Waititi, Comedy, and Heart in Storytelling24:53 – Breaking into Austin’s Comedy Scene29:01 – Houston’s “Tubi” Film Scene & Getting Paid to Create33:04 – Writing Pilots & Screenwriting Goals35:15 – Directing as Creative Leadership37:42 – Wild On-Set Stories & Wrapping Up👇 Follow George Paul Knapp📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgepaulknapp/🎥 Made From Hand Media: https://www.instagram.com/madefromhandmedia/💥 Support the Show & Unlock Bonus ContentPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thejimmyclifford🧢 Follow Jimmy CliffordInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejimmyclifford/Twitter: https://x.com/notjimcliffordTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejimmyclifford📢 SPONSORSWant to sponsor Pastor Bullsht? Hit us up: Jimmy@arrogantmenace.com