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

Today I sat down with Ike Rafferty — stand-up comedian, improviser, and head writer of The Absolute Show. Ike’s comedy blends absurdist theater, live sketch chaos, and unconventional stand-up.We talk about why he’s leaving Austin for New York, what it’s like co-writing one of the city’s most unhinged live shows, and how his dream projects include everything from fringe theater to off-Broadway clown work. Ike also shares his thoughts on finding a creative voice, balancing stand-up with sketch, and why some comics thrive in chaos while others freeze the second you hand them a prop.Along the way we get into the grind of producing a weekly talk show, how Austin’s comedy scene has evolved, and whether podcasts could one day be “passed down” like late-night hosting gigs.📍 Chapters00:00 – Introducing Ike Rafferty & His Big Move02:19 – Leaving Austin for New York: The Real Reason04:31 – Big City Dreams & The Alt Comedy Itch06:46 – Off-Broadway, Fringe Theater & Weird Characters09:07 – Johnny Gash and Prison Shows10:05 – The Birth of The Absolute Show12:29 – How to Build a Weekly Comedy Monster15:23 – Live Energy vs. Watching Online16:58 – Orchestrating Chaos: Ike as Head Writer19:20 – Stand-Up vs. Sketch Brains21:27 – Finding Your Voice Without Overengineering It24:16 – Balancing Fun, Risk, and Bombing26:24 – Dressing for the Scene: Suits, Sleeves & Stage Presence28:44 – Comedy Competition in Austin vs. New York31:26 – Could Podcasts Become the New Late Night?34:01 – Passing the Mic: The “Two Bears” Theory36:18 – Why Some Comics Should Stay Behind the Camera38:03 – Austin’s Comedy Bubble: Bursting or Evolving?41:25 – The Future: SNL Dreams, TV Writing & Staying Weird👇 Follow Ike Rafferty📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikerrafferty/🎥 The Absolute Show: https://www.instagram.com/theabsoluteshow/💥 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⚠️ DISCLAIMERThe views and jokes expressed are for comedy and entertainment only. Don’t sue us—we're comedians, not your lawyer.

Today I sat down with Lukas McCrary, stand-up comedian, host of The Absolute Show, and a comedian whose live show blends theater kid energy, absurdist art, and full-throttle stand-up into something totally unhinged and totally original.Lukas opens up about building one of the city’s weirdest and most ambitious live shows from scratch, the chaotic reality of writing for both live crowds and internet attention spans, and what happens when a “Boys vs. Girls” themed episode goes completely off the rails.We talk about balancing stand-up with ensemble work, trying to grow an audience without selling your soul to front-facing videos, and the absolute panic of bombing in front of 200 people. Lukas also shares behind-the-scenes insights on writing sessions, burnout, managing a creative team, and his ultimate goal.Also: how Austin became the new comedy frontier, why slime cannons deserve more respect, and which comic’s cadence Lukas has to actively avoid stealing on stage.If you’re a comic, comedy nerd, or someone who’s ever thought “What if the Eric Andre Show was live and also in Austin?” — this episode is for you.📍 Chapters00:00 – Dad Mode Activated: Beards, Crocs & COVID Style02:52 – Beard Pride… and a Hickey Photo for Mom05:45 – The Birth of The Absolute Show08:38 – Building a Talk Show with a Team11:31 – Absolute Show vs. Eric Andre Show14:24 – Writing Bits for Online vs. Live Audiences17:17 – Editing Burnout & Format Changes20:10 – Slime Cannons, Hot Tubs & Theater Kid Energy23:03 – When The Show Bombs: Lessons from a Dud25:56 – Touring, Stand-Up & Hosting Different Crowds28:49 – Getting Weird On & Off Stage31:42 – The Austin Comedy Scene: Then & Now34:35 – Kill Tony, Rogan & Comedy Freedom37:28 – Creative Theft, Cadence Creep & Comic Influences40:21 – Goals, Growth, and the $500K Dream👇 Follow Lukas McCrary:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucasmccra/🎥 The Absolute Show: https://www.instagram.com/theabsoluteshow/💥 Support the Show & Unlock Bonus ContentPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thejimmyclifford🧢 Follow Jimmy Clifford: Instagram: 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⚠️ DISCLAIMERThe views and jokes expressed are for comedy and entertainment only. Don’t sue us—we're comedians, not your lawyer.

Today I sat down with Pat Dean, comedian, booker, and the reluctant chip liaison of the Velveeta Room, one of Austin’s longest-running and weirdest comedy venues.

Pat opens up about running a club while being a comic, the chaos of Sixth Street crowds, and how a room full of confused tourists can somehow become comedy’s greatest crucible.

We talk about booking comics fairly, why hacky material still kills (and why that’s a problem), and the bizarre art of crowd work in the TikTok era. Pat also shares some behind-the-scenes club stories — including the time Jimmy was supposed to be security at a Joe Rogan show… emphasis on supposed to.

Also: why bombing at Velv feels like existential loneliness, Austin’s comedy explosion post-pandemic, and how many illegal guns one comedy club staff can possess before it's "a bit much."

If you’re a comic, club rat, or just someone wondering how comedy actually gets booked — this episode is for you.

📍 Chapters

00:00 - Meet Pat Dean: Comic, Booker, Chip Guy

00:55 - What It’s Like Running the Velveeta Room

02:05 - Yes, Pat Buys the Chips Himself

04:00 - Pat’s Comedy Origin Story: Northern Virginia to Austin

06:00 - The Velv: Austin’s Lovable C-Club

08:44 - Toughest Room in America? Why the Velv Has a Reputation

10:21 - Bombing So Hard It Feels Lonely

12:10 - Booking Comics: Who Gets the Spots & Why

15:40 - Crowd Work vs Actual Material: The TikTok Era Dilemma

19:00 - Jimmy "Secures" a Joe Rogan Show

21:40 - Guns, Door Guys, and Texas Logic

24:30 - Managing Comics Without Losing Your Own Spot

28:00 - Austin Comedy Before vs After the Boom

30:40 - The Type of Comic Pat Likes to Book (and Avoids)

33:20 - Why Hack Material Still Works (and Why That Sucks)

35:00 - The "Cover Joke" Theory for New Comics

36:45 - Jimmy’s Joke Gets Stolen in New Orleans (By a Friend)

👇 Check Out Pat Dean

📺 Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thelanalaxcorporation/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patdeanrules/

The Velveeta Room: https://www.instagram.com/thevelveetaroom/

💥 Support the Show & Unlock Bonus Content

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thejimmyclifford

🎧 Listen to Pator Bullsh*t

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bKpv7OqbyBq2tVesZDnUR?si=_atdK0udQmqOX17g_d4_RA

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pastor-bullsh-t/id1820050017

🧢 Follow Jimmy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejimmyclifford/

Twitter: https://x.com/notjimclifford

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejimmyclifford

📢 SPONSORS

Want to sponsor Pastor Bullsht*? Hit us up: Jimmy@arrogantmenace.com

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The views and jokes expressed are for comedy and entertainment only. Don’t sue us—we're comedians, not your lawyer.

Today I sat down with stand-up comedian, podcaster, and filmmaker Jake Rick, an Austin-based comic known for his viral sketches, green screen wizardry, and work ethic that puts the rest of us to shame.Jake talks about teaching himself editing, directing, and content strategy from scratch. We talk about bombing in stand-up vs. sketch, how to take brutally honest feedback, and why comedy needs a little more harshness and a little less improv clapping.We also get into the making of his full-length web series Get Good, building an audience from the ground up, and how he’s using DeAndre Holmes (aka "hood Sherlock Holmes") to turn sketches into a national tour.Also: online fame vs. live comedy, escaping the startup grind, and why Hollywood can suck it.If you’re a comic, content creator, or someone figuring out how to make your weird ideas work—this episode is for you.📍 Chapters00:00 - Meet Comedian Jake Ricca00:55 - Moving to Austin: Why Comics Are Flocking There01:43 - DIY Sketch Comedy: Learning Filmmaking on YouTube03:37 - Stand-Up Bombing vs Sketch Fails: What Hurts More?06:57 - Turning Harsh Feedback Into Viral Hits08:43 - The DeAndre Holmes Sketch Series: Going Viral Weekly12:00 - Making a Feature-Length Web Series: 'Get Good' Breakdown20:47 - Balancing Startup Life, YouTube Fame & Stand-Up29:32 - Monetizing Comedy: Building a Fanbase & Touring36:40 - Indie vs Industry: Why Jake Wants to Bypass Hollywood👇 Check Out Jake Ricca📺 YouTube: https://jakericca.com/mediakit📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakericcaWeb Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ukzK_x8Qwo💥 Support the Show & Unlock Bonus ContentPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thejimmyclifford🧢 Follow JimmyInstagram: 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⚠️ DISCLAIMERThe views and jokes expressed are for comedy and entertainment only. Don’t sue us—we're comedians, not your lawyer.

Today I sat down with stand-up comedian, podcaster, and filmmaker Anthony Pappaly—an Austin-based comic known for his chaotic sketches, dark sense of humor, and full-send approach to content.Anthony talks about his roots in video production, early doubts in comedy, and how his early videos shape the way he creates now. We get into the stress of perfectionism, working with friends vs. professionals, and what it really takes to make consistently funny stuff online.Also: cringe early work, breaking into the Austin scene, and the fear of AI taking over the industry.If you’re a comic, creator, or just a chaos enthusiast—this one’s for you.📍 Chapters00:00 – Meet Anthony Pappaly00:27 – Sketch comedy, film school & doing it all yourself01:42 – Cringe early projects & trial-by-error filmmaking06:32 – Working with Nick & building a content team10:20 – The art of low-budget sketch comedy13:00 – Writing vs. shooting vs. releasing15:42 – How military life shaped his work ethic18:33 – Making comedy with no rules21:12 – Finding your comedic voice online24:09 – When perfectionism holds you back27:00 – Breaking into Austin’s comedy scene30:02 – Treating sketch like stand-up32:44 – Future plans and what Anthony actually wants👇 Check Out Anthony Pappaly📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC7Xs-2eLvYMdYT0bCjLkMrA 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonypappaly/💥 Support the Show & Unlock Bonus ContentPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thejimmyclifford🧢 Follow JimmyInstagram: 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⚠️ DISCLAIMERThe views and jokes expressed are for comedy and entertainment only. Don’t sue us—we're comedians, not your lawyer.