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.