#147 - Ben Roy - Comedian & Musician
Watch the episode here
Listen to the podcast here
Ben Roy - CO-CREATOR AND STAR OF TRUTV'S HIT SHOW THOSE WHO CAN'T, COMEDY CENTRAL, HBO, VARIETY'S TOP 10 COMICS TO WATCH. If you aren't familiar with Ben Roy, he's been taking comedy audiences by storm since 2004, bringing an unparalleled energy and unique voice to the stage. Often compared to Lewis Black or Bill Hicks due to his passionate, ranting approach, Roy has a style that is definitively his own. Roy cut his comedic teeth in Denver at the world-famous Comedy Works. Since then, he has been selected to perform at the Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs Toronto, Just For Laughs Chicago, The New York Comedy Festival, Austin’s South by Southwest festival, and many more. Roy has been featured on HBO's Funny as Hell series; as well as on the Comedy Central shows Adam DeVine's House Party, Corporate, @midnight, and This Is Not Happening. Ben has also released four stand-up comedy albums and was listed as one of Variety's Top 10 Comics to Watch. In 2023 his first streaming stand-up special, "HYENA", was released on YouTube by 800LB Gorilla Media. Along with fellow Denver Comedians Adam Cayton-Holland and Andrew Orvedahl (who collectively perform as The Grawlix), Ben created, wrote, and starred in TruTV’s original comedy series Those Who Can’t, which now has all three seasons available for streaming on HBOMax. He's also currently host of two podcasts, 97.9 The Rat Race on the All Things Comedy network, and The Grawlix. Saves the World available on The Starburns Audio Network. In addition to stand-up comedy, acting, and writing, Roy is a prolific musician and the current lead singer of pop-punk outfit "SPELLS." For this episode, Ben Roy joins Bobby Marshall in studio to discuss Comedy, Punk Rock Music, sports training, professional athletes, UFC, MMA, East Coast life, sportsmanship, Jiujitsu, family, Colorado, and much more. Please subscribe or like us on social media platforms for updates on shows, events, and episode drops.
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In conversation encompassing the worlds of music, comedy, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the Mountainside Podcast welcomes a multi-dimensional personality and talent, Ben Roy to wrap up the year 2023. Perhaps best known as a comedian, Roy is also a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, actor, writer, and punk rock band frontman. The mish-mash of passions and talents makes for a diverse and lively discussion.
A Shared Love for Punk Culture
From the outset, one theme that quickly emerges from the discussion is a shared love and deep appreciation for punk culture. With roots in mid-90s punk and hardcore scenes, both the host and guest revel in nostalgia. From the Misfits to Fear, Black Flag to Pennywise, the conversation taps into memories from discovering punk bands, to attending the life-changing first shows at the Ogden Theater, right down to the life-defining fashion styles.
The influence of punk rock bands in shaping the world view of both men is evident. In fact, Ben likens the true punk attitude to the essence of podcasting – both being fiercely independent and finding authentic voices without being beholden to any rules – a freedom to truly “do whatever you want”.
The Martial Artistic Influence
The conversation then veers into a shared passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Ben talks passionately about his journey through various martial art forms before finally falling in love with Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The idea of a combative art form as a means to understand oneself and foster personal growth figures prominently as the discussion threads through the philosophy of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu lifestyle.
The trials and triumphs of practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu offer strong life lessons – the discipline, the honesty, the camaraderie – all aspects that foster personal growth. Adding to the philosophy of martial arts, Ben espouses the virtues of recognizing violence as a part of human existence. Acceptance of this concept brings about real inner peace, as per Ben, and strengthens an individual’s resolve to navigate life's challenges.
Life on Stage and Off, Navigating the Comedy Scene
The passion clearly not being limited to music and martial arts, the conversation takes a deep dive into the comedy scene. With a career in stand-up comedy spanning two decades, Ben explores the changes in the comedy landscape and how comedians are navigating these changes.
Shifting from the punk rock ethos, comedy naturally flows into a different rhythm. The importance lies in being genuine, loud, and fearless – themes resonating well with the punk ethos. The conversation throws light on how standup comedy, much like punk rock or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, offers a sense of community, a shared experience.
Artistry and the Path Not Taken
Concluding with thoughts on the path not taken, the conversation delves into how societal pressures dictate career choices. Unconventional paths such as punk rock, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, stand-up comedy, or being part of a touring band, although looked down upon by society, can lead to fulfilling careers, unique experiences, and profound life skills.
The conversation offers the listener not just an insight into the life and career of Ben Roy but also an introspective touch on how the journey shapes the man.
Ultimately, whether it is punk rock music, the rigorous martial arts regimen, or the aura of a packed comedy club, the one binding thread is the unyielding spirit of independence, authenticity, and a fierce passion for the path chosen. And it's this ethos that pervades every facet of this engaging conversation, from the first chord to the last punchline.
This blog post recaps the episode of the MSP Mountainside Podcast, featuring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Frontman of the Punk Rock Band 'The Spells', and writer Ben Roy.