Pastor Bullsh!t

Building a Pop-Up Comedy Club in Iowa w/ Matt Banwart | Pastor Bullsh*t #10

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

Inside Austin’s Producer Grind w/ Brandon Legendre | Pastor Bullsh*t #09

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

Film School Dropout to Indie Filmmaker w/ George Paul Knapp | Pastor Bullsh*t #08

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

Inside the Mind of a Madman Comedy Writer w/ Ike Rafferty | Pastor Bullsh*t #07

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.

Building the Wildest Live Show in Austin w/ Lukas McCrary | Pastor Bullsh*t #06

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.