Brandon & Friends

The Joke My Mom Hates, Kill Tony & Comedic Censorship (Breaking Down the Set That Cost Me Money)

After 35 days away… I’m back with the episode I almost didn’t release. This one centers around a joke my mom hates — a joke that actually works on stage… but might be crossing a line. In this episode, I break down: * The controversial set that cost me real money in a stand-up competition * Why some jokes hit hard… and still shouldn’t be told on every stage * How shows like Kill Tony are changing what comedians think is funny * The balance between controversy and comedy as a newbie I also walk through my full 5-minute set that lost me $500 and a chance to open for a headliner — joke by joke — including what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d change now. Because the real question is: If a joke kills… but costs you opportunities… is it worth it saying? Shoutout to everyone who tapped into Episode 1 — we’re just getting started. Follow me for more: Instagram: @BrandonJNewman Full video versions of episodes on YouTube. Welcome, Friends, to Brandon & Friends. Leave a review. Let me know what you want to hear. Tell me what jokes to try. I’ll see you on stage.

Breaking Down The Beginning: My First 5 Minutes of Stand-Up

I break down my very first 5-minute stand-up set and officially launch the podcast documenting my journey to becoming a professional comedian. Welcome to Episode 1 of Brandon & Friends. After 10+ years working in podcasting and digital media ... including stops at Fox Sports, Barstool Sports, NBC Sports, and DraftKings ... I’m finally documenting what matters most to me: My journey in stand-up comedy. In this episode, I revisit and break down my very first five-minute stand-up set from my McCurdy’s Comedy Theater graduation show in Sarasota, Florida. I talk about: * Why starting a podcast feels “nasty” when you work in podcasting * The creative criticism that stuck with me for years * Obsession and the cost of chasing comedy * What makes a “good” five minutes * How my material has evolved after three years * And why I’m publicly committing to the climb This show is the documentation of becoming a professional stand-up comedian ... the wins, the awkward sets, the lessons, the ambition. Two solo episodes to start. Then come the friends. Leave a review. Tell me what you want to hear. Tell me what jokes to try. I’ll see you on stage.

Brandon & Friends - Trailer

One year after teasing this podcast, I’m finally pressing record. This is the beginning of documenting my pursuit of becoming the best stand-up comedian I can be, one set at a time.