INTERVIEW: Brian Simpson
Ryan Vandergriff
Thursday, December 19, 2019
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Getting the proverbial ball rolling Brian, Merry Christmas and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with VENTS about your life and career…We appreciate it! With that said, it’s Secret Origin time: What led you to the world of stand-up comedy?
My friends and family were pushing me to give it a try. It took me years to build up the courage, but then it just started to happen organically.
You are widely noted as being one of the most exciting comedians working in stand-up today. How does that feel for you?
It feels good! The respect of my peers is very important to me.
Is it difficult to keep sane and stay sharp with your comedy when you have so many accolades being thrown at you?
Not at all. I put a lot of emphasis on having balance in my life.
Who has influenced your own comedy? Are there peers/contemporaries that you look up to as you navigate the often perilous world of stand-up?
Patrice O’Neal is the comic who’s had the most impact on me comedically.
Is it difficult for a comedian in the very hyper-sensitive era we’re currently in to “find the funny”, so to speak?
I don’t think so. I think, so long as you’re coming from a place of authenticity and you’re saying something that is actually funny, you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Do you study other comedians the way that some boxers will watch tapes of other boxers in order to step up their game?
In the beginning, it’s especially important to watch as much comedy as possible; Preferably live comedy.
You have a very inspiring story in that you were raised in foster care and, for a short time, were homeless. Keeping in mind that the old comic adage is that “pain is humor,” have you been able to use these struggles to inform your own comedy? If so, how?
Yes, but I think it’s more accurate to say that perspective is humor, and pain can help you gain perspective quickly.
On a scale of one through ten, how important is comedy in your life?
9.
You are a Marine Corp Veteran. Before this goes on to become a question I want to take a moment to extend a humble and genuine “thank you” for your service. What was that period of your life like?
It taught me a lot about myself through other people. Lots of psychedelic mushrooms changed my perspective on everything.
I’ve spoken with and interviewed a lot of Marines and the old chestnut is ‘once a Marine always a Marine.’ Do you find that to be true?
There are certainly a lot of habits that stick with you.
You are the host of the popular podcast “BS with Brian Simpson.” How did this come about and what would you like to share with readers about your podcast?
I just thought that I needed a different medium to interact with people. I do everything myself so far, and my goal is for it is to to just keep getting better and better.
Many talented stand-ups have transitioned from the stage to the screen in television and films. Is this something that you are interested in pursuing eventually?
Yes. Definitely!
Congrats on the recent appearance of Comedy Central’s “Lights Out with David Spade.” That show has a big following and a lot of reach. What was that experience like for you?
One of the best days of my life. I appreciated how I was given the freedom to say and do whatever I wanted.
You’re a regular at the World Famous Comedy Store and will soon be featured at the Moontower Comedy Festival (in Austin, TX, my old stomping grounds). First of all, congratulations on these gigs and a question: Of all the venues you’ve worked out of as a stand-up, is there one that you consider “home”, a performing venue that resonates with you?
Well, I started at The Mad House Comedy Club in San Diego, and since I live in LA now, It’s easily the Comedy Store. Those two places will always be special to me.
Silly question time: You’re stranded on a deserted island that has the miraculous capabilities of electricity and also happens to have a television and a blu-ray player handy (but, alas, no flares for rescue). Which one film do you pick to spend watching the rest of your days while waiting for rescue?
The Raid 2.
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