Nov 4, 2014
This episode was recorded in Galway, Ireland
I met Reginald D. Hunter many years ago in Manchester while hanging out with a group of comedians. It was before he became the comedy superstar that he is today. I liked him when we met so I have been cheering him on through the ensuing years when I saw him on countless British panel chat shows. Because he is from Georgia I felt Southern comedic pride watching him rise and it made me think that I knew him better than I actually did.
Last month we were both in Galway, Ireland to do the Galway Comedy Carnival and it was the first time we got to sit down and talk one on one.
He left his home in Georgia and headed to England many years ago to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic acting. After graduating he started his comedy career in England and as a result he is a much bigger star in the far reaching signals of the BBC than he is on American television.
Reg is an American original subversive thinker and he is a true master of stand up comedy. In his own words "I want to represent the people who want to have intelligent discourse." Or "I decided a long time ago that I wasn't going to coon on television." I was happy that I got to see Reginald perform several times in Galway.
It was harsh cold wind and rain while while we were in Ireland and it was a perfect comedy festival to stay inside and talk with your friends. His spiritual wisdom and Southern charm will light up any grey day and his advice to comedians is among the best yet given on this program.
"Seriousness is like arthritis for a comedian." Or "You are there to be laughed at. So check your ego at the door (via Tony Woods)." Also "Words are powerful. Enjoy saying them. Lean into them." He is a man that I'm honored to get to know better in this conversation and it is my pleasure to present to you now the one and only Reginald D. Hunter!
Intro song: Cutting Room (Hot Pants) – Oceanliners
Tell Me Anything Ask Me Anything: Mike from Tulsa, Ben from Chicago & Sariel from Sydney
Stand-up clip from YouTube: Reginald D Hunter live at Róisín Dubh
End song: Me'Shell Ndegeocello – The Way
Recorded at The Salthill Hotel in Galway, Ireland, October 2014