Pull up a chair and get comfy for a chat with two of Charleston’s own: Sara Meagan and Big Ben Kennedy. Sara, a comic and local celebrity and a storyteller with deep Walterboro roots. Together they serve up a laid-back feast of food, laughs, and community stories right in the Lowcountry’s warm heart.

Meet the Hosts and Their Charleston Connection

This episode brings together Sara Meagan, a Charleston-area comic hailing from Walterboro, and Big Ben Kennedy, a comedian with EMS experience. Together, their easy banter makes every bite and every joke feel like home. The show’s filmed amid Charleston’s thriving but ever-changing comedy scene, filled with unique stories and personalities.

Sara’s Stand-Up Story: From EMS to Comedy Stage

Sara didn’t just stumble into comedy—she drove there in an ambulance (seriously, she was in EMS!). Soon her knack for quick wit and storytelling won her a spot among Charleston’s funniest. Some highlights:

  • Comedy competition winner at Wits End
  • Named Funniest Person in Charleston by the City Paper
  • Hosts her own monthly showcase at Madra Rua in Park Circle

Sara’s year hit every goal; she’s now a staple on local lineups and a favorite with crowds ready for something real.

What Counts as a Snack?

Pizza, wings, or something heartier? Sara and Ben tackled this with good humor:

  • Wings: Appetizer, snack, or meal—depends on your mood.
  • Stuffed Crust Hawaiian Pizza: Not always a snack, but always a talking point!
  • Anything eaten by hand: Sara’s loose rule—if you don’t need utensils, it’s a snack.

Ben’s snack style? Light breakfast, midday munch, proper dinner, and he’s lost 42 lbs so far!

Domino’s Stuffed Crust: The (Comedic) Review

In true snackin’ spirit, the duo sampled the new Domino’s stuffed crust. Ben—having worked at Pizza Hut—explained the secrets: braided string cheese, buttery flavored oil, and memories of late-night paramedic school pizza runs. Sara picked Hawaiian for maximum controversy. She’s not afraid to defend her love of pineapple on pizza.

Charleston Comedy Scene: Then and Now

The city’s stand-up culture has evolved a lot. From smaller old-school open mics to today’s buzzier, competitive shows, there’s always something new. Local legends like Derek Humphrey, Dusty Slay, Michael Clayton, and Bill Davis have shaped the scene across eras. Sara and Ben both see how newer comics face pressures—and how old-timers sometimes wrestle with feeling out of sync. Dive deeper into Charleston’s comedy scene growth here.

Cancel Culture—Sara’s Unfiltered Take

Sara keeps her comedy centered on her own story: “You can’t cancel lived experience.” She doesn’t fear backlash because her comedy is honest and personal. Many new comics worry about offending online critics, but Sara claims her material is mainly about herself, sidestepping most controversies.

Humor with Heart: Personal Storytelling on Stage

Sara’s comedy draws from life—matter-of-fact, sometimes family-friendly, occasionally peppered with light swearing. She admires comics like Brett Butler and blends “personal storytelling” with “therapeutic comedy.” Joking about her life lets her process tough stuff, turning pain into punchlines.

Bonus Moments: Patreons, Podcast Friends, and More

Whether debating boneless vs. bone-in wings or recalling mishaps with fellow comics like Michael Clayton and Apples, Sara keeps the laughs going. Exclusive behind-the-scenes and bonus podcasts are available on Snackin’ and Yakkin’s Patreon.

Mental Health and Comedy: Sara Gets Real

Ben opens up about living with ADHD, OCD, and PTSD, sharing how medication (especially Adderall) has improved his day-to-day. He’s candid about how mental health shapes his comedy—and why awareness matters for anyone juggling creative careers.

From Past Missteps to Championing Women in Comedy

Sara reflects, “There was a time when my material was more misogynistic and less respectful to women comics. That’s changed for good.” Now, she celebrates women’s unique voices and encourages camaraderie, not rivalry, in the scene.

Music as Inspiration: Joplin, Prince, and Everclear

Music pulses through Sara’s life and comedy, from teary concerts to childhood soundtracks:

  • Janis Joplin
  • Prince
  • Everclear

These artists fuel her creativity; live shows leave lasting emotional marks.

Family Matters: Roots and Comedy

Family stories flow freely in this episode:

  • Childhood in Walterboro and Charleston, growing up with big personalities
  • Mother-daughter bonds that switch from discipline to best-friend banter
  • Comparing wild, unattended childhoods with today’s hover-parenting
  • “Family” is a bedrock for both Sara’s life and her material

Life, Death, and Stardust

Sara and Ben trade theories on what happens after we’re gone. “We’re all made of stardust,” Sara muses, blending faith with science and suggesting we each carry pieces of others with us. It’s a thread that runs through their standup, too—finding meaning in every connection.

On Stage and Off: Keeping Comedy Safe and Real

Sara creates distance between stage persona and daily self. “Therapy” is a recurring theme, and developing a “character” (think Larry the Cable Guy) makes performing—and surviving internet fame—a little easier.

Where to Catch Sara—and Join the Crew

Catch Sara Meagan live at Madra Rua (last Sunday each month) and across Charleston’s venues. Want more? Find her on Instagram @hate_the_h (no ‘h’ in Sara!), and keep up with the latest on Charleston’s evolving comedy scene.

And if you want to support this tasty, talkative journey, check out the show’s Patreon for more bonus bites. Here’s to more snackin’, yakkin’, and sharing honest laughs.

More episodes to see over on the blog!