A reunion brings out both snacks and stories when Stan Shelby joins Big Ben Kennedy for a lively episode of Snackin’ & Yakkin’. These two longtime comedy friends pick up right where they left off: talking stand-up, health, family, and what it means to stay driven in a world where comedy, life, and carbs all demand your attention.

Two Friends, One Stage: The Spirit of “Snacking and Yakking”

Picture this: comedy veterans catching up over snacks, sharing laughs, and talking shop. That’s exactly what you get from Snackin’ & Yakkin’—real, unscripted conversations paired with bites of both food and wisdom. The friendly energy here revolves around two friends who have been through open mics, big shows, and all the changes life throws their way.

Joe Pasta: Remembering a Charleston Comedy Landmark

Joe Pasta wasn’t just a restaurant, but the epicenter of Charleston’s early stand-up scene. It brought together comics, regulars, and the city’s best characters. Among the many characters, “Byron” is especially memorable as the unofficial chiropractor outside.

Some highlights from those early days at Joe Pasta:

  • Crowds sometimes as small as four or five people, including bartenders.
  • Comics like Stan and Ben pushed each other, performed for any audience, and built up from almost nothing.
  • The flyer designed by Stan became a lasting symbol of the room and its sense of community.

Discover more about Stan’s roots at Joe Pasta on his Best Medicine Brigade profile.

Balancing Life & Comedy

Comedy dreams don’t always pay the bills. Ben reflects on juggling his role as a paramedic, being a dad, and coming back to comedy after time out for family and work. Stan and Ben agree: finding stage time while working 24-hour EMS shifts, parenting, and fighting burnout isn’t easy. Comedy is more than a passion; it’s a test of commitment.

Making a Mark: Creating the Joe Pasta Flyer

Ben’s talent for graphic design kicked off a creative partnership. He offered to make the Joe Pasta flyer for free, emphasizing the importance of putting real care and personal touch into the art—something you can’t always fake with AI tools. Their honest, collaborative process is a reminder that creativity is still best handled by skilled, driven people.

Charleston’s Comedy Scene: From Humble Beginnings to Boom Times

There was a time when Joe Pasta had just a handful of comics and barely any crowd. That close-knit start let performers bond and experiment. As word spread, the venue became a must-play for local comics—until it eventually changed hands and new venues took over.

Recognizing Comedy Crew and Milestones

The names “Apples,” “Lane Healy,” and many others echo in the story of Charleston comedy. The camaraderie is clear: whether performing to near-empty rooms or for crowds, these early regulars made their mark. Watching each journey is a lesson in sticking together and supporting creative dreams.

Comedy Snacks: Keto and Beyond

Comedy and health go hand in hand—especially when your snack is a talking point. This episode introduces the ChocZero keto bark: sugar-free, plant-based, and diabetes-friendly.

Some favorite keto-friendly show snacks:

  • ChocZero dark chocolate almond bark
  • Topo Chico sparkling water

Stan and Ben also talk labs, A1Cs, cheat days, and staying rigorous (except for that giant soft pretzel that can break any diet).

Driven by Commitment (Onstage and Off)

The conversation circles back to what keeps a comic (or anyone) going: commitment. Whether it’s 24–90 days to make a habit or decades honing punchlines, it all comes down to daily effort and staying driven. Stan likens the comedy grind to getting back in the gym—routine is everything if you hope for real change.

Topo Chico: The Episode’s Signature Sip

A quick pause for drinks: Stan requests Topo Chico, making it the show’s fanciest hydration yet. The sparkling water is compared with Perrier, sodas, and even kombucha—showing that even drink preferences can be part of a driven, healthy lifestyle.

Returning to Comedy after a Long Break

Stan took a break from stand-up for more than 10 years, and coming back meant starting almost from scratch. Open mics with new audiences and younger bookers bring extra hurdles. Stan notes the importance of showing up at every possible mic to stay in view; out of sight, out of mind.

Comedians Who Inspire: Personal Hall of Fame

Stan’s career has crossed paths with both legends and unsung heroes. Some of the comics who shaped his journey:

  • Richard Pryor
  • Eddie Murphy
  • Brian Callen
  • Sean Jones
  • Corey Zuman Miller
  • Kat Williams

He sees every level, not just the famous, as a classroom. Watching these comics work rooms of all kinds keeps him inspired and motivated.

Being Driven in a Social Media World

Ben started with a website in 2001—way ahead of the curve. Today, he and Stan talk about using Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts to reach a wider audience, sharing clips, behind-the-scenes, and character-driven sketches. The challenge: mixing it up so every post feels original. For added insight, check out Comedian Stan Shelby’s Facebook page.

The Long Game: Patience over Hype

Neither Stan nor Ben obsess over quick fame. Success stories like Dusty Slay, whose Netflix special launched after years grinding locally, remind them that most “overnight” success takes a lifetime of work. The goal: be part of great shows, not just chase the spotlight.

Merch, Manners, and Respect in Comedy

Respect goes a long way in comedy. Brian Callen set the bar by wearing Stan’s merch onstage, a generous move not every headliner will offer. Always check with the main act before selling merch—good relationships build return invites and trust.

Real Life: Balancing Family and Ambition

Stan’s demanding EMS schedule (24-on/72-off) means missing some shows, but family comes first. Sometimes, you need a pep talk or a little push from friends. Ben jokes about needing accountability so he doesn’t cave to the next giant pretzel.

Open Mics: How Consistency Pays Off

Stan’s routine often involves two open mics in one night. It’s the core of his training: more reps, more exposure, better chances for bookings. Writing, trying new material, and being seen aren’t short-term games—they build the foundation for a driven comedy career.

Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Community

For bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes newsletters, and a spot in the show’s community, support the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon. Catch new podcasts, extra laughs, and help keep the snacks (and jokes) coming.

Comedy Philosophy: What Do You Want?

Stan and Ben keep coming back to one question: What do you want? Whether it’s a better set, healthier lifestyle, or more time with family, the answer is found in showing up, working hard, and staying true to your goals, comedy or otherwise.

That Pretzel Moment: Keeping It Real

Diet talk is real, but sometimes the soft pretzel wins. The episode’s running joke about one enormous pretzel captures the tug of war between health goals and everyday cravings—a funny, honest look at finding balance.

Local Legends and Improv Stories

Charleston’s scene owes much to small venues like Theater 99, Wit’s End, and Honky Tonk. From improv classes with future stars like JP Sears or run-ins with Aziz Ansari, the local network shapes what’s possible for every driven comic.

Find More, Get Involved

Remember, whether you’re after laughs or personal bests, the real mission is to stay driven. Keep the snacks handy, the mic close, and the hustle alive.

There’s more episodes to discover over on the blog!