Some episodes are about the snack. This one is about the snack, the hustle, and that little voice that says, “Do it anyway.”

In Episode 42 of Snackin’ & Yakkin’ with BIG Ben Kennedy, Ben sits down with local musician and improv comedian DI-Why? to talk Charleston’s creative scene, the “build it yourself” mindset, and why a $2 Lunchables can still feel like a luxury when you have a long night and a big dream.

How Ben and DI-Why? connected through Julian Smith (and Theater 99)

Ben first clocked DI-Why? as a familiar face “in the periphery” of Charleston, but the real connection came through Julian Smith. If you caught Julian’s previous appearance, you already know the vibe: most we’ve ever sung on the show.

DI-Why? explains how he first saw Julian at Theater 99, specifically during their three-on-three improv tournament where Julian’s group leaned hard into musical improv. That set stuck in DI-Why?’s brain like a catchy hook. Months later, while building a beat for a song, he flashed back to that moment and thought, “I need that voice on this.”

So he did the most DIY thing possible: called a friend of a friend, got Julian’s number, and just asked.

That theme, the willingness to take a swing before you feel “ready,” stays under everything in this episode. It’s also why the conversation keeps bouncing between comedy, music, parenting, and the weird ways a creative life actually works.

“Your Loss” and the one-take magic

DI-Why? and Julian’s collaboration story is the kind of thing that makes artists either grin or get jealous (in a healthy way). Julian came over, asked to get on the mic, and recorded without even hearing the full song first.

Everything you hear from Julian on the track “Your Loss” came from that very first take.

Sometimes the missing piece isn’t more gear or more time. It’s the right person showing up and going for it.

Ben also shouts out the simple but effective video approach, multiple versions of the artist on screen in one room, which gave him Childish Gambino diner vibes. If you want a quick explainer on that style, this analysis of Childish Gambino’s “Sweatpants” diner-loop video breaks down why “simple setting, big effect” works so well.

The talk drifts into film scoring too, with Ben and DI-Why? geeking out over Ludwig Göransson’s work (and the way music can drive a whole story). For more context on that buzz, here’s a solid read on it: Billboard’s breakdown of Göransson’s “Sinners” score and Oscar talk.

Pink coconut water, a Costa Maya hat, and the Lunchables technique debate

DI-Why? pulls up with two headline items: organic coconut water that’s pink (with a “don’t worry, it’s pink” disclaimer) and not one, but two Lunchables.

The coconut water lands first. Ben’s had the usual coconut water brands before, but this one hits harder on flavor. It’s cloudier, almost milky, and tastes like it came from a younger green coconut, grabbed right before it gets too sweet. Someone jokes about it being a “potassium bomb,” which turns it into an accidental Saturday-night recovery plan.

Then the hat gets noticed: Costa Maya, Mexico. That’s perfect timing because Ben’s got an upcoming cruise stop there, complete with Mayan ruins, and a Jay and Silent Bob themed trip that somehow also includes Morris Day and The Time. Yes, really.

Then comes the serious business: Lunchables. Ham first, because Ben’s saving the turkey one (and the Oreo) for his daughter Bridget. DI-Why? reveals his build style too, he’s a double-decker stacker. One cracker, ham, cheese, then another cracker. It’s basically a tiny sandwich pretending it’s still recess.

DI-Why? frames Lunchables as a whole timeline: kid nostalgia now, and later the “adult version” becomes charcuterie boards. Ben even nods to a past snack-board moment on the site, and you can find more episodes like that on the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ podcast blog.

The DIY hustle: budgeting, gear, and building something before you feel ready

A big chunk of Episode 42 is two creators comparing notes on how they fund their art without wrecking real life.

Ben talks about upgrading mics because earlier setups made certain foods (ramen, for example) a logistical nightmare. He measures purchases in overtime shifts, one extra shift equals better sound and more freedom to talk with his hands.

DI-Why? relates hard, he used to think in “DoorDash weekends.” Same idea, don’t pull from family money, don’t cancel your streaming just to buy a camera, but keep investing steadily.

That’s also where the studio story hits. Ben signed the lease on the space before his family saw it. When his wife walked in and lit up instead of saying, “What have you done,” he almost cried from relief. Now she produces the show, listens on headphones in real time, and keeps the whole machine moving.

On DI-Why?’s side, his two-year goal is clear: encourage more people to make art without waiting for permission. He wants to teach independent music-making, using whatever you’ve got, even a phone, free software, and grit. He also describes weekly “music Sundays” with Julian and a rotating group of artists, many of whom have never recorded in a studio before.

Where it lands: tenacity, community, and shooting your shot

Ben drops a quote from comedian Violet Gray that sticks: talent without tenacity disappears. Tenacity without talent can still take the spot, simply because they didn’t quit.

That idea shows up again in the Super Bowl side chat, the “stand in the pocket” metaphor, and the running bit about inviting Marshawn Lynch onto the pod with two buckets of Skittles. If you’re curious what else Beast Mode has popped up in, Marshawn Lynch’s filmography is surprisingly fun to scroll.

DI-Why? signs off with his handle, and it matches the whole point: follow him on Instagram at @di_yyyyyy (d, i, and five y’s). His mom, apparently, still asks the same question the name does: “WHY?”

In the end, Episode 42 is a reminder that building things yourself feels thrilling and terrifying at the same time. Still, showing up counts, even when you’re tired, even when the snack is a Lunchables, and even when you’re making it up as you go.

For more episodes, subscribe on the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ YouTube channel, follow along on Snackin’ & Yakkin’ on Instagram, and support the behind-the-scenes work through the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon.