Chill snacks, quick wit, and Charleston’s quirkiest comedy claims – that’s the flavor in episode 16 of Snackin’ & Yakkin’. When comedian Liam Clancy joins Big Ben Kennedy for an hour of chip munching and rapid-fire stories, you know you’re in for a good time. This episode packs open-mic war stories, family anecdotes, the battle for “most attractive comic,” and a whole lot of salt and vinegar crumbs.

Merch, Laughs, and Confidence (in a T-Shirt)

No comedy podcast is complete without a little merch plug, and Snackin’ & Yakkin’ is no different. Ben rocks the show’s latest t-shirt swag, claiming sporting the gear boosts your attractiveness by 30% – completely made up, of course, but who cares when you feel good? It’s all about getting comfy, snacking on chips, feeling yourself, and supporting local comedy.

Open Mic Legends and Charleston’s Comedy Circuit

The magic started at Charleston’s thriving open mics, like Wit’s End and Rickhouse, where Ben and Liam first crossed paths. The episode weaves in inside jokes and low-key shout-outs to local legends, building a familiar, welcoming vibe for any comedy fan dropping in.

Notable comics mentioned:

  • Michael Clayton
  • Jaylyn Bleuw
  • Andy Forrester (Ben’s clean comic role model)

“Man Crush” Banter & Breaking Down Stage Persona

This episode leans right into the friendly, over-the-top “man crush” banter. There’s ribbing about attractiveness rankings, but the punchline lies in Liam’s unexpected mix of chill stage vibe and eloquent offstage presence.

“Your stage persona is very chill, almost stonerish… but offstage, you’re way more eloquent. Find out you’re smart!”

It’s that playful contrast—chill hoodie off, surprisingly witty insights on.

The Incognito Runner: Booty Shorts, No Glasses, No Clue

Catch Liam jogging through Charleston and you might not even know it’s him. Ditching the glasses and donning tiny shorts, he surprises everyone who spots him. Add in a healthy layer of sweat, and he becomes almost unrecognizable. There’s a real Clark Kent/Superman moment when comics suddenly realize the “chill guy” is actually built like The Simpson’s groundskeeper Willie under it all.

The “Most Attractive Comic” Debate

Charleston’s comedy scene is small but fierce, especially in the looks department—or maybe not so fierce, considering the jokes.

Comic Rankings:

  • Liam Clancy: “Most attractive comic in Charleston” (according to some)
  • Michael Clayton: Claims third most attractive
  • Ben Kennedy: “I’m coming for your crown!”

The back-and-forth makes it clear this title is more about who can out-joke the other.

Running as a Comedian’s Secret Weapon

For Liam, running isn’t about medals or speed—it’s a steady ritual that fires up new jokes and podcast ideas. He’ll even record voice notes mid-run, letting the miles clear his mind. The habit stuck after a joking jab from his dad during college (“looking like the Michelin Man” in a toga photo), and now it’s second nature.

Benefits for comedy creativity:

  • Clears the head
  • Gives space for new material
  • Turns a tough day around with endorphins (and maybe a bit of panic if a random stranger yells encouragements… or threats)

Snack of Choice: Salt & Vinegar Chips & Dr. Pepper

This is Snackin’ & Yakkin’—so snacks matter. The duo powers the episode with classic salt and vinegar chips and Dr. Pepper. Forget zero sugar, forget diets; this is about real flavor and real satisfaction. And just for the record: sometimes the best snack is your girlfriend, but that’s a story for a different day.

Podcasting vs. Standup: “In The Stew” and Social Media Savvy

Liam co-hosts “In The Stew”, a casual, riff-heavy podcast with his friend Adam. They focus on making each other laugh and flowing from topic to topic, just like on stage—but with a different energy. Stage presence matters, but so do good mics, solid clips, and a bit of stubbornness when wrangling social followers.

Quirky Family, Heritage, and Growing Up Jersey

Personal stories run deep, from a grandmother who “converted back” to Judaism with dementia (even though she wasn’t Jewish) to growing up Irish Catholic in Jersey and landing in Mississippi for college. There are jokes about heritage, plenty of family quirks, and reflections on how parents shape your creativity—and your running habit.

F-Word Tally: 43 in One Set

Open mic comedy means upleveling your language—and Ben owns his casual tosses of the f-word. One night, Liam clocked him at 43 uses in a single bar set. At other gigs, he’s squeaky clean to practice opening for cleaner comics. It’s a mix of upbringing (“up north, it’s just filler”) and context. Sometimes the best punchline is a tally sheet.

Notable contrast:

  • 43 f-bombs at Rickhouse
  • Zero when opening for Andy Forrester

Culture Shock, Caffeine, and New Southern Habits

Moving from Baltimore to Charleston, brought Ben a healthy dose of culture shock. The Starbucks story—where a college student was floored that he’d never tried it by age 36—captures just how fast habits change. Now there are Starbucks everywhere, but it’s still about sharing stories, not just sipping foam.

Old Tech, Coffee Toys, and Pop Culture Throwbacks

Nostalgia crops up all the time, whether it’s collecting old cameras or reminiscing about G.I. Joe dolls with “sandpaper” beards. It’s a reminder that comedy is rooted in memories, old-school toys, and the random stuff that sticks with you way past childhood.

Urban Running Tales: Haunted House Cardio

Running in Southern cities means random encounters, including the guy yelling at Liam to wipe the smile off his face—or risk a smack. Rather than discourage, it ends up fueling the day’s cardio. The best runs often come with the weirdest stories.

Potato Sides: Jack-of-All-Trades on the Snack Table

Let’s talk sides. For Liam, potatoes take the top spot in all their forms:

  • Tater tots
  • Hash browns
  • Home fries
  • French fries
  • Baked potatoes

Thanksgiving? He’ll skip the main dish and pile his plate with every spud-based creation.

Relationships, Snacks, and Balancing Comedy Life

Liam’s relationship gets a few loving jabs—his girlfriend’s his “favorite snack,” after all. Life’s busy, snacks are meant to be shared, and sometimes it’s easier to bond over chips and jokes than dinner and wine.

Reflections on Age, Career, and Comedy’s Long Road

At 26, Liam is already comfortably commanding the open mic stage—and podcasting, to boot. Ben, at 47, reflects on his own late-career comedy journey. The duo trade wisdom, stories, and plenty of respect for each stage of the creative hustle.

Get Social: Follow Liam & Snackin’ & Yakkin’

Want more bits, behind-the-scenes moments, or to check who’s winning the most attractive comic war? Catch Liam Clancy on Instagram @theliamclancy for comedy, running videos, and podcast updates. Follow the show’s crowd at Snackin’ & Yakkin’ for the latest snacks, clips, and snack recs.

Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Community

If you want bonus episodes, extra laughs, or your own shoutout on the show, check out the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon. Your support keeps the snacks flowing, the jokes rolling, and Charleston’s favorite comics coming back for more.

Like the show? Smash that subscribe button, drop your favorite snack in the comments, and join the community. Whether you’re snackin’, yakkin’, or dreaming of the perfect potato side, episode 16 serves up the best of comedy, friendship, and crunchy banter.

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