Pull up a chair, grab a napkin, and loosen your belt. This episode of Snackin’ & Yakkin’ delivers a feast of crispy wings and honest stories with comedian Michael Clayton. From classic movies to wrestling legends, mental health, and the spicy truth about chicken wings, it’s passion mixed with laughter and heart.

Meet Michael Clayton and the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Setup

Michael Clayton joins the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ table this week. What happens when a comedian known for his Charleston and New York roots brings his quick wit to a three-camera setup? Apparently, each camera adds 20 pounds. (Don’t trust the abs through the lens.) The mood is effortless: genuine laughs, self-aware jabs, and zero pretension. Today’s snack? Wingstop chicken wings—“not a sponsor,” but apparently the people really want to know what’s on the plate.

The Snack Choice: Chicken Wings—A Meal or a Snack?

Chicken wings as a snack? The host Big Ben Kennedy’s family and friends had doubts, but he laid it out: “If you plan on eating again soon, anything can be a snack.” For practical reasons (and to avoid gnawing through conversation like wild animals), they go boneless. Guests pick the food, and that keeps each taping tasty and unpredictable for Big Ben.

Michael’s Life: Cinephile, Wrestle Head, Comedian—In That Order?

Ben bestows upon Michael the title cinephile-wrestle head-comedian. Comedy might be his day job, but you can tell passion for movies and wrestling rules his schedule. If there’s a big wrestling event somewhere, you can bet he’s finding stage time nearby. Stand-up takes center stage, but these side quests keep things interesting.

When Comedy Becomes “The Job”

Comedy is a dream, but it can still feel like work. Michael shares that with the grind, even killer gigs can feel routine. Some nights are magic, others are “just a job.” After a break for family, it took effort to get back onstage. As most comics know, if you stop “pedaling the bike,” people move on. The pandemic forced a lot of performers to pause, and some never returned.

Comedy and EMS: Stress, Community & The Everyday Extraordinary

Long shifts for Ben as a paramedic mean even the wildest stories become routine. He draws the line between shedding the uniform versus letting work define you. You learn mental tricks—some positive, others risky. The conversation swings to the film Bringing Out the Dead and how saving a life feels as thrilling as killing it on stage. Being part of a community, whether with jokes or ambulances, forges ties and responsibilities that stick with you.

How the Pandemic Changed Everything

COVID shuffled all the decks: healthcare, comedy, even basics like family and finances. Ben points out how the break forced people to see that paying for child care just to work might not make sense. The US healthcare system’s flaws became obvious, and everyone had to question what was really worth their time and energy. The “reset” may have been messy, but it offered a rare moment for reality and passion to come to the front.

Hot Sauce Challenges: The Delicious Pain

Snackin’ & Yakkin’ doesn’t shy away from spice. Michael and Ben once ran separate Hot Ones challenge, bravely facing sauces infamous for tastebud destruction. “The Bomb” is flagged as pure pain—no flavor, just suffering. Meanwhile, Michael’s girlfriend can take the heat like a champ. Snack memories include:

• “The Bomb”—pure misery, no flavor
• Hot Ones-brand sauces—surprisingly flavorful, despite the burn
• Hot sauce stash at home (just in case!)

Wrestling: Heroes, Personas & Playing to the Crowd

It’s no secret: Michael’s heart beats for wrestling almost as much as for comedy. He draws parallels between the best comics and the best wrestlers—both bring their true selves but crank up the volume. Favorite wrestling icons like Mick Foley, The Undertaker, and The Rock top his list. Michael even gets to open for Foley—truly a dream gig for a wrestling-obsessed comic.

Comedy Influences: From Carlin to Piper

Every funny person’s got their North Stars. Michael’s guides include George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Norm Macdonald, and the wildcard, pro wrestler Roddy Piper. While fame’s fun, he always aimed to master the craft itself. Ben notes that younger comics now tend to be more open about mental health—and a lot less obsessed with ego than in years past.

Real Talk: Mental Health, Bipolar, and Letting Go

Ben talks openly about his bipolar 2 diagnosis (later shifted to cyclothymic  disorder). Therapy and medication changed his life, “even if it took yelling at my doctor to get there.” He encourages friends to take charge of their mental health: “If you’re not happy with therapy, you can leave, but you owe it to yourself to try.” Being honest about your mess is the first step to managing it.

Family, Regret, and Learning to Forgive Yourself

Ben alap owns past mistakes, especially toward women and people he patronized in his early comedy days. He recognizes some people may only remember him as “the villain” and accepts that as the price of growth. Lessons learned:

• You can’t rewrite your role in someone else’s story.
• Owning up and saying “I’ve changed” is sometimes all you can offer.
• Progress is about becoming someone better, not someone perfect.

Childhood Favorites: Movies That Stick

Nostalgia is strong on this episode. Michael lights up talking about classics like Terminator 2, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Rocky 5, Mrs. Doubtfire, and E.T. These films aren’t just favorites—they’re anchors for big moments in life, like parents’ divorce or childhood fears that turned into full-blown passion for film.

Horror Obsession and Freddy Krueger Fandom

Out of fear comes obsession. Michael’s introduction to A Nightmare on Elm Street left him terrified, but now he’s a superfan with the tattoo and merch to prove it. Guests even bring him Freddy-themed gifts. The horror section of his set is growing, and his passion for the genre is clear. If you’re craving a walk down Elm Street, check out the Nightmare on Elm Street Complete Collection.

Comedy and Horror: Sides of the Same Coin

Michael sees a kindred spirit between comedy and horror. Both rely on misdirection—a well-timed scare or punchline only works if you don’t see it coming.

Shifting Scenes: Stand-Up, Growth & Today’s Comics

The comedy world isn’t what it used to be. Younger comics focus less on swagger and more on sharing struggles honestly. Ben looks back at female comics who challenged him and appreciates how far the craft—and his own respect for it—has come.

Onstage Swagger vs. Real Life

Those early stand-up sets were swagger-filled and brash. Offstage, Ben was more insecure than people knew. Life crisis and a mental health diagnosis brought him closer to his real self, and now that honesty shows up on stage, too.

Hot Advice: Make a Connection Before a Punchline

Michael insists connection tops joke-writing: “Funny is good. Relatable is better.” He builds audience bonds by addressing unspoken questions and letting people in. Understanding what the room is thinking matters just as much as what they’re hearing.

Enjoying the Ride, Not Just the Applause

The worst gigs and tough crowds helped Michael find real joy in comedy. Appreciating the journey, he says, is what keeps passion alive—and is sometimes more meaningful than the big wins.

Gratitude and Success: One Show at a Time

A meaningful moment: Michael’s father once told him, “Stop and appreciate your successes.” Creative success isn’t just about the next project—it’s about being grateful for what you’ve already done.

Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Community

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