There’s something magic about two funny friends sharing snacks and stories. Episode 7 of Snackin’ & Yakkin’ brings comedian Josh Milz and host Big Ben Kennedy together for an hour of laughs, bite-sized confessions, and pure comfort food. This isn’t your average chat — it’s a blend of friendly roasting, sharp wit around every corner, and the flavors that made these comics who they are.

The Snack Star: Act II Buttery Kettle Corn

Snacks set the mood, and this episode’s leading treat is unmistakable. Forget just “popcorn”—this is Act II Buttery Kettle Corn, a rare flavor scored for its perfect combo of sweet, salty and oh-so-buttery. It’s microwavable, too, which means several bags don’t stand a chance during the taping setup.

Snack Standouts:

  • Buttery and slightly sweet kettle corn
  • Microwavable and served fresh on set
  • So irresistible, the bowl needed refreshes before filming

If you’re planning your own snack-friendly podcast, this one deserves a spot on your short list. More snack inspiration for podcast fans can be found in this guide on the best podcasting snacks.

Behind the Scenes: Recording Redos and Tech Fails

It wouldn’t be a creative project without a hiccup or two. This was supposed to be Episode 3, but a loose camera stand and the hum of a cooling fan meant the first recording was a literal blur. Attempts to fix it with an AI enhancer mangled the video into an unwatchable mess (“turned the Delorean into a Honda Civic” — a perfect comic analogy). Luckily, snacks and a day of patience brought the team back for take two.

From Root Beer to Cheerwine: The Great Drink Swap

Every guest picks their favorite snack, but smooth conversation means bending the rules. Last round, Josh requested Barq’s root beer — not Ben’s favorite, though the effort counted. This time, the table has Cheerwine, a Carolina-favorite cherry soda, icy cold and bubbling with nostalgia. The verdict: it’s perfect when cold, suspiciously cough-drop-like if warm or flat, and brings as much laughter as flavor.

Nostalgic Candy, “Grandparent Sweets” and Lost Flavors

The show stirs up sweet memories — literally. The guys dig into candies of bygone eras like Werther’s Originals, Maple Nut Goodies, gumdrops, and Riesen. As old favorites fade from shelves and memories, it’s a reminder that every generation bonds over its own comforting snacks.

Grandparent Candy Classics:

  • Werther’s Originals
  • Maple Nut Goodies (discontinued, and missed)
  • Riesen chocolate caramels
  • Gumdrops with that unmistakable sugar coat

Growing Up: From Hawaii to South Carolina

Josh shares his early years: born in Hawaii (yep, really), then moved to Goose Creek at age five thanks to his Marine dad. The move brought a crush of southern culture shock and fueled plenty of stories — from parents’ old-school fashion like jorts and mustaches to the contrast of island life versus Carolina living.

Comedy Growth, Booking Shows, and Charleston’s Scene

Josh Milz is more than a quick-witted stand-up. He’s helping make the South Carolina comedy scene more vibrant, booking talent and crossing state lines to chase stage time.

Comedy Career Highlights:

  • Breaking into Charlotte’s and Orlando’s scenes this year
  • Booking for Next Stop Comedy and hosting Giggle Biscuit Productions
  • Networking in Charleston and beyond for up-and-coming comics

Influences and Comedy Inspirations

Success stories fuel dreams in any town. Charleston’s own Dusty Slay moved from waiting tables to Netflix specials, while Derek Humphrey jumped from local rooms to national commercials in New York. Both remind comics that making it big sometimes means moving away — but strong roots, and the right support, matter more than ever.

Popcorn Snafus and Studio Laughter

Even snacks become part of the story. This episode’s popcorn was fresh and perfectly popped. Last time? A bit burnt, plus a thunderstorm-induced power outage forced popcorn to travel from Ben’s house to the studio. The happier result: a hot bag popped on-site, lots of praise for the behind-the-scenes crew, and a running joke about sabotaging recordings for more snacks.

College Life, Space Camp Patches, and Hot Plate Antics

College food hacks, odd jobs, and a stint at Space Camp bring even more laughs. Remember Jiffy Pop on the hot plate? Josh sure does. The icing on the conversational cake: Josh gifting a genuine Space Camp “Outstanding Team” patch as a memento for the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ shelf.

When AI Gets a Bit Too Real

The episode jumps from lighthearted to thoughtful, diving into AI’s impact on daily life. Ben talks about choosing not to feature his daughter in recordings anymore, with concerns about deepfakes and privacy. It’s a moment that balances the humor with genuine parenting anxiety.

Mixtape Memories and 90s Coming-of-Age

Ben channels his sharp wit and nostalgia as he tells tales of curating mixtapes, creating custom covers, and making the ultimate “in the mood” playlist. Like a pop-culture Star-Lord, he’s ready with music and jokes, comparing antics to favorite scenes in Guardians of the Galaxy.

Josh and Fast Food Lore: McGangbangs, Hamburglar, and Playground Legends

What’s a podcast without food hacks? The “McGangbang” (stacking a McChicken inside a McDouble) gets airtime, along with musings on why fast food portions keep shrinking and classic characters like The Hamburglar and Grimace keep evolving. Childhood playplaces, menu hacks, and “grandparent candy” get mixed with sharp banter for a uniquely southern flavor.

Menu Memories:

  • McGangbang (McChicken + McDouble)
  • Land, Air, and Sea combo: burger, chicken, fish (Or a “Fishy McGangbang” as Josh calls it)
  • Classic characters: The Hamburglar, Grimace

Generational Shifts: Dance Moves and Slang

The baton keeps passing. What starts as cool (dabbing, flossing, “lit”) quickly becomes cringe. The generational gap even shows up in Taekwondo, with Ben’s daughter reprimanded for flossing in class. The show hits how fast trends run out of style — and how quickly new ones appear.

The Fun and Frustration of Aging

Sharp wit turns to sharp pains as they discuss getting older. Ben admits to dropping 40 pounds with small dietary changes and hitting the gym, wrestling with cravings for pizza and fries. The reality of random aches and changing metabolism gets served up with extra cheese — and laughter.

Comedy, Camaraderie, and Southern Charm

Sometimes, comedy’s real gift is connection. Both hosts share how sharp wit, performing, and booking have shaped them as friends, softened egos, and brought perspective. Episode 7 shines with warmth between these two — and the hope that laughter keeps the hardest days light.

Find and Follow Josh Milz

Josh is everywhere in the Charleston stand-up circuit and beyond. Follow him on social media at @milzellaneous, and look for live shows through Next Stop Comedy and Giggle Biscuit Productions for a night of real fun.

Support Snackin’ & Yakkin’ on Patreon

Want more snacks, more laughs, and behind-the-scenes scoop? Check out the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon community. Your support keeps the snacks fresh, the mics hot, and the stories endless.

Wrapping Up: Laughter, Snacks, and Relatable Stories

Watching Josh Milz and Big Ben Kennedy proves there’s real joy in wit, good snacks, and honest conversation. Anytime you sit down with friends, remember: the best memories are built with a laugh, a bowl of popcorn, and maybe even your own mixtape for the ride.

Check out more episodes on the blog!