As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Rob Stant. The Aston, PA native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Rob Stant
Hometown: Aston, PA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @robstantcomedy
Years in Comedy: 4
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: My youtube comedy special “Bobby Boy”
Comedic Influences: Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, & Stavros Halkias
Favorite Comedy Album: I never really listened to comedy albums if I’m being honest.
Favorite Comedy Special: So many amazing ones, but the one I find myself rewatching the most is “Donald Glover: Weirdo”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Step Brothers
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Always Sunny
Favorite Comedic Character: Every character that Eric Andre plays in his sketches. I say “Time to deliver a pizza ball!” At least once a day.
Favorite City to Perform In: Philadelphia
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My wife, as hacky as it might sound.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Tipsy couples in their mid 30s’
Favorite Comedy Club: Helium Comedy Club (Philadelphia)
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I watched comedy all the time with my dad as a kid. We used to write jokes together in this old spiral notebook I had. I remember one time he said “What do you get when you mix Gatorade with 7-UP? Gator-UP”. And it’s probably the worst joke ever, but that made me think “I can do better than that” (but some people on Tik Tok might disagree).
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
My mouth was so dry no matter how much water I chugged beforehand. My heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest. It’s funny to think about how nervous I was considering there were maybe 4 people in the room and they were all just waiting their turn to go up. It was so terrifying, but for whatever reason I kept doing it.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Observational with a mix of storytelling
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I usually sit down in front of my notebook and write about what’s on my mind that day. Usually spend anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour just scribbling nonsense. Sometimes I think of a joke while I’m doing it, sometimes not. I’ve found that listening to music while doing so helps.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Very competitive it feels like. A lot of great comedians in Philadelphia and it feels like we’re all trying to get on the same stage at the same time. It’s not a bad thing. We’re all chasing the same dream and it’s hard.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I think everyone has their own idea of what success is in comedy. For me, if you’re doing it full time and you don’t need a day job to support yourself and your family, you’ve made it. I’m still working on that.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
My fellow comedian buddy Jim Gillespie is insanely funny. He has made me laugh more than any comedian on Netflix, HBO, etc. He inspires me to be funnier everyday. Also, my dear friend Gray West is one of the most confident comedians I know. When he walks on stage it’s like he owns the room. Check them both out. They’re awesome.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I got asked to headline a birthday party with my buddy Jim and our other buddy John. It was awesome. After the “Show”, we all got hammered and smoked cigars in his hot tub. Me and Jim ended up sleeping in his living room and definitely overstayed our welcome. That was I think a year ago and nothing has topped it since. Shoutout to Mike for throwing a killer party.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Nobody cares. Go harder.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
When I tell people I do comedy, 99% of the time they say “Tell me a joke”. And I usually tell them a quick one liner or something, which is followed by a forced “Hah” and a disappointing look most of the time.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
Brutal as of right now. I don’t have a manager or an agent and I’m trying to get on the road more but 80% of the clubs won’t respond to my DM’s or emails even though I have people on my email list who want to see me in their city. It’s so frustrating.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I would make it so that I am the only comedian and everyone else quits. I feel like it would make it way easier to get booked and sell tickets. If you’re a comedian and you’re reading this, this is your sign to give up.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Write about what you care about and avoid drama.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Bobby Boy 2: This Time It’s Personal”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I met Robert F Kennedy JR in NYC after doing a podcast recently. I finished doing the podcast and saw a bunch of dudes in suits walk in the studio and jokingly said “What’s the secret service doing here” and then in walks Robert F Kennedy JR. I think he was there to do a podcast in an adjacent room. I was trying to play it cool and not talk to him but then he walked up to me and introduced himself and shook my hand. So I guess now I have to vote for him.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A Bingo Hall. Don’t ever do it. Trying to make old people laugh after they just lost their social security check in bingo is not fun.
A Rob Stant Fun Fact:
I was on Americas Funniest Home Videos in the first grade. My mom recorded me singing poorly and apparently that was hilarious. Maybe I should start using that as a credit.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
To the bank.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Slow down and take your time. If the audience is laughing, let them laugh. I hate when I see a comedian rush to the next joke when their current joke is making the room explode.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I just hope AI doesn’t take over. Please God.
If you could write ONE episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
In this episode of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the gang attempts to build a submarine and charge tourists for rides.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Helium Comedy Club (Philadelphia) w/ Jim Gillespie, Gray West, & Romy Rosner. That show would be the best disaster ever.
What’s next for you:
Headlining a few shows in Texas in September. Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. I have the dates on my Linktree on instagram. That’s the next big thing I’m looking forward to. Get your tickets!
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Follow Rob Stant’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Rob Stant
Youtube: Rob Stant
Personal Website: Rob Stant
