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June 9, 2025 70 mins

In this hilarious and insightful episode of The Gabi Koyenov Podcast, I sit down with comedy legend DC Benny to trace his journey from high school setbacks and breakdancing days to becoming a respected figure in the New York stand-up scene. We dive into what it really takes to make it in comedy—grit, self-belief, and the ability to bomb and bounce back stronger.DC Benny shares behind-the-scenes stories from his early days on stage, the evolution of his material, and the challenges comics face navigating censorship, controversy, and rejection. We talk shop on joke crafting, staying authentic, and building the thick skin required to survive—and thrive—in the comedy industry.Packed with wisdom, laughs, and brutally honest reflections, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring comics, creatives, or anyone chasing a dream in a tough industry. Tune in for a masterclass in comedy, resilience, and storytelling with the one and only DC Benny.00:00 Introduction and Comedy Journey00:44 High School Dreams and Setbacks03:31 College and Breakdancing Days04:48 Starting Stand-Up in New York06:51 Navigating the Comedy Scene14:47 Comedy Evolution and Challenges19:26 Art, Censorship, and Controversy28:13 Reflections on Bombing and Resilience34:44 Facing Rejection in the Comedy Business35:10 Building Resilience and Thick Skin36:37 The Importance of Self-Belief37:40 Crafting and Perfecting Jokes41:16 Personal Stories and Breakthroughs49:34 Navigating the Comedy Industry53:12 The Ups and Downs of a Comedy Career57:43 Creating and Sustaining a Career in Comedy01:06:04 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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