Snackin' and Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy

Big Ben Kennedy
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Comedy Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

Having real conversations and shared snacks with the people shaping Charleston’s creative scene.

  1. 2d ago

    Comedians, Bars, Actors and 90s Movies w/ Cassie Burns | Ep 69 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

    Cassie Burns stops by for big laughs, kettle corn, Michelob Ultra, and a serious love of movies on Episode 69 of Snackin' & Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy.Cassie hosts Comedians In Bars Getting Sloppy, a podcast that features Charleston-area comedians, local bars, and the wonderfully unpredictable conversations that happen when everyone gets "comfortable". She and Big Ben talk about building a podcast, supporting local venues, traveling for new guests, and why bar noise, motorcycles, and accidental tequila baths are all part of the production process.Then the conversation takes a sharp turn into movie territory. Cassie and Ben debate Die Hard as a Christmas movie, celebrate The Birdcage, revisit Back to the Future, The Matrix, Dumb and Dumber, There's Something About Mary, Tropic Thunder, Only You, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and more. They also discuss Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Jim Carrey, Robert Downey Jr., James Marsden, Alan Rickman, and the magic of actors who can make a movie impossible to recast.The snack is kettle corn, because buttered popcorn gets everywhere and Cassie already knows her limits. During the Fast Five, she weighs in on sweet versus savory breakfast, hot sauce, burgers, fried green tomatoes, and other essential food questions.Expect movie theories, Charleston stories, podcast talk, childhood theater dreams, heckler anxiety, Savannah Bananas memories, Wonder Twin confusion, and enough tangents to fill a whole video store shelf.

    Comedians, Bars, Actors and 90s Movies w/ Cassie Burns | Ep 69 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

  2. Sep 7

    Michael Clayton: Finding the Funny When Life Gets Heavy | Ep 68 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

    Michael Clayton is back in the new-and-improved Snackin' & Yakkin' studio, and he's got a new album, a whole lot of movie opinions, and enough emotional reflection to fill several more episodes. Michael and Big Ben Kennedy crack open Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters and Yoo-hoo while talking about Michael's comedy album Garbage Chic, the fake Men's Health magazine cover that somehow became the perfect artwork, and why movie theater snacks are basically a pouch inside a box inside another bad decision. Then things get real. Michael talks about losing his father, organ donation, grief, comedy, WrestleMania, and the strange ways a person keeps moving when life decides to throw a chair at them. There are some heavy moments, but there are also plenty of jokes, because sometimes the only way to survive a funeral is to remember the ridiculous parts too. Also included: * Breakfast for dinner, because Pancake Tuesday is a state of mind * Unlimited tacos versus unlimited pizza * Chocolate versus cheese, a question that nearly ends the friendship * The proper way to eat movie theater snacks during a quiet horror movie * Irish goodbyes and why they stop being rude if you do them every time * Michael's father battling toll booths, white water rafting w/Jerry Springer, and a pet mountain lion * A heartfelt discussion about comedy, audience comfort, and knowing how to land the plane * The Rossi Brown benefit show and the Charleston comedy community coming together to help a friend Michael Clayton is funny, thoughtful, a serious movie nerd, and Big Ben is somehow still willing to trust him with snack choices. That should tell you everything.

    Michael Clayton: Finding the Funny When Life Gets Heavy | Ep 68 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

  3. Aug 31

    27 Years of Drag, Giving Back & Finding Your Lane w/Patti O'Furniture | Ep 67 | Snackin’ & Yakkin’

    Patti O'Furniture brings the wigs, the wisdom, and a serious love of orange slices to the Snackin' & Yakkin' sofa. In this lively conversation, Patti and Big Ben Kennedy talk drag, community, charity, South Carolina, and the snacks that keep a busy performer going.Patti shares how her unforgettable drag name came from a back-porch brainstorm, why she became a drag queen after a dare from her students, and how a college drag show helped launch a 27-year career. She also talks about hosting drag bingo at Pounce Cat Cafe, raising money for HIV support and local families, and creating welcoming spaces through performances across the Carolinas.The conversation gets personal as Patti discusses her family's history in South Carolina public service, her commitment to positivity, and the lesson she learned from a young artist named Sam: you never know who is watching, or how one kind moment can change someone's day.Naturally, the snacks get plenty of attention too. Patti introduces Ben to her signature Goldfish crackers and peanuts, shares memories of her mother's "nabs," and explains the very practical reason every bite needs to be small enough to protect the lipstick.There's also talk of wedding officiating, Patti's future book, celebrity encounters, Bill Murray, Brackish bow ties, old Pizza Hut buildings, and why finding your lane matters more than chasing somebody else's version of success.

    27 Years of Drag, Giving Back & Finding Your Lane w/Patti O'Furniture | Ep 67 | Snackin’ & Yakkin’

  4. Aug 24

    Ain't Got Time For a Bad Time w/Traci Doutaz | Ep 66 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

    Traci Doutaz returns to Snackin' & Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy for a heartfelt, funny, and unforgettable conversation about friendship, roller derby, cancer treatment, bucket-list adventures, and making the most of the time we have. Traci, also known as Doutaz Mania, first appeared on the show in Episode 5. Now, 61 episodes later, she shares an honest update on living with stage 4 metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, weekly treatment, chemo brain, changing side effects, and her decision to keep skating with the Lowcountry High Rollers for as long as she can. The conversation also includes plenty of Traci's signature humor, her Twilight tattoos, the story behind her "Baja Blessed" tattoo, stick-on eyebrows, memorable roller derby moments, and the origin of the famous "Mosquito" stickers. Over a bowl of Nacho Cheese Doritos, Traci introduces Ben to Kentucky's Ale-8-One ginger ale, including blackberry and pawpaw flavors. Traci also talks about her "Goals Before I Ghost You" list, upcoming trips to Seattle, Forks, Salem, and a heavy metal cruise, plus seeing the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere in Las Vegas and visiting the Bacchanal Buffet.Ben and Traci share a candid conversation about medical anxiety, colonoscopy screenings, friendship, grief, hope, and why nobody should waste time on a bad time. The episode also includes an important reminder to schedule recommended cancer screenings and take your health seriously. Support Traci's "Less Tragic, More Magic" GoFundMe at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/make-magic-for-Doutaz and help her check off some of the experiences on her list. Leave a message with your donation about what you'd like to help make possible, whether that's travel, a tattoo, a hotel stay, or gas for a special day with her dogs.

    Ain't Got Time For a Bad Time w/Traci Doutaz | Ep 66 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

  5. Aug 17

    Baseball Feuds, Political Chaos & Pretzel Problems w/ Bill Davis | Ep 65 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

    Bill Davis brings political reporting war stories, baseball feuds, family chaos, and a dangerous amount of snack confidence to Episode 65 of Snackin' & Yakkin'.Charleston writer, comedian, performer, and award-winning political reporter Bill Davis joins Big Ben Kennedy for a wide-ranging conversation that covers nearly everything, including:- The time Bill almost got into a fight with Reggie Jackson- Tanya Harding, miniature bats, and one unforgettable newspaper caption- Covering Carl Pavano for The New York Times- Growing up around addiction, recovery, and family drama- Parenting, teenagers, embarrassing minivan moments, and the hazards of shared bathrooms- And much more!There are political stories, sports stories, deeply questionable jokes, and enough pretzel pieces to qualify as a medical emergency. Grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let Bill Davis do what Bill Davis does best.Follow Bill Davis on Instagram at @billdavisissocool and find him on Facebook by searching for Bill Davis.

    Baseball Feuds, Political Chaos & Pretzel Problems w/ Bill Davis | Ep 65 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

  6. Aug 10

    Somehow, We Ended Up at Cannibalism w/ Sara Meagan | Ep 64 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

    Pizza, blue Gatorade, comedy, true crime, dating disasters, and a conversation that somehow ends with cannibalism. Sara Meagan brings the chaos in S&Y Episode 64. Sara joins BIG Ben Kennedy for a relaxed snack break and a wide-ranging conversation about their recent show at Social 19 in West Ashley, South Carolina comedy, her Hot Mess showcase, and the writing group she hosts at local bars. She also shares why she stepped away from comedy for six months, how she turned painful experiences into material, and why taking a break from something you love can help you find your way back to it. Along the way, they debate pretzels versus popcorn, chocolate versus vanilla, Pizza Hut versus Domino's, sweet snacks versus salty snacks, and Gatorade's many shades of blue. They also talk about dating, long-term relationships, TJ's expert character assessments, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Amelia Earhart, movie theater food, family, childhood moves, and the strange comfort of being okay with life's permanent rough spots. Find Sara Meagan on Instagram at @sara.meagan.has.legs and check out her comedy when she performs in the Charleston area. Remember to leave a comment, share the episode, and tell us what snack should make an appearance next time.

    Somehow, We Ended Up at Cannibalism w/ Sara Meagan | Ep 64 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

  7. Aug 3

    Faith, Filmmaking & Friendship w/ Alexis & Bradley Shuffler | Ep 63 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

    Alexis and Bradley Shuffler join Big Ben Kennedy to talk about filmmaking, family, faith, mental health, friendship breakups, and the daily work behind building a creative career. Bradley shares the story behind BA Shuffler Productions, his short film projects, and Half of Me, a personal rom-com about friendship, change, and learning how to move forward when someone important takes a different path. Bradley and Alexis also talk about Shuffler & Co. Weddings, their plans for serving couples across the Lowcountry and beyond, and the teamwork it takes to build a business while raising a family. Along the way, the conversation covers fake fight scenes, wedding videography, airport motivation, parenting fears, colonoscopy prep, Poppy soda, Target trail mix, and Bradley's long-running dream of owning a Lamborghini. Most importantly, this episode is about pursuing meaningful work before everything feels perfect. Bradley explains how filmmaking became an outlet, how motivational TikToks helped people through difficult moments, and why creating something honest matters more than chasing success for its own sake. Watch for the full conversation, then share your own creative goal in the comments. What would you keep working toward if money, doubt, and other people's opinions weren't calling the shots? Follow BA Shuffler Productions on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube at:  @bashufflerproductions

    Faith, Filmmaking & Friendship w/ Alexis & Bradley Shuffler | Ep 63 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

  8. Jul 27

    Spicy Chips, Comedy & Cinnamon Rolls w/ Josh Milz | Ep 62 | Snackin' & Yakkin'

    Josh Milz is back for a no-promotional, no-pressure hangout packed with spicy chips, questionable soda choices, comedy stories, and enough emotional whiplash to fill several episodes. On this episode of Snackin' & Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy, Josh and Ben tear into Flamin' Hot Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffles while debating root beer, Cheerwine, coconut cream, Oreos, Pop-Tarts, and the proper way to survive a post-snack stomach emergency. The conversation takes a few wild turns, including Josh's serious car wreck, Ben's hurricane streaking story, the teacher who pushed him to finish high school, and the strange comfort of friends who know when to stop treating you like a fragile egg. They also talk Charleston comedy, Next Stop Comedy, local restaurants, Pete Holmes, Leslie Jones, SNL, social media clips, and the future of SnackYakk Studios. Plus, Ben faces his first ever round of Fast Five questions, Josh shares his best cinnamon-roll advice, and Ben explains why a double-decker taco deserves a place in the Taco Bell Hall of Fame. Grab a snack, pour yourself something cold, and settle in for a long, loose conversation between two friends who clearly forgot the cameras were running. Follow Josh on insta: @milzellaneous

    Spicy Chips, Comedy & Cinnamon Rolls w/ Josh Milz | Ep 62 | Snackin' & Yakkin'
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Having real conversations and shared snacks with the people shaping Charleston’s creative scene.

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