INTERVIEW: Ron Taylor Talks Winning 'Funny AF' , Kevin Hart Roast, Stand-Up Comedy Tour + More
Comedian Ron Taylor, fresh off winning Netflix's Kevin Hart's Funny As Fuck competition, shares the raw, unfiltered journey that led him from Detroit's unconventional school system to living in a van in Los Angeles and eventually becoming a rising comedy star. He reveals how his mother kicked him out for pursuing comedy, how he survived by cooking meals and hosting podcast interviews in his E-150 van, and how he turned his outsider status into a unique comedic identity. Taylor breaks down the pressure of being a 'contest winner' despite years of grinding, reflects on the controversy surrounding the Kevin Hart roast—especially the George Floyd joke—and argues that society enjoys pointing fingers more than appreciating nuance. He also discusses his upcoming Netflix special, his evolving relationship with fame, and the unexpected ways his life has changed, from no longer needing to ask his mother for money to being recognized on the bus. At the heart of his story is a defiant optimism: success isn’t about luck, but about persistence in the face of rejection.
Ron Taylor lived in a van in LA for years, showering at LA Fitness and cooking meals for podcast guests in his E-150 van.
His mother kicked him out for pursuing comedy, took his car, and withdrew his money—though she later gave the money back.
He won Netflix's Funny As Fuck competition by submitting a tape and being selected from an open casting call.
Taylor says he’s not afraid of controversy but avoids politics and personal relationships in his comedy due to lack of experience.
He’s preparing a Netflix special but is taking time to ensure it’s high-quality, not rushing to release subpar material.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Ron Taylor Joins The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club welcomes Ron Taylor, the recent winner of Kevin Hart's Funny As Fuck competition, with warm introductions and playful banter about his sudden fame.
From Detroit to Comedy: Early Life and Struggles
“I had merit and honors class. But that's neither here nor there. Okay. The point is, I didn't have to, but I had little brothers so I would take them to school. I didn't have to go in until like 9 o'clock. So I would sit in the car, eat donuts, drink coffee and listen to Ricky Smiley in the morning. As a damn kid?”
Mother Kicked Him Out, Van Life Begins
“She took my car. Somehow she took the money out of my account and kicked me out the house. I think I said that already. Now, let her tell it, it was for some other stuff. And I'm sure it was. But all this stuff happened around the same time.”
The Big Break: Funny As Fuck and Standing Out
“To me, it was like young Norbit. Hilarious. Jesus Christ. I love the microphone, Bush. Yo, I told you that on the red carpet at the roast. Are you kidding me? Yes, absolutely. Why you want to hurt my feelings like that, man? You look even more like Norbert.”
The Evolution of Comedy and the Roast Controversy
“We just as a society is like if we can point and wag the finger, we will. So like so like the Kevin Hart roast that just took place. Correct. I was there. Right. Yes. All of those people are either friends or associates of mine. And none of these people are like going around, you know, bothering black people. Right. This is just their job.”
“To me, it was like young Norbit. Hilarious. Jesus Christ. I love the microphone, Bush. Yo, I told you that on the red carpet at the roast. Are you kidding me? Yes, absolutely. Why you want to hurt my feelings like that, man? You look even more like Norbert.”
“You know, we just just as a society is like if we can point and wag the finger, we will. So like so like the Kevin Hart roast that just took place. Correct. I was there. Right. Yes. All of those people are either friends or associates of mine. And none of these people are like going around, you know, bothering black people. Right. This is just their job.”
“She took my car. Somehow she took the money out of my account and kicked me out the house. I think I said that already. Now, let her tell it, it was for some other stuff. And I'm sure it was. But all this stuff happened around the same time.”
Hosts
Guest
Ron Taylor
person
Kevin Hart
person
Funny As Fuck
other
Charlamagne Tha Guy
person
The Breakfast Club
media
Dave Chappelle
person
E-150 van
other
Netflix
organization
LA Fitness
other
Little Mama
person
INTERVIEW: Na'im Lynn Puts A Button On The Kevin Hart Roast Conversation
47m • 6/1/2026
INTERVIEW: Marlon Wayans Talks 'Scary Movie,' Kevin Hart Roast, Aries Spears, 50 Cent, Diddy, Dave Chappelle + More
48m • 6/2/2026
FULL SHOW: ‘Trump Responds To Stephen A.Smith’s Comments On Him Being Responsible For The Knicks Losing + Ron Taylor Interview
1h 31m • 6/9/2026
INTERVIEW: Sheryl Underwood Talks Plans For Upcoming Special, Kevin Hart Roast, Comedian Etiquette + More
38m • 6/11/2026
FULL SHOW: Jay-Z Has Legendary Headlining Performance At The 2026 Roots Picnic & Delivers Freestyle + Na'im Lynn
1h 42m • 6/1/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime