Club Shay Shay: Carlos Miller Part 1 – A Deep Dive into Comedy, Hustle, and Personal Journeys

Released on November 6, 2024, "Club Shay Shay" hosts Shannon Sharpe engage with standout personalities to uncover their stories. In this episode, Shannon Sharpe sits down with the multifaceted comedian, Carlos Miller, to explore his journey from Oxford, Mississippi, to the vibrant comedy scene of Atlanta.

Introduction to Carlos Miller

[05:03] Shannon Sharpe:
"Welcome to another episode of Club Shay Shay. I am your host, Shannon Sharpe. The guy that's stopping by for conversation on the drink today is one of the funnest comedians of his generation… the hilarious K. Carlos Miller."

Carlos Miller exudes charisma as Shannon introduces him, highlighting his versatility as a comedian, podcaster, and entertainer.

Early Life and Upbringing in Oxford, Mississippi

[06:25] Shannon Sharpe:
"So when you were growing up, what did you want to be? Growing up in Oxford, Mississippi, like that?"

[06:32] Carlos Miller:
"Man, it was always a constant hustle… selling drinks at the game, breaking down tents, parking, construction."

Carlos delves into his early years, emphasizing the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by his environment. Growing up in a large family of eight siblings, Carlos reflects on the responsibilities and dynamics that shaped his work ethic.

[08:48] Carlos Miller:
"I'm the oldest, but I'm the smallest. My mother had better insurance by the time she had them."

This humorous acknowledgment of his position in the family highlights his ability to balance leadership with self-awareness.

Transition to Comedy and Move to Atlanta

[13:33] Shannon Sharpe:
"So that was, was that main reason that you left Oxford was to come to Atlanta to do comedy?"

[13:36] Carlos Miller:
"Man, once you hit Atlanta and see that nightlife, you just kind of find any way to get… it was so much going on."

Carlos explains his decision to relocate to Atlanta, recognizing it as a hub for entertainment and opportunities. His first performances at Twisted Taco marked the beginning of a thriving comedy career.

Early Success and TV Appearances

[24:14] Shannon Sharpe:
"What are some of the best advice comedians have given you?"

[24:34] Carlos Miller:
"Be funny. Everything. If you're a comedian and you're funny, everything else will find you."

Carlos shares insights from fellow comedians, emphasizing authenticity and honing one's craft as key to success. His appearances on shows like Last Comic Standing, Comic View, and Def Comedy Jam are discussed as pivotal moments in his career.

[30:19] Carlos Miller:
"It was a dream… to get on those shows. Anytime they call them, I always do them."

This dedication underscores Carlos's commitment to expanding his reach and establishing his presence in the comedy landscape.

Navigating Challenges in the Comedy Industry

[17:05] Carlos Miller:
"For 30 minutes now, putting it all together was the hard part… timing it out, like. And then you gotta include the laughs."

Carlos candidly discusses the difficulties of maintaining a consistent and engaging comedy set, highlighting the ongoing process of refining his material and performance.

[19:18] Carlos Miller:
"But it was mostly like, that's comedy club, green room, back room. That's between us."

He touches on the internal conflicts and rivalries within the comedy community, particularly referencing tensions stemming from fellow comedian Katt Williams.

Personal Anecdotes and Experiences

[55:00] Shannon Sharpe:
"So check this out. We leaving. I said, God dang, man, I left my watch and my bracelet…"

Carlos narrates a harrowing personal experience involving a confrontation at a woman's house, showcasing his storytelling prowess and ability to blend humor with real-life events.

[63:04] Shannon Sharpe:
"So you acting like you got a job, bro."

[63:07] Carlos Miller:
"You got about 20 minutes of football highlights on YouTube."

These exchanges reveal the playful banter and rapport between Shannon and Carlos, adding levity to the conversation.

Insights on Relationships and Dating

[38:13] Shannon Sharpe:
"What's the appropriate place to take someone on the first date? How much is the appropriate amount to spend on the first date?"

[38:34] Carlos Miller:
"Men, we lose because we don't plan enough… if you take her somewhere you can afford, it’s gonna make it look like you had this whole thing laid out."

Carlos offers pragmatic advice on dating, stressing the importance of planning within one’s means to create meaningful experiences without financial strain.

[46:39] Shannon Sharpe:
"Have you ever used a dating site?"

[46:41] Carlos Miller:
"I ain't never been on there. Social media is about as close to a dating site as I'm gonna get."

He shares his preference for in-person connections over online dating, emphasizing authenticity in relationships.

Social Commentary and Representation

[61:07] Shannon Sharpe:
"Who started Safe and Healthy? Who started the hashtag black men don't cheat?"

[61:08] Carlos Miller:
"Yeah, I'm a black man. I'm a black man. In order to cheat, you gotta be with somebody, right?"

Carlos engages in a discussion about societal perceptions of black men, challenging stereotypes and advocating for fair representation.

[63:22] Carlos Miller:
"When you find them, you wanna leave them better than you found them."

This sentiment underscores his belief in personal integrity and uplifting others within his community.

Managing Fame and Business

[35:12] Carlos Miller:
"You have your routine. You gotta eat right, you gotta get some rest…"

Carlos outlines his strategies for maintaining energy and authenticity while juggling multiple performances and business ventures, ensuring each show remains fresh and engaging.

[35:54] Shannon Sharpe:
"People don't want someone that big…"

He discusses the balancing act between managing high-profile opportunities and staying true to his roots, highlighting the importance of a supportive management team.

Conclusion and Tease for Part 2

[71:43] Hulu Announcer:
[Ad continues...]

[72:15] Shannon Sharpe:
"This concludes the first half of my conversation. Part two is also posted…"

Shannon wraps up the episode by hinting at continued discussions in Part 2, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more insights and stories from Carlos Miller.

Notable Quotes:

• Carlos Miller [24:34]:
  "Be funny. Everything. If you're a comedian and you're funny, everything else will find you."

• Carlos Miller [35:12]:
  "You gotta make sure you got your routine. You gotta eat right, you gotta get you some rest."

• Carlos Miller [61:08]:
  "Black men don't cheat. Black men, the most faithful man out here."

• Carlos Miller [63:22]:
  "When you find them, you wanna leave them better than you found them."

Final Thoughts

In this engaging first part of his conversation with Shannon Sharpe, Carlos Miller offers a candid look into his life, from his humble beginnings in Oxford to navigating the challenging waters of the comedy industry in Atlanta. His insights on hustle, authenticity, relationships, and representation provide listeners with both inspiration and entertainment. As the episode concludes, anticipation builds for the next installment, promising further exploration of Carlos's dynamic journey.