Kill Tony #765 – ARI MATTI + DUSTIN POIRIER
Date: April 28, 2026
Location: Comedy Mothership, Austin, TX
Hosts: Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban
Guests: Ari Matti (Comedian) + Dustin Poirier (UFC fighter)
Episode Overview
This lively, sold-out episode of Kill Tony — the #1 live podcast in the world — features comedian Ari Matti and UFC star Dustin Poirier on the panel, alongside hosts Tony Hinchcliffe and Brian Redban. Recorded during the chaos of South by Southwest, the show delivers its signature format: comedians drawn from the bucket perform a minute of stand-up, followed by spirited, improvisational interviews and ruthless yet hilarious feedback. The episode also features returning favorites, first-timers, awkward moments, and the unpredictable mix of vulnerable honesty and cutthroat roast the show is famous for.
Panel Introduction & Banter
[02:44-05:21]
- Ari Matti, billed as “one of the best comedians in the world right now,” shares the stage with “the fighting pride of Louisiana,” UFC legend Dustin Poirier.
- Tony Hinchcliffe sets the tone for the night, playfully warning Poirier he can beat up any comedian who roasts him too hard, promising “If it fucks up our ads...we’ll blur it.”
- The panel jokes about stage fright in both MMA and comedy:
- Tony: “Some people are great in the gym...when the lights hit, they suck.”
- Ari: “I was really good at the gym. When the lights hit you, I’m a bro and I — shrugs.” (05:03)
- Tony explains the process for new listeners: a minute on stage, cat sound means wrap up, then a live interview. “Anything can happen.”
Stand-Out Comedian Performances & Interviews
Golden Ticket: Pat O’Neill
[06:22–13:02]
- Pat O’Neill opens with raunchy, offbeat jokes on Tinder, cheating, dating older women, and single moms.
- Tony: “You look like a reptilian leprechaun...you’re a true comedian.”
- The interview spins into his empty apartment and vanilla-scented candle, drawing sharp banter:
- Tony: “Not a lot of people are into a permanent Halloween decoration every time they get home.”
- Ari: “Everything is dead in that apartment.” (11:10)
Bucket Pulls: Community Highlights
1. Anastasia Nadraga
[14:03–17:22]
- Delivers a scattered, self-deprecating set, referencing “Epstein files” and avoiding reality.
- Tony and Ari mercilessly roast her for lack of preparation:
- Tony: “You’re the worst. You can’t answer basic questions.” (16:49)
- Ari: “The mental illness is staggering.” (15:24)
- Anastasia becomes the night’s “proof the bucket is real.”
2. Benny Bruce
[20:52–26:14]
- Opens strong with dominoes and dating jokes.
- Reveals journey from Grand Rapids, MI, to Austin, car troubles, support from family, and recovery from a drug-fueled broken engagement.
- Tony: “You have some really funny jokes and a good style. Excited for your future.” (26:14)
3. Bryce Wright
[26:57–37:33]
- 21-year-old show producer from Jacksonville recounts his marijuana/gun arrest.
- Shares stories about dating, parental support, and his girlfriend's rimjobs.
- Ari: “You do look like...drug dealers always look like drug dealers.” (31:02)
- Bryce (about jail): “It was actually really nice...everybody was nice.” (34:14)
4. Eddie Adams
[38:48–45:20]
- Five years in, Jewish car salesman with flamboyant energy.
- Engaging panel banter on his gay “sound,” Hinge marriage, and mild culture/faith clash.
- Shares the unique origin story for trying comedy: a dare at an Atlanta house party:
- Eddie: “No one had ever asked me, ‘Is that what you grew up wanting to do?’” (45:28)
5. Karen Feehan (Established Comedian Special Guest)
[46:18–49:19]
- Delivers polished material riffing on ballet, alcoholism, and MMA guys:
- Karen: “Whenever I miss blacking out, I just sleep with an MMA guy...People are so mean about MMA guys...I’m like, no, their brains are just on the outside now. I’m just kidding. They’re pretty dumb.”
- Roasty, self-aware, and conversational.
6. Luke Aaron
[50:05–55:34]
- Awkward, poetry-obsessed returnee—repeatedly told to prepare more and stop wasting the opportunity:
- Tony: “You gotta give it six months. Sign up again in six months. This isn’t just the ‘Get Attention’ show.” (55:15)
7. Chase Standen
[58:19–67:07]
- First-timer shines after a weak set before him, with Bop It–themed oral sex jokes and a Gaza Strip punchline.
- Reveals unique “aquarium producer” job story, door-to-door sales with groping incident, and recruiting background.
- Tony: “Very funny...You look great. We don’t even know if you’re great, but anything is better than that (last act), no?” (59:58)
8. Fiona Cauley (Golden Ticket Winner)
[67:52–75:35]
- Wheelchair-using comic with signature raw and sex-positive energy:
- Fiona: “I used to be a real big whore...I wanted to roll into as much dick as possible...And then you find out you’re not really dying — and now you’re just a whore.”
- Banter with Tony and Dustin about her wild college life and a failed “12-inch” liaison, leading to running jokes about why she’s in a wheelchair.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Quote / Moment | Speaker |
|-----------|----------------|---------|
| 04:49 | “If anybody roasts you or makes fun...just beat—wait for them in the parking lot.” | Tony Hinchcliffe |
| 05:21 | “There are going to be people that think they are the best in the world...and the pressure is going to get to them.” | Tony Hinchcliffe |
| 31:02 | “Drug dealers always look like drug dealers, too.” | Ari Matti |
| 34:14 | “The jail was actually not that bad at all. The people were nice.” | Bryce Wright |
| 45:28 | “No one had ever asked me...‘Is that what you grew up wanting to do?’” | Eddie Adams |
| 47:25 | “Whenever I miss blacking out, I just sleep with an MMA guy.” | Karen Feehan |
| 49:05 | “So many Winnie the Pooh’s out there. All shirts, no pants. I love them.” | Karen Feehan |
| 53:24 | “You gotta give it six months. Sign up again in six months.” | Tony Hinchcliffe (to Luke Aaron) |
| 59:31 | “My girlfriend’s got a landing strip. I call that the Gaza Strip. I call my girlfriend’s vagina Gaza because I shoot loads at it and children are dying in there.” | Chase Standen |
| 71:30 | “I can’t wait to get my terminal illness diagnosis. Just blast this ass once and for all.” | Tony Hinchcliffe |
| 84:32 | “The song debuted on YouTube 13 years ago...and it’s only got 1,002 views.” | Tony Hinchcliffe (to Isaiah Washington) |
Running Themes
- Stage Fright/Performance: The contrast between gym confidence vs. stage performance; fighters and comedians share jitters.
- Vulnerability and Authenticity: Both in life stories (jail stints, special needs work, disabilities) and comedic persona (awkwardness and raw confessions).
- First-Timers vs. Regulars: The value of preparation, feedback; first-timers get real advice, while regulars and golden ticket winners are praised for growth.
- Socioeconomic Struggles: Unemployed comics, struggling producers, wild job histories including floor sales, security, and slaughterhouse work.
Standout Interview Exchanges
On Being Unemployed & Chores
[113:04–115:57]
- B. Lee, an unemployed comic living off his “female at home,” details domestic tasks and admits occasional strain in the relationship.
- Tony: “Why haven’t you gotten a job in a year?”
- B. Lee: “Well, I was doing construction...” (leads to honest, if meandering, account of tough luck and laziness).
On Life Experience Impacting Comedy
[121:26–125:48]
- Dedrick Flynn: On tattoos as “battle power” in blue-collar work and the subtle racial code of Mormon Utah.
- Tony (to Poirier): “There is something to that tattoo thing...And that is true. You did beat Conor McGregor’s ass twice.”
Closing Section: Panel Reflections & Highlights
[108:43–109:23]
- Panel reflects on “genuineness” as a key to connecting, notably after Flash Goran’s sweet debut.
- Ari Matti: “It really shows about the show — if you just are who you are, you can always resonate.”
- Tony: “Sometimes being hilarious doesn’t necessarily matter. It can come from the least expected places like being adorably sweet.”
Episode’s Final Act: Dedrick Flynn’s “How It’s Done” Set
[119:30–125:48]
- Dedrick Flynn, elite regular, closes with a robust set on tattoos, car washes, and blue-collar stereotypes, bravely roasting panel and crowd alike.
- Dedrick (to Poirier): “The only reason you lost that first Conor fight is because he had a throat tattoo...You got more tattoos after that. That’s battle power.” (121:48)
Key Timestamps (Selected)
- 04:49: Tony welcomes panel, explains crowd stakes
- 06:22: Pat O'Neill’s golden ticket set and interview
- 14:03: Anastasia Nadraga’s chaotic set & immediate roast
- 26:57: Bryce Wright discusses jail, drugs, and his girlfriend
- 38:48: Car salesman Eddie Adams gets grilled on faith, identity
- 46:18: Karen Feehan’s professional guest set
- 50:05: Luke Aaron’s awkward poetry and reality check
- 58:19: Chase Standen’s “Bop It” sex bit & aquarium adventures
- 67:52: Fiona Cauley’s wheelchair sex confessions
- 77:48: Isaiah Washington’s jokes about dads, jail, and family
- 94:43: Flash Goran’s sweet, first-ever stand-up/interview
Takeaways for New Listeners
- Prepare to be surprised: talent level varies wildly, and sometimes the most memorable moments aren't the tightest sets, but realness or pure awkwardness.
- The panel (especially Tony, Ari, and Dustin) alternate between sharp roasts and supportive mentorship, making for a unique blend of challenge and encouragement.
- The bucket draw is truly random — anyone can go from a one-liner star to a bold lesson in reality.
- The show isn’t just about jokes: it’s also a window into the lives of aspiring comics, their hustles, heartbreaks, and hopes.
Final Thoughts
This episode is packed with the wild energy of festival week, distinguished guests, raw first-timers, killer material, and even a few feel-good moments among the roasts. Whether you’re here for the brutal honesty, life advice, or the raw artistry of stand-up under pressure — it’s a classic, chaotic Kill Tony experience.
