Podcast Summary: The BOB & TOM Show Free Podcast – B&T Extra: Comedian Darnell Rawlings
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Host: The BOB & TOM Show | Cumulus Podcast Network
Guest: Darnell Rawlings

Introduction

In this episode of B&T Extra, hosts Bob Kevoian and Chick McGee welcome comedian Darnell Rawlings as a special guest. The conversation delves into Rawlings' comedic journey, personal anecdotes, and his perspectives on various topics, blending humor with insightful discussions.

Early Life and Name Evolution

Darnell Rawlings opens up about his journey with his name and persona. He explains how, growing up in the suburbs, he was consistently called "Darnell." However, his appearance on Chappelle's Show led to the nickname "Ashy Larry," a moniker that stuck for approximately 18 years.

[04:10] Darnell Rawlings: "When I was a kid... it was always Darnell. And then it went from Darnell to the big head boy. And then since my appearance on the Chappelle Show, I've been Ashy Larry, probably for, like, the last 18 years."

Determined to redefine his identity, Rawlings humorously declares a shift to "Ashford Lords," highlighting his desire to break free from past stereotypes.

[04:34] Darnell Rawlings: "He's a supporter of the United Negro Lotion Fund. He talks like this. And whenever he gets upset, he says, 'I beg your pardon.'"

Comedy and Musical Aspirations

The conversation transitions to the intersection of comedy and music. Rawlings shares his honest perspective on the common desire among comedians to sing and vice versa, emphasizing his lack of formal singing training.

[04:47] Bob Kevoian: "Are you a trained singer?"

[04:51] Darnell Rawlings: "No, I mean, it's a weird thing. A lot of times it seems like most comedians want to be a singer or rapper. Most rappers want to be comedians. I can't sing."

He reflects on the challenges of balancing comedic timing with musical performance, noting that while he enjoys playing around with singing, he stays true to his comedic roots to avoid alienating his audience.

[05:21] Darnell Rawlings: "I play around. And don't say that, because now I'm going to take it serious. And people gonna be like, thought you're supposed to be telling jokes."

Life in Yellow Springs, Ohio

Rawlings shares his experiences living between Yellow Springs, Ohio, and Los Angeles, California. He humorously describes his interactions with wildlife, particularly deer, and the unique dynamics of rural life compared to urban settings.

[12:00] Darnell Rawlings: "I'm telling you, a black man with a house in the country, you looking at deer the same way deer looking at you. I was like this. And I was calling him. That's Rudolph and Dixon. I gave them all names."

He highlights the stark contrast in community reactions to different acts, such as littering versus damaging property, providing a comedic take on societal norms in smaller towns.

[13:59] Bob Kevoian: "Is Young's Jersey dairy still there?"

[14:01] Darnell Rawlings: "Yeah, it is."

Humorous Takes on Current Events

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing a local news story about the "Mysterious Poop Chucker" in Colorado. Rawlings and the hosts engage in a lighthearted debate about the motivations and cultural implications behind such actions.

[07:19] Christy Lee: "Authorities in Colorado have labeled a guy the mysterious poop chucker... A suspect is yet to be identified. Are you going to Colorado on the weekends?"

[07:30] Donnell Rawlings: "I have to say that that's only a problem in the white community."

Rawlings humorously contrasts practices between white and black communities regarding pet waste management, injecting humor into discussions about community responsibility and cultural differences.

[08:12] Donnell Rawlings: "You're using the Kroger bag. It's gonna be an old newspaper, a National Enquirer. I might smear your sidewalk up. I'm not gonna invest in biodegradable."

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

The conversation shifts to more personal stories, including Rawlings' experiences with military service and the humorous challenges of maintaining order in his household.

[18:37] Bob Kevoian: "You were an Air Force guy, right?"

[19:05] Donnell Rawlings: "Whenever people say, thank you for your service, I said. I didn't say I was patriotic. I said I was in the military. People from different cultures going for different reasons."

Rawlings candidly discusses his motivations for joining the military, blending humor with reflections on personal and cultural influences.

Closing Remarks

In the concluding segments, Rawlings shares his enthusiasm for baseball's return and offers motivational insights drawn from his experiences overcoming challenges in his career.

[19:50] Donnell Rawlings: "Take the wisdom and knowledge I've learned from the failures when I got sent down my rookie year, all the injuries I had to overcome. Your mind is the most important tool you have in life. Be relentless. Keep charging. It matters how you talk to yourself."

The hosts wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow and engage with the show on their preferred platforms.

Notable Quotes

• Donnell Rawlings [04:10]: "I've been Ashy Larry, probably for, like, the last 18 years."
• Donnell Rawlings [05:21]: "I play around. And don't say that, because now I'm going to take it serious."
• Donnell Rawlings [07:30]: "Because white people are invested in picking up poop."
• Donnell Rawlings [18:06]: "I pay the full amount."

Conclusion

This episode of B&T Extra offers a blend of humor, personal stories, and thoughtful commentary through the lens of comedian Darnell Rawlings. From his evolving identity to humorous takes on community issues, Rawlings provides an engaging narrative that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Listen to the full episode on your favorite platform, including iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher.