Summary of "Black & Mild with Donnell Rawlings" Episode on The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly

In the April 2, 2025 episode of The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly, titled "Black & Mild with Donnell Rawlings," listeners are treated to an engaging and candid conversation with comedian Donnell Rawlings. Hosted by Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly, the episode delves deep into Rawlings' experiences in the comedy world, his interactions with fellow comedians, and his perspectives on the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy.

Introduction of Donnell Rawlings and His Current Tour

The episode begins with the hosts introducing Donnell Rawlings, highlighting his ongoing "Black and Mild" tour. Big Jay Oakerson shares details about Rawlings' upcoming shows at venues like City Winery in New York City and City Winery in Los Angeles, emphasizing Rawlings' active presence in the stand-up circuit.

Notable Quote:

Big Jay Oakerson [01:04]: "He is currently out on the Black and Milford tour, which will be at City Winery in New York City on March 28th and 29th, the End in Torrance on April 8th, and Donnell Land in Yellow Springs, Ohio, on May 23rd through the 26th."

Challenges and Observations in the Comedy Industry

Rawlings shares his frustrations with the traditional Hollywood comedy scene, noting the diminishing necessity of residing in entertainment hubs like Los Angeles or New York. He reflects on Katt Williams' assertion that success in Hollywood often requires compromising one's integrity, leading him to relocate to places like Yellow Springs, Ohio, in search of better quality of life and creative freedom.

Notable Quote:

Donnell Rawlings [02:27]: "It was weird how it happened. I never had intentions on doing that, but my baby mother got on my nerves so motherfucking bad during the pandemic. I just had to retreat and go somewhere."

Interactions with Fellow Comedians and Industry Figures

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Rawlings' interactions with other comedians, including Todd Lynn and Charlie Murphy. Rawlings candidly discusses his complex relationship with Todd Lynn, expressing deep-seated frustrations and recounting instances where Lynn's behavior negatively impacted their professional rapport.

Notable Quote:

Donnell Rawlings [13:43]: "Such a dickhead."

He also highlights his mentorship of Charlie Murphy, encouraging Murphy to embrace stand-up comedy, which ultimately led Murphy to develop into a compelling storyteller despite initial criticism.

Notable Quote:

Donnell Rawlings [27:23]: "I bullied Charlie into doing stand up."

Experiences with Radio and Media

Rawlings delves into his extensive background in radio, recounting his time on various New York radio stations and the competitive nature of the medium. He emphasizes the importance of creating a genuine connection with audiences, contrasting mainstream radio practices with more authentic, comedic approaches.

Notable Quote:

Donnell Rawlings [08:07]: "I was on every station in New York and got fired from one."

Racial Dynamics and Comedy

The episode touches upon the complexities of racial dynamics within the comedy scene. Rawlings discusses the challenges black comedians face when crossing over to predominantly white audiences and venues. He criticizes the limited definitions of what constitutes a "comedian," arguing that stand-up should remain distinct from other forms of comedic expression like internet skits.

Notable Quote:

Donnell Rawlings [30:05]: "She was like, I'm a comedian. I said, no, you're not. She said, yes, I am. Then she put a definition. Webster's definition of a comedian is a person that entertains an audience through humor."

Personal Anecdotes and Storytelling

Throughout the episode, Rawlings shares several personal stories that highlight his unique perspective on the entertainment industry. From humorous tales about managing relationships with other comedians to candid discussions about his own struggles and triumphs, Rawlings offers listeners an unfiltered glimpse into his life.

Notable Quote:

Donnell Rawlings [16:27]: "Cause it's all out there. That's the only way you make it."

Reflections on Success and Authenticity

In the latter part of the conversation, Rawlings reflects on his definition of success in comedy. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity and control over one’s career, rather than relying on external validation from producers or networks. This sentiment underscores his commitment to self-determination and artistic integrity.

Notable Quote:

Donnell Rawlings [32:15]: "If you're happy, I'm fine."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with Rawlings promoting his "Black and Mild" tour, inviting listeners to attend his performances and engage with his comedic work. The hosts and Rawlings wrap up the discussion by reiterating the importance of staying true to oneself in the ever-evolving world of comedy.

Notable Quote:

Donnell Rawlings [43:16]: "We deal with all type of fun activities, man. We kayak, we play kickball, we do nature walks, sound bath."

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity Over Conformity: Rawlings underscores the value of staying true to one’s comedic voice rather than conforming to industry pressures.

• Challenges for Black Comedians: The discussion highlights the unique obstacles faced by black comedians in mainstream media and the importance of creating spaces where diverse voices can thrive.

• Mentorship and Collaboration: Rawlings’ experiences mentoring fellow comedians like Charlie Murphy demonstrate the significance of collaboration and support within the comedy community.

• Evolving Definitions of Comedy: The conversation points to a growing diversity in comedic expression, advocating for a broader understanding of what it means to be a comedian.

This episode of The Bonfire offers a rich exploration of the intricacies of the comedy industry through the lens of Donnell Rawlings. His honest reflections and dynamic interactions with the hosts provide listeners with valuable insights into the art and business of stand-up comedy.