Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club Featuring KevOnStage
Episode Title: INTERVIEW: KevOnStage Talks 'Clean' Comedy, 20 Yrs Of Marriage, “Life from the Back Pew” Tour + More
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host: The Breakfast Club (DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God)
Guest: KevOnStage (Kevin Fredericks)
1. Introduction: Meet KevOnStage
In this engaging episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God welcome the multifaceted comedian and entrepreneur, KevOnStage (Kevin Fredericks). The conversation delves into his unique approach to comedy, his two-decade-long marriage, and his innovative “Life from the Back Pew” tour, among other insightful topics.
2. Dual Identity: KevOnStage vs. Kevin Fredericks
KevOnStage opens up about maintaining two distinct personas: his comedic self and his personal identity.
Charlamagne Tha God [00:53]: "You know, there's some people who might know. I got a two-part question. Number one, who is Kev on stage? Number two, and who is Kevin Fredericks?"
KevOnStage [00:59]: "Kev on stage is probably the performative version of Kevin Fredericks. Kevin stage is a comedian, entertainer... But when I'm at home, I'm Kevin Fredericks, right? I make my family laugh, but I'm not like, 'Yo, let me see this boo boo boo.' When I leave the house, I'm Kev on stage."
3. Embracing 'Clean' Comedy
Kev emphasizes his commitment to clean comedy, steering clear of profanity to connect with a broader audience while still addressing meaningful topics.
KevOnStage [01:40]: "I really just don't cuss. I talk about everything else in my life, everything else that I think is funny. I just don't cuss."
He discusses the cultural nuances of language, particularly the use of the N-word within the Black community, distinguishing it from typical profanity.
Charlamagne Tha God [03:37]: "But nigga don't practice bad habits."
KevOnStage [04:00]: "I think as a black kid, all my friends were saying it was in black culture, movies, tv. And it wasn't a cuss word to my mom."
4. From Church to Comedy: Early Beginnings
Kev’s comedic roots trace back to his experiences in the church, where he first discovered his passion for making people laugh.
KevOnStage [02:25]: "My comedy started in church, like, making people laugh in church. After church, my grandma would be like, do that thing Sister Daniels did when she fell over."
He highlights the importance of the Black church as a nurturing ground for many performers, honing his skills in local talent shows and comedy clubs.
5. Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic: Innovating Comedy Amid Lockdowns
The pandemic posed significant challenges, but Kev leveraged it as an opportunity to innovate his comedy approach.
KevOnStage [05:23]: "I could never do the zoom comedy, I just couldn't get into it... So once they did that, I had the idea of like, okay, if we get people to come outside, luckily LA is warm."
He launched a live-streamed outdoor comedy series, ensuring social distancing while maintaining audience engagement and supporting fellow comedians.
KevOnStage [08:07]: "At the peak of it was 10,000 tickets. And that's like just people who purchase."
This initiative not only kept his audience entertained but also provided a platform for emerging Black comedians to showcase their talent.
6. Empowering Black Women in Comedy: Partnership with Patreon
Understanding the gender disparity in comedy, Kev partnered with Patreon to support and amplify the voices of Black women comedians.
KevOnStage [09:26]: "Patreon reached out to me... I want to produce standup specials for the Black women I think are funny."
He ensured that each show featured at least one Black woman, fostering an inclusive environment and expanding the diversity of his comedic roster.
7. Inspirations and Influences: Icons of Comedy
Kev credits several legendary comedians as his inspirations, shaping his comedic style and philosophy.
KevOnStage [19:02]: "Probably my biggest was Arnes J's probably my favorite comedian. Sinbad didn't cuss... Bernie Mac made me laugh harder than... Eddie Murphy as a goal... more recently, Kevin Hart."
He admires their ability to connect with audiences without relying heavily on profanity, aligning with his own clean comedy ethos.
8. Growing Up in Church: Lessons and Anecdotes
Kev reminisces about his church upbringing, sharing humorous anecdotes that influenced his comedic narrative.
KevOnStage [20:31]: "Sister Lewis would wake up and scream out in church. Nobody ever stopped her... So that's probably the first thing I noticed that was funny."
He discusses how these experiences taught him to navigate social dynamics and find humor in everyday situations.
9. A Pillar of Support: 20 Years of Marriage
Kev attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his wife, highlighting the strength of their two-decade-long marriage.
DJ Envy [25:19]: "She was like, 'Can we like, hello?'"
KevOnStage [25:37]: "She's always believed in me, helping steer things into a foreseeable thing."
Her belief in his vision provided the foundation he needed to pursue his dreams while maintaining family stability.
10. Career Development: From All Deaf Digital to LA
Kev’s tenure at All Deaf Digital under the mentorship of Russell Simmons was a turning point, equipping him with essential skills in digital media and content creation.
KevOnStage [17:03]: "The opportunity that he gave me was life-changing, like, skill-wise."
After moving to Los Angeles, he further expanded his reach, balancing multiple roles and continuously refining his craft.
11. Building Digital Presence: KevOnStage vs. KevOnStage Studios
Recognizing the evolving landscape of digital media, Kev established KevOnStage Studios to manage a diverse range of content beyond his personal brand.
KevOnStage [31:00]: "Kevin Stage Studios actually is much more of a healthy channel... it's my personal point of view."
This strategic move allowed him to diversify his content, including podcasts and collaborative projects, ensuring a sustainable online presence.
12. “Life from the Back Pew” Tour: Blending Faith and Comedy
Kev's “Life from the Back Pew” tour embodies his mission to blend comedic expression with his faith-based roots, targeting audiences familiar with the dynamics of the Black church.
KevOnStage [34:05]: "Life from the Back Pew Tour because I wanted to differentiate my style of humor versus, like, just church humor."
The tour aims to bridge gaps between secular and religious communities, offering content that resonates with a broad spectrum of listeners.
13. Upcoming Projects: Churchie on BET Plus
Kev is launching Churchie, a show that aims to present authentic stories from the Black church, challenging stereotypes and providing a fresh perspective.
KevOnStage [44:40]: "Churchie got picked up for season two. Thanks to Spring Hill, Jamal Henderson, Leslie."
He emphasizes the importance of representation, highlighting how Churchie offers opportunities for Black actors and creatives often marginalized in mainstream media.
14. Harmonizing Faith and Creativity
A significant portion of Kev’s discussion centers around the interplay between his faith and his creative endeavors.
KevOnStage [40:58]: "What if I express those gifts for God 1000%... He wrote this song called Let Go and Let God... I just want to play my role and do my part."
He advocates for using his comedic talents as a form of worship and expression, rather than confining creativity solely within religious institutions.
15. Championing Black Talent: Beyond Nepotism
Kev is passionate about empowering Black talent within the entertainment industry, actively working to counteract systemic racism and nepotism.
KevOnStage [47:00]: "I hired as many black people as I possibly could because to me, as big of a problem in Hollywood, racism is a huge problem."
He focuses on creating equitable opportunities, ensuring that his ventures benefit the entire community rather than just himself.
Closing Remarks: Staying Connected
As the interview wraps up, Kev encourages listeners to follow his journey across various platforms.
KevOnStage [49:56]: "Kev on stage everywhere, whatever platform you're on. Search Kev on stage."
The episode concludes with the hosts expressing their appreciation for Kev’s contributions to comedy and the Black community.
Key Takeaways:
- Dual Identity: Balancing personal life and professional comedy persona.
- Clean Comedy: Focusing on humor without profanity, respecting cultural contexts.
- Innovation During Crisis: Adapting to pandemic restrictions with outdoor and live-streamed shows.
- Empowerment: Supporting and promoting Black women in comedy.
- Faith and Creativity: Integrating religious upbringing with comedic expression.
- Community Building: Creating platforms that benefit the broader Black community in entertainment.
- Sustainable Growth: Establishing multiple channels to maintain a diverse and engaged audience.
KevOnStage's journey, as chronicled in this episode, is a testament to resilience, creativity, and community-focused entrepreneurship. His ability to navigate personal and professional challenges while staying true to his values offers valuable insights for aspiring comedians and entrepreneurs alike.