The Commercial Break - TCB Infomercial: Ron Funches
Episode Date: November 19, 2024
Host(s): Bryan Green & Krissy Hoadley
Guest: Ron Funches (Comedian, Actor, Voice Actor)
Episode Overview
This episode of The Commercial Break podcast’s "Infomercial Tuesday" brings in the inimitable Ron Funches as the featured guest. The hosts and Ron riff on everything from the surreal evolution of robot security, the art of voice acting, the joys and struggles of parenthood (especially raising a neurodivergent child), and the realities of making it in comedy. The tone is consistently improvisational, affectionate, and irreverent, with memorable asides, candid reflections, and plenty of laughs.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Ron’s Unique Comedy & Voice Acting Journey
- On Having a Unique Voice
- Ron’s distinctive voice, once a subject of teasing, is now his professional asset. He describes the two camps of voice actors: mimics, and “weirdos with weird voices”—with Ron happily claiming the latter (
14:32).- Quote:
“For the longest of times, people just made fun of me and it felt like a detriment... for it to now be a thing that’s been able to help me buy a house or have people know who I am—it's amazing.”
—Ron Funches (14:32)
- Quote:
- Ron’s distinctive voice, once a subject of teasing, is now his professional asset. He describes the two camps of voice actors: mimics, and “weirdos with weird voices”—with Ron happily claiming the latter (
- Connection with Kids/Families
- Bryan relates how Ron’s characters (notably “Coop” in Trolls and his role in Inside Out 2) became comfort figures in his own and friends’ households. Ron enjoys being able to reach children and “show them that type of stuff” despite most of his stand-up being for adults (
15:24).
- Bryan relates how Ron’s characters (notably “Coop” in Trolls and his role in Inside Out 2) became comfort figures in his own and friends’ households. Ron enjoys being able to reach children and “show them that type of stuff” despite most of his stand-up being for adults (
Early Life, Comedy, & Wrestling Aspirations
- Chicago Roots & Natural Performer
- Ron grew up in Southside Chicago, with expressive tendencies and “making fun of people” part of his DNA, though he didn’t initially see it as career potential (
18:30). - He self-effacingly notes his limited early interests:
“I either wanted to work in comedy or be a professional wrestler. And I was like, but I’m not big enough… so I had to focus on comedy.”
—Ron Funches (19:40)
- Ron grew up in Southside Chicago, with expressive tendencies and “making fun of people” part of his DNA, though he didn’t initially see it as career potential (
On Parenting and Raising a Neurodivergent Child
- Lessons from Fatherhood
- Much of the episode’s emotional heart centers on Ron’s experiences raising a now-adult autistic son. He describes the transformation in his own patience, the evolution of his hopes, and how expectations can hinder deeper pride or joy (
26:12).- Quote:
“He’s taught me to give up all expectations but keep all hope… you have a kid, you start daydreaming about these things that you want for them… I very quickly had to abandon all of those expectations and just learn to be like, okay, I hope he one day just says, I love you… see, that had gone from me never knowing if he would say that to him being so independent…”
—Ron Funches (26:12)
- Quote:
- Much of the episode’s emotional heart centers on Ron’s experiences raising a now-adult autistic son. He describes the transformation in his own patience, the evolution of his hopes, and how expectations can hinder deeper pride or joy (
- Letting Go of Expectations
- The hosts and Ron share heartfelt moments about the evolving notion of pride and success in parenthood:
“Our job as parents is to help our kids become their true selves, not what we want them to be.”
—Ron Funches (29:49)
- The hosts and Ron share heartfelt moments about the evolving notion of pride and success in parenthood:
Working in Comedy and Show Business
-
The Nonlinear Path to “Making It”
- Ron and Bryan deconstruct the myth of “arrival” in entertainment:
“I don’t think there really is anything that ever feels like you make it… you can just take those as markers… but overall, I just try to do things that are fun for me…”
—Ron Funches (32:51) - He recounts doing Conan O’Brien (his “marker” moment), opening for Paul Simon, and being praised by Maya Rudolph as highlights, but always with humility and tongue-in-cheek.
- Ron and Bryan deconstruct the myth of “arrival” in entertainment:
-
Voice Work & Acting Gigs
- Ron’s first acting role was on “Portlandia” (no lines, just expressive faces), and his breakout voice gig was as a “space alien princess named Charizard” for a DreamWorks TV version of “Home” (
24:47).
- Ron’s first acting role was on “Portlandia” (no lines, just expressive faces), and his breakout voice gig was as a “space alien princess named Charizard” for a DreamWorks TV version of “Home” (
-
Evolving Interests: Jiu Jitsu & Game Shows
- He’s now doing jiu jitsu and pilates, interests that have gently displaced wrestling fandom (
21:00).
- He’s now doing jiu jitsu and pilates, interests that have gently displaced wrestling fandom (
Ron’s Philosophy on Comedy
- Comedy Truths & Delivery
- Ron shares his comedic philosophy: writing and performing with honesty, rather than typecasting.
“If I just said what I really believed… people weren’t used to that, and it would make them laugh—a real, truthful, hearty laugh, as opposed to these laughs of ‘oh, that’s clever.’”
—Ron Funches (39:23) - He considers himself an “energy matcher”:
“If you don’t match [basic respect and kindness] with me, I adjust quickly.” (
37:53)
- Ron shares his comedic philosophy: writing and performing with honesty, rather than typecasting.
Reflections on Success, Parenting, & Parental Validation
- Mom’s Approval
- One of Ron’s most validating moments came when his mom, initially skeptical of his comedy career, attended a show, saw him perform, and finally “got it” (
29:49).“She pulled me aside and was like, ‘You know, I get it. This is who you are, this is what you’re meant to do.’”
—Ron Funches (29:49)
- One of Ron’s most validating moments came when his mom, initially skeptical of his comedy career, attended a show, saw him perform, and finally “got it” (
Ron’s Current & Upcoming Projects
- Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?
- Ron is a panelist and loves it, hoping to host his own game show one day. He’s also delighting in the chance “to funnel money from corporations to individuals” (
43:17).“I just hope to host like something like The Price Is Right or something of that nature… would be really fun for me.”
—Ron Funches (44:53)
- Ron is a panelist and loves it, hoping to host his own game show one day. He’s also delighting in the chance “to funnel money from corporations to individuals” (
- Podcasts
- Getting Better: A comedic self-help show with affirmations and guest chats.
- Wagon That Dragon: Ron and friend Joey Serone watch House of the Dragon and discuss, with Ron as the total fantasy newbie.
- Voice & TV Work
- Continues to voice Coop in “Trolls” and has roles in popular shows (“Loot” on Apple TV, “Inside Out 2,” “Is It Cake?”).
Pop Culture Tangents & Memorable Ronisms
-
Koala Chlamydia
- Great comic riff:
“I didn’t even know koalas went to Coachella.”
—Ron Funches (00:00)- The hosts are delighted by this “epidemic,” with multiple jokes about koala promiscuity (
46:48).
- The hosts are delighted by this “epidemic,” with multiple jokes about koala promiscuity (
- Great comic riff:
-
Robots & Dystopia
- The hosts riff on Boston Dynamics “dog robots” now used at the White House and joke about Roombas, over-powered flashlights, and how the future is equal parts absurd and “dystopian” (
02:59).
- The hosts riff on Boston Dynamics “dog robots” now used at the White House and joke about Roombas, over-powered flashlights, and how the future is equal parts absurd and “dystopian” (
Notable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)
-
On Parental Pride
“Expectations sow the seeds of our own disappointment.”
—Bryan Green (27:54) -
On Comedy ‘Making It’
“I don’t think there really is anything that ever feels like you make it… just take those as markers.”
—Ron Funches (32:51) -
On Game Shows & Aspirations
“I hope to host a game show one day. That’s one of my big goals.”
—Ron Funches (42:18) -
On the Koala Fact
“Most koalas have chlamydia… which is crazy. I didn’t even know koalas went to Coachella.”
—Ron Funches (00:00) -
On Why His Voice is an Asset
“For the longest time people just made fun of me… for it to now be a thing that’s been able to help me buy a house… it’s just been a thing that helps me.”
—Ron Funches (14:32) -
Roasting While Kind
“I really don’t even consider myself that nice… but if you don’t match [my level of respect], I’ll adjust quickly.”
—Ron Funches (37:53) -
On Perspectives After the Election
“We have to be those [good people]… we have to embrace those who fear…”
—Ron Funches (50:28)
Essential Timestamps for Segments
- Koala Chlamydia Opener:
00:00–00:32 - Boston Dynamics Dystopia (Robots at the White House):
02:00–05:30 - Ron Joins the Conversation:
13:32 - Discussion of Ron’s Voice Acting & Kids’ Preferences:
14:00–15:44 - On Parenting a Neurodivergent Son:
25:37–27:54 - Comedy and Parental Approval:
29:49–31:52 - Philosophy of Honesty in Comedy:
39:23–41:49 - Game Show & TV Work:
42:18–44:53 - Pop Culture Takedowns & “Is It Cake?”:
36:35–37:19 - Koala Chlamydia Deep Dive:
46:41–47:15
Conclusion & Episode Vibe
True to the “Cheesecake Factory of comedy podcasts” comparison, this episode covers a lot of ground, veering from personal anecdotes to philosophical comedy talk, from affectionate jabs to big-hearted parent wisdom. Ron Funches shines as both an everyman and a uniquely gifted comic voice, offering infectious good humor and honest insights. This conversation is both hilarious and disarmingly human—a love letter to individuality, resilience, and the enduring, everyday weirdness of Gen X adulthood.
Where to Find More
- Ron Funches:
- Hosts:
- Full back catalog: tcbpodcast.com
Best for: Anyone needing a relatable, thoughtful, and flat-out funny exploration of life, voice acting, comedy, and the power of being different. If you love authentic banter, offbeat wit, and moments that are as moving as they are amusing, this episode is a gem.