San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

Brian Regan delivers clean laughs

Brian Regan - Color 2 - Photo Credit Jerry Metellus

In a comedy world populated by sex jokes and raunchy humor, Brian Regan is an exception, an enigma of clean comedy. He has been hailed by performers such as Bill Burr, Pete Holmes and John Mulaney, to name a few. Regan recently appeared with Jerry Seinfeld on the web series, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” Regan did not spend much time with Seinfeld before meeting him for the show.

“I mean, it was fun. I saw him perform in Vegas when I was there, went backstage and said hello,” Regan said. We know each other professionally mostly, but we’ve never flown a kite together, if you know that saying.”

Known for his approachable comedy, Regan relies mostly on day-to-day experiences for his stand-up routine, and part of his success seems to be this relatability. Though the term can sometimes be a turn off when it comes to comedy, Regan truly manages to be “family friendly” without making any comedic sacrifices.

Similar to many comedians, Regan has many influences.

“Well, I’d have to say my brother, Dennis Regan … might as well start with some nepotism. Seinfeld, Bill Burr, Carol Leifer, Maria Bamford, Chris Rock and so many more,” Regan said.

Regan develops his material from day-to-day experiences.

“I don’t mean to sound flippant or anything, but I just go through my normal day,” Regan explained. “I’m not really looking for comedy. I go where I go, I read what I read and every once in a while something jumps out.”

During the interview, Regan shared a randomly funny story about meeting one of his fans.

“I was coming out of a restaurant, and there was this guy. He was a young guy with a long beard, just shuffling past, looking at the ground. He walked maybe 10 feet past me, stopped and slowly walked back. He comes up to me and says, ‘Hey man, I just want you to know you have a huge following among pot smokers.’ I mean, I was in complete and total shock. I was expecting him to, I don’t know, ask for a dollar or something, and instead he gives me a compliment. It was great.”

Though he has traveled all over the U.S for his tour, Regan actually visited San Diego with his parents when he was younger.

“I remember driving through La Jolla, and it’s gorgeous, I mean, definitely a beautiful place. Plus … the weather you have is unlike anything else on the planet. It’s never too hot, never too cold.”

Regan hopes viewers are caught off guard by his performance.

“I would like to think that people will hear material they haven’t heard before. That’s my greatest hope-I don’t care if you think it’s funny, I just want you to have never heard it before. That’s the biggest compliment I can get,” Regan said.

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About the Contributor
Jamie Ballard, Managing Editor
Jamie Ballard is the managing editor of The Daily Aztec for 2016-17. She has been a member of The Daily Aztec since 2013, first as a staff writer and then as a news editor. Her work has been featured at Esquire.com, San Diego CityBeat, Student Universe, and several other sites. Jamie also works as an editorial assistant for Mike Sager, writer-at-large for Esquire and founder of The Sager Group. Follow her at @BallardJamie23 or email her at me@thedailyaztec.com
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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Brian Regan delivers clean laughs