Brad Stine destroys the notion that only liberal comics are capable of bringing the funny. In just a few short years, he has emerged one of the most bankable stars in comedy, in part to embracing his comedic voice that speaks to one of the largest and most ignored fan bases in the country: Christian Americans.
The veteran comedian, who is best known for his high-octane, thought-provoking, in-your-face brand of humor, spent two decades as a working comic in Hollywood before his career-defining move to Nashville. Since 2003, Stine is one of the most sought-after comedians working today, appearing on NBC’s Nightly News, ABC’s Nightline, FOX News’ Hannity & Colmes and NPR’s Fresh Air. Stine’s major breakthrough came when Adam Green’s feature story in The New Yorker magazine catapulted him into the media spotlight. “The New Yorker was my Tonight Show,” he says of his official launch to stardom.
Soon after, the in-demand comedian began receiving calls from 60 Minutes and generating press coverage in The New York Times, Newsweek and USA Today. A floodgate of career opportunities burst wide open as Stine scored a book deal from Penguin, a record deal with Warner Bros. and recorded three CD/DVDs: Put a Helmet On (2003), Conservative Unleashed (2004) and Tolerate This! (2005)
STM talked to the comedian during his one-day visit to the Big Apple while promoting his latest book, Live from Middle America: Rants From a Red-State Comedian. Sitting cozily in the lounge at Hotel QT, Stine’s cool demeanor is a sharp contrast from his high-voltage stage persona. But his passion for shattering stereotypes as a conservative Christian comedian is nothing less than inspiring. Stine is not one to mince words. He’s a straight shooter who proudly expresses his strong faith and is quick to call out Christians and liberals alike.
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Comic Tips: working clean, joke writing, Christian comedy, moving from Hollywood to Nashville
