Ryan Davis on Comedy, Backlash, and His Mount Rushmore of Social Media Comedians

Defending Comedy and Navigating Backlash

• 💡 Ryan Davis emphasizes defending comedy above all else, viewing himself as more of a comedian than a person.
• ⚠️ He acknowledges that comedy can sometimes cause offense, but stresses the importance of skill in how a joke is delivered and flipped.
• 🎯 When creating content, research is paramount to understand who might be hurt and why, allowing for a way to deliver humor that the targeted group can appreciate.

Ryan Davis's Mount Rushmore of Social Media Comedians

• 🏆 The list includes DC Young Fly, recognized for his transition from social media to mainstream success in movies and arena tours.
• 🎤 Ryan Davis includes himself, citing his pioneering work in funny, topical commentary and his respected stand-up career.
• 🌟 Kev on Stage is honored for his entrepreneurial journey from Boeing to building a successful media network, supporting other comedians, and winning awards.
• 👑 Jess Hilarious is celebrated for her rise from social media to sold-out tours, a sitcom, and a prominent role on The Breakfast Club.
• 🎤 While acknowledging others like Country Wayne and Desi Banks, Davis ultimately names these five as his Mount Rushmore.

The Power of Social Media Content Creation

• 🚀 Davis saw the shift in the entertainment landscape when DC Young Fly sold out a convention center based on social media videos, realizing its power over traditional television.
• ✍️ His background in communications and journalism, though he dropped out of college, informs his reporter-like style of commentary.
• 📈 He initially worried his calm delivery would not resonate in a community that often favors loud, high-energy voices, but gained a million followers within a year.

The Odell Beckham Jr. Viral Moment

• 🏈 Davis's first viral video was about Odell Beckham Jr., which initially caused some friction.
• 🤝 After a back-and-forth on Instagram, they had a conversation where Davis explained his perspective, and Beckham shared his, leading to mutual understanding.
• ⚠️ Beckham's reaction stemmed from the cumulative effect of constant public commentary, not just Davis's specific video, which was the "straw that broke the camel's back."
• ✅ Davis respects when people don't take jokes well and chooses to move on, unless he believes the person is not a good person.