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Regan quizzed by CNN

CNN interviewed Brian Regan. On being clean:

I used to have a few jokes here and there with a four-letter word in it. I was always 90 to 95 percent clean with my jokes anyways, and I’m kind of anal so, why be 95 percent something when you could be 100 percent something? It worked out, and people really seem to respond to it so I guess that other 5 percent wasn’t that important anyways.

No preaching. No “should” or “oughta,” just an acknowledgement that it worked out for him that way. We note that the interviewer frames the question thusly:

You don’t really use the crass language many comedians rely on. Is there a reason for that?

And that the headline is:

Brian Regan Keeps It Clean

And that the second graf starts with:

Famous for his clean jokes…

Actually, he’s famous for his jokes.

Considering that CNN would be among the first to raise an eyebrow over anyone who might send a complaint letter to the FCC about foul language, their obsession over Regan’s cleanliness is inconsistent, to say the least. When did CNN go all schoolmarm on us?

Regan’s take on the creative process is interesting for its simplicity and its tolerance:

I used to try and sit down with a blank piece of paper. I would stare at the paper, and it just continues to stay blank. I’ve learned that for me, it’s easier for me to go out and live my life and do my thing.

Note the clause, “for me” (two times!), in that last sentence. Is this the nicest guy in all of standup?

Thanks to Graham Currin for the spot!