PROFILE: Ranson Karr has close to zero sports skills

Ranson Karr is a local comedian who is doing a lot more than most. Besides stand-up, he also has a podcast and web TV series. He is even going to start filming a movie soon.

Here's a little ore about him:

When did you start stand-up?

I started stand-up in 2010. My first show was in my sister’s garage with about 20 people there. It was friends and family. I was hooked.

Why did you start stand-up?

I used to take over at parties and entertain people without even realize what I was doing. I loved making people laugh. I think as I’ve gotten older, I have realized when I was younger I was bullied a lot. It was real bad. I think I always wanted to make people laugh for that feeling of acceptance. It was my senior year of high school that I first considered stand-up, but it took roughly 10 years to get the courage to get on stage. I was in a very poor college, but I met this guy that loved hearing me rant and complain. He would laugh non-stop. He said if you do stand-up, I’ll build you a website and promote you. I did that show in my sister’s garage and he was there recording it and cheering me on. Afterward he built me an amazing website! His name was Donovan Denholm.

>>>>MORE about Karr's web series Just Call Me Rance

Why did you start your podcast?

It was just another way to promote my comedy. It has now turned into me hanging out with my friends and talking about stuff I find interesting.

What is one sport that you are not good at?

There are many I’m not good at. If I had to pick one, it would probably be soccer. I played sports growing up and was OK at football and basketball. However, I wasn’t ever a kid that people said, “Man! Ranson got skills!”

What were you like in high school?

I was a class clown. I was always getting in trouble for trying to be funny. Most of the time, I didn’t apply myself like I should have. I was shy with girls and the ones I did like didn’t like me, so I relied on making people laugh. I took a drama class my senior year that I loved and wish I had started younger. I also found only certain teachers understood how to get me to learn. They were just really good at their job and knew how to help me. I only mention that because I feel these teachers all had a small part of me becoming a comic later in life.

Why did you start filming?

I always wanted to make a movie. The first idea I ever had was a twisted dream, but it was so descriptive. I told friends about it and they loved the idea. I never have done anything with that idea, but it made me feel like I could write a script.  The reason I do it now is I feel like it’s the way I can get me and my friends discovered. There are so many great comics around, so the only way to stand out is to do something different that makes noise. I think the people I have in my projects are really great; they are stars that people don’t know yet.  At some point someone will say look what these people did in Dayton, and they are great comics.

Do you enjoy the podcast, filming or stand-up the most?

I think stand-up because it’s kind of like therapy, but filming is a close second.

Has a girl ever hit you? If so, why?

Only all the time! Please HELP! In all seriousness, in junior high a girl beat the crap out of me at a dance. I have no idea why. I was an easy target for bullies and she was a female bully. I have never laid a hand on a girl or a woman. In this case, I probably should have. I was walking through the gym and she came running up and kicked me in the balls. I fell and she just kept punching me while people stood around and laughed. It was very humiliating.

What is your preferred stand-up outfit? In other words, what do you like to wear on stage?

I don’t have a preferred outfit, but if it’s at a comedy club I try to dress nice.

What’s the worst trip or vacation you’ve ever been on?

I went to Canada after a bad break up with my best friend. I was very depressed and we went to get my mind off things. The reality was my mind was in one place and the farther away I was the worse I was. I would like to go back in time and smack that Ranson.

>>>>Do you want to be in a movie? Then check this out.

What type of music do you prefer to listen to?

I listen to everything. The only thing I don’t really like is newer country, but I even listen to some of that.

What’s life like outside of comedy?

It’s my family. I never thought I could love something so much as I do my kids! They keep me busy for sure. I want a better, easier life for them. They keep me going after my dreams!

If you could do stand-up anywhere in the world, where would that be?

The Comedy Store in L.A. There is so much history there. I think that would be a dream come true.

What’s one guilty pleasure you have?

The Howard Stern Show! I listen to his show and it feels like I’m sitting around with my friends joking around. I’m not talking about the dirty Howard that people have seen on the E network. People that hear his radio show know what I mean. He was bullied as a kid. No one thought he would be a good radio guy. He did it his way and is now The King of All Media!  I don’t usually miss a show.

What shows do you have coming up?

I will be at The New Chapter June 27 working out new bits. On July 21, I’m at Wileys Comedy club at 9:30 p.m. for a special late show.