Mohr Stories 563: Ron Funches
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Ron Funches joins the podcast for a wide-ranging, energetic conversation that blends humor, vulnerability, and deep personal reflection. The episode kicks off with a playful debate about NBA logos and sports fandom, particularly Funches' love for the Bulls and Knicks, before diving into his transformative journey with weight loss, addiction, and self-discovery. He candidly discusses his past struggles with obesity, the emotional impact of his mother’s disappointment, and the pivotal intervention that led him to reclaim his health through diet, Pilates, Jiu-Jitsu, and Zatbound. He reflects on how his comedic persona evolved, the challenges of being a 'large' comedian in Hollywood, and the surprising career boost he received after losing weight—when writers on AP Bio admitted they couldn’t believe he’d be rejected by a character he once embodied. The conversation shifts to his experience on the reality show Traders, where he unpacks the psychological toll of being falsely accused, the absurdity of the game’s logic, and the intense social dynamics that made it feel like a high-stakes social experiment. Funches shares his admiration for Alan Cumming, his love for wrestling and childhood memories of the Rosemont Horizon, and his journey from aspiring pro wrestler to stand-up comic. He closes with reflections on authenticity, the power of vulnerability in comedy, and the joy of being a dad and a man who’s finally at peace with himself.
Authenticity in comedy comes from vulnerability—when you're in the moment, not commenting on it.
Weight loss isn't just about diet—it's emotional, spiritual, and often triggered by love, not shame.
The most powerful motivators for change are often love and disappointment, not fear or guilt.
Reality TV is less about strategy and more about social dynamics, ego, and emotional manipulation.
You don’t have to be a 'big' person to be a 'big' comedian—your voice matters regardless of size.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Art of the Logo: Bulls, Hawks, and the 90s Basketball Dream
The episode opens with a lighthearted debate on NBA logos, with Ron Funches passionately defending classic 90s designs like the Bulls and Hornets. The conversation highlights nostalgia for a golden era of basketball and the emotional resonance of team identity.
The Weight of the World: From 360 to 180
“It was just your mom's love and sadness. Was it like – do you think it was disappointing? Your mom's disappointment that was – Yeah. Because Dr. Drew and I were talking about this like 15, 20 before I got sober and we think it's – This uncovering of like a real self-disgust”
The Comedy of Being Seen: Identity, Size, and the Stand-Up Game
“I was like, this is the best compliment I ever got. A fucking team of writers. I always wondered about that. That's great.”
Traders: The Psychological War of the Castle
“It was like, you're a traitor. We don't want to talk to you. You're a traitor. eat near you. We were a traitor. It was as if they were like, you can really murder us.”
The Realities of Being a Comedian: From Portland to LA
Funches discusses the evolution of stand-up comedy, the challenges of starting in L.A., and how platforms like YouTube have changed the game. He reflects on the vulnerability of acting class and the importance of being truly present in a role.
“I don't know who you are. They tell me you're not a wrestler, but I can tell for sure you're an entertainer. And that made that five-year-old version of me do flips.”
“When you're doing stand-up, you're commenting on life. And when you're acting, you're in it. So you can't comment on it. You can't pull yourself up.”
“It was just your mom's love and sadness. Was it like – do you think it was disappointing? Your mom's disappointment that was – Yeah. Because Dr. Drew and I were talking about this like 15, 20 before I got sober and we think it's – This uncovering of like a real self-disgust”
Host
Guest
Ron Funches
person
Traders
media
Jay Moore
person
New York Knicks
other
Chicago Bulls
other
Alan Cumming
person
Coca-Cola
brand
Joe Prano
person
Blue Chew
product
Pepsi
brand
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