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Ross McCoy exits OG comedy show after a decade, looks ahead to new ventures
After a decade at the helm of Shit Sandwich, Orlando’s legendary indie comedy showcase, Ross McCoy has stepped away. It wasn’t a long-planned departure. Instead, McCoy said the decision became obvious and felt right as the 10-year mark approached.
While some might have expected a grand sendoff, McCoy opted for a quieter transition. “I made what I think was a selfish decision,” he said. “I could’ve made a big deal about my last Shit Sandwich or the 14th anniversary, but that would’ve benefited the bar more than me. So instead, I made a big deal out of What Do You Want From Us last week, where I got the ticket sales.”
What Do You Want From Us is one of the comedy productions that will take up more space in McCoy’s life going forward.
McCoy said the shift also frees him up to pursue reviving his touring show Tumbleweed, expanding What Do You Want From Us with co-host Larry Fulford, and embracing his soft-promoted role at PyroSpot Fireworks. With his youngest child set to graduate and two of his three kids still at home, McCoy said he’s entering a season of change, opportunity and renewed creative energy.
Q&A with Ross McCoy
How do you feel about Amy LeCours taking over as host?
She gets the core concepts. I remind people that it was never my show. It was Matt Gersting’s show, and I just tried to keep doing the same things he was doing. With Aimee, they picked a good person, and I’m very confident that she will do the right things with it. She’s the best.
What’s next for your comedy projects?
I’m bringing back Tumbleweed, my little touring show, and Larry and I will keep What Do You Want From Us going. We can do that show anywhere.
For those who don’t know about it, can you share more about Tumbleweed?
I started Tumbleweed when I realized that if I could get on the radio with Tom and Dan, I could draw people to my own stuff. It turned into a show where I could bring a full lineup to any bar that could afford it. Everyone got paid—that was my thing. David Jolly’s first show was at a Tumbleweed. I hit some bumps with how I paid people and taxes, which burned me out for a bit, but I’m back and know what I’m doing now.
What makes What Do You Want From Us special?
It’s just so fun to do and fun to watch people enjoy. The energy builds and the room goes nuts. We don’t have more shows booked right now besides that one, but we will. It plays to my strength: conversation. I’m better riffing than just talking into a mic.
Are you still working with Tom and Dan?
Yeah, I go in and do the podcast with them probably two to five times a month. We do the radio and podcast. It’s always a blast. We know each other so well; we just play off each other.
What’s going on with your day job?
I work at PyroSpot Fireworks. I’ve kind of been soft-promoted and help out a lot more now, not just for Independence Day and New Year’s but off-season too. I started in the tent one summer and got drawn in. Now I know a stupid amount about fireworks. I don’t love sales, but it doesn’t feel like selling. People walk in looking for something specific, and I help. I also work in the warehouse now. You order from China, cross your fingers, and put it away when it arrives, whenever that is.
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