Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub found himself defending his recent relocation to Austin, Texas, after media outlets resurfaced early comments he made about missing his Los Angeles lifestyle.
The 42-year-old podcaster addressed the controversy during a recent episode of The Fighter and The Kid podcast, calling the media coverage “stupid.”
The situation unfolded when Schaub and co-host Bryan Callen reviewed a list of podcasters and comedians who had followed Joe Rogan to Texas but later expressed second thoughts about their decisions. Schaub’s name topped that list, complete with quotes where he admitted, “I miss my commute. I miss my routine.”
However, Schaub was quick to clarify the timing of those statements, explaining they came from his very first podcast recording after the move. “That was week one of me moving here. Literally the first podcast,” he emphasized, highlighting how the media had stripped away the essential context of his adjustment period.
The former heavyweight criticized outlets for sensationalizing what were essentially normal growing pains during a major life transition. He suggested that responsible reporting would have included a note explaining his comments came during his initial week in Texas, joking that media could have added “in little parentheses, ‘This is also Brendan’s first week of leaving LA to Texas.'”
Schaub also defended fellow comedians Shane Gillis and Tim Dillon, who appeared on the same list of supposedly regretful transplants. He pointed out key differences in their situations, noting, “Shane and Tim are both single. Big difference.”
He characterized Tim Dillon’s criticism of various cities as typical comedic commentary rather than genuine regret, stating, “Tim goes off on LA, New York. Tim’s being silly. For them to create a f**king headline out of that — stupid.”
The comedian’s decision to leave Los Angeles wasn’t made lightly or on a whim. Rogan, who had previously made his own high-profile exodus from California to Texas, played a significant role in encouraging Schaub’s relocation. The move was driven by multiple factors including Los Angeles’ high cost of living, steep tax burden, and concerns about local schools and cultural trends that didn’t align with Schaub’s values.
Financial pressures of maintaining his lifestyle and business operations in California also contributed to the decision. Austin offered a more affordable alternative while providing proximity to established friends in the podcasting community, including Rogan and Lex Fridman, who had already established themselves in the Texas capital.
Despite acknowledging that he misses certain aspects of his former home, Schaub has remained committed to his Texas relocation. He also appears satisfied with his new environment and the opportunities it provides.
Rogan’s own motivations for leaving Los Angeles centered heavily on family considerations. The podcast host had criticized California as “not a good place for young people” and expressed concerns about what he viewed as negative influences in the city. His move to a $14 million estate on Lake Austin was designed to provide his three daughters with a safer, more grounded environment away from what he perceived as harmful urban chaos.
