Brendan Schaub is a former UFC heavyweight turned comedian and podcast host. He has repeatedly attempted to paint himself as a relatable figure, often tapping into his supposed working-class roots.
His most recent attempt involved recalling his time as a janitor at Albertson’s, claiming he was the “best janitor there was” and attributing his strong work ethic to his father’s blue-collar background. Schaub said, “I was there early, stayed late,” striving to present himself as someone who understands the value of hard work.
However, Schaub’s narrative has been complicated by a series of contradictions and conflicting stories that have left many skeptical about the authenticity of his self-presentation.
In one telling, Schaub admitted to shirking his janitorial duties, stating, “I used to grab a handful of Twizzlers, go in the bathroom, grab all the old truck and car magazines and just sit there for hours reading the magazines and eating the candy.” This portrayal sharply contrasts with his earlier claim of being a diligent, hard-working employee.
Further complicating matters, Schaub has provided contradictory accounts of how his time as a janitor came to an end. In one version, he claimed he “got fired because they wouldn’t give me the Super Bowl off so I quit.” This statement, which strangely combines the notions of being fired and quitting, raises more questions about the veracity of Schaub’s recollection.
Not to mention the fact that he used to tell the story of the time he got a Down syndrome co-worker fired because he blamed the co-worker for what he was doing at work.
These inconsistencies aren’t isolated to just his janitorial career. Throughout his podcasting and comedy career, Schaub has been known for embellishing or modifying details of his personal history. Critics have pointed to this pattern of exaggeration and distortion, questioning whether Schaub’s claims are truly representative of his past or merely part of an ongoing effort to craft a specific image.
The janitor story, in particular, seems less about relaying the truth and more about trying to position himself as a man of the people, someone who understands the struggles of everyday life.
But this isn’t the only time Schaub’s attempts to relate to the public have drawn criticism. His controversial defense of the UnitedHealthcare CEO during a recent podcast episode further illustrates his tendency to diverge sharply from mainstream commentary, even when it leads him to problematic stances.
While many public figures, including comedians like Bill Burr and Joe Rogan, focused on broader societal issues—such as the healthcare industry’s practices and policies—Schaub took a very different approach. On his podcast, Schaub dismissed the systemic problems within the healthcare system and instead honed in on the personal struggles of Luigi Mangione
involved in a recent incident. Schaub said, “I don’t think it’s any of that. I think he’s under a lot of pain.” He attributed the actions of the shooter primarily to his physical pain and inability to be intimate with women, suggesting these personal issues were the main drivers behind the incident.
Schaub’s take was striking for its avoidance of any criticism of the insurance industry or the company’s poor track record with policy payouts. Instead, Schaub’s focus was squarely on the shooter’s physical condition and relationship status, making it appear that personal difficulties were the key motivators behind the violent act.
In contrast, Bill Burr and others highlighted systemic issues in healthcare, with Burr stating, “These insurance companies treat people when they at their most vulnerable after we’ve all given them our money every month and now we finally need you and all you do is deny us.” Schaub’s approach, which narrowly focused on individual circumstances, failed to address the larger issues at play.
Both of these cases—Schaub’s claims of being a hardworking janitor and his defense of the healthcare CEO—reflect his broader tendency to craft narratives that present him as a relatable, working-class hero. Yet, the contradictions and oversimplifications in his storytelling leave many wondering if his attempts to present himself in this light are more about image-making than genuine connection.
The inconsistencies in his personal history and his controversial takes on current events suggest that Schaub’s public persona may be more about shaping an image than telling an honest story.
