Comedian and former UFC star Brendan Schaub has opened up about the uncertain future of TFATK, the long-running podcast he co-hosts with actor and comedian Bryan Callen. His admission came after a fan’s observation forced him to address what many listeners have already noticed.
The comment came from a fan named Fernando who drew a comparison between Schaub’s criticisms of UFC CEO Dana White’s cruise-control approach to match promotion and the current state of the podcast itself. The fan noted that the two used to sing, perform bits, and bring high energy, but that the show now feels like it is “one episode away from quitting every episode.”
Schaub acknowledged the criticism directly.
“I hear you,” Schaub said. “I struggle with it too. When you talk about energy and just stuff to talk about and we’re not as silly, I don’t like it either. I’m trying to figure it out. I don’t know what to do.”
Schaub was candid that the blame does not fall entirely on Callen, but he did point to his co-host’s personal struggles as a significant factor in the show’s shift in tone.
He said, “Brian’s damn near 60. We knew this time was going to come. Brian’s been through some stuff, man, and unfortunately it was out of his control. It took some of Brian’s light away, and I don’t know how to get that back. I don’t know if it ever comes back.”
He also reflected on his own role in the changes, noting that at 42, the goofier aspects of the show feel different now.
“The singing and the big d**k band and stuff like that, I hear you. The show has changed and I don’t know what we do,” he said.
On the topic of guests, Schaub explained that booking has always depended on him personally, and the landscape has shifted considerably since the early days. When he was regularly at comedy venues in Los Angeles, comics were nearby and eager for the platform. Now, many of those same people have built their own audiences.
“They don’t need us anymore,” he said. “It’s just a different time.”
His producer weighed in as well, pointing out that life circumstances have changed dramatically for everyone involved since the show launched. Schaub agreed but was firm that something needs to give.
“We have to figure it out. Otherwise it’s a sinking ship and then it’s no longer worth me doing it,” Schaub stated.
Perhaps the most telling moment came when Schaub described how he can tell immediately from talking to Callen before an episode whether the show is going to go well.
He stated, “I’ll know when he comes in. I’ll be honest, I’m like, ‘I don’t want to do this, man.'”
