Artist Antics with April: Ben Oliver, Co-Founder & Principal of Monkey Budget

Artist Antics With April | Interview with Ben Oliver, Co-Founder & Principal of Monkey Budget, A Comedy-First Agency for B2B BrandsIn this high-energy and wildly insightful episode of Artist Antics With April, I sit down with the brilliant, endlessly creative, and sharply funny Ben Oliver—Co-Founder and Principal of the innovative new comedy-first agency Monkey Budget.Ben’s journey through the world of comedy is a masterclass in grit, imagination, and the art of amplifying voices and brands that make us laugh, think, and breathe a little easier. From shaping comedic careers to building a brand that champions originality and accessibility, Ben is redefining what it means to support the next generation of comedic talent.Before launching Monkey Budget, Ben carved out a dynamic path as a writer, director, producer, collaborator, and creative strategist—working behind the scenes to help artists hone their voice, refine their craft, and get their work in front of audiences who need a good laugh. His understanding of comedic timing, storytelling, brand psychology, and performer psychology gives him a rare dual perspective: both artist and advocate.In our conversation, Ben takes us deep into the world of modern comedy:🎤 The rise of Monkey Budget and why the industry desperately needs disruption😂 What makes comedy truly resonate—from structure to vulnerability🚀 How brands build momentum, find their edge, and stay authentic💡 The business of being funny—and the funny business of running a business🎬 Behind-the-scenes challenges of elevating emerging talent✨ What creative leadership looks like in an industry fueled by fearlessnessBen’s work is a testament to courage, humor, and the power of storytelling to bring people together. Whether he’s behind the camera curtain directing coaching comedians, or in the studio mapping out comedic brand bold new strategies, his passion is unmistakable: to help artists thrive while keeping laughter at the heart of culture.If you're a comedian, a creative, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves the craft of making people laugh, this conversation is a rare and inspiring look into the future of comedy—and the people quietly shaping it.👇 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more long-form conversations with the creatives, innovators, and culture-makers moving the world forward one story at a time.Support the Channel💛 https://pay.artistanticswithapril.comYour support keeps these stories alive!Connect with Ben Oliver & Monkey Budget:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminoliver/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/monkey-budget/Instagram: @friendswithben.efits and @monkey_budgetWeb: monkeybudget.coHost: April PaigeOwner & Fine Artist – April Paige Fine Art LLC🌐 www.AprilPaigeFineArt.com📱 c 941-586-6550Follow April on Social Media:📸 Instagram – @April_Paige_Fine_Art📌 Pinterest – @AprilPaigeFineArt📘 Facebook – @April Paige Fine Art🎥 YouTube – @AprilPaige-AAWA🎶 TikTok – @April_Paige_Fine_Art🐦 Twitter – @AprilPaigeFA🌐 Bluesky – @AprilPaigeFineArt.bsky.social🔗 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilpaige/#ArtistAnticsWithApril #ComedyInterview #CreativePodcast #ComedyCreators #BrandStorytelling #CreativeEntrepreneur #ComedyBusiness #BehindTheComedy #ComedyIndustry #ComedicStorytelling #ComedyCulture #MakingPeopleLaugh #B2BMarketing #BrandStrategy #ComedyFirst #CreativeAgency #MarketingWithHumor #AuthenticBranding #CreativeLeadership #ArtistJourney #CreativeCareers #EmergingTalent #CreativeVoices