Download the PrizePicks app today and use code SHANNON to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SHANNON Save the everyday with @amazon Comedian and actor Matt Rife joins Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay for a wide-ranging conversation about his rise from a young club comic to one of the biggest stand-up stars in the world. Now one of the highest-earning comedians working today, Rife reflects on selling out arenas across the globe, joining Taylor Swift as one of the only live acts to break Ticketmaster’s website due to overwhelming ticket demand, becoming the youngest comedian to sell out two shows at Madison Square Garden and the youngest stand-up to sell out the Hollywood Bowl, and building a massive audience through viral social media moments. Rife opens up about growing up in Ohio and the childhood influences that shaped him, including being raised by his mother and grandfather after losing his father at a young age. He shares how his grandfather supported his dream early on—literally paying to watch him perform—and how that encouragement helped push him toward the stage. The conversation also touches on his early love of sports and the competitive mindset he developed growing up. Starting stand-up as a teenager, Rife discusses studying comedians like Dave Chappelle, while learning how to write jokes, survive bombing on stage, and develop his own comedic voice. He talks about early comparisons to Justin Bieber, the mentors who helped him early in his career—including D.L. Hughley and Mike Epps—and how performing in Atlanta helped sharpen his skills before moving to Los Angeles after passing a California proficiency exam. Rife reflects on becoming the youngest cast member in the history of Wild ’N Out with Nick Cannon, competing alongside comedians like DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean, and what he learned about television, exposure, and building a brand. He also addresses some of the public conversations and online speculation about his appearance that surfaced as his fame grew. The discussion also touches on how viral moments online helped expand his audience, including clips of his crowd work that spread widely across social media. He breaks down the business side of comedy, touring worldwide, releasing specials independently, and navigating the changing landscape of entertainment platforms. The conversation closes with reflections on the realities of fame, stories from memorable moments on stage, and what he’s hoping to accomplish in the next chapter of his career. Rife also previews upcoming projects, including his film Rolling Loud with Owen Wilson and the Netflix limited series The Altruist with Julia Garner, along with new tour dates across the U.S. and Europe. #ClubShayShay​ #MattRife #DaveChappelle Buy LePortier: https://leportiercognac.com/products/shay_vsop_750ml/ SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Club Shay Shay content: https://www.youtube.com/c/ClubShayShay?sub_confirmation=1 Listen to the Club Shay Shay podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/club-shay-shay/id1531023690 Listen to the Club Shay Shay podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/060hDdnydsJyMi17TmvyAh?si=iuda1z7oTE-21ZYzwiUdhg&nd=1 Like Club Shay Shay on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ClubShayShay/ Follow Club Shay Shay on Twitter: https://x.com/clubshayshay?s=21&t=PF1soCgsTT_NEerDJm9Lfg Follow Club Shay Shay on Instagram: https://instagram.com/clubshayshay?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Follow Shannon Sharpe on Twitter: https://x.com/shannonsharpe?s=21&t=PF1soCgsTT_NEerDJm9Lfg Follow Club Shay Shay on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clubshayshaypod?_t=8fJ79WZy2fb&_r=1 About Club Shay Shay: Club Shay Shay is a weekly podcast hosted by Shannon Sharpe – 3x Super Bowl champion, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and co-host of First Take on ESPN. Each week Shannon will sit down with athletes, celebrities and influencers to break down, analyze and discuss the latest headlines in sports, pop culture and everything in-between. Get on the VIP list at Club Shay Shay NOW and never miss an episode! Matt Rife | EP. 205 https://youtu.be/GOAjXWpc_os Club Shay Shay https://www.youtube.com/c/ClubShayShay