Simon King Gets Brutally Honest on Matt Slayer's Podcast

Michael Williams · 2026-08-19

When you sit down with Matt Slayer, you never know where the conversation might go. That's exactly what makes his podcast, And Now We Drink, so compelling. On Episode 468, Canadian comedian Simon King joins Slayer for a round of cocktails and a conversation that covers everything from the absurdity of modern comedy to the existential dread of living in 2026. It's unfiltered, it's dark, and it's surprisingly thoughtful. If you haven't listened before, And Now We Drink is like the conversation at the end of the bar. Slayer brings together writers, comedians, adult film stars, artists, musicians, and actors for no-holds-barred discussions. No topic is off-limits. Guests share personal stories and unique perspectives on sex, relationships, and life. This episode delivers all of that and then some. ### A Wild Ride Through Comedy and Chaos Simon King doesn't hold back. The episode opens with jokes about OnlyFans, Pornhub comedy specials, AI-written eulogies, and even suicide hotline telethons. It sounds chaotic, and it is. But underneath the rapid-fire humor lies a sharp commentary on what it means to be a working comic in a world run by algorithms and bots. King, who's originally from Canada, shares what it's like touring in the United States these days. He talks about the strange instability of modern America, border anxiety, and how Canada's relationship with its southern neighbor has shifted from friendly familiarity to genuine concern. It's a candid look at the changing dynamics between the two countries that you won't hear on mainstream news. ### The Realities of Making People Laugh in 2026 If you think being a comedian is just telling jokes on stage, this conversation will change your mind. Slayer and King dig deep into the business side of comedy, and it's not pretty. They discuss: - The pressure to create crowd work clips that go viral - The temptation of buying followers to look successful - How club economics actually work for touring comics - The constant content pressure to stay relevant King explains why he prefers what he calls "artisan small batch" audiences—people who actually know what they came to see. It's a refreshing take in an era where quantity often trumps quality. ### Mental Health, Odd Habits, and Dark Tangents The conversation takes a personal turn when King opens up about his OCD and his habit of deleting texts. He talks about his lucky stage shirts and his strategy of drinking non-alcoholic beer during shows. There's also a delicate discussion about mental health and why King is staying away from psychedelics—for now. From there, the two riff on stolen art, Lenin's body, mutton, corporate gigs, Saudi money, guns, masculinity, violence, religion, and generational change. They even question whether humanity has any shot at making it another hundred years. It's the kind of unruly tangents that make this podcast feel less like an interview and more like eavesdropping on two funny people trying to make sense of a burning world. ### Why You Should Listen King himself summed it up best. "Hell, I hate watching myself so much I broke all the mirrors in my house like some medieval cursed half-beast nobleman, but this episode was so fun," he shared. "Funny, dark, engaging, silly... beards! What more do you need, people?" If you're into podcasts that don't shy away from the messy parts of life, this one's for you. Episode 468 of And Now We Drink is available now on Bleav, the show's official website, and all major podcast platforms. You can also catch it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Follow the show on X, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest updates. Keep up with Matt Slayer and Simon King on their social channels for more behind-the-scenes content. This is comedy, chaos, and brutal honesty all wrapped into one unforgettable episode. Pour yourself a drink and hit play. You won't regret it.