About this episode
Roy Wood Jr. is a trailblazing comedian, writer, and broadcaster whose journey spans from FAMU to Birmingham, to the national stage on The Daily Show. Rooted in southern culture and steeped in the realities of Black America, Roy’s comedy mixes sharp insight with raw authenticity, making audiences laugh—and think—with every performance. He's the author of "The Man of Many Fathers," a deeply personal book exploring the values and mentorships that shaped his life after the loss of his own dad at 16. Both on stage and in print, Roy uses humor as his tool to challenge, inform, and uplift, leaving a lasting legacy for his son and his audience. Takeaways: Legacy with Purpose: Roy sees comedy not just as entertainment but as a way to affirm Black experiences and open eyes to hard truths—his mission is to inform, confirm, and bridge communities. Improvise and Adapt: Roy's career started by necessity—he created his own internship at Hot 105.7 to fit his schedule and circumstances, teaching himself the craft of radio and standup by learning from real-life experiences and mentors. The Power of Storytelling: His ability to blend humor with pain and depth, especially in his specials and book, showcases how storytelling can invite audiences into reflection, empathy, and growth. Sound Bytes: "I do what I do in an effort to...confirm to our people, to Black people, that they aren't crazy in what they're seeing and what they're feeling..." "I got my first internship–I need an internship. I believe your morning show could use some hard news in the morning...Van said, bring Starbucks Frappuccinos and a dozen Krispy Kremes every day, and I'll see you at 5:15 sharp." "Pain is a tool. Sorrow can also be woven into this fabric of what you're presenting...the written word will always have worth." Connect & Discover Roy: Instagram: @roywoodjr Website: roywoodjr.com X: @roywoodjr TikTok: @roywoodjr Facebook: @roywoodjr Show: Have I Got News For You Book: The Man of Many Fathers 🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥 Mick Hunt’s BEST SELLING book , How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership , is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers. 👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Books A Million FOLLOW MICK ON: Spotify: MickUnplugged Instagram: @mickunplugged Facebook : @mickunplugged YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast LinkedIn: @mickhunt Website : MickHuntOfficial.com Apple : MickUnplugged Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices