In a mixed-use multimedia space on the east side of Austin, Texas, Korey Coleman and Martin Thomas broadcast their serialized live show five nights a week to viewers around the world. Double Toasted's unique uncensored approach to the talk show format covers a broad array of topics, including film and trailer reviews, humorous insights on the internet's latest viral video, and discussions of pop culture topics. Their YouTube channel features digestable cuts of their longer-form live shows, which are available via paid subscription on their website.
I recently had the chance to visit the Double Toasted crew in Austin, and interviewed Korey and Martin to get some more insight on the journey to creating this growing entertainment brand, YouTube channel, and passionate fan community. After a red-eye flight, some cycling, and a chilly swim at Barton Springs, I called Korey from a pay phone (yeah, they still exist). We agreed to meet up later that evening 'old school' - no cell phones, just an established place and time.
Fast forward a few hours, and Korey was dashing through a rain shower and into the lobby of the downtown Austin hostel where I was staying. After a brief admonishment that "Y'all need to get a phone!" we dug into all things Double Toasted over an IPA at the Firehouse Lounge. True to his daily appearance on Double Toasted, he was uncensored and hilarious. Later that evening over a heaping plate of Texas BBQ at Terry Black's, I'd get a chance to meet Korey's counterpart Martin Thomas, who was as cordial and composed as he appears in Double Toasted's episodes.
The next evening, I'd get a chance to sit in on a live taping of The Sunday Service, Double Toasted's Sunday night show that covers the week's wildest events, generally features a guest or two, and an overview of the weekend box office. Upon entering the studio space, I was amazed by how compact the room was; on camera, it looks expansive. The equipment used is on the professional end of the scale, with proper lighting, several cameras, and a PC/server setup for live streaming. After the show, I had the chance to catch up with Korey & Martin at a nearby bar.
Martin, Korey, how did you originally get into film and entertainment commentary?
Korey: I met Martin in college. I was accepted into a group of extremely talented local college cartoonists who drew for the University of Texas' student newspaper. Martin had been friends with them for a while before I met them. Since we were the the only black cartoonists within this social circle, we gravitated towards each other.
When I was done with school I didn't see Martin until he caught my cable access show, The Reel Deal, where I reviewed movies. I had done it for a couple of years at that point. I was doing silly sketches and invited Martin to come on for a few. He was coming on so much at one point, and he enjoyed talking about the movies, that he agreed to be a regular.
Martin: Korey and I got to know each other as part of a happening scene of Austin cartoon & comic artist in the early 90's. I was freelancing on comics for Marvel, DC and various independent companies; Korey was writing and drawing a popular comic strip, "Eddie the Albino Squirrel" for UT's student paper. It seems strange now, but for a college newspaper The Daily Texan was a big deal, filled with strips by people like Robert Rodriguez and others who are now big names in the gaming and animation industry. Being two of only three black guys in the group, Korey and I bonded quickly.
Double Toasted interviews Steve-O, formerly of Jackass, in advance of his stand-up comedy special at Austin's Paramount Theatre. Courtesy of DoubleToasted.com
Prior to Double Toasted, you two were involved in Spill.com, another film review site, in collaboration with the likes of Chris Cox, C. Robert Cargill, and Tony Guerrero. What has the transition from Spill to Double Toasted been like, and has your approach changed at all?
Korey: The approach has been easier in some ways. Spill revolved so much around animation. Having animated reviews was a nice angle for a little while, but it made producing content so complicated. It also slowed down our productivity.
When I started Doubletoasted.com, I didn't want to fully commit until I knew we had a revenue stream in place to support us. Live streaming video offered that revenue stream by allowing me to put in place a subscription model. It also allowed us to be more productive and freed us up to be performers.
Every night we live stream it's like being on a stage, and having that instant interaction with our audience feels great. We can now afford a studio, and it's wonderful to have a live audience in the room to vibe with. Basically, what we do now has allowed us to rise above what we ever did before. I never wanted to remain a 'podcast' and I wanted to leave behind the production constraints of animation. We are not a podcast; we're a well-produced show that can now compete with the production of TV and radio. Plus, our content turnaround is so quick that we've seen faster growth in many areas, especially our YouTube channel.
Martin: Korey has been the brains behind The Reel Deal, Spill.com, and Double Toasted. I am, at best, the 'Mr. Spock' to his 'Captain Kirk'. The biggest transition has been in streamlining the operation and how it allows us to implement changes and course correct so much faster.
With Spill.com Korey had the fly to New York once a month to meet with the parent company to convince them into taking action on necessary upgrades to the operation. As a team we all worked well together, but like any band that's been together along time, we weren't always on the same page. With Double Toasted, Korey asks my opinion but doesn't get hung up on waiting for my approval. It helps that I have complete faith in his instincts.
Martin and Korey at work in the Double Toasted studio. Courtesy of the author.
You guys have a live show coming up in Seattle, WA, on April 30th. Is taking the Double Toasted experience on the road something you'll do more of in the future, and what can attendees expect in comparison to your podcast/YouTube channel?
Korey: I've always enjoyed the energy from a live audience, especially since we've succeeded in large part due to our interaction with fans. Plus, from a marketing angle, it just brings more awareness and word of mouth to the business. Like comedians who have to tour, I think this has the possibility to offer not only great marketing but possibly another revenue stream. If Seattle shows promise, it's definitely something I'd like to continue.
People can expect this show to be unique to that crowd and that city. We'll have material pre-planned, but much of it will also be based on our experiences we have in that city leading up to the show. It will be based on the people who attend the show and how we interact with them. My hope is that if we continue, no two shows will ever be the same.
Martin: Going on the road to do live shows has been an aspiration of ours from the beginning. Seattle will be the guinea pig city. We have a lot planned for this show, probably more than what can fit into the two hours we'll have to do it. The best I can tell you is that it'll be a lot like what you see on YouTube or DoubleToasted.com except much, much more interactive with the audience. Also everybody there will have the opportunity to get sloppy drunk with us. We insist on it.
If you could host and interview any one guest on the show, who would it be, and why?
Korey: I don't know why, but Vladimir Putin popped immediately in my head. I think perhaps because it would be a real challenge. I'm good at interviewing people, but a high profile foreign politician would be a real test of my skills, especially when trying to keep the balance of being humorous and informative. Plus, that would make so much news just for the weird circumstances. The President of Russia talks to this uncensored Austin-based humor site. If that doesn't grab you I don't know what will.
Martin: President Obama once he's out of office. Duh. Besides being one of the few people I look up to as a personal hero. Who would have better stories than him, or more trash to talk? It would finally put Double Toasted in the same stratosphere as Marc Maron.
Superhero movies seem to be more popular than ever in 2016, and Double Toasted has reviewed its fair share. As comic book fans, who is your favourite superhero, and why?
Korey: I always say Batman, but I'm really fascinated by the Hulk. He's called a hero, but he's really this uncontrollable monster that's a curse on his alter ego, Bruce Banner. More a danger than a hero. You can't even call him an anti-hero; just a force of nature wild animal. I truly feel sorry for him. We always talk about how we want more complexity in comics, yet the Hulk never gets enough credit for being that great complex character.
Martin: As a kid it was Captain America and The Flash. Maybe I had a thing for masks with wings on the side. As a teenager it was Spider-man, likely because I identified with the humble guy angst. As an adult Batman was my spirit animal because of his diligence in preparing for every contingency. Also, his branding game can't be touched! But now as pop culture has recently burned me out on Batman, my current favorite is Superman...mostly because of how he's so grossly misunderstood by Millennials and movie studios.
What does the rest of 2016 and beyond have in store for Double Toasted?
Korey: Hopefully more growth and good fortune in ways we never even planned.
Martin: A big upgrade to the website that's close to trading out a Hyundai for a Mercedes Benz. I'm also excited about adding Sam "The Mexcellence" Gonzalez to our Fast & Furious family.
Thanks guys! Best of luck in Seattle.