Calmversations s08e02 | If It Aint Fixed, Why Break It? with Actor & Contractor Erick Hayden
Sep 13, 2025
Erick Hayden, an actor known for Million Dollar Extreme: World Peace and cohost of The Palace podcast, discusses the fascinating interplay between his careers in acting and contracting. He shares personal anecdotes on navigating pain, both emotional and physical, and explores parenthood's impact on his ambitions. The conversation dives into the complexities of comedy within today's political climate, along with the challenges of creative collaboration and the importance of mentorship in the construction industry. A captivating blend of humor, heart, and insightful reflection!
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From Middle-School Sketches To TV Roles
- Erick Hayden joined Million Dollar Extreme after making sketches with longtime friends Charles Carroll and Nick Rochefort dating back to middle school.
- He flew to Atlanta for season one and later got more roles once the group trusted his presence and construction background.
Improv And Long Friendship Drive The Comedy
- The group relies heavily on outlines and improvisation rather than rigid scripts.
- Long friendships let them anticipate each other's moves and mine moments that break character and create stronger comedy.
Straight-Man Role Amplifies Absurdity
- Erick positions himself as the 'normal' straight-man who fills a void in the group's comedy.
- That contrast amplifies the writers' absurdism and makes the sketches land differently than a troupe of similar comics.
