We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ryan MCCabe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ryan below.

Hi Ryan, thanks for joining us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

There’s no better investment than in my relationships with friends and fellow creatives. Like they say, “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
Having people you can freely express yourself around, learn from, and grow alongside is as good as it gets. I could go more into the weeds on all the science-backed “we’re social creatures” talk, but honestly, sharing an experience with someone you love, whether a laugh or a cry, is more fulfilling than any material good.

Outside of my relationships, however, some worthwhile materials that have greatly benefited my creative life include: Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art,” James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” (shocker, I know), and “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by the wellspring of wisdom Rick Rubin.

A video I’d also recommend is John Cleese’s “Creativity in Management” lecture, which you can find on YouTube.

Lastly, there’s a piece of advice that comes from legendary writer Alan Moore: “Read terrible books.” This applies to every art form. You often learn more from what doesn’t work than what does, and you refine your taste by recognizing what you like and dislike.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into this business like all entertainers – swearing vengeance against the man who killed my parents in Crime Alley …

No, my love affair with jokes and acting all began with “ole rubber face himself” (my best attempt at a “Stan Lee-like” moniker) – Jim Carrey. I was obsessed with him as a kid, whether he was the Riddler, the Grinch, or Lloyd Christmas. That admiration blossomed into interest in his stand-up and all the wacky/insightful things that goofball continues to do.

I perform improv, stand-up, write and edit screenplays, sketches (or “skits” as I still like to call them to ruffle comedy snobs), poetry, act, produce, you name it – I’ve usually done it or died trying.

Through it all, I’m most proud of the time I’ve spent cultivating friends, knowledge, and maintaining my can-do attitude. An ex once called me “the human push-up bra,” because of how supportive I am … I really should get that on a plaque.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, it’s the joy that comes from that fragile and unique moment when you’re creating. Art, whether it’s a page in a book, a moment onscreen, or an off-the-cuff joke, is this weird imprint left behind by the collision between you and those involved. It’s pure collaboration, whether between an audience or fellow creatives.

One minute you’re a blind giant with colored steam coming out of your ears (shout out to the brilliant Zack Handler), next you’re a bloodthirsty alien with an intricate breathing apparatus (courtesy of the wonderful Elena Ganz). Other times you’re just a referee with a big booty being ogled by a butt-crazed coach. (hi Rob and Emily!)

Acting, comedy, they’re both so kinetic and brief. There’s nothing like bearing witness to the moment. In fact, I just did a show at<i> the Pack</i> in December (“<i>Mortal Enemies,</i>” what up Emily-Mae!?!) where two comedians and I were given mystery gifts that inspired an impromptu song incorporating each item. We dropped a beat about Jesus, pregnancy tests, and flutes. High-octane fun that had me up all night.

I just love making things no matter how small. That and a disguise. I really enjoy how freeing costumes can be.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Being too precious with your ideas.

In college I attracted the attention of an FX producer with a short film I made called “Captain Contraceptive.” It was a superhero comedy about safe sex, and my longtime collaborator Aidan Terry and I worked exhaustively on an animated pitch deck designed like a comic book for her.

I was overly secretive about the book, shielded it from much-needed feedback, and just kept refining it and refining it until five years later, all we had to show was one idea, many headaches, and then were ultimately told that “Captain” was too raunchy for TV.

Since then, I’ve been far less precious with what I make. Ego often stands in the way of growth, and relinquishing it has opened me up to so many new collaborators and ideas. Funnily enough, this year Aidan and I have an ACTUAL comic book on the horizon called “Henry Fowl!” Better still, for both our sake and that of our incredible inker Eugene, it’s been subject to plenty of feedback and taken one-tenth the time that “Captain” did. Thank God!

Fail faster, my friends. Relish the feedback you’re lucky enough to get and take care of the people who take care of you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hurricabe/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-p-mccabe-19bbb246/

Image Credits
“Call It a Show” photographs taken by the talented Grace Stockdale at Songbird Studios.