Mick Unplugged
Aries Spears Talks Cancel Culture, Comedy Evolution, and Staying True to Himself
29 May 2025
Aries Spears is a legendary comedian and impressionist who has been commanding the stage since the age of 14. Known for his breakout work on MAD TV and his savage crowd work, Aries has become renowned for his edgy, unfiltered takes and ability to reinvent his set with every performance. With a career spanning over 36 years, Aries draws inspiration from greats like Eddie Murphy, prides himself on quick wit and improvisational skills, and never shies away from exposing the raw realities of the comedy world. In addition to standup, he hosts the popular podcast "Spears and Steinberg," where he continues to push boundaries and spotlight real, unvarnished perspectives on entertainment and life. Takeaways: Resilience is Essential: Aries details the mental and emotional challenges of comedy, emphasizing that the business can "beat your spirit up," but staying in the game means believing in yourself, even when support from loved ones is lacking. Mastering Your Craft Means Versatility: Aries likens standup to being an all-star quarterback—you must have the material (playbook), but true greatness comes from the ability to improvise crowd work, proving you can win no matter what the audience throws at you. Legacy Is in the Eyes of the Fans: Despite feeling he hasn’t fully “arrived,” Aries acknowledges that comedians often become benchmarks for new generations, and sometimes strangers (fans) provide more validation and appreciation than family or the industry. Sound Bites: “If you’re going to be a complete comedian, you need to have all the facets of your game on point... there were no weaknesses in Mike [Michael Jordan].” “Hollywood is like an uncle that molested you but put you through college.” (quoting Chris Rock) “I never cut my comedy cocaine. I’ve always kept it 100% Bolivia Yayo... there’s nothing better than having that laugh you feel like you’re not supposed to have.” Quote by Mick: “You are to [my kids] what a Pryor and a Redd Foxx were to me… Everybody can’t go to where you and I were from a database of history and comedy. So you are that benchmark to a lot of people, bro.” Connect & Discover Aries: Website: https://ariesspears.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariesspears/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariesspears/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Z6Tbjk4AesZwwGggZC7qQ FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Full Episode
Away from this business, this shit, it beats you up, man. It beats your spirit up, your soul up to the point where you, at times, think about quitting. Maybe you feel suicidal. You know, this kills you, man. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
welcome to mick unplugged the number one podcast for self-improvement leadership and relentless growth no fluff no filters just hard-hitting truths unstoppable strategies and the mindset shifts that separate the best from the rest ready to break limits let's go
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of Mick Unplugged, and today we got one of my top five dead or alive. From stepping on the stage at just 14 to redefining sketch comedy on MADtv, this man didn't just chase the spotlight, he commanded it. He's a comedic powerhouse who's mastered impressions, tackled Hollywood, and has kept audiences laughing for decades.
Please give my guy a huge round of applause and welcome the bold, the unfiltered, the relentless Mr. Aries Spears. Aries, how you doing today, brother? What's up, brother? Man, I told you offline, I'm honored to have you on. You are literally one of my favorite stand-ups in the world. Just honored you took time out of your busy schedule to be here, bro.
Oh, no, man. Thank you for being somewhat forgiving because I was I know we're supposed to start this at two o'clock, but I was actually coming from doing another podcast by comedian Harlan Williams. So that L.A. traffic is a monster. So I just got a little bit of that traffic. But, you know, I'm here now. So thank you.
I appreciate it, man. You know, on Mick Unplugged, I always like to ask my greats, my favorites, my legends, what their because is, that thing that's deeper than your why, that thing that really is your purpose, that fuel. And you've been doing this, man, since 14. Today in 2025, what's Aries Spears because? What's that thing that's driving you, bro?
Because I still feel like I haven't arrived, you know, in terms of where I have always seen myself and in terms of what I've always wanted. I don't I'm not there yet. So I still desperately and very badly want to reach that level.
Hmm. Well, I don't know about what you think, but bro, I think you're there, man. Like I said, you are literally... I know a lot of people have seen Aries. I've seen Aries over 20 times. It's always a different set. And I don't think people understand that, man. Like in standup, it's real easy to have like your routine and just some cats, as you know, we're not going to name names.
They run that for 10 years and like you go see him once, you don't have to see him again. With Aries, you get a new experience, bro, every freaking time. How do you do that, dude?
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