Comedian Matt Ruby Finds the Funny in Life’s Tensions

Comedian Matt Ruby isn’t afraid to poke the bear — as long as it gets a laugh. Known for his sharp, dark, and “button-pushing” humor, the New York City-based comic is bringing his signature style of smart, subversive stand-up to The Parlor in Narrowsburg this Saturday.

Ruby’s latest stand-up special, BOLO, is streaming now on YouTube and has been praised by Standupworld as “raw, real, and ripping into life’s absurdities.” Ruby said the show reflects his ongoing effort to find the truths hiding in plain sight — and make them funny.

“I’m always looking for what’s happening in life that’s BS or hypocritical — something that feels true that everyone knows but no one’s talking about,” Ruby said. “That’s my worldview when it comes to comedy.”

In Bolo, Ruby dives into politics, relationships, dating, and religion — including what it’s like “being Jewish right now” — with the same blend of honesty and wit that’s earned him spots on Comedy Central, NBC, and praise from The New York Times, which called his comedy “button-pushing and funny.”

Ruby said the pandemic years reshaped how audiences engage with comedy, but not in the way some people might think.

“There’s this misconception that things have been bad for comedy because of cancel culture,” he said. “But I think it might be bad if you’re trying to be the funny guy at your office. At a comedy club, people are craving it. They want to hear wild stuff — provocative things that make you think — as long as it’s funny.”

Ruby said that tension — between daring and delightful — is where the best comedy lives.

“You’ve got to dance with the line a little bit,” he said. “Laughter often comes from tension and release. The trick is to take people over that line and make sure they’re happy they went there with you.”

Even in an era of constant breaking news and viral trends, Ruby prefers his material to have staying power.
“I like writing evergreen material — stuff that’s funny now and two years from now,” he said. “It forces you to tap into deeper themes that endure beyond whatever the latest headline is.”

Ruby is currently working on new material that he says takes his comedy “a step up” from BOLO— and Narrowsburg audiences will get a first look this weekend.

“Every show’s a chance to find new truth and make people laugh at it,” Ruby said. “That’s what keeps me coming back.”

Matt Ruby performs Saturday at The Parlor in Narrowsburg. His special BOLO is available now on YouTube. Follow him on Instagram and Substack, or visit mattrubycomedy.com for tour updates.

Image Credit: Matt Ruby