Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bill Boronkay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Bill, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I was working my way up the television sportscaster ladder. Shortly after landing in Kansas City the station changed management and I knew my days there were numbered. I accepted an offer from their sister station in Cleveland, at the time, the country’s 12th largest tv market.
Shortly after arriving in Cleveland, the station had a management change with new management coming in from the same Kansas City station. Meanwhile, I earned and audition from ESPN, which almost immediately had a hiring freeze. While waiting for ESPN’s decision, I was told my contract renewal wouldn’t be picked up (window at the end of each year). After ESPN’s hirjng freeze was lifted, was told I was runner-up. After a year, found out the reason, “Looks are a concern.” They could’ve followed me out any weekend night to learn that.
After some dark times, landed with a successful tv production company. As many great things as sportscasters get to do, I realized the most fun I had was making my co anchors or athletes laugh. I’d always wanted to try standup but was scared and used the “Could hurt my credibility” excuse. With that excuse wiped away, I took a Dave Schwensen’s Comedy Workshop (still running in Cleveland) and fell in love with the art. Years later, went full time and moved just outside NY (needed to be able to keep my car) where I’m currently based.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Years ago, I was hosting kind of a PM Magazine crossed with the Daily Show program and was interviewing a “Musicologist” a the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He said something that still sticks with me today. Paraphrasing, he pointed out that the shift changing artists have always been outliers. Rather than changing to fit with what was popular, they continued to stick with their beliefs and eventually crowds shifted to them. George Carlin had a similar philosophy. Don’t chase the crowd, your crowd will find you.
I’m trying to put that philosophy into practice. Everyone’s personal journey is different, As an over 50 never married, non parent, my view is different than most. It’s fun to poke at societal norms and try to come up with solutions for non existent problems.
Recently, I’ve started “The Mincast” (podcast in a minute) video series on various platforms. Just me taking on something for 60 seconds or less. Don’t know if it’ll ever gain a following but it’s fun to do and gets my brain working…I think.
Additionally, I’m back on tv, hosting the show, “Cruise-In” that airs nationally on The Bally’s Sports, Rev’n and Fun Roads tv networks. We go to community car shows and talk to owners about their classics. For the record, I don’t know a lot about cars.
I also host corporate events. In June, I’ll be in Kansas City hosting Coliseum Summit United States. It’s a conference for stadium/arena builders, vendors and suppliers.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The deeper I get into this journey the more I believe the most important thing is to be true to yourself. After all these years, it’s still tough to accept that not everyone agrees with what I find funny but that’s the case with any art. I’m proud of my ability to adjust to most crowds. When you’re brought into perform, your number one job is to make the crowd laugh. Make sure they’re happy and of course you want the bookers to want to bring you back, even if you don’t want go back.
At the same time, you want to grow as a performer. You need to take risks, which can be terrifying. Unlike other professions, the only way to learn if something works is to do it live in pressure situations. Testing with friends is nowhere near the same.
People talk about rules of comedy which I really don’t think exist. Talk to anyone who watches and you’ll find most enjoying varying styles of comedians. I love one liner comedians. I don’t have that skill but they fascinate me.
The one rule that I buy and it’s cliche is stage time. Bill Burr talked about being on stage so much that it feels completely natural. Think it was on one of his podcasts. He said when you were young and something happened over the weekend, you didn’t rehearse how you were going to tell your friends about it at school. You just showed up, told the story and everyone laughed. That’s how you want to feel on stage. He said it better than me.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by some amazing influences. One of the best pieces of wisdom I received was during an admissions interview for the University of Cincinnati’s broadcasting program. The department head told me, “The difference between those who make and those who don’t is five minutes.” You never know when your break will come, but you know it wont if you quit. For the record, I was denied admission and had to apply again the following year.
Comedians have a reputation for being self centered but I’ve found so many that have been generous with help and advice. To name just a few, early on, Bill Squire (terrific comedian in Cleveland), pulled me aside and gave me some critical advice but in a way that was encouraging (which is an art).
I used to open regularly open for some amazing talents. Jeff Blanchard was someone who showed me the importance of being “in the moment and reacting to anything that happens.”
Without a doubt, the most helpful has been Andy Beningo. I’ve lost track of how many doors he’s opened for me. He brought me to numerous shows to open. Stylistically, we’re very different, which actually makes working together much more fun. Above everything else, he’s become an amazing friend that who will cheer on my successes and help with failures – at least to the point where we can laugh about them together.
My girlfriend has been incredibly supportive in too many ways to list.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.billboronkay.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/billboronkay
- Facebook: www.billboronkay.com/billboro
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@billboronkay
- Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@billboronkay
