| Ben Kissel | |
| Other Names: | Benjamin Kissel |
| Birth Name: | Benjamin Grant Kissel |
| Birth Date: | 21 July 1981 |
| Birth Place: | Fargo, North Dakota |
| Height: | 6'7" |
| Years Active: | 2006–present |
| Website: | benkisselchannel.com |
Benjamin Grant Kissel (born July 21, 1981) is an American podcaster, comedian, actor, and television personality. He co-created The Last Podcast on the Left which discussed serial killers, dark history, and true crime stories. He also co-created Roundtable of Gentlemen[1] and Abe Lincoln’s Top Hat[2] where he discussed current events and politics with rotating guests. In September of 2023, following allegations of domestic violence and emotional abuse, Kissel was dismissed from his role as co-host of The Last Podcast On The Left, and Last Podcast Network announced Kissel would no longer be involved with the network on October 13, 2023.[3]
Benjamin Grant Kissel was born in Fargo North Dakota[4] on July 21, 1981.
He is the son of a German immigrant father, Bengt Kissel who along with his mother, Laura, raised him in a deeply religious home.[5] [6]
Ben was the youngest of three boys and was raised in a controversial church called Daystar. The family eventually moved to Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
His parents were very politically active in the church and Pro-Life movement[7] with family dynamics being complicated by the fact that his two older brothers were gay and the family was frequently taking in foster children.
Ben attended Pacelli High school where he played football and wrestled.[8]
Following high school, Ben attended UW-Stout where he began doing stand-up comedy at nineteen.[9] He transferred to UW-Milwaukee, eventually graduating with a degree in Political Science.[10]
In 2006 Kissel moved to Brooklyn, New York to continue his career in comedy.
During his time in New York, he had many odd jobs with the most permanent one being that of a dog nanny.
Ben began doing a show with the late Kevin Barnett called KBBK Comedy Deathmatch which hosted some of the biggest names in comedy at the time.[11] With members of former New York sketch group Murderfist[12] and Marcus Parks, Ben and Kevin created The Roundtable of Gentlemen.[13] Shortly after that show launched, Ben parlayed his knowledge of politics into the show Abe Lincoln’s Top Hat.[14]
In 2011, Kissel co-created horror-comedy podcast The Last Podcast on the Left with Marcus Parks. Henry Zebrowski joined the pair in the third episode. Kissel, during his tenure, served the role of "audience surrogate", asking questions as Parks narrated and Zebrowski provided commentary. Last Podcast On The Left was the first podcast to do a show at Red Rocks in Denver, Colorado.[15]
Ben was regular on Fox News Red Eye,[16] briefly replaced Alan Colmes on Fox News Radio, and in 2023 hosted two shows on Sirius radio's Faction Talk.[17]
Ben Kissel is a Webby Award recipient[18] and collaborated on the New York Times best-selling book The Last Book on the Left.
In September of 2023, it was announced that Kissel would be temporarily absent from the Last Podcast on the Left amidst allegations which ranged from mistreatment to physical violence.[19] [20] Although Kissel has denied these allegations, in October of the same year, the remaining co-hosts released a statement that Kissel would not be returning to the show as he entered into therapy programs focused on his mental and physical health.[21]
In 2024, Kissel announced that he is working on a new show called The Ben Kissel Channel.
Comedy specials
Ben recorded three comedy specials with Last Podcast on the Left.
In 2014, Kissel successfully challenged a 1964 ordinance on cross-dressing in Haddon Township, New Jersey, resulting in its repeal.[22]
Ben Kissel identifies as an independent and in 2017, ran for Brooklyn Borough president against current NYC Mayor Eric Adams, receiving 1.8% of the vote.[23] Kissel’s platform included advocating for criminal justice reform, transportation issues in Brooklyn regarding the L Train, and rent control.[24] [25]