...Sam Beman

I've been doing Christian comedy for over 3 years, now. I've had the pleasure of connecting & networking with all kinds of Christian comics, entertainers, ministers, and just some really cool people.

One of the people that I've been very blessed getting to know these past few months is a man who's greatly loved & respected in the Christian stand-up comedy community. His name is Sam Beman.

Sam is the host of Light Talk, a Christian talk show that features a varity of Christian entertainers from all across the country. He's also a performer. A comedian, singer/songwriter, actor - same does it all!

But the other thing about Sam is that Sam is an incredible man of God.

I wanted to do an interview with Sam because I strongly believe in what he's doing, not only for Christian comedy, but Christian entertainment as a whole through Light Talk. He's provided not just an outlet for his creative talents, but an outlet for others, as well, and it's all because he wants to showcase what others can do.

But enough of me talking about Sam. Let's let Sam talk about Sam & Light Talk!

Comedian Eric Johnson: For all the single ladies out there: Who is Sam Beman?

Sam Beman: He is a single bachelor with a passion for the Lord, family, friends and the arts. And he occassionally refers to himself in third person.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Now, you're known as the host of Light Talk, which we'll talk about more here in a moment. But you also dabble in some other things. You're an actor. You're also a singer. Are there any other talents that we need to know about?

Sam Beman: Aside from the ones you’ve mentioned I also deejay, dance, write songs/comedy, emcee, promote events, edit video, design graphics, and in the words of Ms Doubtfire “I, do, voices”.

Comedian Eric Johnson: You do voices & I hear voices. What a pair, uh?

How many different people/characters can you impersonate?

Sam Beman: At one time I made up a list of voices which came to over seventy.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Wow! Over 70 impressions?!?! That's pretty impressive! (No pun intended!)

Out of all those impressions, which impression is your favorite to do & why?

Sam Beman: That’s tough because they’re all fun to do! Mickey Mouse is always a fun one to do because most people don’t expect that voice to come out of me.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Alright. Tell us a little bit about Light Talk. How long has Light Talk been on the air, & how did it get started?

Sam Beman: Light Talk was on the air back in 2008 for six months then I was told to “take a break”. This was at a time when we really started building momentum and booking numerous guests outside of my community. I tried to contact the studio numerous times for over a year with no luck. My hopes were dashed and the dream seemed to be lost. Another studio offered to produce the show but couldn’t find sponsorship money. So I began questioning the vision God laid on my heart way back in 2002. To make a long story short, the Lord began opening doors of new opportunity as he made it clear that I was to produce the show all on my own. Which is what I still do until he sees fit to open another door.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Where do you see Light Talk going in the next 3 years?

Sam Beman: My plans and God’s are two different things. I would love to see it get picked up by a major network and be a national late night talk show.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Outside of our faith in Jesus Christ, we both have one thing in common: We're both Alanta Braves fans. What role does your faith play in your comedy?

Sam Beman: Comedy is a great way to share your faith with people. Comedian Nazareth describes it as something good that helps the medicine go down easy. What’s in your heart, will come out on stage, whether through prewritten material or off the cuff. I try to look for ways to point back to Christ. Even through some of my parody songs (which usually are parodies of Christian songs). I can sing a song about lice at a non-christian event and people ask me what the original song is. So I tell them “Give me your eyes” by Brandon Heath. Awesome song about seeing people with the eyes of Christ!

Comedian Eric Johnson: If you could have a side kick/band leader for Light Talk, who would it be?

Sam Beman: You wouldn’t know this guy right off. But I tell him every time at church that should he ever quit leading worship, I want him on Light Talk! His name is Justin Belew and he was a guest featured on one of my previous episode. He’s extremely musically talented, very personable and has a great sense of humor with quick wit. That’s the kind of guy I want on my show!

Comedian Eric Johnson: You do so many different things, Sam. Where does all the influence come from to do these things?

Sam Beman: My dad did voices, mom modeled and did commercials, various family members encouraged me to dance and sing at their homes (or in public), one of my uncles made mix tapes. During my teenage years dad use to make me do my impressions all the time for total strangers at the Waffle House.

Comedian Eric Johnson: With Light Talk you're on a platform in which you can no doubt influence a lot of people. What kind of influence do you hope to have on the viewers of Light Talk? What is it that you hope they walk away with?

Sam Beman: My hope is that people would be encouraged and uplifted by the humor, skits, testimonies and talent, featured on the show. Whether viewers have a relationship with Christ or not. At least they have an opportunity to see into the hearts of those who do love the Lord, and are seeking to bless him with their platforms.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Do you have a motto for life? If so, what is it?

Sam Beman: Don’t stop pursuing the call God has put on your life.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Is there anything that you'd like to plug?

Sam Beman: You can visit Light Talk’s website, Youtube channel, Facebook and Twitter! Also, we’d love to hear from you by fan mail or if you’d like to make a donation to the show:

Sam Beman
P.O. Box 909
Phenix City, AL 36868