Rik Roberts

Reward and empower your group with engaging programs on Team Building, Productivity or a 100% clean comedy show. Perfect for when you want an upbeat, insightful and fun speaker!

Expert on

  • Comedian / Comedienne
  • Humor
  • Goal Setting
  • Master of Ceremonies / Emcee
  • Time Management/Self-Management
  • Productivity

Fee Range

$7,500–$15,000

Travels from

TN, US

Rik Roberts spent his youth in Kentucky working on tobacco and horse farms. His interest in becoming the next Tom Brokaw – or perhaps anchor of “Weekend Update” on Saturday Night Live – inspired him to chase after a college education.

After earning a degree in communications from Bethany College, Rik worked for Simon & Schuster in Columbus, OH. He joined a nationally touring comedy troupe “Midwest Comedy Tool & Die [MCTD] in 1992. Shortly thereafter, he decided to jump head first into stand-up comedy. He now has over twenty years of headlining experience across the United States and abroad.

With the countless hours onstage, Rik has evolved into a master storyteller. His emphasis on storytelling paved the way for his speaking career. Just like in comedy, Rik keeps the pace of his keynote programs up using stories, facts, current events, visuals, and crowd participation to make the points relevant to each group.

Aside from his keynotes, Rik continues to deliver his stand-up routines for any group seeking 100% clean comedy. He teaches comedy writing workshops across the country and online through his “School of Laughs”.

Rik spends his time off stage writing songs – many of which are aired daily on SiriusXM radio’s LaughUSA and Blue Collar Radio channels.

He was tapped to play a Barney Fife impersonator in the movie Mayberry Man which was released in theatres in 2021 and is now available on Amazon Prime.

He’s appeared in his own episode of the award-winning BANANAS COMEDY SHOW which features the nation’s top “clean” comedians. He also was featured on CMT’s “20 Greatest Redneck Moments” and was a writer and performer on “The Henry Cho Comedy Show” on Great American Country.

Rik is a proud father of two and a happy husband at home in Nashville, TN.

Rik is a member of the National Speakers Association and past President of the Christian Comedy Association.

GO FAST OR GO FAR! EMPOWERING ORGANIZATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH INDIVIDUAL EFFORT

Format: Keynote

The saying “If you want to go fast – go alone. If you want to go far, go with others” is powerful. It applies to personal goal setting, teamwork, and business. Both routes will generate results. Which will you choose?

 

This program is perfect for:

  • Organizations merging with another, 
  • Groups beginning a new challenge, 
  • Leaders trying to get more out of their employees

 

The audience will leave with:

  • A clear vision on what is expected of them by their employers, leaders
  • Applicable steps on how to stay focused and motivated on the journey
  • A fresh mindset on serving others as they achieve individual success

THIS PROGRAM WILL:

  • Elevate your group’s vision on how to achieve things as a team especially when they sometimes must achieve personal goals on their own.
  • Empower the entire organization by crystalizing your vision into a simple and shareable statement.
  • Motivate everyone with milestone goals so they can see their own progress and how it contributes to the overall team goal.

Do this and you will get better results, more engagement, and total team buy-in.

TAKEAWAYS:

You will gain a new perspective on how to approach organizational goals by focusing on the results for others instead of yourself. Specifically,

* Starting with the change you want for others and working back to the change you need to make yourself

* Learning your limits, and how to exceed them

* The value of “All-Star” mentors on your journey

* Discovering ways to continue even when times are tough

* Finding companionship even in a solo endeavor

* Why a meaningful goal is better than merely a statistical achievement

* Using your social network to spread your message and hold your team accountable

And much more.

BACKSTORY

From my days as a distance runner to my current times as a cyclist, I explore the way we can leave a lasting impact. Whether it is the people that we encounter along the way, or those affected long after the event is over – our actions leave a lasting impression.

My current “Go Fast, or Go Far” journey is attempting to cycle the distance around the world (25,000 miles) while raising a million dollars for charities. I am halfway there on the ride and raised over $600,000 so far.

It’s not been easy. There was a steep learning curve at the beginning, a cancer battle in the middle, and still 12,000 more miles to go. I have already learned to take a more deliberate and meaningful approach to family, work, and recreation. And I would love to share the takeaways with you and your group.

IT'S FUNNY NOW

Pure Comedy Stress Buster!

Rik Roberts is a veteran comedian with 20 yrs of stand-up comedy experience. You can rest assured you – and your event – are in good hands. Rik travels nationwide performing “It’s Funny Now” a 100% clean comedy show. It’s perfect at corporate events, sales meetings, awards banquets, churches and holiday parties – you name it.

Rik’s act is multi-dimensional. In addition to his stand-up routines, he sings his original comedy songs. Performances can range from 20-60 minutes.

You may have heard or seen him already! He’s appeared on The “Bananas Family Comedy Show”, CMT’s “20 Greatest Redneck Moments”, “The Henry Cho Show”(GACtv), American Family Network’s “Laugh Out Loud”, NPR’s “Car Talk”, Sirius/XM Radio’s Laugh USA and Blue Collar channels.

Rik knows corporate and private groups require a different kind of performer – one who is upbeat, positive, professional & considerate of their audience. Rik is a performer who will not jeopardize the reputation of those who hired him.

Rik prides himself on interacting with the group in a way that is fresh and inviting – not crude and demeaning. He can “customize” his show to suit your needs. This ability alone sets him apart from the other clean comedians.

THE MAYBERRY METHOD

The Mayberry Method is a very fun motivational speech designed to teach specific ways to increase your productivity. I use examples from the Andy Griffith Show to help drive points home.

The typical 50-60 minute speech includes 3 of the following topics:

  • Deputizing Others | Delegating Authority
  • Nip it in the Bud | Keep Small Problems Small
  • Don’t be a Goober | Time Management  Tips
  • Who is your Ernest T? | Deal with Distractions
  • Call the Man | Customer Relationship Building
  • Keep your Bullet in your Pocket | Think Before you Speak

It’s an upbeat and unique speech that is easy to relate to and remember. I can even appear at one point as Barney Fife in uniform to make it more memorable.

“Rik was flexible on logistics, professional in every way, very personable before and after event, and a real hit with our corporate customers (audience). I absolutely would hire him again”. — Kevin B, Columbus, OH

You don’t have to be a Mayberry fan to play along. I relate various points through a combination of current events, historical examples, teachable moments and humor.

We all know that laughter tied to a fact or story makes an impact and improves retention of the message. I make a point to make every message as fun as it is informative. 

LISTEN UP / LAUGH IT UP!

TEAM BUILIDING THROUGH LAUGHTER AND IMPROVISATION

Did you know that laughter is a key component to success? In both the workplace and at home, a good laugh goes a long way. Laughter causes oxygen levels in the blood increase. And your brain becomes fully engaged!

In the first part of the program Rik will share stats and stories of the benefits of laughter. And then, deliver a little stand-up comedy to prove it.

The second phase of the program is designed to explore how we can better “LISTEN” to customers, co-workers and clients. Too often, we listen just waiting to interrupt with our answers and show off what we know. Ideally, we should be LISTENING TO HEAR instead of LISTENING TO RESPOND.

You will be on your feet practicing active listening exercises. These methods will change the way you go about “hearing” what your customers have to say.

The program wraps with a few interactive “Kodak” moments you don’t want to miss!

GAME WINNING DRIVE - LEADERSHIP & ACCOUNTABILITY

This program will help you take your team to the next level. It is a great fit for organizations who need a leadership tune-up and help establishing a culture of trust and accountability.

Overcoming adversity is part of life. In sports, the adversity often is self-imposed. Discover the lessons in situations such as J. R. Smith and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ failure to recognize “time and game situation” in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA finals. There was plenty of blame to go around. But where was the leadership?

Learn from the rise and fall of athletes such as Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods. When leaders get ahead of themselves they tumble every time.

Taking stories right out of today’s sports headlines and history’s record books, we will explore the steps that lead to real winning. By emphasizing teamwork and integrity, your attendees will identify leadership qualities that they can develop to become a champion in their own right.

Studying last year’s Super Bowl and BCS Championships, we’ll also explore what happens when you have the chance to be “next man up”. Will you fail? Or, will you have what it takes to lead a game winning drive? Leadership opportunities abound, be prepared!

Topics covered in the speech include:

– Building your Team (Recruiting and Releasing)
– Game Planning (Leadership Cohesion)
– Fumble Recovery (Ownership & Accountability)

The speech can be delivered in 30, 60 or 90 minutes. It has some serious moments, humor and self-reflective take away points for instant application at work and home.

What people are saying:

“Rik was flexible on logistics, professional in every way, very personable before and after event, and a real hit with our corporate customers (audience). I absolutely would hire him again.”

– Kevin B, Columbus, OH

“We had Rik Roberts come in to present Game Winning Drive to our annual agency off site meeting. Rik really honed in on issues such as team work, unity, accountability, and owning your mistakes. He did it in a judgment-free way that gave us take-aways and connecting points we can take back to our home offices and apply.

It was extremely well done, very professional and with plenty of laughs. Rik hit the nail on the head, and managed to not ruffle any feathers. He is an expert at people and it shows. I highly recommend him if you have similar event where you need to tune up your leadership, accountability and communication skills.”

– Daniel Connally, Special Assistant Food and Drug Administration

AMERICAN IDLE VIRTUAL TALENT SHOW

Your group is required to stay home and be separated. But during this time, take advantage of getting to know each other in a whole new way.  This virtual event is facilitated by comedian Rik Roberts.

  • Discover hidden talent in your organization.
  • Boost morale.
  • Faciliate togetherness and unity.
  • Create some “Rock Stars” within your group!

The voting (optional) will be left up to your group. Whether it is a one-time event, or a multiple week showcase is up to you. 

Historical times are upon us. Leaders are challenged to keep their organizations focused and productive. Laughter and camaraderie can reduce stress and build connectivity. This virtual event will accomplish all of those goals and give you a boost when so many are feeling stressed and fearful.

Schedule an event consultation with American Idle. Together, you can figure out your needs and create an event that will be talked about for years to come.  You will get tips on what to do to make your event shine. American Idle is here to help!