A Stroke of Genius Saved a Life, and Gave Supernatural Fans over a Decade of Laughs

A stroke can impact anyone of any age, and reaction time is key to saving a life. May is Stroke Awareness Month, and there is no better time to celebrate a friendship that spawned from Supernatural conventions and the archangel Gabriel saving the life of Chuck, AKA God.

If you’re a fan of the series Supernatural that ran for 327 episodes and 15 seasons, then you’ve probably been to or heard of the conventions celebrating this amazing series. They literally had an episode where Sam and Dean show up at a Supernatural Convention. Well back in 2013 at an actual convention Rob Benedict, who plays Chuck – AKA God – on the show, suddenly showed signs of a stroke. Richard Speight Jr., who played Gabriel (and Loki in a later episode), recognized what was happening and got him the medical help he needed, thereby saving his life.

This moment brought them closer than they’ve ever been, and led to the launch of the campaign, “Getting By With a Little Help,” which donates to the National Stroke Association. It also led to some fun and hilarious projects including Kings of Con, and the Supernatural podcast: SPN Then and Now.

Kings of Con

If you’re a fan of Supernatural, fan conventions, self deprecation, or simply comedy, then Kings of Con is definitely worth checking out. There are 10 short episodes featuring Rob and Rich as parodies of themselves. While they may be the stars of Kings of Con, many other Supernatural characters show up too. While some are also parodies of themselves, some are completely random characters. I had to do a double take when I realized Abaddon from the show (Alaina Huffman) was playing Rob’s soon to be ex-wife.

I recently binged the whole thing, and it is absolutely hilarious. It’s a parody, with real life inspiration, on what goes on behind the scenes of a fan convention. I was laughing from the first scene to the last, and suddenly found myself even more hyped for the upcoming Supernatural convention in Orlando this September. It’s definitely not CW rated, so expect some colorful language, dick jokes (not the Leviathan kind), and a ton of cameos. Not just Supernatural ones. My only complaint was, I wanted more.

This crowd funded series dropped a decade ago, and can be streamed on Apple TV, Prime Video, and YouTube. While the series was sadly short lived, there is also a Kings of Con podcast that is a ton of fun. This was actually a covid baby that began as a podcast called, And My Guest Is Richard Speight. Five years later they’ve renamed it Kings of Con, and they’re still going strong.

SPN Then and Now Podcast

The ultimate podcast for any Supernatural fan is the SPN Then and Now Podcast! While both Rob and Rich starred on Supernatural throughout its run (Rich even directed quite a few episodes), they never sat down and actually watched the show. Well now they are. Each episode of this podcast is focused on an episode of the show. They kick off with a recap, review, and a rating. Then they have a guest who was involved in that episode. From actors, to directors, music, lighting… I started listening for the fun facts, and I never imagined I would learn so much about what goes into making a television series. They then wrap with fun facts, mythology, credits, and bloopers.

While I love learning behind the scenes facts and stories, my favorite moments of the SPN Then and Now podcast are those times where I hear both of them genuinely giggling at the other. They may be great actors, but best friend giggles can’t be faked like that. However, the podcast never makes you feel like you’re out of the loop, but more so part of it. We’re watching them become the fans we’ve been for years, and it’s a ton of fun!

Music Can Be Healing

While a web series and a couple podcasts can be traced back to Rob’s stroke, humor and friendship are not the only ways he moved forward. He also documented his recovery musically. If you’ve been to a Supernatural con, then you’ve likely seen Rob perform with his band, Louden Swain. Their 2014 album Sky Alive, is a result of his journey through recovery.

Rob is not the only one with musical talents. Rich himself has been known to sing at a con, and with his own band, Dick Jr. & the Volunteers. The musical talent from the actors in Supernatural is uncanny. However, coming from a show with music playing a big part, it all seems poetic. It’s also inspired many fans musically as well.

If you love music and Supernatural, a beautiful series was created by Denim Wrapped Nightmares and the In Defense of Fandom podcasts showcasing music in and inspired by the show: SPN20 Music Extravaganza. They interviewed so many musically talented actors from the show (including Rob and Rich), as well as musicians involved in the conventions, and fans that have created music based on and inspired by the series.

Saving People, Recording Podcasts, the Supernatural Family Business

Looking back on everything that has happened since his stroke Rob recently said, “They say a stroke changes your life, but they don’t tell you it can bring you closer to the people who matter most.” Rich’s response to this was, “I’m happy you’re still here, buddy. Next to my wife, there’s no one I love to annoy more.”

To spot a stroke, make sure to follow the acronym: B.E. F.A.S.T.

If you’re still mourning that ending to Supernatural (like myself), Kings of Con (series and podcast), and the SPN Then and Now podcast are perfect ways to fill that hole in your heart! Attending a convention helps as well. If you have the stomach, checking out THE BOYS is also a fantastic idea. From behind the screen, to on the screen, there are a ton of Supernatural people involved. There are also quite a few Leonardo DiCaprio Easter Eggs to be found throughout the five seasons of THE BOYS.

For all things KINGS OF CON, and Rob & Rich, check out their Link Tree.

Check out more from Lauren, including her thoughts on her first Supernatural Convention, and a review of the current Supernatural comic book from Dynamite Entertainment.

Did you watch Kings of Con? Have you listened to the SPN Then and Now podcast? Let us know your thoughts!