Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Rob and Big - The Behind the Scenes Interview

MTV doesn't show music videos any more, they make tv shows that have music in them. It's sorta genius except for the fact that we loved some of those videos, and it helped us learn what bands we should go out and, you know, support.
Whatevs, MTV and VH-1 keep on pumping out some quality reality-based programs that you might not like but we freaking love. The Real World, Charm School, and Rob and Big have been getting much play on tvs lately which is why we were very excited to realize that LA blogger/actor/producer Shane Nickerson has been the co-EP of Rob and Big, which meant we could ask him all the questions that only an MTV-nerd would ask about our favorite show featuring a big huge black dude who is the bodyguard and best friend of a little white pro skater, and their adventures in LA.
The questions started, of course, on the logistics of the production being allowed to add a miniature pony to the cast - and to the household.
LAist: Without giving away the location of Rob & Big's house or any spoilers of any upcoming episodes, did you guys run into any zoning issues with having a barnyard animal in the back yard?
Shane Nickerson: Not that I know of. The horse has adapted really well to life in the Hollywood Hills, and of course, the guys go out of their way to make sure his home is comfortable and kickass. There's an equestrian community near their house, so Mini is never too far from some horse on horse quality time.
We dont remember any of the gossip blogs or newspapers talking about neighbors complaining about the sound or smell of the mini horse - was it a quiet animal?
You'd be surprised at how unimposing a mini-horse can be! Actually, I think they're much less noisy and stinky than your average dog. Horses don't bark or howl or crap on the neighbors lawn. The worst you'll get from a mini-horse is a whinny and some grassy poo nuggets.
Speaking of... did you guys ever find the cause of the odor coming from the bulldog's "backdoor"?
Yeah. Bad anal gland. Let me tell you something, there are few smells in the universe worse than the disgusting fluid that secretes out of a dog's anal gland. Foul, foul stuff. They've got a handle on it now though. Now Meaty just has a never-ending case of death farts.
Last season you guys let 415 lb Big get on a skateboard and drop into a backyard half pipe. He immediately fell on his back. Are you people insane?
Probably. It's still one of my favorite moments from the first season. He just got up there and went for it. Fearless.
Why doesn't Rob fire his lazy ass assistant?
Drama? No way! Drama's back this season in a bigger way. I'm sure Rob has probably considered it at times, but come on, it's his cousin! He's part of the crew. I guess you never know what could happen though...
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings.
-
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
-
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority.
-
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding.
-
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline.