The Multi-Hyphenate Mind of Eric Boso: A Deep Dive into Art, Comedy, and Community

In a recent episode of the podcast hosted by Marq, guest Eric Boso—a self-described "multi-hyphenate" artist—shared his journey through the worlds of filmmaking, comedy, photography, and community building. From the heart of Clintonville to the fringes of indie cinema, Boso’s story is one of relentless creative pursuit and a deep-seated belief in the power of authenticity.

Boso is a fixture in the Columbus creative scene, largely through his work at Reliable on High, a cannabis boutique and art gallery located in Clintonville. What began as a volunteer effort to manage the shop's Instagram has blossomed into a vital cultural hub. Every Wednesday, Boso curates and hosts an open mic that brings together comedians, musicians, and poets.

His goal is to foster an "intellectual" and supportive community where different types of artists—like comedians and musicians—can serve as each other's audience and inspiration. For Boso, the space is about more than just entertainment; it’s about creating a "full picture" for people to meet and share their work in a dedicated, high-vibe environment.

Boso’s creative roots go back to a childhood desire to be a writer. His passion for storytelling was ignited by films like the 2002 meta-drama Adaptation and the extensive special features of the Lord of the Rings DVDs, which gave him a profound appreciation for the technical "hammer and nails" side of filmmaking.

While he initially pursued screenwriting, Boso eventually expanded into acting after taking elective classes at Columbus State and performing in several plays. This led to a prominent role in the 2013 cult indie film Bong of the Living Dead, where he played a weed-smoking zombie enthusiast—a role he jokes hasn’t changed much for him over the years.

As a director and producer, Boso is a "Nikon fanboy" who keeps a close eye on industry shifts, such as Nikon's recent acquisition of Red. He prioritizes visual storytelling "mechanics" over dialogue, believing that the way a scene is shot can convey a character's connection or obstruction more powerfully than words alone.

His stand-up is characterized by a "dark", and caught Marq off guard, particularly his Paul Walker joke. However, he maintains that his goal isn't to shock but to speak his mind and explore the "weird and sideways" parts of his brain.

He views comedy as a way to spin his own "flaws and weird thoughts" into something positive and universally human. "If I am able to speak to what is human... they're entertaining and artful," Boso explains.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Boso’s philosophy is his commitment to art for art’s sake. He argues that artists should create because they feel "called" to do it, rather than focusing on building a massive audience or chasing money. This belief informs his staunch opposition to AI-generated content. He insists that he would never let AI write anything of substance, viewing it as a tool for "hyper-capitalists" that lacks true human connection.

"Don’t ask a computer to do it," Boso advises. "Asking AI to draw your picture or make your movie is... [not art]". For Boso, the value of the creative process lies in the internal struggle and the eventual "self-love and self-worth" that comes from realizing a vision.

For those looking to see Boso’s work or attend one of his open mics, he remains highly accessible. He manages his own social media and encourages people to reach out on Instagram (eric_boso_) or find him at Reliable on High on Wednesday nights. Whether he’s behind the camera, behind the mic, or curating a gallery, Boso remains a testament to the power of wearing many hats—and wearing them all with total authenticity.