A Banana Peel Memory (Myq Kaplan, Paul Rust, James Mannion)

Episode Overview

Podcast: Comedy Bang Bang: The Podcast
Episode: A Banana Peel Memory
Date: November 24, 2025
Host: Scott Aukerman
Guests: Myq Kaplan, Paul Rust, James Mannion (characters: Teddy Today, Hube Wheeler, Esq.)

This episode kicks off with a classic freewheeling interview with comedian Myq Kaplan, who celebrates his ascension to the rare "Four Timers Club." Scott and Myq riff on comedy, early memories, travel, and the making of Myq's new YouTube special, "Reenie." The show then welcomes a cavalcade of oddball characters, including local citizen Teddy Today (Paul Rust) and lawyer Hube Wheeler (James Mannion), each bringing their signature blend of silliness and improv games.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Myq Kaplan’s Comedy Journey & New Special [02:17–29:55]

Four Timers Club Induction: Myq is honored with entry into the Four Timers Club (appearance 4 in 14 years!). Scott jokes about the infrequency: "Your first episode was in 2011. You did not return for another nine years." [04:32]
Acting Credits: Myq shares his limited filmography, including "Punching Henry" and "You Are Here." He jokes about his acting class bona fides: "I did take acting classes this year for the first time at the Barrow Group...It counts."
Earliest Memory: Myq recalls biting a banana peel as a toddler and crying, inspiring the episode’s title: "My earliest memory is crying about biting...a banana peel. A banana peel memory." [07:21]
Travel and Stand-Up: Discussion on performing at venues worldwide, from Carnegie Hall to the Edinburgh Fringe Fest, and late-night TV spots like Conan and Letterman. Myq describes the thrill: "I opened for Patton Oswalt at Carnegie Hall once. That was pretty fun." [12:58]
Musical Skills: Myq reveals he plays violin, viola, guitar, and a "little piano" for fun: "I'm like the Mitch [Hedberg] here. Mitch Hedberg is to drugs as I am to the violin." [13:16]
Standup Special "Reenie": Named after his partner, whom he met at the Knitting Factory during a "Shtick or Treat" show. Much of the hour was co-written with Reni, focusing on their long-term relationship's quirks:
- "The content of the special is about our relationship" [25:30]
- "We don't plan to die, but we...love each other. We're going to be together for as forever as possible." [26:00]
Filming at a Synagogue: The special was filmed at the Actors Temple Theater, a working synagogue in NYC: "It's a functioning synagogue and a functioning theater...perfect for a show about romantic togetherness." [27:23]

2. Teddy Today’s “Amazing Events” [39:47–54:07; 56:10–59:23]

Introduced as a “local citizen” who experiences a dozen amusing events every single day. He recounts these deadpan stories—part groaner, part stand-up parody:
- Limbo Contest: "I won first place at the local limbo contest. But the real winner? My chiropractor."
- Choir Compliments: "I blushed so hard I should've been put with the red radishes in the produce section."
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: Nearly falls out, saved by his cousin, insists on going again.
- Unexpected Hot Pepper Consequence: Eats a seemingly mild pepper, later belches a "ball of fire"—“That’s what I call heartburn.”
- Refuses Standup Career: Claims he's too shy: "I can't do stand-up. I'm too shy." (though he recites stories like a comic).
Running Joke:
- His stories become increasingly less interesting, culminating in: "I spilled some water on the kitchen floor...I broke out the mop and I mopped it up, and it was really good." [59:04]
- Admits he’s 92 years old, and post-retirement, realized all these things happen to him.

3. Legal Advice from Hube Wheeler, Esq. [60:24–81:02]

Introduces “What to do in a traffic stop” segment:
- Magic phrase: “My apologies, officer. I don’t answer questions without a lawyer.” [61:43] (Elaborate riff ensues over word count)
- Warns of the dangers of small talk: "People give up too much information and it gets them in trouble." [61:03]
Hypothetical Q&As:
- How silence is your best defense, and how to avoid incrimination.
- Parallels between cop questions and "troll riddles." Exchanges on the risks of being stopped, whether by bridge trolls or disguised law enforcement.
  - Example riddles: "What has hands but cannot clap?" ("clock") and "Those who make me sell me..." ("coffin"). [81:45]
- The importance of having a lawyer with you at all times: "If a lawyer was present, you could answer the question."
Running Bits:
- “Don't answer even drive-thru questions without a lawyer.”
- Cop and troll professions blend together: “You can determine if it’s a troll or a cop. If it’s a troll, you must answer the three questions.”
- Legal advice becomes progressively absurd ("Just leave your car, come back for it later.” [73:41])

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On Memory & Comedy:
"My earliest memory is crying about biting...a banana peel. A banana peel memory." —Myq Kaplan [07:21]
On Relationship Pressure:
"People ask us ‘when will you get married?,’ as if that's the start of a life. But we love each other. We're going to be together for as forever as possible." —Myq Kaplan [26:00]
On Performing Distant Memories:
"You came back in 2020...We were maybe just scrounging and searching for guests that would agree to be on the show." —Scott Aukerman [04:40]
On Stage Props:
"There is a stained glass behind the stage...I went on another podcast and he asked about a name in it. I didn't even see it, I was looking forward." —Myq Kaplan [28:13]
Teddy Today’s Deadpan Zinger:
"I blushed so hard, Scott, I'm surprised people didn’t take me out of the choir room and put me in the produce section with all the other red radishes." —Teddy Today [41:47]
On Legal Self-Protection:
"My apologies, officer, I don't answer questions without a lawyer." —Hube Wheeler [61:43]
Absurd Legal Advice:
"If you don't know if it's a police officer or a troll, just weigh the possibilities. If it's a troll, you answer the questions." —Hube Wheeler [76:20]
On Life Post-Car-Obsession:
"After [Jay Leno] passed away, his wife Mavis asked me to come check out his closet. ...Walked for a walk, and so many cars just driving by themselves. He set them all free." —Teddy Today [80:35]

Important Timestamps

[02:17] – Welcoming Myq Kaplan, banter about his career and early “banana peel” memory.
[07:21] – Myq’s earliest (banana peel) memory.
[13:00] – Playing Carnegie Hall and early music/stand-up intersections.
[19:00] – Discussion of Myq's new special "Reenie."
[21:46] – How Myq met Reenie, inspiration for the special's title, relationship stories.
[27:23] – Filming “Reenie” at the Actors Temple Theater.
[39:47] – Teddy Today’s parade of strange daily events.
[60:24] – Attorney Hube Wheeler’s public service segment—what to say at a traffic stop.
[81:45] – The troll/cop riddle scenario (sample riddles: clock, mirror, coffin).
[85:27] – Plugs segment: Myq plugs "Reenie" and upcoming musical/comedy projects.

Language & Tone

The episode is loaded with playful wit, gentle ribbing, and improv—typical of "Comedy Bang Bang."
Myq is wry, earnest, and self-deprecating; Scott is arch, sardonic, and always nudging guests to be funnier, faster.
Teddy Today: deadpan, corny, committed to the bit.
Hube Wheeler: parodic seriousness, blending genuine legal tropes with absurd hypotheticals.

Final Thoughts

“A Banana Peel Memory” is a quintessential CBB episode, mixing real stand-up-life insights with absurdist, character-driven parody. Myq Kaplan discusses the heartfelt, collaborative nature of his new special, while characters like Teddy Today and Hube Wheeler turn the conversation into a surrealist playground full of bit-laden monologues, running gags, and participatory “rules for life.” Listeners can expect big laughs, comic unpredictability, and enough quotable nonsense to rival any episode from the show's staggering run.

Notable Segments & Quotes Quick Reference:

Myq’s banana peel memory: [07:21]
Meeting Reenie, origins of the special: [21:46]
Teddy Today’s radish face/choir anecdote: [41:47]
Hube Wheeler’s magic phrase/legal advice: [61:43]
Troll riddles/clock gags: [81:45]
Plugs: [85:27]

For Stand-Up Fans:
Don’t miss Myq Kaplan’s “Reenie,” available now on YouTube—no ID required, regardless of citizenship or location [36:02].

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Myq Kaplan’s Comedy Journey & New Special [02:17–29:55]

Four Timers Club Induction: Myq is honored with entry into the Four Timers Club (appearance 4 in 14 years!). Scott jokes about the infrequency: "Your first episode was in 2011. You did not return for another nine years." [04:32]
Acting Credits: Myq shares his limited filmography, including "Punching Henry" and "You Are Here." He jokes about his acting class bona fides: "I did take acting classes this year for the first time at the Barrow Group...It counts."
Earliest Memory: Myq recalls biting a banana peel as a toddler and crying, inspiring the episode’s title: "My earliest memory is crying about biting...a banana peel. A banana peel memory." [07:21]
Travel and Stand-Up: Discussion on performing at venues worldwide, from Carnegie Hall to the Edinburgh Fringe Fest, and late-night TV spots like Conan and Letterman. Myq describes the thrill: "I opened for Patton Oswalt at Carnegie Hall once. That was pretty fun." [12:58]
Musical Skills: Myq reveals he plays violin, viola, guitar, and a "little piano" for fun: "I'm like the Mitch [Hedberg] here. Mitch Hedberg is to drugs as I am to the violin." [13:16]
Standup Special "Reenie": Named after his partner, whom he met at the Knitting Factory during a "Shtick or Treat" show. Much of the hour was co-written with Reni, focusing on their long-term relationship's quirks:
- "The content of the special is about our relationship" [25:30]
- "We don't plan to die, but we...love each other. We're going to be together for as forever as possible." [26:00]
Filming at a Synagogue: The special was filmed at the Actors Temple Theater, a working synagogue in NYC: "It's a functioning synagogue and a functioning theater...perfect for a show about romantic togetherness." [27:23]

2. Teddy Today’s “Amazing Events” [39:47–54:07; 56:10–59:23]

Introduced as a “local citizen” who experiences a dozen amusing events every single day. He recounts these deadpan stories—part groaner, part stand-up parody:
- Limbo Contest: "I won first place at the local limbo contest. But the real winner? My chiropractor."
- Choir Compliments: "I blushed so hard I should've been put with the red radishes in the produce section."
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: Nearly falls out, saved by his cousin, insists on going again.
- Unexpected Hot Pepper Consequence: Eats a seemingly mild pepper, later belches a "ball of fire"—“That’s what I call heartburn.”
- Refuses Standup Career: Claims he's too shy: "I can't do stand-up. I'm too shy." (though he recites stories like a comic).
Running Joke:
- His stories become increasingly less interesting, culminating in: "I spilled some water on the kitchen floor...I broke out the mop and I mopped it up, and it was really good." [59:04]
- Admits he’s 92 years old, and post-retirement, realized all these things happen to him.

3. Legal Advice from Hube Wheeler, Esq. [60:24–81:02]

Introduces “What to do in a traffic stop” segment:
- Magic phrase: “My apologies, officer. I don’t answer questions without a lawyer.” [61:43] (Elaborate riff ensues over word count)
- Warns of the dangers of small talk: "People give up too much information and it gets them in trouble." [61:03]
Hypothetical Q&As:
- How silence is your best defense, and how to avoid incrimination.
- Parallels between cop questions and "troll riddles." Exchanges on the risks of being stopped, whether by bridge trolls or disguised law enforcement.
  - Example riddles: "What has hands but cannot clap?" ("clock") and "Those who make me sell me..." ("coffin"). [81:45]
- The importance of having a lawyer with you at all times: "If a lawyer was present, you could answer the question."
Running Bits:
- “Don't answer even drive-thru questions without a lawyer.”
- Cop and troll professions blend together: “You can determine if it’s a troll or a cop. If it’s a troll, you must answer the three questions.”
- Legal advice becomes progressively absurd ("Just leave your car, come back for it later.” [73:41])

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On Memory & Comedy:
"My earliest memory is crying about biting...a banana peel. A banana peel memory." —Myq Kaplan [07:21]
On Relationship Pressure:
"People ask us ‘when will you get married?,’ as if that's the start of a life. But we love each other. We're going to be together for as forever as possible." —Myq Kaplan [26:00]
On Performing Distant Memories:
"You came back in 2020...We were maybe just scrounging and searching for guests that would agree to be on the show." —Scott Aukerman [04:40]
On Stage Props:
"There is a stained glass behind the stage...I went on another podcast and he asked about a name in it. I didn't even see it, I was looking forward." —Myq Kaplan [28:13]
Teddy Today’s Deadpan Zinger:
"I blushed so hard, Scott, I'm surprised people didn’t take me out of the choir room and put me in the produce section with all the other red radishes." —Teddy Today [41:47]
On Legal Self-Protection:
"My apologies, officer, I don't answer questions without a lawyer." —Hube Wheeler [61:43]
Absurd Legal Advice:
"If you don't know if it's a police officer or a troll, just weigh the possibilities. If it's a troll, you answer the questions." —Hube Wheeler [76:20]
On Life Post-Car-Obsession:
"After [Jay Leno] passed away, his wife Mavis asked me to come check out his closet. ...Walked for a walk, and so many cars just driving by themselves. He set them all free." —Teddy Today [80:35]

Important Timestamps

[02:17] – Welcoming Myq Kaplan, banter about his career and early “banana peel” memory.
[07:21] – Myq’s earliest (banana peel) memory.
[13:00] – Playing Carnegie Hall and early music/stand-up intersections.
[19:00] – Discussion of Myq's new special "Reenie."
[21:46] – How Myq met Reenie, inspiration for the special's title, relationship stories.
[27:23] – Filming “Reenie” at the Actors Temple Theater.
[39:47] – Teddy Today’s parade of strange daily events.
[60:24] – Attorney Hube Wheeler’s public service segment—what to say at a traffic stop.
[81:45] – The troll/cop riddle scenario (sample riddles: clock, mirror, coffin).
[85:27] – Plugs segment: Myq plugs "Reenie" and upcoming musical/comedy projects.

Language & Tone

The episode is loaded with playful wit, gentle ribbing, and improv—typical of "Comedy Bang Bang."
Myq is wry, earnest, and self-deprecating; Scott is arch, sardonic, and always nudging guests to be funnier, faster.
Teddy Today: deadpan, corny, committed to the bit.
Hube Wheeler: parodic seriousness, blending genuine legal tropes with absurd hypotheticals.

Final Thoughts

Notable Segments & Quotes Quick Reference:

Myq’s banana peel memory: [07:21]
Meeting Reenie, origins of the special: [21:46]
Teddy Today’s radish face/choir anecdote: [41:47]
Hube Wheeler’s magic phrase/legal advice: [61:43]
Troll riddles/clock gags: [81:45]
Plugs: [85:27]

For Stand-Up Fans:
Don’t miss Myq Kaplan’s “Reenie,” available now on YouTube—no ID required, regardless of citizenship or location [36:02].

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Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Myq Kaplan’s Comedy Journey & New Special [02:17–29:55]

2. Teddy Today’s “Amazing Events” [39:47–54:07; 56:10–59:23]

3. Legal Advice from Hube Wheeler, Esq. [60:24–81:02]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Language & Tone

Final Thoughts

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Myq Kaplan’s Comedy Journey & New Special [02:17–29:55]

2. Teddy Today’s “Amazing Events” [39:47–54:07; 56:10–59:23]

3. Legal Advice from Hube Wheeler, Esq. [60:24–81:02]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Language & Tone

Final Thoughts