Comedy Bang Bang: The Podcast – Episode Featuring Asif Ali, Lily Sullivan, and Dan Lippert
Release Date: March 17, 2025

Introduction

In this lively episode of Comedy Bang Bang: The Podcast, host Scott Aukerman welcomes first-time guests Asif Ali, Lily Sullivan, and Dan Lippert. The conversation swiftly transitions from promotional content to an engaging discussion about Asif Ali's new Hulu series, followed by an improvisational comedy segment involving the enigmatic "Hollywood Cabal."

1. Spotlight on "Deli Boys"

Plot and Characters

Asif Ali introduces his breakout role in the new comedy series Deli Boys, available on Hulu. The show centers around two barely legal South Asian trust fund kids, Mir and Raj, who navigate their immature lifestyles three days post-18th birthday. Asif portrays Mir, a type-A business school graduate, while Raj, played by Sagar Shake, wrestles with the aftermath of their patriarch's unexpected demise.

• Asif Ali (04:07): "Deli Boys is out. I have seen approximately two hours of these four episodes..."

• Lily Sullivan (Macy) (04:22): "It's about two trust fund kids, two little dum dums I play..."

Production Insights

The guests delve into the show's development, highlighting its unexpected shift from a lighthearted premise to a darker narrative akin to The Sopranos or Pulp Fiction. They discuss the intense first episode, laden with Tarantino-esque violence and substantial blood effects.

• Asif Ali (07:30): "It's like the premise had been established... Suddenly it's violent. It's very exciting to me."

Reception and Ratings

Macy proudly mentions the series boasts a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring its critical acclaim.

• Macy (09:36): "We have an over 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes."

2. Behind the Scenes: Filming and Character Development

The conversation shifts to behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including the decision to release all 10 episodes simultaneously on Hulu, comparing it to Disney's "bear tactics." They share humorous instances from the set, such as challenging improv scenes and interactions with guest stars like Lily Sullivan.

• Asif Ali (14:31): "Watching these... Because you're using four episodes... Free trial, by the way."

• Macy (15:32): "I was doing improv... Moved to LA, actively losing money doing improv."

3. Improv Comedy Segment: Hollywood Cabal Wellness Check

In a creative improvisational segment, the guests participate in a mock wellness check conducted by a fictional therapist affiliated with the "Hollywood Cabal." This segment humorously explores the concept of actors having "innies" (their Hollywood personas) and "outies" (their real-life selves).

• Dr. Shred (Comedic Character) (32:32): "Due to the chaotic and often volatile nature of the entertainment industry..."

• Asif Ali (33:35): "I didn't see that. I've never talked to anyone else who's seen it."

The segment features absurd scenarios, such as Dr. Shred attempting to detail Asif Ali's "Audi" (a metaphorical representation of his separated self), leading to comical confusion and exaggerated character traits.

• Asif Ali (40:35): "Dr. Shred was here and he was awesome."

• Macy (44:12): "Dr. Shred doesn't read."

4. Guest Appearance: Russ Sawaro, the Government Employee

Russ Sawaro joins the conversation as a government employee working for Culligan, addressing water-based issues unique to Hollywood. His dry humor and understated demeanor add a distinct flavor to the episode.

• Russ Sawaro (60:39): "I work for Culligan solving water-based issues that the normal Hollywood man wouldn't be able to handle."

• Asif Ali (62:14): "Everything you said before Dr. Shred was kind of lame, but Dr. Shred makes me sound cool."

Russ shares his experiences, including navigating technology like Sling for watching shows and his interactions with the "Hollywood Cabal," which perpetuates the episode's running gag.

• Russ Sawaro (65:47): "I subscribe to the Gelson's monthly newsletter because I want to get dragon fruit."

5. Promotional Segments

Throughout the episode, strategic promotional spots are interwoven seamlessly into the conversation, endorsing Asif Ali’s Deli Boys on Hulu and Macy’s upcoming stand-up tour.

• Macy (80:16): "I'm going on tour doing stand-up starting April. Find all the dates on my Instagram page at Ali Comedy."

Additionally, humorous plug-ins for fictional products like "Dr. Shred's" non-alcoholic beer and "Dirt Shirt" merchandise are featured, enhancing the comedic undertones.

6. Closing Remarks

As the episode nears its end, the playful chaos from the wellness check spills over, resulting in mock confrontations and humorous confusion among the guests. Scott Aukerman wraps up by reinforcing the availability of Deli Boys and the dynamic performances of the guests.

• Asif Ali (89:03): "I enjoyed hearing about it. I enjoy. I guess I didn't meet him, but he sounds cool."

Notable Quotes

• Asif Ali (04:07): "Deli Boys is out. I have seen approximately two hours of these four episodes..."

• Macy (09:36): "We have an over 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes."

• Asif Ali (14:31): "...give me a free trial without ads. Hook me."

• Dr. Shred (32:32): "Due to the chaotic and often volatile nature of the entertainment industry..."

• Russ Sawaro (60:39): "I work for Culligan solving water-based issues that the normal Hollywood man wouldn't be able to handle."

Conclusion

This episode of Comedy Bang Bang masterfully blends structured discussions about new media projects with spontaneous improvisational comedy, creating a dynamic and entertaining experience. The interplay between hosts and guests, coupled with clever humor and behind-the-scenes insights, offers both longtime fans and newcomers a rich and engaging listen.