Comedy Bang Bang: The Podcast – Bonus Bang: Paul F. Tompkins, Drew Tarver, Ryan Gaul (Wet Day Special 2022)
Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction to Wet Day Special

In this Wet Day Special, host Scott Aukerman revisits one of Comedy Bang Bang's foundational episodes, originally recorded on April 10, 2022. Wet Day, an annual comedic holiday celebrated by the show’s community, emphasizes all things wet, serving as a recurring theme for humorous antics and absurd celebrations.

Scott Aukerman [01:06]:
"Happy Wet Day to all. And to all a wet night."

Returning Guests and New Characters

Paul F. Tompkins, a beloved recurring guest, returns alongside Drew Tarver and Ryan Gaul, portraying the eccentric characters Ike and Spike Mink Salmon and Doug Gropes, respectively. Their interactions set the stage for the episode's whimsical and surreal humor.

Paul F. Tompkins [00:35]:
"From Piece of Work Entertainment and Campside Media comes Big Time, an Apple Original Podcast. Each episode follows the story of one misfit with big dreams..."

The Wet Day Tradition

The hosts delve into the origins and customs of Wet Day, a tradition humorously maintained by Paul and Scott. They discuss the elaborate decorations and rituals that define the day, often leading to playful confusion and forgetfulness about the holiday's purpose.

Paul F. Tompkins [05:10]:
"So of course I start decorating the house on St. Patrick's Day. Oh, everyone else has their shamrock."

Scott Aukerman [06:01]:
"We are the architects of the Wet Day season."

As the conversation unfolds, Scott humorously admits to forgetting the specifics of Wet Day, relying on the dedicated fans to keep the tradition alive.

Scott Aukerman [06:08]:
"Why did we start talking about Wet day?"

Interactions with the "Grandfathers"

The episode introduces two fictional grandfathers, Spike Mink Salmon and Mike Mink Salmon, portrayed by Steve Buscemi and Shimmy, respectively. Their over-the-top protective nature over their granddaughters adds a layer of absurdity and dark humor to the episode.

Spike Mink Salmon [40:49]:
"If anything happens to my granddaughter, I'm gonna visit you, and you're not gonna be happy about it."

Mike Mink Salmon [41:00]:
"Don't look at our grandkid. Okay."

The grandfathers engage in exaggerated threats and humorous dialogue, emphasizing their fictional authority and the comedic tension they bring to the show.

The Financial Advisor Segment with Doug Gropes

Introducing Doug Gropes, a comedic financial advisor, Scott attempts to share unconventional financial advice related to stimulus checks. Doug's nonsensical strategies, such as "financial fasting" and demanding refunds for every purchase, parody typical financial advice segments with a surreal twist.

Doug Gropes [78:34]:
"I've come up with a multi layer system on how to spend your stimulus check."

Doug Gropes [80:08]:
"The solution is to sign up... You can go to my website."

Scott's attempts to navigate Doug's baffling advice lead to a series of humorous exchanges, highlighting the show's penchant for blending absurdity with satire.

Scott Aukerman [81:33]:
"Do you have to give it back?"

Doug Gropes [82:02]:
"The solution is to sign up. I mean, I'm not going to give you the full solution right here, but you can go to my website."

Humorous Antics and Absurd Dialogues

Throughout the episode, Scott, Paul, and the grandfathers engage in a series of back-and-forth dialogues filled with puns, wordplay, and exaggerated scenarios. Topics range from the physics of walking on stilts to the intricacies of Dairy Queen franchises turned gravy shops, all delivered with rapid-fire humor and comedic timing.

Paul F. Tompkins [18:04]:
"It's gonna be a Chicago overcoat."

Steve Buscemi [45:18]:
"Don't go near my granddaughter."

Doug Gropes [86:22]:
"I come out of my mother as somebody was asking, are you a US Citizen?"

Concluding Remarks and Wrap-Up

As Wet Day draws to a close, the episode culminates in playful chaos with the grandfathers reiterating their protective stance over their granddaughters and Scott attempting to bring order. The episode ends with a mix of final jokes, mock advertisements, and the promise of more absurd content in future Wet Day celebrations.

Scott Aukerman [96:42]:
"You have to pay a few of them."

Steve Buscemi [99:05]:
"Sounds like $2,000."

Doug Gropes [84:04]:
"Get refunds on everything you've spent on."

Notable Quotes

• Scott Aukerman [06:01]:
  "We are the architects of the Wet Day season."

• Spike Mink Salmon [40:49]:
  "If anything happens to my granddaughter, I'm gonna visit you, and you're not gonna be happy about it."

• Doug Gropes [78:34]:
  "I've come up with a multi layer system on how to spend your stimulus check."

• Steve Buscemi [45:18]:
  "Don't go near my granddaughter."

Episode Highlights

• Wet Day Traditions: Exploration of the humorous foundations of Wet Day and its annual celebration.
• Fictional Grandfathers: Introduction of overprotective grandfather characters adding dark humor.
• Financial Satire: Doug Gropes’ absurd financial advice parodies typical self-help segments.
• Rapid-Fire Humor: Continuous back-and-forth dialogues filled with puns and wordplay.
• Absurd Scenarios: From gravy-filled Dairy Queens to walking on stilts without touching soil, the episode thrives on surreal humor.

Conclusion

This Wet Day Special epitomizes Comedy Bang Bang's unique blend of improvisational comedy, surreal humor, and engaging guest interactions. By revisiting foundational characters and introducing new absurd elements, Scott Aukerman delivers an episode that is both nostalgic and refreshingly unpredictable, ensuring listeners are entertained with every twist and turn.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this episode offers a hilarious deep dive into the bizarre yet charming world of Comedy Bang Bang's Wet Day celebrations.