Comedy Bang Bang: The Podcast – Episode Featuring Ike Barinholtz, Drew Tarver, and Erin Keif

Release Date: February 24, 2025
Hosts: Scott Aukerman, Ike Barinholtz, Dr. Henry Heimlich, Louis Pantano

Introduction and Guest Appearance

[00:25] Scott Aukerman opens the show with his signature playful banter, welcoming listeners and introducing the week's guest, Ike Barinholtz. Scott sets a humorous tone by referencing unconventional phrases and teasing upcoming segments involving a doctor and a Bostonian.

Ike Barinholtz on "Running Point"

[01:03] Ike Barinholtz discusses his role as the co-creator of the Netflix show "Running Point", describing it as a groundbreaking one-night, one-day event release strategy.
[01:08] Ike Barinholtz: “It's a special two night event. Which was a release strategy that had never been attempted before…”
He humorously elaborates on the show's format, likening it to a TV equivalent of the Big Bang Theory but more explosive and setting the stage for numerous spin-offs.

Promotion Amid Legal Troubles

As the conversation progresses, Ike divulges personal challenges, including a lawsuit stemming from a controversial promotional stunt during his previous project, "Shogun".
[03:48] Ike Barinholtz: “Lovely couple from Buffalo was in town. Wife was decapitated. Husband was mortally wounded. He's also dead.”
He candidly appeals to listeners for support, emphasizing the importance of the show's success for his career and personal circumstances.

Deep Dive into "Running Point"

Scott and Ike delve deeper into "Running Point", highlighting its star-studded cast, including Kate Hudson, Justin Theroux, Scott MacArthur, Drew Tarver, Max Greenfield, and Brenda Song.
[07:04] Ike Barinholtz: “It all comes out this Thursday on Netflix.”
They discuss the show's premise—a fictional and contemporary take on managing a famous basketball franchise, with Kate Hudson's character thrust into executive leadership amidst chaotic team dynamics.

Introduction of Dr. Henry Heimlich

The episode takes a surreal turn with the introduction of Dr. Henry Heimlich, the creator of the Heimlich maneuver.
[28:31] Scott Aukerman: “Has this ever been used on you, Ike?”
[28:35] Ike Barinholtz: “I've never been Heimliched. I choked, but I managed to get it out.”
Dr. Heimlich engages in absurd and humorous discussions about failed attempts at medical solutions, blending dark humor with playful banter.

Reunion with Louis Pantano

[57:31] Louis Pantano joins the conversation, rekindling past comedic collaborations and engaging in a series of inside jokes and playful accusations about stolen ideas and forgotten memories.
[58:12] Louis Pantano: “We started out together.”
The trio reminisces about old performances, improv Olympics, and shared experiences, all while maintaining a lighthearted and comedic atmosphere.

Absurd Medical and Showbiz Pitches

Dr. Heimlich presents a barrage of fictional and bizarre TV show ideas, parodying the process of show creation with over-the-top concepts:

• “Obstruction Island”: Detectives investigating paranormal choking phenomena.
• “Masked Asphyxiator”: A twist on popular masked competitions with choking challenges.
• “Frankly, I’m Choking”: A dark comedy blending personal struggles with choking incidents.

[46:22] Dr. Henry Heimlich: “I think this could Be good. My story, you know, is it like a drama based on your life, or is it like a reality show?”
[48:07] Dr. Henry Heimlich: “Yeah. You need a raise.”

Closing Plugs and Final Banter

In the final segments, the guests and host exchange humorous plugs for their various (often fictional) projects and personal endeavors:

• Ike Barinholtz urges listeners to watch "Running Point" to support him through his legal battles.
• Dr. Henry Heimlich attempts to pitch his unconventional show ideas, blending absurdity with mock-seriousness.
• Louis Pantano promotes his Pixar show “Win or Lose”, highlighting its focus on a middle school softball team.

[81:05] Scott Aukerman: “And of course, Louis Pantano. What do you want to plug here?”
[84:00] Louis Pantano: “Win or lose. It follows like a middle school co-ed softball team.”

The episode concludes with a playful exchange about the chaotic nature of their interactions and a humorous plea for listener support.

Notable Quotes

• Ike Barinholtz on "Running Point":
  [01:08] Ike Barinholtz: “Spin offs upon spin offs upon spinoffs. Even background characters, ground characters, opening titles get their own spin offs.”

• Ike Barinholtz's Legal Struggles:
  [04:11] Ike Barinholtz: “I wanna keep the Ike train rolling. And so if you're able to, when you hear this, set a reminder alarm on your phone.”

• Dr. Henry Heimlich's Absurd Solutions:
  [29:43] Dr. Henry Heimlich: “Tiny lung teeth. Smile. And then they would eat the popcorn and the popcorn corn would get caught in their lung braces.”

• Louis Pantano on Past Collaborations:
  [57:33] Scott Aukerman: “We did comedy together. We started out together.”
  [57:39] Scott Aukerman: “We were on a herald team at the improv Olympics together. Do you not remember?”

• Final Plea for Support:
  [25:56] Ike Barinholtz: “Please, please watch the show. And if you like the show, you could find me on Venmo and you can shoot me a couple bucks.”

Section Breakdown

1. Introduction and Guest Appearance: Scott introduces Ike Barinholtz amidst humorous banter, setting the stage for a comedy-filled episode.
2. Ike Barinholtz on "Running Point": Ike discusses his innovative Netflix show, highlighting its unique release strategy and potential for numerous spin-offs.
3. Promotion Amid Legal Troubles: Ike reveals personal legal issues related to a past promotional event, earnestly requesting listener support to maintain his career.
4. Deep Dive into "Running Point": The conversation explores the show's premise, characters, and star power, emphasizing its contemporary and fictional narrative within the basketball industry.
5. Introduction of Dr. Henry Heimlich: A comedic and absurd character who engages in humorous medical discussions and fictional show pitches, adding a surreal layer to the episode.
6. Reunion with Louis Pantano: Louis joins the conversation, bringing in nostalgic references and playful quips about their past collaborations and forgotten memories.
7. Absurd Medical and Showbiz Pitches: Dr. Heimlich presents a series of outlandish TV show ideas, parodying the entertainment industry's creative process.
8. Closing Plugs and Final Banter: The episode wraps up with mutual promotions of their various projects, reinforcing the comedic and improvisational nature of the podcast.

Conclusion

This episode of Comedy Bang Bang: The Podcast masterfully blends improvisational humor, surreal conversations, and genuine moments of vulnerability. Through Ike Barinholtz's promotion of "Running Point", his candid discussion of personal legal troubles, the introduction of the absurd and humorous Dr. Henry Heimlich, and the nostalgic reunion with Louis Pantano, the show delivers a rich and engaging experience. Notable quotes and a well-structured flow ensure that both regular listeners and newcomers can enjoy the comedic revelry and behind-the-scenes insights without needing prior knowledge of the episode's content.