Comedy Bang Bang: The Podcast – Episode Featuring Wayne Brady, Lily Sullivan, and Jacob Wysocki
Release Date: April 21, 2025

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of Comedy Bang Bang, host Scott Aukerman welcomes the multi-talented Wayne Brady, alongside special appearances by Lily Sullivan and Jacob Wysocki. The episode seamlessly blends insightful discussions about Wayne's illustrious career and his innovative podcast with the show's signature comedic flair, featuring eccentric characters and spontaneous improv segments.

Guest Spotlight: Wayne Brady

Career Highlights and Current Projects

Wayne Brady opens up about his extensive career in comedy, television, and theater. As a celebrated performer known for his versatility, he shares insights into his role as a host on "Let's Make a Deal" and his ongoing commitment to improv through his show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?".

[07:09] Wayne Brady: "I'm a five-time Emmy award winner, and my talk show also won, sharing the glory with my producers."

Wayne delves into his passion for teaching, revealing his role as an adjunct professor at USC, where he instructs courses like "Improvisation for Camera". He emphasizes the importance of improvisation not just as a performance tool but as a means to enhance real-life conversations and relationships.

[05:35] Wayne Brady: "I teach improvisation as an audition tool, helping actors free themselves up before stepping into a scene."

The "What If" Podcast

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Wayne's podcast, "What If", co-hosted with Jonathan Mangum. He explains the concept, which marries traditional interview formats with improvisational performance, creating a unique blend of conversation and spontaneous comedy.

[26:11] Wayne Brady: "We take the conversation from a talk show and blow it out into a performance piece, keeping it playful and fun."

Wayne highlights memorable moments from the podcast, such as unexpected song performances and character improvisations, which showcase his and his co-host's improvisational prowess.

[27:16] Wayne Brady: "One of my best times on the podcast was when Colton Dunn spontaneously created a thug rap song about his name. It was pure improvisational magic."

Insights into Improvisation and Teaching Philosophy

Wayne shares his teaching philosophy, focusing on the importance of being present and creating rich, detailed backstories even before a script begins. He criticizes the tendency of actors to end performances abruptly once lines are delivered, advocating for continued engagement to enhance the authenticity of their performances.

[05:45] Wayne Brady: "I hate seeing actors just go 'The script is over,' and then they turn off the camera. I teach them to keep the scene alive, even on camera."

He discusses the parallels between stage performances and his experiences in high-pressure television and film environments, underscoring the consistent need for creativity and adaptability.

[09:01] Wayne Brady: "Broadway is just like doing your junior or senior class play, except it's Broadway with a larger scope and more professionalism."

Achievements and Future Aspirations

Wayne reflects on his achievements, including his Emmy awards and long-running shows. He expresses his desire to expand his creative endeavors, such as writing for comic books and further developing his podcast.

[20:08] Wayne Brady: "A dream role I've never done would be playing Applegate in 'Damn Yankees.'"

He also touches upon his passion for live performances, comparing the exhilaration of on-stage improvisation to the demands and rewards of television work.

[34:47] Scott Aukerman: "Doing live shows is often more fun and fulfilling than being on TV."

Eccentric Segments: Peloton Instructor and Bugs Bunny

In keeping with Comedy Bang Bang's trademark blend of humor and unpredictability, the episode features playful, fictional segments with a Peloton Instructor named Krendel and the animated character Bugs Bunny. These segments introduce absurd scenarios and comedic interactions, adding layers of entertainment and showcasing the show's creative versatility.

Peloton Instructor Segment

Krendel leads an exaggerated and humorous Peloton workout, intertwining absurd personal anecdotes and improvised humor with the host and Wayne. This segment exemplifies the show's improvisational spirit, blending fitness with comedy.

[44:35] Krendel: "I have had some stomach issues all year long. I have been having diarrhea multiple times a day."

Bugs Bunny Segment

The inclusion of Bugs Bunny brings a nostalgic and surreal element to the episode. Through playful banter and outlandish scenarios, Bugs interacts with Scott and Wayne, further elevating the comedic experience.

[72:13] Bugs Bunny: "What's up, Scott? How we doing today?"

Notable Quotes

• Wayne Brady:

  "[02:00] Wayne Brady: Maybe I would be turned on."
  Discussing the potential annoyance of repetitive catchphrases on the show.

• Scott Aukerman:

  "[05:12] Scott Aukerman: Oh, okay."
  Responding to Wayne's humorous admission of his family's obsession with killing fowls.

• Wayne Brady:

  "[16:10] Wayne Brady: Who? Patti LuPone. She Broadway diva legend extraordinaire."
  Highlighting his admiration for Broadway talents.

Conclusion

This episode of Comedy Bang Bang masterfully balances heartfelt discussions about Wayne Brady's career and creative projects with the show's signature humor and improvisational antics. From deep dives into improvisation techniques to whimsical segments with fictional characters, the episode offers a rich and engaging experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Key Takeaways

• Wayne Brady's Multifaceted Career: His roles in television, theater, and as an educator highlight his versatility and commitment to the craft of improvisation.

• Innovative Podcasting: "What If" stands out as a unique blend of interview and improv, setting a new standard for conversational comedy.

• Commitment to Fun in Creativity: Both Wayne and Scott emphasize the importance of enjoying the creative process, ensuring that the magic of improvisation remains at the forefront.

• Signature Comedy Bang Bang Elements: The inclusion of eccentric characters and spontaneous segments exemplifies the show's ability to blend structured interviews with unbridled comedy.

Further Listening

For those intrigued by Wayne Brady's insights and the innovative format of "What If," tuning into his podcast is highly recommended. Additionally, exploring past episodes of Comedy Bang Bang can provide a broader perspective on the show's unique blend of comedy and celebrity interactions.

Note: The timestamps referenced in notable quotes correspond to the provided transcript and illustrate specific moments within the episode.