Podcast Summary: Hey Riddle Riddle #331 – "There Goes My Isaac Streak" featuring Colin Mochrie

Episode Overview In episode #331 of Hey Riddle Riddle, released on November 20, 2024, hosts Aaron Keenan, John Patrick Coan (JPC), and Adel Rifai invite the legendary improviser Colin Mochrie to explore the intriguing intersection of riddles, improv, and personal anecdotes. Titled "There Goes My Isaac Streak," the episode delves into Colin's illustrious career, his relationship with riddles, and features engaging riddle-solving segments interspersed with spontaneous improv scenes.

Welcome and Introduction (00:02 - 03:02)

The episode kicks off with the hosts introducing their feed of humorous banter surrounding a McDonald's meal deal, setting a lighthearted tone. The conversation quickly shifts when Adel announces the special guest:

• Adel Rifai [02:24]: "I just brought improv legend Colin Mochrie. I don't know if that's okay if he's here or like, should I tell him to go away?"

The hosts warmly welcome Colin, highlighting his significant contributions to the world of improv:

• Aaron Keenan [03:02]: "This is an extraordinary honor that you are joining us on improv podcast."

Colin reflects on his exposure to improv, crediting Whose Line is it Anyway? as his gateway into the art form:

• Colin Mochrie [03:20]: "Whose Line was it did sort of bring improv into the mainstream and at least gave people an introduction of what it was."

Colin Mochrie’s Journey and Impact (03:02 - 07:05)

The discussion delves deeper into Colin's background, his time with Second City Toronto, and his role in inspiring new generations of improvisers. JPC shares a personal anecdote about a fan who began taking improv classes after listening to their show, emphasizing the "circle paying itself forward."

• JPC [03:53]: "...this is like, that's the circle paying itself forward."

Colin expresses gratitude for being part of a legacy that has made improv accessible and enjoyable for many:

• Colin Mochrie [04:22]: "It's pretty cool... I'm glad that Whose Line kind of has that push."

The hosts acknowledge Colin's influence, blending appreciation with their characteristic humor about being "overrated improvisers."

Riddles and Personal Preferences (07:05 - 14:36)

Transitioning from personal stories, the hosts explore Colin's relationship with riddles and puzzles. Interestingly, while hype-riddled at the beginning, Colin reveals a complex stance towards riddles:

• JPC [07:24]: "What is your relationship with riddles? Riddles, puzzles, lateral thinking problems. Do you like them?"

• Colin Mochrie [07:43]: "I do like cryptic crosswords."

Despite some initial disdain, Colin acknowledges the occasional engagement with riddles through his tours and interactions with fellow improvisers.

The segment introduces the first riddle submitted by Neil, framed as an Irish riddle but more of a narrative joke. The riddle involves a couple throwing a dog out of a train, leading to humorous and somewhat gruesome guesswork from the hosts and Colin.

• Neil’s Riddle [10:00]:

  "There was this Old couple sitting on a train... What did they see coming after the train but the wife's dog? And what did the dog have sticking out of its mouth?"

After multiple humorous attempts and improv interjections, the answer is revealed:

• Answer [15:10]: The dog's tongue.

• JPC [14:28]: "The tongue."

This segment highlights the blend of riddle-solving and improv, keeping listeners engaged through laughter and creative thinking.

Interaction with Listener Riddles and Improv Scenes (14:36 - 29:59)

The episode continues with more riddles from listeners like Christine and Isaac. For each riddle, the hosts and Colin engage in lively discussions, attempts to solve, and improv scenes that add humor and spontaneity.

Christine’s Riddle [19:18]:

“Do you know how when geese fly in a V formation, one side of the V is usually longer than the other side of the V. Why is that?”

• Colin Mochrie [19:58]: "I got the gist of this now. I got it. I had this whole thing that it was sort of like testicles, where one is lower than the other always."

Eventually, the straightforward answer surfaces:

• Answer [20:02]: There's one less goose on one side, leading to an imbalance in the V formation.

The hosts incorporate improv sketches related to the riddles, such as acting out geese arguing over leadership positions in their V formation, adding an entertaining layer to the problem-solving process.

Isaac’s Traditional Riddle and Final Riddle Segment (24:45 - 29:59)

Isaac's submission presents a more traditional riddle, prompting deeper analysis and discussion:

Isaac’s Riddle [25:43]:

“Hands she has, but does not hold. Teeth she has, but does not bite. Feet she has, but they are cold. Eyes she has, but without sight. Who is she?”

After various guesses like "clock," "Venus de Milo," and eventually the correct answer:

• Answer [34:30]: A doll, specifically a Barbie.

The hosts celebrate successful guesses and continue to engage with the audience through riddles, seamlessly blending intellectual challenge with comedic flair.

Conclusion and Closing Thoughts (29:59 - 34:00)

As the riddle segments wind down, the hosts reflect on the challenges and joys of incorporating riddles into their improv-centric podcast. They appreciate Colin's sharp wit and ability to navigate both riddles and spontaneous comedy seamlessly.

• Colin Mochrie [34:08]: "It's pretty cool... I'll never have another riddle anywhere near me."

The episode wraps up with a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the hosts and guest, celebrating both the art of improvisation and the playful spirit of riddling.

Notable Quotes

• Aaron Keenan [03:14]: "I'm sure the circle paying itself forward. Because I wouldn't have gotten into it without you doing Whose End Is It Anyway?"

• Colin Mochrie [04:22]: "It's pretty cool... Whose Line kinda has that push."

• JPC [12:53]: "The answer here is very like divorce papers. You don't have to think too hard about it."

• Colin Mochrie [24:57]: "Hands, teeth, feet, and eyes... She's my grandmother."

• Colin Mochrie [34:16]: "Christmas ham. Nothing better going through the mail than a Christmas ham."

These quotes encapsulate the episode's blend of humor, camaraderie, and the playful struggle with riddles.

Final Thoughts

Episode #331 of Hey Riddle Riddle masterfully intertwines the worlds of riddling and improvisational comedy, especially with the inclusion of Colin Mochrie. Listeners are treated to a mix of thoughtful problem-solving, hilarious improvisation, and genuine appreciation for the art forms that make the podcast both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Whether you're a fan of improv, riddles, or both, this episode offers a delightful journey through the playful challenges that keep the Clue Crew and their esteemed guest laughing and thinking alike.