Summary of "Hey Riddle Riddle" Episode #344: "Wall With A Leather Jacket"

Release Date: February 19, 2025
Hosts: Aaron Keif, Adal Rifai, John Patrick Coan (JPC)
Podcast Description:
"Hey Riddle Riddle" is a unique blend of riddles, puzzles, and improvisational comedy hosted by three Chicago-based improvisers. In Episode #344, titled "Wall With A Leather Jacket," the trio navigates through a series of engaging segments that highlight their chemistry, quick wit, and problem-solving skills.

Introduction: Post-Vacation Vibes [00:51 – 04:08]

The episode begins with Aaron Keif, Adal Rifai, and JPC returning from their respective vacations. JPC shares his excitement about being back on the show after almost a year away, emphasizing the rejuvenating effect of taking a break.

Notable Quote:

• JPC [04:13]: "You know, I haven't had a vacation in a year. Almost a year. So it feels good."

Adal playfully suggests that the vacation might have impacted JPC's riddle-solving abilities, setting a humorous tone for the episode.

Riddle Segments: "Odd One Out" Challenges [07:00 – 56:58]

The core of the episode revolves around the "Odd One Out" riddles, where hosts present a list of items and determine which doesn't belong and why. This segment showcases their analytical skills and playful banter.

First Riddle: Basic Objects [22:32 – 23:20]

• Words: appetite, cool, marbles, bedroom
• Answer: "Bedroom" – It’s the only item you can’t lose.

Notable Quote:

• Aaron Keif [22:49]: "Your bedroom is the odd one out because that's the one thing you can't lose."

Second Riddle: Beatles Characters [23:35 – 23:26]

• Words: Eleanor Rigby, Mrs. Robinson, Lady Madonna, Lovely Rita
• Answer: "Mrs. Robinson" – She is not a character in a Beatles song.

Notable Quote:

• JPC [23:26]: "I knew the Beatles were involved in this answer, but I couldn't."

Third Riddle: Everyday Items [28:34 – 30:19]

• Words: postage stamps, toilet paper, film, bacon
• Answer: "Bacon" – The others typically come in rolls.

Notable Quote:

• Adol Rifai [30:07]: "Bacon is correct. The other three postage stamps, toilet paper, and film, they all typically come in rolls, whereas bacon does not."

Fourth Riddle: Celebrity Names [33:06 – 36:08]

• Words: Barack, Shaquille, Beyonce, Aristotle
• Answer: "Beyonce" – She is the only female among predominantly male names.

Notable Quote:

• JPC [36:11]: "Beyonce is the odd one out because the other names are predominantly male figures."

Fifth Riddle: Acronyms vs. Common Words [48:33 – 51:25]

• Words: Catwoman, Deus ex Machina, Parishioner, Pyromania, Scuba
• Answer: "Scuba" – It stands for "Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus," making it an acronym.

Notable Quote:

• Adol Rifai [50:10]: "There's something contained within all the words, but one is different from the others."

Sixth Riddle: Units of Measurement [55:35 – 56:58]

• Words: Cubit, Ace, Freo, Angstrom, Rod, Bushel
• Answer: "Bushel" – It is a measure of capacity, not length.

Notable Quote:

• Aaron Keif [56:14]: "Bushel is the odd one out because it's a measure of capacity, not length."

Improvisational Scenes: Bringing Characters to Life [37:35 – 59:49]

The hosts engage in spontaneous improvisational scenes, bringing fictional and historical characters into humorous scenarios.

Horse Batman [56:45 – 58:38]

Adol Rifai introduces "Horse Batman," leading to a comical portrayal of a superhero adapted for horseback.

Notable Quote:

• Adol Rifai [58:54]: "Horse Batman can't have a grappling belt around his waist because that's just going to shoot straight down."

Ronald Reagan and Erin Brockovich [37:35 – 46:58]

The hosts humorously resurrect former President Ronald Reagan and environmental activist Erin Brockovich, integrating them into fictional space scenarios.

Notable Quote:

• JPC [45:43]: "Hey, buddy."

Humorous Banter and Host Dynamics [12:44 – 35:39]

Throughout the episode, the hosts share personal anecdotes, playful insults, and witty exchanges, enhancing the entertainment value.

• Middle School Lunch Table Dynamics: Adol compares middle school lunch tables to survival scenarios from the book "Hatchet," emphasizing social struggles during adolescence.

  Notable Quote:

  • Aaron Keif [12:44]: "Middle school lunch is akin to being dropped in the wilderness, and you're trying to survive."

• Haircut Humor: The hosts joke about actor-like haircuts and their lasting impressions, adding a layer of personal humor.

  Notable Quote:

  • Adol Rifai [03:25]: "It's still fresh as hell, so that's pretty good."

Reflections and Future Segments [60:07 – 66:55]

As the episode nears its end, the hosts reflect on past episodes, discuss potential future segments, and engage in playful self-promotion.

• Promotion of Patreon and Other Projects: The hosts encourage listeners to join their Patreon community for bonus content and mention other projects they are involved in.

  Notable Quote:

  • JPC [66:20]: "If you like that, you are going to love this week's Patreon."

• Final Improvisational Bits: The episode concludes with continued improvisational humor, blending characters like Batman and Catwoman into absurd scenarios.

  Notable Quote:

  • Aaron Keif [61:14]: "I get by with a little horse from my horse."

Conclusion

Episode #344 of "Hey Riddle Riddle" masterfully combines challenging riddles, improvisational comedy, and the hosts' dynamic interactions. From dissecting complex "Odd One Out" puzzles to bringing fictional characters into outlandish scenarios, the episode offers a rich and engaging listening experience. The seamless flow between structured segments and spontaneous humor ensures that both loyal listeners and newcomers find something to enjoy.

Overall Notable Moments:

• Riddle Solving: Demonstrates the hosts' sharp intellect and collaborative spirit.
• Improvisational Scenes: Showcases creativity and comedic timing.
• Humorous Banter: Highlights the camaraderie and unique personalities of each host.

Whether you're a long-time fan or tuning in for the first time, Episode #344 delivers a compelling mix of brain teasers and laughter, staying true to the podcast's promise of being "barely about riddles" yet deeply entertaining.

Key Quotes with Timestamps:

• JPC [04:13]: "I haven't had a vacation in a year. Almost a year. So it feels good."
• Aaron Keif [22:49]: "Your bedroom is the odd one out because that's the one thing you can't lose."
• Adol Rifai [30:07]: "Bacon is correct. The other three postage stamps, toilet paper, and film, they all typically come in rolls, whereas bacon does not."
• JPC [23:26]: "I knew the Beatles were involved in this answer, but I couldn't."
• Adol Rifai [58:54]: "Horse Batman can't have a grappling belt around his waist because that's just going to shoot straight down."
• JPC [66:20]: "If you like that, you are going to love this week's Patreon."