Hey Riddle Riddle Podcast Summary Episode: Patreon Preview #306: Farside Improv
Release Date: January 17, 2025

Introduction to Farside Improv

In this special Patreon Preview episode of Hey Riddle Riddle, hosts Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, and John Patrick Coan delve into an improvisational session inspired by Gary Larson's iconic The Far Side cartoons. The segment is titled "Farside Improv," where the trio uses selected cartoons favored by the host Scott's father as a foundation for their creative antics.

Sourcing the Material

The episode kicks off with Scott explaining the preparation for the improv session. Due to the scarcity of Far Side cartoons online, Scott reached out to his father for his favorite selections:

• Scott [00:02]: "So in preparation for this, you can't find a ton of them online. So I called my father and I said, can you take some pictures of your far side book and send me some that you enjoy?"
• Adol [00:15]: "So not only are we doing far side cartoons, but we're doing your dad's favorite far side cartoons."

This personal touch sets the stage for a unique and nostalgic exploration of Larson's work.

Describing the Featured Cartoon

The first cartoon under discussion features two cows in a domestic setting, one dancing with an alcoholic beverage and the other staring blankly:

• Carol [00:49]: "This is nighttime on a farm. Presumably. We're inside the interior of a living room. An old couple sitting in one seat, facing another couch with two cows. One of the cows is up on the coffee table, kind of dancing with a beverage, alcoholic beverage in its head."

The caption reads, "Satisfied? I warn you not to invite the cows in for a few drinks," dated September 17, 1982.

Interpreting the Cartoon

The hosts dissect the humor and possible interpretations of the cartoon:

• Carol [01:39]: "Are you familiar with the phrase till the cows come home?"
• Adol [01:46]: "Uh huh."

They playfully explore the idea of "cow rum" and the absurdity of cows being intoxicated, leading to the creation of a humorous scene inspired by the cartoon.

Creating the Improv Scene

Transitioning from analysis to improvisation, Carol takes on the role of a newly created animal—a pig—while Scott portrays God. Their interactions are filled with witty banter and imaginative scenarios:

• Scott [02:16]: "God, God, God. Sorry, I don't want to embarrass you in front of everyone, but do you..."
• Carol [04:38]: "I do when I drink, called a pink and stank."
• Scott [04:40]: "Okay, let's see. White and black, way bigger than a pig can eat. It like a pig, but it's more of a hamburger, not a hot dog. And instead of oink, backspace on oink, they say, that's something funny, Carol. Moo. Moo. They say moo."

The creative process highlights their chemistry and ability to riff off each other's ideas seamlessly.

Developing the Drunk Cow Narrative

The improv escalates as Adol portrays a drunk cow struggling with the concept of milking:

• Scott [06:06]: "Do you guys think this one's funny?"
• Adol [06:12]: "Okay, but I would like to actually see another scene."
• Scott [06:25]: "Hey, how's my favorite cow, huh?"
• Adol [07:05]: "It reeks in here. Oh, it smells like cigarette smoke too. Ugh. It smells like. Like cheap tequila sodas."

The dialogue becomes increasingly humorous as they navigate the challenges of depicting intoxicated animals, culminating in the bizarre idea of "drunk cheese":

• Scott [08:36]: "Drunk cheese? Yeah. Okay, that's a million-dollar idea."
• Carol [08:30]: "I'm eating cheese right now while drinking a beer. Oh wow. Drunk cheese."

Humorous Dynamics and Banter

Throughout the session, the hosts engage in playful teasing and comedic exchanges:

• Scott [03:12]: "Carol? What?"
• Adol [07:18]: "Grab the bucket. Start milking you. Oh, my God, it smells."

Their interactions not only drive the humor but also showcase their improvisational skills and camaraderie.

Closing Remarks and Reflections

As the segment wraps up, the hosts reflect on the creative process and the amusing outcomes of their improv:

• Carol [09:16]: "I'm waking up, I'm eating cheese and beer. Welcome to Adam's life."
• Adol [09:42]: "I was on a walk with spaghetti at the time and I texted her back, just full all caps, welcome to the new age."

Their lighthearted conclusion leaves listeners with a sense of the fun and spontaneity that defines Hey Riddle Riddle.

Notable Quotes Recap

• Scott [00:02]: "So in preparation for this, you can't find a ton of them online."
• Adol [01:46]: "Uh huh."
• Carol [04:38]: "I do when I drink, called a pink and stank."
• Scott [08:36]: "Drunk cheese? Yeah. Okay, that's a million-dollar idea."

Note: This summary captures the essence and humor of the "Farside Improv" segment from Hey Riddle Riddle, providing an engaging overview for both existing fans and newcomers.