Hey Riddle Riddle: Patreon Preview #327 - "Three Funerals"

Release Date: June 13, 2025

Introduction and Context

In this special Patreon preview episode titled "Three Funerals," the hosts of Hey Riddle Riddle—Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, and John Patrick Coan—take a departure from their usual riddle-solving antics to navigate the somber yet humor-infused scenario of Aaron's funeral. The episode blends their characteristic wit with heartfelt moments, creating a unique listening experience that balances comedy with reflection.

Planning the Funeral

The episode opens with JPC (John Patrick Coan) and Aaron arriving at the funeral venue, immediately setting a heavy yet comedic tone.

• JPC (00:12): "This is a tough day. Aaron's funeral, that's. I mean, wow. Heavy, heavy stuff."
• Aaron (00:19): "Yeah, it's. It doesn't. I think it hasn't sunk in yet."

The hosts discuss the sensitive topic of Aaron's age at the time of his passing, debating whether to reveal his actual age or the age he preferred to present to others.

• JPC (00:30): "Are we committing to continuing the podcast?"
• Aaron (00:31): "Oh, well, no, I feel like we better talk about that later."
• JPC (00:45): "Are we telling people or are people kind of... Are we going with the age that she was or the age that she told people she was?"

They decide to "split the difference," settling on the age 47, highlighting their attempt to balance honesty with sensitivity.

Interactions with the Boston Relatives

As the hosts prepare for the service, they encounter Aaron's Boston relatives, portrayed humorously as a tailgating crowd grilling Dunkin' Donuts—a nod to Boston's infamous café culture.

• JPC (01:16): "We'll put the Boston relatives in the parking lot on the way in."
• Aaron (01:22): "Yeah, they're sort of a tailgating."

The conversation turns to the relatives' derogatory remarks, delivered in a thick Boston accent, leading to comedic discomfort.

• JPC (01:38): "It's the accent I can't quite get past because I was sure that what they were calling me were slurs, but they were words that I've never heard before."
• Aaron (01:43): "You know, I got called a tiddly dunk. I don't know what a tiddly dunk is, but it sounds."

Humorous Exchanges with Father Henry

Father Henry, the officiant, makes an appearance, prompting a series of lighthearted and irreverent exchanges that showcase the hosts' comedic chemistry.

• Father Henry (03:28): "Hey, guys. Wicked sad day, huh? I'm Father Henry. I'm gonna be doing the service this evening."
• JPC (03:34): "Oh, yeah. I genuflect. I kiss your rings."

The interaction escalates when Father Henry reprimands them for their irreverence:

• Father Henry (03:46): "You don't bite. What Catholic church are you biting a priest's fingers, you weirdo?"
• Aaron (03:52): "Yeah, there's those ones where they, like, handle snakes and shit."

Their banter continues as they discuss their unconventional plans for the funeral service:

• JPC (04:48): "We were going to sing mariachi band, which is Traditionally, pretty much just music, but we were going to kind of like, we're going to kind of like freestyle lyrics on top."
• Father Henry (05:01): "Not appropriate for a funeral, huh?"
• Aaron (05:03): "We're gonna freestyle. We're not gonna sing Mariachi songs. It's gonna be like Hamilton. It's gonna be like Hamilton."

The priest's skepticism leads to a humorous offer:

• Father Henry (05:10): "Oh, that's worse. I'm gonna give you guys these altar boy outfits. You're gonna have to wear them if you want to speak at the funeral."

Controversy Over Funeral Details

The hosts delve into the peculiarities of Aaron's will and funeral preferences, blending absurdity with dark humor.

• Father Henry (05:37): "Who's crying the most at the funeral, it's in her will that they get the sweater."
• JPC (05:43): "So."
• Aaron (05:44): "Off her corpse or."
• Father Henry (05:48): "No, she's not wearing it now. She's."

This segment underscores their ability to infuse humor into otherwise solemn topics, keeping the tone light despite the setting.

Final Remarks and Closure

As the service concludes, Father Henry delivers a traditional eulogy that starkly contrasts with the hosts' comedic undertones, bringing a semblance of closure to the episode.

• Father Henry (09:28): "Thank you all for gathering here today to celebrate the life and times of Erin Teresa Keefe, born in 1991, November 10th, in Boston, Massachusetts."
• JPC (09:50): "Big laugh from the crowd."
• Father Henry (09:54): "To a loving family."

The episode wraps up with a humorous note, encouraging listeners to continue their journey with the show.

• JPC (10:02): "Hate Riddle Riddle's clue crew listen to the rest of the episode now by starting your free 7 day trial at patreon.com/heyriddleriddle."

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Balancing Humor and Sensitivity: The episode exemplifies how Hey Riddle Riddle navigates the fine line between comedy and respect, especially in sensitive contexts like a funeral.

• Character Dynamics: The playful interactions between JPC and Aaron highlight their strong comedic chemistry, while the interactions with Father Henry introduce a dynamic of authority versus irreverence.

• Cultural References: The hosts incorporate regional humor (e.g., Boston accents, Dunkin' Donuts) and pop culture (e.g., "Hamilton") to add layers to their jokes, making the content relatable and engaging.

• Audience Engagement: By blending narrative storytelling with their signature humor, the hosts create an immersive experience that captivates both regular listeners and newcomers.

Notable Quotes

• JPC (00:12): "This is a tough day. Aaron's funeral, that's. I mean, wow. Heavy, heavy stuff."

• Aaron (00:31): "Oh, well, no, I feel like we better talk about that later."

• JPC (01:38): "It's the accent I can't quite get past because I was sure that what they were calling me were slurs, but they were words that I've never heard before."

• Father Henry (03:46): "You don't bite. What Catholic church are you biting a priest's fingers, you weirdo?"

• JPC (04:48): "We were going to sing mariachi band, which is Traditionally, pretty much just music, but we were going to kind of like, we're going to kind of like freestyle lyrics on top."

• Father Henry (05:10): "Oh, that's worse. I'm gonna give you guys these altar boy outfits. You're gonna have to wear them if you want to speak at the funeral."

Conclusion

"Three Funerals" showcases Hey Riddle Riddle's unique ability to blend humor with unexpected scenarios, providing listeners with a refreshing twist on their typical content. Through witty dialogue, cultural humor, and a touch of irreverence, the hosts deliver an episode that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, demonstrating their versatility as comedians and storytellers.

For more engaging episodes and exclusive content, join the Clue Crew at Patreon.com/HeyRiddleRiddle.