Hey Riddle Riddle: Patreon Preview #328 - "Chatterbox 27"

Release Date: June 20, 2025
Hosts: Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, and John Patrick Coan
Platform: Headgum
Description:
Riddles! Puzzles! WhoDunnits! Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, and John Patrick Coan, three of Chicago's most overrated improvisers, are on the case to solve every riddle, puzzle, brain-teaser, and head-scratcher known to humanity. Some riddles are almost impossible, some are absolutely improbable, and some simply have not aged well. And if you don't like riddles, don't worry! This podcast is barely about them!

Episode Overview: "Patreon Preview #328: Chatterbox 27"

In this special Patreon preview episode titled "Chatterbox 27," the hosts of Hey Riddle Riddle shift gears from their usual riddle-solving antics to engage in a more laid-back, conversational format. The episode delves into personal updates, favorite documentaries, and listener interactions, offering fans a glimpse into the hosts' lives beyond puzzles.

Key Sections and Discussions

**1. Experimental Antics and Lighthearted Banter [00:02 – 00:35]

The episode kicks off with the trio reminiscing about a past experiment they conducted, highlighting their typical humorous dynamic.

• Aaron: "We did 'Light as a feather, stiff as a board.' JPC fell asleep and we put his hand in warm water and he shit himself." [00:02]

• JPC: "That was not because of us, though." [00:12]

This segment underscores their camaraderie and playful misadventures, setting a relaxed tone for the episode.

**2. Introduction to "Chatterbox" Format [01:24 – 02:11]

The hosts transition into discussing the new "Chatterbox" format, which is designed to be more conversational and interactive with listeners.

• Casey: "Kind of the conversation within a conversation." [01:32]

• Aaron: "Answering their questions from the discord, et cetera." [01:40]

This format aims to deepen the connection with their audience by addressing listener questions and sharing personal stories.

**3. Personal Headlines and Current Events [01:43 – 02:51]

Each host shares what's currently occupying their minds, providing personal insights and updates.

• Aaron: "Three months behind on everything. Trying to catch up on life itself. Scrambling to not fall over the edge." [01:57]

• JPC: "My entire life is the Karen Reid trial right now. That's all I'm doing." [02:15]

These candid admissions reveal the hosts' real-life challenges and preoccupations, adding depth to their on-air personas.

**4. Documentary Discussions [02:51 – 07:14]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing documentaries, reflecting the hosts' diverse interests and critical perspectives.

• JPC: "I love documentaries. I think it's my favorite genre of anything interesting." [02:53]

• Aaron: "I almost exclusively only watch sports documentaries nowadays... maybe four or five a year that aren't sports related." [03:02]

• Casey: "The whole idea of the docu series, I feel like has ruined kind of that art form, the genre for me." [05:00]

The conversation touches on various aspects of documentary filmmaking:

• Format Preferences: Debate over the effectiveness of documentary series versus standalone films.

  • "I feel like there's a Garry Shandling documentary that was like two episodes... those are really good." – Aaron [05:34]

• Favorite Documentaries: Sharing personal favorites and their impact.

  • "It's gotta be my top four favorite movies of all time. It's so fun." – JPC [06:14]

• Critiques: Discussing what makes certain documentaries stand out or fall short.

  • "It's all incestuous and weird..." – Casey [07:22]

This segment not only highlights their tastes but also provides listeners with recommendations and critical viewpoints on documentary storytelling.

**5. Listener Interaction and Questions [07:48 – 08:28]

The hosts engage with listener-submitted questions, adding an interactive element to the episode.

• Listener Question: "What's your go-to cocktail at a more typical bar at home?" [07:55]

• JPC's Follow-Up: "If you had to eat a breed of dog, what would it be?" [08:15]

• Casey: "Shiba inu for sure." [08:28]

This playful exchange emphasizes the hosts' ability to handle quirky and humorous questions, further endearing them to their audience.

Notable Quotes

• Aaron on Life's Chaos:
  "Three months behind on everything. Trying to catch up on life itself. Scrambling to not fall over the edge." [01:57]

• JPC on the Karen Reid Trial:
  "My entire life is the Karen Reid trial right now. That's all I'm doing." [02:15]

• Casey on Documentary Series:
  "The whole idea of the docu series, I feel like has ruined kind of that art form, the genre for me." [05:00]

• JPC on Favorite Documentary Comedy:
  "It's gotta be my top four favorite movies of all time. It's so fun." [06:14]

• Aaron’s Take on 'The Staircase':
  "The funniest thing you could possibly do if your spouse dies is to be like, owl." [04:46]

Insights and Conclusions

"Chatterbox 27" serves as a refreshing departure from Hey Riddle Riddle's usual puzzle-centric episodes, offering fans a more intimate look into the hosts' personalities and interests. The discussion on documentaries reveals their critical thinking and varied tastes, while the personal updates and listener interactions foster a sense of community and relatability. The episode exemplifies the hosts' versatility, balancing humor with meaningful conversation, and setting the stage for future content that blends entertainment with genuine discourse.

Listeners who enjoy understanding the minds behind their favorite podcast will find "Chatterbox 27" both engaging and insightful. The episode underscores the importance of connection and conversation, inviting the audience to partake in the hosts' ongoing journey beyond the realm of riddles and puzzles.

Conclusion

Patreon Preview #328: "Chatterbox 27" showcases Hey Riddle Riddle's adaptability and the hosts' ability to engage in candid, multifaceted conversations. By sharing personal experiences, engaging in meaningful dialogues about documentaries, and interacting directly with listeners, Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, and John Patrick Coan offer a deeper connection with their audience. This episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to see the personalities and passions that drive the intriguing minds behind the riddles.

For more engaging content and to support the hosts, join the Clue Crew for weekly bonus episodes at Patreon.com/heyriddleriddle.