Patreon Preview #336: This Day in Improv History 6

Summary

Hey Riddle Riddle Podcast Summary
Episode: Patreon Preview #336: This Day in Improv History 6
Release Date: August 15, 2025

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Overview

In this episode of Hey Riddle Riddle, the hosts delve into the realm of improvisational history, reenacting pivotal moments with their signature humor and wit. Titled This Day in Improv History 6, the episode offers listeners a blend of historical reenactment and comedic improvisation, showcasing the hosts' talents in bringing historical events to life through entertaining dialogue and scenarios.

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Reenactment of the Mayflower Voyage

Timestamp: [00:59] – [04:43]

The episode kicks off with an improvised scene set aboard the Mayflower in 1620. Steven Pasquale portrays a pilgrim captain, while Galissa takes on the role of JBC's daughter, navigating the uncertainties of the transatlantic journey.

• Concerns About Timing:

  • Galissa [02:04]: "Is that, hey, is that the right time to do it? Because didn't the trips, how long were the trips? Weren't they like three months, two months? So if you leave in like mid August, you're getting there in like I don't know, I guess like you'll be there in time for Halloween."
    (Galissa expresses worry about the timing of their arrival, humorously connecting it to modern-day events like Halloween.)

• Impact of Weather:

  • Galissa [01:38]: "I don't want to like fuck around. Like, look, obviously they thought they were going to India or whatever because they were stupid. But I wouldn't want to fuck around and get to the new World and it be like January, you know, Like, I wouldn't want winter to hit like immediately."
    (Highlighting concerns about harsh weather upon arrival, adding a humorous twist.)

• Forgetting Essentials:

  • Aaron [03:25]: "I did forget my retainer, so we might need to go back."
    (A comedic moment where Aaron's character forgets an essential item, leading to playful blame-shifting.)

• Tragicomic Elements:

  • Steven [04:16]: "We smash cut back to England. The retainer wakes up. Master? Anyone? I'm free. I'm free. Cuts his thumb, dies immediately. Back to the boat."
    (A sudden and darkly humorous turn showcasing the unpredictability of improvisation.)

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Transition to "The Wizard of Oz" Reenactment

Timestamp: [05:41] – [09:04]

Shifting gears, the hosts transition to a beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz, recreating iconic scenes with their unique comedic flair.

• Historical References:

  • Steven [05:41]: "August 15, 1939. The Wizard of Oz, American musical fantasy film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's book premieres at Grauman's Chinese Theater, Hollywood. Directed by Victor Fleming and King Vidor. I didn't know there was a director called King Vidor."
    (Steven provides a humorous take on historical facts, playfully feigning ignorance about the directors.)

• Character Role-Playing:

  • Aaron [06:25]: "I'd like to see a scene. Adel, you're the Tin man on set for Wizard Laws, and your GPC will have you be the Scarecrow. But, Adel, you're quickly realizing that you have, like, the worst makeup by far, and you're feeling a little tilted."
    (Setting the stage for an improvised scene, Aaron introduces a humorous predicament for the characters.)

• Costume Comedy:

  • Steven [07:40]: "I have, like a. Have like an oil spigot upside down on my head. Like, it felt like they ran. I felt like they ran out of time for character design."
    (Steven pokes fun at cumbersome costumes, highlighting the discomfort and impracticality in a light-hearted manner.)

• Inter-character Banter:

  • Galissa [08:24]: "Hello. You must be the new tin man. I was wondering if you could help solve a mystery."
    Aaron [08:32]: "Oh, hi, Lion."
    (A playful exchange that adds depth to the characters while injecting humor through their interactions.)

• Mystery and Humor:

  • Aaron [08:42]: "I did. But I have a question. I'm noticing silver paint in all sorts of unusual places all over this set. I was wondering if you could help solve that mystery."
    (Introducing a mock-mystery scenario that blends inquisitiveness with comedy.)

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Humorous Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, the hosts seamlessly blend historical facts with improvisational humor, offering listeners both entertainment and a light-hearted take on pivotal moments.

• Character Depth with a Comedic Twist:

  • Galissa [04:55]: "Because she's dead."
    (A brief yet poignant moment juxtaposed with humor, showcasing the balance in their improvisation.)

• Meta-Humor and Self-Awareness:

  • Steven [07:28]: "That's in today's Hollywood. That's forever."
    (Acknowledging the timeless nature of costume design with a wink to the audience.)

• Closing Banter:

  • Galissa [10:07]: "Mr. Gecko, you're a huge inspiration to us all. But who was your muse?"
    Aaron [10:11]: "My dear old nan, she would tell me, always remember to be true to yourself and to use that fast and friendly claim support on the Geico app. I follow her advice to this day."
    (A humorous closing that blends sincere advice with playful promotion.)

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Notable Quotes

• Galissa on Weather Concerns:
  "I wouldn't want winter to hit like immediately." [01:38]

• Aaron on Forgetfulness:
  "I did forget my retainer, so we might need to go back." [03:25]

• Steven on Costume Design:
  "I have, like, an oil spigot upside down on my head." [07:40]

• Galissa's Mystical Inquiry:
  "Hello. You must be the new tin man. I was wondering if you could help solve a mystery." [08:24]

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Conclusion

This Day in Improv History 6 showcases Hey Riddle Riddle hosts' ability to intertwine historical contexts with engaging and humorous improvisation. Through reenactments of the Mayflower voyage and The Wizard of Oz, listeners are treated to a delightful blend of education and entertainment. The episode highlights the hosts' chemistry, quick wit, and talent for creating memorable and laugh-inducing scenarios that make history both accessible and enjoyable.

For more engaging episodes and bonus content, join the Clue Crew on Patreon.

Transcript

[Philippa Hsu]

Searching for a romantic summer getaway escape with Rich Girl Summer, the new Audible original from Lily Chiu, the exquisitely talented Philippa Hsu. Returning to narrate her fifth Lily Chu title. This time Philippa is joined by her real life husband, Steven Pasquale. Set in Toronto's wealthy cottage country, AKA the Hamptons of Canada, Rich Girl Summer follows the story of Valerie, a down on her luck event planner posing as a socialite's long lost daughter while piecing together the secrets surrounding a mysterious family and falling deeper and deeper in love with the impossibly hard to read and infuriatingly handsome family assistant, Nico. Caught between pretending to belong and unexpectedly finding where she truly fits in, Valerie learns her summer is about to get far more complicated than she ever planned. She's in over her head and head over heels. Listen to Rich Girl Summer now on audible. Go to audible.com richgirlsomer August 15, 1620.

[Steven Pasquale]

The Mayflowers set sail from Southampton, England with 102 pilgrims.

[Aaron]

And how many made it?

[Steven Pasquale]

I'd rather not.

[Galissa]

Is that, hey, is that the right time to do it? Because didn't the trips, how long were the trips? Weren't they like three months, two months? So if you leave in like mid August, you're getting there in like I don't know, I guess like you'll be there in time for Halloween.

[Aaron]

I don't know.

[Galissa]

I would want to have as much summer, like spring, summer, fall. I wouldn't want to like.

[Aaron]

Are you thinking about what they're missing out on? I think you're thinking about weather.

[Galissa]

I don't want to like fuck around. Like, look, obviously they thought they were going to India or whatever because they were stupid. But I wouldn't want to fuck around and get to the new World and it be like January, you know, Like, I wouldn't want winter to hit like immediately.

[Aaron]

But you also, I haven't even been long. Cattle. Is hurricane season a factor near that far north? I guess like hurricanes hit Massachusetts sometimes.

[Steven Pasquale]

So maybe North Carolinas.

[Galissa]

Do hurricanes hit England though? Did they know about hurricanes?

[Steven Pasquale]

They have a different. They call, they call them woozy whatsits.

[Galissa]

Woozy whatsits?

[Steven Pasquale]

Yeah. A little less severe, but still, still have an impact. They must know what they pilgrims knew they were going to America, right?

[Galissa]

It was Columbus who was going to India because this is the 1600s. So yeah, they.

[Steven Pasquale]

I do want to see a scene. So the year is 1620. The two of you are JBC. You are a father. Aaron, you are JBC's daughter. Great and it's been like a month on the ship. On the voyage over to the United States. Well, to the Americas at the time, I guess.

[Galissa]

Thank you.

[Steven Pasquale]

To the new land. And the two of you, you were just kind of pumping each other up about how exciting this new world is going to be.

[Aaron]

Dad, do you have a second?

[Galissa]

Oh, we're on a ship in front of people, so it's.

[Aaron]

Sir, sir, sir, do you have a second? Sir?

[Galissa]

Yes, absolutely. I have a second to spare from my darling daughter.

[Aaron]

I'm so excited for New World. Can't wait. Can't wait. Can't wait. I know we're only a few days away. They just said. That's so awesome. And I promise not to get mad.

[Galissa]

I promise. You think I'm. Oh, you're going to tell me something that you think might make me mad?

[Aaron]

Well, maybe I'm underestimating you. So.

[Galissa]

Anger is a sin. And it's not becoming of a man of pilgrimity to engage in such frivolous behavior. So I guarantee I will not get angry.

[Aaron]

Okay. Love that. Love this. I did forget my retainer, so we might need to go back.

[Galissa]

You forgot your servant boy. Your retainer. He still had three years left on his indentured servitude.

[Aaron]

I know. And I know when you told me to leave the house, you said check for everything. And I. I thought I had everything, so I thought I didn't have to check. And then when you told me to double check, I. I would love to.

[Galissa]

Blame you for this, Galissa, but as you know, it is your servant's duty to do the double checking. So the fact that he didn't double check for himself. Well, you know, he will probably burn in hell for his sin. And that is not your sin. So all is forgiven.

[Aaron]

Great.

[Steven Pasquale]

We smash cut back to England. The retainer wakes up. Master? Anyone? I'm free. I'm free. Cuts his thumb, dies immediately. Back to the boat.

[Aaron]

Glad that went well. I forgot. I forgot my hole.

[Galissa]

You forgot your hole?

[Aaron]

Forgot all of it. I forgot my whole bag. My everything. I forgot everything. My hole. My everything.

[Galissa]

You forgot your whole bag. Oh, for a second I thought that you were without whatever hole women have again. Maybe you should talk to your mother about this.

[Aaron]

Because she's dead.

[Galissa]

Rest in peace. I mean pray. I mean, pray to her. Obviously I might look stupid, but I'm not Catholic. Stupid. Sorry. Right? That's who we hate.

[Steven Pasquale]

Sorry. We're crammed in here pretty tight and basically on top of each other. I couldn't help but hear that this One's mother is dead. Would you like to borrow me Ouija board?

[Galissa]

Tell me about her. Oh, you. This device. I'm sorry, I thought you were trying to set me up. Which.

[Steven Pasquale]

It's a mystical device with you use this planchette and hope on a wish.

[Galissa]

And a dream that you can dump sin throws overboard. Not the board, the woman.

[Steven Pasquale]

Not the board, the Woman. August 15, 1918. The longest work of animation produced. The Sinking of the Lusitania was created by Windsor McKay.

[Aaron]

A classic animation for children. Kids love that shit.

[Steven Pasquale]

August 15, 1939. The wizard of Oz, American musical fantasy film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's book premieres at Grauman's Chinese Theater, Hollywood. Directed by Victor Fleming and King Vidor. I didn't know there was a director called King Vidor.

[Galissa]

Damn, I was so wrong about big movies coming out, because that's like a huge movie and it's coming out mid August.

[Steven Pasquale]

I want to see.

[Aaron]

Oh, I want to see a scene.

[Steven Pasquale]

Go ahead, Eren.

[Aaron]

I'd like to see a scene. Adel, you're the Tin man on set for Wizard Laws, and your GPC will have you be the Scarecrow. But, Adel, you're quickly realizing that you have, like, the worst makeup by far, and you're feeling a little tilted.

[Steven Pasquale]

Aaron, can I cajole you to be Dorothy?

[Aaron]

Yeah, I'll come in. I'll come in.

[Galissa]

What does the scarecrow sound like? I haven't seen this movie.

[Steven Pasquale]

If I only had a brain, okay?

[Galissa]

Because I. In my mind, I'm like, that's the lion. No, but the lion thought, hubba ba ba.

[Steven Pasquale]

Cowardly.

[Galissa]

Give me Scarecrow one more time.

[Steven Pasquale]

If I only had a brain. That sounds.

[Galissa]

That sounds like the lion, right?

[Steven Pasquale]

I can't remember.

[Galissa]

It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. I'm Scarecrow. Aaron, would it be okay if I was the lion? I feel like I could do that voice better. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, it's a hot day today.

[Steven Pasquale]

Yeah, I bet you're hot with all that fur. Fuck, that looks so cool, doesn't it? Yeah. Turn around. Yeah, tail and everything fucking cool.

[Galissa]

But I was in the makeup chair for 40 minutes.

[Steven Pasquale]

Oh, that's in today's Hollywood. That's forever.

[Galissa]

That's forever.

[Steven Pasquale]

Damn it.

[Galissa]

You look. You look. Yeah, yeah, it's good. It's working.

[Steven Pasquale]

I have, like a. Have like an oil spigot upside down on my head. Like, it felt like they ran. I felt like they ran out of time for character design.

[Galissa]

No, I don't know. I think It'll read. It'll read on screen.

[Steven Pasquale]

You know, at some point in the movie, I have a gun. I just have a fucking gun. Look it up.

[Galissa]

Huh?

[Steven Pasquale]

They just. Props was like, here's your gun. I was like, gun? Don't I have a hatchet or an axe? And they're like, nah, at some point you're gonna just have a gun.

[Galissa]

This is gonna sound so strange, and I apologize for it, but yeah. Have we met?

[Steven Pasquale]

Emmy, are you the.

[Galissa]

You're the new tin man?

[Steven Pasquale]

Yeah, well, the old one died of lead paint poisoning.

[Galissa]

But we don't know that. We don't know that it was lead paint poisoning. It could be anything.

[Steven Pasquale]

I do.

[Galissa]

You do.

[Aaron]

Hello. You must be the new tin man. I was wondering if you could help solve a mystery. Oh, hi, Lion.

[Galissa]

Hello, Dorothy.

[Steven Pasquale]

Oh, there's some tension there.

[Galissa]

She slept with my brother.

[Aaron]

I did. But I have a question. I'm noticing silver paint in all sorts of unusual places all over this set. I was wondering if you could help solve that mystery. I see it over a lot of the mouths and the necks of the people working on this set. And I see it all sorts of other places, too. Unsavory places.

[Steven Pasquale]

Yeah. Tin Man's gotta eat. Does that make sense? You're like.

[Galissa]

It makes sense to me.

[Steven Pasquale]

You're like 28, right, kid?

[Aaron]

No, I'm like 17.

[Steven Pasquale]

But you're hopped up on drugs.

[Aaron]

Yes.

[Steven Pasquale]

Okay, so listen, Tin man, you know.

[Aaron]

I painted you into a corner.

[Steven Pasquale]

And I appreciate it. I appreciate it. And can I just say, Fucking Christ, that costume looks great. You got the little. The whole dress and the doll.

[Aaron]

Only takes a minute to get on.

[Steven Pasquale]

Oh, my God. This took 18 minutes.

[Galissa]

If you ask my brother, it takes slightly shorter to get off.

[Aaron]

Come on, zane.

[Galissa]

My brother's 17.

[Steven Pasquale]

Oh, thank God.

[Galissa]

Thank God. One, two, three, four. Hey, Riddle. Riddle's Clue crew, listen to the rest of the episode now by starting your free 7 day trial at patreon.com heyriddleriddle.

[Philippa Hsu]

Mr. Gecko, you're a huge inspiration to us all. But who was your muse?

[Aaron]

My dear old nan, she would tell me, always remember to be true to.

[Galissa]

Yourself and to use that fast and.

[Aaron]

Friendly claim support on the Geico app. I follow her advice to this day.

[Galissa]

Get more than just savings.

[Steven Pasquale]

Get more with Geico.