Hey Riddle Riddle – Patreon Preview #338: Podcast Access w/ Alice Stanley Jr.

Date: August 29, 2025
Hosts: Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, John Patrick Coan
Guest: Alice Stanley Jr. (improv sketch)

Episode Overview

This bonus Patreon episode is a playful, improv-heavy sketch set in the shared parking lot of Denny’s and Chili’s. Drawing on the recurring themes of workplace absurdity, social awkwardness, and found family, the cast take on hyper-specific characters in a running bit about “policing” the Denny’s dumpster, longing for former jobs, and inter-restaurant rivalry. Riddles and puzzles take a back seat, as this episode leans all the way into comedic character work and banter.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Improvised Setting: The Parking Lot Behind Denny’s

• The skit unfolds as a “live podcast” supposedly being recorded behind Denny’s, which famously shares a parking lot with Chili’s.
• Jeff takes on the reluctant role of podcast host/security against Chili's employees, per his "manager" Dan’s instructions.

2. Character Dynamics

• Jeff: Former Denny’s server, now banished to parking lot duty due to customer anger issues.
  • Oversees the war on “Chili’s guys” misusing Denny’s dumpster.
• Brittany: The ever-positive server, checking in with Jeff and attempting to smooth things over with management and customers.
• Brittany B.: Bartender, hard-truth dispenser, hilariously blunt with Jeff about his need to “get a life.”
• Dan: The boss, rarely seen, focused on order and the prospect of Denny's celebrity guests “Daphne and Banana.”

3. Inter-restaurant Rivalry and Running Gags

• The conflict over trash is ongoing, with disguised “Chili’s” employees repeatedly trying to dump garbage in Denny’s dumpster—often poorly camouflaged.
• Fireworks hidden in Jeff’s coat, which he no longer has because of "coat privilege" being revoked.
• Emotional manipulation over whether Jeff can/should return inside or get rehired.

4. Moments of Absurd Sincerity

• A strange, touching scene unfolds as Jeff tries to announce quitting Denny’s for Chili’s, using his “one a night” request to summon Dan for a dramatic resignation (06:04).
• Interactions blend the pathetic and the earnest, with Brittany B. giving Jeff a reality check about his social life and self-worth, but with an undercurrent of care.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Parking Lot Podcasting:
  “This podcast—I really don’t even need to do the podcast. I just have to stop the Chili’s guys from using the Denny’s dumpster...”
  — Jeff (00:51)

• On Coat Privileges:
  “Do you need a coat? It’s snowing out.”
  — Brittany (02:10)
  “Well, Dan give me my coat back.”
  — Jeff (02:13)
  “Oh, he took away your coat privileges?”
  — Brittany (02:15)
  “Well, it’s because I keep fireworks in there.”
  — Jeff (02:17)

• On Hard Truths and Friendship:
  “Honey bun, you need a life—holy shit, honey bun, you need a life bad.”
  — Brittany B. (03:52)

  “I came out here to film a TikTok, saw your sad ass, turned right around.”
  — Brittany B. (03:58)

  “Look, if you need some hard truth, you know where you can find me: behind the bar.”
  — Brittany B. (04:14)

• On Workplace Loyalty:
  “I know I’ve only been on for 15 minutes tonight, but please, this is my one. Send Dan out. I’m ready to quit.”
  — Jeff (06:08)

  “I’ve only ever wanted to make you proud. That’s why this baby bird has to spread his wings. And tonight has to be my last night at Denny’s...”
  — Jeff to Dan (06:47)

• On the “Daphne and Banana” Mystery:
  “Sorry, can we wrap this up? I just got a call that Daphne and Banana are going to be coming to the restaurant...”
  — Dan (07:09)

• Meta-commentary:
  “Wait, hold on. GPC was playing himself, right?”
  — Dan (07:34)
  “No... this character actually yelled at customers, and JPC yells at waiters. So, it’s kind of like a Bizarro J.”
  — Jeff (07:37)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:51 — The “live” podcast begins from the parking lot.
• 01:36–02:15 — Brittany checks in, discusses Jeff’s exile and coat/fireworks incident.
• 02:25–02:42 — Chili’s employee (disguised) attempts dumpster infiltration; confrontation ensues.
• 03:20–04:15 — Brittany B. delivers tough love and comic barbs; reveals staff dynamic.
• 05:03–05:24 — Second attempt at dumpster infiltration; Mrs. Doubtfire joke appears.
• 06:04–07:09 — Jeff dramatically quits Denny’s for Chili’s in a plea to Dan.
• 07:09–07:22 — “Daphne and Banana” are revealed as mysterious VIPs; Dan wraps.
• 07:34–07:37 — Meta-commentary on JPC’s character.

Tone & Style

The episode is high-energy, heavy on improvisational character comedy, and layered with affectionate workplace satire. The cast seamlessly shifts between subtle sincerity and heightened farce, maintaining a threadbare link to the riddle concept while celebrating the absurd.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Works

Even with riddles barely featured, this episode showcases Hey Riddle Riddle’s signature interplay—the cast’s chemistry, fast-paced character work, and ability to mine mundane topics (like dumpster protocol) for both broad and nuanced laughs. For listeners who love improv and workplace antics, it’s a rich, hilarious treat.