Podcast Summary: Laugh with Me

Episode: 2025 Guest of the Year Nominees

Host: Jeremy Odem
Date: November 12, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode celebrates the culmination of the year for the “Laugh with Me” podcast with host Jeremy Odem (referred to as “Jo” in the transcript). Jeremy kicks things off in signature comedic style, reflecting on the past year and introducing the highly anticipated 2025 Guest of the Year nominees. Alongside playful banter and nostalgia, Jeremy highlights the unique stories, contributions, and hilarity provided by the standout guests featured throughout 2025.

Key Discussion Points and Highlights

1. The Impact of the Guest of the Year Award

• Jo reminisces about last year’s winner, Levetti Vegas, who leveraged the title to land big opportunities, including performances at festivals.
  • "Big things can happen, okay? When you are the awarded guest of the year from the Laugh With Me podcast, big things can happen.” (03:40)
• The episode sets a tone of encouragement for nominees, noting how being featured on the podcast is a stepping stone for their creative endeavors.

2. Announcement of the 2025 Nominees

Jeremy introduces each nominee with a story or standout moment, interwoven with signature comedic commentary.

a. Des Pearson (06:00–08:25)

• Young, up-and-coming content creator, writer, director, and editor. Known for YouTube/Pizza Crust Studios and involvement with Des Moines Young Artist Theater.
• Recounted his humble beginnings in unfussy Minecraft content creation as a child.
• Notable quote:
  • Des Pearson: “I thought I could just record Minecraft and get a million followers or something.” (07:02)
• Cameoed with his father for the 100th episode.
• Memorable moment:
  • Jo & Des discuss the technical woes of early YouTube:
    • "If my microphone ever had issues, I would not fix it in post...It was very amateur." (08:12)

b. Grant Pearson (08:25–10:24)

• Recurring guest, Oscar-season movie previewer, film aficionado.
• Celebrated for watching all Best Picture nominees (and some of the “worst of the worst” movies).
• Egg economy skit:
  • Grant Pearson: "Would you carry around an egg in your pocket in these days?" (09:28)
  • Jo: "If I did have [eggs] in my pocket, I sure as hell wouldn't want to tell anybody." (09:42)
  • Extended riff on the absurd value and security surrounding eggs.
• Notable quote:
  • "Eggs are so cool now that the cereal companies are going to start putting one egg in the bottom of the bag as like a free gift." (10:24)

c. Eric Larson (11:14–12:17)

• Podcast regular; transportation industry pro, fantasy football expert.
• Known for his offbeat—and often hilarious—suggestions during a month-long vacation report.
• The Stripper Car Wash Pitch:
  • Eric Larson: “Why don’t you open a stripper car wash...that’s double income. I can’t believe nobody’s ever thought about that.” (11:30)
  • Jo: Reflects on the idea, proposing themed car washes and riffing on workplace solutions; gently mocks Eric’s work-life expectations.
• Memorable moment:
  • Jo wonders: "Why is the workforce out there at such a point now that Eric's solution is strippers need to work more?" (12:17)

d. Joe Exotic (20:44–22:02)

• The infamous “Tiger King,” calling in from prison.
• Updates the podcast on his ongoing campaign for a presidential pardon.
• Political backers:
  • Joe Exotic: “I’ve got...Lauren Boebert out there stomping the pavement for me...Joe Rogan, Dana White, Matt Gaetz. I got some of the biggest names...” (21:07)
  • Matter-of-fact humor about the unpredictability of being pardoned (“You know how Trump is. He’ll do what he wants when he wants.”) (21:36)
• Memorable moment:
  • Jo ribbing Joe about Lauren Boebert’s “Beetlejuice” fandom: "If you ever get an opportunity to talk to her, ask her about Beetlejuice." (22:02)
• Joe Exotic teased as an upcoming guest for a live show.

e. Bob Roberts (23:24–24:25)

• Storyteller known for tales about “Park Shitty,” a notorious apartment in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
• Reflected on top 10 lists, drafting events, and his unique approach to preparation.
• Memorable moment:
  • Jo (Host): “You literally wrote on the notebook the numbers 1 through 10 and that’s it...You just have the numbers 1 through 10 just to keep you on track.” (24:00)
  • Bob Roberts: “I always feel like I do my best work without prep for anything. So maybe I’ll show up to my colonoscopy with no prep.” (24:22)
• Notable quote:
  • "That was a great top 10...But you, most people would have a little note of what is at 4, what is at 3. Not Bob, no." (24:12)

3. Closing: Rhythmic Recap and Anticipation

[24:41–27:57]

• The episode concludes with a whimsical recap poem, celebrating each nominee's unique energy and teasing the tension for the actual voting process.
• Poetic highlight:
  • “Joe Exotic’s chaos, it makes the mic burn. Bob Roberts with wisdom that cuts like a knife.” (27:10)
• Dramatic build-up:
  • “The crowd holds its breath as the drum roll begins / Only one name, the envelope spins / Guest of the Year, who’s gonna claim the throne?” (26:52–27:10)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On the Spirit of the Award:
  • “The sky is bright, put the sunglasses on and move forward with your successes. These are very encouraging and very inspiring words.” – Jo (03:37)
• Des on Early Content Creation:
  • “Videos only got like 8, 10 views… it was just Minecraft stuff.” – Des Pearson (07:29)
• Egg Economy Riff:
  • “Eggs are so cool now, the cereal companies are going to start putting one egg in the bottom of the bag as like a free gift…” – Jo (10:24)
• On Stripper Car Washes:
  • “Put these girls to work during the day, get them cleaning up cars… double income.” – Eric Larson (11:30)
• Joe Exotic on Supporters:
  • “I got some of the biggest names there is, you know, out there shooting for this…” – Joe Exotic (21:07)
• Bob on Preparation:
  • “I always feel like I do my best work without prep for anything. So maybe I’ll show up to my colonoscopy with no prep.” – Bob Roberts (24:22)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & Award Introduction: 00:16–03:54
• Nominee 1: Des Pearson: 06:00–08:25
• Nominee 2: Grant Pearson: 08:25–10:24
• Nominee 3: Eric Larson: 11:14–12:17
• Nominee 4: Joe Exotic: 20:44–22:02
• Nominee 5: Bob Roberts: 23:24–24:25
• Closing Poem & Recap: 24:41–27:57

Tone and Takeaways

True to the podcast’s ethos, Jeremy Odem (“Jo”) keeps things lively, supportive, and deeply irreverent. Whether he’s previewing the Oscars with Grant, riffing about strippers’ hustle with Eric, or fielding calls from the ever-absurd Joe Exotic, the episode leans hard into good-natured comedy and relatable storytelling. The nominees—each in their own way—embody the show’s commitment to laughter, weird tales, and the sense that truly, “big things can happen” when you find yourself in the Laugh with Me spotlight.

For fans and new listeners alike, this episode is a love letter to the guests that make the show a community—and a fun set-up for the big announcement to come.