Laugh with Me – "Did we just get nominated?"

Host: Jeremy Odom | Date: November 19, 2025
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts

Main Theme

This celebratory episode marks the debut of "Laugh with Me" on iHeartRadio. Host Jeremy Odom, joined by trusty producer Johnny Palermo, reflects on the show’s recent nominations—including the Outstanding Comedy Ensemble at the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards (OEAA). The episode dives into what these accolades mean to the team, gives shout-outs to contributors, updates listeners on elusive guest Joe Exotic, and offers a characteristically comedic recounting of Jeremy’s recent struggles (and minor victories) in everyday adulting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A New Chapter: The iHeartRadio Debut

• Jeremy welcomes new listeners, expressing excitement about joining the iHeartRadio family.
• Promotes the iHeartRadio app, clarifies it’s not a paid ad, just genuine enthusiasm (02:42).
• Sets the stage for bigger and better things for the podcast:

  “We are just so excited to have joined iHeartMedia. And this is… the debut episode. So very excited, very humbled, and ready to go.” (02:52)

2. OEAA Award Nomination – Outstanding Comedy Ensemble

• Jeremy announces their nomination—news treated with both humor and heartfelt pride.
• Playful banter with Johnny—crediting him for the nomination and offering rare appreciation:

  “You do tend to add… you add to the show a little bit, I suppose… That was not even a joke. I meant it. That was heartfelt.” (03:08)

• Recognizes ensemble contributors:
  • Lavetti Vegas: 2024 Guest of the Year.
  • Eric Larson: Transportation industry giant and 2025 Guest of the Year nominee.
  • Kyle Ota: Jeremy’s brother and show regular.
  • Grant Pearson: Resident “movie guy,” compared humorously to Hollywood talent scouts.
• Shout-outs to fellow nominees—“in good company” with other Omaha comedy groups (Dad Jokes, Weisenheimer’s, King Louie, Pandemic at the Disco, etc.).

  “We are in good company here for Outstanding Comedy Ensemble. We're just humbled to even be included.” (06:40)

• Plans to “make a run at this thing” and hinting at aspirations for Outstanding Comedian next year.

3. Joe Exotic: Phone Tag with the Tiger King

• Jeremy updates listeners on the much-anticipated appearance of Joe Exotic (Tiger King).
• Shares a voicemail from Joe (12:10), notes the odd lack of prison call warning, suspects an illicit cellphone:

  “[Joe’s] got something going on in there. You know, it might… it might just give me a little insight into why we've been playing phone tag… I think he has a cell phone. And I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to have a cell phone in there, Joe, but he's got one.” (13:10)

• Expresses excitement for a future episode with Joe, hinting at his legal pursuits and potential presidential pardon.
• Replays Joe Exotic’s short voicemail for comedic effect:

  "Jeremy, it's Joe. Sorry I'm late. Couldn't get to a phone..." (12:10, 29:07)

4. Award Season Vibes & Previous Wins

• Jeremy recalls winning Podcast of the Year from Insider Weekly (August 2025), balancing self-deprecation with pride.

  “For, you know, a little guy like us. Johnny and I don't get many awards, but we did receive one back in August—Best Comedy Podcast award by Insider Weekly. Now we're up for the OEAA." (16:10)

• Expresses awe at getting nominated among established comedy groups, while keeping the tone light and community-focused.

5. Comedic Life Story: Jeremy vs. The Flat Tire

• Narrates his morning tire mishap—bravado meets humility as he tries (and fails) to change a tire himself:

  “I was actually, like, sort of excited to, like, change the tire. I'm like, I'm gonna freaking do this. And then I couldn't get the… the damn lug nuts off. They’re so tight.” (22:48)

• Turns to AAA; even the professional struggles, but eventually prevails ("impact tightened" bolts).
• Ruminates on the etiquette and anxiety of tipping AAA in fives versus a crisp $20.
• Ends with a lesson (and a running joke): Always carry cash for odd situations, big bills preferred.
• Self-referential punchline:

  “What is this? What is this podcast? Joe Exotic, where are you? I miss you. Call me.” (27:38)

6. What’s Next?

• Teases upcoming episodes:
  • Announcement of 2025 Guest of the Year (the “Laffy” trophy—golden microphone—waiting for its recipient).
  • A Thanksgiving special.
  • Promises more Joe Exotic, eventually:

    “We'll get Joe back on the pod.” (28:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On new beginnings and humility:

  “We’re just so excited to have joined iHeart Media… This is the debut episode. So very excited, very humbled, and ready to go.” (02:52, Jeremy Odom)

• On crediting his team (with comic undertone):

  “You do tend to add… you add to the show a little bit, I suppose. That was not even a joke. I meant it.” (03:08, Jeremy Odom)

• Announcing the ensemble nominees:

  “People in Hollywood, if you're a writer, hey, even easier. You don't even have to fly… Look him [Grant Pearson] up, get to Grant. And he watches. He knows more about movies than anybody else I know.” (04:30, Jeremy Odom)

• Joe Exotic voicemail (the Tiger King cameo):

  “Jeremy, it’s Joe. Sorry I’m late. Couldn’t get to a phone. Shoot me a message or I will… Let’s just plan on doing this tomorrow night if you can, right?” (12:10, Joe Exotic—voicemail replayed at 29:07)

• On flat tire misadventure and masculinity:

  “I couldn’t get the… the damn lug nuts off. They're so tight. And then I was feeling, like, weak… I'm just gonna go home, eat my breakfast sandwich, not change the tire, and podcast. Like, that's… I gotta stop thinking I am something I'm not.” (23:25, Jeremy Odom)

• Reflections on success and disbelief:

  “When you win something, don’t you—like, it doesn’t happen every day, you know… Johnny and I don’t get many awards, but we did receive one back in August—Best Comedy Podcast award by Insider Weekly. Now we're up for the OEAA.” (16:14, Jeremy Odom)

• Podcast’s self-referential humor:

  “What is this? What is this podcast? Joe Exotic, where are you? I miss you. Call me.” (27:38, Jeremy Odom)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:42: Official welcome to new iHeartRadio listeners & announcement of the OEAA nomination.
• 03:08: Shout-out to Johnny Palermo and the extended “Laugh with Me” ensemble.
• 06:40: Recognition of fellow OEAA comedy nominees.
• 12:10: Joe Exotic's voicemail debacle (voicemail replayed at 29:07).
• 13:10: Jeremy speculates on Joe Exotic’s possible contraband cellphone.
• 16:10: Reminiscence about previous Podcast of the Year win.
• 21:46: Jeremy’s comedic flat tire story and thoughts on tipping.
• 27:38: Meta reflection—“What is this podcast?”—blending the show’s strengths: spontaneity, humility, and laughter.
• 28:19-29:21: Teasers for upcoming episodes and replay of Joe Exotic’s voicemail.

Episode Tone & Takeaway

Tone: Warm, self-deprecating, community-minded, with frequent asides—classic midwestern humility laced with the dry candor of a veteran stand-up comedian.
Takeaway: This episode is less about delivering a structured comedy show and more about letting listeners behind the curtain—into the camaraderie, mishaps, and real-life wins and losses that define “Laugh with Me”. The mood is festive and grateful, striking the perfect note for the beginning of award season and the lead-up to the holidays.