Podcast Summary: Laugh with Me — “Jeremy’s Jingle Ball Host Audition”
Host: Jeremy Odem
Episode: 111
Date: December 3, 2025

Episode Overview

In this festive episode, comedian and host Jeremy Odem shares his latest life adventures, delivers a comedic take on aging and Crohn’s disease, then brings listeners into his big dream: hosting iHeartRadio’s legendary Jingle Ball in 2026. Jeremy tries out his proposed “Jingle Ball” monologue and one-liners, peppering the show with his trademark warmth, self-deprecation, and holiday cheer. Fans get an inside look at his comedic writing process and his hopes for taking the Laugh with Me brand to a huge live stage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jeremy’s Recent “Wins” and Humbling Moments

• Feeling Young at Heart (and Beard):

  • Jeremy recounts a trip to the hospital for bloodwork, where the receptionist is shocked at his age and tells him he “does not look that old.”
  • He attributes his youthful aura either to his red hair genes or his newly grown-out winter beard.
  • “You might be saying, man, Jo sounds like he's got that pep in his step. He must be full of iron. … No, not necessarily.” (03:50)

• Winter Beard Wisdom:

  • Jeremy ponders if he should always have grown a beard for warmth and to hide his “old man face.”
  • “Beard covering up my old man face … gotta say, first winter ever, got the beard going and my face, warm.” (06:15)

• Car Troubles and (“Crappy”) Crohn’s Surprises:

  • Jeremy shares the saga of waiting for new tires—delayed by a FedEx delivery gone awry.
  • While waiting, he experiences a sudden Crohn’s disease emergency in a Target store, leading to a frantic, relatable, and funny bathroom anecdote about trying to avoid “ripping farts” in public.

2. “Laugh With (and at) Me”

• Crohn’s Humor:
  • Jeremy honestly discusses the realities of Crohn’s disease, busting myths and bringing humor to a potentially embarrassing situation.
  • “I was dodging people in aisles because … every step you take, like a fart, like it just. They just start flying out. … It could get far worse.” (10:35)
  • He muses on social norms, handicap stalls in restrooms, and the “silent Target bathroom dilemma.”

3. Jeremy’s Jingle Ball Host Dream

• iHeart Jingle Ball Primer:

  • Jeremy explains the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball for the uninitiated: major holiday concerts in huge markets with some of music’s biggest acts.
  • “It’s the biggest markets in the United States—Miami, Atlanta, D.C., Boston, New York, Chicago… Huge artists, huge shows.” (23:36)

• The Audition Monologue:

  • Jeremy shares his vision as host, comparing the role to an award show MC—keeping energy high and the crowd laughing with punchy, self-aware one-liners between sets.

4. Jingle Ball Jokes – Jeremy’s Sample Set

Highlights from the “Host Audition”

(Segment begins at 25:00)

• “Welcome to Jingle Ball, the only holiday event where the outfits get smaller as the temperature drops.” (25:13)
• “I saw a performer backstage wearing something that legally qualified as dental floss.” (25:21)
• On audience fashion: “Everyone’s dressed festive, like they’re ready for Christmas or trying really hard to make their ex jealous on Instagram.” (25:30)
• “Santa’s got his nice list and his naughty list. I’m on that ... we’re gonna circle back on that list.” (26:10)
• “Asked Santa for a six pack this year. He delivered… just not the kind you drink responsibly.” (26:38)
• “This crowd is electric and slightly drunk, which, honestly, is the ideal Christmas ratio.” (26:48)
• “I smell peppermint, cocoa, and a third scent I’ll politely label somebody pre-gamed in the parking lot.” (26:56)
• “Before I bring out Jermaine... Security is already looking at us like someone here owes child support. (Not you, Jermaine.)” (27:30)
• “My watch just buzzed to check if I’m doing cardio or experiencing fear.” (27:35)
• “I think Mariah Carey hasn’t fully thawed yet, but she sends her regards. Or at least a high note that cracked a satellite.” (27:50)
• “Hosting Jingle Ball’s wild—one minute I’m hyping the crowd, the next I’m dodging a stage manager who moves like he’s powered by pure espresso resentment.” (28:30)
• Closing: “Drive safe, be kind, tip well. If you can’t do all three, at least lie confidently about two. Happy holidays! And remember, if tonight gets blurry, that’s not the lights, that’s the choices.” (29:10)

5. Closing and Festive Original Song

(Segment begins at 30:10)

• Jeremy delivers an original “Laugh with Me” holiday song, wrapping up the episode with warmth, gratitude, and plenty of holiday joviality.
• Key lyric:
  • “Laugh with me – oh, can't you see? It's a sleigh ride of comedy through the pines and jokes so free!” (31:00)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Aging and Self-Esteem:
  “One minute you're...‘Man, you look fantastic for your age!’ ... and then next minute, you're about to [mess] yourself and you're trying to hold it in so that you don't get heard.” (15:42)

• On Hosting Jingle Ball:
  “All I want to do is host. … I come out, give a few of these one-liners… that’d be me coming out right before Nelly.” (24:45)

• Host’s Aspirational Plea:
  “I’m telling you what, iHeart, if you’re listening—I know you are—we gotta get me on this Jingle Ball next year!” (29:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Aging, Beards & Hospital Antics: 03:40 – 08:50
• Crohn’s Disease & Target Restroom Saga: 08:51 – 18:50
• Jeremy’s Jingle Ball Host Pitch: 23:36 – 25:00
• “Host Audition” Jokes/Monologue: 25:00 – 29:20
• Original Holiday Song: 30:10 – 32:30

Tone & Style

Jeremy maintains a warm, friendly, self-deprecating, “let’s laugh with (and at) me” tone throughout—inviting listeners into holiday spirit and his personal journey, mixing real-life struggles with punchlines and heart. The vibes are festive, authentic, and community-driven: the sort of episode that feels like sharing holiday stories with a funny old friend.

For listeners:
Whether you crave stand-up, behind-the-scenes comedy process, or just want some holiday laughs, this episode is a charming, relatable, and very Jeremy Odem dose of comic comfort. And if you’ve ever raced to a public restroom or dreamed of grabbing a mic on the big stage—you’ll feel right at home.