Monday Morning Podcast Episode Summary
Thursday Afternoon Monday Morning Podcast 1-16-25
Released: January 16, 2025

Hosts: Bill Burr and Paul Verzi
Producer: All Things Comedy

1. Promoting the Stand-Up Special and Jimmy Kimmel Experience

[00:17]
Paul Verzi kicks off the episode by sharing his excitement about promoting his upcoming stand-up special set to release on Hulu on March 14th. He recounts his recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, highlighting the enjoyable experience he had both on stage and backstage.

“I did Jimmy Kimmel last night. I had a great time doing that. Got to do it with Jessica Gunning from Baby Reindeer. And then there was this killer band, Neil... they had like that Elton John vibe.”
– Paul Verzi [00:17]

Paul praises Jimmy Kimmel’s professionalism and the positive atmosphere of the green room, contrasting it with the less pleasant experience of dealing with autograph seekers upon exiting the show.

[02:04]
He narrates an amusing encounter with a young fan eager for an autograph, illustrating the sometimes overwhelming nature of fame.

“He fucking hands me this thing and all it is is just blank windows with nothing in there... I don't get it.”
– Paul Verzi [02:19]

2. Personal Anecdotes and Challenges

Paul shares personal stories, including his attempt to quit smoking cigars—a promise he broke by smoking a pipe instead, which his daughter caught.

“[...] so I was smoking a pipe, and I was thinking, all right, well, it's not a cigar. It's also not as bad... But I did it. And then I came inside and she smelled it on me.”
– Paul Verzi [05:00]

He discusses adopting a "California sober" approach, substituting cigars with less harmful alternatives, and the challenges that come with maintaining personal commitments.

3. Commentary on News, Politics, and Society

[07:10]
Paul expresses his frustration with the politicization of everyday topics, lamenting how even neutral subjects like making pancakes become political battlegrounds.

“Listen to this fucking shit. Like when you go out of there, when you leave the Kimmel show... It’s unbelievable.”
– Paul Verzi [07:10]

He criticizes the sensationalism of 24-hour news networks and their detrimental impact on public perception and mental health.

“I don't watch the news and I gotta tell you, I'm really happy. Happier, I should say.”
– Paul Verzi [08:42]

4. Relationships and Family Life

Paul touches on his personal life, sharing a story about his daughter disciplining him for breaking his promise not to smoke cigars. This segment highlights his struggles with maintaining personal boundaries and the influence of family on his behavior.

“Then I came inside and she smelled it on me. She’s like, dad, did you smoke? I said, I smoked a pipe.”
– Paul Verzi [06:00]

5. Sports Talk: NFL Playoffs and Team Analysis

A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to sports, particularly the NFL playoffs. Paul and Bill Burr discuss various teams, player performances, and their predictions for upcoming games.

[03:09]
Paul recaps his time off the Jimmy Kimmel show and transitions into discussing the current NFL playoff scene.

“Playoffs. The always the weirdest thing.”
– Paul Verzi [03:09]

[23:29]
They analyze mismatches and team performances, focusing on the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and Houston Texans. Paul expresses his initial misjudgment in predicting the Falcons' success.

“So I did a couple podcasts today that will be coming out...”
– Paul Verzi [04:30]

[44:46]
Bill Burr delves into the Super Bowl predictions, criticizing the performance and demeanor of teams like the Seattle Seahawks and praising coaches like Pete Carroll.

“I got to go back to get ready to do this play... I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm sad.”
– Bill Burr [04:30]

[86:07]
The discussion intensifies as they evaluate the performance of teams like the Ravens, Bills, and Chiefs. They debate quarterback performances, coaching strategies, and the impact of player health on game outcomes.

“I don't know. But I did think whoever was doing that take on it, that they had $70 million to play with because it's gonna get better.”
– Bill Burr [101:12]

6. Listener Interactions and Q&A

Throughout the episode, listeners contribute via questions and comments. Paul and Bill respond to these, offering advice and sharing their perspectives on various topics.

[117:33]
A listener inquires about betting patterns related to the Ravens and Bills, sparking a discussion on sportsbook strategies and betting behaviors.

“Does that make any sense?”
– Bill Burr [117:49]

[124:18]
Another listener seeks advice on moving out and dealing with anxiety and depression, to which Paul provides empathetic and practical suggestions.

“And then I was like, who's gonna get me a good time.”
– Bill Verzi [07:10]

7. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

In the concluding segments, Bill and Paul wrap up their sports predictions, discuss upcoming playoff games, and reflect on the broader implications of their conversations. They emphasize the importance of community and support, especially during challenging times.

“All right, here you go. All right, enjoy the music picked out by Andrew the Less.”
– Paul Verzi [34:54]

They also remind listeners to tune into their upcoming specials and express gratitude for the audience's support.

Notable Quotes

• Paul Verzi [02:17]: “He fucking hands me this thing and all it is is just blank windows with nothing in there... I don't get it.”

• Paul Verzi [08:42]: “I don't watch the news and I gotta tell you, I'm really happy. Happier, I should say.”

• Bill Burr [101:12]: “I got to go back to get ready to do this play... I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm sad.”

• Paul Verzi [07:10]: “Listen to this fucking shit. Like when you go out of there, when you leave the Kimmel show... It’s unbelievable.”

• Bill Burr [117:49]: “Less people are taking the spread, more people are betting the money line? Is that what you're saying?”

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Monday Morning Podcast blends humor with candid conversations about personal struggles, societal issues, and the unpredictable nature of sports. Bill Burr and Paul Verzi engage listeners with their unfiltered perspectives, memorable anecdotes, and sharp commentary, making it a compelling listen for fans of raw and relatable podcast content.