SmartLess Podcast Summary
Episode: INTRODUCING: We Need A Fourth with Brian Baumgartner, Cooper Manning, and Kenny Mayne
Release Date: September 16, 2025
Hosts: Will Arnett (A), Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes
Guests: Brian Baumgartner (B), Kenny Mayne (C), Cooper Manning (D)
Episode Overview
In this lively episode, Will Arnett engages with the hosts of the new podcast “We Need A Fourth”—Brian Baumgartner, Kenny Mayne, and Cooper Manning. They riff on their shared love of golf, the unique chemistry of their trio, and the ethos behind their show, which blends deep friendship, golf talk, and candid story-swapping. The discussion goes beyond golf, touching on male friendship, competitiveness, and the art of genuine conversation—on and off the green.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Genesis of “We Need A Fourth”
- Will Arnett introduces Brian, Kenny, and Cooper as "the absolute royalty of golf podcasting" (00:09).
- The show's title reflects both their search for a golf foursome and a desire for more camaraderie:
- Brian: "Really we’re just looking for a fourth to hang out with." (03:17)
- The trio jokes about their varying degrees of golf passion, with Kenny as the biggest golf lover, though Cooper and Brian note Kenny has the most to learn about actually playing (00:55).
2. Each Host’s Relationship with Golf
- Kenny Mayne: Admits to loving the game deeply, but jokes, “It doesn’t love me back. Now I’m a disabled senior, and I play way back...” (01:11).
- Cooper Manning: Values fun and chemistry over prestige. He’ll only join games with people he likes, noting, “If it’s a bunch of bozos, Coopy is out. I’d rather go play an absolute muni with two guys wearing football jerseys and smoking weed.” (01:53)
- Brian Baumgartner: Sees golf as meditation and a break from life’s chaos:
- "I don’t do yoga, but I use golf as meditation. 100%…it totally resets me." (03:42)
3. The Heart of the Podcast: Beyond Golf
- The hosts desire real, holistic conversations that go beyond the game:
- Kenny: "We want the whole person. We’re peeling back...there’s nothing left of the...onion by the time it’s minced and we break the person down." (02:41)
- Will likes golf for its ability to disconnect from distractions and invite organic conversation:
- "You’re just there and you get to kind of shoot the shit and, and have a good time." (03:00).
4. Male Friendship, Competition, and Golf as Social Litmus Test
- Cooper reflects on the revealing nature of four hours on a course:
- "You can’t hide from getting a read on someone... Is this a good fellow? Do I want to hang around him again?... Sometimes people don’t ask me anything in return. I go, well, I got that guy figured out, but he doesn’t know shit about me. And that’s fine, too." (04:01)
- The group jokes about the differences between what men share during a round vs. what spouses expect ("I don’t know—he had an 82. He had a good day." (04:38)).
5. Golf Stories & Comic Moments
- Will shares a Chris Pratt golf story:
- Pratt has to leave with a thrown-out back, but spends hours lying beyond the 18th hole to reconnect with them (06:00-07:01).
- The group jokes about injuries and classic mishaps:
- Kenny’s leg brace is a recurring joke ("Okay, let’s go make fun of wheelchair people next, guys.” (07:46))
- Cooper and Kenny’s banter about the leg brace and teasing establish the show’s irreverent, playful tone.
6. Podcast Launch Details
- “We Need A Fourth” launches September 15, with two episodes dropping.
- Brian: "Every Monday, dropping two on the 15th. So there’ll be two there." (08:27)
- Will quips about the phrase "deuce on the 15th," keeping the humor free-flowing (08:32).
Memorable Quotes & Moments
On Golf as a Social Activity
- Brian: "I don’t do yoga, but I use golf as meditation. 100%...it totally resets me." (03:42)
- Cooper: "If it’s a bunch of bozos, Coopy is out. I’d rather go play an absolute muni with two guys wearing football jerseys and smoking weed." (01:53)
On Male Friendship
- Cooper: "You can’t hide from getting a read on someone if you spend four hours playing...I got that guy figured out, but he doesn’t know shit about me. And that’s fine, too." (04:01)
On Not Sharing Details
- Kenny: "I forget which comic does it. The joke where I’ll come home and my wife will ask, so how’s so and so doing? You know, is he dating anyone? Like, I don’t know. He had an 82. He had a good day." (04:38)
On Golf Injuries & Banter
- Will (on Chris Pratt): “He gets out of the car, bent over, and he walked. And he’s like, see you, man. That was a great date. Fully bent over.” (06:00-07:01)
- Cooper (re: Kenny’s leg brace): “Okay, let’s go make fun of wheelchair people next, guys.” (07:46)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:09 — Introduction to “We Need A Fourth” hosts
- 00:55 — Discussing love for golf and family dynamic on the course
- 01:53 — Cooper on the importance of choosing your golf company
- 02:41 — How the podcast goes deep into guests’ personal lives
- 03:42 — Brian equates golf to meditation
- 04:01 — Cooper on friendship, learning about people on the course
- 04:38 — What men discuss on the golf course
- 06:00 — Chris Pratt’s golfing mishap
- 07:46 — Banter about Kenny’s leg brace
- 08:27 — Podcast launch details
Tone & Atmosphere
The episode is lighthearted, bantering, and honest, brimming with the chemistry and comedic timing listeners expect from “SmartLess.” The new podcast promises a winning mixture of golf stories, camaraderie, meaningful chats, and the kind of zany, affectionate humor that makes both shows relatable and fun.
Final Note:
“We Need A Fourth” launches Monday, September 15, dropping two episodes to start. If you like golf, friendship, and offbeat storytelling, “We Need A Fourth” is sure to be a hit—a sentiment that Will, Brian, Kenny, and Cooper share with infectious enthusiasm.