Snap Judgment Podcast Summary: "Flipped Out!"

Podcast Information

• Title: Snap Judgment
• Host/Author: Snap Judgment and PRX
• Description: Snap Judgment blends real-life stories with compelling beats to create a cinematic radio experience. Their raw, musical storytelling invites listeners to view the world from diverse perspectives—storytelling with a beat.
• Episode: Flipped Out!
• Release Date: October 15, 2024

Introduction: Setting the Stage

In the "Flipped Out!" episode of Snap Judgment, host Chris Gethard invites listeners into the intimate and unpredictable world of his experimental improv class, known as "Parenthesis." The episode delves deep into a pivotal night when one student's bold attempt at a backflip transforms the evening into a gripping narrative about ambition, community, and resilience.

Chris Gethard introduces the episode by recalling his tenure teaching at the UCB Theater in New York back in 2010. He sets the scene for an unconventional improv performance:

[00:03] Chris Gethard: "Snap Judgment is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash?... From Snap Judgment, you're about to be flipped out."

This playful introduction primes the audience for the dramatic unfolding of events.

Meet the Characters: Murph Meyer and Matt Mayer

At the heart of the story is Murph Meyer, a dedicated student of Gethard's Parenthesis class. Murph's unique persona is vividly described:

[01:31] Murph Meyer: "I tell the audience, I'm going to try a standing backflip... I'm not going to fall into your bad habits again."

Murph isn't just an improv enthusiast; he's a man battling personal demons. Recovering from heroin addiction and grappling with hepatitis C, Murph employs his distinctive attire—a cowboy mustache paired with a samurai ponytail and Reservoir Dogs-style outfit—as a daily ritual to reinforce his sobriety. This meticulous preparation symbolizes his commitment to change:

[02:31] Unnamed Narrator: "Murph's outfit... had a real purpose behind it... button that shirt, and tell himself, you are not going to do heroin today."

Matt Mayer, another pivotal figure, provides insight into the class dynamics and supports Murph's journey:

[04:26] Matt Mayer: "I think I was the only person in the group that had ever done a freestanding backflip... but I think the safest way is for you to think he can do it and try to get him to be able to do it."

The Backflip Challenge: Ambition Meets Reality

During a live performance in a modest black box theater beneath a Manhattan supermarket, Murph makes an audacious declaration:

[02:15] Murph Meyer: "I'm going to try a standing backflip. I always thought a backflip was like a standing backflip was a cool thing that looked fun."

This statement ignites a mixture of excitement and apprehension among the audience and fellow students. The absence of traditional improv games and audience suggestions underscores the experimental nature of the show.

As the tension builds, Murph begins his preparation, stretching and psyching himself up:

[06:35] Matt Mayer: "Just, you know, a brief run of calisthenics there... The adrenaline will carry me over."

Despite Matt Mayer's attempts to caution and guide him, Murph remains resolute:

[07:58] Unnamed Narrator: "He waves it off. It's just spotlight on Murph on the stage. And it becomes clear he's going for it."

Murph's determination is palpable as he commits to his goal:

[08:12] Murph Meyer: "I'm thinking, I'm going to pull this off 100%."

The Attempt and Its Aftermath: A Moment of Crisis

Murph's backflip attempt is both thrilling and terrifying. As he squirms into motion, the room holds its breath:

[08:20] Murph Meyer: "I'm in the air. I'm flip. I'm moving my vision... I'm upside down."

However, the backflip doesn't go as planned. Murph lands harshly, crashing onto the ground:

[08:44] Murph Meyer: "It’s a crash and burn scenario."

The immediate aftermath is a mix of chaos and concern. The audience gasps, and murmurs ripple through the room:

[09:29] Matt Mayer: "At first, I wasn't even sure how bad it had failed or what had happened... It felt like that just getting your bell rung."

Chris Gethard, observing from the tech booth, is torn between his role as a facilitator and his instinct to protect:

[09:54] Unnamed Narrator: "Most of the room thought they witnessed something medically really bad happened... I was just silent."

Rising from the Fall: Community and Support

In a surprising turn, Murph doesn't let the fall end the show. Instead of halting the performance or calling for help, the class rallies to support him:

[10:22] Unnamed Participant: "Instead of stopping the show and being like, call an ambulance. We continue the show."

Murph, initially sidelined with his peers checking on him, eventually accepts their assistance:

[10:49] Murph Meyer: "Each person grabbed a limb and then... we just needed the physical act of me completing a rotation and coming down on my feet."

This collaborative effort emphasizes the strength of the community within the improv class. Murph's realization of the importance of accepting help marks a pivotal moment in his personal journey:

[11:10] Unnamed Narrator: "Him trying to do the backflip and waving off everybody who wanted to be a spotter was him going, I'm walking my own path... he was just honestly concussed, but we did get to see him finally accept the help of the community."

Reflections and Lessons Learned

The episode wraps up with reflections on the night's events and the lessons gleaned from Murph's attempt:

[11:54] Matt Mayer: "So it was wonderful to find your tribe, find your people, as, as they say, a lot in there."

[12:00] Murph Meyer: "Although the next day, I am very sore."

Chris Gethard concludes with a blend of humor and gratitude, acknowledging the bravery of Murph and the supportive nature of the class:

[12:15] Chris Gethard: "Snappers do not try that at home. Thank you to Murph Mayer for not dying, to Matt Mayer for being our backflipping guru, and to Chris Gethard for letting this whole sorry mess happen in the first place."

The narrative not only highlights the unpredictability of live performances but also underscores the profound impact of community support and personal courage.

Conclusion: A Story of Resilience and Community

"Flipped Out!" masterfully intertwines humor, tension, and heartfelt moments to depict a night where ambition meets adversity. Through Murph Meyer's daring attempt and the ensuing support from his peers, the episode celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the essential role of community in overcoming personal challenges. This story serves as a poignant reminder that while individual effort is crucial, accepting and offering help can lead to transformative outcomes.

Production Credits

• Original Score: Renzo Gorio
• Story Producer: Zach Rosen
• Additional Help: John Fasille

This summary encapsulates the essence of the "Flipped Out!" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the original podcast episode.