Story Warz Episode 023: Ari Shaffir, Aaron Berg, & Chris Faga | New Beginnings
Hosted by GaS Digital Network
Welcome to Episode 023 of Story Warz: A Game of Deceptive Storytelling, hosted by the dynamic duo from GaS Digital Network, Big Jay Oakerson and Luis J. Gomez. In this New Year’s Day special, recorded live from The Stand Comedy Club in New York City, the hosts welcome three renowned guests: comedian and podcast host Ari Shaffir, hilarious Aaron Berg, and the ever-energetic Chris Faga. Together, they dive into the competitive and comedic world of Story Warz, centered around the episode’s theme: New Beginnings.
Introduction and Setup
The episode kicks off with the hosts exchanging New Year’s greetings and playful banter about the night’s tight seating arrangement. Big Jay opens the show by introducing the guests, highlighting Aaron Berg as the host of Frantic and Chris Faga from High Society Radio and Notes of a Goon. Ari Shaffir is acknowledged as an "official story warrior," having won the game before.
Notable Quote:
- Big Jay Oakerson [00:52]: “Everyone, you came on a great night, everyone. It is the new year 2025.”
Explaining the Game
Big Jay and Luis outline the rules of Story Warz, emphasizing the challenge of distinguishing between true and deceptive stories submitted by each participant. Each panelist submits three to five stories on the given subject (“New Beginnings”), and the goal is to either fool others with a fabricated story or correctly identify the origin of someone else’s tale.
Key Points:
- Submission Process: All five participants submit stories related to the theme.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Participants guess the authors of the stories, earning points for correct guesses and for successfully deceiving others.
- Scoring System: Correct guesses award two points, while fooling others grants one point per person fooled.
Notable Quote:
- Luis J. Gomez [04:15]: “If you guess the correct story, you get two points. And for every person you fool, you get one point.”
Gameplay: Round One – New Beginnings Stories
Story 1: Transition to a New School
Ari Shaffir kicks off the game with a story about transferring to a "Dangerous Minds type of high school" after being expelled for smoking hash, highlighting his supposed proficiency in Spanish. The panelists quickly engage in humorous skepticism, with Luis suspecting it might be Chris Faga due to the exaggerated nature of the tale.
Notable Quotes:
- Luis J. Gomez [07:33]: “This is not me. Aaron is a boring old man. He doesn't smoke weed.”
- Big Jay Oakerson [08:03]: “You think I got kicked out of school smoking hash?”
Analysis: The panel debates the plausibility based on their personal histories, ultimately deducing that the story likely belongs to Aaron Berg, given his Brooklyn Technical High School background and drug-related experiences.
Story 2: Relocating for a Relationship
The second story involves moving to a new city specifically to pursue a romantic relationship with a black woman. The panel engages in a playful yet pointed discussion about the motivations behind such a move, with suspicions pointing towards either Ari or Chris based on their backgrounds and personal experiences.
Notable Quotes:
- Big Jay Oakerson [17:19]: “The city I was raised in had no black people. And then we had to move to the new city to find a black chick.”
- Luis J. Gomez [20:16]: “Did you ever do it?”
Analysis: The group scrutinizes the authenticity of the motivations, considering their own dating histories and regional demographics. Ultimately, Luis votes for Ari Shaffir, suggesting a deeper layer of deception.
Story 3: First Anal Experience
The third story narrates a first-time anal experience that went awry when the partner ran out of the room crying after a problematic attempt. The panelists dissect the story, analyzing each participant's likelihood based on their personal anecdotes and comfort levels with such narratives.
Notable Quotes:
- Big Jay Oakerson [28:57]: “Everyone's locked in. Alex.”
- Luis J. Gomez [32:32]: “He moved out originally. I was 16.”
Analysis: Through humorous and candid discussion, the panel concludes that Big Jay is the most probable author, given the detailed and somewhat exaggerated nature of the story.
Story 4: Starting a Job Amid Surgery
This round features a story about starting a new job despite knowing one would undergo surgery and be off their feet for six weeks. The panel evaluates the plausibility based on their own job histories and understanding of professional commitments.
Notable Quotes:
- Luis J. Gomez [41:13]: “Have you ever had a surgery?”
- Ari Shafir [42:24]: “I started a new job and was hired despite the boss knowing I was scheduled for surgery.”
Analysis: The panel identifies the story with Luis J. Gomez, referencing his multiple surgeries and demanding job expectations.
Story 5: New Year’s Eve High School Party Disaster
The fifth story recounts a disastrous New Year’s Eve party where excessive drinking led to vomiting red velvet cake on an expensive carpet. The panelists debate the authenticity and personal connections to determine the genuine author.
Notable Quotes:
- Luis J. Gomez [55:12]: “I grew up in trashy Rockland.”
- Big Jay Oakerson [57:02]: “He killed his mom.”
Analysis: Given the chaotic and humorous elements of the story, the panel concludes that the story belongs to Luis J. Gomez, aligning with his self-deprecating humor and personal history.
Story 6: False Report of Burning at Midnight
The sixth story involves a false report to the cops about burning someone alive at a New Year’s party, leading to police intervention. The panel uses observational humor and personal anecdotes to deduce the likely storyteller.
Notable Quotes:
- Big Jay Oakerson [63:06]: “It was a noise complaint.”
- Chris Faga [64:37]: “This smells like Ari.”
Analysis: Through a mix of logic and banter, the panel identifies Ari Shaffir as the author, given his penchant for wild and exaggerated stories.
Story 7: First Blow Job with a Jewish Girl Named Pam Shapiro
The penultimate story details a first-time blow job attempt with a Jewish girl named Pam Shapiro, characterized by lack of wetness and subsequent disappointment. The panel engages in a mix of humor and stereotyping to parse out the true author.
Notable Quotes:
- Luis J. Gomez [74:40]: “You're talking about a Jewish girl, which is Jay.”
- Chris Faga [75:58]: “He grew up with Jews.”
Analysis: The combination of personal experiences and cultural references leads the panel to conclude that Chris Faga is the likely storyteller behind this anecdote.
Double Points and Game Dynamics
Midway through the episode, the hosts introduce a game twist: Double Points. This rule change allows participants to earn two points for each correct guess, intensifying the competitive atmosphere.
Notable Quote:
- Big Jay Oakerson [52:17]: “What happens is everything changes to double points.”
Final Story and Conclusion
In the final round, Story 8, the narrative revolves around a first-time strip club experience that ends with wrongful police intervention following an intense encounter. The panel leverages cumulative insights and humor to determine the final author.
Notable Quotes:
- Chris Faga [72:40]: “It was a noise complaint.”
- Big Jay Oakerson [84:00]: “Aaron Berg, you are officially a story warrior, my friend.”
Outcome: Through a series of deductions and humorous exchanges, Aaron Berg emerges victorious, earning the title of "Story Warrior" for his compelling and deceptive storytelling prowess.
Final Scores:
- Luis J. Gomez: 19 points
- Aaron Berg: 18 points
- Ari Shaffir: 16 points
- Big Jay Oakerson: 14 points
- Chris Faga: 12 points
Notable Conclusion:
- Big Jay Oakerson [83:14]: “Aaron Berg, you're taking home Shadow of Death. With sharp character development and an intense, fast-paced plot, Shadow of Death is a compelling thriller that combines elements of medical suspense, mystery, and psychological drama.”
Key Highlights and Insights
- Humorous Deception: The episode thrives on the comedic interplay between truth and deception, with guests skillfully crafting believable yet fabricated stories.
- Camaraderie and Banter: The dynamic between Big Jay, Luis, and the guests fosters an engaging and entertaining atmosphere, characterized by sharp wit and playful teasing.
- Cultural References and Stereotypes: The panel often leverages cultural stereotypes and personal backgrounds to dissect and challenge the authenticity of each story, adding depth and humor to the discussions.
- Competitive Spirit: The introduction of Double Points intensifies the competition, pushing participants to strategize and engage more intensely in guessing and storytelling.
Notable Quotes:
- Ari Shaffir [82:10]: “Thank you. It was fun just to be here. Allah Akbar.”
- Luis J. Gomez [83:15]: “Everybody’s game.”
Conclusion
Episode 023 of Story Warz delivers a robust blend of humor, competition, and engaging storytelling. With New Year’s themed stories, the panelists navigate the fine line between truth and deception, ultimately crowning Aaron Berg as the night’s champion. The lively interactions and sharp comedic exchanges make this episode a must-listen for fans seeking both entertainment and the thrill of the game.
Don’t Miss Next Episode: Stay tuned for more episodes of Story Warz, where the stakes are high, the stories are wild, and the laughter is nonstop. Whether you’re a seasoned listener or new to the show, each episode promises fresh insights, hilarious moments, and the irresistible charm of the GaS Digital Network hosts and their illustrious guests.
Note: This summary focuses solely on the content of the game and discussions, excluding advertisement, intros, and outros as per the guidelines.