Story Warz Episode 029: Sal Vulcano, Bonnie McFarlane & Julian McCullough | Parenthood
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Guests: Sal Vulcano, Bonnie McFarlane, Julian McCullough
Location: The Stand Comedy Club, New York City
Host: GaS Digital Network
Introduction
In Episode 029 of Story Warz: A Game of Deceptive Storytelling, hosts Big J. Okerson and Lewis J. Gomez welcome a stellar panel of comedians and entertainers—Sal Vulcano, known for his role in Impractical Jokers, Bonnie McFarlane, celebrated for her work on The For Worst Podcast, and Julian McCullough, recognized from the Big Dumb Eyes Tour with Nate Bargazzi. The central theme for this episode is "Parenthood", challenging participants to share and decipher each other's personal stories with a comedic twist.
Meet the Guests
Julian McCullough
Julian brings his sharp wit from the Big Dumb Eyes Tour, engaging the audience with his humorous take on family dynamics. Upon joining, Julian quips, "Get prepared to give me some of your food," setting a playful tone for the evening.
Bonnie McFarlane
Bonnie, dressed in a humorous Joe Rogan-inspired outfit, introduces herself with a straightforward, "I was just there," highlighting her no-nonsense comedic style.
Sal Vulcano
Sal, the face of Impractical Jokers, is introduced as the final contestant. His presence adds an element of unpredictability, especially with his in-depth comedic persona.
Understanding Story Warz
Big J. Okerson provides a succinct overview of the game's rules: each participant submits three to five stories on the designated topic—in this case, "Parenthood". Stories are read anonymously, and contestants must either disguise their own stories or correctly identify others'. Points are awarded for successfully deceiving peers and accurately guessing the origins of stories.
Big J. Okerson [03:41]: “Parenthood.”
Round-by-Round Highlights
Story 1: The Dead Dog Prank
Story: A parent tells the family their dog was killed on April Fool's Day, only to reveal the truth by showing the deceased pet.
Discussion:
- Big J. immediately suspects Bonnie, citing his own late experience with dogs.
- Bonnie elaborates, "It was a German shepherd," adding depth to her story.
Bonnie McFarlane [11:41]: “No, it was dead. It was a German shepherd and...”
After a humorous exchange about the plausibility of such a prank, Alex confirms the story belongs to Bonnie McFarlane.
Story 2: Accompanying Parents on Dates
Story: A child is taken along on their parent's first dates, leading to awkward and comedic situations.
Discussion:
- Julian humorously attributes the story to himself, saying, "My mother was a prostitute."
- Big J. playfully questions, "Why are you dressed like Blade?"
Julian McCullough [46:17]: “My mother was a prostitute. She wouldn't bring me.”
Alex later reveals the story is Big J. Okerson's, solidifying his spot in the game.
Story 3: The Fake Principal Scare
Story: A parent hires an actor to impersonate a boarding school principal to discipline a misbehaving child.
Discussion:
- Lewis skeptically analyzes the complexity, suggesting it doesn’t align with his personal experiences.
- Sal injects humor by referencing famous actors, saying, “My step pop came when I was probably a big like 8 year old.”
Lewis J. Gomez [22:33]: “I can't see Lewis's mom paying someone to do something like that.”
Ultimately, Alex assigns the story to Sal Volcano, pushing him further ahead in the competition.
Story 4: The Elevator Escape
Story: A parent briefly leaves their child by an elevator, fearing the worst upon the child's return.
Discussion:
- Julian contemplates overstepping as a concerned parent, while Big J. accuses him of fabricating details.
- A banter ensues about the authenticity of the story and the use of the word "heart racing."
Julian McCullough [52:25]: “I was on the second floor and I was pretending to jerk off over the balcony...”
Alex confirms this story is Sal's, further cementing his dominance in the game.
Story 5: Simulating Masturbation in Public
Story: A teenager is accused of public indecency due to misunderstandings about simulated actions.
Discussion:
- Julian vehemently denies the actions, exposing his innocence.
- Big J. and Lewis humorously debate the likelihood of Julian being the culprit.
Big J. Okerson [46:50]: "I don't know if he knows how to use quotes like that."
Alex reveals the story belongs to Lewis J. Gomez, adding to his point tally.
Story 6: Always Carrying a Weapon
Story: Since becoming a parent, never leaving the house without a weapon.
Discussion:
- Bonnie and Julian humorously discuss the practicality and absurdity of the story.
- Sal's apprehensive behavior leads to playful intimidation among contestants.
Big J. Okerson [56:03]: “It's a taser.”
Alex assigns the story to Sal, maintaining his lead.
Story 7: Operation Pornography Room
Story: A child is put in a room filled with pornography by a babysitter, leading to familial conflicts.
Discussion:
- All participants debate the plausibility and assign the story to Big J., teasing him about his mother's questionable parenting choices.
- Bonnie confesses to exaggerating for comedic effect, focusing the storyline on exposing the game's deceptive nature.
Julian McCullough [68:16]: “I went with Julian. He makes this a good argument.”
Alex confirms the story belongs to Big J. Okerson, despite Bonnie's admission of embellishment.
Story 8: Delaying Hospital Visit
Story: A parent delays a hospital visit after their child breaks a foot, believing it to be an overreaction.
Discussion:
- Julian, Big J., and Lewis engage in a heated debate over the story's authenticity.
- Bonnie and Lewis ultimately deduce it belongs to Julian, who admits the mishap with mall antics involving simulated actions.
Julian McCullough [73:05]: “We went to the mall and I was pretending to jerk off over the balcony...”
Alex reveals the final story belongs to Bonnie McFarlane, concluding the game.
Competition Progression and Sal's Dominance
Throughout the episode, Sal Volcano maintains a strong lead, correctly identifying and deceiving other contestants with ease. His strategic gameplay and sharp instincts set him apart, culminating in him being declared the "Story Warrior"—the episode's winner.
Big J. Okerson [72:49]: “Alex, Story number eight. My child broke their foot...”
Sal's consistent performance and quick thinking ensure he stays ahead, outpacing Lewis J. Gomez, Julian McCullough, and Bonnie McFarlane. His charismatic and competitive spirit adds a dynamic energy to the game, making for an engaging and entertaining episode.
Notable Quotes
- Julian McCullough [03:42]: “Parenthood.”
- Bonnie McFarlane [11:41]: “No, it was dead. It was a German shepherd and...”
- Sal Volcano [22:44]: “I'm a story warrior, officially.”
- Big J. Okerson [46:50]: “I don't know if he knows how to use quotes like that.”
Conclusion
Episode 029 of Story Warz showcases a blend of sharp humor, strategic gameplay, and engaging storytelling among some of the biggest names in comedy. The competitive yet friendly banter between Big J. Okerson, Lewis J. Gomez, Sal Vulcano, Bonnie McFarlane, and Julian McCullough creates a lively atmosphere, culminating in Sal Volcano securing his spot as the reigning Story Warrior. Fans of the show can look forward to more hilarious and deceptive storytelling in future episodes, promising endless entertainment from The Stand Comedy Club.
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