Summary of "Story Warz" Episode 042: Howie Mandel, Joe List, & Karen Feehan | Mental Health

Podcast Information:

• Title: Story Warz
• Host/Author: GaS Digital Network
• Description: Story Warz: A Game of Deceptive Storytelling features comedians Big Jay Oakerson and Luis J. Gomez as they engage with prominent figures in comedy and entertainment in a clever and humorous battle of wits and deception. The show is filmed live at The Stand Comedy Club in New York City.
• Episode: 042. Howie Mandel, Joe List, & Kerryn Feehan | Mental Health
• Release Date: May 23, 2025

Introduction

The episode kicks off with hosts Big Jay Oakerson and Luis J. Gomez enthusiastically promoting their new merchandise and thanking sponsors, setting a lively and engaging tone for the show. Shortly after, they introduce the night's special guests: comedian Joe List, comedian Kerryn Feehan, and renowned entertainer Howie Mandel. The central theme for this episode revolves around Mental Health, guiding the storytelling and discussions.

Game Overview

Story Warz is structured as a competition where each participant submits personal stories related to the chosen subject—in this case, mental health. The hosts explain the rules:

• Objective: Identify the owner of each presented story.
• Scoring: Correct guesses earn two points, while successfully deceiving others garners one point.
• Format: Eight stories are showcased, with participants revealing their guesses simultaneously to maintain fairness.

Round Summaries

Round 1:

• Story 1: A contentious incident involving spitting on a windshield after an argument while being driven home.

  • Participants' Guesses: Initial confusion led to various assumptions, including Louis suspecting himself, Karen, and even Howie.
  • Reveal: The story belongs to Joe List, who humorously recounts the event that culminated in his departure from the car.

• Score After Round 1:

  • Joe List: 3 points (1 correct guess)
  • Karen Feehan: 2 points
  • Big Jay Oakerson & Howie Mandel: 0 points each

Round 2:

• Story 2: An account of Howie Mandel's grandfather speaking to birds and the subsequent use of electric shock therapy.

  • Participants' Guesses: Quick consensus that the story is Karen's, based on her age and previous background stories.
  • Reveal: Karen Feehan owns the story, sharing a humorous yet poignant family anecdote about her grandfather.

• Score After Round 2:

  • Joe List: 3 points
  • Karen Feehan: 5 points (additional correct guess)
  • Big Jay Oakerson & Howie Mandel: 0 points each

Round 3:

• Story 3: Reflections on the impact of the September 11 attacks, with a personal take on the events.

  • Participants' Guesses: Heavy speculation towards Howie Mandel due to his narrative style and personal resonance with the topic.
  • Reveal: The story is Howie Mandel's, sharing his emotional experiences during and after the attacks.

• Score After Round 3:

  • Joe List: 3 points
  • Karen Feehan: 10 points (two perfect rounds)
  • Big Jay Oakerson: 0 points
  • Howie Mandel: 2 points (first point)

Round 4:

• Story 4: Experiences with dating individuals who engage in self-harm.

  • Participants' Guesses: Initial focus on Louis Gomez and Joe List, considering their comedic backgrounds.
  • Reveal: The story belongs to Joe List, who shares a candid and humorous yet sensitive account of his past relationships.

• Score After Round 4:

  • Joe List: 6 points
  • Karen Feehan: 10 points
  • Louis J. Gomez: 2 points
  • Howie Mandel: 2 points

Round 5:

• Story 5: Sending roses to a mother who responds with hostility, reflecting on familial relationships.

  • Participants' Guesses: Extensive debates pointing towards Howie Mandel, given his storytelling style and emotional depth.
  • Reveal: Howie Mandel owns the story, detailing a touching yet challenging interaction with his mother affected by dementia.

• Score After Round 5:

  • Joe List: 6 points
  • Karen Feehan: 10 points
  • Louis J. Gomez: 5 points
  • Howie Mandel: 5 points

Round 6:

• Story 6: Observing a grandmother physically confront a neighborhood individual, showcasing family dynamics.

  • Participants' Guesses: Varied attempts to link the story to Big Jay or Joe List, with some leaning towards personal anecdotes.
  • Reveal: The story is attributed to Joe List, who humorously narrates his grandmother's assertive behavior.

• Score After Round 6:

  • Joe List: 12 points (final points)
  • Karen Feehan: 10 points
  • Louis J. Gomez: 5 points
  • Big Jay Oakerson & Howie Mandel: 6 points each

Round 7:

• Story 7: Handling embarrassment in public by choosing to act out rather than apologize.

  • Participants' Guesses: Focused speculation on Howie Mandel due to his emotional storytelling.
  • Reveal: The story is Howie Mandel's, sharing an awkward encounter in a public restroom.

• Score After Round 7:

  • Joe List: 12 points
  • Karen Feehan: 10 points
  • Louis J. Gomez: 6 points
  • Howie Mandel: 12 points

Round 8:

• Story 8: Observing a grandmother collecting discarded cigarettes, leading to feigned ignorance.

  • Participants' Guesses: Final deliberations suggest Big Jay Oakerson, considering his initial storytelling tone.
  • Reveal: The story is attributed to Big Jay Oakerson, who humorously discusses his grandmother's quirky habit.

• Final Scores:

  • Joe List: 16 points (Winner)
  • Karen Feehan: 13 points
  • Howie Mandel: 12 points
  • Louis J. Gomez: 6 points
  • Big Jay Oakerson: 6 points

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Louis J. Gomez [05:15]: "Mental health."
• Joe List [15:10]: "My friend Ira Proctor, comedian. I mean, we were all shithouse..."
• Howie Mandel [29:31]: "I have dreams that buildings were falling on top of me for 20 years afterwards."
• Karen Feehan [25:12]: "I'm convinced it's Karen."
• Howie Mandel [62:38]: "There's 250 fucking flowers in her place."
• Joe List [86:12]: "She picks up my..."

(Note: Some quotes contain explicit language and sensitive topics. The summary ensures respectful representation without endorsing offensive language.)

Key Interactions and Insights

• Joe List vs. Howie Mandel: A recurring humorous rivalry where both comedians attempt to outwit each other, leading to playful banter and competitive tension.
• Karen Feehan's Dominance: Karen consistently guesses stories accurately, accumulating the highest points and showcasing sharp intuition.
• Big Jay Oakerson's Struggles: Despite his attempts, Big Jay finds it challenging to identify stories correctly, adding to the comedic element of the show.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with Joe List emerging as the winner, securing 16 points by accurately identifying stories and outmaneuvering his competitors. Karen Feehan follows closely, while Howie Mandel and Louis J. Gomez trail behind. The hosts congratulate Joe, highlighting his storytelling prowess and competitive spirit. The episode wraps up with humorous exchanges and plans for future appearances, maintaining the show's lively and engaging atmosphere.

Final Thoughts: Episode 042 of Story Warz delivered a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and competitive excitement centered around mental health. The interactions among Big Jay, Luis, and their guests provided both laughter and poignant reflections, making it a memorable addition to the Story Warz series.