Podcast Summary: Story Warz Episode 044 – Tony Hinchcliffe, David Lucas, & Valerie Vaughn | Family

Release Date: June 6, 2025
Location: The Stand Comedy Club, New York City
Hosts: Comedians Big Jay Oakerson & Luis J. Gomez
Guests: Tony Hinchcliffe, David Lucas, & Valerie Vaughn

Introduction

In Episode 044 of Story Warz: A Game of Deceptive Storytelling, hosts Big Jay Oakerson and Luis J. Gomez welcome their guests Tony Hinchcliffe, David Lucas, and Valerie Vaughn to engage in a spirited game centered around the theme of Family. The episode, recorded live at The Stand Comedy Club in NYC, promises a blend of humor, wit, and playful deception as contestants share and guess personal family stories.

Game Explanation and Rules

At [06:02], Big Jay and Luis explain the premise of Story Warz: Each participant submits three to five stories related to the chosen subject—in this case, "Family." These stories are anonymously presented, and contestants must either convince others that a story is not theirs or identify the true owner of another's story. Points are awarded for successful deception (1 point) and correct guesses (2 points).

Notable Quote:

Luis J. Gomez ([06:02]): "Once you write the name on the dry erase board, put it in the little slot right here. Very high tech stuff we have."

Contestants Introductions

The hosts introduce the trio:

• David Lucas: Known for his YouTube special "Uncancelable."
• Valerie Vaughn: Recognized from "Kill Tony."
• Tony Hinchcliffe: Also from "Kill Tony," bringing a competitive edge to the game.

Notable Quote:

Tony Hinchcliffe ([03:32]): "I sold out two Bridgestone arenas here in Nashville."

Round 1: Initial Stories

Story 1 ([08:12])
Story: "When I was 10 years old, I ruined my family's trip to Disney World by crying and freaking out so much that we had to leave after only an hour."

• David and Luis suspect Tony due to his known anxious demeanor.
• The panel debates the authenticity, leading to the revelation that the story belongs to Tony Hinchcliffe.

Notable Quote:

Tony Hinchcliffe ([10:25]): "He was there. Was not what we were all expecting."

Round 2: Second Story Discussion

Story 2 ([18:05])
Story: "My sibling once took mushrooms and then got arrested for going to sleep in a tent inside of a Walmart."

• Valerie Vaughn deflects the story, creating confusion among contestants.
• Eventually, Valerie admits the story is true, revealing a darker, more serious family anecdote.

Notable Quote:

Valerie Vaughn ([32:47]): "I have one brother I used to get locked in the bathroom and do Bloody Marys."

Round 3: Third Story Analysis

Story 3 ([27:50])
Story: "I had an aunt named Cricket. She used to rob banks with a shotgun."

• Unexpected racial undertones emerge as contestants grapple with the name and actions.
• Valerie Vaughn confirms the story, adding depth to her character beyond comedic antics.

Notable Quote:

Valerie Vaughn ([32:53]): "This was my great aunt that my parents never let me meet. But she used to rob banks with her best friend."

Round 4: Fourth Story Challenge

Story 4 ([39:54])
Story: "I keep a family member's cremated remains in a shoe box."

• The tension heightens as contestants debate cultural practices and personal choices.
• David Lucas reveals the story pertains to his own family, sharing a heartfelt yet humorous revelation about his father's cremation.

Notable Quote:

David Lucas ([45:06]): "I cre. I cremated him. I put him in a Jordan 11 box."

Final Round: Last Story Revelation

Story 8 ([82:51])
Story: "I cleaned a bloody knife after my sibling's friend stabbed somebody at my house."

• The panel navigates sensitive topics, balancing humor with genuine emotion.
• Valerie Vaughn unveils the story, highlighting a traumatic yet pivotal family moment.

Notable Quote:

Valerie Vaughn ([87:57]): "I totally blocked that story out of my memory... I was scared of getting busted."

Conclusion and Winner Announcement

After intense rounds filled with laughter, introspection, and unexpected twists, Tony Hinchcliffe emerges victorious with a total of 19 points, earning him a signed copy of "Permanent Record" by Mary HK Choi.

Notable Quote:

Big J Okerson ([93:21]): "Congratulations to Tony Hinchcliffe for being our newest story warrior."

Highlights and Memorable Moments

• Humorous Banter: The dynamic between contestants, especially between Tony and Big J, adds a layer of entertainment beyond the game itself.

  Tony Hinchcliffe ([08:35]): "Tony just wrote N word on the..."

• Emotional Depth: Despite the comedy-centric format, heartfelt stories about family struggles and personal growth provide depth to the episode.

• Cultural Sensitivity: The episode touches on sensitive topics, such as racial terminology and family trauma, handled with a mix of humor and sincerity.

Closing Remarks

Episode 044 of Story Warz successfully blends comedy with personal storytelling, offering listeners both laughs and meaningful insights into the complexities of family dynamics. Tony Hinchcliffe's win not only showcases his storytelling prowess but also highlights the episode's engaging and multifaceted nature.

For those interested in experiencing the full blend of humor and heartfelt narratives, Episode 044 of Story Warz is a must-listen on the GaS Digital Network.