Podcast Summary: Story Warz - Episode 052: Yakov Smirnoff, Brendan Sagalo & Rachel Wolfson | Violence

Release Date: August 1, 2025
Hosted by: GaS Digital Network
Live from: The Stand Comedy Club, New York City

Introduction to Story Warz

In Episode 052 of Story Warz, titled "Violence", hosts Big Jay Oakerson and Lewis J. Gomez welcome a vibrant panel of contestants: the legendary comedian Yakov Smirnoff, Brendan Sagalo from his hit podcast "Sag Daddy," and rising star Rachel Wolfson. The episode is a blend of sharp humor, witty banter, and engaging storytelling, all centered around the theme of violence.

Understanding the Game

At [03:20], Yakov Smirnoff kicks off the show by explaining the mechanics of Story Warz:

Yakov Smirnoff: "Ladies and gentlemen, it's Story Wars with the Story Warriors, Big J Okerson and Lewis J. Coman."

The game involves each panelist submitting three to five stories related to the chosen theme—in this case, violence. Producer Alex selects eight stories at random, reads them anonymously, and the contestants must deduce whether the story is theirs or belongs to another player. Points are awarded based on accurate guesses and successful deception.

Meet the Contestants

• Rachel Wolfson: Known for her sharp comedic timing and improvisational skills, Rachel brings a fresh perspective to the panel.
  Rachel Wolfson: "You guys are gonna fall in love tonight." [04:15]

• Brendan Sagalo: With his experience from the "Sag Daddy" podcast and the special "Thin Lips," Brendan adds depth and humor to the competition.
  Brendan Sagalo: "First time on Story Wars. Welcome." [05:05]

• Yakov Smirnoff: A seasoned comedian famed from "Night Court," Yakov's presence guarantees seasoned humor and sharp insights.
  Yakov Smirnoff: "Yeah. What’s up, everybody?" [03:50]

Round-by-Round Gameplay

Story Number One ([09:13] - [16:41])

• Story: On Christmas Eve, two uncles engage in a fistfight, which escalates until their grandfather intervenes with a punch.

• Discussion:
  Big J suspects Lewis's story but the panel debates the family dynamics involved. Rachel references her Puerto Rican heritage, adding depth to the narrative.

• Outcome:
  Alex: "Story number one belongs to Brendan Sagalo." [16:31]

• Notable Quote:
  Rachel Wolfson: "I'm Puerto Rican. All we have is family." [09:31]

Story Number Two ([20:06] - [26:22])

• Story: An elderly landlord fends off a fight with the narrator's mother using a weapon, leading to her mother's loss.

• Discussion:
  Rachel identifies this as her own story, reflecting on her mother's confrontational nature. The panel humorously debates the authenticity based on cultural backgrounds.

• Outcome:
  Alex: "Story number two belongs to Lewis J. Gomez." [24:34]

• Notable Quote:
  Brendan Sagalo: "But this screams Soviet Union to me." [11:23]

Story Number Three ([26:37] - [34:18])

• Story: A comedian at a strip club is threatened with a shotgun by an unhappy customer, turning a performance into a dangerous situation.

• Discussion:
  The panel grapples with assigning the story, considering past performances and personal experiences. Yakov demonstrates his deceptive skills by initially guessing himself.

• Outcome:
  Alex: "Story number three belongs to Yakov Smirnoff." [31:35]

• Notable Quote:
  Yakov Smirnoff: "I fooled you fools." [16:36]

Story Number Four ([36:50] - [44:22])

• Story: Upon returning home, the narrator witnesses a neighbor's Rottweiler kill two other dogs. A well-meaning neighbor attempts to "dog nap" the aggressive Rottweiler to prevent further violence.

• Discussion:
  Rachel connects the story to her own experiences with pets, while the panel debates the plausibility based on neighborhood dynamics.

• Outcome:
  Alex: "Story number four belongs to Yakov Smirnoff." [42:07]

• Notable Quote:
  Rachel Wolfson: "I have one older sister. I have a half brother and half sister that I've never met, but I have one older sister." [65:58]

Story Number Five ([49:39] - [59:16])

• Story: The narrator experiences bleeding gums from flossing and decides to smear the floss around their face as a prank, leading to a heated reaction from their significant other.

• Discussion:
  The panel hilariously debates the authenticity, focusing on dental hygiene habits and personal quirks.

• Outcome:
  Alex: "Story number five belongs to Big J. Okerson." [57:33]

• Notable Quote:
  Rachel Wolfson: "I am thinking, now, Rachel's got a beautiful smile. She flosses every day." [50:19]

Story Number Six ([61:23] - [69:06])

• Story: In high school, the narrator confronts a bully who was targeting their sibling, successfully ending the bullying.

• Discussion:
  Initial suspicions point towards Rachel, but Lewis ultimately reveals it's his personal story, adding a genuine emotional layer to the game.

• Outcome:
  Alex: "Story number six belongs to Lewis J. Gomez." [69:06]

• Notable Quote:
  Big J. Okerson: "If you're messing with my family, you mess with me." [61:56]

Story Number Seven ([70:31] - [78:49])

• Story: The narrator wakes up in the hospital with no recollection of a fight that resulted in their head hitting concrete, piecing together fragmented memories of the event.

• Discussion:
  The panel delves into deep storytelling, with Yakov sharing a vivid recount of the incident, blending humor with introspection.

• Outcome:
  Alex: "Story number seven belongs to Brendan Sagalo." [74:37]

• Notable Quote:
  Yakov Smirnoff: "I jumped on him and he... And my head hit the concrete." [75:03]

Story Number Eight ([79:59] - [86:55])

• Story: On the way home from school, the narrator observes a Rottweiler killing two neighbor dogs. The community reacts by attempting to kill the aggressive dog to prevent further harm.

• Discussion:
  Rachel identifies this as her own story, linking it to her experiences and the emotional impact of witnessing such violence.

• Outcome:
  Alex: "The final story belongs to Rachel Wolfson." [85:48]

• Notable Quote:
  Rachel Wolfson: "We knew it. We knew it. The dog nap was the thing that really got me at the end." [85:55]

Highlights and Notable Moments

• Comedic Chemistry: The hosts and contestants exhibit a natural and entertaining rapport. Rachel often targets Big J. and Yakov with playful jabs, while Yakov and Brendan engage in humorous self-deprecation.

• Engaging Stories: Each participant brings unique narratives that blend humor with relatable experiences, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.

• Tension and Suspense: As the points tally, suspense builds, especially with close scores and unexpected ownership of stories, such as Big J. securing points despite initial doubts about his storytelling prowess.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • Brendan Sagalo: "We didn't celebrate Christmas. It was not allowed." [12:12]
  • Yakov Smirnoff: "I'm half Jewish, but we kind of forgot about that." [16:41]
  • Rachel Wolfson: "I was the only person whose name he knows." [56:54]

Winner Announcement

By the episode's close, the competition remains fierce. Lewis J. Gomez emerges as the victor with a total of 22 points, securing a signed copy of "Young Writers Day" by Just Brie. His win highlights his adeptness at both storytelling and deception, earning applause from an enthusiastic live audience.

Big J. Okerson: "Louis J. Gomez keeps Young Writers Day by Just Brie in the Story Wars library." [88:58]

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt congratulations to Lewis and commendations to all contestants for their engaging participation. The hosts and guests promote their respective projects and upcoming shows, maintaining the lively and inclusive spirit of Story Warz.

Big J. Okerson: "We'll catch you guys next time. Until then, peace." [89:41]

Overall Insights

Episode 052 of Story Warz masterfully blends comedy with competitive storytelling, offering listeners a dynamic and entertaining experience. The interplay between seasoned comedians and fresh voices creates a vibrant atmosphere, making "Violence" a standout episode in the series. Whether it’s the clever deception, relatable narratives, or the infectious energy of the hosts, this episode delivers on all fronts, ensuring both regular listeners and newcomers find it enjoyable and memorable.