Podcast Summary: Story Warz – Episode 053: Josh Barnett, Sarah Tollemache & Tristan Bowling | Happiness

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 053 of Story Warz, hosted by Big Jay Oakerson and Luis J. Gomez from the GaS Digital Network, the comedians welcome guests Josh Barnett, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Sarah Tollemache from the Lady Journal podcast, and Tristan Bowling of the Modern Apes podcast. The live episode, recorded at The Stand Comedy Club in New York City, delves into the theme of "Happiness", blending humor, storytelling, and witty banter.

Game Overview

Story Warz is a game of deceptive storytelling where each participant submits personal stories related to a specific theme—in this case, happiness. The panel listens to these stories and attempts to identify the true author while others try to deceive them by presenting fabricated tales. Points are awarded for correct guesses and successful deceptions.

Story 1: The Midnight Ice Run

• Host Introduction: The show kicks off with the explanation of the game rules and introduces the first story.

• Story Presentation: One of the participants narrates a humorous anecdote about rushing through hotel hallways in underwear to access an ice machine in the middle of the night.

• Discussion & Guessing:

  • Josh Barnett confidently claims the story as his own, providing a playful exaggeration of the scenario.
  • Luis J. Gomez and Big Jay Oakerson debate the authenticity, with Gomez leaning towards Tristan as the storyteller.

• Notable Quote:

  • Josh Barnett (04:17): “I did not end up. I got the ice. It just felt so good... having the time of my life.”

• Outcome: Josh Barnett successfully claims the story, earning initial points.

Story 2: The Middle School Conflict

• Story Presentation: A tale of confrontations in middle school leading to years of hidden resentment and a mysterious death.

• Discussion & Guessing:

  • Luis J. Gomez suspects Big Jay due to his storytelling style.
  • Big Jay counters by highlighting his own experiences and downplaying his involvement.

• Notable Quote:

  • Luis J. Gomez (26:35): “This just is not Josh's story. That's one thing I'm sure of.”

• Outcome: The story is correctly attributed to Luis J. Gomez, solidifying his position in the game.

Mid-Episode Highlights

• Scoreboard Update: Josh Barnett leads with four points, followed by Luis J. Gomez with three, and Big Jay Oakerson with two. Sarah Tollemache and Tristan Bowling are yet to score.

• Sponsor Breaks: The hosts briefly mention sponsors like Chef IQ and Body Brain Coffee, integrating promotional content seamlessly into the conversation.

Story 3: Witnessing Birth and Tragedy

• Story Presentation: A poignant recount of witnessing a childbirth juxtaposed with an unexpected tragic event.

• Discussion & Guessing:

  • Sarah Tollemache emerges as the likely storyteller due to the emotional depth of the narrative.
  • Luis J. Gomez contests, suggesting it might belong to Big Jay.

• Notable Quote:

  • Sarah Tollemach (81:25): “We befriended this Mexican guy that can't get back into the US because he got arrested for selling coke.”

• Outcome: Sarah Tollemache triumphs, earning significant points and advancing her position in the game.

Final Stories and Tiebreakers

• Subsequent Stories: The guests share various stories ranging from humorous escapades in Mexico to personal anecdotes involving family and mishaps.

• Tensions Rise: As the game progresses, playful tensions and friendly rivalries surface, especially between Luis J. Gomez and Big Jay Oakerson, adding to the dynamic atmosphere.

• Notable Interaction:

  • Luis J. Gomez (116:15): “I swear to God. That is not me.”
  • Big Jay Oakerson (113:00): “I knew you have a hemorrhoid problem.”

Final Score and Conclusion

After a series of engaging and often outrageous stories, the scoreboard reflects a close competition:

• Josh Barnett: 12 Points
• Luis J. Gomez: 11 Points
• Big Jay Oakerson: 12 Points
• Sarah Tollemache: 16 Points
• Tristan Bowling: 8 Points

Winner: Sarah Tollemache clinches the episode with 16 points, earning a copy of "The Blind Side" by Michael Lewis from the Story Wars library.

Closing Remarks: The hosts express their appreciation for the guests and encourage listeners to engage with their various projects and upcoming shows. The episode wraps up on a high note, celebrating Sarah's victory and the lively interactions that made the episode memorable.

Key Takeaways

• Engaging Format: The interactive storytelling game fosters humorous and insightful exchanges among participants.

• Dynamic Interactions: The blend of competitive spirit and camaraderie among comedians and guests enhances the entertainment value.

• Humor with Edge: While the show maintains a comedic tone, it sometimes ventures into edgy and controversial humor, reflecting the hosts' distinct styles.

Conclusion

Episode 053 of Story Warz exemplifies the show's unique blend of storytelling, comedy, and friendly competition. With notable personalities like Josh Barnett and Sarah Tollemache, the episode delivers a mix of laughter, tension, and unexpected revelations, all centered around the universal theme of happiness.