Podcast Summary: StraightioLab – Episode "Toys" Featuring Richard Perez

Release Date: March 18, 2025
Hosts: George Severis and Sam Taggart
Guest: Richard Perez

Introduction

In the episode titled "Toys," hosted by George Severis and Sam Taggart of the Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts' "StraightioLab," the duo delves into the intersection of toys and straight culture. Joined by guest Richard Perez, the conversation navigates personal anecdotes, societal norms, and the nuanced role toys play in reinforcing or challenging gender stereotypes.

Personal Anecdotes on Bombing in Comedy

The episode opens with George and Sam sharing their recent experiences with "bombing" during their stand-up performances. George recounts a particularly challenging night where unforeseen circumstances led to a less-than-stellar performance:

• George Severis [08:50]: "I bombed so hard last night at a show... I get stuck on a JJ train for 20 minutes with no cell service. It's just... like, you're heading home and... flooding on the floor."

Sam empathizes, discussing his own bout with bombing in front of co-workers and the additional pressure it brings:

• Sam Taggart [11:03]: "I did one show last week and bombed. It was weird because there were co-workers there. And then everyone has to be like, good job."

These shared experiences set the stage for a deeper exploration of failure, audience perception, and the resilience required in the comedy world.

Guest Introduction: Richard Perez

Bringing in Richard Perez adds a fresh perspective to the conversation. As a seasoned comedian who reportedly hasn't bombed on stage, Richard's insights provide a contrast to George and Sam's experiences. His entrance is marked by playful banter and attempts to navigate the structured segments of the podcast.

"Straight Shooters" Rapid Fire Segment

One of the standout segments of the episode is "Straight Shooters," a rapid-fire question round designed to probe Richard's familiarity with and stance on straight culture elements. The segment is both humorous and revealing, highlighting the hosts' dynamic interactions and Richard's quick-witted responses.

Notable Exchanges:

• Sam Taggart [48:08]: "What's up, cinephiles? Letterboxd users around the world. I want to give a huge shout out to the John Early Kate Berlant Peacock special that Richard is in called 'Would It Kill You to Laugh?'"

• George Severis [75:20]: "George, George Bias. We love him."

The segment underscores the podcast's theme of reflecting societal norms through personal stories and humor.

Main Discussion: Toys and Straight Culture

The core of the episode revolves around how toys function as a medium for introducing and perpetuating gender roles and heteronormative expectations among children.

Gender Norms in Toys

George initiates the discussion by associating toys with straight culture:

• George Severis [54:23]: "I think toys have a heteronormative nature to them."

Sam expands on this by prompting Richard about his childhood experiences with toys that defied gender norms:

• Sam Taggart [56:21]: "When you were a child, was there ever a toy that... was gonna be LGBTQ+?"

Richard shares his experiences growing up with toys like Spider-Man figurines, highlighting the subtle ways toys can unconsciously signal societal expectations:

• Richard Perez [60:02]: "Probably the first thing that jumps to mind is, like, Spider Man's, like, abs."

Childhood Experiences with Toys

The conversation delves into personal childhood memories, illustrating how toys influenced self-perception and social interactions. George discusses his obsession with high-quality toys and the pressures of maintaining their pristine condition:

• George Severis [66:03]: "We got these two stuffed animals. One was a hippo, one was a dolphin. And the way that I was like, I have to take good care of these because they're going to be wild. Worth millions one day."

Sam shares a poignant memory of his mother recording his repeated requests for a specific doll, reflecting societal prejudices:

• Sam Taggart [58:53]: "She was like, I'm sorry, but you do sound gay here."

Their narratives underscore the broader theme of how toys are not just playthings but are deeply intertwined with cultural and societal expectations.

Shout Outs Segment

Concluding the episode, the hosts engage in the "Shout Outs" segment, where they commend fellow comedians and noteworthy media productions. Sam lauds the "John Early Kate Berlant Peacock special," while George praises the film "The House of Yes" and actress Tori Spelling for her performances.

Highlights:

• Sam Taggart [80:47]: "Shout out to the television show 'Arrested Development.' It's such an iconic television show... it's one of the greatest things ever created."

• George Severis [85:19]: "Shout out to Tori Spelling... and the film 'The House of Yes.'"

These acknowledgments not only promote collaborative relationships within the comedy and entertainment industries but also reinforce the podcast's commitment to celebrating diverse forms of expression.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, George and Sam reflect on the multifaceted role of toys in shaping societal norms and individual identities. The episode "Toys" offers a blend of humor, personal storytelling, and critical analysis, encouraging listeners to introspect on the subtle ways culture is woven into everyday objects like toys.

Key Takeaways:

• Toys as Cultural Catalysts: Toys serve as early indicators of societal norms, influencing children's understanding of gender roles.

• Personal Experiences Shape Perspectives: The hosts' and guest's anecdotes highlight the enduring impact of childhood experiences on adult perceptions and behaviors.

• Resilience in the Face of Failure: Sharing stories of bombing emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the shared challenges within the comedy community.

Notable Quotes

• George Severis [56:38]: "Toys are personal for me because I grew up playing with them, and I probably grew up playing with toys till I was like 16, if I'm being honest."

• Sam Taggart [70:15]: "I was obsessed with mermaids to the point where I was like, maybe, like, three, and I dropped my Little Mermaid in the pool..."

• Richard Perez [74:21]: "Toys are straight."

These quotes encapsulate the essence of the episode, blending personal narratives with broader societal critiques.

Conclusion

"StraightioLab" successfully intertwines humor with insightful discussions, making complex societal issues accessible and engaging. Episode "Toys" stands out as a thoughtful exploration of how seemingly innocent objects can reflect and perpetuate cultural norms, all while maintaining the podcast's signature comedic flair.