Podcast Summary: "The Great Comedian Paul Mercurio" Taking a Walk with Buzz Knight – iHeartPodcasts

Episode Information:

• Title: The Great Comedian Paul Mercurio
• Host: Buzz Knight
• Guest: Paul Mercurio
• Release Date: February 21, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the "Taking a Walk" podcast, host Buzz Knight delves into a conversation with the acclaimed comedian Paul Mercurio. Known for his Emmy and Peabody awards, Mercurio brings a wealth of experience from his work on prominent shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report. Additionally, Mercurio is set to premiere his new Broadway play, Permission to Speak, promising audiences a night of authentic storytelling and humor.

Background on Paul Mercurio

Paul Mercurio is a celebrated figure in the comedy world, recognized for his sharp wit and ability to connect with diverse audiences. His versatility spans various platforms, including television appearances on HBO and Comedy Central specials. Beyond the screen, Mercurio has made significant strides in theater with his upcoming Broadway play, Permission to Speak, showcasing his talent for blending humor with poignant human experiences.

Permission to Speak: From Stand-Up to Broadway

Mercurio discusses the evolution of Permission to Speak, which originated from his stand-up routines. Unlike traditional crowd work—which often relies on superficial interactions about trivial topics like hats—Mercurio sought to create deeper, more meaningful conversations during his performances. This approach allowed him to unearth compelling stories from audience members, transforming these interactions into the foundation of his theater show.

Key Highlights:

• Authentic Conversations: Mercurio emphasizes the importance of genuine dialogue over scripted comedy. "I just started to get these crazy stories from people because I would ask that, you know, you interview people. It's not that first question or the second one, it’s the third, the fourth, the fifth one, where you peel back the onion and you get gold."

• Collaborative Production: The transition to a theater show was a collaborative effort, involving notable contributors like set designer J.J. Settlemeyer and director Frank Oz. Mercurio humorously remarks on working with the legendary director: "He's the original Yoda. Like, he's Yoda. Try being directed by Yoda. He's never wrong."

• Unique Storytelling: Each performance of Permission to Speak is unique, reflecting the diverse stories shared by the audience. Mercurio highlights the spontaneity and unrehearsed nature of each show, ensuring that no two performances are alike.

Engaging Stories and Audience Interaction

Throughout the episode, Buzz and Paul share several memorable anecdotes from Permission to Speak, illustrating the show's dynamic and interactive format.

Notable Stories:

1. Travis and Polio: Mercurio recounts a heartwarming and humorous story of a guest named Travis, who confidently addresses his experience with polio. "I said to him, so if you have polio, can you get aroused? He goes, 'You're damn straight.'" This interaction showcases Mercurio's ability to navigate sensitive topics with grace and humor.

2. Owning a Bowling Alley: Another highlight involves Paul himself sharing his unconventional career path from banking to owning a bowling alley. "I was controller of a bank investment software company. Left that job to buy the bowling alley for $2 with my friend Gary." This story not only adds a personal touch but also underscores the unpredictable nature of life’s journeys.

3. Coming Out Story: A poignant moment features a young gentleman sharing his experience of coming out to his mother. Mercurio juxtaposes fictional dramatizations with real conversations: "He was like, so. So, like, they know. They know that this is a place where you could say what you want."

Impact and Community Reception

Mercurio discusses the positive reception of Permission to Speak, noting support from various communities including the LGBTQ+ and transgender groups. Mental health professionals have also lauded the show for its cathartic value, highlighting its role as a form of group therapy intertwined with comedy.

Key Insights:

• Inclusive Environment: "We're just inclusive. Whatever. We're not forcing it down your throat, but we're not going to, like, shun you."

• Therapeutic Benefits: The show provides a safe space for attendees to share their stories, fostering connections and understanding. "It's supposed to be funny first, and it is, but there's all this other cool stuff coming out of it from it that's like, I'm pretty proud of."

• Community Connection: Mercurio emphasizes the importance of bringing the show to different communities to capture diverse flavors and stories. "Instead of them coming to my show in New York, I'm bringing my show to your house, so to speak."

Notable Quotes

• Paul Mercurio on Authentic Storytelling:
  "[...] it's just having a real conversation. If you say something crazy, I'm going to say, that's crazy."
  [13:41]

• Mercurio on Audience Diversity:
  "We're nameless and faceless and disconnected and divisive, especially now. But if we get together and share stories, we realize we're all in this boat together."
  [07:40]

• Maria Tremarke on Audience Reactions:
  "They really dig that. They really. It's like, it makes it a really personal experience."
  [11:08]

• Mercurio on Community Support:
  "People are connecting with each other in a way that we maybe normally wouldn't."
  [17:09]

Conclusion

The episode "The Great Comedian Paul Mercurio" offers listeners an insightful look into the intersection of comedy, storytelling, and community engagement. Through Permission to Speak, Paul Mercurio not only entertains but also fosters meaningful connections, proving that humor can be a powerful tool for healing and understanding. Whether you're a fan of comedy or simply interested in authentic human stories, this episode provides a rich and engaging listening experience.

Listen to the Episode: The Great Comedian Paul Mercurio is available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss out on this compelling conversation that bridges the worlds of music history and comedy.