Podcast Summary: The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly
Episode: Big Lab Assistant
Release Date: February 4, 2025
1. Sports Talk: Eagles, Chiefs, and the Super Bowl
The episode kicks off with Big Jay Oakerson expressing his excitement about the upcoming Super Bowl, especially since it falls on Saquon Barkley's birthday. He states, "Super Bowl Sunday is also Saquon Barkley's birthday. It's a double check on the calendar that just makes everything more exciting." [02:04]. Jay anticipates intense discussions between Eagles and Chiefs fans, predicting heated interactions and emotional displays from both sides. He humorously forecasts a tough two weeks for Taylor Swift, linking the frenzy around the Super Bowl and celebrity engagements.
Christine engages in the conversation, highlighting the passionate and sometimes volatile nature of sports fans. She remarks, "It looked like Fallujah last night in Philly. They were shooting guns in the air." [02:53]. The hosts discuss the disparity in officiating between teams, with Jay criticizing the referees for favoring the Chiefs, saying, "The referees are not coming at Patrick Mahomes at all. Chiefs are getting away with crazy stuff that didn’t get called." [09:44].
2. Personal Experiences: Sorority Hoodies and Airbrushing
Christine shares a nostalgic story about airbrushing sorority hoodies for a hockey game during her time at Suffolk University. She recounts, "She was like, can you airbrush our sorority hoodies for the hockey game? Like sweatshirts." [07:08]. Despite lacking airbrushing skills, she embraced the challenge, resulting in inconsistently designed hoodies that became a memorable part of her college experience. Jay humorously critiques the designs, leading to a light-hearted exchange about fashion and creativity.
3. Acting Careers: From Early Roles to Present Projects
A significant portion of the episode delves into the hosts' acting careers. Big Jay Oakerson discusses his role in the film "Big Lab Assistant", reflecting on the challenges of being typecast and the humorous experiences on set. He shares a particularly memorable moment: "I stood in a circle of people clapping me fat. It was too tight." [28:23]. Jay laments the lack of tailored costumes, leading to discussions about body image in the entertainment industry.
Christine mirrors Jay's sentiments, detailing her own acting journey. She talks about her roles in movies like "Ghost Town" and "Koala Bear Kid", expressing disappointment when projects didn’t achieve the success she anticipated. "I was very young in that because I knew this wasn't making it. But I didn't feel like I was getting it," Christine reveals [20:19]. The hosts bond over their shared frustrations and triumphs, offering a candid look into the ups and downs of pursuing acting.
4. Behind the Scenes: Production Stories and On-Set Anecdotes
The conversation transitions to behind-the-scenes stories from their projects. Jay recounts an incident at a film premiere where his friend, Carla, tried to take photos during the credits, only to be interrupted by a fellow cast member mopping the stage. "They rolled the poster up out of the window for me. No one cared about this film." [51:15]. This leads to a humorous exchange about the absurdities of movie premieres and the unpredictable nature of film releases.
Christine shares her experience working with director Barry Strugatsky, discussing the challenges and humorous incidents during filming. She highlights the camaraderie among cast members and the quirky dynamics on set, providing listeners with an insider's perspective on the filmmaking process.
5. Interaction and Humor: On-Air Banter and Comedy Moments
Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in playful banter, injecting humor into their discussions. Whether they're debating pizza toppings or poking fun at each other's acting choices, their chemistry keeps the conversation lively. For instance, when discussing mini hot dogs, Jay jokes, "If you cut them up and wrap them in pastry, I'll do that," [08:30], prompting Christine to laugh and add her own comedic twist.
The interaction extends to their fictional acting scene from "Big Lab Assistant", where Jay and Christine improvise lines, showcasing their comedic timing and improvisational skills. This segment not only entertains but also highlights their ability to weave humor seamlessly into their narratives.
6. Reflective Moments: Balancing Work and Personal Life
Towards the end of the episode, the hosts reflect on balancing their professional careers with personal lives. Jay expresses a desire to simplify his schedule, saying, "I have three weeks off of SNL. We're on a three-week hiatus. I want to be able to do what I want to do." [16:34]. Christine echoes this sentiment, discussing the challenges of maintaining momentum in their respective fields while also seeking personal fulfillment.
Notable Quotes:
- Big Jay Oakerson: "Super Bowl Sunday is also Saquon Barkley's birthday. It's a double check on the calendar that just makes everything more exciting." [02:04]
- Christine: "It looked like Fallujah last night in Philly. They were shooting guns in the air." [02:53]
- Big Jay Oakerson: "The referees are not coming at Patrick Mahomes at all. Chiefs are getting away with crazy stuff that didn’t get called." [09:44]
- Christine: "She was like, can you airbrush our sorority hoodies for the hockey game? Like sweatshirts." [07:08]
- Big Jay Oakerson: "I stood in a circle of people clapping me fat. It was too tight." [28:23]
- Christine: "I was very young in that because I knew this wasn't making it. But I didn't feel like I was getting it." [20:19]
- Big Jay Oakerson: "They rolled the poster up out of the window for me. No one cared about this film." [51:15]
- Big Jay Oakerson: "I want to be able to do what I want to do." [16:34]
Conclusion
"Big Lab Assistant" offers listeners a blend of sports commentary, personal anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes insights into the entertainment industry. Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly (alongside guest Christine) navigate through humorous exchanges and reflective conversations, providing a rich and engaging experience for fans. Whether discussing the fervor surrounding the Super Bowl or sharing candid stories from their acting careers, this episode encapsulates the blunt and candid essence of The Bonfire.