Podcast Summary: The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly
Episode Title: Brain Injury with T.J. Miller
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Hosts: Big Jay Oakerson and Bobby Kelly
Guest: T.J. Miller
Platform: SiriusXM’s Faction Talk, Channel 103
Introduction
In this episode of The Bonfire, hosts Big Jay Oakerson and Bobby Kelly welcome comedian and actor T.J. Miller as their special guest. The conversation delves into T.J.'s recent experiences, including his battle with a brain injury, his ongoing tour, and his ventures into producing unique culinary products like hot sauce and peanut butter.
Discussion on T.J. Miller’s Brain Injury
Timestamp: 12:25 - 14:04
T.J. Miller opens up about his recent diagnosis of an Arterial Venous Malformation (AVM), a rare condition characterized by abnormal tangles of blood vessels that disrupt blood flow and oxygen circulation.
- T.J. Miller [12:52]: “Arterial venous malformation is a rare abnormal tangle of blood vessels that disrupts blood flow and oxygen circulation. They’re in about 1 out of 100,000 people in the United States.”
He explains how the AVM hemorrhaged in his right frontal lobe while working on the film Yogi Bear 3D, leading to significant health challenges.
- T.J. Miller [12:30]: “While I was doing Yogi Bear 3D, it hemorrhaged and I started to go crazy.”
Big Jay humorously probes into whether the stress of working with 3D technology contributed to the hemorrhage, blending humor with genuine concern.
- Big Jay Oakerson [13:21]: “Was it because of the 3D? Was the 3D technology what made it burst?”
T.J.’s Culinary Ventures: Hot Sauce and Peanut Butter
Timestamp: 03:18 - 06:06
The conversation shifts to T.J.'s entrepreneurial side, particularly his collaboration on developing hot sauce and peanut butter.
- Bobby Kelly [03:18]: “They gave me my little steak and my rice and beans, and I put that hot sauce on. Amazing. It was so good.”
T.J. elaborates on the quality and uniqueness of his products, mentioning that the hot sauce is exclusive to Amazon and emphasizing its quality.
- T.J. Miller [04:53]: “I can't get high on my own supply, so I don't keep any in my house. Because if I come home drunk or high, we can say that, right?”
Big Jay shares his own endorsement after sampling the hot sauce in the green room, jokingly reinforcing its appeal.
- Big Jay Oakerson [03:42]: “TJ’s hot sauce is actually fucking great.”
Collaborative Projects and Upcoming Tours
Timestamp: 02:24 - 04:35
T.J. discusses his current projects, including the Crowd Sorcerer tour and an upcoming Christmas movie titled Evergreen.
- T.J. Miller [02:24]: “I have a brain injury.”
He shares anecdotes about working on the tour, interacting with other comedians, and teasing the plot of his Christmas movie, which promises an intergalactic twist.
- T.J. Miller [15:58]: “I'm working on another Christmas movie which is intergalactic.”
The hosts and T.J. engage in light-hearted banter about the film’s potential success and its place in seasonal traditions.
Humorous Banter and Improvisation
Timestamp: 06:51 - 35:43
The episode is rich with comedic exchanges, showcasing the natural chemistry between Big Jay, Bobby, and T.J. They discuss various topics ranging from awkward social interactions to creative joke development.
Notable Quotes:
-
Big Jay Oakerson [02:24]: “Everybody, it’s the bonfire. We are back everywhere.”
-
T.J. Miller [17:10]: “An OHA initiative at Metro.”
-
Bobby Kelly [10:44]: “Yeah, I do it. My wife’s a menopause.”
-
T.J. Miller [27:00]: “I’m only gonna stop paying it because I don’t know what it is.”
The trio navigates through jokes about pivot points, cultural appropriation, and humorous takes on personal relationships, maintaining an engaging and lively atmosphere throughout the episode.
Philanthropy and Foundations
Timestamp: 22:45 - 39:15
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on philanthropy, particularly T.J.’s interaction with Ryan Reynolds regarding the Sick Kids Foundation—a foundation akin to St. Jude's.
- T.J. Miller [22:45]: “I want to say, check out the Sick Kids Foundation when you can. Yeah. SickKids.org.”
T.J. mentions the opportunity to win Taylor Swift tickets and $10,000 by supporting the foundation, encouraging listeners to contribute.
- T.J. Miller [39:07]: “If you give to this foundation, you can win $10,000.”
Bobby shares his intention to redirect his charitable donations from St. Jude's to the Sick Kids Foundation, highlighting the importance of supporting impactful organizations.
Closing Remarks and Promotions
Timestamp: 37:32 - 41:36
As the episode nears its end, the hosts and T.J. engage in final humorous exchanges, discuss future projects, and wrap up with brief promotional segments.
-
Big Jay Oakerson [38:10]: “So I'm just logging.”
-
Bobby Kelly [38:29]: “Go to tjmillerdoesnothaveawebsite.com. He is going to start his new tour Crowd Sorcerer, or the dates are coming up.”
They also touch upon responsible drinking, aligning with the earlier mention of rethinking alcohol consumption, reinforcing positive messages amidst the comedic dialogue.
- Bobby Kelly [40:54]: “Excessive drinking has a way of sneaking up on us. A few drinks, a few nights a week, it can add up.”
Conclusion
This episode of The Bonfire successfully blends humor with heartfelt discussions. T.J. Miller's openness about his brain injury provides listeners with an authentic glimpse into his struggles and resilience. Simultaneously, his ventures into culinary products and philanthropic efforts add depth to his persona beyond the comedy stage. Big Jay Oakerson and Bobby Kelly facilitate a dynamic and engaging conversation, making the episode both entertaining and insightful for listeners.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- T.J. Miller [12:52]: “Arterial venous malformation is a rare abnormal tangle of blood vessels that disrupts blood flow and oxygen circulation.”
- Big Jay Oakerson [03:42]: “TJ’s hot sauce is actually fucking great.”
- T.J. Miller [15:58]: “I'm working on another Christmas movie which is intergalactic.”
- T.J. Miller [22:45]: “I want to say, check out the Sick Kids Foundation when you can. Yeah. SickKids.org.”
- Bobby Kelly [40:54]: “Excessive drinking has a way of sneaking up on us. A few drinks, a few nights a week, it can add up.”
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing both entertainment and valuable insights into the lives and projects of the hosts and their guest, T.J. Miller.