Episode Summary: "Cheat Shed" – The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly

In the "Cheat Shed" episode of The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly, hosts Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly reconvene after a hiatus to engage in their signature blend of candid conversation, humor, and insightful critiques. This episode delves into their personal experiences during their time off, the challenges of maintaining mental health without their regular comedic routine, and offers an entertaining dissection of recent films like Nosferatu and Substance. Joined by Jacob, Big Jay's son, the trio navigates through familial dynamics, the pressures of returning to the spotlight, and the nuances of aging in Hollywood.

1. Welcome Back and Personal Reflections [01:18 – 05:45]

Reuniting at The Bonfire

• The episode kicks off with enthusiastic banter as Big Jay and Bobby address their return to the studio. Amidst humorous exchanges about sneezing and naps, they set a relaxed tone for the conversation.

Facing Vulnerability

• Bobby opens up about his feelings during the break, saying, “I almost left,” revealing the emotional toll of stepping away from performing [07:06]. This vulnerability underscores the deep connection they have with their craft and the community they engage with regularly.

2. Mental Health and the Importance of Routine [05:14 – 10:45]

Managing Anxiety and Depression

• The hosts candidly discuss the link between their comedy careers and mental health struggles. Bobby remarks, “We're comics. We're mentally ill. We. Anxiety is what fuels our fire” [05:21], highlighting how their work serves as both an outlet and a coping mechanism.

The Comfort of Routine

• Big Jay emphasizes the significance of maintaining routines, even when they bring monotony: “It's what we do” [05:28]. They acknowledge that while routines can become tiresome, they provide stability essential for their mental well-being.

3. Family Dynamics During the Break [06:17 – 12:17]

Challenges with Family Life

• Bobby shares insights into his family life, addressing the trials of parenting an 11-year-old navigating puberty: “11 year old, puberty, hair in his armpits, attitude, crush” [06:20]. This segment offers a glimpse into the everyday challenges faced outside the comedy circuit.

Jacob’s Experience

• Jacob recounts his own experiences during the break, mentioning, “I had zone five flu” [09:18], adding another layer to the discussion on how the hiatus affected different family members.

4. The Struggle of Taking Time Off [12:03 – 20:05]

Feeling Stuck Without Performances

• The conversation shifts to the difficulties of not engaging in their usual performances. Bobby expresses his longing for the stage: “I almost sat in a chair and read a jay” [08:30], illustrating the depth of his connection to performing.

Balancing Family and Career

• The hosts discuss the tension between family responsibilities and the urge to return to their comedic endeavors. Bobby admits, “I almost left,” indicating his inner conflict between staying with his family and missing his professional life.

5. Movie Critiques: Nosferatu [34:00 – 43:00]

Dissecting the Plot

• A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to critiquing the movie Nosferatu. The trio unpacks plot inconsistencies and character motivations with sharp humor. Big Jay comments, “It's a stupid movie that was like, written by a child” [34:00], expressing his disappointment with the film’s execution.

Character Analysis

• They delve into the portrayal of Dracula, questioning his actions and the logic behind his presence in Germany: “I don't know why they made this thing look more like Nosferatu” [34:00]. This analysis showcases their critical thinking and ability to engage deeply with cinematic content.

Humorous Observations

• The group injects humor into their critique, with Bobby noting, “You can't sell a shirt that says Legend” [03:30], playfully mocking the film’s attempt at grandeur.

6. Movie Discussions: Substance and Aging in Hollywood [43:14 – 63:12]

Critiquing Demi Moore's Performance

• The hosts transition to discussing Substance, focusing on Demi Moore’s portrayal and the challenges of aging in the film industry. Big Jay remarks, “She looks like a fricassee brained” [51:07], critiquing her performance with his characteristic bluntness.

The Debate on Authenticity and Prosthetics

• They debate the use of prosthetics and makeup in aging actresses, leading to a humorous yet insightful conversation about authenticity in Hollywood. Bobby asserts, “You have to know it's real” [54:13], expressing his preference for genuine portrayals over digitally altered appearances.

Aging and Self-Perception

• Demi Moore’s character grapples with self-image and career decline, as discussed by Bobby: “She was like, all right, I guess that's what I am. And then she goes. There was a point where that started to fade and it fucked me up” [51:42]. This reflection ties into broader themes of self-worth and societal expectations.

Humorous Exchanges on Appearance

• The hosts engage in playful banter about physical appearances, prosthetics, and the portrayal of actresses, keeping the tone light while addressing serious themes.

7. Humorous Banter and Personal Jokes [16:27 – 29:12]

Creating the 'Cheat Shed'

• In a burst of creativity, the hosts brainstorm the idea of a "cheat shed" to escape familial constraints: “We should make your cheat shed” [28:05]. This segment is filled with hilarious proposals and illustrates their improvisational skills.

Jokes About Family Interactions

• The conversation is peppered with jokes about their interactions with family members, enhancing the comedic element of the episode and providing relatable humor for listeners.

8. Upcoming Shows and Future Plans [64:00 – 67:38]

Promoting Live Performances

• Big Jay and Bobby take time to promote their upcoming shows, sharing tour dates and encouraging listeners to attend live events. For instance, Bobby announces, “I'm going to be at the Comedy Club of Kansas City January 23rd to the 25th” [65:07], showcasing their dedication to connecting with their audience.

Online Content and Engagement

• They encourage listeners to engage with their online content, mentioning Bobby’s YouTube channel and Big Jay’s new newsletter: “Watch all of his content over there and like. And subscribe at all please” [65:37].

Humorous Closing Remarks

• The episode concludes with humorous remarks about achieving YouTube milestones and the unlikely attainment of subscriber plaques, keeping the tone jovial until the end.

Notable Quotes:

• Bobby Kelly: “We're comics. We're mentally ill. We. Anxiety is what fuels our fire.” [05:21]

• Big Jay Oakerson: “It's what we do.” [05:28]

• Bobby Kelly: “I almost left.” [06:53]

• Big Jay Oakerson: “It's a stupid movie that was like, written by a child.” [34:00]

• Bobby Kelly: “You can't sell a shirt that says Legend.” [03:30]

• Big Jay Oakerson: “She looks like a fricassee brained.” [51:07]

• Bobby Kelly: “She was like, all right, I guess that's what I am.” [51:42]

• Big Jay Oakerson: “Make merkin great again.” [53:17]

• Bobby Kelly: “I love when you're right.” [59:54]

• Big Jay Oakerson: “The best things in life come when you don't settle.” [14:03]

Conclusion:

The "Cheat Shed" episode of The Bonfire masterfully blends personal storytelling with sharp comedic critiques, offering listeners an engaging and multifaceted experience. Big Jay Oakerson and Bobby Kelly navigate through their personal challenges with humor and honesty, providing relatable content for those grappling with similar issues. Their in-depth analysis of films like Nosferatu and Substance not only entertains but also invites listeners to think critically about cinematic narratives and industry trends. Coupled with their playful banter and promotion of upcoming events, this episode stands out as a testament to their resilience and dedication to their craft. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to The Bonfire, "Cheat Shed" delivers a compelling mix of laughter, insight, and heartfelt conversation.