Podcast Summary: The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson & Robert Kelly

Episode: Disrespecting Morning Radio
Date: December 3, 2025
Hosts: Big Jay Oakerson & Robert Kelly
Theme: Comedy, Morning Radio, Ego, and Camaraderie in Showbiz

Overview

In this episode of The Bonfire, Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly dive into the world of stand-up comedy, late-night antics, the unpredictability of ego in showbusiness, and, most notably, their relationship with the morning radio scene—particularly Philadelphia’s famous Preston & Steve show. Their conversation, as ever, is a blend of heartfelt honesty and irreverent, quick-fire humor, with regulars and producers chiming in, and sidebars about aging, hot dogs, road stories, and oddball photo shoots.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Paco’s Weekend Escapades: Hot Dogs, Flirting, and Fighting

[02:00–09:00]

• The show starts with a riff about Paco (a friend/crew member) and his interactions at a late-night Rhode Island hot dog joint.
• Bobby describes Paco as unexpectedly tough and surprisingly charismatic with middle-aged women.
• Jay jokes about Paco “corralling lesbians into bars,” referencing his mysterious, rugged persona.
• Memorable Moment:
  “Paco’s one of the toughest dudes I know now. I don’t mess with him.” — Bobby [02:10]
• They discuss the hot dog place (“Only NY System”), sizing up the joint and the locals, and lavish praise on the joy of “skinny longs” (thin hot dogs).

2. The Rise of the ‘Fatty Zaddies’

[04:00–05:30]

• Bobby and Jay riff on their status as “zaddies” (an attractive older man, often with a dad vibe), affectionately coining “fatty zaddies.”
• Notable Quotes:
  • “You’re a zaddy. Yeah, you know it.” — Jay [04:01]
  • “We’re both fatty zaddies… the heavy end of zadd.” — Jay [04:25]

3. Late-Night Bar Encounters & Road Stories

[05:35–13:00]

• A drunken, late-night flirtation scenario is recounted with comic detail: Paco’s indifference to a flirtatious, “hot enough” middle-aged woman.
• Jay and Bobby debate what constitutes “hot” at 1AM at a hot dog stand.
• Christine and Isabelle (production staff) chime in, lending extra perspectives:
  “She was attractive for an older lady. But you could see, not your thing…” — Christine [07:13]
• The group gives Paco a hard time for not “closing the deal,” with Bobby admitting he would have gone for it himself.

4. Comedic Objectification and Drawing Paco's “Wiener”

[11:11–16:00]

• Bobby and Jay try to humorously sketch what they imagine Paco’s genitals look like, with Christine’s commentary.
  “That’s a pussy!” — Jay [12:47] “You added a sunset and a bonsai tree.” — Bobby [15:15]
• Escalates to Paco literally mooning the group, leading to gags about “taking it too far.”

5. Hotel Room Oddities On The Road

[17:11–20:00]

• Discussion of how opening acts share hotel rooms, with weird sleeping habits leading to dorm-style camaraderie.
• Jay jokes about how much road life has changed, and how he no longer makes openers share rooms.

6. The Juggalos, Insane Clown Posse, and Comedy Festivals

[19:38–22:20]

• Jay and Bobby compare Skankfest (their comedy fest) with the “Gathering of the Juggalos,” Insane Clown Posse’s fan-festival.
• They draw parallels in fan behavior, “immersion,” and the subculture feeling.
• “Their fan base is such crossover with ours — nuts.” — Jay [21:06]
• Bobby recounts performing on an Insane Clown Posse show, describing an intimidating, surreal, and “real” experience.

7. Morning Radio: The Preston & Steve Debacle

[23:46–34:00]

• Core theme emerges—Jay missed his scheduled appearance on the venerable Preston & Steve morning show due to oversleeping, despite personal connections and prior loyalty.
• Bobby (good-naturedly) skewers Jay for becoming “too successful” to need morning radio now that his shows are sold out.
• Best Exchange:
  • “You don’t need Meredith or Preston and Steve anymore.” — Bobby [30:51]
  • “No, I do need them!” — Jay [31:40]
• The dynamic switches between satire of showbiz priorities, affection for morning radio, and self-deprecating fat jokes (“I silenced my phone with arm fat” — Jay [26:21])
• Memorable Moment:
  • “This is a good stop sign for you in life. You gotta go, ‘Hey, man, I’m getting a little carried away…’” — Bobby [31:50]

8. Friendships, Egos, and Navigating Success

[36:16–38:12 & 42:08–43:06]

• Bobby draws out the underlying discomfort Jay feels about letting down his radio “family,” while also lampooning Jay’s ego.
• A playful, deeper reflection emerges around not forgetting those who support your career:
  • “I respect everyone who helped me get where I’m at. Preston, Steve, you know, were integral.” — Jay [51:42]

9. Photo Shoots and Comic Insecurity

[46:37–54:59]

• The group riffs on the awkwardness of comedy promo photo shoots, how some people (Bobby) ham it up while others (Jay) freeze awkwardly.
  • “Jay, you suck at photo shoots.” — Bobby [54:41]
• Extended, hilarious deconstruction of bad pictures, with Jay blaming his “new teeth” and discomfort.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “Paco’s one of the toughest dudes I know now. I don’t mess with him.” — Bobby [02:10]
• “You’re a zaddy. Yeah, you know it.” — Jay [04:01]
• “We’re both fatty zaddies—the heavy end of zadd.” — Jay [04:25]
• “That’s a pussy!” — Jay [12:47] (re: Bobby’s sketch of Paco)
• “You don’t need Meredith or Preston and Steve anymore.” — Bobby [30:51]
• “No, I do need them!” — Jay [31:40]
• “I respect everyone who helped me get where I’m at. Preston, Steve, you know, were integral.” — Jay [51:42]

Important Timestamps

• Hot Dog Storytime: [03:00–06:30]
• “Zaddy” Riff: [04:00–05:30]
• Paco’s Bar Encounter: [05:35–09:30]
• Cartoon Drawing Game: [11:11–16:00]
• Morning Radio (Main Segment): [23:46–34:00]
• Juggalos/ICP Discussion: [19:38–22:20]
• Photo-Shoot Roasting & Group Dynamics: [46:37–54:59]

Tone & Language

The episode retains Bonfire’s signature “guy energy” and rough-around-the-edges humor, with inside jokes, playful jabs, sexual banter, and affectionate mockery among friends. It’s equal parts raunchy and reflective, with moments of surprising sincerity about comedy, show business, and lasting friendships.

Conclusion

“Disrespecting Morning Radio” is less a direct critique of morning radio and more a comic exploration of the changing dynamics of fame and gratitude in the comedy world. The heart of the episode lies in Jay’s missed radio hit, and Bobby’s relentless teasing that frames it as a sign of both comedic success and potential hubris. Regular fans will appreciate the layered callbacks, running jokes about “zaddy-hood,” and the kind of freewheeling camaraderie that makes Bonfire unique.