Podcast Summary: The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly – Episode: "Hot Zeros"

Release Date: April 25, 2025

Introduction

In the "Hot Zeros" episode of The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly, listeners are treated to a lively and unfiltered conversation between veteran stand-up comedians Big Jay Oakerson, Robert Kelly, and guest Dan Soder. Hosted live from New York City on SiriusXM’s Faction Talk channel, the episode dives deep into the often humorous and challenging world of voiceover work, acting auditions, and the intricacies of navigating the entertainment industry. With their trademark blunt humor and candid storytelling, Jay and Bobby create an engaging atmosphere that’s both entertaining and insightful.

Voiceover Work: Trials and Triumphs

The episode kicks off with Robert Kelly sharing his experiences in the voiceover industry, highlighting a memorable audition for the role of "Angry Baby" in a bank commercial. Kelly recounts the pressures of matching timing cues and delivering lines in character, humorously illustrating the stress involved:

Robert Kelly [03:14]: "You just break out."

Dan Soder [03:14]: "I'm gonna fuck this up."

Kelly describes the chaotic environment of the audition room, where the bank representatives closely scrutinize his performance. The tension is palpable as he attempts to embody the character, leading to a comical yet stressful ordeal.

Dan Soder’s Voiceover Horror Story

Dan Soder takes the spotlight next, recounting his own daunting audition experience for a Jon Stewart cartoon on Comedy Central. Soder details the instant panic he felt when faced with unexpected impression requirements, ultimately leading to a chaotic exit from the audition:

Dan Soder [13:09]: "I walked out, and then I got lost in the hallways, and I couldn't find. And I had to walk by them three more times."

Soder vividly describes the confusion and embarrassment of his failed audition, highlighting the often unpredictable nature of such opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Acting as Extras: Frustrations and Funny Moments

The conversation shifts to their experiences as extras in various projects. Robert Kelly shares anecdotes about filming "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol," where he narrowly escaped a near-accident during a reenactment:

Robert Kelly [18:55]: "They would just film those without any permits. And they just gave, like, they got a shit box that barely ran. And I had to get chased by the highway patrol. Almost snapped our spines."

Meanwhile, Dan Soder discusses his stint as an extra in "Finding Forrester," where he played a minor role as a car in a traffic scene, only to be guided by a younger extra who taught him the ropes:

Lou [26:22]: "I was an extra who was in his car. Like, I was one of the traffic. So you see one of the car I'm in."

These stories shed light on the often overlooked and challenging aspects of being an extra, blending humor with relatable frustrations.

Commercial Misadventures: Earnings and Embarrassments

Kelly and Soder delve into their less-than-glamorous experiences with commercials that never saw the light of day. Kelly humorously recalls his brief role in a Halls commercial that resulted in an accidental message:

Dan Soder [16:28]: "They gave me $300 for a Halls commercial that was supposed. Everyone was telling me how much I was going to make all year. And this commercial never came out."

Soder adds his own misfortune with a similar failed commercial, emphasizing the unpredictable and often unrewarding nature of such gigs in the industry.

Brainstorming "Hot Zeros": A Parody of "Hot Ones"

The episode takes an inventive turn as Jay, Bobby, and Soder brainstorm the concept for their own show, tentatively titled "Hot Zeros." Inspired by the popular "Hot Ones" format, where guests are interviewed while eating progressively spicier wings, "Hot Zeros" aims to parody this by featuring comedians who consider themselves "zeros" in the industry:

Dan Soder [51:38]: "We take our group of friends, whoever we want, okay? And we have people sit down and eat progressively hot food... and see how long they can take it while we interview them, we'll call it Hot Zeros."

This segment highlights their creative synergy and willingness to poke fun at themselves and the conventions of the entertainment world.

Comedic Improv: The Infamous "Angry Baby" Sketch

Throughout the episode, Kelly and Soder engage in light-hearted improvisational sketches, most notably the recurring "Angry Baby" character. This fictional persona adds a layer of humor as they mimic Joe Pesci, blending real and imagined interactions:

Joe Pesci [04:21]: "Hey, DJ Lou, spinning on the ones and twos."

Dan Soder [07:50]: "He was like my fucking father, Joe."

These playful exchanges showcase their chemistry and ability to create humor through spontaneous dialogue.

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on their past experiences and tease future projects. They discuss upcoming comedy shows, festival appearances, and the ongoing development of "Hot Zeros." The camaraderie between Jay, Bobby, and their guests underscores the episode's theme of resilience and humor amidst the challenges of the entertainment industry.

Notable Quotes

• Robert Kelly [07:50]: "I was too dumb to be a voiceover. Voiceover person. But I did book Angry Baby and that."

• Dan Soder [11:08]: "This entire thing never came out. Just got a sunburn and 300 bucks."

• Robert Kelly [19:46]: "We have that show with what's his name."

• Dan Soder [52:04]: "Hot Zeros. Come on."

• Robert Kelly [57:33]: "You're a comedian, buddy."

Conclusion

"Hot Zeros" is a quintessential The Bonfire episode, blending personal anecdotes with sharp humor and genuine reflections on the ups and downs of pursuing a career in comedy and acting. Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly, alongside Dan Soder, deliver a compelling narrative filled with laughter, relatable struggles, and inventive ideas, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.

For more episodes of The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly, subscribe to SiriusXM’s Faction Talk channel or visit siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.