The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson & Robert Kelly
Episode: "Overly Italian"
Date: February 5, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode of The Bonfire, Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly dive into hilarious, rapid-fire conversations blending personal anecdotes, the inner workings of the comedy world, wild tangents on fitness equipment, “overly” Italian comedy culture, and the news that a well-known comedy club owner might be running for U.S. Senate. The show’s signature blend of sarcasm, playful antagonism, and riffs on pop culture is as strong as ever, with plenty of comic banter about gym machinery, Italian stereotypes, the rise of social media “hyphenate comedians” like Little Mozzarella, memories of the old Wise Guy show, and the sharply observed idiocies of both New Jersey nightlife and the entertainment industry.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Banter About Gym Equipment and Domestic Life
- Early banter about Jay and Bobby’s plans for home gym equipment, discussing the drama of purchases, assembly, and “approval” from significant others.
- Jay details his new home gym, the B52, and the unexpected crunch attachment he received (06:24), while Bobby tries to convince his wife to let him get one — “Aluminum pulleys, don, they’re aluminum pulleys!” (05:29)
- Both reflect on the challenges of assembling gym equipment, with Bobby admitting he looked for a shortcut:
“It looks a little daunting to put together...if you say so. Pretty amazing setup. LOL.” — Bobby Kelly (09:09)
- Classic self-deprecating humor, with Bobby uncertain about how “handy” he is, and Jay teasing him for taking pride in spelling “daunting.”
“That’s a great one. How’d you spell it?” — Jay Oakerson (09:19)
Notable Quotes:
- “All my friends rounded up fans to do it. And you hire a person.” — Jay Oakerson, on assembling gym machines (11:34)
2. Jack LaLanne, Fitness Eccentricity & Sexuality
- The conversation swerves into a comic breakdown of Jack LaLanne’s legacy, with extended riffs on his workout attire and sexual orientation.
“He was a gay guy...Jack LaLanne raped boys.” — Jay Oakerson (17:45)
- Historical deep-dives into old exercise equipment — shake machines, corsets — and memories of 1950s fitness culture.
“It was a fat person mixer.” — Bobby Kelly, on the “shake machine” (21:41)
- The crew jokes about period-appropriate masculinity, attire, and the absurdities of glamorizing past eras.
- Extended game of out-riffing each other on weight, masculinity, and old TV characters.
Timestamps:
- Jack LaLanne discussion: 13:05–22:00
- Jack’s marital status and 50s culture: 16:02
- Old-fashioned exercise equipment: 20:11
3. “Delta Force” and Pop Culture Digs
- Jay and Bobby reminisce about action movies, comparing Delta Force (Chuck Norris) to more “serious” war films like Black Hawk Down.
- Joking about the over-the-top moments in 80s action movies, the comic-book style machismo, and the obliviousness of casting.
“You think it’s as good as Delta Force?” — Jay Oakerson (23:07)
“Robert Forrester in full body paint in illegal action today!” — Jay Oakerson (23:18)
Timestamps:
- Delta Force: 22:09–25:30
4. Comedy Scene Updates & New Jersey Senate Race
- BREAKING NEWS: Vinnie Brand, owner of the Stress Factory, is considering a run for U.S. Senate in New Jersey against Cory Booker (26:10).
“Apparently we might have a new senator in our mix. Vinnie Brand…is dipping his toes into the political water.” — Bobby Kelly (26:10)
- The group riff about Vinnie Brand’s qualifications, experience, and his connection to the local Republican party (27:07–29:10).
- Imaginary scenarios: Vinnie running the comedy club while in the Senate, appointing comics to government roles.
- Observations about New Brunswick, Bridgeport, and the “coming back” myth of certain neighborhoods (31:08–32:00).
5. The Italian Comedian Craze: Little Mozzarella & Vic DiBitetto
- Introduction to “Little Mozzarella”, the latest in the wave of Italian-centric Instagram/faux-comedy stars.
“I actually had him on my podcast. He’s a pretty nice guy. But it’s like a character he does.” — Bobby Kelly (40:59)
- Jay’s skepticism about “influencer comedians” who play exaggerated stereotypes for sold-out clubs.
“He’s doing live shows?” — Jay Oakerson (42:24)
“Comics booking him every weekend. He’s working Edmonton every weekend.” — Bobby Kelly (42:30) - The crew jokes about branding and marketing oneself as a food item (“Little Chowder,” “Kelly Clams,” “Bobby Tomatoes,” “Beefsteak Tomato”).
- This discussion leads to a broader roast of Italian-American bravado, regional pride, catchphrases, and nostalgia for “Wise Guy” style comedy.
Timestamps:
- Little Mozzarella: 40:26–44:40
- Mock Italian names and bits: 44:24–44:40
6. Memories & Roasts of the Wise Guy Show
- Jacob and the hosts recount their (negative) guest experiences on the infamous Sirius Italian-themed “Wise Guy” radio show, describing it as hostile, unwelcoming, and “built around the Sopranos to talk about the show, being Italian, whatever happened on the Sopranos that week...” (49:29)
- Playful and pointed mockery of Italian pride, high school cliques, bocce ball, and regional cuisine arguments.
Notable Quote:
“Talking about being Italian. What a bunch of jerk offs.” — Jay Oakerson (49:39)
7. The Italian Stereotype Bit: Overly Italian Banter
- Group lapses into escalating Italian stereotype voices, with over-the-top threats, mock arguments over food, and inside jokes about pizza cheese, the right way to eat, and regional bravado.
- “How you doin’, your sister?” becomes a catchphrase motif, lampooning the one-liner hooks of Italian-influencer comics.
- Tangential roasts and threats:
“You Jew kid runs his mouth all day long. Pip, squeak, Jacob! I’m give you a sock across your knot.” — Jay Oakerson (56:25)
Timestamps:
- Stereotype banter and escalating bits: 54:34–57:45
- Callback to Sal Vulcano, Sal’s act, and mock contests for tickets: 57:53–58:54
8. Show Plugs & Closing Bits (Content Section)
- Rapid-fire promo of Bobby’s and Jay’s live dates, with running jokes about club attendance, “competing directly” with Sal Vulcano and the Italian comic wave.
- Bobby recounts letting a Comedy Cellar server do a guest spot to save a five-person audience (61:56).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On assembling home gyms:
“It’s a feeler…Exactly.” (08:49, Jay & Bobby) - On Italian parody marketing:
“You should have been marshmallows.” (42:13, Jay)
“When I came out, it’d be thousands of people going…” (42:24, Bobby)
“Little Mozzarella versus Little Mikey Peppers.” (53:17, Jay) - On the Italian stereotype circuit:
“Give me a change right now. Give me a change.” (56:41, Bobby) - On weird pride:
“Oh, they’re so proud of being a place they’ve never been…Never went.” (47:27, Jay & Jacob) - On the “Wise Guy” show:
“It was such a terrible atmosphere…they didn’t want you there. And then when they brought you in, they’re like, go, what do you got?” (49:15, Bobby) - On action movies:
“You think it’s as good as Delta Force?” (23:07, Jay)
Highlighted Segments (Timestamps)
- Home gym debate & hilarity: 05:03–12:00
- Jack LaLanne & fitness culture: 13:05–22:00
- Delta Force vs. contemporary action: 22:09–25:30
- Breaking ‘Senate run’ news: 26:10–30:30
- Little Mozzarella / Italian influencer comic wave: 40:26–44:40
- Wise Guy show memories & Italian parody escalation: 49:01–57:45
Final Thoughts & Tone
The episode is a quintessential Bonfire ride: fast, layered with references, and cuttingly self-aware. Jay and Bobby’s chemistry shines in their willingness to skewer themselves, each other, and the worlds they inhabit (comedy, fitness, New Jersey, stereotype-driven comedy trends). The “Overly Italian” theme—title and all—serves as springboard for exploring the absurdity of nostalgic identity, the state of club comedy, and the oddities of gamified fame. No matter the tangent, the hosts keep their foot on the gas, delivering an hour-plus of unfiltered riffing that’s both deeply inside-comedy and broadly relatable.
For listeners searching for the soul of New York stand-up, comedy inside-baseball, or just a fresh take on Italian-American comic mythmaking, this episode delivers in full.