Podcast Summary: The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly – "Porn Buddies with Pauly Shore"

Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Bonfire, hosts Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly delve into a range of topics that blend humor, personal anecdotes, and candid conversations. The discussion navigates through bizarre social media content, the intricacies of monetizing podcasts, nostalgic memories of the comedy scene, and heartfelt reflections on personal relationships. The episode culminates with mentions of fellow comedian Pauly Shore, highlighting his enduring presence in the comedy landscape.

Social Media Oddities: The Case of Evelyn

The episode kicks off with Robert Kelly and Christine (a recurring contributor) discussing the peculiar and often unsettling content they encounter on Instagram. Robert introduces the idea of featuring the "weirdest person of the week," spotlighting an individual named Evelyn.

• Robert Kelly [01:09]: "I'm trying to follow the weirdest people I can follow on Instagram. I got a goodie, dude."

Christine shares her fascination with Evelyn's consistent posts depicting distressing scenarios:

• Christine [02:13]: "I have a guy who ties. I think they're Indians. But it's a midget who wears a bandana, like landscapers."

The conversation intensifies as they analyze Evelyn's videos, where she portrays herself as being harassed and tortured by neighbors. Christine expresses skepticism about the authenticity of her suffering:

• Christine [04:14]: "If this is a character, she's killing it. She's really leaned in. She's like, look, I'm fat, disgusting, and ugly with a full mustache."

Despite their doubts, Robert becomes increasingly concerned about Evelyn's portrayed plight:

• Robert Kelly [07:48]: "She is a star, buddy. She is my favorite. I wake up, I wake up in the morning, I say my prayers, cuz I'm a good boy. And I go right to my Instagram, hopefully trying to kill me."

Their exploration of Evelyn's content raises questions about the fine line between authentic distress and performative suffering on social media platforms.

Monetizing the Podcast: Patreon and Punch Up Live

Transitioning from social media oddities, the hosts engage in a discussion about various platforms for podcast monetization. Robert Kelly introduces Punch Up Live, a new platform enabling creators to gather audience data for targeted monetization strategies.

• Robert Kelly [31:33]: "Punch Up DOT Live. It's a great company. They censored Bobby's chief financial officer... You get all the data."

Big Jay Oakerson inquires about integrating these platforms into their business model:

• Big Jay Oakerson [30:22]: "So do you know how that works?"

Christine candidly shares her reservations about Patreon, emphasizing the emotional toll of financial disparities among creators:

• Christine [31:08]: "I never wanted to do it because I think it would only hurt my feelings if it's no money."

The conversation highlights the challenges and considerations comedians face in monetizing their content while maintaining authenticity and financial stability.

Memories of The Comedy Store and Old Comedians

A nostalgic segment unfolds as Big Jay and Robert reminisce about their experiences at iconic comedy venues like The Comedy Store and Comic Strip Live. They share stories of legendary comedians who have graced these stages, blending humor with poignant reflections on the struggles within the comedy community.

• Robert Kelly [47:34]: "We have much more work to do... Call Her Daddy... 125 million dollar deal."

The discussion touches on the pressures comedians face, the evolution of the comedy scene, and the personal toll it can take, including mentions of tragic events like the suicides of fellow comedians.

• Big Jay Oakerson [49:35]: "There's only one comment and somebody going, ma'am, please."

Their heartfelt narratives underscore the often unseen emotional challenges behind the laughter.

Relationships and Personal Stories

The hosts delve into personal anecdotes about relationships, highlighting the balancing act between personal life and the demanding nature of a career in comedy. Big Jay shares his brief engagement to a Playmate, reflecting on the complexities and pressures that come with relationships in the public eye.

• Big Jay Oakerson [53:15]: "Every girlfriend that I was with, I was like, 100% in love. But there was always this thing in the back of my head, like, this isn't the one."

Christine adds her perspective on maintaining relationships while juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of support systems in the entertainment industry.

Guest Appearance: Pauly Shore

Towards the episode's conclusion, Christine introduces Pauly Shore, celebrating his legacy and influence in comedy. The hosts promote Pauly's upcoming shows, highlighting his status as a comedic legend.

• Robert Kelly [59:31]: "Pauly Shore is a legend of the business. He's royalty in the business. His family's royalty, and he's a really nice guy."

Big Jay and Robert encourage listeners to attend his performances, showcasing the camaraderie and mutual respect among comedians.

Conclusion

The episode weaves together a tapestry of humorous banter, critical discussions on social media and monetization, heartfelt memories of the comedy scene, and personal stories about relationships. Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly create an engaging narrative that not only entertains but also provides insight into the multifaceted lives of comedians. The mention of Pauly Shore serves as a tribute to the enduring bonds within the comedy community, rounding off the episode with a sense of appreciation and anticipation for future collaborations.

Notable Quotes:

• Robert Kelly [01:09]: "I'm trying to follow the weirdest people I can follow on Instagram. I got a goodie, dude."

• Christine [02:13]: "I have a guy who ties. I think they're Indians. But it's a midget who wears a bandana, like landscapers."

• Robert Kelly [07:48]: "She is a star, buddy. She is my favorite. I wake up, I wake up in the morning, I say my prayers, cuz I'm a good boy. And I go right to my Instagram, hopefully trying to kill me."

• Christine [31:08]: "I never wanted to do it because I think it would only hurt my feelings if it's no money."

• Big Jay Oakerson [53:15]: "Every girlfriend that I was with, I was like, 100% in love. But there was always this thing in the back of my head, like, this isn't the one."

• Robert Kelly [59:31]: "Pauly Shore is a legend of the business. He's royalty in the business. His family's royalty, and he's a really nice guy."

Recommendation

For fans of raw and unfiltered conversations that traverse the highs and lows of the comedy world, this episode offers a compelling listen. The Bonfire continues to deliver engaging content that resonates with both avid followers and newcomers alike.