The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson & Robert Kelly

Episode: Shadowboxing with Sam Jay
Date: January 29, 2026
Guest: Sam Jay

Overview

In this high-energy episode, comedians Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly welcome stand-up powerhouse Sam Jay to the Bonfire studio for a classic riff-fest. The trio navigate everything from mysterious “shit on a chair” hijinks and backstage betrayals, to regional food debates, reality TV insanity, body image, and the realities of getting older in comedy. With their trademark blend of teasing, honesty, and inside-baseball comedy talk, Big Jay, Bobby, and Sam keep the conversation equal parts hilarious and insightful, all while offering a no-holds-barred look at life in the comedy trenches.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. “Who Done It?”: The Mystery of the Chocolate Stain

• [01:01 - 07:48]

  • The episode opens with chaotic energy as Robert discovers what appears to be a nugget of "shit" on his chair and hoodie.
  • Jay, Bobby, and Sam Jay engage in a lighthearted investigation. Jacob, a regular on the show, is quickly suspected.
  • Sam finds the “evidence” is actually chocolate—specifically, a Bear Bell salted peanut bar, likely accidentally left by Jacob.
  • The group poke fun at Jacob’s “sleazy” behavior, theorizing about office sabotage and the competitive nature of the crew.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “We thought Bobby shit his pants but he sat on chocolate again.” — Big Jay [01:23]
  • “Jacob's the enemy of the show… Jake hates fun, smiles, and laughter.” — Big Jay [05:52]
  • “Maybe it’s like—hey fatso, you’ll always be fat!” — Bobby, joking about Jacob’s motives [07:00]

2. Comedy Crew Dynamics & Lunch Hierarchies

• [07:52 - 10:18]

  • Jay explains that former cohost Dan Soder treats the crew (not the hosts) to monthly lunches, sparking playful resentment.
  • Sam notes Dan might be “keeping them poor” by taking them to franchise restaurants instead of upscale spots.
  • The discussion includes playful class commentary and an ongoing bit about the crew’s dining habits.
  • Black Lou, another crew member, is cited as the only one to ever speak up about lackluster lunch choices.

  Notable Quotes:

  • "Dan takes the crew out for lunch—not us...they bitch to Dan like fucking chicks." — Jay [08:04]
  • "He keeps them poor. Like the government." — Bobby [09:14]

3. Regional Food Wars: Steak and Cheese vs. Cheesesteak

• [10:20 - 12:18]

  • Jay asks Sam Jay about the difference between Philly cheesesteaks and Massachusetts “steak and cheese.”
  • Sam notes the main regional difference is the use of “whiz” cheese in Philly, which is never seen in Massachusetts.
  • The hosts swap favorite regional eatery stories, giving shout-outs to D’Angelo’s, Mike’s, and Boston's comedy hangouts.
  • Sam introduces the “frap”, a Massachusetts-style milkshake.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “There’s no place in Massachusetts that does whiz anything.” — Sam Jay [10:44]
  • "A frap is like, not a malt but not a milkshake." — Sam Jay [12:01]

4. Zeus Network & the Wild World of ‘Baddies’

• [19:38 - 28:33]

  • The trio dive into the trashy, addictive world of Zeus Network reality programming, especially “Baddies.”
  • Sam admits to following the chaos as a guilty pleasure, and Jay bonds with his daughter over the show’s absurd drama.
  • They analyze the violence-for-fame dynamic, colorism, and exploitation, comparing it to older reality TV (like “Love & Hip-Hop”).
  • The legalities and production ethics of physical fights, “auditions” that are just fistfights, and even the body modification required for male strippers (on “Cabaret”) are discussed in detail.
  • Sam reveals her own difficulty getting a permissible on-camera topless shot for her show due to city ordinances and red tape—ironically more regulated than on Zeus Network.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “When the baddies went to Africa, I was like, this might be worse than colonization." — Sam Jay [20:33]
  • “They almost get kicked out of the country like every day.” — Sam Jay [20:50]
  • "They just fist fight at auditions. It's so wild." — Jay [23:25]
  • "It's a lot to show a titty." — Sam Jay on TV censorship [28:29]
  • “I had my titties out in a drop-top Benz in Queens and the city told us…the titties gotta come out in these two blocks and nowhere else.” — Sam Jay [29:00]

5. Body Image, Fat-on-Fat Crime, and Losing Weight

• [30:00 - 33:31]

  • The conversation turns introspective as Sam and Bobby discuss body image, losing weight, and "fat on fat" teasing in comedy.
  • Sam describes using Ozempic to kickstart weight loss, and how that made it easier to get more active.
  • Jay admits to the psychological competition among fat comics, and the strange solidarity (and rivalry) that comes with it.
  • The crew address insecurity, the difference in self-image, and why there's “always someone fatter” as an American fallback.
  • Sam shares new perspectives from her relationship: comfort as a motivator for getting healthy, her partner’s support, and increased confidence.

  Notable Quotes:

  • "It's not talked about often, but one of the worst crimes is fat on fat crime." — Jay [30:51]
  • “I was always like, well, I have a neck. So I’m gonna keep going!”—Sam Jay [30:36]
  • “You turn on ‘My 600lb Life’ and you’re like, ‘Well, I have a neck…’” — Sam Jay [30:41]

6. Aging, Comedy, and Party Stamina

• [35:13 - 38:21]

  • The group reflects on nightlife stamina as comedians in their forties, contrasting wild “strip club” nights in their younger days to the appeal of calling it quits at 11:30pm.
  • Sam says she can still "go all night," but is equally happy winding down early, especially after a show.
  • They discuss drinking less as they get older, and how sobriety has changed their social habits on the road.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “I can do a hang late, but it’s gotta make sense…more likely shooting the shit in a green room til 4am than going to another party.” — Jay [36:49]
  • “I haven’t been drinking. Still, I can go to like 5 a.m.!” — Sam Jay [37:38]

Notable Quotes (By Speaker & Timestamp)

• Big Jay Oakerson:

  • “Jacob’s the enemy of the show… Jake hates fun, smiles, and laughter.” [05:52]
  • “It’s not talked about often, but one of the worst crimes is fat on fat crime.” [30:51]

• Robert Kelly:

  • “Maybe it’s like—hey fatso, you’ll always be fat!” [07:00]
  • “You’re my fat barometer.” [30:20]

• Sam Jay:

  • “When the baddies went to Africa, I was like, this might be worse than colonization.” [20:33]
  • “You turn on My 600 Pound Life, and you’re like, well, I have a neck…so I’m gonna keep going.” [30:41]
  • "I had my titties out...the city told us the titties gotta come out in these two blocks and nowhere else." [29:00]
  • “I know I’m cool as shit…my charisma, you’re not gonna find this sauce nowhere else.” [33:31]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:01 - 07:48]: Chair Chocolate Mystery & Jacob’s “Sleaze”
• [07:52 - 10:18]: Crew Lunch Politics & Class Riffs
• [10:20 - 12:18]: Cheesesteak Versus Steak-and-Cheese—Boston vs. Philly
• [19:38 - 28:33]: Zeus Network Reality TV & On-Camera Titties
• [30:00 - 33:31]: Fat-on-Fat Comedy, Ozempic, and Body Image
• [35:13 - 38:21]: Party Stamina, Aging, and Sober Comedy

Memorable Moments

• Shadowboxing in the Gym: Bobby recounts accidentally shadowboxing in front of Sam’s impressively fit partner at a hotel gym, leading to classic self-deprecating banter.

  • “[32:38] ‘Here’s the worst part. I chose…that day to do shadow boxing. And I looked over…and she’s, like, powerlifting 500 pounds…’” — Bobby

• Sam Jay’s Strip Club Ride: Sam reminisces about riding through Queens topless in a convertible, only to be hampered by New York City’s strict “titty ordinances.”

  • “[29:00] ‘I was in a drop top Benz…with my titties out. That was always something I wanted to do…’” — Sam Jay

• Comedy Solidarity and Sibling Rivalry: The crew riff on how they compare themselves to others’ bodies and careers, always using someone else as a benchmark for self-esteem.

Tone & Mood

The episode is fast-paced, irreverent, and brimming with inside jokes, but also delivers candid discussions about friendship, self-image, and the weirdness of the comedy lifestyle. Sam Jay’s presence keeps the energy sharp and the banter honest, touching on topics both hilarious and sincere.

Where to Find More

• Sam Jay Tour Dates: samjcomic.com
• Big Jay Oakerson: bigjcomedy.com
• Robert Kelly: robertkellylive.com

Next live Bonfire: Mondays - Thursdays, 5pm ET / 2pm PT on SiriusXM Faction Talk 103.