The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly

Episode: Smallville w/Mike Finoia & Josh Adam Meyers

Date: November 5, 2025
Guests: Mike Finoia, Josh Adam Meyers
Theme: Comedy, cults, pop culture, organized religion, and wild stories

Overview

In this episode, Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly are joined by comedians Mike Finoia and Josh Adam Meyers for a spirited, no-holds-barred discussion. The main topics are the recent release of actress Allison Mack from prison (of NXIVM sex cult infamy), the psychology of cults, the resurgence of Christianity among young people, comedic takes on religion, and personal stories about family and substance abuse. Hilarity, candidness, and irreverence abound as the hosts and guests comment on current events, comedy culture, and their own misadventures.

Main Discussion Points and Insights

1. Studio Antics and Demerit Systems

[00:51 – 03:13]

• The show opens with banter about studio discipline and the idea of a “demerit system” for staff tardiness after breaks.
• Jay jokes about lacking respect in the studio and considers dressing more "powerful" as a boss:

  “Should I start dressing for power more? Maybe I should start dressing up for work.” — Jay [02:46]

• Mike Finoia and Josh join in, suggesting “power khakis” and branded wear.
• Playful musings segue into personal wardrobe habits and house shoes.

2. Allison Mack, NXIVM, and Cult Psychology

[03:44 – 13:07]

• The hosts and guests dive into news of Allison Mack (of “Smallville”), her release from prison, and possible next moves (like podcasting and public redemption).
• Graphic, comedic exchanges regarding the infamous branding rituals in NXIVM:

  “How did you feel when I branded your pussy?” — Guest [04:49]
  “Not a pussy. Like, you know, like, get, like, cherries next to you.” — Jay [05:10]

• The shallow allure of celebrity in cults and the extreme lengths people go for fame:

  “The depths people go through to be an actor is so gross. No one does that to become, like, you know, the best plumber.” — Jay [06:17]

• Debate on whether Mack will genuinely express remorse or revert to victimhood.
• Pessimistic takes on her potential as a podcaster and society’s short attention span:

  “She has one maybe six figure offer interview in her… I wouldn’t listen to her first full episode. I’m getting the Cliff Notes.” — Jay [08:38]

• Irreverent speculation about her personal life and marriage post-prison.

3. Cults as Social Security and the New Wave of Jesus Culture

[09:35 – 13:16]

• Jay riffs on the appeal of cults: the simplicity, community support, and lack of life's regular worries.
• Discussion about the resurgence of Christianity and "Jesus culture" among young, fashionable people:

  “Mullets, mustaches, dip and Jesus. That’s what these kids are into these days.” — Guest [12:38]
  “It’s like the conservative movement. The trad wife things in fashion. And that just goes hand in hand with Christianity.” — Guest [12:53]

• Observations of Hollywood “hip churches” like Mosaic, where trend meets worship.
• The comical disconnect between partying and Sunday devoutness.
• AI “Jesus” and algorithmic religious experiences.

4. Robert Kelly’s Courtroom Misadventure and Family Story

[14:05 – 19:12]

• Robert Kelly calls in, joking about narrowly avoiding jail after a court date caused by a fine, not a felony:

  “I supposedly had a hookup. My friend who’s a cop was like, you’re all taken care of… It was a $250 fine.” — Robert [14:40]

• Anecdote about arriving at his son Max’s football game—on the wrong day due to his wife Dawn’s confusion, which spirals into jokes about marital violence and playful penalties:

  “Would she say something or go to the cops if you just popped her one?” — Jay [16:27]
  “No, Dawn would take it and fight back.” — Robert [16:38]

• Laughter and mock advice for leveraging jail time for “cool dad” points with his son.

5. Smallville Podcast, Cults and Social Experiments

[24:05 – 26:33]

• Allison Mack’s new podcast launches November 10, but the hosts mock the idea it’ll be a simple "Smallville" re-watch instead of deep cult talk:

  “What if it’s just a Smallville re watch along podcast? Nothing to do…” — Jay [24:22]

• Theoretical musings about using AI to create a digital cult leader as a social experiment.
• Reference to the documentary “An Honest Liar” and the psychology behind followers and fabricated religious icons.

6. Faith, Atheism, and Crisis Prayers

[26:33 – 29:40]

• Guests and hosts share how personal tragedies or moments of crisis push people to or away from faith—a mix of sincerity and sarcasm:

  “It’s never struck me … anytime I pray, if you call it praying, several times a year, but it’s pure crisis.” — Jay [27:44]

• Humor around conditional “prayer deals” with God or general “the universe.”

7. Jewish Identity, Birthright, and Cultural Commentary

[28:18 – 30:19]

• Jokes about Jewish cultural milestones like Birthright trips and bar mitzvahs, including the “Groupon” and “Bogo mitzvah” bits.
• Mike describes succumbing to community hype, tempted by the promise of bar mitzvah money, but ultimately declining further involvement.

8. Would You Still Do Allison Mack?

[30:46 – 31:56]

• Jay and the crew riff on whether they’d sleep with Allison Mack post-scandal or get branded for her (“just above your dick”):

  "Jacob, would you still have sex with Allison Mack? The answer is yes. You would? Unquestionably, yeah." — Jay [30:46]
  “You could grow pubes over it.” — Guest [31:17]

9. On Redemption, Addiction, and “What If” Career Stories

[33:46 – 35:14]

• Discussion about storytelling in addiction recovery—preferring former addicts who can actually recall good times, not just grim narratives:

  “There’s nothing I love more…where people start getting religious and weird after stuff.” — Jay [32:50]
  “If I would have done opiates the night I did… I would have gotten SNL that year.” — Josh [34:05]

• Satirical “alternative career” stories if only breaks or substances were taken at the right/wrong moment.

10. Drug Use: Fantasies and Fear

[35:19 – 39:02]

• The group jokes about what circumstances would warrant serious opioid use (e.g., in palliative care):

  “When I get there—well, just know, boys, when you see me covered in sores and teeth and I’m wearing one shoe…it feels great.” — Jay [37:36]

• Stories about famous drug abusers, deterrents, and the comedic possibilities of “going out” on heroin.

11. Upcoming Shows and Plugs

[40:49 – 41:47]

• Show ends with tour promotions for Mike Finoia and Josh Adam Meyers, plus reminders to subscribe to The Bonfire Podcast.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The depths people go through to be an actor is so gross. No one does that…to become the best plumber.” — Jay [06:17]
• “Mullets, mustaches, dip and Jesus. That’s what these kids are into these days.” — Guest [12:38]
• “If you don’t see me tomorrow night, you’ll know why.” — Robert (on fake-marital strife and comedic consequences) [19:02]
• “If I would have done opiates the night I did… I would have gotten SNL that year.” — Josh [34:05]
• “When you see me covered in sores and teeth and I’m wearing one shoe…just know, boys, it feels great.” — Jay [37:36]

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:51–03:13 | Studio banter, “demerit system” proposals, comedy fashion | | 03:44–13:07 | Allison Mack, NXIVM, cult psychology, branding jokes | | 09:35–13:16 | Jesus “cult” resurgence, LA hip churches, AI Jesus | | 14:05–19:12 | Robert Kelly’s fine, parenting stories, jokes about missing games| | 24:05–26:33 | Smallville podcast premise, AI cult leader speculation | | 26:33–29:40 | Prayers in crisis, family and faith stories | | 28:18–30:19 | Jewish cultural discussions, Birthright, bar mitzvahs | | 30:46–31:56 | Would you get branded for Allison Mack? | | 33:46–35:14 | Recovery storytelling, “what if” moments in comedy careers | | 35:19–39:02 | Fantasizing about drug use, fear and comedic detours | | 40:49–41:47 | Tour dates and wrap-up |

Tone and Style

The episode is energetic, fast-paced, and extremely irreverent, featuring candid group storytelling, roasts, and “what if” scenarios laced with dark humor. Pop culture, current events, and personal anecdotes about parenting, comedy, substance use, and religion create the backdrop for unfiltered, often shocking comedy—true to The Bonfire's signature style.