Podcast Summary: The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament Episode: At Least I'm Not Lying with Paul Virzi
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Hosts: Joey Coco Diaz and Lee Syatt
Guest: Paul Virzi

Reunion and Welcome [01:25 - 03:00]

The episode kicks off with Joey Diaz and Lee Syatt warmly welcoming their guest, Paul Virzi, back to the show. Joey humorously remarks on Paul's sobriety for the evening, setting a light-hearted and relaxed tone for the discussion ahead.

Notable Quote:

• Joey Diaz [01:59]: "We're back, bitches. What's happening? We got my main man in the house tonight. Mr. Paul Vizzy."

Personal Anecdotes and Substance Use Stories [03:00 - 12:00]

The conversation delves into nostalgic and often humorous anecdotes from Joey and Paul’s younger years. They share stories about their experiences with substances, including high doses of supplements like Onnit's Alpha Brain and past encounters with laced weed, highlighting the unpredictable nature of their youth.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Virzi [04:40]: "I remember this weed was laced. I was staring at my buddy's kitchen floor, and everything started shaking."
• Joey Diaz [09:15]: "A yeast infection. And then something started hurting in there."

Comedy Career and Challenges [12:00 - 30:00]

Joey and Paul transition into discussing their careers in comedy, emphasizing the dedication required to succeed. They reflect on the difficulties of touring, the exhaustion of performing multiple shows, and the impact of aging on their performance abilities. The hosts stress the importance of perseverance, quality over quantity, and maintaining authenticity in their acts.

Notable Quotes:

• Joey Diaz [29:35]: "But once you get over 40, man, all that shit gets funny."
• Paul Virzi [25:07]: "I don't want to be every [expletive] doing everything, judging everything."

Impact of Social Media on Comedy [54:34 - 65:00]

The discussion shifts to the role of social media in modern comedy. Both hosts critique how platforms like Instagram and Twitter have changed the way comedians interact with their audiences, often prioritizing quantity over quality. They argue that excessive focus on social media can detract from the core craft of stand-up comedy, advocating instead for genuine engagement and honing one’s material.

Notable Quotes:

• Joey Diaz [58:32]: "If you do something good with it, and then once I stop doing blow, then the sky was the world."
• Paul Virzi [54:47]: "Just get good."

Touring Experiences and Audience Interactions [30:00 - 50:00]

Joey, Paul, and Lee share vivid memories from their tours, including challenging interactions with audience members. They recount instances of disruptive behavior, emphasizing the importance of security and maintaining composure on stage. These stories serve as lessons in handling adversity and the unpredictable nature of live performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Virzi [43:07]: "He shut the [expletive] up. What the [expletive] did I say?"
• Joey Diaz [71:16]: "Somebody was drunk, and it's one of those dudes that she wanted to come to the show, but he was like, he's not funny."

Balancing Family and Career [50:00 - 65:00]

The hosts discuss the challenges of balancing a demanding career in comedy with family life. Joey shares how having a daughter motivated him to prioritize personal time over relentless touring, leading to a healthier work-life balance. They highlight the sacrifices made for their careers and the personal growth that comes from reevaluating priorities.

Notable Quotes:

• Joey Diaz [52:36]: "Nobody wants to die alone, right? I can't imagine dying alone."
• Paul Virzi [77:05]: "It's like, you don't want to be that guy staring there, knowing he's just going to pay his bill."

Reflections on Personal Growth and Change [65:00 - 80:00]

Joey and Paul reflect on their personal growth, discussing how life experiences and parenthood have shaped their perspectives. They talk about overcoming past mistakes, the importance of self-improvement, and the realization that true success comes from passion and dedication rather than external validation.

Notable Quotes:

• Joey Diaz [82:52]: "Your goal is to go out there and have a good time for yourself, for yourself."
• Paul Virzi [86:18]: "You lose everything, you gotta start from scratch."

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Shows [80:00 - End]

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts promote their upcoming shows, sharing details about tour dates and locations. They express their commitment to remaining authentic and focused on delivering quality performances, encouraging listeners to support live comedy that prioritizes genuine connection over digital presence.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Virzi [85:05]: "Check out my new special, Two Reasonable Men. It's on my YouTube."
• Lee [106:19]: "I'm in New York through the week, so check my Instagram."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament, Joey Diaz, Lee Syatt, and Paul Virzi engage in a candid and humorous exploration of their lives, careers, and personal growth. They offer insightful commentary on the evolving landscape of comedy, the impact of social media, and the importance of balancing personal life with professional aspirations. Through a blend of storytelling and reflective discussion, the hosts provide listeners with both laughter and meaningful takeaways on navigating the challenges of life and the pursuit of comedy.