Podcast Summary: "The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament" Episode: None of that Billy Goat Stuff
Release Date: October 8, 2024
Host: Joey "Coco" Diaz
Guest: Lee Syatt

Introduction

In this lively episode of "The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament," hosts Joey Diaz and Lee Syatt delve into a myriad of personal anecdotes, comedic insights, and candid discussions about life, comedy, and personal growth. Recorded live from New York City, the conversation traverses Joey's experiences with sobriety, his journey in stand-up comedy, reflections on aging, and encounters with everyday life challenges.

Joey Diaz’s Sobriety and Spiritual Reflections

Joey Diaz opens the episode by sharing his recent two-week sobriety journey, particularly abstaining from shrooms. He humorously contemplates the idea of attending church under the influence, leading to a broader discussion about his unique experiences attending church while stoned.

• Joey Diaz (00:24): "For like, two weeks now off the shrooms."

Joey reminisces about how being high affects his perception during church services, allowing him to connect deeply with the 12 Stations of the Cross but also making it challenging to focus entirely on the sermon.

• Joey Diaz (01:09): "I get caught up and feel sentimental."

He expresses a desire for more authentic and diverse church experiences, lamenting the lack of cultural diversity and genuine connection in his current religious community.

• Joey Diaz (03:23): "The church today has changed. ... they speak, you know, English or whatever, but you got these guys from like, they get them right off the boat."

Comedic Journey: From Bombing to Headlining

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Joey's evolution in the comedy scene. He reflects on his earlier struggles with bombing on stage and how those experiences ultimately shaped his comedic prowess.

• Joey Diaz (40:22): "Bombing is so much better than doing fantastic all the time. I took an immeasurable amount of bombs."

Joey emphasizes the importance of perseverance in comedy, likening the resilience built through bombing to building strength by repeatedly challenging oneself.

• Joey Diaz (43:20): "Sometimes bombing is... better than doing fantastic all the time."

Lee Syatt shares his own comedic milestones, celebrating seven years in the industry and planning to expand his performances. Joey encourages Lee by highlighting the continuous improvement that comes with consistent effort.

• Joey Diaz (38:05): "You're gonna have good nights and bad nights. ... every 60 to 90 days, you're gonna notice such an improvement of yourself on stage."

Personal Challenges: Health Scares and Coping Mechanisms

Joey candidly discusses a recent health scare involving an ear infection that led to a painful medical procedure. He shares his reluctance to publicly disclose such personal issues, preferring to handle them privately.

• Joey Diaz (51:35): "I thought you were continuing. ... I'm sorry about that."

He describes the experience of having something lodged in his ear, the subsequent medical treatments, and the physical pain endured.

• Joey Diaz (49:14): "I saw him this morning. That's why I was a little discombobulated this morning."

Joey also touches on his method of handling stress and pain through humor and routine activities like going to the boxing gym.

• Joey Diaz (56:00): "I went out there, I get sexual... I can horned up like everybody else."

Reflections on Aging and Sexuality

The hosts engage in a humorous yet honest conversation about the changes that come with aging, particularly concerning sexual desires and performance. Joey shares his embarrassment about maintaining sexual confidence without the aid of substances he once relied upon.

• Joey Diaz (17:22): "I'm embarrassed now."

They discuss the societal pressures and personal adjustments required as one grows older, with Joey humorously contemplating extreme measures to maintain his sexual prowess.

• Joey Diaz (17:21): "Unless I shoot a bunch of Viagra..."

Anecdotes from Day-to-Day Life

Joey and Lee exchange numerous anecdotes from their daily lives, ranging from interactions at local establishments to family moments. Joey recounts his attempts to buy gum at Wawa without being recognized, highlighting the humorous side of celebrity in everyday settings.

• Joey Diaz (61:19): "I had to start going to different Wawas to get my little."

Lee shares his experience of being mistakenly identified in a fast-food restaurant, adding to the lighthearted nature of their conversation.

• Lee Syatt (61:48): "That's the worst."

The Comedy Community and Industry Insights

Joey provides an insider's perspective on the comedy industry, discussing the challenges of transitioning from small clubs to larger venues. He offers advice to aspiring comedians about the importance of embracing both successes and failures as stepping stones.

• Joey Diaz (37:50): "The Ice House. I never went up there with material."

He emphasizes the value of genuine interaction with the audience and the lessons learned from varied comedic experiences.

• Joey Diaz (43:20): "Bombing is so much better than doing fantastic all the time."

Upcoming Shows and Future Plans

Towards the end of the episode, Joey and Lee discuss their upcoming performances and plans. Joey expresses excitement about upcoming shows at Casino and his participation in a performance with Paul Rizzi, while Lee talks about his shows in Salt Lake City and Boston.

• Joey Diaz (76:06): "If you really want to get good, you do 20 weeks. If you really, really, really want to get good, you do 35."

They conclude by encouraging listeners to attend their performances and stay tuned for future episodes filled with more humor and heartfelt conversations.

Conclusion

This episode of "The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament" showcases the dynamic chemistry between Joey Diaz and Lee Syatt. Through a blend of humor, personal stories, and industry insights, they offer listeners an engaging and relatable exploration of life’s ups and downs. Whether discussing sobriety, the challenges of stand-up comedy, or everyday mishaps, Joey and Lee's candidness and wit provide both laughter and thoughtful reflections.

Notable Quotes:

• Joey Diaz (17:22): "I'm embarrassed now."

• Lee Syatt (07:34): "Is that something like you. Did he, like, ask for forgiveness for it?"

• Joey Diaz (40:22): "Bombing is so much better than doing fantastic all the time. I took an immeasurable amount of bombs."

• Joey Diaz (43:20): "Sometimes bombing is... better than doing fantastic all the time."

• Joey Diaz (76:06): "If you really want to get good, you do 20 weeks. If you really, really, really want to get good, you do 35."

This episode provides a comprehensive look into Joey Diaz's personal and professional life, offering valuable lessons on resilience, authenticity, and the ever-evolving journey of a comedian. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, "None of that Billy Goat Stuff" promises a blend of humor, introspection, and engaging conversation.