Summary of "The Church Rises" Episode of The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament

Release Date: November 19, 2024
Hosts: Joey "Uncle Joey" Diaz and Lee Leland

1. Return to In-Person Podcasting

After a hiatus during which the hosts conducted their podcast via Zoom, Joey Diaz and Lee Leland celebrate their return to a live studio setting in New York City. Joey expresses enthusiasm about being back, stating, “The chapter was done, but I'm happy to be back” [04:06]. They discuss the challenges of transitioning back to in-person recordings, highlighting the improvements in their studio setup and their readiness to engage with a live audience.

Notable Quote:
Joey Diaz: “We're ready to rock here. We're already fucking tuned up and ready to go” [04:30]

2. Food Preferences and Local Eats

The conversation shifts to their shared love for local eateries. Lee mentions gaining weight from frequent visits to Hiram's, a spot known for its deep-fried hot dogs, prompting Joey to reminisce about his own long-standing patronage since eighth grade [04:42]. They discuss other favorite restaurants, particularly those offering soups, with Joey highlighting Rudy's and Brass Rail in Manila Pan as top choices.

Notable Quote:
Joey Diaz: “I call around if I'm going to come up here before I make the trip” [05:29]

3. Navigating Career Challenges in Comedy and Acting

Joey opens up about his struggles in the entertainment industry, revealing he hasn't secured any work in the past year despite numerous auditions. He shares a particularly tough experience auditioning for a single line in a Steve Martin project, recounting how his unconventional approach didn’t yield a callback [07:30].

Notable Quote:
Joey Diaz: “When you do one word and you don't book the audition, that's pain in your heart” [07:33]

4. Reflections on Mike Tyson and Aging Athletes

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Mike Tyson's recent fight and overall legacy. Joey reflects on Tyson's enduring spirit despite aging, drawing parallels to other athletes like Aaron Rodgers and LeBron James who maintain peak performance through rigorous training. They also touch upon the physical toll of Tyson's career and his continued presence in the public eye.

Notable Quote:
Joey Diaz: “You got to keep training. You forgot all about this shit” [58:36]

5. Personal Anecdotes: Home Security and Family Life

Joey shares a tense experience where he mistakenly thought someone was attempting to break into his home due to unusual noises while under the influence of mushrooms [18:00]. This story leads to a nostalgic exchange about past break-ins and their impacts on personal lives. Additionally, Joey discusses daily routines, including interactions with his wife and daughter, highlighting the humorous and chaotic aspects of family life.

Notable Quote:
Joey Diaz: “There's a leak on this floor. That's what I do” [70:05]

6. Comedy Craft: Writing and Performing

The hosts delve into the intricacies of writing comedy, with Joey emphasizing the importance of daily writing habits. He explains his process of jotting down jokes, even when they aren’t initially funny, to build material over time. Lee concurs, sharing insights from observing other comedians like Tom Papa and Ari Paloozi, and underscores the value of constructive joke development.

Notable Quote:
Joey Diaz: “You got to hit that notebook every day, even with stupid shit” [45:39]

7. Upcoming Shows and Future Plans

Towards the end of the episode, Joey and Lee discuss their upcoming performances, including sold-out shows in Jersey City and plans for open mic nights at the American Comedy Hotel. Joey humorously expresses his uncertainty about his endurance for longer sets but remains optimistic about continuing the podcast and live shows.

Notable Quote:
Joey Diaz: “We got guests lined up straight though. After New Year's guest that you heard us talking about before” [73:29]

Conclusion

In "The Church Rises," Joey Diaz and Lee Leland provide listeners with a candid and entertaining glimpse into their lives, careers, and personal challenges. The episode balances humor with heartfelt reflections, showcasing the depth of their friendship and commitment to bringing joy through their podcast. Their return to in-person recordings marks a significant milestone, promising engaging content and relatable stories for their audience.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments were omitted from this summary to focus on the core content of the episode.