The Commercial Break

Episode: Deliverance Us From Evil
Date: May 30, 2025
Hosts: Bryan Green & Krissy Hoadley

Episode Overview

This episode of The Commercial Break weaves together signature chaotic, irreverent improv comedy with commentary on the rise of exploitation in modern spirituality and religion—especially in the context of “deliverance centers” and new-age tent revivalism. Bryan and Krissy riff through AI’s impact on work, the late Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman), and then deep-dive into the strange world of profitable spirituality, exploring the merch-heavy world of a Florida-based “Deliverance Center.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AI Replacing Human Jobs: Hype or Doom? (04:00–15:50)

• Bryan recounts a personal saga involving ChatGPT “rebelling” (sending him empty docs, missing deadlines) when he overloaded it:

  "It's done. It's exactly the kind of employee I probably would hire...for a little bit less money to save cash." (05:00)

• The hosts discuss headlines forecasting mass replacement of human workers by AI (citing a billionaire’s prediction of near-total elimination of entry-level and white-collar jobs within five years).
  • They reference Axios's founder, who hopes employees integrate AI into their workflow or risk losing relevance.

    "If you are not spending 10 to 20% of your workday figuring out how AI complements your job... you will be out of a job." (06:18)

• Bryan muses that the existential threat isn’t total replacement, but lack of plans for dealing with massive societal shifts:

  "We have to figure out how to coexist and use this tool in a way that benefits us but does not replace us..." (11:22)

• Krissy cites a comforting stat: younger workers prefer AI to be “done right, but slower.”
• There’s a humorous undertone about never letting AI take over the podcast, followed by mock-resignation to a future with all-AI TCB episodes.

  “Let me be the... I’m almost afraid AI is gonna be better. It’s gonna be funnier than I am. And then I'm just gonna be a sad old man.” (09:38)

Memorable Quote

“The audience, listeners will know when AI has actually taken over is when everything that Brian is saying is correct.”
— Krissy Hoadley (09:49)

2. TCB Recommends: Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman) Documentary (16:43–25:10)

• The conversation shifts to the Pee-Wee Herman documentary, and both hosts reminisce about growing up with his show.
  • Both marvel at Paul Reubens’ creativity, perseverance, and the unfair aftermath of his 1991 adult theater scandal.

    “The world shit on Paul Reubens, and he didn’t deserve it. And for whacking off in a movie theater—an adult movie theater! Why else do you go to an adult movie theater?” — Bryan (17:54)

  • Krissy notes Paul’s experience as a gay man and shares a touching anecdote involving his father’s supportive note.

    “If you’re going to be a homosexual, be the best damn homosexual there’s ever been.” (23:16)

• Recommendation for both Pee-Wee's Playhouse and Tacoma FD for feel-good, nostalgic, or distracting TV.

3. Absurdities in Modern Religion: Deliverance Centers & Tent Revivals (27:22–61:17)

The Set-up: New Age Christianity and Profit

• Bryan investigates an Instagram “worship leader” Jenny Weaver (Jenny Weaver Worships) and her businesslike, merch-charged approach—glamping cabins, workshops, T-shirts, mugs, retreats.
• The comedic critique is pointed:

  “You are selling everything in the wallpaper. I don’t know... When I went to my church, they weren’t selling T-shirts... But that is very much part of this experience. And by the way, this is nothing new for megachurches. There are megachurches in Texas that have Starbucks in them. Starbucks!” (02:32, 29:02)

Deliverance Center, Not Delivery Center

• Jenny’s “Deliverance Center” is described as run like a pseudo-medical operation: check-ins, “pre-op paperwork,” lab coats, and “appointments” for exorcisms (on video!).
  • The satire soars as Bryan and Krissy lampoon the process:

    “There’s a bunch of people in lab coats, medical jackets. Just because you put on a lab coat does not make you a doctor.” (37:35)

  • The stairs to deliverance are labeled with sins (jealousy, lust, rage), and the sessions involve yelling, dramatized healing, and emotional theatrics, all while guests are filmed for Instagram.
  • Bryan observes the cultish tactics of stripping attendees of their defenses to authority:

    “So what she is doing is indoctrinating you to lay down your defenses to the people of the church... This is cult activity 101.” (42:33)

Merchandise, Money, and “Immersing Yourself in His Presence”

• The center’s offerings include:
  • Books ($17.99), monthly memberships, mentoring ($20–$200/month), luxury camping trailers, and stay packages presented as spiritual retreats.
  • Sly math reveals just how lucrative it is:

    “If you convince 2,000 people to do this... you’re making $40,000 a month.” (49:23)

• “Glamping,” Airbnbs, and luxury RVs by a retention pond and busy highway are all part of the spiritual experience. Bryan jokes about launching his own “Redemption Tour” campground (with a twist).

Cynical, Comedic Takeaways

• The segment highlights the hollowness and hypocrisy inherent in “selling hope,” whether at a church or strip club.

  “What’s the most expensive thing at the strip club, Chrissy? ... Hope.” (32:52)

• Both hosts find it bizarre and sad that people pay for this emotionally manipulative experience, underlining a society hungry for connection but easily preyed upon.
  • Krissy: “That’s the part that’s more wild to me is that there’s enough people to [participate].” (45:52)
  • Bryan: “People believe they have to pay Jenny to get somewhere... that they’re not good enough unless...” (59:18)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “If Christ was a guy who walked this earth and was the hero that he’s been made out to be... they wouldn’t have wanted any of this.” — Bryan (34:20)
• “Everyone’s going crazy. The next big MLM is your soul.” — Bryan (34:32)
• “Jars of farts. Fart L.A. Yes. Farts. Aioli. Special sage I peed on...” — Bryan, riffing on new age scams (33:49)
• “It looks like a hospital... these are actually wretched human beings who are about to scream at you.” — Bryan (39:14)
• “Let’s get out of here... What are we doing on Saturday? Let’s just get an RV and head out of town. We’ll do four minute podcasts from the road...” — Bryan (61:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• AI, Automation & The Future of Work: 04:00–15:50
• Paul Reubens / Pee-Wee Herman Documentary: 16:43–25:10
• Jenny Weaver’s Deliverance Center & Modern Religious Exploitation: 27:22–61:17
• Glamping, Campground Satire, and Riffing on RV Retreats: 49:23–59:18

Summary Tone

The episode is loose, irreverent, satirical, and self-aware. Bryan and Krissy riff off current events with a combination of dark humor, skepticism, and Midwestern/Millennial nostalgia (“best to you!”). They blend mockery of scammers and hucksters with earnest personal anecdotes, always erring on the side of making listeners laugh—even as they highlight the sadness and absurdity of modern-day spiritual grifts.

For New Listeners

• This episode is a great showcase of TCB’s style: wild banter, pop culture, and sharp comedic commentary on life’s weirder corners.
• Bryan and Krissy’s chemistry makes even serious topics—like AI anxiety or spiritual exploitation—feel approachable (and playfully irreverent).
• No celebrity guest this time, but an excellent peek into the true crime that is modern religious consumerism, with plenty of in-jokes for returning fans.

“Best to you and best to you out there in the podcast universe. Until next time, Chrissy and I will say, we do say, and we must say goodbye.” (62:56)