Podcast Summary: "Are You Garbage" featuring H. Foley & Kevin Ryan with Mark Normand and Sam Morril

Episode Information

• Title: Are You Garbage
• Hosts: Mark Normand and Sam Morril
• Guests: H. Foley & Kevin Ryan
• Release Date: March 3, 2025
• Produced by: Gotham Production Studios, LLC

Introduction

In this episode of We Might Be Drunk, NYC comedians Mark Normand and Sam Morril, along with guest comedians Dan Soder, Joe List, and Gary Veder, dive into a lively discussion filled with personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes insights from the comedy world, humorous mishaps on tour, and interactions with fans. The conversation, sprinkled with humor and occasional tangents, offers listeners a candid look into the life of stand-up comedians on the road.

Tour Bus Tales and Road Mishaps

Mark Normand kicks off the conversation by sharing a harrowing first-week tour experience. He recounts being stranded in a Sprinter van due to an exhausted driver, highlighting the perils of life on the road.

Mark Normand [01:25]: "We were watching the movie The Substance on my computer to stay awake, and the driver falls asleep at the wheel... It might have saved our lives by not being good."

Dan Soder and Joe List chime in with their own tour stories, discussing unreliable drivers and the challenges of maintaining safety during late-night travels.

Dan Soder [05:23]: "Random guys with bad driving habits make the tour unbearable. They always stick to the speed limit... but they're clearly driving too fast."

Interactions with Fans and On-Stage Challenges

The hosts transition to discussing interactions with fans, both positive and negative. Joe List shares an incident where a fan booed him after a tough set, leading to introspection about performance and audience reception.

Joe List [24:35]: "I apologized to the audience but they just stared at me like, 'What?' It was the worst feeling."

Mark Normand reflects on receiving critical reviews and the emotional toll it takes, emphasizing the human side of performing comedy.

Mark Normand [25:25]: "Everyone has an off day. There's always something you look back on and think, 'I should have done that differently.'"

Comedian's Life: Hotel Stays and Personal Safety

The conversation shifts to life outside of performances, particularly staying in hotels during tours. The comedians discuss the importance of choosing good accommodations and the anxiety that comes with being on the road.

Mark Normand [15:03]: "John Panette died on the road. It's a sad way for a comedian to go."

They also touch upon personal safety, sharing experiences of encountering aggressive individuals in public spaces.

Dan Soder [73:03]: "I was walking my dog at night and witnessed two kids harassing a woman. It was intense and felt like a scene from a movie."

Comedy Techniques and Writing

Mark Normand and Sam Morril delve into the nuances of writing and performing stand-up comedy. They discuss the evolution of comedy as an art form, the importance of material selection, and the challenges of keeping audiences engaged.

Mark Normand [28:18]: "Comedy is a fairly new job as an art form, so we've kind of perfected it just now quite quickly."

They also explore the concept of "check spots," where comedians perform during breaks in shows, analyzing its effectiveness in maintaining audience interest.

Mark Normand [21:17]: "For those listening, you don't know what a check spot is. They actually give the check during the show."

Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Throughout the episode, the comedians share amusing and bizarre behind-the-scenes stories from their tours. From dealing with unruly tour bus drivers to unexpected encounters with celebrities, these stories highlight the unpredictable nature of life as a touring comedian.

Mark Normand [38:54]: "We met Kevin Hart once. We chatted for a bit, but he was too busy to hang out. It was surreal."

Technology and Modern Challenges

The discussion also touches on the impact of technology on comedy, such as social media reviews and the pressure of maintaining an online presence. The comedians express mixed feelings about the transparency and critique that come with being active online.

Mark Normand [31:00]: "Yelp reviews aren't always helpful. Sometimes you can tell it's somebody having a personal issue rather than a genuine critique of the performance."

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the comedians reflect on the camaraderie among performers and the shared experiences that make touring bearable. They emphasize the importance of supporting each other and finding humor in the challenges they face on the road.

Joe List [86:35]: "Having friends on the road makes the experience so much better. It's like an 80s headliner experience, but more manageable."

Mark Normand succinctly captures the essence of their journey:

Mark Normand [57:27]: "You just have to accept you're going to be in the hole. That's a state of entertainment."

Notable Quotes

• Mark Normand [01:25]: "The movie might have saved our life by not being good."
• Joe List [24:35]: "I apologized to the audience but they just stared at me like, 'What?'"
• Mark Normand [21:17]: "For those listening, you don't know what a check spot is."
• Mark Normand [38:54]: "We met Kevin Hart once. It was surreal."
• Mark Normand [31:00]: "Yelp reviews aren't always helpful."

Key Insights

• Touring Challenges: Life on the road is fraught with unexpected difficulties, from unreliable transportation to safety concerns.
• Audience Interaction: Engaging with diverse audiences can lead to both positive reinforcement and harsh criticism, underscoring the volatility of live performances.
• Comedy Evolution: Stand-up comedy has rapidly evolved as an art form, with comedians honing their craft amidst changing societal and technological landscapes.
• Behind-the-Scenes Realities: The anecdotes shared reveal the often chaotic and humorous realities that comedians face behind the scenes.
• Support System: The camaraderie among comedians serves as a crucial support system, helping them navigate the ups and downs of their career.

Conclusion

"Are You Garbage" offers a rich and entertaining glimpse into the lives of comedians Mark Normand, Sam Morril, and their colleagues. Through candid storytelling and humorous exchanges, listeners are treated to the highs and lows of touring, the intricacies of stand-up comedy, and the enduring bonds formed in the world of comedy. This episode serves as both an enjoyable listen for comedy enthusiasts and an insightful look into the dedication and resilience required to succeed in the challenging world of stand-up.