Podcast Summary: We Might Be Drunk – Episode Featuring Dan Soder
Title: We Might Be Drunk: Touring Tales and Stand-Up Struggles with Dan Soder
Hosts: Sam Morril and Mark Normand
Guest: Dan Soder
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of We Might Be Drunk, hosts Sam Morril and Mark Normand are joined by comedian Dan Soder. The trio dives into the realities of life on tour, the ups and downs of stand-up comedy, memorable encounters with celebrities, and personal anecdotes that highlight the camaraderie and challenges within the comedy world.
Life on the Road
Tour Bus Chronicles
Dan Soder kicks off the discussion by sharing his sleepless nights on the tour bus, humorously recounting how excessive late-night conversations with fellow comics kept him wired. Sam Morril relates, emphasizing the difficulty of sleeping in such environments.
Dan Soder [00:17]: "I'm gonna be doing it pretty hard, but you can't sleep."
Sam Morril [01:10]: "It feels a little like college, where you're like, yeah, I'll get fucked up."
Party Atmosphere and Unexpected Opportunities
The conversation shifts to the party-like atmosphere on tour buses, comparing it to college life. Sam narrates an incident where he was unexpectedly invited to participate in a morning radio segment, showcasing the unpredictable nature of touring with Bert Kreischer.
Sam Morril [00:37]: "But then just five minutes later, Pete comes back and he goes, they're really asking for you."
Memorable Touring Anecdotes
Boat to the Casino Misadventure
Dan shares a hilarious story about joining a friend from OnlyFans on a boat trip to a casino in Hammond, Indiana. The group's decision to wear show outfits resulted in them getting soaked, leading to a comical struggle with their suede jackets and squishy shoes.
Dan Soder [02:22]: "It's just, like, we're soaked."
Sam Morril [02:39]: "We don't have to watch the whole..."
Interacting with Celebrities
Meeting Eddie Vedder
Sam recounts his encounter with Eddie Vedder during a Pearl Jam concert at the Ava Amphitheater in Tucson. Initially excited by their conversation about weather and everyday topics, Sam's attempt to take a picture with Vedder ultimately dampened the experience.
Sam Morril [17:04]: "I see his face, be like..."
Dan Soder [19:24]: "He doesn't. Every time Michelle Wolf's introduced me to other people, I just..."
Stand-Up Comedy Challenges
Bombing on Stage
Both hosts and Dan discuss their worst experiences bombing sets. Sam describes a particularly tough moment when a mass shooter joke fell flat, leaving him questioning his comedic choices amidst slow audience reactions.
Sam Morril [69:00]: "I was like, you're not funny."
Big Jay Oakerson [74:53]: "It's pure silence. So I could hear everything."
Heckling and Audience Interactions
Mark shares his infamous encounter with a heckler during a show at the Dayton Funny Bone, where rude interruptions left him speechless. Dan echoes similar sentiments, highlighting the difficulties of responding to aggressive audience members without escalating the situation.
Dan Soder [67:32]: "A woman walks out and goes, you fucking suck."
Big Jay Oakerson [69:38]: "That's true."
Personal Stories and Friendships
Bonding Over Comedy
The trio reflects on the importance of forming strong bonds within the comedy scene. Sam and Mark emphasize how shared experiences and a genuine love for comedy have solidified their friendships, allowing them to support each other through the highs and lows of touring.
Sam Morril [91:22]: "We had a very lucky experience. Our group naturally came together..."
Dan Soder [91:55]: "We all gave a shit. And I think that really brought us together."
Dealing with Stress and Substance Use
Discussions about coping mechanisms on tour surface, with Sam and Mark addressing their use of substances like weed to relax before sets. They candidly talk about the pros and cons of performing under the influence, sharing personal stories of both successful and challenging experiences.
Sam Morril [51:17]: "Punchlines are like, when you... weed kind of helps me be like, oh, I never thought about it from that angle."
Big Jay Oakerson [52:11]: "I like to get high before I go on stage because when I riff, I'm more likely to say something that'll make me laugh."
Upcoming Shows and Tours
As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Dan share their upcoming tour dates and special appearances. From New York to the West Coast, they discuss their excitement for performing in various cities and the continuous journey of bringing their comedy to diverse audiences.
Dan Soder [97:00]: "We're going hard. Burlington, Vermont, Montreal, Toronto..."
Sam Morril [98:07]: "I'm doing the Flynn in Burlington, too."
Conclusion
We Might Be Drunk with Dan Soder offers a raw and humorous glimpse into the life of touring comedians. From battling sleepless nights and memorable mishaps on the road to navigating the complexities of performance and audience interactions, Sam, Mark, and Dan provide an engaging and relatable narrative for listeners who haven't had the chance to tune in.
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Soder [00:17]: "I'm gonna be doing it pretty hard, but you can't sleep."
- Sam Morril [01:10]: "It feels a little like college, where you're like, yeah, I'll get fucked up."
- Sam Morril [17:04]: "I see his face, be like..."
- Dan Soder [19:24]: "He doesn't. Every time Michelle Wolf's introduced me to other people, I just..."
- Sam Morril [69:00]: "I was like, you're not funny."
- Dan Soder [67:32]: "A woman walks out and goes, you fucking suck."
- Sam Morril [91:22]: "We had a very lucky experience. Our group naturally came together..."
- Sam Morril [51:17]: "Punchlines are like, when you... weed kind of helps me be like, oh, I never thought about it from that angle."
- Big Jay Oakerson [52:11]: "I like to get high before I go on stage because when I riff, I'm more likely to say something that'll make me laugh."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and humorous exchanges from the episode, providing an engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the full podcast.