Podcast Summary: "We Might Be Drunk" – Episode 213: New Year - No Guest

Released on January 6, 2025 | Produced by Gotham Production Studios, LLC

In Episode 213 of "We Might Be Drunk," hosts Sam Morril and Mark Normand navigate the tumultuous waters of the holiday season, personal anecdotes, the evolving landscape of comedy, and the idiosyncrasies of New York City life. This episode, aptly titled "New Year - No Guest," offers listeners a blend of humor, candid conversations, and insightful reflections, all seasoned with a drink or three.

1. Holiday Weight Gain and Home Dynamics

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about the inevitable weight gain that accompanies the holiday season. Sam Morril shares his concerns about packing on pounds, only to be humorously debunked by his friend's sharp retort:

Sam Morril (00:21): "I was expecting. No, you're not. But she goes, what's the holidays? I was like, damn it, I am."

Mark Normand joins in, empathizing with the sedentary lifestyle that winter often brings. They delve into how holidays disrupt their usual routines, leading to indulgent eating habits and stagnant periods.

2. Barefoot Contessa Cupcakes and Domestic Peeves

Sam vents about his wife's penchant for purchasing delectable treats from Barefoot Contessa, leading to a humorous exchange about the aftermath:

Sam Morril (01:13): "Give them to the people in the building."

Mark quips about the overabundance of cupcakes ending up in garbage cans, poking fun at the paradox of abundance:

Mark Normand (01:26): "The homeless must be living it up. Every garbage can has got to be full of cupcakes and cookies and cakes."

This segment highlights the couple's playful banter about household clutter and differing views on indulgence.

3. Hollywood's Shift to Streaming and Its Impact on Comedy

Transitioning from domestic life, Sam and Mark critique Hollywood's outsourcing trends and the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix:

Mark Normand (02:21): "Well, look, we had a good run. All these writers and air conditioning with craft service and free lunch all day."

They reminisce about the golden era of television, lamenting the decline of structured support systems that once bolstered writers and comedians. The hosts express nostalgia for the days when being a comedy writer came with perks like healthcare and job security.

4. Frustrations with Interior Decorating and Custom Furniture

A major portion of the episode revolves around the challenges of hiring interior decorators and the pitfalls of custom-made furniture. Sam recounts his ordeal with an Italian couch that turned out to be uncomfortable and riddled with issues:

Sam Morril (05:16): "I think she just, like, scooped the frosting off all of them and ate them."

Mark elaborates on similar frustrations, highlighting the lack of accountability from service providers:

Mark Normand (05:57): "They say, you can't send it back because it's a custom job."

Their shared experiences underscore the complexities of home improvement projects, especially when dealing with international vendors and bespoke craftsmanship.

5. Bob Dylan Movie Critique

The hosts take a detour into the realm of biographical films, specifically critiquing the Bob Dylan movie directed by Mangold. Mark expresses dissatisfaction with the film's inaccuracies compared to documentaries:

Mark Normand (08:04): "Why would you fuck up the story? We know. We have Google. Bob Dylan's still alive. Why would you change it?"

Sam concurs, emphasizing that biopics often sacrifice factual authenticity for dramatic flair:

Sam Morril (08:50): "They always take liberties. They always take liberties with biopics."

The duo debates the relevance and necessity of such films, advocating for documentaries that offer a more truthful representation of iconic figures.

6. New York City Scams and Safety Concerns

A significant and serious segment addresses the myriad scams prevalent in New York City. Sam and Mark discuss various deceptive practices, from fake monks to overpriced hot dog vendors:

Sam Morril (29:50): "They're fake monks... Steer clear of them."

They share personal encounters and caution listeners about the vigilance required to navigate the city's bustling streets. The conversation shifts to safety, highlighting incidents like window break-ins and the challenges of dealing with compromised garage security:

Mark Normand (20:43): "So I had to go to the garage, call the cops. You wait eight hours. The cops finally show up."

This discussion serves as both a cautionary tale and a reflection on the unpredictable nature of urban life.

7. Challenges in Comedy Production and Writing

Sam and Mark delve into the intricacies of producing comedy sets, especially under tight deadlines. They express frustration over jokes being cut for being too dark or topical, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their authentic comedic voice:

Mark Normand (40:53): "We don't care about machine gun killing... We don't give a shit about Megan Fox."

They discuss the delicate balance between creating content that resonates with audiences and adhering to platform guidelines or algorithm-driven content strategies.

8. Personal Relationships and Communication Dynamics

The conversation naturally veers into personal territories, with the hosts sharing anecdotes about relationships and communication challenges. Mark criticizes the "happy wife, happy life" mentality, expressing reluctance towards marriage due to its perceived demands:

Mark Normand (58:13): "When I heard that, I was like, I'm never getting married."

Sam adds his perspective on relationship dynamics, particularly the complexities of aligning interests and managing expectations:

Sam Morril (75:23): "My girlfriend asked her, I want to fuck other people. And I was like, of course."

These discussions highlight the comedic yet relatable struggles of maintaining personal relationships amidst busy lives.

9. Upcoming Tour Dates and Future Projects

Towards the episode's conclusion, Sam and Mark share their excitement about upcoming comedy tours and new ventures. Sam mentions his extensive tour schedule, covering cities like New Haven, Portsmouth, Toronto, and Montreal:

Sam Morril (93:20): "Then I got Pittsburgh... Charlotte, Richmond, Philly, DC, Bethlehem, Tulsa, Austin, Dallas, Houston, NOLA, Memphis, Knoxville, Nashville, Birmingham, Atlanta, Durham."

Mark talks about starting a sketch comedy group called "No Lobsters," expressing enthusiasm for collaborative creative projects:

Mark Normand (95:03): "No Lobsters. Not fancy, but fun."

Their plans indicate a proactive approach to expanding their comedic repertoire and engaging with diverse audiences.

10. Final Remarks and Reflections on Modern Life

In their closing thoughts, Sam and Mark reflect on the pervasive influence of technology on daily life, particularly the reliance on smartphones and podcasts. They express a desire for moments of isolation to foster creativity, lamenting the constant connectivity that modern living imposes:

Sam Morril (81:52): "You just gotta force yourself to not look. Like, keep it in the other room every once in a while."

They also touch upon the challenges of balancing work, personal life, and creative endeavors, acknowledging the need to prioritize mental well-being amidst the chaos of contemporary society.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Morril (00:21): "I was expecting. No, you're not. But she goes, what's the holidays? I was like, damn it, I am."

• Mark Normand (01:26): "The homeless must be living it up. Every garbage can has got to be full of cupcakes and cookies and cakes."

• Mark Normand (08:04): "Why would you fuck up the story? We know. We have Google. Bob Dylan's still alive. Why would you change it?"

• Sam Morril (29:50): "They're fake monks... Steer clear of them."

• Mark Normand (58:13): "When I heard that, I was like, I'm never getting married."

• Sam Morril (81:52): "You just gotta force yourself to not look. Like, keep it in the other room every once in a while."

Conclusion

Episode 213 of "We Might Be Drunk" serves as a comedic yet insightful exploration of the hosts' personal lives, professional challenges, and observations on modern society. Through relatable anecdotes and sharp wit, Sam Morril and Mark Normand invite listeners to laugh, reflect, and perhaps even recognize parts of their own experiences within the conversations. As they gear up for an extensive tour and new creative projects, the dynamic duo continues to deliver content that resonates with both comedy aficionados and casual listeners alike.