Podcast Summary: Ep 214: Andrew Santino in Downtown LA
Hosts: Sam Morril and Mark Normand
Guest: Andrew Santino
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Produced by: Gotham Production Studios, LLC
Podcast: We Might Be Drunk
Episode Title: Andrew Santino in Downtown LA
1. Living in Downtown Los Angeles
The conversation kicks off with the trio discussing the peculiarities of living downtown LA. Mark and Sam express their disbelief about why anyone would choose to stay in an area they perceive as less desirable.
- Mark Normand [00:28]: "They put us here. Netflix."
- Sam Morril [01:38]: "It's_inside LA. Inside baseball."
Andrew shares his own experience, highlighting the challenges of staying in a "shady downtown" where safety is a concern.
- Andrew Santino [01:55]: "Now this is the bed. I did it as a cake a while back and they put me up in a shady downtown."
The hosts debate the merits of living downtown versus more suburban areas, with Sam remarking on Netflix's influence in placing them in such locales.
- Sam Morril [02:16]: "What exactly is that bad? It was just nobody goes down here."
2. Comedy Scenes in Different Cities
The discussion shifts to the comedy scenes in various cities, particularly New Orleans. Sam recounts his recent performance there, noting the cultural differences and the challenges of integrating comedy into a city where it's not deeply embedded.
- Sam Morril [05:55]: "I think the people that do come out really, really want to see comedy."
Andrew and Mark share their disappointments with certain performances, emphasizing the unpredictability of crowd reception.
- Andrew Santino [13:02]: "Are you gonna put on a hit or a miss set?"
- Mark Normand [13:48]: "That was the most gangster on earth."
3. Health and Wellness with a Comedic Twist
The hosts humorously delve into health trends, particularly focusing on cold plunges and their effects on the body. They joke about the physical responses to extreme cold and the absurdity of certain wellness practices.
- Sam Morril [04:30]: "It's set at 40. Anywhere from 46 to 49, I think is the highest."
- Mark Normand [04:59]: "I'm 41 years old. I'm not sure. I'm not trying to be cool anymore."
Andrew shares a personal anecdote about rejecting the plunge due to its impact on his physique.
- Andrew Santino [04:21]: "My dick looks like a puppy's tail. It's brutal."
4. Auditioning for Curb Your Enthusiasm
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Sam Morril's audition experience for Curb Your Enthusiasm. He narrates his interaction with Larry David, highlighting the challenges and eventual success of landing a role despite initial setbacks.
- Sam Morril [18:03]: "I was teed up to win pretty hard."
- Mark Normand [20:56]: "He was fine."
Sam describes the audition room, the casting process, and the improvisational nature of the role he was offered.
- Sam Morril [20:56]: "He was laughing, and he was like, get out of here. You're good."
- Mark Normand [23:46]: "He wanted conflict in every single scene."
5. Insights into the Comedy Industry
The hosts and Andrew discuss the evolving landscape of comedy, touching upon the saturation of content in the digital age and the potential resurgence of longer-form shows.
- Sam Morril [17:37]: "I think it's going to change. Something's coming."
- Mark Normand [17:54]: "Shows will come back."
They express concern over the diminishing attention spans and the overload of short clips, suggesting a shift towards more substantial comedic content.
6. Technology and Comedy: NFTs, Crypto, and VPNs
The trio delves into their skepticism regarding modern technological trends like NFTs and cryptocurrencies, associating them with dubious financial schemes.
- Sam Morril [27:08]: "I just don't know. It just doesn't really land."
- Andrew Santino [26:28]: "What kind of grifter do you feel like?"
They also discuss the practicality and usage of VPNs, especially in circumventing regional restrictions and enhancing privacy.
- Sam Morril [60:25]: "I can just turn it on or off wherever I am."
- Mark Normand [60:41]: "It's a little amateur, but the hangover is better for vodka."
7. Upcoming Work and Tours
Andrew Santino shares his extensive upcoming tour schedule, expressing excitement about performing in various cities and filming his new special.
- Andrew Santino [66:09]: "I have two months left until I tape my special..."
- Mark Normand [66:38]: "Four floors of horrors. Brownstone and BK, baby."
Sam and Mark also highlight their own projects, including marking territories, collaborations, and the expansion of their comedic ventures.
8. Personal Anecdotes and Interactions
The hosts and Andrew recount various personal stories, from interactions with other comedians like Dave Chappelle to humorous incidents during performances.
- Sam Morril [35:35]: "He was running out of steam."
- Andrew Santino [45:09]: "He dunked on your ass."
These anecdotes provide a glimpse into the camaraderie and humorous dynamics among the comedians.
9. Views on Specialized Comedy Platforms
The discussion touches upon specialized platforms for comedy and how they compare to traditional mediums. The hosts debate the value of self-produced content versus mainstream avenues.
- Mark Normand [64:55]: "They're struggling to. These streamers."
- Andrew Santino [65:25]: "Would you ever do like a live-action movie with Bobby?"
10. Reflections on Aging in Comedy
The trio reflects on the challenges of maintaining energy and creativity as they age, sharing their strategies for staying relevant and authentic in the industry.
- Sam Morril [51:20]: "It's got to be in on that character."
- Andrew Santino [42:14]: "I have so much admiration for these people."
They emphasize the importance of retaining a sense of whimsy and not taking oneself too seriously to keep comedy fresh and engaging.
Notable Quotes:
- Sam Morril [04:30]: "It's set at 40. Anywhere from 46 to 49, I think is the highest."
- Andrew Santino [04:21]: "My dick looks like a puppy's tail. It's brutal."
- Sam Morril [18:03]: "I was teed up to win pretty hard."
- Mark Normand [20:56]: "He was fine."
- Sam Morril [17:37]: "I think it's going to change. Something's coming."
- Sam Morril [27:08]: "I just don't know. It just doesn't really land."
Conclusion:
Episode 214 of We Might Be Drunk provides an engaging and humorous deep dive into the lives of comedians Sam Morril, Mark Normand, and guest Andrew Santino. From navigating the complexities of Downtown LA to dissecting the ever-evolving comedy landscape, the hosts offer both insightful commentary and relatable anecdotes. The episode seamlessly blends personal experiences with broader industry observations, making it a must-listen for fans and aspiring comedians alike.