Podcast Summary: We Might Be Drunk – Ep 222: Rosebud Baker & Rachel Feinstein

Release Date: March 10, 2025
Produced by Gotham Production Studios, LLC

In Episode 222 of "We Might Be Drunk," hosts Sam Morril and Mark Normand engage in a lively and candid conversation with comedians Rosebud Baker and Rachel Feinstein. The episode delves deep into the intricacies of crafting comedy specials, navigating the challenges of the comedy world, personal growth through therapy, and the unique experiences of being comedians on the road. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and humorous exchanges that unfolded during the episode.

1. Rosebud Baker's Netflix Special: Before and After

Discussion Highlights: Rosebud Baker introduces her new Netflix special, "Before and After," which incorporates a unique format combining her pre-show and post-show experiences. The hosts and Rosebud delve into the creative process behind this innovative approach.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Morril [00:18]: "You found a new... I heard Chris Rock once say, like, a special should be like an iPhone. You need a new feature. And you did a new feature."
• Rosebud Baker [00:27]: "It's funny. Like, some people really love it. Some people are like, I didn't know what was happening."

Insights: Rosebud discusses the challenges of presenting a comedy special in a non-traditional format, likening it to a "true crime documentary" to enhance its comedic effect. She emphasizes the importance of allowing the audience to organically discover the premise without overt explanations.

2. SNL 50 Party Highlights: Celebrity Interactions

Discussion Highlights: Rosebud recounts her experience attending the SNL 50th Anniversary party, highlighting interactions with notable celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray.

Notable Quotes:

• Rosebud Baker [03:14]: "I'm in the wrong place, right? Like, what is it? Imposter syndrome?"
• Sam Morril [03:41]: "Remember that movie Eddie, where she plays the Knicks coach? And this is how low the bar was for Knicks fans back then."

Insights: The conversation reveals Rosebud's admiration for established artists and her feelings of imposter syndrome when surrounded by such high-profile individuals. Rosebud humorously describes mistaking Meryl Streep for someone else in a bustling environment, adding a relatable touch to her experience.

3. The Process of Creating a Comedy Special

Discussion Highlights: The hosts and guests explore the meticulous process of developing a comedy special, focusing on material selection, editing, and the pressure to produce quality content.

Notable Quotes:

• Rosebud Baker [02:25]: "I do think it helps people that don't naturally get it to understand that premise."
• Mark Normand [33:02]: "It's the way that it always better to wait."

Insights: Rosebud shares her experience of leaving substantial material on the cutting room floor, highlighting the balance between quality and quantity in comedy specials. The importance of timing and pacing in joke delivery is underscored, with Rosebud advocating for waiting until the material is finely tuned before releasing it to the public.

4. Personal Journeys and Therapy

Discussion Highlights: The conversation shifts to personal growth, with Rosebud, Sam, and Mark discussing their journeys through therapy and how it has impacted their lives and careers.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Feinstein [10:30]: "I gently recommended you to therapist... That's the nicest thing I've ever received."
• Mark Normand [11:10]: "We got in a fight at the Cellar... Just like, you can't ask me that."

Insights: Rosebud opens up about her recent foray into therapy, sharing a conflict that arose from her decision to seek professional help. The hosts reflect on their own therapeutic experiences, emphasizing the importance of mental health support in managing the pressures of a comedy career.

5. Life as Comedians on the Road

Discussion Highlights: The hosts and guests delve into the realities of touring, including the highs and lows of performing in various cities, dealing with low attendance, and the camaraderie among comedians.

Notable Quotes:

• Rosebud Baker [43:28]: "I felt like work, but I kind of... I was like, damn, I wish I had met..."
• Sam Morril [45:18]: "It's like De Niro outside. That place was smacking the phone."

Insights: Rosebud and Rachel share anecdotes about challenging gigs, such as performing for minimal audiences, which test their resilience and adaptability. The discussion highlights the emotional toll of the road life, including feelings of loneliness and the constant need to prove oneself in diverse and often unanticipated settings.

6. Family and Adoption Stories

Discussion Highlights: Rosebud Baker reveals personal family history, discussing her adoption and discoveries about her grandparents that were previously unknown to her.

Notable Quotes:

• Rosebud Baker [25:03]: "I last year read this biography about my granddad and found out that my grandma didn't tell my dad..."
• Rachel Feinstein [25:50]: "I had no clue until I read this biography. I was like, this is something you find out if you're adopted."

Insights: Rosebud shares the profound impact of learning about her family's hidden stories, emphasizing how such revelations can shape one's identity and understanding of self. The conversation underscores the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of uncovering one's heritage.

7. Challenges in the Comedy Industry

Discussion Highlights: The hosts and guests critique the pressures of producing comedy specials, the pitfalls of emulating successful comedians, and the struggles of maintaining originality in a competitive field.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Normand [34:28]: "People are like, maybe listen to any hack that's jealous of you."
• Rosebud Baker [33:15]: "I've had to go back to the shitty gigs."

Insights: The discussion touches on the detrimental effects of rushing to release specials, the importance of authenticity over imitation, and the ongoing battle against self-doubt. They caution against the pitfalls of trying to replicate the success of established comedians like Louis C.K., advocating instead for cultivating one's unique voice and style.

8. Humorous Banter and Personal Anecdotes

Discussion Highlights: Throughout the episode, the hosts and guests engage in spirited and humorous exchanges, sharing personal stories, poking fun at each other, and enjoying the camaraderie that defines their relationships.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Feinstein [22:25]: "Like, country slow there."
• Sam Morril [32:02]: "We're not saying we're like, we're the TEU of those two guys."

Insights: The playful interactions serve to humanize the comedians, showcasing their ability to find humor in everyday situations and personal idiosyncrasies. These moments of levity add depth to the conversations, making the episode both entertaining and relatable.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Discussion Highlights: As the episode wraps up, the hosts and guests promote their respective projects, encouraging listeners to watch Rosebud and Rachel's specials and attend their live performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Morril [87:45]: "Check out Rachel's hilarious Netflix special."
• Mark Normand [87:54]: "We love you. See you next week, guys. Thanks."

Insights: The episode concludes on a high note, with genuine expressions of support and enthusiasm for each other's work. The mutual encouragement underscores the collaborative spirit that binds the comedians, highlighting the importance of community in the comedy industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation in Comedy: Rosebud Baker's "Before and After" special exemplifies the evolving landscape of comedy specials, pushing boundaries to create engaging and original content.
• Mental Health Awareness: The candid discussions about therapy emphasize the crucial role of mental health in sustaining a demanding career in comedy.
• Resilience on the Road: The shared experiences of performing in varied environments highlight the challenges and rewards of touring as a comedian.
• Authenticity Over Imitation: The emphasis on developing unique comedic voices serves as a reminder of the importance of originality in the competitive world of stand-up comedy.
• Camaraderie Among Comedians: The humorous and supportive interactions among the hosts and guests showcase the strong bonds formed within the comedic community.

This episode of "We Might Be Drunk" offers a blend of insightful discussions, personal revelations, and light-hearted humor, making it a must-listen for fans interested in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the comedy world.