Podcast Summary: "We Might Be Drunk" – Ep 228: Joe List & Tom Dustin - Portrait of A Comedian

Release Date: April 21, 2025
Produced by Gotham Production Studios, LLC

Introduction

In Episode 228 of "We Might Be Drunk," hosts Sam Morril and Mark Normand are joined by special guests Joe List and Tom Dustin to discuss their latest collaborative project, the documentary "Portrait of A Comedian." The episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the film, and light-hearted banter about personal lives and the comedy industry.

Promoting "Portrait of A Comedian"

The episode kicks off with the guests enthusiastically promoting their new documentary, "Portrait of A Comedian." Joe List shares details about its theatrical release, highlighting key venues and the widespread distribution plans.

Notable Quote:
[00:50] Sam Morril: "We got Some Day. I sent them to Salicy. April 25, the Quad Cinema here in New York City."

Joe emphasizes the documentary's humorous nature and invites listeners to watch it across various cities, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cambridge, Atlanta, and Houston.

Making of the Documentary: Capturing Friendship and Comedy

Joe List delves into the inspiration behind "Portrait of A Comedian," explaining his desire to showcase his friendship with Tom Dustin and provide an authentic look into Tom's life in Key West.

Notable Quote:
[06:01] Joe List: "Tom is like the best hang. The funniest guy I've ever met. My best buddy here."

The conversation reveals that the documentary started as a short project but evolved into a full-feature film due to the depth of Tom's stories and their enduring friendship. They draw parallels to iconic documentaries like Martin Scorsese’s "Italian American" and "American Boy Lost," aiming to create a similarly engaging and heartfelt portrayal.

Humorous Stories About Marriage Proposals

The hosts and guests share hilarious and unconventional marriage proposal stories, highlighting the unique personalities involved.

Notable Quotes:
[19:17] Tom Dustin: "I had to put your ring somewhere else. They tie the fucking note to the owl's talon."

Tom recounts his elaborate proposal using an owl, which led to a memorable and amusing moment when his fiancée, Kristen, initially believed the owl was proposing.

Joe shares a less successful marriage proposal attempt, adding to the humorous exchanges.

Notable Quote:
[22:34] Joe List: "I was just trying to... I got sober shortly after because that was the last Christmas party. That was 2012."

Reflections on Comedy and Personal Lives

The conversation shifts to their experiences in the comedy scene, touching on the challenges and humorous moments of performing, especially during significant events like New Year's Eve.

Notable Quotes:
[25:18] Mark Norman: "I'm on no sleep. My head is throbbing."

Sam Morril and the others discuss the exhausting yet rewarding nature of performing multiple shows in a single night and the camaraderie built through shared experiences.

Experiences with Movie Screenings and Reception

Joe List and Tom Dustin talk about the reception of their documentary during screenings in different cities, noting how certain parts resonated deeply with local audiences, especially the segments addressing the darker aspects of Key West.

Notable Quote:
[37:19] Tom Dustin: "We played the movie in Boston, Key West, and New York so far, and there's a section where James Patterson talks about the darker side of Key West."

They highlight how some audiences were silent during intense parts of the documentary, indicating a powerful impact beyond just the comedic elements.

Current Projects and Future Plans

As the episode progresses, the guests provide updates on their ongoing and upcoming projects. Joe List announces his new comedy special premiering at the IFC Center in New York City, while Sam Morril and Mark Normand share their extensive touring schedules for upcoming "Punch Up Live" shows.

Notable Quote:
[72:19] Joe List: "May 21, my new special is premiering at the IFC center at a movie theater. You can come see it live."

They also discuss their preferences and challenges regarding performing during holidays and maintaining a work-life balance amidst their busy careers.

Humorous Banter and Light-Hearted Moments

Throughout the episode, the hosts and guests engage in playful and comedic exchanges, sharing stories from past performances, awkward encounters, and mishaps during tours.

Notable Quotes:
[54:19] Mark Norman: "It's too big in that situation, you wait for the pregnant woman to come and you go, ma'am, here you go."

[58:08] Joe List: "I'm the first one in the pool. May 21, my new special is premiering at the IFC center at a movie theater."

These moments add a relatable and entertaining layer to the conversation, showcasing the personalities behind the comedians.

Closing and Final Promotions

As the episode wraps up, Joe List, Tom Dustin, Sam Morril, and Mark Normand make final promotional remarks about "Portrait of A Comedian," encouraging listeners to attend screenings and check out their other projects.

Notable Quote:
[68:25] Tom Dustin: "You can go to TomDustendoc.com to see where it's playing near you."

They reiterate the documentary's availability across multiple theaters and tease upcoming events, leaving listeners excited about their work and eager to engage with their content.

Conclusion

Episode 228 of "We Might Be Drunk" offers a blend of humor, heartfelt storytelling, and insightful discussions about the comedy world and personal relationships. Through engaging dialogue and entertaining anecdotes, Sam Morril, Mark Normand, Joe List, and Tom Dustin provide listeners with an enjoyable glimpse into the making of "Portrait of A Comedian" and the lives of those who create it.

For more information on "Portrait of A Comedian" and upcoming screenings, visit TomDustendoc.com and follow the hosts on their social media platforms.