Podcast Summary: We Might Be Drunk - Ep 232: Ed Helms SNAFU
Release Date: May 19, 2025
In Episode 232 of "We Might Be Drunk," hosts Sam Morril and Mark Normand, joined by special guest Joe DeRosa, delve into a whirlwind of comedic insights, personal anecdotes, and reflections on the state of comedy in both film and live performances. The episode navigates through various topics, blending humor with thoughtful commentary, providing listeners with an engaging and enlightening experience.
1. Substance Use and Comedy
The episode kicks off with a humorous yet candid discussion about substance use. Sam Morril shares his personal journey of abstaining from alcohol due to its adverse effects on his heart.
Sam Morril [00:12]: "I love. I used to like it, and it does weird things to my heart."
Mark Normand adds his perspective, reinforcing the notion that alcohol can be detrimental.
Mark Normand [00:21]: "Yeah. I think it's bad for you."
The conversation takes a cheeky turn as Sam jokes about substituting alcohol with cocaine, highlighting the hosts' penchant for blending dark humor with personal experiences.
2. The Rise and Fall of Comedy Films in Theaters
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the evolution of comedy movies in theaters. The trio reminisces about the "Hangover" trilogy, debating its release timeline and impact on the comedy genre.
Sam Morril [02:14]: "Most of the time, I was happy to oblige."
Joe DeRosa and Mark Normand explore how the success of comedies like "The Hangover" marked a peak in comedy films, after which the genre's presence in theaters began to wane.
Joe DeRosa [08:27]: "They were all great."
Mark Normand [03:03]: "I saw Bridesmaids come after Hangover."
They contrast this with contemporary trends, noting a decline in comedic offerings in cinemas and attributing it to the rise of live shows and the oversaturation of comedy clubs.
3. Sam Morril's Career and Creative Ventures
Sam Morril takes the spotlight as he discusses his multifaceted career in comedy. From his early days performing stand-up in New York to landing a spot on "The Daily Show," Sam shares the challenges and triumphs he's faced along the way.
Sam Morril [12:03]: "I started as like, four times four is 16. It's 16. It's just 16."
He elaborates on his latest project, a book titled "Snafu," which stems from his passion for history and comedic disasters. Sam explains the transition from podcasting to authoring, emphasizing the structure of his book as a collection of historical snafus.
Sam Morril [20:23]: "It's a compendium of snafus as opposed to like a deep dive into one thing."
Additionally, Sam touches upon his involvement with improv groups like the Upright Citizens Brigade, underscoring the importance of diverse creative outlets in his career.
4. Absurdity in History: CIA's Outlandish Plans
A highlight of the episode is the exploration of some of the CIA's most bizarre historical projects. Sam narrates several absurd initiatives, such as attempts to weaponize cats for espionage and schemes to detonate nuclear missiles on the moon.
Sam Morril [22:27]: "They tried to surgery implant microphones into cats' ears and train them to sit next to bad guys in the park."
Sam Morril [26:18]: "They tried to hatch a plan where someone would put thallium salts into his shoes... to make Fidel Castro's beard fall out."
The hosts analyze these plans with a blend of fascination and incredulity, drawing parallels between these real-life "snafus" and the comedic absurdity often found in writers' rooms.
5. Stand-Up Comedy and Writing Process
The conversation shifts to the art of stand-up comedy, with Sam sharing snippets of his stand-up routines and discussing his influences, such as Brian Regan and Jim Gaffigan.
Sam Morril [18:27]: "There was an ad for, I think like American Airlines... 'Is it cool if we just drive to Phoenix?'"
Sam Morril [19:26]: "I wanted to be on Saturday Night Live or, you know, something like that."
Sam emphasizes the importance of writing and maintaining a list of bits, showcasing the creative process behind crafting jokes and routines.
Sam Morril [19:35]: "I keep it going."
The trio also touches upon the challenges of balancing writing with performing, highlighting the demands of touring and creating new material.
6. Promoting Creativity and Collaboration
Towards the end of the episode, the hosts discuss the significance of creative collaboration and the mutual support within the comedy community. They acknowledge the contributions of peers like Todd Phillips, lauding his work on "The Hangover" series and "Joker."
Sam Morril [43:02]: "He's like Sidney Pollock level."
They celebrate the collaborative spirit that drives successful comedy projects, attributing much of their own success to the vibrant ecosystem of comedians and creators they interact with.
7. Upcoming Projects and Tours
The episode concludes with updates on the hosts' upcoming projects and tour dates. Sam mentions an upcoming shoot in Vancouver, while Mark and Joe share their extensive touring schedules across the United States and internationally.
Sam Morril [58:34]: "I'm gonna be shooting something this summer in Vancouver."
Mark Normand [57:05]: "Red Bank, New Jersey, Count Basie Theater, the Wilbur in Boston in August..."
Their enthusiastic discussion underscores their active engagement in the comedy scene, leaving listeners anticipating future episodes and performances.
Conclusion
Episode 232 of "We Might Be Drunk" offers a rich tapestry of humor, personal stories, and insightful discussions on the comedy landscape. From reflecting on the golden era of comedy films to exploring the absurdities of historical espionage tactics, Sam Morril, Mark Normand, and Joe DeRosa provide listeners with a blend of laughter and thoughtful commentary. The episode serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of comedy and the continuous evolution of its mediums.
Note: Time stamps correspond to the points in the provided transcript where specific quotes and discussions occur.