Podcast Summary: We Might Be Drunk – Ep 233: Eric Andre

Host/Guests:

• Mark Normand: Comedian
• Sam Morril: Comedian
• Jono Zalay: Guest, Comedian and Producer of the Eric Andre Show
• Eric Andre: Guest, Comedian and Creator of The Eric Andre Show

Release Date: May 26, 2025
Produced by: Gotham Production Studios, LLC

1. Opening Banter and Light-Hearted Topics (00:06 - 01:52)

The episode kicks off with Mark Normand and Sam Morril engaging in their signature humorous banter about rolling dice and drug references. They delve into the infamous internet prank known as "Rickrolling," mistakenly attributing it to the wrong individuals before humorously clarifying its origins.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Normand [00:08]: "Sylacause's nipples are hard. He loves when we roll."
• Sam Morril [00:14]: "You should get you some Molly, then you can roll."
• Eric Andre [00:25]: "So you would play the Rick Astley song, you would send somebody a link and it would play the Rick Astley song instead."

2. Whiskey Preferences and Drinking Stories (00:39 - 01:52)

Mark and Sam discuss their favorite whiskeys, highlighting brands like Lagavulin 16 and Petey Diabro. Their conversation shifts to personal anecdotes about attending games and the excitement of playoff seasons, interspersed with references to 90s rock music.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Normand [00:46]: "We’re doing a little Lagavulin 16 today."
• Sam Morril [01:22]: "A rye whiskey. I love our whiskey. But sometimes you gotta do a Petey Scotch."

3. Nostalgia for Classic Films and TV Shows (01:22 - 07:13)

The hosts reminisce about classic movies like "The Big Lebowski" and discuss the enduring appeal of 90s rock music. They delve into the complexities of acting careers, touching upon legends like Cary Grant and the challenges faced by actors in maintaining their legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Normand [04:28]: "I was in a shower with, like, me, Gary, Brian, and there was a dude, an old man next to us. And I said, hey, guys, listen to this."
• Sam Morril [06:51]: "His Girl Friday is hilarious."

4. Experiences in Athletic Clubs and Shared Shower Stories (02:12 - 03:56)

Mark shares a humorous and slightly awkward story about being in a communal shower at the New Orleans Athletic Club. The conversation highlights the outdated facilities and the challenges of maintaining functionality in historic establishments.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Normand [02:12]: "I was in a shower with, like, me, Gary, Brian, and there was a dude, an old man next to us."
• Sam Morril [02:28]: "It's been there since like 1808 or whatever, so it's really cool."

5. Deep Dive into Cary Grant and Classic Hollywood (07:13 - 10:50)

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Cary Grant, his comedic genius, and his influence on modern filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino. The hosts explore Grant's versatility, discussing his roles in slapstick comedies and his lasting impact on cinema.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Normand [06:28]: "Look at the chin on that guy."
• Sam Morril [07:16]: "It's the Big Sleep. The Big Lebowski is the Big Sleep."

6. Stand-Up Comedy Insights and Current Trends (11:05 - 24:28)

The discussion transitions to the world of stand-up comedy, examining the evolution of the industry post-pandemic. They critique modern entertainment trends, emphasizing the decline of traditional cinema in favor of short-form content consumed via smartphones. The hosts share personal anecdotes about bombing during performances and the mental toll it takes on comedians.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Normand [22:04]: "It would take me like, we are all gone too much on the road."
• Sam Morril [23:22]: "It's a lot of dairy. Yeah, but it tastes good."

7. Guest Introduction: Jono Zalay and His Comedy Journey (30:02 - 52:23)

Jono Zalay joins the podcast to share his extensive experience in the comedy industry, particularly his role in producing and managing "The Eric Andre Show." He recounts the challenges of creating and maintaining the show's unique comedic style, emphasizing the importance of genuine reactions and the meticulous planning required for successful pranks and sketches.

Notable Quotes:

• Jono Zalay [33:18]: "I keep it clean. I only do clean material. Since the beginning, never did one dirty joke."
• Mark Normand [46:27]: "Oh, I didn't know he did that until I was, like, a door guy at Broadway comedy club."

8. Handling Hecklers and Bombing Sets: Jono's Stories (53:50 - 84:03)

Jono shares vivid stories about his experiences bombing sets and dealing with hecklers. From throwing a phone into the audience to cutting his set short due to disruptive behavior, he illustrates the unpredictable nature of live performances. These anecdotes provide valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability required in stand-up comedy.

Notable Quotes:

• Jono Zalay [57:13]: "I grabbed her cell phone and I wrote, 'Mom, I've always had a thing for dad.' Send."
• Jono Zalay [61:03]: "So I was like, ruining lives."

9. Reflections on the Comedy Industry and Personal Struggles (53:50 - 84:03)

The conversation delves into the darker side of the comedy world, touching upon the mental health struggles faced by comedians. Jono and the hosts discuss the high rate of mortality among comedians and the pressures of the industry that contribute to these issues. They emphasize the importance of support systems and coping mechanisms for those in the profession.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Normand [52:54]: "Wow. I feel like in that, like, two year span, so many comics died."
• Jono Zalay [79:52]: "Read every. Read, Save The Cat, Reddit, McKee. Read all that. You gotta educate yourself."

10. Advice on Writing and Producing Comedies (80:00 - 84:03)

As the episode nears its end, Sam Morril and Mark Normand seek advice from Jono on writing and producing their own movie projects. Jono provides practical tips on screenwriting, emphasizing the importance of a solid story over mere jokes and the necessity of understanding the emotional underpinnings of a narrative to enhance comedic value.

Notable Quotes:

• Jono Zalay [79:50]: "You gotta educate yourself. Find a coach. Find a script writing coach that you trust."
• Sam Morril [79:52]: "We wrote with two other writers who have experience with it."

Conclusion

Episode 233 of "We Might Be Drunk" offers a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and industry insights, particularly through the contributions of guest Jono Zalay. The hosts navigate various topics, from nostalgic film discussions to the intricacies of stand-up comedy, providing listeners with both laughs and valuable perspectives on the entertainment world.

Overall Notable Quote:

• Eric Andre [24:40]: "Is it second screen worthy is what you're making second screen worthy."

This episode serves as an engaging exploration of comedy, creativity, and the personal journeys of those who shape the humor we enjoy.