Podcast Title: We Might Be Drunk
Episode: 241: Jim Norton
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Hosts: Sam Morril and Mark Normand
Guest: Jim Norton
Produced by: Gotham Production Studios, LLC
Introduction and Sobriety Discussion (00:00 - 00:30)
The episode kicks off with a humorous banter about sobriety and substance use. Mark Normand jokes about Jim Norton's sobriety status, leading Jim to clarify:
Jim Norton (00:16): "No, I don't mind us drinking."
Jim shares his stance on substance use, expressing indifference towards others' choices as long as it doesn't interfere with his daily life.
Bar Culture and Toasting Etiquette (00:30 - 01:22)
The conversation shifts to the nuances of bar traditions, particularly the act of toasting. Jim discusses his nonchalant approach to toasting:
Jim Norton (00:41): "It's a stupid tradition."
The trio humorously debates the superstitions surrounding toasting with water versus alcohol, highlighting the sometimes rigid social norms in bars.
“Comics Unleashed” and Byron Allen (01:53 - 03:21)
Mark and Jim delve into Jim Norton's experience with the show "Comics Unleashed," sharing anecdotes about its structure and Byron Allen's role:
Jim Norton (02:11): "I feel like watching. I think Andy Kindler called it Comics Uncomfortable, which was such a miserable thing to watch."
They critique the show's lack of spontaneity and genuine interaction among comedians, contrasting it with their preferred styles.
The Evolution of The Weather Channel (03:22 - 05:14)
The discussion transitions to The Weather Channel, its shift towards digital platforms, and its relevance in the age of smartphones:
Mark Normand (03:30): "Is the Weather Channel a good investment? Can we just look at our phone?"
Jim reminisces about the traditional appeal of weather broadcasts and the iconic weathermen of the past.
Jim Norton’s Cameo in Spider-Man (17:02 - 19:17)
Jim shares his experience of making a cameo in "Spider-Man," reflecting on the unexpected inclusion and his impressions of working alongside industry giants:
Jim Norton (18:35): "I had one cameo, yeah. It was in Spider-Man... I kept doing, like, all these dick jokes about the webbing being a load."
He humorously discusses the minimal impact of his role and the challenges of standing out in major film productions.
Movie Discussions: Raging Bull and Ordinary People (05:38 - 24:46)
A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to classic films, particularly "Raging Bull" and "Ordinary People." The hosts debate the merits of each movie, Oscar controversies, and the enduring legacy of these films:
Jim Norton (12:05): "It's a masterpiece."
Jim praises "Raging Bull," highlighting its cinematic excellence and personal connection to the actors and director, Martin Scorsese.
Sam Morril (16:28): "I think Grantthe Hawks throw something... and all these great puns."
They critique the Oscars' decision-making, expressing admiration for films they believe deserved more recognition.
Comedy Special Insights and Challenges (37:09 - 58:55)
The conversation moves to the creative struggles of developing new comedy material. Jim discusses his process of writing and experimenting with bits, sharing frustrations and successes:
Jim Norton (54:53): "I can't think of any. Like, I'm just kind of talking things through on stage and that's it."
Sam and Mark reflect on their own creative processes, emphasizing the challenges of evolving as comedians while keeping material fresh and engaging.
Reflections on Classic Comedians and Their Legacies (33:10 - 37:33)
Jim reminisces about legendary comedians like Richard Pryor and their complex legacies, discussing their impact on comedy and personal anecdotes:
Jim Norton (35:08): "But if that didn't happen, I probably wouldn't even have remembered that. It was such a minor footnote."
The hosts explore how past comedians navigated controversial topics and the lasting influence of their work.
Pet Peeves and Modern Media Critique (58:36 - 74:23)
The trio vents about various pet peeves related to television and film, including overly extended storylines and poor character development in sequels:
Sam Morril (58:37): "That's actually a peeve. When they stretch them."
They discuss the decline in quality storytelling, attributing it to the need for higher ratings and shorter attention spans in modern audiences.
Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects (83:38 - 86:24)
As the episode nears its end, Jim promotes his upcoming comedy tour and special, encouraging listeners to attend his shows and watch his latest work:
Jim Norton (83:38): "I'm going to be... I'm going."
Sam and Mark share details about their own tours, covering various locations both in the U.S. and Europe, and encourage fans to follow their performances.
Notable Quotes
- Jim Norton (00:41): "It's a stupid tradition."
- Jim Norton (12:05): "It's a masterpiece."
- Jim Norton (54:53): "I can't think of any. Like, I'm just kind of talking things through on stage and that's it."
- Jim Norton (83:38): "I'm going to be... I'm going."
Conclusion
Episode 241 of "We Might Be Drunk" offers a rich tapestry of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions on comedy, film, and the ever-evolving landscape of media. Jim Norton's candidness and the hosts' chemistry create an engaging experience for both long-time listeners and newcomers alike.
Listen to the full episode here.