Podcast Summary: We Might Be Drunk – Ep 244: Mike Lawrence & Mike Vecchione

Hosts: Sam Morril and Mark Normand
Guests: Mike Lawrence and Mike Vecchione
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Produced by: Gotham Production Studios, LLC

**1. Welcome and Introductions
The episode kicks off with Sam Morril and Mark Normand reuniting with their longtime friend, comedian Mike Vecchione, and introducing fellow comedian Mike Lawrence. The camaraderie among the hosts and guests is palpable as they reminisce about their early days in comedy.

• Sam Morril [00:06]: "We're back. We're joined by a very old and good friend, the hilarious Mike Lawrence."
• Mark Normand [00:15]: "Maybe my oldest comedy. Well, Veder is the first guy I met in comedy."

**2. Early Days in Comedy and Influential Figures
The conversation delves into their beginnings in the comedy scene, highlighting influential comedians like Sean Patton and the impact of iconic comedy clubs. They discuss the challenges of getting booked and the importance of finding one’s comedic voice.

• Mike Vecchione [00:40]: "Yeah, I remember you coming with Zach Sims, and I've told people the story of. He was funnier at first. You just worked so hard and found your voice."

**3. The Art of Comedy: Evolution and Originality
The hosts and guests explore the intricacies of crafting comedy, emphasizing the necessity of evolving one’s material. They discuss how early struggles and constant performance among peers refined their comedic styles.

• Sam Morril [03:02]: "Which is a skill. I mean, it’s like, you want to see someone hone, but that was hard in the early days if you're around the same comics, it’s hard. It’s hard to tweak a bit."
• Mark Normand [04:33]: "We have good and bad to that. They don’t have to go through that pain, that awkwardness."

**4. Industry Insights: Writing for TV and Performing Stand-Up
Mike Vecchione shares his experiences writing for high-profile figures like Brad Pitt and navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. The discussion touches on the differences between writing for television versus stand-up comedy and the relentless demand for fresh material.

• Mike Vecchione [10:42]: "We’re waiting on it, and it's just to get Brian Cox attached is insane. Like, we got him based on. He thought the script."

**5. Personal Anecdotes and Challenges
The conversation becomes more personal as Mike Vecchione discusses his autism diagnosis at age 38, its impact on his career, and his relationship dynamics. The hosts share their own struggles with writing material that resonates universally while maintaining their unique comedic voices.

• Mike Vecchione [106:03]: "I got my official autism diagnosis at 38 and told her, she's like, yeah, I probably had that too. And my mom was like, I didn’t know you weren’t supposed to smoke when you were pregnant."

**6. Reflections on Television and Film
The hosts critique various TV shows and movies, examining their evolution over the years. They discuss the importance of originality in shows like "Seinfeld" and "30 Rock," comparing them to contemporary programming and highlighting the risks involved in creating groundbreaking content.

• Sam Morril [45:52]: "There’s this great book called Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris, and it’s like, all about the movies that change Hollywood in the late '60s."

**7. Roast Battles and Comedic Boundaries
Mike Vecchione recounts his intense experience participating in a roast battle against Ralphie May, detailing the fine line between humor and offense. The anecdote underscores the emotional toll and the fine balance comedians must maintain to entertain without crossing personal boundaries.

• Mike Vecchione [71:23]: "The roughest part of Ralphie's divorce was getting the ring off his finger. This one. I mean, this is my opener, because his whole narrative was every other comic is just gonna say, I'm fat, and they’re hacks for doing it."

**8. Promotion and Upcoming Shows
As the episode nears its end, the hosts and guests promote Mike Vecchione’s new comedy special “Low Income White” available on YouTube and share tour dates spanning across the United States and Europe. They encourage listeners to check out his work and support his endeavors.

• Mike Vecchione [35:10]: "Check out his great. Now promote him. Yeah, check him out on iTunes. Yeah, he was unplugged in 2017, but we’re plugging him in 2025."

**9. Comedy Industry Peeves and Observations
Towards the conclusion, the hosts share their pet peeves about the comedy and entertainment industry, including issues like review bombing, the repetitive nature of certain jokes, and frustrations with industry gatekeepers. This segment provides a candid look at the less glamorous aspects of their profession.

• Sam Morril [92:02]: "I got this one. I don’t think anyone’s touched. It’s about him being orange. I think it’s gonna fucking hit, dude."
• Mark Normand [94:35]: "What about this guy? He won’t just tell you something. He makes you have to say it. Drives me crazy."

**10. Closing Remarks and Final Promotions
The episode wraps up with final promotions for Mike Vecchione’s podcast “Nerd of Mouth” and his ongoing comedy tour. The hosts express their appreciation for the guests and tease upcoming episodes, maintaining the light-hearted and engaging tone characteristic of "We Might Be Drunk."

• Sam Morril [117:06]: "Check that out. Mike V is terrific."
• Mike Vecchione [117:15]: "Yep. Yeah. You look rugged and hunky."

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Vecchione [10:42]: "We’re waiting on it, and it's just to get Brian Cox attached is insane."
• Sam Morril [03:02]: "Which is a skill. I mean, it’s like, you want to see someone hone..."
• Mike Vecchione [71:23]: "The roughest part of Ralphie's divorce was getting the ring off his finger."

Conclusion:
Episode 244 of "We Might Be Drunk" offers a deep dive into the world of comedy through the experiences of Mike Lawrence and Mike Vecchione. The hosts provide invaluable insights into the evolution of stand-up comedy, the challenges of writing and performing, and the intricate dynamics of the entertainment industry. Personal anecdotes and candid discussions make this episode a must-listen for comedy enthusiasts seeking both humor and behind-the-scenes perspectives.