Podcast Summary
We Might Be Drunk – Ep 267: Godfrey & Gary Vider
Release Date: January 19, 2026
Hosts: Sam Morril & Mark Normand
Guests: Godfrey, Gary Vider
Overview
This energetic episode features comedians Godfrey and Gary Vider joining hosts Sam Morril and Mark Normand for a classic, loose hang rich with stories from the stand-up scene, behind-the-curtain comedy business insights, hilarious riffs, and plenty of memorable impressions. Godfrey takes center stage with tales about his unique comedy career path, industry obstacles, viral impressions, and work ethic, while Gary shares personal stories and riffs with the crew. The chemistry between all four comedians keeps the laughs rolling while offering substantial inside glimpses at the life of stand-ups in 2026.
Key Highlights & Discussion Points
1. Opening Banter & Getting More Female Fans
- The show kicks off with jokes about trying to expand their audience to more women, referencing Chelsea Handler.
- Tangents on sex, social etiquette, and comedy banter about the difference between pre- and post-sex trash talk.
- [00:15] “We need more women fans.” – Mark Normand
2. Movie Recs & Comedy Bonding
- Hosts trade recent watches, with Mark talking up Jeremiah Johnson and Sam referencing the cult classic Paid in Full.
- Godfrey enters, mentioning personal connections to actors in Paid in Full, showing how interconnected the comedy/entertainment scene is.
- [02:55] Godfrey: “One of my best friends is in it… we came up together in Chicago at the poetry and comedy scene.”
3. TV Show Debates: The Wire vs. Sopranos
- Lively rankings of HBO staples, with Godfrey declaring The Wire is the best, while Sam leans Sopranos for its comedy elements.
- Godfrey and the hosts riff on impressions and HBO history.
- [03:16] Godfrey: “The Wire is the best show on HBO ever, man.”
- [03:22] Sam: “I might go Sopranos one.”
4. Godfrey’s Impression Talents and Viral Moments
- Godfrey showcases impressions (Sam Elliott, Trump, Steve Harvey, Farrakhan), telling the story of being called last-minute to improvise as Steve Harvey for Adam Ray’s show.
- Explains his viral “multiverse Trump” bit and the artistry (and politics) behind it.
- [06:21] Godfrey: “They do a real wig thing... I wanted to look like Multiverse Trump, you know?”
5. Comedy Industry Evolution & DIY Career Building
- Discusses the shift from traditional networks and radio toward comics building their own platforms on social media and podcasts.
- Godfrey’s SiriusXM stint: the ups, the creative freedom, the sudden firing after a controversial story about an awkward encounter at headquarters.
- Frustrations with censorship, firing, and the complexity of being edgy in broadcast comedy.
- [07:32] Godfrey: “We haven’t been... bossed around by the network, you know, we’re just doing it.”
- [10:33] Godfrey recounts getting fired after a run-in involving a photo policy and miscommunication at Sirius XM.
6. On Not Getting SNL – The Heartbreak & the Hustle
- Godfrey shares his failed, but standout, SNL audition experience, brushing shoulders with eventual stars (Tracy Morgan, Fallon, Kevin James), only to be passed over despite a standing ovation.
- Candid revelations about the comedy industry gatekeeping, biases, and getting closure from Daryl Hammond, who told him:
- [26:27] “You would have been too strong for the show.” – Daryl Hammond (as relayed by Godfrey)
- Important theme: learning to redirect disappointment into hustling independently.
7. Godfrey’s Wild Showbiz Network & Giving Back
- Shares mentoring and generous acts in the business, such as helping Judah Friedlander land his Zoolander role.
- Unique stories of friendships with big names, including ASAP Rocky and Dr. Dre, and legendary run-ins (e.g., meeting Rich Little, hanging at boxing gyms).
8. Originality, Growth, and Work Ethic in Comedy
- All discuss the importance of keeping material fresh for themselves and audiences, and the pain of being labeled “the same every show” by club staff.
- [78:17] “Every time you come, all the staff comes out... because are you going to do the same thing? No.” – Godfrey
- Comparison of comedy “reps” to boxing training, and why clubs are crucial for keeping sharp.
- [81:43] Godfrey: “Boxing and comedy are parallel… You gotta hit the bag or you’ll f*** up.”
9. Commentary on Race & Pushing Boundaries in Comedy
- Thoughtful, nuanced takes on doing racial jokes in smart, crafted ways versus hacky or lazy shock value bits.
- [58:31] Godfrey: “It’s honesty, and it’s real... put the art in it. Put the art in it.”
- Examples of racially charged comedy that earns the laugh, including Daniel Tosh and Louis CK bits.
- Shared frustration at audiences losing the ability to separate intention from literal meaning, and the loss of “workshopping” edgy material.
10. Origins & Family: Godfrey’s Immigrant Story
- Godfrey details his family’s journey—from Nigeria to Nebraska—from surviving civil war to building a life in America. He reflects on the serendipity and hardship that made his career possible.
- [67:32] Godfrey: “If my dad didn’t do this, I wouldn’t be here doing a podcast or stand up comedy.”
11. Gary Vider’s Con Man Dad
- Gary shares stories of doing scams with his father, including pretending to write for Sports Illustrated for Kids to get into sporting events for free; provides light comic relief and illustrates the diverse backgrounds comics come from.
12. The State of Comedy: Ticketing, Special Releases & Changing Venues
- Exchange about theaters vs. clubs, the economics (fees, “house nut,” merch cuts), and why clubs allow for more artistic reps.
- Godfrey’s excitement for his new special, “Rebel with a Cause,” premiering in over 400 theaters after being passed over by Netflix.
- The trend of comics releasing specials independently (YouTube, theater releases).
- [87:40] Godfrey: “…called Rebel with a Cause and we...got it in theaters…”
- [90:43] “Numbers on YouTube are killing all the other Netflix [specials].” – Godfrey
13. Tour Dates and Stamina
- Tour plugs for Godfrey, Gary Vider, Sam, and Mark—lively riffing on clubs vs. theaters and the balance of art, money, and endurance.
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
-
On Breaking Into SNL
Godfrey: “I get a standing ovation that night… and then nothing happened.” [21:06]
Daryl Hammond (to Godfrey): “You would have been too strong for the show.” [26:45] -
On Work Ethic
Godfrey: “I don’t want the privilege of somebody saying, ‘yo, he does the same sh*t.’ ...it was just my own to make me work harder.” [79:41] -
On Racial Comedy
Godfrey: “If you’re going to do something racial, do it in a funny... put the art in it.” [58:31]
Mark Normand: “That’s one thing I think we’ve lost… We need to bring back the idea that you can say something and not mean it.” [56:39] -
On The Changing Comedy Industry
Godfrey: “We haven’t been… bossed around by the network, you know, we’re just doing it.” [07:32]
Godfrey: “I built it myself and... they cut my other account… had to rebuild it.” [91:33] -
On Family Origins
Godfrey: “If my dad didn’t do this, I wouldn’t be here doing a podcast or stand up comedy.” [67:32] -
On Camaraderie & The Headspace of Stand-Ups
Godfrey: “Comedy will show your ass, man. If you fake... You can’t fake it.” [82:23] -
On Viral Fame
Godfrey (re: Dr. Dre video): “Yeah, that’s at 65 million, still rising.” [73:45]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 00:15–02:46: Banter, movie recs, Godfrey joins
- 04:39–07:32: Impressions, story of filling in for Steve Harvey
- 07:32–10:33: Social media hustle, SiriusXM saga & firing story
- 17:05–27:15: SNL audition and aftermath
- 29:13–32:01: Impressions and colored hockey league history
- 42:01–44:31: Surviving COVID as a comedian (virtual shows, parking lots, parking lots)
- 53:11–55:18: Zoolander stories and helping Judah Friedlander
- 58:31–62:12: Comics discussing racial comedy and the importance of crafting edgy material
- 66:14–69:28: Godfrey’s immigrant origin story
- 70:22–71:43: Gary Vider’s con man father
- 87:40–92:33: Upcoming special, touring, going indie
- 94:03–96:31: Club/tour dates, closing riff
Tone & Style
Chaotic, friendly, honest, and deeply “inside baseball.” The hosts and guests riff hard but are unafraid to jump into thorny subjects (race, industry disappointments, working through pandemic). Godfrey’s presence brings a ton of energy, industry perspective, and comic storytelling.
Closing Summary
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the realities of modern stand-up comedy—its hustle, heartbreaks, and moments of serendipitous viral success. Godfrey’s journey exemplifies surviving and thriving on one’s own terms, while insights from Mark, Sam, and Gary paint a vivid picture of camaraderie, craft, and the sometimes absurd reality of making strangers laugh for a living. Highlights include Godfrey’s account of almost joining SNL, his reflections on the importance of “reps” and originality in comedy, and the inside scoop on the surge of independently produced comedy specials.
For Tour Dates:
Godfrey’s new special, “Rebel with a Cause,” is in theaters nationwide—check listings or his website for details.
This summary skips all ad reads and non-content banter, focusing on the wide-ranging, deep comedic and cultural discussion brimming with insight and laughs from four of New York’s finest.