We Might Be Drunk — Episode 269: Adam Ray (Feb 2, 2026)
Episode Overview
In this energetic, hilarious, and wide-ranging episode, NYC comedians Sam Morril and Mark Normand are joined by multi-talented comedian, actor, and improviser Adam Ray. The trio swap stories from the road, dig into comedy’s intersection with booze and social life, dissect pet peeves, reminisce about wild bar hangs, and explore the ups and downs of the touring comic’s lifestyle. The episode also spotlights Adam Ray's transition from improv and character work (notably the explosive "Dr. Phil" live shows) to stand-up theaters, with tons of behind-the-scenes tales and fun riffs.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Opening Banter & Booze Business
- Hungover Tales & Comedy Life ([00:39]–[03:13])
- Sam's hungover from a night out with Andrew Santino at NYC’s Village Haunt bar, detailing a wild interaction with a random drunk girl.
- The comics reflect on “adventure nights” and how drinking leads to unexpected stories and new connections.
- Commentary on bars innovating with sweet, dessert-style whiskey drinks as creative ways to revive post-pandemic business:
“That’s the problem…they’re making a shit like that at Sip and Guzzle last night…of course it’s delicious!” — Sam Morril [02:45]
- Memorable Quote:
“Kids are going to start drinking with these tasty flavors.” — Mark Normand [02:58]
The Social Side of Drinking & Movie Recommendations
- Drinking as Social Fuel ([03:05]–[04:08])
- They riff on recent headlines that urge people to go out and socialize, “even if it means drinking,” as preferable to isolation.
- Movie Deep Dives: ‘Another Round’, ‘The Celebration,’ and ‘The Hunt’ ([04:08]–[06:13])
- The guys break down “Another Round” (Danish film starring Mads Mikkelsen) — a story about the highs and lows of booze.
- Deeper discussion on director Thomas Vinterberg, with Adam and Sam both lauding “The Celebration” and “The Hunt” for their dark, raw realism:
“That’s the premise...the son gives his toast and he goes, ‘I’d like to thank my dad who fucked me and my sister when we were six years old.’ And that’s how it starts.” — Sam Morril [04:39] “It’s…a real look at how fun drinking can be and how sad drinking can be.” — Sam Morril [03:54]
- They explore how personal tragedy often underpins great art, e.g. Vinterberg’s own family story and Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumors.”
Bar Hangs, Road Stories, and Hotel Fiascos
- Hotel Room Mix-up ([07:17]–[09:38])
- Sam tells a classic “comic on the road” mishap: entering the wrong hotel room, startling a couple, only to get recognized as a comedian, which ultimately leads, after some haggling, to a surprise upgrade to the presidential suite.
“We open the door. It’s a husband and wife in the room...he goes, ‘You’re that comedian!’” — Sam Morril [07:44] “...in that big room alone...this is kind of sad.” — Sam Morril [09:38]
- Sam tells a classic “comic on the road” mishap: entering the wrong hotel room, startling a couple, only to get recognized as a comedian, which ultimately leads, after some haggling, to a surprise upgrade to the presidential suite.
- LA/Brea Comedy Scene ([09:55]–[11:49])
- Mark discusses the downsides of LA’s sprawl, hours spent in traffic, and a rental car upgrade hack—SIXT rental offers luxury cars at budget prices.
“I was in this crazy ass Beamer, M series...I had the nos!” — Mark Normand [11:08]
- Mark discusses the downsides of LA’s sprawl, hours spent in traffic, and a rental car upgrade hack—SIXT rental offers luxury cars at budget prices.
Club Tours, New Material, and Inside Comedy
- Tour Stop Woes, Working Out Bits ([12:03]–[13:28])
- Discussion about the unevenness of club crowds, pushing new material even when managers and agents are in the house, and the joys of club culture.
- Upcoming LA Netflix Fest ([13:34]–[14:43])
- Banter about upcoming LA dates, lineups (Joe List, Rachel, Jordan Jensen), and the perennial “who’s going first?” greenroom debate.
Pop Culture Riffs & Hot Takes
- Comic Skewering of New Shows ([13:45]–[17:22])
- Brutal, funny breakdown of the new gay hockey show “Heated Rivalry” (“Awful! Just a gay porn with a little bit of hockey.”), leading to a playful back-and-forth about representation, audience scores, and bad writing.
“It’s just the new thing!” — Sam Morril [15:41] “And where are the gays—they're supposed to be great with lighting!” — Mark Normand [15:48]
- Brutal, funny breakdown of the new gay hockey show “Heated Rivalry” (“Awful! Just a gay porn with a little bit of hockey.”), leading to a playful back-and-forth about representation, audience scores, and bad writing.
Sex, Relationships, and Celebrity Parenting
- Sex & ‘Coxmanship’ in Art & Life ([19:12]–[20:39])
- Joking about Nick Cannon's and Elon Musk's large broods—debating whether a “Coxman” is someone who gets away with it or someone who leaves a trail of offspring.
“I feel like a Coxman is strictly a person who, like, pulls it off without all the baggage.” — Sam Morril [19:43] “That’s child abuse is what it is.” — Mark Normand [19:58]
- Joking about Nick Cannon's and Elon Musk's large broods—debating whether a “Coxman” is someone who gets away with it or someone who leaves a trail of offspring.
Adam Ray Joins: Touring Theaters, Sports, and Comedy Fandom
Adam Ray Segment Starts: [30:05]
- Theater Tours & Historic Venues ([30:06]–[33:19])
- Adam shares the euphoria of performing in iconic theaters (“Moore in Seattle might be my favorite!”), the energy of old venues, and how comics geek out about performing where legends have played.
“It’s cool to feel like you’re a small part of that history.” — Adam Ray [31:26] “Houdini levitated off the stage, tonight you did queef jokes.” — Sam Morril [32:12]
- Adam shares the euphoria of performing in iconic theaters (“Moore in Seattle might be my favorite!”), the energy of old venues, and how comics geek out about performing where legends have played.
- Balancing Sports Fandom with Touring Comedy ([33:26]–[36:20])
- Adam describes the internal conflict between wanting to skip a gig for a once-in-a-lifetime Seahawks playoff run, ultimately choosing to honor a heartwarming fan message.
- Discussion about how comics juggle their gig schedule during big sporting events.
- Meeting Athletes and Mark’s Star-Struck Moments ([37:11]–[41:43])
- The group recounts times they geeked out over meeting NBA stars (Jalen Brunson, John McEnroe, Spike Lee, Rami Malek courtside).
“Mark’s like...‘Mark?' And he goes, ‘Stefan.’ I just shook my head. We’re at the Garden!” — Sam Morril, on meeting Stephon Marbury [39:50]
- The group recounts times they geeked out over meeting NBA stars (Jalen Brunson, John McEnroe, Spike Lee, Rami Malek courtside).
Drugs on the Road, Weed Mishaps, and Edible Disasters
- Edibles Gone Wrong ([50:12]–[55:14])
- The comics share horror stories from weed edibles, with Mark retelling the time he confused THC for CBD before a big pitch meeting, leading to a multi-day high and missed TV opportunities.
“I get back to my hotel and I was like, oh my God...it felt like the room was vertical, so I was holding on…like, cuz I thought I was going to slide into hell.” — Mark Normand [53:07]
- Adam recounts taking a powerful edible (80 mg) with Josh Wolf only to end up frantically dancing on his patio, desperately trying not to “let my heart explode.”
“A little game called ‘if I do this, my heart won’t explode’…have a freak out on your patio; that’s weed for ya.” — Adam Ray [51:14]
- The comics share horror stories from weed edibles, with Mark retelling the time he confused THC for CBD before a big pitch meeting, leading to a multi-day high and missed TV opportunities.
Hecklers, Bar Fights, and the Hazards of Live Comedy
- Audience Outbursts & Crowd Work Tactics ([66:00]–[68:38])
- Adam and the hosts discuss fielding hecklers, balancing killing with kindness, and how crowd encouragement sometimes leads folks to cross the line.
“The aim is always to squash the distraction, keep the crowd on your side…” — Adam Ray [67:22]
- Mark references a viral moment:
“He was like, hello, hello! I did a puzzle! ...I did a puzzle and I’m like, okay...he goes, can I get a cake now?” [68:16]
- Adam and the hosts discuss fielding hecklers, balancing killing with kindness, and how crowd encouragement sometimes leads folks to cross the line.
- Wildest Gigs: Wine-Glass Riff & Aftermath ([69:39]–[75:10])
- Adam tells his “Wolverine” bit, catching (literally) a wine glass thrown at him from the crowd. The rush led to more debauched post-show celebrating—including passing out in a hotel shower and trashing the room with Stouffer’s lasagna.
“I palm the wine glass out of midair…and everybody goes nuts. I told you, I’m Wolverine!” — Adam Ray [71:30]
- Adam tells his “Wolverine” bit, catching (literally) a wine glass thrown at him from the crowd. The rush led to more debauched post-show celebrating—including passing out in a hotel shower and trashing the room with Stouffer’s lasagna.
Dr. Phil Show Origins, Celebrity Encounters, and Viral Success
- From Improv Character to Sold-Out Standup ([56:26]–[59:04])
- Adam shares his process for keeping his stand-up sharp amid Dr. Phil’s viral success, and not wanting to be seen as only “the Dr. Phil guy.”
“You just want respect from your peers so much.” — Adam Ray [59:21]
- Adam shares his process for keeping his stand-up sharp amid Dr. Phil’s viral success, and not wanting to be seen as only “the Dr. Phil guy.”
- Big Names at Dr. Phil Shows ([62:17]–[65:15])
- Revealing the surprising celebrities who’ve attended ("Sydney Sweeney! McConaughey at the Austin show!"), and the nerves that come with performing in front of movie stars.
“I totally got in my head and I felt like I really struggled...All because of this. She got my head.” — Mark Normand [63:36]
- Revealing the surprising celebrities who’ve attended ("Sydney Sweeney! McConaughey at the Austin show!"), and the nerves that come with performing in front of movie stars.
Peeves, Manners, and Travel Faux Pas
- Comic’s Pet Peeves Rapid Fire ([82:52]–[87:41])
- Classic: Airplane Etiquette:
“Getting off the plane—if you’re rows behind, you wait your turn. You don’t crush!” — Adam Ray [83:12]
- Lack of thank-yous, pushing “food hacks,” landline calls at hotels, and hotel elevator mazes all get roasted.
“I have to stick my leg out in the aisle now cause people are trying to come up quick.” — Mark Normand [84:00]
“How about just assuming it’s fine and if I have a problem, I’ll call to complain!” — Adam Ray [85:31]
- Classic: Airplane Etiquette:
Lightning Round: Jewish Identity, Childhood Stories, and Legendary Comics
- Hidden Jewish Comics ([88:33]–[91:40])
- Mark and Sam playfully debate which comics “hide” their Jewishness best, with Adam as an unsuspecting entrant.
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah Memories ([91:00]–[92:27])
- Adam describes his sixth-grade bar mitzvah drama, peer pressure over invitations, and the absence of "hot chicks" at these adolescent blowouts.
- Comedy Legends Salute: Greg Geraldo ([102:48]–[105:28])
- The pod closes with loving tribute to the late great Greg Geraldo, quoting his legendary topical bits and lamenting what an asset he’d be in today’s world.
Notable Quotes & Classic Exchanges
On Friendship Through Comedy
“People that I’ve looked up to and am fans of...that put me on a level where people were like, oh, cool. You did something that we think is funny and fun. That was...the coolest part.” — Adam Ray [59:21]
On the Joy (and Cost) of the Party
“You have the best night of your life. All you want to do is blackout.” — Mark Normand [75:01]
“Were you riding the wave, the adrenaline? There's nowhere for that to go, so you're like, ‘I'll just keep rocking!’” — Sam Morril [75:04]
On Bad Writing in TV
“I’m not homophobic. It’s bad writing.” — Sam Morril [13:58]
“Especially if you’re a hockey fan, it’s horrible. You’re like, this is zero hockey!” — Mark Normand [16:49]
On Doing Crowd Work
“I don't want to burn the bit. I'm like, I'll just put the crowd clip up...Some people are like, is this all you do? I'm like, NO—come to the show to see the hour!” — Adam Ray [103:54]
On Ego and Starstruck Moments
“I don’t get starstruck often, but first time I met Jalen Brunson I was a bit…Thank you so much for coming here.” — Sam Morril [38:10]
“I was nerding out...that’s how a lot of comics meet—just talking NBA.” — Adam Ray [37:49]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Opening Drinks & Bar Banter: 00:39–03:13
- Movies About Booze & Life: 03:27–06:13
- Hotel Mix-ups & Road Mishaps: 07:17–09:38
- Rental Car Hack: 10:17–11:49
- Comedy Club vs. Theater Discussion: 12:03–13:28
- Pop Culture Rants (‘Heated Rivalry’): 13:45–17:22
- Coxman Conversation: 19:12–20:39
- Adam Ray Joins: 30:05
- Theater Tour Tales: 30:06–33:19
- Sports Fandom vs Comedy Life: 33:26–36:20
- Meeting NBA Stars: 37:11–41:43
- Weed Mishaps & Edible Fails: 50:12–55:14
- Bar Glass Catch Story: 69:41–75:10
- Dr. Phil Show & Celebs in Crowd: 62:17–65:15
- Pet Peeves & Etiquette: 82:52–87:41
- Jewish Comic Banter: 88:33–91:40
- Tribute to Greg Geraldo: 102:48–105:28
Tone & Language
Loud, irreverent, quick-witted—true to the standup-comic DNA. The drinks are flowing, jokes veer into the dark, and the inside references come fast and loose, but the camaraderie and mutual respect shine, especially as they celebrate comedy’s resilience and joy.
Final Takeaway
This episode is a raucous testament to the evolving, always-on tour-life of modern comics. From drunk bar hangs to edible disasters, from heckler battles to legendary crowd work, Sam, Mark, and Adam Ray crack each other up with storytelling and observations. Whether the topic is hotels, hockey, Hollywood, or high school, everything’s fair game—and no pet peeve goes un-skewered.
If you haven’t listened, get ready for deep comedy nerdery, wild road tales, genuine shop talk, and nonstop laughs.
See also: