Podcast Summary: You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes – Episode: The Sklar Brothers Return
Release Date: March 12, 2025
In this vibrant episode of "You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes," host Pete Holmes welcomes back the dynamic duo, Randy and Jason Sklar, bringing a wealth of humor, insights, and personal anecdotes to the conversation. The episode delves deep into the world of comedy, exploring the intricacies of joke writing, the importance of community among comedians, personal life stories, and the Sklar Brothers' ongoing projects.
1. Warm Welcome and Introduction
The episode kicks off with Jason Sklar excitedly reintroducing the Sklar Brothers to the audience. He reminisces about their previous appearances on the show and highlights their unique comedic talents.
Jason Sklar [00:15]: "They're back on the show. They did the live episode with us when Jimmy Carr was on in Montreal, and they did a one on one episode... they're so funny and so wonderful."
Jason also promotes their various projects, including their podcast "Dumb Peopletown" and their live show "Tag It," which showcases their ability to enhance other comedians' acts.
2. Comedy and Joke Crafting
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the art of joke writing and the Sklar Brothers' approach to comedy. They discuss the "Sklar Trick," a humorous technique inspired by Kumail Nanjiani, where Randy adopts a British persona to add a quirky twist to his jokes.
Randy Sklar [02:05]: "When you're feeling Randy like the British Randy, you're sexy."
The brothers emphasize the importance of building upon existing jokes and being generous in their comedic endeavors, allowing others to expand on their humor.
Jason Sklar [14:43]: "When you laugh at another comedian's joke, that is generosity. You are saying that I like what you created."
3. Experiences with Fellow Comedians
The Sklar Brothers share their interactions with esteemed comedians like David Spade and Finn Taylor. They highlight David Spade's effortless comedic prowess and Finn Taylor's edgy humor, illustrating the diverse spectrum of styles within the comedy community.
Randy Sklar [09:49]: "He brings up the subject and you're like, how is he gonna take this one?"
Their anecdotes reveal the camaraderie and mutual respect among comedians, fostering an environment where creativity flourishes.
4. Personal Stories and Reflections
The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Jason recounts the passing of his beloved dog, Roman. This emotional segment underscores the importance of personal experiences in shaping one's comedic voice.
Jason Sklar [54:00]: "He was like, Pete doesn't want to... I'm always freaking him out with my bark."
Randy echoes similar sentiments, reflecting on the concept of the soul and the essence that makes us who we are.
Randy Sklar [58:07]: "And clearly that exists. Right? Clearly that is something."
5. Religious and Cultural Humor
As individuals with Jewish backgrounds, the Sklar Brothers infuse their discussion with humor drawn from religious and cultural practices. They share humorous takes on Passover traditions, blending reverence with wit.
Randy Sklar [67:01]: "Passover. Passover. Phrases that had an incredibly sexual connotation to them, but weren't sexual at all."
This blend of faith and comedy highlights their ability to find humor in everyday rituals, making their content relatable and engaging.
6. Comedy Projects and Future Endeavors
The Sklar Brothers discuss their ongoing projects, including their ambitious plans for a two-man show reminiscent of the styles of Mike Birbiglia and Alex Edelman. They also touch upon their aspirations to take their work to Broadway, showcasing their dedication to evolving in the comedy landscape.
Randy Sklar [16:14]: "We have investors. And it looks like it's going to have a run somewhere and then maybe take a run in New York."
Their commitment to collaborative creativity and expansion reflects their passion for comedy and storytelling.
7. Philosophy on Comedy and Community
A recurrent theme is the Sklar Brothers' philosophy on fostering a supportive and generous comedy community. They advocate for uplifting fellow comedians, sharing ideas, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Jason Sklar [12:39]: "We're like, why wouldn't I want to help you?"
Randy adds that their legacy lies in promoting generosity and mutual support within the comedy scene.
Randy Sklar [90:47]: "What we're going to leave on this community is... Let's love each other. Let's give to each other. Let's be generous to each other."
8. Interactions with Special Guests
The episode features light-hearted commentary on interactions with other personalities, including Jimmy Carr, Blake Griffin, and references to shows like "Severance" and "Succession." These segments provide a mix of observational humor and personal insights into the entertainment industry.
Jason Sklar [87:05]: "But this actually felt perfect. You guys are just died in the world."
Their ability to weave current pop culture into their narrative keeps the conversation fresh and entertaining.
9. Closing Remarks and Promotions
As the episode winds down, the Sklar Brothers continue to promote their projects, encouraging listeners to engage with their live shows and podcasts. They share anecdotes about working together, highlighting the enduring bond and comedic synergy that defines their partnership.
Jason Sklar [93:52]: "Keep it crispy just to end us. I love you guys so much."
Their enthusiasm and mutual respect conclude the episode on a high note, leaving listeners with a sense of connection and anticipation for future collaborations.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Jason Sklar [02:05]: "When you're feeling Randy like the British Randy, you're sexy."
- Randy Sklar [09:49]: "He brings up the subject and you're like, how is he gonna take this one?"
- Jason Sklar [14:43]: "When you laugh at another comedian's joke, that is generosity. You are saying that I like what you created."
- Randy Sklar [58:07]: "And clearly that exists. Right? Clearly that is something."
- Jason Sklar [12:39]: "We're like, why wouldn't I want to help you?"
- Randy Sklar [90:47]: "What we're going to leave on this community is... Let's love each other. Let's give to each other. Let's be generous to each other."
- Jason Sklar [87:05]: "But this actually felt perfect. You guys are just died in the world."
- Jason Sklar [93:52]: "Keep it crispy just to end us. I love you guys so much."
Concluding Thoughts
"The Sklar Brothers Return" episode of "You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes" is a rich tapestry of humor, heartfelt stories, and insightful discussions. Randy and Jason Sklar bring their trademark wit and warmth, creating an engaging experience that resonates with both comedy enthusiasts and casual listeners. Their emphasis on community, generosity, and the enduring power of laughter underscores the essence of what makes comedy a unifying force.
Listeners who haven't tuned in yet will find this episode both entertaining and enlightening, offering a glimpse into the lives of two comedians committed to leaving a positive legacy in the comedy world.