Starting A Cult w/ Stavros Halkias | 2 Bears, 1 Cave
Comedian Stavros Halkias joins Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer to talk about his new low-budget comedy film, "Let's Start a Cult." The comedians discuss their preferences for confident, idiotic comedy personas and touch on the role of luck in their careers.
The conversation also explores personal lives, with reflections on their children leaving home and an appreciation for relating to kids as adults. Bonding over shared passions, Kreischer details his newfound zeal for Formula 1 racing, while Halkias is closely following the latest NBA season and player narratives.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 28, 2024 episode of the 2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer
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1-Page Summary
Stavros's New Comedy Film "Let's Start a Cult"
Stavros Halkias expresses excitement about his low-budget comedy film "Let's Start a Cult" being released in theaters. Bert Kreischer praises Stavros's work in the $750,000 indie movie, highlighting the team's accomplishment of completing it despite limited resources.
Stavros believes supporting projects like his can create opportunities for other comedians to make films, enriching the comedy industry.
Comedy Perspectives and Career Journeys
Kreischer and Halkias share their preferences for confident, idiotic comedy personas like Adam Sandler's and Bill Murray's characters. Stavros also enjoys absurdist styles exemplified in films like "Billy Madison" and "Superbad."
The comedians recall classic comedy moments and discuss the role of luck in their careers. Kreischer notes that chance meetings, like Tom Segura's with Joe Rogan, can hugely impact trajectories. Stavros ties this idea back to the fortunate opportunities that enabled his film.
Personal Lives and Shared Passions
Both comedians emotionally reflect on their children leaving for college and the evolving family dynamics. Kreischer details bonding through humor with his daughters, while Halkias appreciates relating to his kids as adults.
The two connect over sports, with Kreischer's new zeal for Formula 1 racing exemplified by his planned Las Vegas trip. Meanwhile, Halkias closely follows the NBA season, especially intrigued by player narratives like Giannis Antetokounmpo's background.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Adam Sandler and Bill Murray are well-known actors and comedians with distinct comedy personas. Adam Sandler is known for his goofy, lovable characters often placed in absurd or over-the-top situations. Bill Murray, on the other hand, is celebrated for his deadpan humor and dry wit, often portraying sarcastic and laid-back characters in his films. Their comedic styles have resonated with audiences over the years, contributing to their enduring popularity in the entertainment industry.
- Classic comedy moments typically refer to iconic or memorable scenes, jokes, or performances from well-known comedy films, TV shows, or stand-up routines that have stood the test of time and are widely recognized and appreciated by audiences. These moments often showcase the comedic talents of renowned comedians and serve as touchstones in the history of comedy entertainment. They can evoke nostalgia, laughter, and a sense of shared cultural experience among fans of comedy. Such moments may include famous one-liners, physical gags, improvisational brilliance, or comedic situations that have become ingrained in popular culture.
- Tom Segura's meeting with Joe Rogan was significant because it led to Segura appearing on Rogan's popular podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience." This appearance exposed Segura to a much larger audience and helped boost his career in comedy. Rogan's podcast is known for its wide reach and influence in the entertainment industry, making appearances on it valuable for comedians looking to expand their fan base and opportunities.
- Bert Kreischer's interest in Formula 1 racing reflects his passion for the sport's high-speed competition, advanced technology, and global appeal. Formula 1 is a prestigious motorsport series featuring cutting-edge cars and top-tier drivers competing in races around the world. Kreischer's enthusiasm for Formula 1 adds a dynamic dimension to his personal interests beyond comedy and family life. His planned trip to Las Vegas to experience Formula 1 racing firsthand showcases his dedication to exploring new experiences and expanding his horizons.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is a professional basketball player known for his versatility and athleticism. He was born in Greece to Nigerian parents and faced challenges growing up in poverty. Giannis, also called the "Greek Freak," plays for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA and has won multiple MVP awards for his exceptional skills on the court. His journey from humble beginnings to NBA stardom has inspired many fans around the world.
Counterarguments
- The excitement about a low-budget film like "Let's Start a Cult" might not translate into commercial success or critical acclaim, as the indie film market is highly competitive and saturated.
- While Kreischer praises the accomplishment of completing the film with limited resources, some might argue that the quality of a film is more important than the budget or the circumstances under which it was made.
- The belief that supporting indie projects can create opportunities for other comedians assumes that there is a straightforward path from indie success to broader industry change, which may not always be the case due to various market factors.
- The preference for confident, idiotic comedy personas might not resonate with all audiences, as comedy is subjective and some may prefer more nuanced or intellectual humor.
- The enjoyment of absurdist styles in films like "Billy Madison" and "Superbad" may not be shared by all, as some viewers might find these styles too outlandish or lacking in substance.
- Discussing the role of luck in their careers could be seen as downplaying the hard work and talent required to succeed in the comedy industry.
- The idea that chance meetings can hugely impact career trajectories might overlook the efforts and strategic decisions made by individuals to position themselves for such opportunities.
- Reflecting on children leaving for college and evolving family dynamics is a personal experience that may not be relatable to those without children or those with different family experiences.
- Kreischer's new interest in Formula 1 racing and Halkias's following of the NBA season are personal passions that might not be of interest to all fans of their comedy work.
- The focus on player narratives like Giannis Antetokounmpo's background in the NBA may not appeal to those who are more interested in the technical aspects of the sport rather than personal stories.
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Stavros's new movie "Let's Start a Cult" and the comedy industry
Stavros Halkias talks about his new film "Let's Start a Cult" and encourages support for independent comedy movies.
Stavros is excited about his new low-budget comedy movie "Let's Start a Cult" being released in theaters, and he encourages listeners to support it by buying tickets and spreading the word.
Stavros Halkias is thrilled about his latest project, "Let's Start a Cult," which will be shown in theaters. Bert Kreischer shows admiration for Stavros's work in the movie, noting the talent involved. Stavros acknowledges his numerous scenes in the film and the big laughs it received at a screening. He also mentions that the movie will have special screenings in New York and Baltimore, and will be shown in AMC theaters and possibly Regals.
The movie was made on a small budget of around $750,000, which Stavros and his co-writers/directors consider a huge accomplishment given the number of locations, actors, and days of shooting involved.
Stavros highlights the film’s modest budget, provided by Dark Sky, which was capped at $750,000 despite the need for more funds. The movie was shot over about four weeks with many locations and actors involved. Stavros and his team are proud to complete the film on such a budget and will release it on October 25th in around 20 cities with the potential for more.
Stavros believes that supporting independent comedy projects like this in theaters can help create more opportunities for other comedians to make their own films in the future.
Stavros emphasizes that supporting "Let's Start a Cult" and other indie films in theaters can contribute positively to the comedy industry. He suggests that such support may pave the path for more opportunities allowing comedians to venture into filmmaking.
Stavros and Bert discuss the cu ...
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Stavros's new movie "Let's Start a Cult" and the comedy industry
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Stavros Halkias is a stand-up comedian known for his appearances on podcasts like "Cum Town" and "The Bonfire." He has a unique comedic style that often involves self-deprecating humor and storytelling. Stavros has built a following for his candid and unfiltered approach to comedy, resonating with audiences who appreciate his raw and authentic humor. His involvement in various comedy projects and podcasts has helped him establish himself as a rising talent in the comedy scene.
- Bert Kreischer is a well-known comedian who is open about incorporating his personal life into his comedy and social media presence. He believes that sharing personal stories helps him connect with his audience on a deeper level. In contrast, Stavros Halkias, another comedian, discusses his own considerations about how much of his personal life to include in his comedy, exploring different formats like a one-man show for this purpose.
- Stavros Halkias and his team faced challenges during the filming of "Let's Start a Cult," including managing a modest budget of $750,000, coordinating multiple locations, actors, and a tight shooting schedule over about four weeks. Despite financial constraints, they successfully completed the movie and are excited about its release in theaters. The production team's dedication and resourcefulness were crucial in overcoming these challenges and bringing the project to fruition.
- The special screenings in New York and Baltimore, as well as the mention of AMC theaters and Regals, indicate that the movie "Let's Start a Cult" will have exclusive showings in these locations before or alongside its wider release, potentially to generate buzz and attract audie ...
Counterarguments
- While Stavros is excited about his new movie, some may argue that the success of a single low-budget film may not significantly impact the overall comedy industry or the opportunities available to other comedians.
- The accomplishment of making a movie on a small budget is commendable, but it could be argued that the quality of a film is not solely determined by its budget and that financial constraints can sometimes lead to compromises in production value or storytelling.
- Supporting independent comedy projects is a noble idea, but there's an argument to be made that not all independent projects have the same level of quality or appeal, and audiences should be discerning in their support.
- The discussion about balancing personal content with professional obligations on social media is comp ...
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Comedy and comedians
Bert Kreischer and Stavros Halkias discuss their favorite comedic characters and moments, as well as the role of luck and connections in their careers.
Bert and Stavros share their perspectives on what makes for the best comedy, with Bert preferring the "confident idiot" archetype and Stavros drawn to the absurdist and unhinged comedic styles.
Both Stavros and Bert Kreischer find themselves drawn to comedy that features a "super confident idiot" character. They mention figures like Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, and Bill Murray who have all portrayed this type of character, with Kreischer specifically citing the movie "Stripes" as an example.
Stavros has a passion for absurdist comedy as well, exemplified by films like Adam Sandler's "Billy Madison," which was a significant comedy for him given his enjoyment of Sandler's performances on "SNL." He also appreciates "Superbad" and "Step Brothers," considering them among his top comedic films.
They discuss classic comedy films and moments that exemplify the types of comedy they enjoy, such as "Billy Madison," "Stripes," and the Rick James sketch on "Chappelle's Show."
Halkias and Kreischer share laughs over several classic comedies that exemplify their tastes, from the antics of Chris Penn’s character in "Corky Romano" to Norm MacDonald's role in "Billy Madison," and John Candy's performances in "Stripes," "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," and "Uncle Buck." They both express admiration for the cultural impact of the Rick James sketch from "Chappelle's Show," and Kreischer recalls the brilliance of "Billy Madison" upon re-watching it, admiring the comedy style of films like "Fletch."
Stavros particularly enjoys the raunchy yet character-driven comedy of Danny McBride in "Eastbound and Down," and Bert Kreischer laughs at subtle comedy moments, such as some in the film "Let's Start a Cult" that he believes people may not pick up on.
The two comedians reflect on the importance of luck and connections in the comedy world, citing examples of how chance encounters and relationships have shaped thei ...
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Comedy and comedians
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Bert Kreischer prefers comedy that features a "confident idiot" archetype, citing figures like Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell. Stavros Halkias leans towards absurdist and unhinged comedic styles, enjoying films like "Billy Madison" and "Superbad." Both comedians appreciate classic comedy moments and films that align with their comedic tastes, such as the Rick James sketch on "Chappelle's Show" and movies like "Stripes" and "Billy Madison."
- These comedy films mentioned are popular works in the comedy genre, known for their humor and memorable characters. "Billy Madison" is a comedy film starring Adam Sandler as an immature adult going back to school. "Superbad" is a coming-of-age comedy about two high school friends navigating a wild night. "Step Brothers" features Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as immature stepbrothers. "Corky Romano" is a comedy film about a bumbling veterinarian. "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is a classic comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy. "Fletch" is a comedy film starring Chevy Chase as an investigative reporter.
- The Rick James sketch on "Chappelle's Show" is a famous comedy sketch featuring Dave Chappelle portraying musician Rick James. It became iconic for its humor and catchphrases, especially "I'm Rick James, b**!" The sketch parodied Rick James' wild lifestyle and interactions with Charlie Murphy, Eddie Murphy's brother. It is considered one of the most memorable and quoted sketches from the show.
- The "Tom meets Joe domino" phenomenon is a reference to how chance encounters and connections in the comedy world can lead to significant opportunities and career advancements for comedians. It highlights the cascading effect of one fortunate meeting or relationship leading to further beneficial connections and openings in the industry. This phenomenon underscores the importance of serendipity and networking in shaping a comedian's career trajectory. Bert Kreischer an ...
Counterarguments
- While Bert Kreischer and Stavros Halkias have a preference for the "super confident idiot" character, some might argue that this archetype can sometimes reinforce negative stereotypes or become formulaic if not executed with originality.
- Absurdist comedy, as preferred by Stavros, may not resonate with all audiences, as its humor often relies on nonsensical or surreal elements that can be perceived as too bizarre or lacking substance.
- The appreciation for classic comedy films and moments is subjective, and some viewers might find that these older works don't hold up over time or fail to address contemporary social issues.
- The admiration for specific actors and their performances in comedy is also subjective, and not all audiences may share the same enthusiasm for the mentioned actors or find their performances universally funny.
- The enjoyment of raunchy, character-driven comedy, such as that of Danny McBride, might not be shared by all, as some could find it offensive or in poor taste.
- The appreciation of subtle comedy moments is highly subjective, an ...
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Personal Lives and Experiences
Bert Kreischer and Stavros Halkias share heartfelt stories about their familial bonds, delve into their personal hobbies, and discuss the excitement within certain sports spheres.
The Emotional Journey of Children Leaving for College
Both comedians have experienced the bittersweet transition of their children leaving for college, which has notably shifted their family dynamics.
Bert and Stavros Reflect on Family Bonds
Bert Kreischer emotionally recounts dropping his daughter off at college, a moment that moved him to tears and prompted an outpouring of support from friends going through the same experience. Since his daughters left, their communication has pivoted to humor and inside jokes, particularly through texts and Instagram DMs. These lively exchanges sometimes involve humorous poking at Leanne, Bert's spouse, causing them to laugh about the family's adjustments to the daughters' absence.
Stavros Halkias reflects on the profound realization of children growing up, expressing joy in relating to his kids as full-fledged human beings rather than just little ones. He appreciates the newfound ability to bond more like friends with his children as they step into their 20s.
Comedians Share Personal Passions
Bert and Stavros not only connect on stage but also through their love of sports.
Formula 1 and Basketball: A Shared Excitement
Bert Kreischer vocalizes his burgeoning passion for Formula 1 racing, sparked by popular media portrayals such as Netflix's F1 series. This excitement has culminated in him planning a trip to the upcoming Las Vegas race, where he aims to assemble a group of comedy friends and car enthusiasts, including notables like Jerry Seinfeld, Tom Segura, and Judd Apatow.
Stavros Halkias, on the other hand, is deeply engaged in the current NBA season. His attention especially goes to dynamic young players like Anthony Edwards. He also touches on the personal stories and backgrounds of athletes, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose f ...
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Personal Lives and Experiences
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Bert Kreischer is a well-known comedian and podcaster known for his energetic storytelling style and stand-up comedy specials. Stavros Halkias is also a comedian and podcaster, recognized for his unique comedic perspective and appearances on various comedy shows and podcasts. Both comedians have a strong presence in the comedy community and often share personal anecdotes and experiences in their work. They have built a following through their humor, wit, and relatable storytelling.
- The Netflix F1 series, known as "Formula 1: Drive to Survive," is a documentary-style show that provides an inside look at the world of Formula 1 racing. It focuses on the drama, rivalries, and behind-the-scenes stories of teams and drivers in the high-stakes sport. The series has gained popularity for its engaging storytelling and access to the inner workings of the competitive racing world. It has attracted both longtime fans and newcomers to the sport with its compelling narratives and dynamic presentation.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is an NBA player known for his exceptional skills and versatility, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. LeBron James is a prominent basketball player, often considered one of the greatest of all time, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony Edwards is a rising star in the NBA, known for his athleticism and scoring ability with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Domantas Sabonis, who plays for the Indiana Pacers, comes from a basketball family; his father, Arvydas Sabonis, is a basketball legend known for his skills as a center.
- Arvydas Sabonis, a legendary Lithuanian basketball player, is known for his exceptional skills and versatility as a center. He had a successful career in Europe before joining the NBA later in his career. Injuries hindered Sabonis from fully showcasing his talents in the NBA, leading to discussions about ...
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