Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey? w/ Sam Morril | 2 Bears, 1 Cave
In this episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer, the hosts are joined by comedian Sam Morril to share personal stories and insights from their experiences as touring comedians. They discuss the internal struggles of deciding whether to confront disrespectful behavior in public, both as individuals and performers with an audience.
The conversation delves into challenges faced in the entertainment industry, particularly the grueling demands on wrestlers and allegations of misconduct within organizations like WWE. Segura, Kreischer, and Morril also reflect on the creative process as comedians, including refining material, adapting to different audiences, and embracing setbacks as part of their evolution. They provide a candid perspective on the lifestyle of touring comedians, from the physical and mental tolls of constant travel to the importance of camaraderie within the community.
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1-Page Summary
Confrontations and public interactions
Tom Segura recounts interrupting a yoga instructor who ended a story abruptly, and Sam Morril reveals he was removed from the Van Gogh Museum due to a confrontation with guards. They explore the internal struggles of deciding whether to confront disrespectful behavior, considering factors like the potential impact and having an audience present.
The entertainment industry, especially wrestling
Segura and Morril are astonished by allegations of sexual misconduct against WWE owner Vince McMahon, including incidents of humiliation and coercing employees. They discuss the grueling demands faced by wrestlers and draw parallels to the challenges comedians face while touring.
The creative process and challenges of being a comedian
Tom and Sam share insights on refining their stories, adapting material for different audiences, and embracing setbacks as part of their creative process. They value self-doubt and a willingness to risk failing on stage to keep evolving.
The lifestyle and experiences of touring comedians
The hosts recount the physical and mental toll of constant travel, irregular sleep, and the pressure to create new material. Segura notes how touring affected his health, while Morril emphasizes the frustrations involved. They highlight finding balance through healthy habits and the importance of camaraderie within the touring comedian community.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can practice assertiveness by setting boundaries in a yoga class, like politely asking a fellow participant to respect the shared space if they are being disruptive, which helps you handle confrontations in a low-stakes environment.
- By starting in a familiar and controlled setting, you get to experience the nuances of standing up for yourself without the high pressure of a public confrontation. For example, if someone is using their phone during class, you could approach them afterward and explain how it affects your practice, suggesting they step outside next time.
- Enhance your storytelling skills by recording yourself telling a story and then listening to identify areas for improvement, such as pacing, clarity, and engagement.
- This self-review technique allows you to become your own audience and critique your performance objectively. For instance, if you notice you're rushing through a punchline, practice slowing down at that part of the story to increase impact.
- Build resilience to the mental toll of a busy lifestyle by creating a 'travel recovery kit' that includes items like a sleep mask, earplugs, and a list of short, calming exercises to do upon reaching your destination.
- This kit serves as a personal toolkit to combat the effects of irregular sleep and stress from constant movement. For example, after a long flight, you might use the sleep mask and earplugs to take a restorative nap, followed by a five-minute meditation from your list to reset your mental state.
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Confrontations and public interactions
In this segment, Tom Segura and Sam Morril share personal anecdotes about confronting rude or disrespectful behavior in public spaces. They discuss the complexities and internal struggles of deciding if and when to confront someone.
Encounters With Disrespectful Behavior
Tom and Sam delve into their experiences of confronting individuals in settings where inappropriate or disrespectful behavior occurred.
Yoga Class Interruption
Tom recounts attending a yoga class led by an instructor with a drill sergeant demeanor. The instructor began telling a story about his son that seemed to be leading up to something, but it abruptly ended with no clear conclusion. Feeling perplexed, Tom interrupted and asked if the story was finished. When the instructor confirmed it was indeed over, Tom offered some pointed advice on how to tell a story with a proper ending.
Rude Confrontation in Amsterdam
Sam Morril, meanwhile, was kicked out of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam after a confrontation. The incident unfolded when he was waiting for an Uber with his girlfriend during a downpour, and a security guard demanded they wait outside instead of in the doorway. As negotiations failed and another guard joined to reinforce the eviction, frustration led to an insult on Sam's part. He referred to one of the guards, who was short, as a "midget," which led to them being dismissed to the rain. Reflecting on the incident, Sam admits the security guard ultimately won since Sam and his girlfriend ended up soaked waiting for their Uber.
The Internal Debate of Confrontation
The hosts explore the internal dilemmas faced when contemplating confronting someone.
Considering Impact and Audience
Tom shares his inner conflict about confronting people in public spaces like airports. He talks about witnessing line jumpers or people who are not paying attention, but he often hesitates due to intimidation or questions about the ultimate value of speaking up. Once, he watched as a large man boldly instructed people to move forward in a line, echoing the action Tom internally debated but never executed.
The Challenge of Choosing to Confront
Together, Tom and Sam discuss the difficulty ...
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Confrontations and public interactions
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Tom Segura interrupted a yoga instructor's story that lacked a clear conclusion, offering advice on storytelling. Sam Morril was asked to leave the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam after a confrontation with a security guard during a rainstorm. Sam referred to a guard as a "midget," leading to their dismissal from the museum. Both encounters highlight moments of conflict and frustration in public spaces.
- Tom and Sam grapple with the internal conflict of deciding whether to confront disrespectful behavior in public spaces. They consider factors like the potential impact of their actions, the audience present, and the level of respect they feel they deserve. The dilemma lies in balancing the desire to address wrongdoing with concerns about the consequences and the value of speaking up. They reflect on the complexities involved in choosing to confront others, especially in situations where significant others are involved.
- When deciding whether to confront someone in public, individuals consider factors like the potential impact of their actions, the audience present, and the level of respect they feel they deserve. They may weigh the appropriateness of the confrontation, the dynamics of the situation, and the possible outcomes of speaking up. Internal dilemmas can arise from concerns about escalation, personal safety, social norms, and the perceived value of addressing disrespectful behavior in a public setting. The decision to confront someone publicly can be influenced by a mix of emotions, social pressures, past experien ...
Counterarguments
- It may not always be appropriate to interrupt and offer advice, as it could be seen as disrespectful or disruptive to the class.
- Using derogatory terms, even when frustrated, is not an acceptable way to handle confrontations and can escalate situations unnecessarily.
- There may be valid reasons for security personnel to enforce certain rules, and their perspective or the context of the situation might not be fully represented in the recounting of the incident.
- Confronting someone in public can sometimes lead to more harm than good, potentially escalating a situation or causing embarrassment to all parties involved.
- The value of speaking up in public settings can be significant in maintaining social order and personal dignity, and not all confrontations have to be aggressive or confrontational.
- The presence of an audience or significant others should not be the sole determining factor in whether to confront disrespectful behavior; the decision should also consider the potential outcomes and ...
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The entertainment industry, especially wrestling
Tom Segura and Sam Morril delve into the troubling aspects of the wrestling world, scrutinizing the severe allegations of misconduct made against WWE owner Vince McMahon and drawing parallels to the adversities faced by comedians on tour.
The hosts explore the dark side of the wrestling industry, including allegations of misconduct and abuse against WWE owner Vince McMahon.
Segura and Morril are astounded by the stark allegations against McMahon, discussing the disturbing details described in a documentary and lawsuit that include incidents of sexual humiliation and coercion of employees.
They discuss the disturbing details of the accusations against McMahon, including alleged incidents of sexual humiliation and coercion of employees.
Segura details shocking accusations, including a claim that McMahon defecated on a woman's head, instructed her to keep it there, and sent her to another man's room to engage in a sexual act, referring to her as “like a cum filled whore.” Morril reacts, asserting his ability to imagine McMahon's voice saying those words, further labeling McMahon as "a bad dude." They even speculate on the involvement of wrestler Brock Lesnar in one of the alleged incidents.
The hosts consider the broader culture of the wrestling business, noting the intense travel schedules, physical toll, and power dynamics that may enable such behavior.
The conversation includes a reflection on McMahon’s mistreatment of his own son, Shane, with references to a documentary that suggested Shane’s risky wrestling stunts were attempts to earn his father’s affection. Morril points out that wrestlers are not treated well, referencing the immense travel demands and physical toll taken by their near-constant performance schedule, often performing around 300 days a year.
They compare the wrestling industry's issues to the challenges faced by comedians on the road, such as burnout, lack of privacy, and pressure to perform.
Segura shares insights from his conversation with The Undertaker ...
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The entertainment industry, especially wrestling
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Vince McMahon, the owner of WWE, faced allegations of severe misconduct, including incidents of sexual humiliation and coercion of employees. Specific accusations included claims that McMahon defecated on a woman's head, instructed her to keep it there, and sent her to engage in a sexual act, using derogatory language towards her. These allegations were discussed in a documentary and a lawsuit, raising concerns about the culture within the wrestling industry and McMahon's behavior. The hosts expressed shock and criticism towards McMahon's alleged actions and the broader power dynamics at play in the entertainment industry.
- Vince McMahon's relationship with his son Shane has been highlighted in discussions due to suggestions that Shane's risky wrestling stunts were attempts to earn his father's affection. This dynamic has been referenced in a documentary, indicating a complex father-son relationship within the context of the wrestling industry. McMahon's upbringing and his father's management style have been alluded to as potential factors influencing his behavior and leadership approach. The portrayal of McMahon's treatment of his son sheds light on the personal dynamics that may impact his actions within the wrestling business.
- The comparison between the challenges faced by wrestlers and comedians on tour highlights the demanding schedules, physical toll, lack of privacy, and pressure to perform that both groups experience. Wrestlers often have grueling performance schedules, traveling extensively and performing almost daily, while comedians face burnout from constant touring and the expectation to deliver entertaining shows consistently. Both industries require individuals to maintain high levels of performance while dealing with the strains of their respective professions.
- Vince McMahon's moral compass and lack of introspection in the context of the discussion suggest a critique of his ethical judgment and failure to reflect on his actions or consider their impact on others. The hosts express concern about McM ...
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The creative process and challenges of being a comedian
Tom Segura and Sam Morril explore the complexity of crafting comedy routines, the hazards of audience engagement, and the necessity for risk in their creative development.
Tom and Sam share insights into the constant evolution of their comedy routines and the importance of adapting material for different audiences.
The hosts delve into the intricacies of their craft, discussing how they hone their stories and shape their performances to maximize comedic impact and resonance with varied audiences.
The hosts describe the process of refining stories and jokes, including cutting unnecessary details, finding the right ending, and sequencing bits to create the optimal flow.
Tom talks about initially telling a story with too much detail and the process of refinement to unearth the essential elements. He discusses figuring out where a story should end, sometimes adding to it or cutting parts to strengthen the conclusion. Both Tom and Sam underline the challenge of boiling down their acts for shorter appearances, like crafting a tight five-minute set for television.
They discuss the difficulties of performing new material, navigating audience reactions, and maintaining a fresh perspective to avoid falling into predictable patterns.
Tom and Sam express the tension of testing new material, especially following successful acts. Morril considers whether to start with proven jokes or dive into untested material to retain its fresh and topical appeal. They note the importance of varying the length and style of bits to keep the audience engaged ...
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The creative process and challenges of being a comedian
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Crafting a tight five-minute set for television involves condensing a comedian's material into a short, impactful performance suitable for broadcast. Comedians must carefully select jokes and stories that work well within the time constraint while maintaining the essence of their comedic style. This process requires precision in joke delivery, timing, and overall pacing to ensure maximum audience engagement within the limited timeframe. Crafting a tight set for television often involves rehearsing extensively to perfect the comedic timing and flow of the performance.
- The tension of testing new material following successful acts arises from the pressure to maintain audience engagement and uphold expectations after delivering well-received performances. Comedians face the challenge of balancing the desire to innovate with the fear of disappointing their audience with untested material. This tension stems from the need to continuously evolve and take creative risks while also ensuring that their new material resonates with their audience. It reflects the delicate balance between pushing boundaries to grow artistically and delivering consistent quality to maintain their reputation and connection with their fans.
- Varying the length and style of comedy bits involves adjusting the duration and comedic approach of jokes and stories within a performance. Comedians do this to maintain audience interest and prevent monotony during their act. By mixing shorter and longer jokes, as well as different comedic styles like observational humor or storytelling, comedians can engage audiences with a diverse and dynamic set. This variation helps keep the audience entertained and ensures that the performance remains engaging throughout.
- Self-doubt in the context of comedy can be beneficial as it pushes comedians to constantly strive for improvement and refinement in their material. It serves as a motivator for comedians to challenge themselves creatively and avoid becoming complacent in their performances. Embracing ...
Counterarguments
- While adapting material for different audiences is important, it can be argued that comedians should also maintain a core message or style that is authentic to them, rather than changing too much to suit different crowds.
- In the process of refining stories and jokes, there's a risk of over-editing, which could strip a routine of its original charm or spontaneity that might have connected with the audience.
- Crafting shorter sets for television might not always reflect a comedian's true talent, as the constraints of TV formats can limit the depth and breadth of comedic storytelling.
- The difficulties of performing new material and navigating audience reactions are inherent to comedy, but some might argue that relying too much on audience feedback could stifle a comedian's unique voice or lead to pandering.
- Maintaining a fresh perspective is crucial, ...
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The lifestyle and experiences of touring comedians
The hosts, Tom Segura and Sam Morril, delve into the lifestyle of touring comedians, recounting the physical and mental challenges they face, including the toll of constant travel, irregular sleep schedules, and the pressure to create new material.
The toll of touring
Dealing with travel and unpredictability
Tom and Sam share stories representative of the stressful situations that can arise while on the road, like Tom Segura’s urge to confront a rude server, indicating the mental toll touring can take. Sam Morril recounts his relatively good fortune of experiencing a flight delay of only 20 minutes, but balances it with a story of a five-hour delay and an emergency landing due to fuel exhaustion. He also narrates an incident involving a disruptive drunk passenger on a flight. These anecdotes echo the general unpredictability of life on the road. In another instance, Morril's train to Boston was delayed due to a person being run over, leading him and Ronnie Chang to consider taking a costly two-hour Uber to make it to a benefit event on time. Morril humorously recounts having to shower in the visiting locker room at the venue, joking about a weak water stream.
The physical and mental strain
The discussion touches on how the constant touring and performing can lead to illness, as Segura notes how it affected his eating habits and weakened his immune system. Sam Morril talks about the mental exhaustion that comes from the pressure to continuously create new material, leading to frustration. These issues highlight the necessity of continuously refining material. The conversation also implies that comedians must work around changing routines and adapt to different audiences.
Finding balance and camaraderie
Coping and community support
Implicit in their reflections is the need to find healthy coping mechanisms to manage the stresses of the job. Morril discusses the benefits of bringing a good influence on the road, such as a friend who insists on waking up early to work out. Segura als ...
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The lifestyle and experiences of touring comedians
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Touring comedians face physical strain from constant travel, leading to disrupted sleep and weakened immune systems. The mental strain arises from the pressure to consistently create new material, causing exhaustion and frustration. These challenges highlight the demanding nature of the comedian's lifestyle, requiring resilience and adaptability to navigate the rigors of touring.
- Comedians face constant pressure to create new material to keep their performances fresh and engaging for audiences. This demand for original content often leads to mental strain and the need for continuous refinement of their material. The comedy industry rewards innovation and originality, pushing comedians to constantly evolve their acts to stay relevant and competitive. The ability to consistently generate new and relatable material is a key factor in a comedian's success and longevity in the industry.
- Tom Segura and Sam Morril discuss coping mechanisms for dealing with the stresses of touring, such as the importance of writing or working out to manage the pressures effectively. They highlight the significance of healthy habits and routines, like exercising and maintaining a positive mindset, to navigate the challenges of constant travel and performance. Segura and Morril emphasize the value of having supportive friends on the road who can provide encouragement and help maintain a balanced lifestyle amidst the demands of touring. Their reflections underscore the need for comedians to find ways to cope with the physical and mental strains of th ...
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