Bad Thoughts About Meghan Markle | 2 Bears, 1 Cave
In this episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave, Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer discuss the new comedy series "Bad Thoughts" and share contrasting viewer reactions, including Kreischer's experience watching while high and Segura's mother's strong disapproval. The hosts also explore the show's production process, from Netflix's creative freedom guidelines to the collaborative writing team and the challenges of directing comedy scenes.
The conversation highlights the differences between Segura and Kreischer's approaches to both comedy and personal finance. While Kreischer takes a hands-off approach to financial matters, letting his wife handle bills, Segura maintains more direct involvement. Their discussion also touches on their distinct comedic styles, with Kreischer noting Segura's talent for character work in his sketches.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the May 19, 2025 episode of the 2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer
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1-Page Summary
Analysis of "Bad Thoughts" Series
Hosts' Reactions to the Comedy Series
The new comedy series "Bad Thoughts" has generated diverse reactions from viewers. Bert Kreischer shares his experience watching the show while high, describing an unusual "scared smile laugh" response. In contrast, Tom Segura reveals his mother's mortified reaction, calling the show "absolutely horrendous" and expressing concern about her social circle's potential judgment.
Creative Freedom and Production
Segura notes that Netflix granted substantial creative freedom for the series, with only one restriction: avoiding the N-word. The show's development benefited from a collaborative writing process, with a team including Matt Zimman, Craig Gerard, and others enhancing Segura's initial ideas. Directing proved challenging at times, particularly when working with Bobby Lee, whose comedic delivery made it difficult for the crew to maintain composure during filming.
The production value was elevated by thoughtful casting choices, including actors Shay Whigham and Dan Stevens, who helped ground the show's outlandish scenarios in reality.
Personal and Professional Contrasts
The hosts reveal striking differences in their approaches to both finances and comedy. Kreischer admits to being largely disconnected from financial matters, letting his wife handle bills and avoiding mail. This contrasts with Segura's more hands-on approach to financial management.
In terms of their comedic styles, Kreischer expresses admiration for Segura's ability to fully embody different characters in his sketches, acknowledging this as a particular talent that sets Segura apart in his creative work.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- Bert Kreischer shared his experience of watching "Bad Thoughts" while high, describing a unique reaction involving a mix of fear, smiles, and laughter. Tom Segura, on the other hand, mentioned his mother's negative response to the show, calling it "absolutely horrendous" and expressing concerns about potential judgment from her social circle.
- During the directing of the comedy series "Bad Thoughts," the crew faced challenges when working with Bobby Lee due to his unique comedic delivery style. Lee's spontaneous and unpredictable performances often led to difficulties in maintaining composure on set, requiring extra effort to capture the intended scenes effectively. His comedic timing and improvisational skills added a layer of complexity to the filming process, demanding adaptability from the production team. Despite these challenges, Lee's contributions brought a dynamic energy to the show, enhancing its comedic appeal.
- Bert Kreischer takes a hands-off approach to financial matters, leaving most responsibilities to his wife and avoiding dealing with bills directly. In contrast, Tom Segura is more actively involved in managing his finances, taking a more hands-on approach to handling his financial affairs.
Counterarguments
- While Bert Kreischer's reaction to the show while high is unique, it may not be a reliable indicator of the show's quality for the average viewer.
- Tom Segura's mother's reaction is subjective, and what she finds "absolutely horrendous" could be appealing to a different demographic with a different sense of humor.
- Creative freedom is generally positive, but without knowing the content of "Bad Thoughts," it's unclear whether the restriction on using the N-word was the only necessary limitation for sensitive or offensive content.
- A collaborative writing process can enhance a show, but too many voices in the room could also lead to a lack of clear vision or consistency in the series.
- While Bobby Lee's comedic delivery causing the crew to break composure could be seen as a testament to his humor, it could also be viewed as a potential hindrance to the efficiency of the production process.
- The casting of Shay Whigham and Dan Stevens might ground the show in reality, but it doesn't guarantee that the show will resonate with audiences or that their performances will be well-received.
- Bert Kreischer's disconnection from financial matters could be criticized as irresponsible, especially if his career were to face unexpected challenges.
- Tom Segura's hands-on approach to financial management is commendable, but it might not be the best approach for everyone, as some individuals may benefit from delegating to professionals.
- Kreischer's admiration for Segura's ability to embody characters is a personal opinion, and others might value different comedic skills more highly or prefer Kreischer's style.
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Analysis of "Bad Thoughts" Series
"Bad Thoughts," the new comedy series, has made quite an impact with its bold content, eliciting strong reactions from viewers and its creators alike.
Hosts Express Enthusiastic Reactions to New Comedy Series
The hosts share their unfiltered views on the series, ranging from personal amusement to family disapproval.
Bert Kreischer Describes Laughing and His "Scared Smile Laugh" While High Watching First and Last Episodes
Bert Kreischer's experience with "Bad Thoughts" is uniquely humorous. He revealed that while watching the last three episodes after having consumed cannabis, he caught himself with a "weird smile laugh." In this unusual expression, his eyes looked scared yet his face was adorned with a smile, indicating the enjoyable bewilderment he felt during the viewing.
Tom Segura's Mom Called the Show "Horrendous" and Embarrassing
In stark contrast to Kreischer's amusement, Tom Segura shares a more mortifying family reaction. After showing the first episode to his mother, she didn't mince words, calling the series "absolutely horrendous." Her embarrassment stemmed from the concern that her social circle might watch it, potentially leading to awkward conversations or judgments about her association with the show's content.
Podcast Hosts Reflect On the Bold, Uncensored Nature of "Bad Thoughts"
The discussion takes a turn towards the underpinnings that allow for the series' striking, unapologetic comedy.
Netflix's Only Note to Tom Segura: Avoid the N-Word, Ensuring Creative Freedom
Segura takes a moment to appre ...
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Analysis of "Bad Thoughts" Series
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Counterarguments
- While Bert Kreischer found humor in the show while under the influence, some might argue that a show should stand on its own comedic merit without the need for substances to enhance the viewing experience.
- Tom Segura's mother's reaction to "Bad Thoughts" as "horrendous" and embarrassing is subjective; others might argue that comedy is a diverse and subjective field, and what is offensive to one may be hilarious to another.
- The fact that Netflix's only note was to avoid using the N-word could be seen as a bare minimum for content guidelines, and some might argue that responsible content creation should involve a more nuanced understanding of sensitive issues beyond the avoidance of explicitly ...
Actionables
- Explore your emotional responses by journaling after watching a comedy special, noting moments of discomfort and laughter to better understand your humor boundaries. This self-reflection can reveal what themes or styles resonate with you and which ones push your limits, similar to how Bert Kreischer experienced a unique reaction while watching "Bad Thoughts."
- Have a candid conversation with a family member about a piece of media that challenges your views, akin to Tom Segura's mother's reaction, to foster open dialogue and understand different perspectives within your own family. This can help bridge generational or cultural gaps and lead to a deeper appreciation of each other's viewpoints.
- Create a personal content guidel ...
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The Creative Process Behind the "Bad Thoughts" Show
The insights reveal how the creator and contributors found synergy and sought to strike a balance between ridiculous concepts and relatable execution.
Tom Segura and Team of Writers' Collaborative Process
Tom Segura opens up about the intricacies of how a simple concept for a sketch can blossom into a fully-fledged creative piece through thoughtful collaboration in the writers’ room.
Writers Often Enhanced Tom's Ideas By Pitching Improvements or New Angles
Initially, Segura brought forth a sketch idea which he wrote from his personal perspective. However, as the writing team, which included Matt Zimman, Craig Gerard, Connor Galvin, Rami Hashash, Jeremy Connor, and Greg Tugulescu, brainstormed in the writers' room, the concept matured with input from others. One suggestion to shift the focus to the child's dialogue as influenced by the grandfather resonated with Segura, showcasing the iterative nature of the process.
Directing Bobby Lee's Sketches Was Challenging
Segura notes a particular challenge when directing the talented Bobby Lee, whose character choices and irresistible comic delivery made it hard to maintain a serious demeanor during filming. Segura recalls an instance where he expected they might need upward of 30 takes due to the difficulty of keeping a straight face.
Tom Segura applauds the writers' room's collaborative spirit, where open dialogue and shared ideas helped refine the pre-written sketches. He highlights the group's dynamic creativity, each writer adding their unique touch, whether through improving lines or suggesting new ways to bring a concept to life. Segura shares his gratitude and emphasizes the team effort with anecdotes of improvisation and a collective dedication to the script.
Podcast Hosts Discuss Production Elements That Elevated Quality
Bert Kreischer takes a moment to commend the visual finesse of "Bad Thoughts." He touches upon the skilled work behind the ca ...
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The Creative Process Behind the "Bad Thoughts" Show
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Actionables
- You can enhance your creative projects by forming a brainstorming group with friends or colleagues. Gather a diverse group of people and regularly meet to discuss and refine each other's ideas, much like a writers' room. For example, if you're writing a short story, your peers could suggest alternative plot twists or character developments that you hadn't considered.
- Experiment with improvisation in your daily interactions to boost your communication skills. Start by engaging in impromptu role-playing scenarios with a friend, where one of you presents a situation and the other reacts without preparation. This can help you think on your feet and could be particularly useful in professions like sales or teaching, where adaptability is key.
- When working on any visual proje ...
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Tom Segura vs. Bert Kreischer: Reflections and Comparisons
In a candid exchange between comedians, Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer weigh in on each other's personal and professional life approaches, revealing striking differences in their handling of finances as well as their attitudes towards their comedic crafts.
Hosts Compare Approaches to Finances and Responsibilities
The conversation provides a striking contrast in financial management between the two comedians.
Bert Kreischer Is Unaware of Finances, Rarely Opening Mail or Checking Accounts; Tom Segura Is More Hands-On
Bert Kreischer candidly admits that he has never really been hands-on with his bills, revealing that his wife, Leanne, handles their finances, which allows him to remain largely unaware of the financial details. Kreischer entrusts a portal for approving bills but has been disconnected from this aspect of his life since the days when people paid with checks. He even acknowledges that his disengagement from his finances led to significant trouble, such as getting "upside down on taxes" because he didn't open a bill.
Segura contrasts this by revealing that he is more hands-on and personally involved with his financial management, suggesting a more organized approach in his household.
Bert's Carefree vs. Tom's Organized Financial Management
Kreischer reflects on his carefree approach to money. He lives in fear of not having enough finances, which paradoxically makes him avoid spending, as he is unsure about his financial status. This fear drives him to self-protective, willful ignorance regarding his finances, while he notes that Segura has a better grasp of his own financial situation and likely more resources due to his organized approach.
Hosts Examine Their Public Persona ...
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Tom Segura vs. Bert Kreischer: Reflections and Comparisons
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Clarifications
- Bert Kreischer's disengagement from his finances is significant, as he admits to rarely opening mail or checking accounts, relying heavily on his wife to manage their financial matters. This lack of involvement has led to instances where he faced financial troubles, such as being unaware of bills and taxes, showcasing a notable disconnect from the financial aspects of his life. Kreischer's carefree attitude towards money stems from a fear of financial insecurity, which paradoxically leads him to avoid actively engaging with his financial responsibilities.
- Being "upside down on taxes" means owing more in taxes than what you have available in funds to pay the owed amount. This situation can arise due to various reasons like unexpected tax liabilities or insufficient tax planning. It can lead to financial difficulties and potential penalties if not addressed promptly.
- Bert Kreischer's fear of financial insecurity leads him to avoid spending due to uncertainty about his financial standing. This fear causes him to remain ignorant about his finances as a self-protective measure. Kreischer's avoidance of financial responsibilities stems from a deep-seated worry about not having enough money, influencing his carefree approach to managing his finances.
- Tom Segura's "Bad Thoughts" sketches are a series of comed ...
Counterarguments
- While Bert Kreischer may not be hands-on with finances, this does not necessarily mean he is irresponsible with money; delegating financial responsibilities can be a strategic decision to focus on one's strengths.
- Being hands-on with financial management, as Tom Segura is, might not always lead to better financial outcomes; it depends on the individual's financial literacy and decision-making skills.
- A carefree approach to money, like Bert Kreischer's, could sometimes result in less stress and more creativity, which can be beneficial for a comedian's work.
- Living in fear of not having enough finances might motivate Bert Kreischer to work harder and could be a driving force behind his success, rather than just a negative aspect of his financial approach.
- Tom Segura's organized financial management style might not be suitable for everyone; some individuals may thrive in less structured environments or when using alternative financial strategies.
- Praise for Tom Segura's commitment to characters does not necessarily imply that Bert Kreischer's less character-driven comedy is less effective or engaging; different comedic styles resonate ...
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