Podcasts > Soder > Knicks New Mascot with Sam Morril | Soder Podcast | EP 15

Knicks New Mascot with Sam Morril | Soder Podcast | EP 15

By Dan Soder

Dive into the vibrant comedy scene as Dan Soder engages with fellow comedian Sam Morril in the "Soder" podcast, where they candidly discuss their journey from admiring the greats to becoming commendable joke writers themselves. Follow along as they share anecdotes about the influence of Adam Sandler, Colin Quinn, David Attell, and other comedy veterans, offering a glimpse into moments that have shaped their careers. Morril also shares a touching account of encouragement from Sandler, marking a turning point in his comedic journey.

In a different vein, the podcast captures the fervent loyalty Morril and Soder hold for New York sports. The episode paints a vivid picture of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being die-hard fans of teams like the New York Knicks, interweaving personal memories with the collective excitement and heartbreak characteristic of sports enthusiasts. Together, they reminisce, speculate on playoff outcomes, and find humor in the camaraderie that sports fandom cultivates, making this episode a must-hear for those steeped in both comedy and sports.

Listen to the original

Knicks New Mascot with Sam Morril | Soder Podcast | EP 15

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 21, 2024 episode of the Soder

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

Knicks New Mascot with Sam Morril | Soder Podcast | EP 15

1-Page Summary

Bonding Over Comedy and Joke Writing

In a reflective discussion between Sam Morril and Dan Soder, they explore their paths from simply admiring comedians to becoming notable contributors to the world of joke writing themselves. They both share profound respects for veterans like Adam Sandler, Colin Quinn, and David Attell, with personal anecdotes underscoring their admiration. Morril recounts inspiring communications with Sandler, who praised his Netflix special and shared joke ideas, exemplifying a significant moment when his role model reached out to him.

The comedic duo exchanges tales of remarkable performances like Jon Stewart's vulnerability at a WWE event, Sandler's spontaneous tributes to his peers, and valuable interactions with legends like Bill Hader and Colin Quinn. Their conversations delve into the inner workings of comedy from the evolution of their own material to the complex process of tweaking jokes in front of live audiences.

The talk extends to both Morril and Soder acknowledging each other's talent in writing and delivery, without delving into the technical dissection of jokes. They hold a shared respect and sense of fellowship in the comedy landscape that highlights their mutual experiences and growth as comedians.

Being Passionate New York Sports Fans

Sam Morril and Dan Soder engage in heartfelt discussions surrounding their passionate fandom of various New York sports teams, encompassing the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by dedicated supporters. They reminisce about precious memories, such as the highs and lows with the New York Knicks and moments like potential championship wins at Madison Square Garden that weave into the fabric of a sports fan's life.

The pair dives into fond anecdotes, from Morril's anticipations surrounding Knicks decisions to Soder's high school bonding through sports. Morril's awkward yet memorable moments with sports legends like Adam Graves and the shared connection with the audience at sports events demonstrate the personal ties and deep-seated passion for their teams.

Along with the thrills come the inevitable disappointments, such as Morril's intersecting football preferences with the Giants' fluctuations and Soder's disdain for a notable 49ers mishap. These moments illustrate how closely their personal lives and emotions are linked to the fates of their favorite teams.

Lastly, Morril and Soder speculate on playoff scenarios and express their loyalties, displaying how fan devotion extends into the strategic and analytical aspects of sports. The New Yorker solidarity they convey, coupled with their spirited discussions on team composition, coaching, and the attractiveness of players, humorously intertwines fandom with lighthearted banter, revealing the intensity and community bonding that defines the New York sports experience.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The evolution of comedy material involves comedians refining and developing their jokes over time to enhance their impact and comedic value. Tinkering with jokes in front of live audiences allows comedians to gauge audience reactions, adjust timing, delivery, and wording for maximum comedic effect. This process is crucial for comedians to fine-tune their material, test new ideas, and ensure their jokes resonate with diverse audiences. It showcases the dynamic and iterative nature of crafting comedy that requires constant experimentation and adaptation based on audience feedback.
  • The deep-seated passion for New York sports teams reflects a strong emotional connection and loyalty that fans feel towards their favorite teams. This passion often stems from a combination of personal experiences, childhood memories, and a sense of community identity tied to supporting these teams. Fans invest significant time, energy, and emotions into following and rooting for their teams, creating a deep bond that goes beyond mere entertainment. The highs and lows experienced while supporting these teams can evoke intense emotions and a sense of belonging within a larger fan community.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Knicks New Mascot with Sam Morril | Soder Podcast | EP 15

Bonding Over Comedy and Joke Writing

A conversation with Sam Morril and Dan Soder uncovers the intricacies of a comedian's life, from getting personal insights and praises from their role models to the journey from being comedy enthusiasts to becoming influential joke writers in their own right.

Discussing favorite comedians like Adam Sandler, David Attell, Colin Quinn

Soder and Morril chat about their favorite comedians, sharing stories and expressing admiration for prominent figures like Adam Sandler, Colin Quinn, and David Attell. Morril recounts how "Uncut Gems" renewed his appreciation for Sandler's work. He shares a story about getting voicemails from Sandler with joke ideas after Sandler contacted him to praise his Netflix special. Sandler's direct and rapid expressions of appreciation struck a chord with Morril.

Soder appraises the casual encounters with famous comics at the Comedy Cellar, like his reluctant conversation about "South Park" with Bill Hader instead of directly complimenting Hader's work. Likewise, Morril jokes about convincing his camp counselor to claim "Mr. Deeds" was the best movie—an admiration for Sandler's work that started early for Morril.

Critiquing comedy performances

The duo recount tales such as Jon Stewart's spontaneous stint at WWE's SummerSlam and the aftermath, when he showed vulnerability in straightening himself after a stunt. They also recall Adam Sandler's acknowledgment of David Attell at The Comedy Cellar, and Soder shares fond memories of opening for Colin Quinn and discussing the history of comedy rather than the latter's works.

Analyzing joke premises and punchlines

Morril mentions his past as a young comic not emerging as a "killer" comedian right away, indicating a growth in his ability to write and perform jokes. Soder echoes this by reflecting on the evolution of his material from jokes about "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" to crafting a joke about the appearance of tattoos as people age, which was met with a wa ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Bonding Over Comedy and Joke Writing

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Comedy Cellar is a renowned comedy club in Manhattan where top New York comedians perform in a showcase format, with multiple comedians doing sets each night. It is known for its intimate setting and has been a hub for emerging and established comedians to hone their craft since its founding in 1982. The club is located in Greenwich Village and is considered a prestigious venue in the comedy world. The Comedy Cellar is owned by Noam Dworman and has been a significant part of the comedy scene for decades.
  • Jon Stewart's stint at WWE's SummerSlam involved the former host of "The Daily Show" making a surprise appearance at the wrestling event. During the event, Stewart interfered in a match to help a wrestler, which was unexpected given his background in comedy and television. This crossover moment garnered attention and mixed reactions from both wrestling and comedy fans. Stewart's involvement added an element of entertainment and surprise to the WWE event.
  • Developing jokes through trial and error involves comedians testing out new material on stage, observing audience reactions, and refining the jokes based on what works and what doesn't. It's a process of experimentation where comedians adjust their delivery, timing, and wording to maximize the comedic impact of their jokes. This iterative approach allows comedians to fine-tune their material over time, honing their craft and developing a set that resonates with audiences. Through this process, comedians learn what makes a joke su ...

Counterarguments

...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Knicks New Mascot with Sam Morril | Soder Podcast | EP 15

Being Passionate New York Sports Fans

Passionate conversations from Sam Morril and Dan Soder showcase what being a devoted sports fan in New York is truly about, from sharing memories at games to the fluctuating emotions tethered to their teams' fortunes.

Sharing memories of attending Knicks, Giants, Rangers games

Sam Morril and Dan Soder dive into their personal vault of cherished sports experiences, emphasizing events like the Knicks potentially clinching a championship at Madison Square Garden and how such a victory there, in person, would mean the world. Morril recalls previous expectations and the associated excitement and despair for the New York Knicks, detailing an instance where he made a hopeful yet unfulfilled prediction about Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Knicks.

Soder shares lighthearted memories of how he bonded over sport during high school, while Morril recounts interactions with legends at a New York Rangers event, including an awkward exchange with Adam Graves. Moreover, Morril and Soder share moments where they tried to bring up sports references to bond with the audience at a benefit event, with Kenny Albert being a notable figure who engaged with their efforts.

Getting excited and disappointed by sports teams

The duo talks about the intense excitement they get from supporting their teams. Morril reflects on his fondness for sports figures like Marc Messier and players from the Giants like Amani Toomer. He also recalls personal encounters, including one with Jaylen Brunson of the Knicks.

Disappointments are also part of the narrative, with Morril adjusting his football enthusiasm based on the team's trajectory and Soder lamenting a fumble that changed the course for his beloved 49ers. Sports disappointments are deeply felt and sometimes tie to personal struggles, illustrating the deep connections fans have with their teams.

Debating sports fandoms and playoff hopes

Morr ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Being Passionate New York Sports Fans

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Sports speculation involves discussing potential outcomes or scenarios in sports, often based on current team performance, player abilities, and other relevant factors. Playoff analyses focus on evaluating teams' strengths and weaknesses as they compete in postseason tournaments, considering factors like past performance, matchups, and strategies. These discussions can include predictions on which teams might succeed in playoff scenarios and the factors that could influence their performance. Engaging in these analyses allows fans to deepen their understanding of the sport and anticipate the outcomes of key games and tournaments.
  • The phrase "humorous intertwining of personal preference with sports commentary regarding player attractiveness" suggests that the speakers are blending their subjective opinions on how attractive they find certain players with their sports analysis in a light-hearted manner. This could involve playful banter or jokes about players' looks while discussing their performance on the field. It adds a fun and casual element to the conversation, showcasing the speakers' ability to mix personal opinions with sports-related discussions.
  • The emotional investment and collective identity associated with being avid New York sports fans highlight the deep passion and attachment fans feel ...

Counterarguments

  • While Morril and Soder's experiences are relatable to many, not all sports fans may feel the same level of emotional investment or have the opportunity to attend games and form such memories.
  • The excitement and disappointments discussed are subjective and can vary greatly among fans; some may have a more casual or detached approach to their sports fandom.
  • Debating sports fandoms and playoff hopes can sometimes lead to exclusionary behavior, where fans of less popular teams may feel marginalized or less valued in the conversation.
  • Discussions about player attractiveness can be seen as trivializing the athletes' skills and contributions to the sport.
  • The focus on New York sports teams may not resonate w ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA