Digest

This podcast features a conversation between Scott Ackerman and Wayne Brady, touching upon Brady's aversion to fowl, his USC lectureship on improvisation for camera, and shared theatrical experiences. They discuss Brady's Emmy-winning work on *Whose Line Is It Anyway?* and his improvisational podcast, "What If?". The conversation takes unexpected turns with the addition of Peloton instructor Kendall, leading to a highly improvisational segment filled with humor and personal anecdotes. Bugs Bunny then joins the discussion, revealing a sketch competition against Mr. Schmack Mallet, who threatens Scott's friends. The podcast becomes a brainstorming session for sketch ideas, incorporating elements of Custopia, a fictional weed-based universe, and attempts to recruit various celebrities. The episode concludes with plugs and closing remarks.

Outlines

00:00:30

Introduction and Favorite Fowl/Rabbit

The episode begins with the introduction of Scott Ackerman and a humorous catchphrase attempt. The conversation quickly shifts to Wayne Brady's surprising aversion to fowl, stemming from a family history of fowl killing, and a discussion about his favorite rabbit (which he doesn't have).

00:04:08

Wayne Brady's USC Lectureship

Brady discusses his role as an adjunct professor at USC, teaching "Improvisation for Camera," which unexpectedly involves lessons on killing fowl. He shares insights into his teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of pre-scene improvisation and extending scenes beyond the script's end.

00:07:48

Shared Theater Experiences

Brady and Ackerman discover shared experiences in theater, including playing Billy Flynn in *Chicago* and performing in high school plays. They compare the similarities between various theatrical experiences, from Broadway to theme park shows.

00:10:12

Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Emmy Awards

The conversation turns to Brady's long-running stint on *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, discussing the show's longevity and his multiple Emmy wins. He clarifies the number of Emmys he's won, including those as a producer.

00:13:28

Wayne Brady's Podcast: "What If?"

Brady introduces his podcast, "What If?", explaining its unique format: improvisational conversations with guests that lead to unscripted scenes based on the conversation's flow. He highlights memorable moments with guests like Colton Dunn.

00:28:01

Beetlejuice and Theme Park Shows

Brady recounts his experiences performing in the *Beetlejuice* rock and roll graveyard review at Universal Studios, detailing the show's concept and his role as Dracula (in LA) and the Wolfman (in Orlando). He reflects on the positive aspects of theme park work.

00:38:43

Peloton Instructor Segment

A Peloton instructor, Kendall, joins the podcast. The conversation takes a humorous and unexpected turn, focusing on their motivations for being on the podcast and evolving into a bizarre, highly improvisational segment involving protein powder, bikes, and personal anecdotes.

01:01:39

Initial Greetings and Steak Smoothies

The episode begins with introductions and playful banter among the hosts. Crandall, a Peloton instructor, is present, and steak smoothies are shared.

01:03:46

Bugs Bunny Joins the Conversation

Bugs Bunny, America's favorite rabbit, joins the podcast. Discussion turns to his career, childhood, and a controversial book ("Watershed Down") that depicts rabbits violently.

01:08:39

The Sketch Competition

Bugs Bunny reveals he's in a sketch competition against Mr. Schmack Mallet, who threatens Scott's friends. The group begins brainstorming sketch ideas.

01:14:02

Custopia and its Inhabitants

The conversation veers into a discussion about Custopia, an alternate universe made entirely of weed, and its various inhabitants, including Snoop Dogg.

01:18:28

Recruiting Help for the Sketch Show

The hosts attempt to recruit various celebrities for their sketch show, encountering difficulties in reaching them.

01:24:03

Brainstorming Sketch Ideas

The group continues brainstorming sketch ideas, including blackout sketches, parody songs, and incorporating various characters.

01:30:17

Plugs and Closing Remarks

The podcast concludes with the hosts plugging their respective projects and thanking the listeners.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the unique format of Wayne Brady's podcast, "What If?"?

  It's an improvisational conversation with guests leading to unscripted scenes.

• What are some of Wayne Brady's most memorable theater experiences?

  Playing Billy Flynn in *Chicago*, performing in *Beetlejuice*, and high school plays.

• What is Wayne Brady's perspective on improvisation in acting?

  He emphasizes pre-scene improvisation to enrich performances and extend scenes.

• What is the main theme of the Peloton instructor segment?

  Highly improvisational, absurd humor focusing on personal anecdotes.

• What is the central conflict of the podcast's narrative?

  A sketch competition against Mr. Schmack Mallet to save the hosts' friends.

• What is Custopia?

  A fictional alternate universe made entirely of weed, serving as a recurring comedic element.

• How do the hosts prepare for the sketch competition?

  They brainstorm ideas, attempt to recruit celebrities, and discuss sketch formats.

Show Notes