Ep 267: Godfrey & Gary Vider

Summary of Ep 267: Godfrey & Gary Vider

by Sam Morril and Mark Normand

1h 40m•January 19, 2026
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Overview of Ep 267: Godfrey & Gary Vider

Hosts Sam Morril and Mark Normand welcome comedians Godfrey and Gary (Vider/Veeder) for a loose, wide-ranging conversation full of comedic anecdotes, industry observations, and live-show banter. The episode is informal, often tipsy, and moves between stories about SNL auditions, Hollywood cameos, pandemic-era DIY content, race in comedy, touring strategies, and the craft of writing and testing new material.

Key topics discussed

  • Godfrey’s career highlights and current projects
    • New special Rebel with a Cause — theatrical release (Jan 14) filmed at the Apollo; self-funded with help from Will.i.am and indie backers; rolling out in AMC, Alamo Drafthouse, Cinemark, Movie Grill in hundreds of theaters.
    • GodfreyLive.com — new tour site and dates.
    • Social presence: rebuilt account, ~2.5M followers on Instagram after previous account issues.
  • The SNL audition & sketch world
    • Godfrey recounts multiple SNL-era experiences: auditions, table reads (Colin Quinn), and why he thinks he never made the show (Darryl Hammond told him he’d been “too strong for the show”).
    • Ben Stiller casting story for Zoolander — Godfrey auditioned, improvised, and helped get Judah Friedlander a role.
  • COVID-era pivots and DIY distribution
    • Virtual shows (Nowhere Comedy Club), rooftops, parking-lot/drive-in gigs, social-video sketches — how comedians created their own platforms and audiences.
    • Theater releases for specials as an alternative route to Netflix/streamers.
  • Comedy craft, audiences, and race
    • How to handle race and sensitive material: do it with craft, honesty, and a payoff — “put the art in it,” “earn it.”
    • Comedy as experience-driven: reps in clubs matter; younger crowds may lack context/authority for certain types of material.
    • Comparison of comedy prep to boxing/fighting — reps, conditioning, and not skipping steps.
  • Business & industry friction
    • Complaints about ticketing fees, theater house nuts, merch fee skims, and the changing economics of specials/streaming.
    • Artists reclaiming control: podcasting, social content, self-funded projects.

Guests & notable projects

Godfrey

  • New special: Rebel with a Cause — theatrical rollout starting Jan 14; filmed at the Apollo; indie-financed (Will.i.am among backers).
  • Touring: multiple dates across improv chains, clubs, theaters (examples mentioned: Pittsburgh Improv; Bricktown in Tulsa; Wilbur in Boston; Tampa Theater taping).
  • Background highlights: long career in stand-up and impressions; past SiriusXM show (fired after controversial comments about a rude employee); SNL audition stories; cameo/role on Zoolander and connections with Ben Stiller and Judah Friedlander; acted in and knows many industry figures.
  • Philosophy: heavy emphasis on staying prolific, doing reps, and creating your own content when networks won’t play ball.
  • Social: rebuilt and growing Instagram following (~2.5M).

Gary (Vider/Veeder)

  • Participates largely in banter and impressions; contributes to discussions about comedy craft and industry stories.
  • Plays off Godfrey and hosts; shares brief comments about touring and comedy grind.

Notable anecdotes, lines & insights

  • “Don’t get bitter — get better.” — Godfrey on responding to industry setbacks.
  • Darryl Hammond to Godfrey after his SNL audition: “You would have been too strong for the show.” — a memorable closure that explains (to Godfrey) why he didn’t get cast.
  • On race in comedy: do it “smartly” and “put the art in it” — craft and honesty matter more than cheap shock.
  • On COVID-era creativity: comedians created their own ecosystems (rooftops, virtual clubs, social sketches) to survive and grow.
  • “Comedy will always knock you the fuck back down.” — about how new material and live execution keep comics humble.
  • Comparisons: comedy preparation = boxing training; clubs = gym for comedians.

Practical takeaways / recommendations

For comedians

  • Do your reps: test material repeatedly in clubs before scaling to theater/specials.
  • Use social media and sketches to build an audience — be proactive and entrepreneurial.
  • If doing sensitive or racial material, craft it carefully: build honesty, context, and a payoff.
  • Consider alternative distribution (indie film-theater release) if platforms pass or offer low deals.

For listeners / fans

  • Check Godfrey’s special Rebel with a Cause (theatrical release window) and bookmark GodfreyLive.com for tour dates.
  • Expect candid, uncensored stories — this episode is anecdote-heavy and explicit in tone.

Tour & release info (highlights mentioned)

  • Godfrey’s special Rebel with a Cause: theatrical release Jan 14 (AMC, Alamo Drafthouse, Cinemark, Movie Grill; expanding show counts).
  • GodfreyLive.com for full tour listings and ticket links.
  • Some dates mentioned (examples — check site for updates): Pittsburgh Improv, Bricktown (Tulsa), Wilbur (Boston), Tampa Theater (taping in late Feb), Zanies/Rosemont (Chicago).

Tone & who it’s for

  • Unfiltered, drink-fueled, conversational comedy podcast. Expect profanity, sexual/edgy jokes, and raw industry talk.
  • Best for fans who like behind-the-scenes comedy stories, SNL lore, and creators discussing DIY approaches to shows and specials.

Sponsors & meta

  • Episode includes sponsored reads (Willie’s Remedy, Trade Coffee, Acorns, RedCircle) woven into the show.
  • Hosts discuss the changing economics of comedy and how creators monetize (merch, indie theatrical runs, social platforms, live shows).

If you want quick links: look up GodfreyLive.com for dates and Rebel with a Cause (theater listings) — Godfrey’s the primary guest and focus of this episode.