Digest

The episode features a diverse cast of characters, including director Paul Feig, who discusses his new movie "Jackpot," and Myrtle McGee, who shares her latest business venture, a therapy service for men with PTSD. However, the main focus is on Johnny Manicotti, a waste management specialist who makes his first appearance on the show. Johnny reveals a shocking secret: he is a serial killer who has killed 70 people. He describes his unique perspective on waste management and his colorful life story, hinting at a potential film adaptation. The conversation takes a dramatic turn when Johnny confesses to experiencing "murder yips," a sudden loss of confidence in his killing abilities. This coincides with his wife's pregnancy, which has unexpectedly softened his heart and made him question his violent past. A pivotal moment occurs when Johnny receives a notification on his pregnancy app, revealing his baby's size. This unexpected moment of tenderness completely changes his perspective, leading him to question his life choices and consider a new path. Johnny contemplates the possibility of balancing his desire for a large family with his murderous instincts, envisioning a "one for one" exchange, inspired by Scorsese films, where he takes a life for every child he brings into the world. However, a failed attempt to kill a snitch at the local mall, triggered by the sight of a Bluey doll, marks a turning point in his journey towards redemption. The episode concludes with Johnny revealing his plans to write a screenplay about his life, a dark comedy about a hitman who finds redemption through fatherhood. He envisions Jim Carrey playing him, highlighting the comedic and dramatic elements of his story. The episode ends with a humorous exchange about the "plug bag" and a final farewell.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Catchphrase

The episode begins with a humorous catchphrase submission and a brief discussion about the meaning of "Esquire." Scott Ackerman introduces himself and the show, highlighting the presence of AI and human guests.

00:02:04

Paul Feig: Director of "Jackpot"

Paul Feig, a frequent guest and creator of "Freaks and Geeks," joins the show to discuss his new movie "Jackpot." He shares anecdotes about his early career, including a failed attempt to direct a movie with his own money. Feig describes the premise of "Jackpot," a lottery-themed action comedy set in the near future.

00:24:10

Myrtle McGee: Widow and Small Business Owner

Myrtle McGee, a recurring guest known for her numerous husbands, returns to the show. She discusses her latest husband, a banjo player who tragically died in a camping accident. Myrtle reveals her new business venture: a therapy service for men with PTSD, inspired by a scene from the movie "Munich."

00:39:54

Johnny Manicotti: Waste Management Specialist and Serial Killer

Johnny Manicotti, a waste management specialist, makes his first appearance on the show. He shares his unique perspective on waste management and his colorful life story, hinting at a potential film adaptation. The conversation touches on the cancellation of the show "Welcome to Flatch" and the mystery surrounding its cancellation. Johnny reveals he is a serial killer who has killed 70 people.

00:45:08

The Murder Yips and a Moment of Change

Johnny reveals he's experiencing "murder yips," a sudden loss of confidence in his killing abilities. This coincides with his wife's pregnancy, which has unexpectedly softened his heart and made him question his violent past. While attempting to kill a snitch, Johnny receives a notification on his pregnancy app, revealing his baby's size. This unexpected moment of tenderness completely changes his perspective, leading him to question his life choices and consider a new path.

00:50:55

The Blueie Doll Incident and a Movie Pitch

Johnny recounts a failed attempt to kill a snitch at the local mall. The snitch's dropped shopping bag reveals a Bluey doll, a popular children's character, which triggers a wave of emotion in Johnny, causing him to spare the man's life. Johnny reveals his plans to write a screenplay about his life, a dark comedy about a hitman who finds redemption through fatherhood. He envisions Jim Carrey playing him, highlighting the comedic and dramatic elements of his story.

01:01:45

A New Path and The Mundane Life

Scott encourages Johnny to leave his life of crime behind and focus on raising his child. Johnny, however, reveals that his father is currently teething, highlighting the cyclical nature of life and the challenges of parenthood. Scott questions whether Johnny would still be an interesting person if he stopped killing. Johnny admits that he might become mundane but believes he would find joy in the simple pleasures of life and the miracle of fatherhood.

01:06:32

Plugs and Farewell

The podcast concludes with plugs for various projects, including Paul's new show "Jackpot," Johnny's upcoming fatherhood, and Devin Field's podcast "Voice, Hand, Uh, F.I.R.S.D." The episode ends with a humorous exchange about the "plug bag" and a final farewell.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the premise of Paul Feig's new movie "Jackpot"?

  "Jackpot" is a lottery-themed action comedy set in the near future where winning the lottery means becoming a target for those with losing tickets. The movie stars Aquafina, John Cena, and Simu Liu.

• What is Myrtle McGee's new business venture?

  Myrtle McGee has started a therapy service for men with PTSD, inspired by a scene from the movie "Munich." She uses a cranial sacrum massage and encourages her clients to imitate the actions of the character Eric Bana in the scene.

• What is Johnny Manicotti's specialty in the world of waste management?

  Johnny Manicotti specializes in "wet work," a term he uses to describe handling hazardous or difficult waste materials. He hints at a colorful past that could be the subject of a film adaptation.

• What is the "murder yips" and why is Johnny experiencing them?

  The "murder yips" is a sudden loss of confidence in one's ability to kill. Johnny is experiencing them because of his wife's pregnancy, which has unexpectedly softened his heart and made him question his violent past.

• How does Johnny's perspective change after receiving the notification on his pregnancy app?

  The notification, which compares his baby's size to a lump of fresh mozzarella, triggers a wave of emotion in Johnny, causing him to question his life choices and consider a new path. He begins to see the sanctity of human life and the potential for redemption.

• What is the concept behind Johnny's screenplay?

  Johnny's screenplay is a dark comedy about a hitman who finds redemption through fatherhood. It explores the comedic and dramatic elements of his life, with a focus on his transformation from a violent killer to a caring father.

• What is the significance of the Bluey doll incident?

  The Bluey doll, a symbol of childhood innocence and joy, triggers a wave of emotion in Johnny, causing him to spare the snitch's life. This incident marks a turning point in his journey towards redemption.

• What are Johnny's plans for the future?

  Johnny is considering leaving his life of crime behind and focusing on raising his child. He is also working on his screenplay, hoping to turn his life story into a successful film. He is embracing a new path, one that involves fatherhood, redemption, and a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.

Show Notes