Drinking Bodega Cat Whiskey With Comedian Sam Morril: Part II

Comedian Sam Morril is a star on the rise. His ‘Class Act’ comedy tour is selling out shows across the country, he has a hit Netflix special ‘Same Time Tomorrow,’ was interviewed by David Letterman on ‘That’s My Time’ and is hosting two podcasts: ‘We Might Be Drunk’ with fellow comedian Mark Normand and ‘Games with Names’ with NFL legend Julian Edelman. In Part II of our interview at the Olive Tree Cafe, Morril discusses his stand-up idols, strange drinks in comedy clubs and why velvet seats make for better audiences.

Who’s been you favorite guest on the ‘We Might Be Drunk’ podcast?

So many have been great. People love the Bill Burr episode. He was really calm which is rare for Bill. He’s always been nice to me but there are clips of people setting him off and you don’t want to be one of those. He doesn’t drink but he loves milkshakes and cigars. So we did that and I think that put him in a good mood.

You’re starting a new sports podcast with NFL star Julian Edelman. How did that come about?

His people were looking for a New York comedian who could talk sports and it’s kind of a small list. He knows the game inside and out and he’s an interesting guy because he has not had a traditional career. For one thing he’s a Jewish Super Bowl MVP — you just don’t see those words together all the time.

And what are ‘Games with Names?’

The show is about finding the greatest games ever played. We’ve had guys like Gilbert Arenas on and he dropped 60 points on Kobe Bryant. That’s a pretty good game to relive. Sometimes we get the person from the losing side as well. We had Tedy Bruschi come on talking about when the Giants beat them in the Super Bowl and Eli Manning was also on that episode so wow! I mean it’s easier to talk about losing when you’ve already won three Super Bowls. I love sports and, like comedy, it really brings people together.

With everything going on do you have a sense that your time is happening?

Yes and no. Because once you start feeling that too much you’re not focusing on work. I notice more people at the shows. I did five shows at The Wilbur last week in Boston. That’s a lot of people so it’s pretty thrilling. Crowds are more enthusiastic and more energetic and I feel the bigger pop when I go out. But I don’t focus on it. This job really does have a way of keeping you humble. I could never be like oh my God, I’m doing so well because something will happen that brings you back down. I know too many funny people for my ego to get too big.

You just got interviewed by David Letterman. Was he someone you admired growing up?

Oh my God, of course. That was crazy. He’s not just an icon in comedy but he’s a New York icon. And beyond comedy one of the greatest interviewers ever I think.

Who were your first comedy heroes?

Rodney Dangerfield really made me love comedy. He was a machine gun: relentless, hilarious and also self-deprecating. ‘Back to School’ was to me the funniest movie ever joke for joke. Every character just serves to set up his jokes. And that to me is already hilarious.

Chris Rock’s ‘Role with the New’ album was a game changer for me because of these provocative setups. I remember my mom grabbing my disc player and wondering what I was listening to and just saw this look of horror on her face. Then thirty seconds later she’s laughing hysterically. And that’s beautiful that a joke can push you away and then bring you right back.

Have you ever gotten to drink or share a meal with one of your idols?

I got to open for Adam Sandler and that was pretty insane. We’re just hanging out after the shows eating steak. He is as cool as you would hope he’d be. I’m like wow you made me so happy as a kid and you still make me happy. That’s kind of a beautiful thing.

I was on the road recently in St. Louis and Chris Rock was in my hotel and he hung out for a while. It’s kind of cool to be oh, just me and Chris Rock passing through Missouri.

What did you talk about?

A lot of comedy philosophy and stuff. When he says something you listen because it’s Chris Rock. Everything he says is absolute, that’s how his mind works. This is how it is. Even when you don’t agree with it you’re like well that was really well worded.

Have you though about doing your own television show?

At some point because there’s only so much I have in the tank as a comic. I’ll always come back to standup but I can’t maintain the pace I’ve been at doing three specials in the last three years. I’m also doing a new hour on the road. It’s taken too much out of me.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Bodega Cat?

Straight. I either do it on the rocks or in the winter when it’s really cold I’ll do neat just cause it warms you up. A Manhattan is probably my favorite cocktail on the rocks. There’s something about New York pride on the road, you order one and you’re like yeah, it’s a f#!king Manhattan. When you go to a good place where they make it right mm-hmm.

They make some weird drinks in comedy clubs.

I always make fun of comedy clubs. They don’t know how to make a Negroni but they’ll be giving people a Yellow Gummy Bear or whatever the hell that drink is.

How’s the tour going?

Great, easily the best tour of my life. Theaters are so much easier than clubs. That’s actually something Chris Rock said to me. “There’s something about velvety seats. It just makes them behave better.” When it’s a pricer ticket and bigger venue I think you’re taken more seriously.

I have all these memories of performing in comedy clubs where I couldn’t fill the room and they would just give out free tickets. The crowd just doesn’t respect you. There’s no investment. You have to prove yourself to that crowd with every joke. I’d be killing it for twenty minutes and then one bomb and they’re like he sucks. Now I have people that are listening.

It’s been a great interview. I’m still going to mention you brought us a half-filled bottle of Bodega Cat in a CVS shopping bag.

Yeah, I figured. I am going to let you keep the bottle though.