Laughter Included

Laughter Included

By John McMahon (aka Johnny Mack)ComedySociety & Culture
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Laughter Included episodes

  • Stand-Up, Marriage Lessons & Action Heroes w/ Matt Moramarco

    In this episode, we sit down with stand-up comic Matt Moramarco to talk about comedy, marriage, and the dumbest fight he’s ever had (hint: it involves a pillow). From performing at the iconic Comedy Store and bombing mid-set to navigating newlywed life, Matt brings honesty, laughter, and some surprising stories.

    We also unveil Matt’s 32-action-hero March Madness-style bracket—think John Wick vs. Jason Bourne—and tease a new YouTube Shorts series to go with it.

    Highlights include:

    • The nightmare comedy set that ended in a fall

    • Moving cross-country and the infamous pillow fight
    • Behind-the-scenes at the Comedy Store & Hollywood Improv
    • The truth about dating during COVID
    • Ultimate Action Hero bracket—who makes the cut?

    Stick around—this one’s packed with laughs and late-night wisdom.

     

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Cold Open

    00:42 Ireland Trip Recap + Boston Marathon Talk
    14:52 Guest Introduction: Matt Moramarco’s Family Ties
    15:24 Matt’s Comedy Origin Story
    20:33 First Show at the Hollywood Improv
    22:04 Comedy Store Set + Getting Paid
    26:28 Worst Bomb Ever: Forgot His Set
    30:56 Doing 5–7 Shows a Week in LA
    35:03 Meeting His Wife on Hinge During COVID
    41:18 The Infamous Pillow Fight Story
    47:19 Lessons From Year One of Marriage
    53:03 Comedy Showdown: Nostalgic Favorites
    1:10:31 Teaser: 32 Action Hero Tournament
    1:21:04 Closing Thoughts + Dumbest Fights Request

     

    Links & Mentions:

    🎤 Hollywood Improv

    🎭 The Comedy Store
    🤣 Sebastian Maniscalco
    🧠 Gary Gulman
    🎙️ Wayne Brady Skit on Chappelle’s Show
    🍽️ Key & Peele: Continental Breakfast

     

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    1 hr 23 min
  • Dillon Salva: From College Athlete to Rap Stars’ Bodyguard & Netflix Actor

    In this episode, we sit down with Dillon Salva—a former college football and basketball player who turned rejection from the NFL into a springboard for something bigger. Dillon shares his wild journey from crushing tackles to guarding Fetty Wap and Kevin Gates, training in Hollywood gyms, and landing a spot on Netflix’s Running Point.

    You’ll hear about nightclub shootouts, touring with rappers, transforming his body through bodybuilding, and the resilience that kept him going when everything else fell apart.

     

    Highlights include:

    • How a college coach broke his confidence—and built it back

    • Getting scouted by the Patriots without knowing it
    • The insane story of becoming Fetty Wap’s trainer
    • A baby mistaking Kevin Gates for a mom (!?)
    • What it’s like to witness a shooting on tour

    Stick around—this one is packed with unbelievable moments and serious inspiration.

     

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Show Intro

    02:27 Family of Athletes: Records and Recruits  
    04:02 Early Lifting & Athletic Development  
    07:04 High School Transfers and Position Changes  
    10:09 Switching from QB to Tight End  
    13:18 New Coach, New Opportunities  
    14:47 Almost Playing in the SEC  
    17:04 Academic Struggles and Lost Scholarships  
    18:19 College Football at Kean & Injury Setbacks  
    21:00 Getting Moved Between Four Positions  
    22:02 Kicked Off Basketball Team After Spitting Incident  
    25:06 Brookdale Year and JUCO Hoops Success  
    27:19 Why Dillon Chose Merrimack  
    30:07 Coach Curran’s Tough Love Moment  
    34:03 NFL Interest, Patriots Scout Mention  
    36:11 Pro Days, Falcons & Redskins Tryouts  
    39:08 How He Met Jack Silva  
    41:11 CBD Line & Move to California  
    44:45 Meeting Jay Cutler & Larry Wheels  
    46:04 How Fetty Wap Found Him on Instagram  
    50:06 From Training Fetty to Being His Bodyguard  
    52:11 Wild Nights at Miami Swim Week  
    54:52 “Would You Take a Bullet?”  
    58:42 Witnessing Shootings on Tour  
    1:02:00 Meeting Kevin Gates at a Miami Club  
    1:06:50 Kevin Offers Bodyguard Job After Fetty’s Arrest  
    1:13:14 Why Kevin Gates is a Fitness Monster  
    1:15:03 Origin of the Nickname “Scutty”  
    1:16:12 Netflix Role in *Running Point*  
    1:18:42 His Acting Goals and SAG Eligibility  
    1:29:01 Prepping for Pro Card in Bodybuilding  
    1:32:00 Cheat Meals, Five Guys vs In-N-Out  
    1:34:00 Where He Hopes to Be at 40

     

    Links & Mentions:

    🎥 Dillon’s Instagram

    📺 Watch Running Point on Netflix
    💪 Team Personal Record (Larry Wheels’ Brand)
    🎤 Kevin Gates Tour Info

     

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    1 hr 37 min
  • From the Herald to the Patriots: Paul Perillo’s Story

    In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we welcome Paul Perillo—editor of Patriots.com and co-host of Patriots Unfiltered. Paul brings decades of New England sports experience to the mic, with stories spanning from Everett High to the Boston Herald newsroom and into Gillette Stadium’s media room.

    We dive into his early athletic career, the hustle of breaking into sports journalism, and the evolution of youth sports and sports media. Paul reflects on working with legends like Bill Simmons, Michael Felger, Tony Massarotti, and Mike Reiss, all while bringing humor and humility to his journey.

     

    Highlights include:

    • Growing up in Everett’s sports culture

    • Playing baseball at BU & becoming team captain
    • Breaking into the Boston Herald
    • Covering high school, college & pro sports
    • Patriots insider stories & working with the Krafts

    Whether you’re a sports fan, aspiring journalist, or nostalgic for old-school ball, this episode’s for you.

     

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Show Intro

    03:25 Growing up in Everett and early sports memories
    08:45 Writing sports articles while playing for Everett
    23:00 Baseball at BU and the story of becoming a college pitcher
    36:24 Getting inducted into the BU Baseball Hall of Fame
    40:25 Breaking into journalism at the Boston Herald
    46:00 Working at the Herald with Tony Massarotti, Michael Felger, and Bill Simmons
    53:45 Transitioning to the Patriots in 1999
    1:04:30 Why all wide receivers are divas (except Larry Fitzgerald)
    1:19:18 The 2001 Superbowl - The start of Patriot dynasty
    1:30:30 Inside the Media
    1:38:25 Patriots pick at #4
    1:46:56 Advice for an aspiring sports writer

     

    Links & Mentions:

    🔵 Official website of the New England Patriots

    🎙️ Patriots Unfiltered Podcast
    🏒 Don Lucia speech on Player Development
    🏈 The Seven Blocks of Granite at Fordham
    📰 Boston Herald Sports
    🐺 Northeastern Athletics

     

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    1 hr 52 min
  • Podcasting, Street Hockey & Train Wreck TV – w/ Josh Kaplan

    In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Josh Kaplan—one of the voices behind the podcast Friends Talking Shop. Josh shares how three finance industry veterans turned late-night conference chats into a hilarious and relatable show that’s now over 85 episodes strong.

    We dive into Josh’s Philly sports fandom, his 15-year journey playing in an adult street hockey league, and how he juggles podcasting, family, and a full-time career. The conversation also explores social media struggles, viral moments, and unexpected documentary obsessions.

     

    Highlights include:

     • How Friends Talking Shop got started

     • Podcast dynamics: Dave the host, Omar the wildcard
     • Street hockey stories (and injuries)
     • Growing on Instagram with help from the kids
     • Favorite shows from Love is Blind to Dr. Pimple Popper

    Whether you’re over 50 or just feel like it, this episode is a fun, relatable ride.

     

    Timestamps

    00:00 Episode 23 Show Intro

    07:22 Street hockey league: gear, injuries, and adult camaraderie
    13:12 The Stretch Zone
    20:40 Internships, sticker fails & early career mishaps
    22:23 How Friends Talking Shop was born around a fire pit
    26:24 Omar the wildcard: single life, eccentric style, and spontaneity
    30:12 Josh’s “social media vault” strategy and posting tips
    38:35 Why podcasting should always be for fun
    48:51 When TikTok turned into a battlefield over “Jingle Bells”
    54:45 Streaming picks: Jay & Pamela, Baylen, Love Is Blind, Lincoln Lawyer
    1:03:28 Karen Read case – the local true crime twist
    1:07:59 Show Wrap Up

     

    Links & Mentions:

    🎙️ Friends Talking Shop Podcast

    🥃 Deacon Whiskey (FTS sponsor)
    📺 Jay and Pamela on TLC
    📺 Baylen Out Loud on Max
    🧘 Stretch Zone
    🔔 Controversy over Jingle Bells Fun Fact (Tik Tok)
    🤢 Dr. Pimple Popper
    📺 The Trial of Karen Read
    🎵 “I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died” by Riley Green

     

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    1 hr 9 min
  • Godsmack, Family & the Road to a Solo Album: Lee Richards’ Rock Journey

    In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Lee Richards, an accomplished musician, songwriter, and producer best known as the original guitarist for Godsmack. Lee takes us through his career—from the early days of forming one of rock’s biggest bands to stepping away for fatherhood, and now, gearing up for his first solo album, Lee Richards & Friends.

    We explore his journey through music, working with legends, and how he balances rock and family life. He shares untold stories from the road, the inside scoop on writing hit songs, and what keeps him inspired after decades in the industry.

     

    Highlights include:

    • Godsmack Origins & Leaving for Fatherhood

    • The Reality of the Music Business
    • Songwriting Secrets & Collaborating with Rock Legends
    • The Craziest Crowd Lee Ever Played For
    • Balancing Music & Family Life
    • What’s next? Lee Richards’ debut solo album

    Lee’s stories are raw, real, and full of wisdom—whether you’re a music fan, an aspiring artist, or just love a great conversation.

     

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The Mack & G Show

    01:00 – Meet Lee Richards: Godsmack Origins
    08:20 – Forming Godsmack & Early Days in the Band
    12:40 – Why Lee Left Godsmack for Fatherhood
    17:04 – The Harsh Reality of the Music Business
    19:50 – Lee’s Songwriting Process & Inspiration
    33:50 – Working with Producer Dave Jerden
    43:40 – The Most Surreal Crowd Lee Ever Played For
    48:31 – Touring in the U.S. vs. Europe: Key Differences
    53:45 – Lee’s Upcoming Solo Album Lee Richards & Friends
    56:42 – How Lee Balanced Music & Fatherhood
    1:03:42 – Advice for Young Musicians Today

     

    Links & Mentions:

    • Another Animal on Spotify

    • Dropbox on Spotify
    • Godsmack on Spotify
    • Dropbox - Wishbone
    • Another Animal – Black Coffee Blues
    • Another Animal – Broken Again
    • John Kosco & Lee Richards - Touché
    • Richards/Crane feat. Myles Kennedy - Black & White (Official Video)
    • Bamboozled.Boston Podcast
    • Jordan vs Bird C64 Gameplay
    • Russell Autobody in Pelham, NH
    • Fletch - Put it on the Underhills Tab

     

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    1 hr 18 min
  • Streaming Hits & the Ultimate “Uncool Dad” List

    In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we celebrate a major milestone—our 21st episode! That officially puts us in the top 1% of podcasts (at least according to statistics). To mark the occasion, we dive into the latest streaming hits, including Running Point, White Lotus, Zero Day, and more. Plus, we debate whether getting a full-body health scan is genius or just a way to stress yourself out.

    But the real fun? We unveil the ultimate “Uncool Dad” list—habits that dads think are cool but… absolutely are not. Are you guilty of any?

     

    Highlights Include:

     • Best & worst new streaming shows

     • The truth about full-body health scans
     • The “Uncool Dad” list—what NOT to do
     • Ricky G’s Dual Lingo struggles
     • A sneak peek at upcoming shows we’re excited for

    Whether you’re looking for your next binge-worthy show or just trying to avoid embarrassing dad habits, this episode has something for you. Let’s dive in!

     

    Timestamps

    0:00 Welcome to Episode 21—Why This is a Milestone

    2:30 The Stats Behind Podcast Survival Rates
    4:32 The Catch-Up: Life Updates & Dog Shenanigans
    6:38 Should You Get a Full-Body Scan? Worth It or Just Anxiety Fuel?
    13:00 Streaming Shows We’re Watching: Hits & Misses
    24:30 Upcoming Shows We’re Excited For
    29:18 The “Uncool Dad” List—What Not to Do
    34:30 Can 700 Days on Duolingo Actually Teach You to Order Dinner?
    36:08 Next Week’s Guest: Founding Member of Godsmack

     

    Links & Mentions:

    Why 21 Episodes Matters

    Running Point – Watch on Apple TV+
    Paradise - Watch on Hulu
    How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Dogs
    Full-Body Scans: Pros & Cons
    Shoutout to the ‘Friends Talking Shop’ Podcast
    Duolingo: Can Ricky G Ever Order Dinner?

     

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    38 min
  • Saving Lives & Leading EMS: Inside the World of Paramedics – w/ Rich Raymond

    In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Rich Raymond, President & CEO of Armstrong Ambulance, and a paramedic with over three decades of experience. From his early days as an EMT to responding to major disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the Wakefield workplace shooting, Rich shares a firsthand look at the high-pressure world of emergency medical services (EMS).

    We discuss the intensity of first responder work, the challenges of leadership in EMS, and the unforgettable moments that define a career in saving lives. Whether it’s navigating mass casualty events or the everyday heroism of paramedics, this episode is a deep dive into the life of a frontline worker.

     

    Highlights Include:

    • The Wakefield mass shooting – responding to a workplace tragedy

    • Deploying for Hurricane Katrina – chaos, disaster relief & makeshift hospitals
    • The realities of EMS – from 911 calls to saving lives
    • Crazy first responder stories – the wildest calls you won’t believe
    • The importance of CPR training & knowing how to stop a bleed

    Whether you’re interested in EMS, healthcare, or just love jaw-dropping real-life stories, this episode delivers.

     

    Timestamps

    00:00 Intro & Welcome to Episode 20

    00:52 Red Light Therapy – Does it Work?
    04:40 Growing Up in East Boston & Childhood Stories
    08:55 Wild High School Stories – The Dom Savio Years
    24:15 Becoming an EMT & Moving Up in EMS
    36:42 The Man Who Got Run Over & Walked Away – Wildest EMS Calls
    49:45 Deploying for Hurricane Katrina – Responding to Disaster
    57:18 The Wakefield Workplace Shooting – Inside the Response
    1:01:45 The Mental Toll of First Responders & PTSD in EMS
    1:07:41 The Life of a St. Bernard Owner (Rich’s 175lb Puppy)
    1:12:18 Why Everyone Should Learn CPR & Stop the Bleed Training
    1:19:48 Teasing Next Episode – Founding Member of Godsmack Joins the Show

     

    Links & Mentions:

    Armstrong Ambulance Services

    Beem Light Sauna
    Edgewater Technology shooting
    Find EMT & Paramedic Training Near You
    Learn CPR & Stop the Bleed
    Red Light Therapy: What is It?

     

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    1 hr 21 min
  • The Ultimate Winter Survival Kit (Stay Warm, Stay Sane!)

    Winter is here, and if you’re trying to keep the house warm, the driveway clear, and your sanity intact, this episode is for you. Johnny Mack and Ricky G break down The Ultimate Winter Survival Kit—covering everything from frozen pipes and drafty windows to comfort foods, winter drinks, and the best ways to stay entertained indoors and out. Whether you’re battling ice dams, whipping up a killer chili, or just trying to keep the family from driving you nuts, we’ve got the tips and laughs to get you through.

     

    Highlights Include:

     • Preventing frozen pipes and home disasters

     • Best winter comfort foods & drinks
     • Why calcium chloride beats rock salt
     • The best winter movies & activities
     • Worst cabin fever moments

    And don’t miss our big announcement about an upcoming giveaway—details later in the episode!

     

    Timestamps

    00:00 Intro: Welcome to Episode 19!

    01:53 The Ultimate Winter Survival Kit for Dads
    04:38 Frozen pipes: How to prevent and fix them
    11:08 Ice dams and why your roof hates winter
    16:00 Car winter must-haves (spoiler: get a Snow Joe!)
    21:35 Top comfort foods that get us through winter
    33:20 Hot cocoa vs. coffee—let’s settle this
    39:02 Outdoor fun: Skiing, sledding, and why no one snowshoes
    47:10 The best board games and Jackbox Party Packs
    52:30 Ricky reorganizes socks (yes, really)
    55:20 Winter hacks: Ice melt, furnace tips & more
    58:48 Giveaway details: Win some awesome gear!

     

    Links & Mentions:

    Get Your Own Snow Joe Snow Broom

    Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Slider Recipe
    Paul Hardcastle - Nineteen - 1985 (Official Music Video)
    Roof Rake - 30 ft
    The Jackbox Party Pack
    White Mountain 1000 Piece Puzzle

     

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    1 hr 1 min
  • The Road to the Big Leagues (with Coach James Baker)

    In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with James Baker, a former professional pitcher turned coach, who takes us through his incredible baseball journey. From getting cut in high school to playing seven seasons of pro ball—including time with the San Diego Padres organization—James knows all about perseverance. Now, as the head coach at The Governor’s Academy and co-owner of Baker O'Flynn Sports, he’s mentoring the next generation of athletes.

    We dive into everything from the grind of minor league baseball to coaching philosophy, player development, and what it takes to succeed at the next level.

    Highlights Include:

    • Overcoming setbacks in high school baseball

    • Making it to pro ball & minor league life
    • Coaching philosophy and training young athletes
    • Recruiting differences between college & prep school
    • The balance of coaching, business, and family

    If you’re a baseball fan, coach, parent, or just love a great underdog story, this episode is for you!

     

    Timestamps

    00:00 Intro and Should Boston fans boo the Canadian anthem? (Four Nation's Face-off)

    01:13 Introducing James Baker: From Boxford to Pro Baseball
    04:55 Getting cut in high school & the turning point
    12:23 The inspirational story of Tim Bransfield
    16:26 Making it to the College World Series
    23:20 Minor league reality: The grind of pro baseball
    46:05 Coaching at Colby College (NESCAC)
    50:56 Coaching at Governor's Academy
    1:00:42 Velocity, control, or movement - which is most important?
    1:07:28 James coaching philosophy
    1:10:25 Favorite New England sports moments: Pedro & The Snow Bowl
    1:12:10 Upcoming baseball camps & how to train with James

     

    Links & Mentions:

    A Life Interrupted - A Moving Memoir by Tim Bransfield

    Baker O'Flynn Sports on Facebook
    Baker O'Flynn Sports on Instagram
    BOS Program Guide
    Pedro Throws Don Zimmer to the Ground
    The 1999 All Star Game was Epic
    The Governor's Academy Baseball
    The Wall of Gaylord
    Wichita Baseball

     

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    1 hr 14 min
  • A Fighter’s Journey—Boxing, Barbering & Beyond (with Jack Silva)

    In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Jack Silva—a former Golden Gloves boxer turned endurance athlete and fitness coach. Jack shares his incredible journey from his early days in the ring to overcoming a career-ending injury and finding new challenges in Ironman races and marathons. With over 30 years of experience as a personal trainer and barber, Jack brings a unique perspective on discipline, longevity, and staying active as we age.

    We dive into the world of boxing, including his experiences training with legends like Mickey Ward and Dicky Eklund, the mental toughness required for endurance sports, and the launch of his new online fitness coaching platform, Enduro Plus Fitness. If you’re looking for motivation to get moving—no matter your age—this episode is for you.

    Highlights include:

    • Training with Mickey Ward and Dicky Eklund
    • The brutal reality of boxing and why it’s not for everyone
    • How Jack transitioned from boxing to Ironman races
    • The mental game of endurance sports
    • How men over 40 can stay fit and strong
    • The launch of EndurO+ Fitness

    Whether you’re a former athlete looking to get back in shape or just need a kickstart, Jack’s story is packed with inspiration.

     

    Timestamps

    00:00 Welcome to Episode 17 - Like & Subscribe!

    01:42 The Eagles saved Brady’s legacy—Super Bowl banter
    03:56 Introducing Jack Silva: A fighter in and out of the ring
    06:02 Introducing Jack Silva: A fighter in and out of the ring
    07:15 From childhood boxing rings to Golden Gloves champion
    16:12 Career-ending injury and the pivot to endurance sports
    23:35 Funny story about Dicky Eklund’s botched hair dye job
    29:00 Training with Mickey Ward—sparring stories
    33:22 The insane world of Ironman races and marathons
    42:32 Fitness after 40: The biggest mistakes guys make
    43:50 Introducing EndurO+, Jack’s new online coaching platform
    51:05 Favorite workout music, boxing movies, and the best steak
    58:03 Final advice: It’s never too late to start getting fit

     

    Links & Mentions:

    Follow Jack's Instagram Account

    Boston Hair Design (Lihue, HI) - https://bostonhair.rocks/
    InStyle Hair Designs and Skin Spa (Westford, MA)
    Julie Moss - Ironman 1982
    Southpaw Official Trailer (2015)

     

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    1 hr

About Laughter Included

From the publisher's feed

Laughter Included (formerly The Mack & G Show) is a podcast about real life, real laughs, and finding the funny in the chaos of everyday adulthood. Hosted by John McMahon — aka Johnny Mack — and producer Matt Moramarco, the show blends humor, honesty, and a little bit of dad-life chaos.