Hey, it’s Josh! You’re probably wondering, “Josh, what the hell are you doing in my podcast feed on a Monday?” Well, you can consider this a bonus episode of the Josh Bloom Podcast!

Why a bonus episode? I will tell you! On July 6th, 2024, I saw the hysterical play “Oh, Mary!” during its run of previews ahead of opening on Broadway following its sold-out downtown NYC run. On October 6th, 2024, I published an article on my Substack entitled, “The Intelligence of Stupidity: Steve Martin & ’Oh, Mary!’” in which I wrote about the show, along with it reminded me of my childhood obsession with Steve Martin’s late 1970s discography.

Since that time, “Oh, Mary!” has become a Broadway sensation, breaking financial records at the Lyceum Theatre where it has just been extended again through the fall of 2025. Now, the show’s writer and star, Cole Escola, has been nominated for a Tony® award for acting, along with an additional four nominations for the show.

When I published the article, I included a reading of it. This was before the beginning of the Josh Bloom Podcast, so what better time to share that reading with you as a bonus episode of the show. Right? If you want to learn more about “Oh, Mary!” and Cole Escola, CBS Sunday Morning has an extensive piece I have linked to below.

CBS Sunday Morning: https://youtu.be/bPvRvh3PsBI

Enjoy, and be sure to compare what I sounded like on October 6th, 2024, compared to this intro on May 5th, 2025. I bet it’s astounding!

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More about Josh:

I published my first newsletter before the age of ten, written using my next-door neighbor’s typewriter, copied with carbon paper, and distributed to mailboxes on my bicycle.

One of my first stories was an obituary of John Belushi. Strange for a ten year old? Yes!

My writing today is governed by deadpan sarcasm that goes granular on various cultural topics that I am deeply curious about. I hope you enjoy this sometimes snarky stream of consciousness.

I'm serious about not taking life too seriously.™

❤️ 🏳️‍🌈 ✡️ 🧘‍♂️ 🥯 🍔 🍩

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Connect with Josh: Visit me everywhere for everything at superjews.com.