Sklars and Stripes

By: Randy Sklar, Jason Sklar, Scott Rogowsky

Narrated by: The Sklar Brothers

Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's Summary

Experience a new kind of comedic audio documentary from The Sklar Brothers in this Audible original.

Randy and Jason Sklar have a knack for exploring what makes America’s cities unique and wonderful, whether it’s finding out who in San Diego serves the best burritos, why basketball is so popular among those in Bloomington, or why the people of Portland can't let go of their old airport carpeting.

2017 was a year in which everyone retreated to their bubbles – liberal, conservative, and cotton-candy scented. Everyone except Jason and Randy Sklar. They didn’t have a choice; if you’re a comedian, you get a tour date and you go to work. They traveled to red states and blue states, red cities in blue states, and blue cities in red states. What emerged throughout their travels was a real sense of what everyone was going through in a historically insane and twistedly-hilarious year. And Audible recorded their experiences, insights, and off-the-cuff jokes along the way.

On the road, Randy and Jason searched for topics specific to each community they visited – then challenged themselves to see whether they could perform jokes about those topics that locals would find funny. Along with producer and fellow traveler Scott Rogowsky (HQ Trivia), they dug into the American psyche and explored its dark and quirky crevices both on stage and off. Follow their shenanigans in this docu-comedy which visits 10 different cities, each a new chapter and a new adventure. With an arsenal of jokes and a curious mind, the Sklars attempt to answer one burning question: as a nation, can Americans still laugh at themselves?

Plus, as a special bonus in Chapter 12, all listeners receive a full album of the Sklars' stand-up from the tour: The Tour Tapes.

This is not an audiobook. This is not your grandma’s travel program. This is Sklars and Stripes.

THE TOUR

San Diego

Madison

Portland

Kansas City

San Francisco

Tulsa

Denver

Bloomington

Houston

St. Louis

THE HOSTS

The Sklar Brothers hosted the critically acclaimed cult hit Cheap Seats on ESPN Classic for 77 episodes, they have been guests on Comedy Central's @midnight,, HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Comedy Bang Bang, Maron and Better Call Saul. They have released four critically acclaimed comedy albums, have had two Comedy Central Half Hour Presents specials, and currently have a one hour stand up special on Netflix, What Are We Talking About. Randy and Jason also host two hit podcasts, Dumb People Town and View From The Cheap Seats.

©2018 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC

Must listen for comedy fans!

Where does Sklars and Stripes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very high. I'm a big fan of the Sklars and the content in this book is very relatable, educational and funny.

What other book might you compare Sklars and Stripes to and why?

I don't think I've read or listened to a book similar to this. It's very unique!

What about The Sklar Brothers’s performance did you like?

The chapters weren't too long so they didn't focus on one city too long. 30 minutes of content per city. It was relatable if you have been to the cities they referenced and educational if you haven't.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I liked the Kansas City portion because I am from that area. The concept of Kansas City, MO vs. Kansas City, KS was hilarious.

Hope we get a season 2!

Would you consider the audio edition of Sklars and Stripes to be better than the print version?

There isn't a print version but it doesn't need it! The sklars dynamic is something to be experienced! Their banter-y nature and constantly building on what one brother said at an astounding pace is some of the reason I find them to be such amazing and dynamic performers unlike anything else in the comedy field.

What other book might you compare Sklars and Stripes to and why?

Why compare? Just love it all!

What about The Sklar Brothers’s performance did you like?

I think their dynamic and their earnest desire to learn more about each community they visit really shines through in this documentary. It takes a great amount of love and respect to get people to laugh with you at the local fixtures.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The moment that sticks out to me is when they went to Houston shortly after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and also the World Series win for the Houston Astros and being genuinely curious about the recovery, visiting places that were hit hard, and able to craft very loving and uplifting jokes for the crowd to escape with. It was a very nice episode.

Any additional comments?

#SklarsAndSeason2

An awesome experience that sneaks up on you.

What made the experience of listening to Sklars and Stripes the most enjoyable?

I started listening to this on a recommendation from a friend and thought it would be good for a few laughs, but it turned into so much more. Traveling along with the Sklars to the little-known local spots in each city was fascinating and eye-opening. Made me want to pack my bags and road trip.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sklars and Stripes?

The St. Louis episode because it reminded me of going back home, sleeping in my childhood bedroom, visiting my old high school, seeing how home has changed but also stayed the same. Such a universal feeling.

Have you listened to any of The Sklar Brothers’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've heard of them and seen them in various places here and there, but this was my first experience really listening - loved it!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

You've never seen America quite like this.

Unique and interesting listening experience!

This is one of the most interesting and unique listening experiences I've had on Audible! I love that it's a study on what we identify with as Americans, all over this great country. The Sklars have such a funny point of view that makes this a sociological experiment as much as a comedy audio piece. I highly recommend this!

Sklars, Stripes, and Laughs

The Sklar Brothers have done it again. I always find their work amusing, be it movies, tv shows, or podcasts. With Sklars and Stripes, they have created more great entertainment by touring the U.S. and making great jokes about each of the cities along the way. They really do their research and the humor comes so naturally that you can't help but feel that you are along for the tour with them. I would highly recommend checking this out, and also checking out all the rest of their work. Especially Cheap Seats, that is one of my favorite TV shows of all time. Keep up the good work!

Audio-doc

What made the experience of listening to Sklars and Stripes the most enjoyable?

I loved being able to hear/see the inspiration of the bits. Getting a glimpse into comedians brains is always a delight.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sklars and Stripes?

The St. Louis Arch. It put me right back in that egg shell of terror.

I'm on the road with the Sklar Brothers!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I love the intimate feel of this documentary. I knew these guys were funny, but they're also quite thoughtful about their comedy. Plus, I love "going" to places where I haven't been yet -- Madison, WI in particular was an awesome chapter and a really fun look into that college town.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sklars and Stripes?

The uncomfortable moments in Tulsa, at Oral Roberts and the "where are you from?" comments from that creepy guy. But the indoor farmers's market, organic co-op, and ice cream shops in Madison were all pretty great. Oh, and Daniel Van Kirk getting too scared for the elevator in St. Louis is probably a personal highlight.

What does The Sklar Brothers bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This isn't a book and isn't an audiobook...so it feels like they did this just for the medium. It's totally different, and I like that. Plus, you get an entire stand-up album in Chapter 12 as a bonus!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

So...what you do for funny around here?

Any additional comments?

It's an enjoyable documentary about a very weird year in our country's history, featuring some really funny, adventurous guys. I would definitely recommend to friends and comedy fans.

Interesting look into stand up comedy.

A good listen with an interesting look into how a stand up comedy act is developed. It also serves as a bit of a travel log for the cities they visit.

Fun trip around the USA - an Everyman tour

Perceptive observations of people and cities peppered with interviews of people. And comedy. My favorite interview was when the brothers visited a Negro Baseball League museum. The man interviewed gave such a loving and scholarly historical peek into what is obviously one of his favorite topics. There are cities I will never go to in person, but this experience gave me a sense of what they are like. A fun listen.

Fun, funny and very timely audio documentary

Any additional comments?

I loved this. The Sklar Brothers are super funny, and this is an immersive audio road trip that showcases their talents. They challenged themselves to see if Americans can still laugh at themselves and, from city to city, you get to hear them improvisationally find out what's funny about different places (and people). A really enjoyable journey.

Fair warning though: this is NOT an audiobook! It is not a 'story' in the traditional sense of a book. Rather, it's a multi-chapter audio documentary that follows the Sklars on their cross-country Odyssey.