Mr. Saturday Night: Applause, Identity, and Lasting Laughter

Written By Paul McDonald

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Christian comedian Bob Smiley joins Men at the Movies to unpack Billy Crystal’s Mr. Saturday Night. Dive into Buddy Young Jr’s first-laugh breakthrough, chasing applause vs. family, laughter’s healing power, thick-skin-gooey-heart courage, and true identity in Christ.

About Bob

Comedian Bob Smiley brings over 27 years of experience, performing in theaters, churches, and festivals nationwide. With five comedy specials, including three on DryBar, and numerous podcast appearances, Bob is a recognized figure in the comedy scene.

He created "The Adventures of Average Boy," a celebrated series featured in Focus on the Family's Clubhouse magazine and the award-winning podcast, both of which inspire kids and parents alike.

In 2024, Bob voiced Lowell the Snowman in the stop-motion Christmas movie "Steal the Naughty List."

Bob is also very good at mowing and has a massive hotel shampoo collection.

For more about Bob Smiley, visit bobsmiley.com

The Quotes

  • Who you are is so much more important than what you do.

  • Sometimes we have to pay the price for someone else’s selfishness.

  • We need both a thick skin and to remain gooey on the inside.

  • Laughter is the language of heaven.

 Themes

  • You can do it if you put in the work

  • Cautionary tale

    • Don’t let the love of your crowd get in the way of the love of your family

    • Don’t let it become your identity

  • God created laughter.

Resources

Questions

  • Where are you gifted? What talents do you have?

  • When has a friend called out something in you that you didn’t see in yourself?

  • Where is the temptation to let the love of the crowd overwhelm the love of your family?

  • How has your job or career become your identity?

  • What are you really going over?

  • When have you felt like God was real, but not really present?

More info

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Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston

Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).

Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.

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Paul McDonald
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