TALKIN’ TRASH
Michael Rapaport brings his podcast to Houston
A s an actor, Michael Rapaport has been that guy who can steal a scene with his presence — a quality that shifts between authentic New York charismatic, bumbling goof ball and quasi-hip-hop head.
He’s also become a guy who can steal your attention with his words. Rapaport’s podcast, “I Am Rapaport: Stereo Podcast,” has become must-listen content for his fans, and people who just like hearing trash talk about sports and other cultural content.
Rapaport’s podcast approximates every loud ice house conversation you’ve likely had among friends about pop culture, sports and music. For instance, a recent episode featured the lambasting of an airline pilot for corny jokes while on a flight to Atlanta and a roasting of the Cleveland Browns for their footage on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”
Saturday, Rapaport will bring the show to Warehouse Live where he will record an episode live, along with guest host and Houston rap icon Paul Wall.
“Podcasting has become so important to me but more importantly to the fans around the world that listen to our show and other podcasts,” Rapaport said earlier this week. “It’s unfiltered, raw and real, which is what draws me to it.”
Rapaport’s podcast is like a weekly hip-hop mix tape, with Rapaport free-flowing on topics that have raised his ire or brought him happiness.
Anyone who has heard Rapaport’s fantasy football exploits on Sirius’ “The Howard Stern Show” knows that Rapaport is a Jedi of trash talk. Those laser takes are what has made his podcast a hilarious listen for the past four years.
“For us, it’s a trash-talking extravaganza and it’s something that me and the people really relate to. It’s a great forum for comics to speak their mind,” Rapaport said.
For a podcast so entrenched in the sports world, Houston’s current sports fortunes will be ripe for conversation.
“Houston has always held a special place in my sports heart, dating back to the days of UH with Hakeem the Dream,” Rapaport said. “Sure Hakeem ripped my heart out against my Knicks but who’s counting? You can’t even speak on sports without running through Houston lore.”
The star of Netflix’s “Atypical” also is excited to visit a city which, nearly a year ago, was underwater but found a way to bounce back.
“The great people of Houston are the backbone of this country and have shown us what true strength is since Hurricane Harvey, so we want to bring a night of laughter, love and levity,” Rapaport said.
Rapaport says he treats each episode like a combination of a “comedy album and a prize fight.”
“We go 15 rounds, “Rapaport said. “I’m the Jake LaMotta of podcasting.”
Rapaport and Wall might not be the only two celebs in the house this weekend.
He’s also invited 68-year-old Jean Wilson, the Houston grandmother who shot a masturbating suspect trying to break into her home, to the recording at Warehouse Live, and offered her front-row tickets with drinks on the house.
“Grandma Jean, you have as many seats as you want,” Rapaport said on last week’s episode. “You will be celebrated as the hero that you are.”