Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"The tell tale of which made us know we had it. Okay. Go. So a lot of people were saying you feel like shit for two days and you feel bad. Like you have the flu. And then the next day or so you feel good. You could be like, oh, things are getting better. And then all of a sudden you get like this other, this other wave of it. It starts to you start to get it again. Also digestive and stomach aches and pains definitely a part of it. And that happens after the initial symptoms." — Paul Verzi
"My main fear was, am I going to wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to breathe or need to go to the hospital? And the fear was there might not be a hospital bed." — Paul Verzi
"I think this shit was, I think I honestly don't think that this is an accident. This is not a bat in a fucking suit. Oh, what is it? Talk to me. I think that this was a plan, man." — Paul Verzi
The episode features comedian Paul Verzi sharing his personal experience with COVID-19. He details the onset of symptoms, which began with flu-like feelings and aches, followed by a distinct loss of taste and smell, a symptom that was also reported by Rudy Gobert and which Verzi considered a key indicator. He describes the surreal experience of not being able to taste food or drink, emphasizing it was different from congestion-related loss of senses. Verzi recounts how his wife, Stacy, also lost her taste and smell days later, suggesting he had transmitted the virus to her.
Verzi discusses the psychological impact of his illness, including the fear of severe respiratory distress and the uncertainty of hospital capacity. He notes that while his case was considered mild, the experience was mentally taxing, leading him to isolate in a separate room. The conversation touches upon the varying severity of the virus, with doctors' insights suggesting that while many experience mild symptoms, a percentage require hospitalization. Verzi also shares his decision to quit smoking cigars as a result of his respiratory symptoms.
The latter part of the discussion delves into speculative theories about the virus's origins and targeting, with Verzi and the host exploring possibilities ranging from intentional release to the virus disproportionately affecting older or vulnerable populations. The conversation also covers the temporary nature of immunity and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding reinfection. The episode concludes with the return of co-host Alex Media, who had been absent due to concerns about the virus, and a discussion about the impact of the pandemic on daily life and future career prospects for comedians.