Podcasts > Bad Friends > Unspooky Halloween | Ep 189 Censored | Bad Friends

Unspooky Halloween | Ep 189 Censored | Bad Friends

By Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee

Dive into a Halloween spectacle with a twist on "Bad Friends," where hosts Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee playfully redefine spooky. The duo, joined by guests Carlos Herrera and Andrés Rosende, kicks off the show with a humorous take on ghostly encounters, Halloween superstitions, and cultural traditions. As they wade through Carlos's contrasting childhood memories and the American trick-or-treating culture, listeners are treated to a hearty mix of laughable anecdotes and unexpected guest appearances.

Yet "Bad Friends" isn't all about comedic hauntings and holiday customs. In this particular episode, the conversation takes an introspective turn when Bobby Lee reveals his personal battles with addiction, candidly sharing his relapse and recovery journey. As Andrew and Bobby ponder the deeper aspects of destiny and the afterlife—injecting their unique brand of humor along the way—they also reflect on their aspirations within the entertainment industry, the complexities of fame, and the ethical implications of trophy hunting. Throughout the episode, the pair keeps the atmosphere light with product endorsements and a healthy dose of skepticism towards Bigfoot, all while fostering a sense of camaraderie that is sure to entertain and engage their audience.

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Unspooky Halloween | Ep 189 Censored | Bad Friends

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Unspooky Halloween | Ep 189 Censored | Bad Friends

1-Page Summary

Celebratory Occasions and Superstitions

Halloween Festivities and Personal Anecdotes

Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee kicked off their "Unspooky Halloween" episode with a light-hearted mood, introducing themselves as unconventional versions of the popular dolls Ken and Barbie. They humorously broached the subject of Halloween's potential dangers, jesting about accidentally summoning dark forces during the holiday. Their banter included a pseudo-encounter with a ghost, which amusingly turned out to be their guest, Ari Shaffir, playfully compared to the spooky Slenderman.

Halloween Traditions and Cultural Differences

As the conversation progressed, they touched upon Halloween customs, including trick-or-treating etiquettes and the social obligation to entertain neighborhood children. Andrew was especially vocal about pranking houses that do not participate in giving out treats. They also discussed the stark contrasts in holiday celebrations by juxtaposing Carlos Herrera's childhood experiences with the U.S customs and giving credit to cultural portrayals like in Pixar's "Coco."

Personal Experiences and Reflections

Misadventures at Social Gatherings

Santino and Lee shared laughable anecdotes from their social lives, including Santino's unsettling feeling of a presence in his new home and comical distrust of his realtor. They recalled a peculiarly diverse party thrown by Lee, spotlighting an individual solely responsible for ice delivery.

Journeys Through Substance Abuse and Recovery

The tone took a sobering turn as Lee opened up about his history with addiction, recounting his initial involvement in the recovery community, followed by a relapse into opiate abuse. He detailed an unconventional detox attempt and the fortuitous encounter with his first sponsor, which led to seventeen years of sobriety.

Philosophical Musings on Fate and Destiny

The duo delved into deeper subjects like the role of destiny in life, pondering if their partnership for the podcast was preordained. Bobby considered whether children born into hardship have a predetermined purpose, while Andrew voiced his skepticism about an omnipotent force governing fate.

Morbid Reflections on Death and Afterlife

The co-hosts also waded into macabre territory, discussing their theoretical post-mortem scenarios and the indignity of certain discoveries after death. These grim topics were interspersed with musings about an afterlife being akin to an arcade with 'spectics' as currency, as well as comedic conjectures about their future reincarnations.

Social Commentary and Industry Observations

Assessing the Entertainment Industry and Aspirations for Success

Reflecting on their careers, Andrew and Bobby expressed their desire for a hit show on the scale of "Ted Lasso" and wondered if their producer, George, was on the brink of significant success. This transitioned into teasing about George's venture, SOS VHS, and its connection to their own influence.

The Complexities of Fame and Impact of Social Media

The subject shifted to the spotlight's allure, with the team ribbing Carlos Herrera about his growing vanity and online popularity. There was playful banter regarding who craved limelight more, accompanied by Andrew's affable interactions with staff compared to Bobby's introversion.

Ethical Considerations around Trophy Hunting and Conservation

They condemned trophy hunting and the practice of decorating homes with animal remains, and they highlighted the detrimental human impact on nature, epitomized by the dodo's extinction. These serious considerations were balanced with their sponsorship segments, advocating digital innovation through Shopify and Vroom.

Humor and Team Interactions

Endorsements and the Shift to Digital Convenience

Andrew and Bobby humorously endorsed various products and services, including ButcherBox for meat delivery, advocating its convenience and special offers. They also featured significant praise for Morgan & Morgan's legal assistance and the ease of conducting online transactions with Shopify.

Debunking Myths: A Skeptical Look at Bigfoot

Amid the levity, they discussed a recent claim of Bigfoot's existence, with Andrew expressing skepticism about the mythical creature and Bobby whimsically proposing Bigfoot as an unidentifiable hermit.

Workplace Pranks: Fostering Camaraderie through Humor

A harmless prank was played on the hosts involving collars that were thought to be for electric shocks, but instead made them bark, which they found humorous. The episode concluded with a friendly trivia game about their show, showcasing their camaraderie and the jovial essence of their teamwork.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ari Shaffir is an American comedian, actor, podcaster, and producer known for his work in stand-up comedy and hosting various podcasts. He is recognized for creating and hosting the television series "This is Not Happening," based on his live stand-up show. Shaffir has appeared on popular podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience and co-hosts Punch Drunk Sports. Born in New York City to a Jewish family, he has a diverse background that includes experiences in Orthodox Jewish practices and a degree in English literature from the University of Maryland.
  • Pixar's "Coco" is an animated feature film that explores Mexican culture and traditions, particularly the celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The movie follows a young boy named Miguel on a journey through the Land of the Dead to uncover his family's history and pursue his passion for music. "Coco" received critical acclaim for its vibrant animation, heartfelt storytelling, and representation of Mexican heritage. The film's themes of family, memory, and honoring ancestors resonate with audiences worldwide.
  • Morgan & Morgan is an American law firm founded in 1988 by John Morgan in Orlando, Florida. Initially focused on personal injury and medical malpractice cases, it has expanded its legal services over the years. The firm has a significant presence across the United States, with offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
  • Shopify is a Canadian e-commerce company that provides an online platform for businesses to create and manage their online stores. It offers various services like payments, marketing, shipping, and customer engagement tools to help businesses operate effectively in the digital marketplace. Shopify is widely used globally, with millions of businesses across different regions utilizing its platform for their e-commerce operations. The company was founded in 2006 by Tobias Lütke and Scott Lake, with a vision to offer a more user-friendly and customizable e-commerce solution.
  • Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is a mythical creature often described as a large, hairy, human-like being believed to inhabit forests in North America. Sightings and alleged evidence of Bigfoot have fueled debates between enthusiasts and skeptics, with scientific consensus leaning towards folklore, misidentification, and hoaxes. The legend of Bigfoot has become a significant part of American and Canadian folklore, with various cultures worldwide having similar tales of wild, hair-covered humanoids.

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Unspooky Halloween | Ep 189 Censored | Bad Friends

Celebratory Occasions and Superstitions

Halloween Festivities and Personal Anecdotes

Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee started their 'Unspooky Halloween' episode by engaging in humor surrounding a remark about why little people may have bad breath.

Transitioning into a spirited Halloween discussion, they explored the significance of decorating homes to entertain neighborhood children. Santino displayed passion when discussing the issue of residents who forgo participating in such traditions, suggesting they deserve to be pranked for their lack of holiday spirit, as he reminisced about his own experiences with the holiday from his childhood.

Adding to the personal tales, Santino recalls a lady from the neighborhood who infamously gave out pennies instead of treats, leading to mischievous repercussions from the local youth.

Halloween Traditions and Cultural Differences

The conversation evolved as Bobby Lee humorously proposed the concept of 'reverse trick-or-treating,' where the tradition is flipped, and treats are requested from the trick-or-treaters. Santino spun a creative yarn of a Halloween celebration at a mental institution, adding an unconventional twist to the traditional festivities.

The exchange became international as Carlos Herrera reminisced about the contrasting celebrations of his childhood, lacking Halloween but rich in other traditions. Acknowledging the festive ...

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Celebratory Occasions and Superstitions

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Pranking residents who do not participate in Halloween traditions is a playful way to encourage community engagement during the holiday. It involves light-hearted tricks or jokes played on those who choose not to decorate their homes or give out treats on Halloween night. This tradition is meant to add a fun and mischievous element to the festive spirit of Halloween celebrations.
  • 'Coco' is an animated film produced by Pixar that beautifully portrays the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. The movie showcases the vibrant culture, customs, and beliefs surrounding this holiday, which is a time to honor and remember deceased loved ones. Through its storytelling and visuals, 'Coco' captures the essence of Día de los Muertos, emphasizing themes of family, remembrance, and the celebration of life beyond death. The film serves as a heartfelt tribute to Mexican heritage and traditions, shedding light on the significance and emotional depth of this annual observance.
  • In the Pixar film "Up," there is a poignant and emotional opening sequence that ...

Counterarguments

  • Joking about little people having bad breath could perpetuate harmful stereotypes and might be considered offensive, regardless of the comedic intent.
  • While decorating homes for Halloween is a popular tradition, some individuals may have personal or religious reasons for not participating, and it may not be fair to suggest they deserve to be pranked.
  • The idea of 'reverse trick-or-treating' is humorous but impractical and could be seen as an imposition on those celebrating in the traditional manner.
  • Sharing a story about a neighbor giving out pennies instead of treats could be seen as shaming someone for their choice of contribution to the holiday, which may have been limited by financial constraints.
  • Discussing a Halloween celebration at a mental institution requires sensitivity, as it involves a vulnerable population and could inadvertently stigmatize mental health issues.
  • While the cultural importance of 'Coco' and Día de los Muertos was acknowledged, it's important to ensure that such discussions are res ...

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Unspooky Halloween | Ep 189 Censored | Bad Friends

Personal Experiences and Reflections

Misadventures at Social Gatherings

Santino and Lee shared laughable anecdotes from their social lives, including a peculiar incident where Andrew Santino used an insect-repelling device as a receptacle for cigarette ash during the party, reflecting his humorous and unconventional approach to problems.

They discussed the party dynamics, particularly expressing disapproval toward the inconsiderate behavior of guests who smoked heavily near a pregnant woman.

Highlighting the food at the event, Bobby Lee expressed much appreciation for a specially prepared homemade ramen, underscoring the warmth and culinary delights of their gatherings.

Furthermore, Lee fondly mentioned Carlos Herrera's tendency to stay late, highlighting the enduring social engagements often seen in their circle.

Journeys Through Substance Abuse and Recovery

The tone took a sobering turn as Lee opened up about his history with addiction, recounting his initial involvement in the recovery community during his teenage years, and later how his commitment wavered as he pursued a stand-up comedy career, eventually leading to a relapse into opiate abuse.

His Vicodin intake during his thirties was so severe that it was alarming even when compared to Brett Favre's alleged consumption.

Lee shared a profound story of escaping from The Optimum Health Institute in search of comfort food, only to have a chance encounter with his first sponsor at a grocery store, which became a pivotal moment leading to seventeen years of continuous sobriety.

Philosophical Musings on Fate and Destiny

Amidst their wide-ranging conversation, the duo delved into a philosophical dialogue about whether events unfold by mere coincidence or if destiny plays a guiding role.

Andrew Santino expressed skepticism about the existence of an omnipotent figure, citing the randomness of suffering like childhood illnesses as influence for his doubt. They entertained the possibility that the formation of their podcast partnership might have been a predestined event, sprinkled with playful banter discussing potential whimsical names and origins for their podcast, which lightened the mood and underscored the complexity of their thoughts on fate.

Morbid Reflections on Death and Afterlife

The co-hosts also waded into macabre territory, ...

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Personal Experiences and Reflections

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Optimum Health Institute is a holistic healing center that focuses on promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through detoxification, raw vegan diet, meditation, and other alternative therapies. It offers programs aimed at cleansing the body and mind, often attracting individuals seeking to address health issues, detoxify from substances, or embark on a wellness journey. The institute emphasizes natural healing methods and a supportive environment for individuals looking to improve their overall health and well-being. Participants engage in activities like wheatgrass juice consumption, colon hydrotherapy, and spiritual counseling as part of their healing and rejuvenation process.
  • The macabre discussions on post-mortem scenarios involve the co-hosts humorously contemplating what might happen after they die, including the potential indignities of how their bodies could be found and the humorous possibilities of their afterlife experiences. They engage in light-hearted exchanges about the undignified aspects of death, such as bein ...

Counterarguments

...

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Unspooky Halloween | Ep 189 Censored | Bad Friends

Social Commentary and Industry Observations

Assessing the Entertainment Industry and Aspirations for Success

Reflecting on their entertainment careers, Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee muse on the goal of achieving a hit at the level of 'Ted Lasso,' acknowledging the rarity of such significant accomplishments.

The duo share their optimistic outlook for their producer George's good fortunes related to his newest venture, SOS VHS, humorously expressing their mock-resentment for not receiving financial compensation despite their influence on its success.

The Complexities of Fame and Impact of Social Media

The topic shifts to the complexities of fame and its effect on personal conduct with playful jabs at team member Carlos Herrera, who is ribbed for his supposed growing vanity due to increased online popularity.

The team engages in a light-hearted debate about entitlement to the profits from George's new project, showcasing the nuanced layers of mentorship, collaboration, and financial recognition within their industry.

Ethical Considerations around Trophy Hunting and Conservation

During the discussion, they condemned trophy hunting and the practice of decorating homes with animal remains, emphasizing the sorrow over numerous species lost to human activities like deforestation and hunting. They took the dodo bird's extinction and the plight ...

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Social Commentary and Industry Observations

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Trophy hunting is a form of hunting where hunters keep parts of the animal they kill as trophies, like horns or hides, for display. It is often done for sport rather than for practical purposes like food. The practice is controversial, with debates focusing on the ethics of hunting for pleasure and the impact on conservation efforts. Trophy hunting has a long history, with some regions like Africa having a significant industry around it.
  • The dodo bird was a flightless bird native to the island of Mauritius. It became extinct in the late 17th century due to human activities like hunting and habitat destruction. The dodo's extinction serves as a poignant example of the impact of human actions on biodiversity.
  • Snow leopards are large cats native to Central and South Asia, known for their elusive nature and beautiful fur. They are listed as Vulnerable due to their declining population caused by poaching and habitat destruction. Snow leopards inhabit high-altitude mountain ranges and are adapted to living in harsh, cold environments. Taxonomically, they are classified within the Panthera genus, alongside other big cats like lions and tigers.
  • Poaching tusks and horns involves illegally hunting and killing animals like elephants and rhinoceroses for their valuable ivory tusks and horns. These animal parts are highly sought after in illegal wildlife trade for making luxury items like jewelry and ornaments. Poaching poses a severe threat to the survival of these species and contributes to their de ...

Counterarguments

...

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Unspooky Halloween | Ep 189 Censored | Bad Friends

Humor and Team Interactions

Endorsements and the Shift to Digital Convenience

The conversation shifted to the digital marketplace and the convenience it offers. Andrew and Bobby endorsed Shopify for its effective online commerce management and critiqued traditional car buying and sales experiences.

Promoting Vroom as a modern, user-friendly, online alternative for purchasing used vehicles, they conveyed Andrew's personal endorsement based on his positive experience using Vroom to buy a car for his mom. They discussed how platforms like Vroom symbolize the broader trend towards digital convenience in various industries, including auto sales.

Debunking Myths: A Skeptical Look at Bigfoot

In a humorous discourse, Andrew Santino voices skepticism about the authenticity of a recent Bigfoot sighting video, believed to be shot in Colorado.

The group teases outlandish theories about Bigfoot's identity, including the creature being an incognito Jesus or simply a reclusive person living away from society, reflecting their characteristic blend of humor and critical thinking.

Workplace Pranks: Fostering Camaraderie thro ...

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Humor and Team Interactions

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Andrés Rosende is not a known public figure or personality up to my last knowledge update in September 2021. It is possible that he is a fictional character or a private individual not widely recognized in public domains. Without further context or inf ...

Counterarguments

  • While Shopify is praised for its online commerce management, some businesses may find it less customizable or more expensive compared to other e-commerce platforms.
  • Traditional car buying experiences, though critiqued, can offer personal interactions and the ability to physically inspect a vehicle before purchase, which some buyers may prefer.
  • Vroom and similar online car buying services, while convenient, may not provide the same level of trust and assurance as seeing and test-driving a car in person.
  • Andrew's positive experience with Vroom is anecdotal and may not reflect the experiences of all users; some may have had less satisfactory interactions with the service.
  • The trend towards digital convenience is significant, but it's important to acknowledge that not all consumers have equal access to digital resources, potentially widening the digital divide.
  • Skepticism about Bigfoot sightings is reasonable, but discussing it humorously might inadvertently dismiss the cultural or mythological significance such legend ...

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