Podcasts > REAL ONES with Jon Bernthal > Family Ties and Wrestling Tales: Jon Bernthal and Kurt Angle on Real Ones

Family Ties and Wrestling Tales: Jon Bernthal and Kurt Angle on Real Ones

By Jon Bernthal

Step into the ring of professional wrestling with Kurt Angle, renowned wrestler, as he takes you on a journey through his extraordinary career on Jon Bernthal's podcast- REAL ONES. Hear firsthand about Angle's beginnings, his "do or die" mindset that catapulted a childhood dream into reality, dispelling common myths about the sport, and the tricks of the trade that led to swift success. Explore the brutal physical demands entailed in wrestling, and glean from his mentorship on the strategies necessary for longevity in this demanding field.

Dive deeper into the dynamic world of heroes and villains of the wrestling ring and their intersection with Bernthal's experience in The Walking Dead. Learn about the evolution of Bernthal's podcast, its strategic transition towards Patreon to boost user experience and to cultivate a loyal audience. Finally, embrace the podcast's mission to unite diverse voices, champion underrepresented stories, and foster a respectful community ethos. Be part of this journey towards understanding beyond public personas with REAL ONES.

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Family Ties and Wrestling Tales: Jon Bernthal and Kurt Angle on Real Ones

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Sep 7, 2023 episode of the REAL ONES with Jon Bernthal

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Family Ties and Wrestling Tales: Jon Bernthal and Kurt Angle on Real Ones

1-Page Summary

Professional Wrestling: Experiences and Insights of Kurt Angle

From Childhood Dreams to the Wrestling Ring: Angle's Journey

In a compelling podcast episode, Kurt Angle, a renowned professional wrestler, took us on a tour of his extraordinary wrestling career. Angle started with a kid's dream of becoming an extraordinary athlete and, due to his "do or die" mindset, quickly adapted to the lack of initial opportunities to learn theatrical skills and crafted a name in the wrestling world. Angle rectified the common myth about wrestling and stressed that it's not just about brawn, it demands a considerable blend of imagination and theatrical skills.

The Agile Athlete: Rapid Career Advancement in Wrestling

Angle then reminisces his accelerated ascension in professional wrestling. It's worth noting that his wrestling debut occurred days after the initiation of his training, and within a year, he made it to television. Usually, such progression takes three to five years. He rose to the title of world champion soon after, attributing his swift advancement to continuous dedication to improvement, resilience, and occasionally learning the tricks of the trade from figures like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

A Mentor's Advice: Physical Challenges in Wrestling and Strategies for Longevity

Finally, Angle doesn't shy away from acknowledging the brutal physical impact that comes with the world of wrestling. As a word of advice to the emerging wrestlers, he emphasizes the need to limit physically strenuous bumps to ensure a prolonged career in this realm.

The Many Faces of Wrestling: Villains and Heroes

The Powerful Punch of Villains & Heroes: Wrestling Characters Explored

A noteworthy part of the discussion veered towards the changing dynamics of the wrestling audience, a shift credited to WWE becoming a publicly-traded company. In order to cater to a wider demographic, including families and younger viewers, WWE content shifted towards predominantly PG-rated programming.

Bernthal's Perspective: Drawing Parallels with The Walking Dead

A unique part of the conversation came as the discussion diverged to the portrayal of villains and heroes in wrestling. Drawing parallels from his character Shane in The Walking Dead, Bernthal detailed how a disliked character could often morph into a fan favorite by way of controversial actions, supporting Angle's argument of the necessity to sometimes play the villain before becoming a hero.

The Podcast's Journey: Gratitude, Evolution, and Foreseeable Improvements

Upholding Gratitude: Bernthal's Acknowledgement of Audience Support

The podcast started with Jon Bernthal acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the continued support from the audience and appreciative of the platform, which allows him to share meaningful experiences.

Evolving into Better: Podcast's Continual Development

The conversation then led to the evolutionary path of the podcast, with Bernthal discussing plans to move the show to the Patreon platform. This strategic shift is to provide an enhanced listening experience, including exclusive content, early access to episodes, live chats, and an ad-free experience.

Future Forward: Transitioning to Patreon for Enhanced Experience

This transition to Patreon is not just intended to augment the user experience but also to develop a loyal audience who would appreciate early episode access, real-time chats, and the luxury of an ad-free environment.

Harmony in Diversity: Community Focus of the Podcast

Bridging Voices: Podcast's Mission of Uniting Communities

Bernthal then summarized the mission of the podcast to unite different voices and communities. He emphasized the podcast's role as a concentrated effort to offer a platform to underrepresented voices.

Leading with Respect: Community Ethics and Promotion of Understanding

The central vision of their community is framed around respect and goodwill. The podcast's ultimate aim orbits around the provision of a deeper understanding of the guest's life experiences, transcending their public personas. The corner stone of the community is promoting an atmosphere of mutual respect among its listeners. Bernthal concluded the podcast with a strong appeal to uphold and disseminate this spirit among all listeners.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Kurt Angle is a former professional wrestler known for his rapid rise in the wrestling world, becoming a world champion within a year of his debut. In wrestling, "bumps" are physical moves or falls that wrestlers take during a match. The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin are iconic figures in professional wrestling who influenced Angle's career. WWE, where Angle competed, is a prominent wrestling organization that shifted towards more family-friendly content.
  • The transition of WWE to a publicly-traded company brought about changes in its content to appeal to a broader audience, including families and younger viewers. This shift led to a move towards more PG-rated programming to align with the expectations of a wider demographic. The company's public status necessitated a shift in content to maintain a positive public image and attract a larger fan base. This change in programming aimed to cater to a more diverse audience while also potentially attracting new investors and stakeholders.
  • Jon Bernthal, known for his role as Shane in The Walking Dead, drew parallels between the portrayal of villains and heroes in wrestling and his character on the show. He highlighted how a character initially disliked could evolve into a fan favorite through controversial actions, similar to the journey wrestlers take in transitioning from playing villains to becoming heroes. This comparison underscores the complexity and depth of character development in both wrestling storylines and scripted television dramas.
  • The transition of a podcast to the Patreon platform typically involves offering exclusive content, early access to episodes, live chats, and an ad-free listening experience to subscribers. This move aims to enhance the audience's engagement and loyalty by providing additional benefits beyond regular podcast distribution channels. By shifting to Patreon, podcast creators can create a more interactive and personalized experience for their dedicated listeners, fostering a stronger sense of community and support for the show. This transition often allows podcast creators to generate revenue directly from their most dedicated fans, enabling them to continue producing high-quality content and sustain their podcasting efforts.

Counterarguments

  • While Kurt Angle emphasizes imagination and theatrical skills, some may argue that the physical aspect of wrestling is equally, if not more, important for the safety and execution of moves.
  • Angle's rapid advancement is impressive, but it could be argued that not all wrestlers can or should follow this path, as a more gradual progression might better prepare some individuals for the challenges of a wrestling career.
  • The advice to limit physically strenuous bumps is sound, but some critics might point out that the nature of wrestling entertainment often demands high-risk moves to satisfy audience expectations.
  • WWE's shift to PG-rated programming may have expanded its demographic, but some fans argue that this change diluted the edginess and intensity that originally attracted them to wrestling.
  • The idea that controversial actions can turn a disliked character into a fan favorite might not always hold true, as some characters may never gain audience sympathy regardless of their actions.
  • Moving the podcast to Patreon for an enhanced experience might be seen as positive, but some listeners could view it as a barrier, preferring free access to content without the need for a subscription.
  • The goal of developing a loyal audience through Patreon could potentially alienate casual listeners who are unwilling or unable to pay for content.
  • While the podcast aims to unite different voices, some may feel that the selection of guests or topics does not fully represent the diversity of the community or that certain perspectives are still underrepresented.
  • The focus on respect and understanding is commendable, but there may be challenges in ensuring that all community members adhere to these values, especially in anonymous online environments.

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Family Ties and Wrestling Tales: Jon Bernthal and Kurt Angle on Real Ones

Professional Wrestling: Experiences and Insights of Kurt Angle

From Childhood Dreams to the Wrestling Ring: Angle's Journey

Kurt Angle shares the intriguing story of his journey in the world of professional wrestling. Underlining how his childhood dream and vivid imagination shaped his career, he regales listeners with tales from his formative years.

His determination to succeed amidst scant opportunities is a highlight. He had to learn the theatrical skills crucial to wrestling under challenging circumstances.

Angle epitomizes the power of a 'do or die' attitude. This mindset helped him carve a successful niche in the wrestling world.

The Agile Athlete: Rapid Career Advancement in Wrestling

Angle then reflects on his rapid ascension, surprising even the wrestling fraternity. Merely days after his initial training, he made his wrestling debut. He became a new face on television within less than a year, defying the usual three to five-year timeline.

Moving to become a world champion soon after, he attributed his impressive journey ...

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Professional Wrestling: Experiences and Insights of Kurt Angle

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Theatrical skills in wrestling encompass abilities like storytelling, character development, and emoting to engage the audience. Wrestlers use these skills to create compelling narratives and personas that enhance the entertainment value of their matches. Understanding how to convey emotions effectively and interact with the crowd is essential for a wrestler's success in engaging fans and creating memorable moments in the ring. These skills are crucial for building a wrestler's brand and connecting with the audience on a deeper level.
  • Rapid ascension in wrestling typically refers to a wrestler's quick rise to prominence within the industry. This can involve achieving significant milestones, such as winning championships or gaining widespread recognition, in a relatively short period. Factors contributing to rapid ascension may include exceptional talent, hard work, strategic opportunities, and effective promotion by the wrestling organization. Wrestlers who experience rapid ascension often stand out for their accelerated progression compared to the more traditional timelines followed by many in the wrestling world.
  • ...

Counterarguments

  • While Kurt Angle's childhood dream and imagination were influential, it's also important to acknowledge the role of his athletic background and Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling, which provided a strong foundation for his professional wrestling career.
  • The necessity of theatrical skills in wrestling is undeniable, but it's also critical to recognize the importance of physical conditioning, technical wrestling ability, and charisma in a wrestler's success.
  • Angle's 'do or die' attitude was undoubtedly a factor in his success, but it's also worth considering the support systems, such as trainers, mentors, and fellow wrestlers, that may have played a role in his achievements.
  • Angle's rapid rise in professional wrestling is impressive, but it could be argued that his Olympic background gave him a unique advantage over other wrestlers who did not have the same level of prior athletic achievem ...

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Family Ties and Wrestling Tales: Jon Bernthal and Kurt Angle on Real Ones

The Many Faces of Wrestling: Villains and Heroes

The Powerful Punch of Villains & Heroes: Wrestling Characters Explored

Further in their conversation, Angle and Bernthal explore the changing dynamics in the wrestling realm. This particularly concerns the shift in audience's demeanor linked to the WWE's transition into a public entity.

The shift necessitated content that appealed to a wider demographic. This eventually led to a predominance of PG-rated programming.

Bernthal's Perspective: Drawing Parallels with The Walking Dead

Bernthal and Angle delve into the intriguing character trajectories in wrestling, likening them to popular television characters.

Bernt ...

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The Many Faces of Wrestling: Villains and Heroes

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The changing dynamics in the wrestling realm referred to the shift in the audience's behavior and preferences due to WWE becoming a public entity, leading to the need for content that appealed to a broader demographic. This shift resulted in a move towards more family-friendly, PG-rated programming to cater to a wider audience base.
  • The shift to PG-rated programming in wrestling was significant as it aimed to appeal to a broader audience beyond traditional wrestling fans. This change allowed wrestling to be more family-friendly and accessible to younger viewers. It also helped wrestling promotions secure partnerships with mainstream advertisers who preferred to associate with content suitable for all ages. Additionally, the move to PG programming influenced the storytelling and character development in wrestling to align with more wholesome and inclusive themes.
  • The comparison between wrestling characters and popular television characters highlights how both mediums use character development to engage audiences emotionally and create compelling storylines. By drawing parallels between the two, it emphasizes the complexity and depth of storytelling techniques employed in both wrestling and television shows. This comparison showcases how characters in wrestling, like in popular TV series, can evolve over time, shifting from villains to heroes or vice versa based on their actions and story arcs. It underscores the universal appeal of well-developed characters and the impact they have on audience perception and engagement in both wrestling and television narratives.
  • Shane Walsh is a character from the TV show "The Walking Dead." Initially, Shane is portrayed as a close friend of the main character, Rick Grimes, but as the series progresses, Shane's actions become more morally ambiguous. His descen ...

Counterarguments

  • While WWE's transition to a public entity may have influenced a shift towards PG-rated content, it's also possible that this change was driven by broader cultural trends favoring family-friendly entertainment.
  • The assertion that the shift in audience demeanor led to PG-rated programming could be challenged by the idea that the programming changes were also a strategic business decision to attract more advertisers and sponsors.
  • Comparing wrestling characters to television characters might oversimplify the unique aspects of wrestling as a live performance art, where audience interaction plays a significant role in shaping characters.
  • Using Bernthal's character 'Shane' as an example of a villain becoming a favorite might not fully represent the complexity of audience reactions, which can vary ...

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Family Ties and Wrestling Tales: Jon Bernthal and Kurt Angle on Real Ones

The Podcast's Journey: Gratitude, Evolution, and Foreseeable Improvements

Upholding Gratitude: Bernthal's Acknowledgement of Audience Support

The podcast began with Jon Bernthal expressing his profound gratitude. He acknowledged and appreciated the unwavering support from the audience. Further into the conversation, he expressed his love for the platform, lauding it for providing him an avenue for sharing.

Bernthal does not just share random stories, but ones that have notably resonated with him on a personal level. He tends to emphasize this in his narratives, referring to the characters in these stories as his 'kin.'

Evolving into Better: Podcast's Continual Development

The conversation then led to the evolutionary path of the podcast, with Bernthal discussing plans to move the show to the Patreon platform.

This strategic shift is to provide an enhanced listening experience, including exclusive content, early access to episodes, live chats, and an ad-free experience.

Future Forward: Transitioning to Patreon for Enhanced Experience

The transition to Patreon serves ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

The Podcast's Journey: Gratitude, Evolution, and Foreseeable Improvements

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Moving the podcast to the Patreon platform offers benefits like providing exclusive content, early access to episodes, live chats, and an ad-free experience. This shift aims to enhance the listener's experience and create a more interactive and engaging community around the podcast. Patreon allows for a deeper connection between the host, guests, and audience, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences. It also provides a sustainable way for creators to generate income and support their creative endeavors directly from their most dedicated fans.
  • A communal space in the context of a podcast typically refers to a shared online platform where listeners can engage with each other and the podcast host. It fosters a sense of community among listeners, allowing them to interact, share thoughts, and discuss podcast episodes. This space often enables deeper connections between the audience and the podcast, creating a more engaging and interactive experience for everyone involved.
  • Transitioning to Patreon can lead to a deeper understanding of guests' life experiences becau ...

Counterarguments

  • While expressing gratitude is positive, it's important to ensure that it doesn't overshadow the content itself. Listeners primarily tune in for the stories and discussions, not just expressions of thanks.
  • The platform may provide an avenue for sharing, but it's the content that ultimately determines the value of the podcast. The platform is merely a tool.
  • Personal stories are compelling, but there's a risk of creating an echo chamber if the podcast only focuses on narratives that resonate with the host. Diversity in storytelling can enrich the listener experience.
  • Moving to Patreon can be beneficial, but it may also create a barrier for some listeners who are unable or unwilling to pay for content, potentially reducing the audience size.
  • Exclusive content and ad-free experiences are attractive, but they must be balanced with the need to remain accessible to all fans, including those who can't afford a subscription.
  • Creating a communal space is a nobl ...

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Family Ties and Wrestling Tales: Jon Bernthal and Kurt Angle on Real Ones

Harmony in Diversity: Community Focus of the Podcast

Bridging Voices: Podcast's Mission of Uniting Communities

Going beyond his intention to unite different voices and communities, Bernthal reiterated the mission of the podcast.

The goal is to lend the platform to narratives that may otherwise be unheard. This culminates in an atmosphere of broader perspective and understanding.

Leading with Respect: Community Ethics and Promotion of Understanding

The central vision of their community is framed around respect and goodwill.

Bernthal ended the podcast reemphasi ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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Start your free trial today

Harmony in Diversity: Community Focus of the Podcast

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The podcast aims to unite communities by providing a platform for diverse narratives to be shared, fostering a broader perspective and understanding among listeners. It focuses on promoting respect and goodwill as central values, creating an atmosphere conducive to mutual understanding. The podcast seeks to delve into the life experiences of guests beyond their public personas, aiming ...

Counterarguments

  • While the podcast aims to unite different voices, it may inadvertently exclude certain narratives due to biases or oversight.
  • Providing a platform for unheard narratives is commendable, but the selection process for these narratives could be influenced by the host's or audience's preferences, which may not always align with the goal of diversity.
  • Promoting a broader perspective and understanding assumes that listeners are open to changing their views, which may not always be the case.
  • Centering a community vision on respect and goodwill is ideal, but it may be challenging to maintain in practice, especially when controversial or divisive topics are discussed.
  • Emphasizing mutual respect among listeners is important ...

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