E517 Andrew Santino
In this episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, hosts Theo Von and Andrew Santino share stories from their experiences in the comedy and podcasting worlds. They discuss the challenges and rewards of co-hosting a podcast and the dedication required for success in their careers.
The conversation also touches on broader cultural topics like the rise of streaming platforms such as Hulu, beliefs surrounding ancient aliens and ancient civilizations, and how societal norms around public behavior have evolved. Additionally, Von and Santino reflect on personal experiences, including Santino's plans for adoption and a past scheme Von considered to fake his own death.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 16, 2024 episode of the This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
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1-Page Summary
Comedy, podcasting, and the entertainment industry
Andrew Santino and Theo Von delve into the comedy and podcasting world, sharing personal stories of collaboration, the art of podcasting, touring life, and the shift toward new streaming platforms.
Challenges and rewards of their careers
Santino discusses the complexities of co-hosting "Bad Friends" with Bobby Lee, including Lee's rehabilitation and the podcast's origins. Von and Santino reflect on Joe Rogan's intense work ethic as an example of the dedication required to succeed.
Santino's upcoming Hulu special
Santino touches on his upcoming comedy special with Hulu, observing comedians migrating to platforms like Hulu from Netflix as Hulu aims for a global reach by 2025.
Cultural commentary and societal observations
Von and Santino analyze the cultural phenomenon of "ancient aliens," attributing beliefs about alien intervention to a desire for meaning or boredom among certain groups. They reminisce about past eras when public behavior norms were more lax.
Belief in ancient aliens
Santino humorously mocks the common belief among white individuals that aliens built the pyramids, suggesting it stems from a lack of attributing human ingenuity.
Social norms and public behavior
Von and Santino recall instances of inappropriate conduct at events being normalized in the past, contrasting with today's stricter rules. They share personal anecdotes of public emotions and misbehavior that would be less accepted now.
Personal experiences and perspectives
Santino's plans for adoption
Santino reveals a desire to adopt an older child in need, rather than having a biological child, as a way to provide opportunity and change a life.
Von's past scheme to fake his death
Von recounts a past idea with a friend to fake his own death as an experiment or money-making scheme, though he quickly abandoned the plan after just three days.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The shift toward new streaming platforms like Hulu may not necessarily be a positive trend for all comedians, as it could lead to oversaturation and make it harder for new talent to be discovered.
- Joe Rogan's intense work ethic, while admirable, might not be the only or healthiest model for success in the entertainment industry.
- The belief in ancient aliens is not limited to any one demographic, and attributing it to a particular race could be seen as an oversimplification of a complex cultural phenomenon.
- The idea that past eras were more lax in terms of public behavior might be viewed through a lens of nostalgia, and it's possible that certain behaviors were never truly normalized but rather less reported or discussed openly.
- The decision to adopt an older child, while noble, may come with its own unique set of challenges and is not a decision to be taken lightly or viewed as inherently better than other forms of adoption or having biological children.
- Faking one's own death, even as a joke or experiment, can be seen as irresponsible and potentially harmful to friends, family, and fans who might be emotionally affected by such a stunt.
Actionables
- You can explore the impact of humor on social norms by writing a satirical blog post or creating a comedic video skit that gently pokes fun at outdated behaviors, highlighting the evolution of societal standards.
- This allows you to engage with the concept of changing public behavior norms in a creative way. For example, you might create a character from the past who is baffled by modern technology etiquette, using humor to show how far we've come in our understanding of appropriate conduct.
- Start a casual book club with friends focused on science fiction or speculative history to delve into themes like ancient aliens and the human search for meaning.
- This encourages conversation and critical thinking about why people are drawn to such theories. You could pick books that explore the idea of ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial life, like Arthur C. Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey," and discuss them in a relaxed setting.
- Consider volunteering with organizations that support children in need to understand the process and impact of helping older children who are often overlooked for adoption.
- By volunteering, you can gain firsthand experience with the challenges and rewards of supporting older children in the foster care system. This could involve mentoring, tutoring, or participating in activities with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, which can provide a deeper understanding of the adoption process and the needs of these children.
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Comedy, podcasting, and the entertainment industry
Andrew Santino and Theo Von explore the multifaceted world of comedy and podcasting, sharing personal stories of camaraderie, the art of podcasting, touring life, and the shift toward new streaming platforms.
Andrew Santino and Theo Von discuss the challenges and rewards of working in the comedy and podcasting industries
The two comedians share their individual and shared experiences within the podcasting and comedy scenes.
Santino shares his experience co-hosting the popular podcast "Bad Friends" with Bobby Lee, including the ups and downs of their creative partnership and time on the road touring
Andrew Santino talks about the complexities of working with Bobby Lee, especially during challenging times, such as Lee's return to rehab after the passing of his father. Santino struggled with a moral dilemma regarding respecting Lee's privacy versus ensuring his well-being. The event ultimately led to the start of "Bad Friends" following Lee's rehabilitation. During the pandemic, the "gift from God" allowed them to record more, and Santino humorously relates the intricacies of touring with Lee, from helping him stay balanced to enduring the close quarters of a tour bus.
Von and Santino reflect on the long hours, intense work ethic, and dedication required to succeed as a comedian and podcaster, using Joe Rogan as an example
Santino admires Joe Rogan's intense work ethic. Rogan juggles multiple responsibilities alongside podcasting, such as opening a comedy club and staying fit. Rogan's advice to Santino underscores the importance of maintaining momentum and not getting consumed by success.
Santino discusses his upcoming special with Hulu and the growing trend of comedians leaving Netflix for other streaming platforms
...
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Comedy, podcasting, and the entertainment industry
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Andrew Santino and Theo Von are comedians who discuss their experiences in comedy and podcasting, including challenges and rewards. Santino co-hosts the podcast "Bad Friends" with Bobby Lee, sharing insights into their creative partnership and touring experiences. They reflect on the dedication required to succeed in these industries, citing Joe Rogan as an example of hard work and success. Santino mentions his upcoming comedy special with Hulu and the trend of comedians moving to different streaming platforms like Hulu.
- Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee's creative partnership involves navigating challenges like personal struggles and professional differences. Santino faced dilemmas regarding privacy and support for Lee during tough times. Their collaboration on the "Bad Friends" podcast showcases their ability to balance humor with vulnerability. The dynamics of their partnership highlight the complexities and rewards of working closely in the entertainment industry.
- Joe Rogan is known for his exceptional work ethic in the comedy and podcasting industries. He is admired for juggling various responsibilities alongside his podcast, such as managing a comedy club and prioritizing physical fitness. Rogan's dedication serves as an example of the intense work ethic required to succeed as a comedian and podcaster. His advice emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum and not becoming complacent despite achieving success.
- Comedians leaving Netflix for other streaming platforms is a trend where some comedians are choosing to release their comedy specials on platforms other than Netflix. This shift is influenced by factors such as different creative opportunities, financial incentives, and the desire to reach new audiences. Platforms like Hulu are actively attracting comedia ...
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Cultural commentary and societal observations
Andrew Santino and Theo Von engage in a humorous and insightful analysis of contemporary culture, discussing the peculiar fascination with "ancient aliens" and reflecting upon the changing social norms and expectations around public behavior.
Von and Santino analyze the cultural phenomenon of "ancient aliens"
The hosts consider the cultural phenomenon of "ancient aliens," span from humor to deeper societal reflection.
Belief in ancient aliens and its societal implications
Von and Santino note the prevalence of the belief in ancient aliens, particularly among white individuals, as an attempt to find meaning or offer explanations that extend beyond their daily experiences. Santino humorously suggests that the Egyptians were probably the first to build cranes, mocking the common white belief that attributes the construction of the pyramids to extraterrestrial help rather than human ingenuity.
They entertain the idea that those with more comfort and free time, such as stay-at-home parents during their downtime, might indulge in thoughts about aliens out of boredom or a desire for intellectual stimulation. Santino goes on to humorously contrast his father's passion for the TV show "Ancient Aliens" with his negative sentiments toward "illegal aliens."
The hosts discuss changing social norms and expectations around public behavior
Von and Santino reminisce about times when social norms regarding public behavior were more lax.
Reflecting on reckless behavior of the past
Santino and Von recall instances when inappropriate conduct at sporting events and concerts were tolerated and even normalized, such as wearing provocative outfits in public places like Wrigley Field. They discuss the more permissive times that contrast starkly with today's rule-abundant society.
Von mentions a concert he enjoyed as a schoolboy where behaviors now considered unacceptable were freely engaged in. Santino then discusses societal issues, mentioning human selfishness and greed as factors that contribute to societal deterioration and impact how people interact with each other.
Personal anecdotes of publ ...
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Cultural commentary and societal observations
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The cultural phenomenon of "ancient aliens" involves theories that suggest extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in ancient times and influenced human civilizations. Some individuals, particularly within the white demographic, find these theories appealing as they seek alternative explanations for historical mysteries beyond conventional narratives. This interest can stem from a desire to explore unconventional ideas or to find meaning in the unknown, reflecting a broader fascination with the mysteries of the universe. The prevalence of this belief among certain groups can be influenced by factors such as cultural influences, media portrayals, and personal beliefs.
- The contrast between beliefs in ancient aliens and negative sentiments toward "illegal aliens" reflects a paradox where some individuals entertain the idea of extraterrestrial involvement in ancient civilizations while holding negative views towards immigrants considered "illegal" in modern society. This contrast highlights how people can have different perspectives on the concept of aliens depending on the context, with one being a subject of curiosity and wonder and the other tied to issues of legality and immigration.
- The belief in ancient aliens suggests that extraterrestrial beings influenced ancient civilizations, like attributing the construction of the pyramids to aliens. This belief often arises from a desire to find meaning beyond conventional explanations and can reflect societal attitudes towards innovation and historical achievements. It can also be influenced by cultural factors and individual perspectives, shaping how people interpret history and technology advancements. The fascination with ancient aliens can spark debates about human capabilities, the unknown, and the impact of such beliefs on society's understanding of the past.
- The changing social norms and expectations around public behavior refer to how what is considered acceptable or appropriate conduct in public settings has evolved over time. This includes shifts in attitudes towards emotional expression, dress codes, and behavior in shared spaces like concerts and sporting events. Society's views on what is deemed respectful, polite, or acceptable behavior in public have transformed over the years, reflecting broader cultural changes and values. These changes can impact how individuals interact in pub ...
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Personal experiences and perspectives
Individual experiences and unique life situations often shape people's plans and decisions in profound ways. In this discussion, both Santino and Theo Von reveal some of their unconventional approaches to life’s challenges and opportunities.
Santino shares his plans to potentially adopt a child in the future, rather than having a biological child
Santino discusses his charitable inclinations, expressing a particular interest in helping children in need, such as those suffering from cancer or serious injuries. For Santino, there’s a distinction between helping children and adults, as he believes adults have already had the chance to experience life, whereas children may not have had the opportunity to reach their potential.
Specifically, Santino reveals a desire to adopt a child. He perceives adopting a Polynesian child as providing a life-changing opportunity for a child in need. At 40, he believes that starting with a baby might be challenging, due to his feeling older, but he asserts that he would like to adopt an older child who has had a difficult start. He feels blessed in his own life and desires to extend the opportunity for a better life to someone else.
Von recounts a story of attempting to fake his own death years ago, with a friend's help, as an experiment or potential moneymaking scheme
Theo Von shares a quirky episode from his past where he, alongside his friend Paul, contemplated faking his own death about 11 years ago. The i ...
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Personal experiences and perspectives
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While individual experiences shape plans and decisions, it's also important to consider the role of societal norms and expectations in influencing personal choices.
- The decision to adopt rather than have a biological child is commendable, but it's important to acknowledge that adoption comes with its own set of challenges and complexities.
- Santino's interest in helping children in need is noble, but it's also crucial to ensure that the desire to help is matched with a commitment to understanding and meeting the long-term needs of the child, especially when adopting across cultural lines.
- The idea of providing life-changing opportunities is positive, but it should be balanced with respect for the child's heritage and existing familial ties, which can be significant in the child's identity development.
- The desire to adopt an older child is laudable, but it's important to recognize that older children may have more complex emotional and psychological needs due to their past experiences.
- Theo Von's story of faking his own death, while an interesting anecdote, might inadvertently trivialize the serio ...
Actionables
- You can reflect on your personal experiences to guide future decisions by keeping a journal where you note down key life events and the choices you made as a result. This can help you understand your unique decision-making patterns and prepare you for future planning.
- Consider volunteering at a local children's hospital or charity to connect with and support children facing serious illnesses. This hands-on experience can provide insight into the challenges these children face and how you might make a difference in their lives.
- Explore the idea of mentorship by joining a pro ...
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