E535 Joe Gatto
In this episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, comedian Joe Gatto discusses his diverse creative pursuits, including a stand-up special, a children's book, a podcast, and a cross-country tour. He shares insights into his nonprofit work rescuing senior dogs and the proven therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals. Gatto also delves into personal topics like reconciling with his wife after separation and special moments with his children during comedy performances.
The conversation touches on navigating adult friendships amidst career and family obligations. Gatto and Von explore current events, acknowledging the need to critically evaluate news sources amidst potential misinformation influenced by agendas. Their wide-ranging discussion offers a glimpse into Gatto's multifaceted endeavors and perspective on various aspects of life.
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Joe Gatto's comedy and creative projects
Joe Gatto has diversified into new solo comedy ventures like a stand-up special "Messing With People," children's book "Where's Barry?," a podcast "Two Cool Moms," and a tour across the U.S. He discusses the creative freedom of performing solo, including storytelling and refining his routine. Gatto shares how he now incorporates stories about his children, like a humorous Star Wars ride misadventure featured in his stand-up.
The role of animals in their lives and wellbeing
Joe Gatto runs a nonprofit, "Gatto Pups and Friends," focused on rescuing and rehoming senior dogs. Gatto discusses the joys and challenges of caring for these dogs, including managing their health needs. He and Theo Von explore the scientifically proven therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals, like reduced stress and improved sleep. They also touch on the unique behaviors and traits of various creatures.
Personal relationships and life experiences
Gatto intimately recounts his separation from his wife and the open communication, forgiveness, and compromise involved in reconciling. He shares special moments with his children during comedy performances and tours. Gatto and Von reflect on how sustaining adult friendships gets more complex amidst career and family obligations compared to the ease of socializing in school days.
Discussion of current events and news
Theo Von and Gatto discuss SpaceX's recent rescue mission for stranded astronauts, indirectly highlighting private companies' role in space operations. They also acknowledge the prevalence of misinformation and need to critically evaluate news sources, implying the influence of politics and agendas, though the specifics are not provided.
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Clarifications
- "Gatto Pups and Friends" is a nonprofit organization founded by Joe Gatto that focuses on rescuing and rehoming senior dogs. The organization is dedicated to providing care and support for older dogs in need of homes, emphasizing their well-being and quality of life. Through this initiative, Gatto aims to raise awareness about the importance of caring for senior dogs and the joy they can bring to families. The organization's work involves managing the health needs of these dogs and promoting the benefits of adopting and fostering senior pets.
- Theo Von is an American stand-up comedian, podcaster, actor, and former reality television personality. He hosts the This Past Weekend podcast and has a diverse background with roots in Wyoming, Illinois, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Von's family history includes Polish and Nicaraguan heritage, and he often incorporates personal experiences into his comedic material. He grew up in Covington, Louisiana, in challenging circumstances and was legally emancipated at the age of 14.
- In news reporting, the influence of politics and agendas can shape how information is presented to the public, potentially leading to bias or selective framing of stories. This influence can affect which stories are covered, how they are portrayed, and the emphasis placed on certain aspects based on the perspectives or interests of the news outlet or individuals involved. It's important for consumers of news to be aware of these influences and to critically evaluate information from multiple sources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of current events.
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Joe Gatto's comedy and creative projects
Joe Gatto is diversifying his comedic talent with new projects including a stand-up comedy special, a children's book, a tour, and a podcast. He discusses the challenges and inspiration behind his new ventures and reflects on the changes in his career post-Impractical Jokers.
Joe Gatto's new stand-up comedy special "Messing With People" and his children's book "Where's Barry?"
Joe Gatto has released a new stand-up comedy special titled "Messing With People" on YouTube as of September 17th. In developing his new tour, Gatto finds joy in the challenge, focusing on storytelling to work out which stories he wants to tell. He describes performing solo as an interesting change, where instead of sharing the stage, he talks for 60 minutes. Working out this structure alone, he refined his 65-minute routine by deciding which stories to keep and which to cut. He shares an anecdote about his son, a story he included in "Messing With People," which revolves around a misadventure involving a Star Wars ride and a humorous misunderstanding. This stand-up special marks a departure for Gatto, as he previously never discussed his children in his stand-up.
Alongside his stand-up, Gatto authored a children's book titled "Where's Barry?" for kids aged 4 to 8, inspired by an eventful night with his son, Remo, who misplaced his bear. The book teaches problem-solving and features Easter eggs for fans of "Impractical Jokers" within Luke Flowers' illustrations. Gatto revels in inclusion in his children's bedtime routines and takes pride in his son's excitement about being featured in a book.
Gatto's other creative ventures, including his podcast "Two Cool Moms" and his recent tour
Joe Gatto mentions his new hour of stand-up material and upcoming tour dates in cities such as Memphis, St. Louis, Indiana, Akron, Oklahoma, Texas, and Atlantic City. His podcast "Two Cool Moms," co-hosted with Steve Byrne, adds another dimension to his comedic output.
Gatto talks about the differences in performing solo after parting ways with the Impractical Jokers. He appreciates his fans getting to know him as an individual separate from the group and values the ...
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Joe Gatto's comedy and creative projects
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Actionables
- You can explore your own storytelling skills by recording a five-minute story about a memorable family event and sharing it with friends or family for feedback. Start with a simple outline of the event, focus on the emotions and the climax of the story, and practice your delivery to make it engaging. This can be a fun way to connect with loved ones and hone your communication skills.
- Create a simple scavenger hunt for your family or friends that incorporates inside jokes or shared experiences as clues. Use your home or a local park as the setting, and think of creative, humorous hints that lead to small prizes or mementos. This activity can strengthen bonds and create new, joyful memories.
- Start a mini-podcast series with a friend or family ...
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The role of animals in their lives and wellbeing
Joe Gatto relates his experiences with senior dog rescue and the wellbeing derived from animal interactions, while also exploring the unique traits and behaviors of various creatures.
Gatto's experience rescuing and caring for senior dogs
Joe Gatto has established himself not only as a comedian but also as a savior for older dogs. His canine-focused nonprofit, "Gatto Pups and Friends," is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming senior dogs. Initiated by Gatto's wife, the causes have become a joint project between them, seeing Gatto actively involving himself in charity work and organizing events for his nonprofit and other animal-related foundations.
Caring for these senior pets isn't without its challenges, such as tending to their health needs which can include administering blood thinners, anxiety medications like [restricted term], and kidney medications. Some rescued dogs have mobility issues and require "little chariots" to get around. Volunteers contribute to this cause, highlighting the mutual therapeutic effects as they interact with dogs by petting and playing, a practice that is scientifically proven to reduce stress.
The therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals
Extending beyond the joy of companionship, Gatto and Theo Von discuss the scientifically documented therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals. Studies indicate that petting a dog can lower cortisol levels, leading to reduced stress. Gatto also shares that the sound of a dog breathing can enhance the depth of REM sleep cycles. With eight dogs of his own often sharing his bed, he attests to improved sleep quality when his dogs are nearby. Von adds that simply being around animals, like horses, creates a sense of calm, as confirmed by a neuroscientist.
The unique characteristics and behaviors of different animals
The conversation shifts to the surprising and humorous side of animal traits. Gatto and Von discuss the peculiar behaviors and overpopulation of rats in New York, even humorously fantasizing about a rat garbed in a gown and holding a scepter. They note the potential for unique behavior alterations due to contraceptive measures aimed at controlling the rat population, alongside the harmful impact of rodenticides on other wildlife.
Gatto reveals his admiration for the precision of falcons d ...
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The role of animals in their lives and wellbeing
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Counterarguments
- While Joe Gatto's efforts in rescuing senior dogs are commendable, it's important to consider that such initiatives might inadvertently encourage people to adopt pets without fully understanding the long-term commitment and responsibilities, especially with senior pets that may have more complex needs.
- The therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals, though scientifically supported, may not be universal. Some individuals may have allergies, phobias, or simply do not experience the same level of stress relief from pet interactions.
- The claim that the sound of a dog breathing can enhance the depth of REM sleep cycles might not hold true for everyone. Some people might find the presence of multiple animals in the bed disruptive to their sleep.
- The discussion about rats in New York and their peculiar behaviors could be seen as trivializing the serious issue of rodent control and the diseases they can spread.
- The use of contraceptives and rodenticides in controlling rat populations is a complex issue that involves ethical considerations regarding animal rights and the ecological impact, which might not have been fully explored in the conversation.
- While falcons' hunting precision is impressive, focusing on such specific traits might lead to overlooking other important aspects of bird conservation, such as habitat loss and the effects of climate change.
- The mention of an African gray parrot's intelligence without teaching it phrases to avoid repetition could be seen ...
Actionables
- You can foster a senior dog from a local shelter to provide care and experience the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship. By fostering, you not only help an animal in need but also gain the stress-reducing benefits of pet interaction. This can be a short-term commitment that allows you to assess whether you're ready for the long-term responsibility of pet ownership.
- Create a calming playlist of nature sounds, including those of animals like dogs breathing or birds chirping, to improve your sleep quality. Use these recordings as a background soundscape at bedtime to potentially enhance your REM sleep cycles, leveraging the soothing effects of animal sounds on human relaxation.
- Engage in a wildlife observation hob ...
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Personal relationships and life experiences
Through candid conversations, Joe Gatto delves into his personal journey of separation, reconciliation with his wife, joys and tribulations of parenting, and the evolution of friendships over time.
Gatto's separation, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to his marriage and family
Gatto opens up about the difficulties of his separation and the process of rebuilding his relationship with his wife
Joe Gatto intimately discusses the challenges he faced during a two-year separation from his wife, which found him living alone for the first time at 47. He shares a humorous yet poignant experience of participating in a fire drill in his robe, clutching his two dogs. Gatto's quest for a new home led to a missed bid on a house, triggering meaningful conversations with his wife about the potential for reconciliation.
The importance of open communication, forgiveness, and compromise in repairing their relationship
The first serious consideration of getting back together arose while waiting in a hotel room for a dog event. Committing to a few months of earnest effort before cohabitating again, the couple gradually found their way back to each other, culminating in Gatto moving back home. Gatto recounts a special date night at a beloved local restaurant and a getaway to a farm in upstate New York as part of their reconciliation journey. He stresses the centrality of deep conversations, abundant forgiveness, and the expression of feelings in repairing their relationship, cautioning against the common missteps of assumptions and poor communication in partnerships.
Gatto's experiences as a parent and the joys and challenges of raising children
Gatto's children's involvement in his comedy work and the special memories they've created
Gatto incorporates his children into his comedic path, describing heartwarming stage moments where he high-fives his son and embraces his daughter, who relishes the limelight. His stand-up special features a sweet exchange as he receives a microphone from them. The children join their father on the road, eagerly anticipating hotel amenities and garnering valuable experiences from travel.
The shift in friendships that can ...
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Personal relationships and life experiences
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Actionables
- Create a 'reconciliation jar' where you and your partner can drop notes about things you appreciate in each other or want to discuss, fostering open communication and a culture of appreciation in your relationship. This jar serves as a physical reminder to communicate and can help initiate difficult conversations in a non-confrontational way. For example, if you're grateful for your partner's support during a tough week, jot it down and drop it in the jar.
- Start a family vlog or scrapbook project that involves your children in a hobby or passion of yours, similar to how Gatto involves his children in his comedy work. This creates a shared experience and lasting memories. For instance, if you love gardening, you could create a series of videos or a scrapbook documenting the growth of your garden with your children's help, capturing both the progress and the fun moments spent together. ...
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Discussion of current events and news
Theo Von and Joe Gatto discuss two important topics: the recent rescue mission conducted by SpaceX for stranded astronauts and the reliability and biases in modern news sources.
The recent rescue mission for stranded astronauts by SpaceX
In a conversation touched with humor, Theo and Gatto discuss SpaceX’s involvement in a rescue mission to pick up two astronauts who got stranded. They joked about the situation as if the astronauts were calling an Uber to return home, showcasing a light-hearted take on a potentially serious situation.
The logistical and safety challenges of rescuing astronauts in space
Although no detailed discussion on the logistical and safety challenges was provided in the transcript chunk, there was an acknowledgment of SpaceX and Elon Musk as they are involved in the rescue, which highlights the role of private companies in these complex space rescue operations.
The role of private companies in space exploration and rescue operations
The discussion did bring to light the contributions of private companies like SpaceX in space rescue missions. By mentioning actors Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis, known for their roles in the space-themed movie "Armageddon," there was an indirect reference to the expertise and capabilities of companies like SpaceX to carry out such technologically advanced and potentially dangerous operations.
Gatto and Von's perspectives on the reliability and biases in modern news sources
As part of their conversation, Theo Von and Joe Gatto acknowledged the prevalence of misinformation and the need to critically evaluate news sources.
The prevalenc ...
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Discussion of current events and news
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While SpaceX has indeed been involved in rescue missions, it's important to note that space rescues are a collaborative effort, often involving multiple organizations, including international space agencies and other private entities.
- Joking about serious space missions can be seen as trivializing the risks and challenges involved in space travel and rescue operations.
- The role of private companies in space exploration is significant, but it should not overshadow the foundational work and ongoing contributions of public space agencies like NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, and others.
- The capabilities of companies like SpaceX are impressive, but they are built upon decades of space exploration knowledge and technology developed by government-funded programs.
- While misinformation is a serious issue, not all news sources are equally unreliable, and some maintain rigorous journalistic standards.
- Critical evaluation of news s ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking skills by starting a "fact-check journal" where you document news stories, their sources, and the evidence supporting their claims. This practice encourages you to research and verify information, helping you to discern fact from fiction and understand the biases that may be present.
- Develop a space-themed educational game for friends or family that incorporates elements of space rescue and exploration. Use trivia and strategy to teach players about the role of private companies in space missions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of space operations in a fun and interactive way.
- Create a personal "news source scorecard" where you rat ...
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