Podcast Summary: "Business Lunch w/ Stavros Halkias"

Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast is a hilariously trashy game show-style podcast hosted by comedians Kevin Ryan and H. Foley. In the episode titled "Business Lunch w/ Stavros Halkias," released on January 20, 2025, the hosts welcome their special guest, Stavros Halkias, a renowned comedian known for his role in the Netflix series Tires and his popular podcast Stav Savvy's World. This episode delves into a mix of nostalgic anecdotes, candid discussions about food preferences, gambling stories, and audience interactions, all delivered with the show's signature comedic flair.

Guest Introduction: Stavros Halkias (00:32 – 02:25)

The episode kicks off with the enthusiastic introduction of Stavros Halkias. H. Foley describes Stavros as "one of the funniest, one of the hardest working men in show business" ([01:59]). Stavros shares his excitement about his upcoming Dreamboat Tour, set to kick off on February 21st in Sacramento, California ([02:25]). The hosts and Stavros engage in warm banter, establishing a relaxed and humorous atmosphere.

Food for Trash or Classy: The Mashed Potatoes Debate (27:23 – 37:45)

One of the central discussions revolves around the perennial question of what makes a food combination "garbage" or "classy." The highlight is a spirited debate about putting ketchup on mashed potatoes.

• H. Foley argues, "We've had other aspects of life, other environmental... But it all comes down to poor health" ([04:52]), emphasizing the interconnectedness of food choices and health.

• Stavros Halkias takes a strong stance, declaring, "Putting cream in soda is unequivocally, unequivocally the most trashy part" ([50:18]), and later asserts, "Mashed potatoes that... might put ketchup on scalloped potatoes" ([29:42]).

• Kevin Ryan offers a counterpoint, suggesting that adding ketchup to mashed potatoes "might make sense" due to the added sweetness and carbonation ([50:02]).

The debate intensifies with Stavros emphasizing the transformation of classic dishes into trashy versions, stating, "Once you take the mashed potato and you take it to its lower forms... that's trash" ([31:32]).

Notable Quote:

Stavros Halkias: "Mashed potatoes on their own are almost always garbage." ([30:16])

Childhood Stories and Recycling: Growing Up and Greed (03:18 – 08:00)

Stavros shares poignant and humorous stories from his upbringing in Baltimore, highlighting themes of poverty, immigration, and the challenges of growing up in a struggling neighborhood.

• He recounts working with his brother on high school wiring projects to earn money, criticizing the inefficiencies of privatization: "They think it's like, oh, we're going to get the pork out of government... [07:03]" ([07:03]).

• The conversation shifts to recycling versus trashing items, where Stavros expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of recycling programs: "I think they are lying to us." ([56:31])

Notable Quote:

Stavros Halkias: "We were just the way Baltimore did. It's kind of up. There's three good schools in the entire system..." ([08:36])

Nostalgia for Old TV Shows: From Hogan's Heroes to Curb Your Enthusiasm (25:10 – 42:24)

The hosts and Stavros dive into a nostalgic trip down memory lane, discussing classic TV shows and their impact.

• H. Foley reminisces about watching "Hogan's Heroes" and "Seinfeld," expressing disbelief at their enduring presence on television: "They ran it all through the 90s" ([26:14]).

• Stavros Halkias shares his insights on the authenticity of shows like "Entourage" and his evolving perspective over time: "I wasn't an Entourage guy later in life" ([15:03]).

• The conversation also touches on modern reboots and the blending of reality with fiction in shows like "Curb Your Enthusiasm": "Don't understand... He's the good guy." ([14:45])

Notable Quote:

H. Foley: "They should have made some of those movies. Seriously, you're telling me." ([15:24])

Gambling Anecdotes: From High School Card Games to Vegas Slots (43:54 – 58:50)

Gambling becomes a significant theme as Stavros and the hosts delve into their past experiences with card games, sports betting, and casino adventures.

• Stavros Halkias shares tales of high school card games and the allure of gambling: "We would put in like... $20 bets on like the Packers in like Monday Night Football" ([44:25]).

• Kevin Ryan reflects on his gambling addiction during college, highlighting the adrenaline rush: "It's the adrenaline. Yeah." ([44:11]).

• The discussion shifts to modern gambling environments, with Stavros expressing his discomfort with the mindless nature of slot machines: "It's like, it's like, it's like, designed to trick you into..." ([47:28]).

• They also critique the transformation of games into high-risk addictions: "You start chasing it. It's like I have enough money that I could lose." ([44:31]).

Notable Quote:

Stavros Halkias: "It feels like a video game. And that's the thing that got me like an old guy." ([47:37])

Audience Questions: Ketchup on Mashed Potatoes and More (37:45 – 58:50)

Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with questions submitted by their Patreon audience, evaluating whether certain actions or preferences qualify as "garbage."

1. Combining Cold Brew and Dr. Pepper:

   • Kevin Ryan supports the combination, stating, "I can see it" ([50:02]).
   • Stavros Halkias vehemently disagrees, labeling it as "the most trashy part" ([50:18]).

2. Throwing Away a Beer Can in the Bathroom:

   • The consensus leans towards disapproval, with Stavros Halkias declaring, "Is it neutral? No one's asking is it classy?" ([55:56]).
   • Kevin Ryan humorously suggests extreme actions like "throw it out the window" ([56:38]).

3. Not Acknowledging a Father's Toupee at Christmas:

   • Stavros Halkias finds it conflicting, stating, "This isn't really a garbage thing... it's like does your family communicate" ([58:30]).
   • H. Foley praises the courage, "That's a brave move on his part" ([58:54]).

Notable Quotes:

Kevin Ryan: "Is it garbage at... why wouldn't anyone bowl?" ([61:18])

Stavros Halkias: "Is it garbage? Yeah, yeah, yeah." ([62:44])

Conclusion: Touring and Final Thoughts (58:50 – End)

As the episode wraps up, Stavros Halkias promotes his Dreamboat Tour, detailing the extensive locations across the West Coast, Midwest, Canada, and the East Coast ([65:32]). The hosts encourage listeners to purchase tickets and support Stavros's comedic endeavors.

Notable Quote:

Stavros Halkias: "It's a new hour, and it's gonna be a lot of fun." ([66:29])

Final Thoughts

"Business Lunch w/ Stavros Halkias" offers a blend of sharp wit, relatable stories, and candid discussions that highlight the comedic tension between what is considered "garbage" and what earns class status. Stavros Halkias brings a fresh perspective, enriching the conversation with his unique experiences and humor. This episode is a must-listen for fans seeking laughter intertwined with thoughtful debates on everyday topics.

Highlights:

• Mashed Potatoes Debate: Is adding ketchup to mashed potatoes classy or trashy? Stavros Halkias leads the charge against it, reflecting the show's central theme of distinguishing between "garbage" and "class."
• Childhood Anecdotes: Insightful stories about growing up in Baltimore, tackling themes of poverty, education, and recycling skepticism.
• Nostalgic TV Show Conversations: A trip down memory lane with discussions about beloved classic shows and their modern interpretations.
• Gambling Stories: Engaging tales of past gambling experiences, addiction, and the psychological tricks of casinos.
• Audience Interaction: Thought-provoking questions from listeners that spark lively debates and humorous exchanges.

Listeners who enjoy a blend of humor, personal stories, and lively debates will find this episode both entertaining and insightful.