Podcast Summary: "Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast" – Episode: Casey Rocket!
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Are You Garbage?, hosts Kevin Ryan and H. Foley welcome their guest, the rising star comedian and podcaster Casey Rocket. The show delves into Casey's tumultuous past, his journey through addiction and rehabilitation, his academic endeavors, and his burgeoning career in comedy. Throughout the episode, listeners gain an intimate look into Casey's life, marked by both struggles and triumphs.
Casey Rocket's Early Life
Casey Rocket opens up about his childhood, providing listeners with a glimpse into his formative years. Born in Normal, Illinois, [02:00] Casey shares, “I was born in Normal, Illinois... but I was raised in Georgia. I spent my whole life in Georgia.” His upbringing in a rural part of North Georgia, where his mother worked as a horse trainer, set the stage for his early experiences.
Struggles and Rehabilitation
The conversation takes a dark turn as Casey recounts his battles with substance abuse and his tumultuous relationship with his parents. At the age of fourteen, Casey faced significant challenges:
- Rehab Runaway: “I started sober for the first time when I was 21,” Casey admits [08:45]. He details his brief stint in a teenage rehab center, describing it as “a spiritual revelation through labor” [14:12]. However, after ten days, he ran away, leading to his placement in a mental hospital for two weeks [17:40].
- Substance Abuse: Casey discusses his use of Robitussin and other substances, highlighting the pervasive opioid epidemic of his region [14:16]. His addiction issues led to multiple arrests for drunk in public and shoplifting [32:44].
School and Alcoholism
Casey's academic journey was fraught with difficulties:
- Public School Challenges: After being kicked out of public school twice in one year due to his substance abuse and behavioral issues, Casey was sent to military school [24:39]. He describes his time at Riverside Military Academy as “atrocious” [25:09], plagued by lack of sleep and strict discipline.
- Turning Point in College: At eighteen, facing academic failure, Casey decided to turn his life around. He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in journalism, where he was the head of the school magazine, Reflector Magazine [27:56].
Turning Around: College and Comedy
Casey’s transition from a troubled youth to a successful comedian is inspiring:
- Starting in Comedy: “I started at Georgia Southern doing the school talent shows,” Casey explains [29:45]. His passion for comedy led him to Atlanta and eventually Boise, Idaho, where he honed his craft over three years [30:15].
- Breakthrough: Meeting Red Band and William Montgomery in Austin was pivotal. Despite living in his car for six months and juggling gigs with DoorDash deliveries, Casey eventually gained traction in the comedy scene [30:54].
Life as a Comedian
Now a recognized name in comedy, Casey shares insights into his career:
- Touring: He is actively touring, performing in over thirty cities this year, including international stops like Australia and the UK [61:56]. “Caseyrocketcomedy.com,” he promotes, highlighting his growing fanbase.
- Personal Growth: Despite his chaotic past, Casey has managed to establish a stable life. He recently moved into his first apartment, purchased a 2018 Toyota 4Runner, and maintains a clean, organized living space [36:48].
Personal Life and Relationships
Casey provides a candid look into his personal relationships and lifestyle:
- Family Dynamics: His parents remain distant, with his father supporting his comedy career by attending shows in multiple cities [34:55]. His mother has returned to the family farm in southern Illinois, continuing her work as a horse trainer [51:22].
- Current Relationship: Casey is currently dating a bisexual artist from Atlanta, whom he met during his travels. This new relationship signifies a sense of stability and connection back to his roots [53:48].
Fun Facts and Additional Stories
Throughout the episode, Casey shares amusing and unique anecdotes:
- Unique Habits: “I piss in the shower,” Casey humorously admits [59:57]. He also boasts about his extensive movie-watching habits, claiming to have seen “probably, like, 10,000 movies” [27:00].
- Health Struggles: Casey discusses a recurring condition called iritis, an inflammation of the iris, which he correlates with a night out at a strip club in Atlanta [48:33]. The inflammation causes intense pain, likened to having one’s eyeballs being “torn out of your head” [48:18].
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Kevin and H. Foley express their admiration for Casey's resilience and growth. While initially questioning whether Casey qualifies as “Garbage,” they acknowledge his significant personal progress and successes. Casey’s story is a testament to overcoming adversity, and his charismatic presence leaves listeners rooting for his continued success.
Notable Quotes
- Casey Rocket [02:02]: “Is he Garbage?”
- Kevin Ryan [01:29]: “What up gang? Shout out to you.”
- Casey Rocket [06:03]: “I was lighting little fires in the sink... I burn down our little home.”
- Casey Rocket [14:14]: “I have a serious substance abuse problem, but I don't have any mental health problems.”
- Casey Rocket [27:56]: “I graduated from Georgia Southern... head of the school magazine.”
- Casey Rocket [48:33]: “I pray you'll believe me on a night just like tonight... it’s extraordinarily painful.”
Final Thoughts
Are You Garbage? successfully combines humor with heartfelt storytelling, allowing Casey Rocket to share his journey in an authentic and relatable manner. This episode not only entertains but also inspires, showcasing the power of perseverance and the quest for self-improvement.