Podcast Summary: Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast – Episode: John Crist!

Release Date: June 23, 2025

In this engaging episode of "Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast," hosts Kevin Ryan and H. Foley welcome comedian John Crist for an in-depth and humorous exploration of his unique upbringing, personal struggles, and successful career in comedy. The conversation delves into Crist's large family background, his religious upbringing, challenges with education, battle with addiction, and how he charted his path into the world of stand-up comedy.

1. Introduction and Guest Overview

The episode kicks off with a vibrant introduction of John Crist, highlighting his impressive resume that includes appearances on "Gotham Comedy Live," "Fox & Friends," "The Tonight Show," and his popular podcast, "Net Positive." Hosts emphasize Crist's latest stand-up special, "Emotional Support," which has already amassed over 3 million views on YouTube, and tease his upcoming fall tour starting August 31st at the Encore Theater in Las Vegas.

Notable Quote:

John Crist: "Oh, man, that was the best intro I ever got." [02:37]

2. Family Background and Religious Upbringing

John Crist opens up about his roots, sharing that he is one of eight children in a Pentecostal family with deep Amish heritage. His father, a Pentecostal preacher, founded the Atlanta Vineyard church after his grandparents transitioned from the Amish to Mennonite beliefs. Crist explains how his family's religious background influenced his upbringing, including strict adherence to faith-based practices and community values.

Notable Quote:

John Crist: "I'm one of eight kids, dad is a Pentecostal preacher." [04:06]

Crist reminisces about spending Christmas in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where his extended family maintained some Amish traditions while incorporating modern conveniences like electric motor bikes. This blend of old and new shaped Crist's early experiences and worldview.

3. Education and Learning Disabilities

Crist discusses his educational journey, which began with homeschooling dictated by his family's religious beliefs. Despite the controlled environment, Crist faced academic challenges due to an undiagnosed learning disability. It wasn't until after graduating that his difficulties were recognized, highlighting gaps in support systems within his community.

Notable Quote:

John Crist: "I found out I had a learning disability after I graduated that no one had told me about." [31:45]

He recounts being placed in a specialized class focused on shapes and memory games, which aimed to accommodate his learning needs. This experience underscored the lack of individualized attention in his educational setting.

4. Religious Influence and Personal Challenges

Crist delves deeper into the religious aspects of his upbringing, describing how his father's role in the church introduced him to intense religious practices, including snake handling and prayer rituals. These experiences were both formative and challenging, shaping Crist's perception of faith and community.

Notable Quote:

John Crist: "We don’t believe in health care. We believe if God wanted us to use it, He would." [08:08]

Crist also shares a pivotal moment from his youth when he faced a severe snake bite, which was only addressed when it became a life-threatening emergency, highlighting the extremes of faith-based practices.

5. Comedy Career and Overcoming Addiction

Transitioning into his career in comedy, Crist explains how humor became a refuge from his strict and sometimes oppressive religious environment. He began performing within church settings, using comedy to navigate and critique his upbringing.

Crist openly discusses his battle with alcohol addiction, attributing his struggles to the high expectations and pressures of maintaining a public persona in Christian circles. In 2009, Crist sought help and entered rehab, achieving five years of sobriety through a combination of faith and support systems.

Notable Quote:

John Crist: "I went to rehab in 2009. I'm five years sober now because of the Lord." [41:45]

He reflects on how his addiction was partly a reaction to the internal conflicts between his personal desires and the strictures of his religious upbringing, ultimately finding solace and purpose in comedy.

6. Relationship with Family and Current Life

Crist elaborates on his family dynamics, noting that while his siblings have pursued successful careers in various fields such as teaching, finance, and real estate, he chose the unconventional path of comedy. This decision sometimes placed him at odds with family expectations, but also allowed him to cultivate his unique voice and identity.

He humorously contrasts his current lifestyle with his past, discussing how he moved away from the rigid structures of his upbringing to embrace personal freedom and professional opportunities. Crist mentions owning a Range Rover and maintaining a presence in Nashville, indicating his successful transition to an independent life.

Notable Quote:

John Crist: "I'm living openly now, no longer under the constraints of my past religious environment." [64:22]

Crist also touches on maintaining friendships outside his family, highlighting the supportive community within the comedy and podcasting scenes that helped him thrive.

7. Conclusion and Future Plans

As the episode wraps up, Crist reflects on how comedy has been instrumental in processing his past and connecting with audiences. He acknowledges the support from fellow comedians and podcasters that have been pivotal in his career growth. The hosts and Crist share lighthearted banter, reinforcing the bond formed during the interview.

Crist promotes his fall tour in Las Vegas and encourages listeners to follow his work both on stage and online, emphasizing the importance of community and support in his ongoing journey.

Notable Quote:

John Crist: "Comedy makes us cool." [53:20]

Final Quote:

John Crist: "Come by and say hi if you've come from RU Garbage or through a meet and greet." [68:40]

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Resilience Through Humor: John Crist's journey underscores the power of humor as a tool for coping with and critiquing personal and familial challenges.

• Impact of Upbringing: His strict religious and large family background significantly shaped his values, struggles, and ultimately his career path.

• Overcoming Adversity: Crist's candid discussion about his battle with addiction highlights the importance of seeking help and the role of faith in recovery.

• Breaking Away from the Past: By embracing comedy, Crist was able to forge his own identity separate from his family's expectations, demonstrating the potential for personal growth and change.

• Community Support: The support from the comedy and podcasting communities played a crucial role in Crist's success and sobriety, emphasizing the importance of a supportive network.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• John Crist: "I'm one of eight kids, dad is a Pentecostal preacher." [04:06]
• John Crist: "I found out I had a learning disability after I graduated that no one had told me about." [31:45]
• John Crist: "I went to rehab in 2009. I'm five years sober now because of the Lord." [41:45]
• John Crist: "Comedy makes us cool." [53:20]
• John Crist: "Come by and say hi if you've come from RU Garbage or through a meet and greet." [68:40]

This episode provides a comprehensive and heartfelt look into John Crist's life, illustrating how personal adversity and a supportive community can drive success and personal fulfillment. Through his storytelling, Crist offers listeners both laughs and meaningful insights into overcoming life's challenges.