Podcast Summary: "Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast" Featuring Paul Walter Hauser

Episode Title: Paul Walter Hauser!
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Hosts: Kevin Ryan & H. Foley
Guest: Paul Walter Hauser
Knowledge Cutoff: October 2023

1. Introduction to Paul Walter Hauser

The episode kicks off with Kevin Ryan and H. Foley enthusiastically welcoming Paul Walter Hauser, celebrating his multifaceted career in acting, comedy, and filmmaking. Kevin provides an extensive overview of Hauser's impressive filmography, highlighting his roles in "Get Ready," "Community," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," and most notably, his performance in the new movie "The Luckiest Man in America," which is currently in theaters.

Notable Quote:
Kevin Ryan [02:35]: "He has range. Oh, yeah, and by the way, he's got a Critics Choice Award, a Golden Globe, and a goddamn Emmy. Bit of a show-off if you ask me, huh?"

2. Early Life and Education

Paul delves into his upbringing in Grand Rapids and Saginaw, Michigan, sharing insights about his family background. His father was a Lutheran pastor, and his mother transitioned from managing a daycare to becoming a school principal. Paul discusses his passion for entertainment from a young age, participating in theater, writing screenplays, and pursuing stand-up comedy during his formative years.

Notable Quote:
Paul Walter Hauser [07:05]: "We moved there. Those are my formative years. Dad's a Lutheran pastor, mom is a daycare manager turned substitute teacher turned teacher turned school administrator principal type."

3. Breaking into the Acting World

Paul recounts his initial foray into acting, mentioning his background role in the independent film "Virginia" alongside notable actors like Jennifer Connelly and Ed Harris. A pivotal moment was receiving an invitation to audition after offering a compliment to director Lance Black, which led to more significant opportunities in both comedy and drama.

Notable Quote:
Paul Walter Hauser [09:43]: "When I told him that as like a 40-second drive-by compliment, he wrote my name down and invited me back for an audition."

4. Career Highlights and Challenges

Transitioning to Hollywood, Paul discusses the versatility of his roles, blending comedic elements into dramatic performances. He highlights his experiences working on diverse projects, including "Kingdom," "I, Tonya," and upcoming films like "Fantastic Four" and a collaboration with Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Farrelly.

Notable Quote:
Paul Walter Hauser [10:07]: "Hollywood decided to invite me into the world of dramas. But even in dramas, I was bringing a comedic element."

5. Personal Anecdotes and Life Experiences

The conversation takes a humorous turn as Paul shares various personal stories, from childhood experiences like surviving a severe car accident in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to his struggles with obtaining a driver's license due to trauma from the accident. He also touches on his health, revealing his battle with gout since age 25 and how sobriety has helped manage his condition.

Notable Quote:
Paul Walter Hauser [24:54]: "We got hit by one of those 18-wheelers going 80, 90 miles an hour, hit us from behind our van, flipped over like three times. They thought we were dead. And we all survived it."

6. Hobbies, Interests, and Lifestyle

Paul elaborates on his love for food, recounting his transition from enjoying budget-friendly options like Jack's Pizza to savoring gourmet meals at Michelin-starred restaurants. He humorously critiques popular food items such as pizza rolls and Buffalo Wild Wings, highlighting his discerning taste despite his indulgent habits.

Notable Quote:
Paul Walter Hauser [29:07]: "Jack's was cheap as hell. It was like $2.50. They had, like, five kids, you know? They had to make a buck."

7. Current Life and Future Endeavors

Currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Paul discusses his plans for expanding his family and the practical reasons behind relocating from Los Angeles. He touches on his financial strategies, including renting-to-own his residence to avoid depleting his savings, and acknowledges the financial responsibilities that come with his acting career, such as SAG dues and agent fees.

Notable Quote:
Paul Walter Hauser [41:25]: "I'm renting to own because we didn't have enough, we wanted to save a buck or two in Georgia. And I love that when you're on the road a lot, like I am, you want your wife to feel protected."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the podcast wraps up, the hosts humorously engage Paul in the "Are You Garbage?" game, concluding that despite his achievements and successes, his quirks and honest admissions earn him "Garbage" points. They enthusiastically promote his latest film "The Luckiest Man in America" and express their admiration for his candidness and humor throughout the episode.

Notable Quote:
Kevin Ryan [54:11]: "The movie is 'The Luckiest Man in America.' It's in theaters right now. It is absolutely fantastic… 100% garbage, Paul Walter Hauser."

Key Insights and Takeaways

• Versatility in Acting: Paul Walter Hauser's ability to seamlessly blend comedy into dramatic roles showcases his range and adaptability as an actor.

• Resilience and Overcoming Challenges: Surviving a life-threatening car accident and battling with gout exemplifies Paul's resilience and determination to succeed despite personal hurdles.

• Authentic and Relatable Personality: Paul's candid sharing of his struggles, humor, and everyday experiences make him a relatable and authentic figure, endearing him to audiences and peers alike.

• Balanced Approach to Career and Personal Life: Paul's strategic relocation and financial planning reflect a balanced approach to managing a demanding career while nurturing his personal life and expanding family.

Highlights by Timestamp

• [07:05] - Discussion on Paul's early life and family background.
• [09:43] - Paul shares how a compliment led to his first significant acting audition.
• [10:07] - Transition into drama roles while maintaining comedic elements.
• [24:54] - Recounts surviving a severe car accident and its impact on his driving.
• [29:07] - Hilarious take on evolving pizza preferences and indulgent eating habits.
• [41:25] - Explains the reasoning behind relocating to Atlanta and financial strategies.
• [54:11] - Hosts conclude with playful "Garbage" points, endorsing his latest film.

Closing Remarks

This episode of "Are You Garbage?" offers an in-depth and entertaining look into Paul Walter Hauser's life, blending humor with heartfelt stories. Listeners gain valuable insights into his journey, challenges, and the personal traits that make him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Whether you're a fan of his work or new to his talent, this episode is a must-listen for its genuine and engaging portrayal of a successful comedian and actor.