Podcast Summary: "Steve Gerben!" on Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast

Episode Details:

• Title: Steve Gerben!
• Release Date: June 26, 2025
• Hosts: Kevin Ryan & H. Foley
• Guest: Steve Gerben

Introduction

The episode kicks off with the charismatic hosts Kevin Ryan and H. Foley welcoming their guest, Steve Gerben, a renowned stand-up comedian, actor, radio writer, and producer. Steve is notably one of the co-creators and stars of the hit Netflix series Tires.

Kevin Ryan [02:00]: "We couldn't be more excited to have our incredibly, and I mean incredibly special guest here with us today for the first time."

Early Life and Family Background

Steve delves into his upbringing, highlighting his roots in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, and his family's move during his childhood. He shares insights about his father’s auto repair business, Valley Forge Auto, which faced financial ups and downs over the years.

Steve Gerben [05:00]: "He had Valley Forge Auto, which I think he started in '79. It lasted about 20 years before he had to sell it and start anew."

Steve also touches upon his mother's role as a stay-at-home parent and the dynamics of growing up in a single-parent household with an older brother.

Steve Gerben [05:40]: "We lived in a detached single-family home. It was just us, my mom, and my older brother."

Education and Early Jobs

Discussing his educational journey, Steve admits to struggling academically and eventually dropping out of George Washington University and Delco Community College. This led to a brief stint at the post office as a mail carrier, a job he held for about six months before transitioning to other roles.

Steve Gerben [13:08]: "I wasn't a good student. I barely passed my SATs with a 10 and 40."

Steve humorously recounts quitting a dishwasher job after just two days, thanks to his cousin stepping in to resign on his behalf.

Steve Gerben [12:55]: "My cousin called and quit for me. 'Steve quits.'"

Hobbies, Interests, and Personal Anecdotes

Steve shares various anecdotes from his youth, including his brief involvement in baseball where his stint as a kid pitcher ended abruptly after being hit by a pitch. He also reminisces about family vacations, particularly a disastrous trip to Disney World and frequent visits to a family friend's shore house in Ocean City.

Steve Gerben [07:38]: "There was no coach pitch, so my dad got me a special helmet with a big plastic guard. Looked like a Mandalorian when I played."

An interesting highlight is Steve's participation in annual high school lip-sync contests, where he performed routines as Michael Jackson and Madonna. These experiences, though embarrassing at the time, played a role in developing his comedic persona.

Steve Gerben [50:43]: "Doing the Michael Jackson dance in front of my French class was the most awkward thing I've ever done."

Personal Challenges and Health

Steve opens up about his health struggles, specifically Blau syndrome, which affected him from a young age. This condition not only caused arthritis but also impacted his eyesight, necessitating cataract surgery in his right eye. Additionally, Steve discusses his experience with sleep apnea and the measures he takes to manage his health daily.

Steve Gerben [42:20]: "Blau syndrome affects my arthritis and my eyes. I had cataract surgery on my right eye, and now I use a strong lens to see at night."

Professional Success and Daily Life

Transitioning to his current success, Steve expresses gratitude towards his friends John and Shane, who played pivotal roles in his career by involving him in various projects and funding his first season of Tires. He reflects on the rapid changes in his life, from working a day job to owning his own home and enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.

Steve Gerben [39:28]: "It's utterly insane. I'm as lucky as they come, truly."

His daily routine now includes stretching, making breakfast (eggs and oatmeal), working out, and socializing at the country club where he enjoys golf with friends like Dan and Rob.

Steve Gerben [37:35]: "I wake up, stretch, make myself breakfast, and then might go to the country club or work out."

Lifestyle and Personal Preferences

Steve discusses his preferences in food, grooming, and household habits. He reveals a dislike for mayonnaise-based dishes and prefers simple meals like chicken and cheese sandwiches. His grooming routine includes using bar soap and avoiding conditioners, opting instead for practical skincare products due to his eye condition.

Steve Gerben [27:39]: "I don't like mayo. No tuna fish, no chicken salad, no potato salad, no coleslaw."

Regarding pets, Steve fondly remembers his dog Scooby, a mutt who lived to be 15 years old, thanks to his father's financial support through tough times.

Steve Gerben [12:28]: "Scooby lived till she was 15, thanks to my dad paying for her surgery repeatedly."

Humorous Interactions and Light-Hearted Moments

The conversation is peppered with humor, such as Steve's aversion to roller coasters, his quirky eating habits like not enjoying eating in the car, and his humorous take on household chores and personal hygiene practices.

Steve Gerben [17:04]: "Everybody's trying to make this guy out to be like a pedophile."
Kevin Ryan [41:03]: "That's a lot of Mountain Dew."

Steve also shares amusing stories about his attempts at dancing, particularly during his high school years, which included performing choreography for Madonna and enduring mixed reactions from his peers.

Steve Gerben [52:34]: "I did Lord of the Dance, and I got rave reviews. It does not get worse."

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Steve reiterates his gratitude towards the hosts and the support system that helped him achieve success. The hosts congratulate him on his achievements and reflect on the remarkable journey from his early struggles to his current standing.

Steve Gerben [39:56]: "I am experiencing joy."
Kevin Ryan [40:16]: "We love you so much, buddy."

The hosts also promote their ongoing work, including the Netflix series Tires, and encourage listeners to engage with their upcoming fall and winter tour.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Gerben [02:04]: "Let's go."
• Steve Gerben [07:35]: "I was like, rookie of the year. The floater. Let him have it."
• Steve Gerben [42:20]: "Blau syndrome affects my arthritis and my eyes."
• Steve Gerben [50:43]: "Most awkward thing I've ever done."
• Steve Gerben [39:28]: "It's utterly insane."

Conclusion

This episode of Are You Garbage? offers an in-depth and engaging look into the life of Steve Gerben, blending heartfelt discussions with genuine humor. From his challenging early life to his triumphant professional journey, listeners gain valuable insights into what makes Steve both a talented comedian and a relatable human being.