Podcast Summary: Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast – “Wicked Garbage w/ Joe List & Tom Dustin!”

Release Date: March 31, 2025
Hosts: Kevin Ryan & H. Foley
Guests: Joe List & Tom Dustin
Description: In this lively episode of “Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast,” hosts Kevin Ryan and H. Foley welcome comedians Joe List and Tom Dustin. The episode delves into the creation of the new documentary “Portrait of a Comedian”, explores the guests' personal histories, their journey in the comedy world, and offers plenty of humorous anecdotes that underscore the show’s signature trashy yet entertaining vibe.

1. Welcome and Introduction

The episode begins with hosts Kevin Ryan and H. Foley simultaneously promoting their upcoming “Back on the Block” comedy tour in Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Skipping the promotional chatter, the hosts then segue into the main content, introducing their special guests, Joe List and Tom Dustin.

H. Foley (00:19–00:54):
"Welcome to another exciting edition of Are You Garbage? The show where you find out if your favorite comedians are classy individuals or absolute trash."

2. Introduction of Guests and Documentary Promotion

H. Foley enthusiastically introduces Joe List and Tom Dustin, highlighting their roles in the recently released documentary “Portrait of a Comedian.” The film, which Joe List directed and Tom Dustin starred in, is praised for its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of the comedians' lives.

H. Foley (01:34–02:17):
"They are the star and director of the brand new documentary ‘Portrait of a Comedian,’ Mr. Tom Dustin and Mr. Joe List. The boys are here. Beautiful film, by the way."

The hosts emphasize the documentary’s screening dates in Philadelphia and New York City, encouraging listeners to attend.

3. Behind the Documentary

Joe List provides insightful commentary on the documentary’s inception, explaining his passion for filmmaking and how he chose Tom Dustin as the perfect subject.

Joe List (09:56–11:10):
"I just thought Tom would be a great subject. And I nailed it. Which is all I really did was think Tom would be great and hilarious and we have so many great stories."

Tom Dustin humorously downplays his status, referring to himself as "the subject" rather than a star, adding a touch of humility to the conversation.

Tom Dustin (02:17–02:22):
"I don't like star. I'm the subject. I was the subject."

4. Early Friendship and Beginnings in Boston

The discussion shifts to how Joe List and Tom Dustin met and began their journey in comedy. Tom shares his first impression of Joe at an open mic night in Boston.

Tom Dustin (03:15–03:28):
"I walked into an open mic night, I saw Joe up on stage. He was hilarious. And he had a really, really hot girlfriend. This guy must be doing something right."

Joe List humorously deflects compliments about his wife, maintaining a playful dynamic.

Joe List (03:34–03:44):
"No, Sarah's a hot ticket herself. Sm. Smoking hot broad, great body, nice tits, perfect butt."

5. Upbringing and Family Backgrounds

Tom Dustin delves into his early life, growing up in Malden, Massachusetts, in a family that owned a used car lot. He shares anecdotes about his father’s eccentricities and the challenges the family faced when his father’s behavior led to business struggles.

Tom Dustin (16:00–16:33):
"She'd get up under the dashboard and pull it apart and fucking. She even figured out how to do the... When they first came out with the digitals, she used a 9-volt battery and she just tap, tap, tap until it rolled over..."

He explains how he took over the car lot responsibilities from a young age, despite his burgeoning interest in comedy.

Tom Dustin (05:45–06:19):
"I grew up on a used car lot. Okay. What was... How were you at selling cars? Pretty. I was pretty good. I actually... You could sell water to a dolphin."

6. Life in Boston and Comedic Beginnings

The hosts explore Tom’s teenage years, juggling responsibilities at the car lot while discovering his passion for comedy. Tom recounts his early gigs and the camaraderie he shares with Joe.

H. Foley (03:09–03:15):
"How did this come about, by the way? How did you guys start together in Boston, right?"

Joe List emphasizes the importance of starting early in comedy, encouraging aspiring comedians to begin their journey without delay.

Joe List (04:25–04:44):
"If they want to do comics, they start now because no matter when you start, you wish you started earlier because I started after I graduated. Looking back, I was like, I could have totally just done this in high school also."

7. Entertaining Anecdotes and Mischievous Escapades

The conversation takes a humorous turn as Tom shares wild stories from his youth, including stealing shampoo from hotels, hosting stripper parties at his home, and dealing with their father’s erratic behavior.

Tom Dustin (05:01–05:37):
"We had speed dial strippers that came to our house. It was wild. But I remember one of our first times hanging. Tom worked at a car lot."

The duo recounts their antics in detail, highlighting the mischievous and carefree nature of their upbringing.

H. Foley (08:09–08:21):
"And you would just have them, without getting too graphic, you just have them do a dance for you and that's it."

8. The Making of the Documentary

Joe List elaborates on the spontaneous and organic process of creating “Portrait of a Comedian.” He describes the initial idea to simply film Tom’s daily life, which gradually evolved into a deeper exploration of mental health, friendship, and the essence of comedy.

Joe List (10:02–11:10):
"Originally the idea was to just roll camera on Tom hanging out, telling stories... Then we started talking mental health and about our friendship and life and what it means to be successful."

Kevin Ryan commends the documentary’s authentic feel, likening it to enjoying a beer with Tom, making viewers feel personally connected.

Kevin Ryan (11:47–12:06):
"It feels like you're having a beer with Tom and it's not like... it's just like you're talking to this guy who's endearing and you want to talk to and he's telling great stories."

9. Personal Stories and Comedic Insights

Throughout the episode, Joe and Tom share a plethora of personal stories that illustrate their unique sense of humor and the bond they share. These stories range from their early days running the car lot, family dynamics, college experiences, and navigating the comedy scene.

Tom Dustin (13:35–14:06):
"Born in Malden, Massachusetts, just north of Boston. I got an older and a younger sister. My older sister is a janitor for the post office. She loves it at a smoke show."

Joe List (30:09–30:22):
"I remember the first time you ever came, I remember we had a fight because you referenced my fit. You were like, hey, you guys are white trash."

10. Life in Key West and Current Endeavors

The podcast transitions to discussing Tom’s life in Key West, where he runs the Comedy Key West club. He describes the vibrant local scene, his interactions with friends and roommates, and the unique lifestyle that Key West offers.

Tom Dustin (39:05–39:24):
"English and Italian. Yeah. No, nothing with no Sunday sauce or anything like that."

Tom Dustin (40:05–40:20):
"We live in the... Two roommates. One of them leaves for half the year, so we have an open room half the year."

Tom shares insights into managing the club, booking acts, and hosting diverse events that cater to both locals and tourists, reflecting the dynamic environment of Key West.

Tom Dustin (47:02–47:30):
"I booked the acts and I host the shows typically. And this is almost every weekend? Yeah. Yeah. Every. Almost every night."

11. Humorous Banter and Light-Hearted Moments

The episode is peppered with light-hearted and humorous exchanges that epitomize the podcast’s trashy comedy game show format. From playful jabs about each other’s lifestyles to jokes about everyday situations, the hosts and guests keep the atmosphere lively and entertaining.

H. Foley (58:27–58:42):
"Are you garbage first? Holy. That’s even garbage in itself to come in and want to be high class garbage."

Tom Dustin (57:00–57:19):
"I carry on. I did two carry ons. I might have a school bag. And then go carry on."

12. Upcoming Projects and Final Promotions

As the episode nears its end, Joe and Tom promote the documentary, sharing its screening dates and encouraging listeners to attend. They also discuss their future plans, including potential comedy shows in various locations.

Joe List (61:03–61:23):
"It's gonna be in select theaters this spring. Notably, it's gonna be in New York City at the Quad Cinema starting April 25th. Go see it. It’s absolutely fantastic."

Tom Dustin (62:12–62:33):
"Bangkok Comedy Club. Seriously, I'm trying to do a spot there. Yeah. On. I think it's April 27th or something."

13. Closing Remarks

The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of the documentary and the bond between the guests. They express their gratitude towards Joe and Tom for joining the show and sharing their stories.

H. Foley (63:27–63:41):
"Joe List and Tom Dustin, ladies and gentlemen, gang, we love you. The cards are on sale, as we said. Do yourself a favor, grab a pack before they run out. We're going to be adding the fall tour dates very soon, and we love you. And we'll see you next week."

Notable Quotes from the Episode

• Tom Dustin (02:17):
  "I don't like star. I'm the subject. I was the subject."

• Joe List (04:25):
  "If they want to do comics, they start now because no matter when you start, you wish you started earlier."

• H. Foley (08:21):
  "Why don't I just get a hooker?"

• Kevin Ryan (11:31):
  "But it’s cinema verite, if you will understanding, there’s no lighting, there’s no smoke and we didn’t do anything."

• Tom Dustin (16:00):
  "She used a 9-volt battery and she just tap, tap, tap until it rolled over..."

• Joe List (30:22):
  "We could have a good family garbage off. And it would be pretty close, just different kinds."

Conclusion

This episode of “Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast” masterfully balances humor with heartfelt storytelling, offering listeners an intimate look into the lives of Joe List and Tom Dustin. From their chaotic upbringing in Boston to their thriving comedic careers and current endeavors in Key West, the guests provide a rich tapestry of experiences that entertain and resonate. The promotion of the documentary “Portrait of a Comedian” serves as a fitting culmination, inviting listeners to delve deeper into the world of these beloved comedians. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this episode delivers laughs, insights, and a genuine portrayal of what it means to be "garbage" in the most entertaining way possible.