Podcast Summary: Bad Friends – "Bobby Is Finally Free" Featuring Yannis Papas

Release Date: June 23, 2025

In this lively episode of Bad Friends, hosts Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino are joined by comedian and actor Yannis Papas. The trio delves into Bobby's tumultuous week, exploring his experiences on the set of the new film Karate Ghost, his challenges with illness, and the dynamics of their enduring friendship. The conversation is peppered with humor, personal anecdotes, and sharp banter, offering listeners an engaging glimpse into the lives of two beloved comedians and their guest.

1. Bobby’s Challenging Week

Bobby Lee opens up about his recent struggles balancing work and health. He discusses filming for Karate Ghost, where he portrays a sensei alongside Jim Belushi, and his subsequent illness that affected his performance.

• Filming Difficulties:

  • [00:00] Bobby asks Andrew if he has performed at Comedy Works South or Downtown.
  • [15:00] Bobby recounts, “I went to the Comedy Works in Denver and they booked me in the wrong club,” highlighting the miscommunication that added stress to his already hectic schedule.

• Dealing with Illness:

  • [14:01] Bobby describes waking up with a sore throat, traveling to Toronto, and ultimately becoming “fully sick,” which impaired his memory and performance on set.
  • [17:57] He elaborates on the physical toll, saying, “I was drowning in sweat, in no pee,” emphasizing the severity of his condition during performances.

2. Friendship and Banter with Yannis Papas

Yannis Papas brings a fresh dynamic to the conversation, engaging in playful teasing and heartfelt exchanges with Bobby and Andrew.

• Gift Exchange and Teasing:

  • [03:00] Andrew presents Bobby with a "Decidual" shirt, which Bobby humorously critiques: “What is it about these shirts that you do like the design?”
  • [05:17] Bobby jokingly demands, “I think you should take your shirt off now and put this shirt on now.”

• Physical Appearance and Honesty:

  • [10:20] Bobby initiates a candid discussion about his weight loss, seeking honest feedback from Yannis: “Be real and be honest. We don't fuck around like this.”
  • [10:37] Yannis responds with a blend of humor and sincerity, “I would take a picture of you, put it in my closet under all the other pictures of people who were underwhelming…”

3. Personal Growth and Self-Reflection

The conversation shifts towards personal development, with Bobby expressing his aspirations to improve physically and spiritually.

• Weight Loss Journey:

  • [10:37] Bobby admits, “I lost 30 pounds,” and discusses the challenges and motivations behind his transformation.
  • [13:21] He humorously recounts his attempt to join Planet Fitness, only to be turned away: “I went to the Planet Fitness a month ago... they go, you got to go online, and you have to give us your bank records to join.”

• Emotional Moments:

  • [20:34] Bobby shares a vulnerable moment, revealing a personal experience that moved him: “Yesterday, something happened yesterday made me cry. And I'm afraid that I'm going to...”

4. Cultural and Social Commentary

Bobby and his guests touch upon various cultural topics, including sports, media consumption, and societal issues.

• WNBA and Sports:

  • [32:25] The hosts engage in a humorous yet critical discussion about the WNBA, debating player salaries and the commercialization of women's sports: “What would be your suggestion as a lover of women and such a feminist to make the league more successful?”
  • [33:07] Bobby suggests, “Change the outfits...strap their breasts to their chest,” aiming to prevent the sexualization of the league, which elicits playful disagreements.

• Media and Podcasting:

  • [65:15] The conversation evolves into a critique of the evolving media landscape, with Andrew lamenting how podcasting is encroaching into areas traditionally dominated by legacy media: “Podcasting is entering this world of, like, news or something.”

5. Light-Hearted Fun and Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with a mix of humor and camaraderie, solidifying the bond between the hosts and their guest.

• Humorous Skits and Jokes:

  • [61:00] The trio engages in a mock "trans quiz," navigating sensitive topics with their characteristic humor, though it veers into controversial territory.
  • [62:51] They joke about fashion choices and cultural stereotypes, keeping the tone light despite earlier serious discussions.

• Final Tributes and Goodbyes:

  • [62:43] Yannis promotes his special, Property Owner History. Hyenas is back together, expressing gratitude for being part of the show.
  • [66:14] The hosts reflect on their podcast's unique place in the media space, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining its original, humorous essence amidst changing trends.

Notable Quotes:

• Bobby Lee on Friendship:

  • [08:22] "It's the sentiment and the thought that counts."

• Andrew Santino on Physical Changes:

  • [09:16] "I do think you'll wear them. My money's on you'll wear them."

• Yannis Papas on Personal Growth:

  • [27:18] "I want my two friends Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino to have everything that they want their life to live well, have health, have happiness, have spirituality, peace."

• Bobby Lee on Media Evolution:

  • [66:49] "It's a comedy podcast. This should be its own thing."

Conclusion

In "Bobby Is Finally Free," Bad Friends offers a rich tapestry of humor, heartfelt moments, and insightful commentary. Bobby Lee's candid sharing about his personal and professional challenges, coupled with the playful yet meaningful interactions with Andrew Santino and Yannis Papas, make for an engaging episode. Listeners are treated to a blend of laughter and genuine conversation, reinforcing the show's appeal as a beloved staple in the comedy podcast landscape.