Bad Friends Podcast: "We Go To Flavortown w/ Guy Fieri"

Hosts: Bobby Lee & Andrew Santino
Guest: Guy Fieri
Release Date: September 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this vibrant and chaotic episode of Bad Friends, Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino are joined by culinary legend and TV star Guy Fieri. The trio dives deep into topics ranging from Food Network politics and dating ethics to the magic of "Flavortown," all wrapped in the show's signature banter, playful insults, and genuine chemistry. Guy brings stories from his journey, shares life philosophy, and reveals lesser-known sides of his philanthropy and passions. The episode is packed with laughs, inside chef talk, life lessons, and sincere moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Guy Fieri Joins the Chaos

• [20:31] Introduction
  • Andrew and Bobby excitedly introduce "the King of Flavortown."
  • Guy jokes about being nervous to meet the infamous Bad Friends crew, referencing his sons who warned him about the show's wild style.
  • Quote: “I’m scared to death of coming in here with you two.” — Guy Fieri [21:21]

2. Signature Banter & Running Gags

• Throughout the episode, Santino and Bobby riff on each other with playful bullying—body image, accents, and Bobby’s “monkey philosophy.”
• Ongoing jokes about Shrek, with Bobby ribbed as “Asian Shrek” and both hosts doing impressions.
• Quote: “You’re Shrek, my G. You’re a little Asian Shrek.” — Santino [04:13]

3. Cigars, Heritage, & Authenticity

• [24:08] Guy explains his cigar line, "Knuckle Sandwich," and shares the origins behind his brand.
• Discusses the art and care of cigars—proper humidity, craftsmanship, and his personal connection.
• Quote: “I just want to make badass cigars of the level that I like cigars. So it’s called... Knuckle Sandwich.” — Guy Fieri [24:52]

4. Food Network Secrets & Chef Beef

• [42:01] Santino presses Guy: “Is there a chef on the Food Network you just don’t like?”
• They joke about David Chang, but Guy clarifies he holds no grudges, referencing his friendship and respect for Chang and José Andrés.
• Guy reflects on coming up as a network outsider—tattoos, bleached hair, the “Saturday mornings at 8AM” slot.
• Quote: “If you don’t have beef in your world... you’re not really paying attention.” — Guy Fieri [46:31]

5. Philanthropy & Giving Back

• [43:45] Guy recounts his work aiding restaurant workers during the pandemic, raising $27 million for grants, and his ongoing foundation work focused on veterans and first responders.
• [60:19] Discusses building a mobile kitchen for disaster relief, feeding thousands after wildfires.
• The hosts share their own upcoming Special Olympics home run derby event.
• Quote: “My biggest thing is philanthropy... I love what the foundation does.” — Guy Fieri [58:21]

6. Life Lessons & “Monkey Philosophy”

• Guy dispenses advice about resolving conflict directly, not holding grudges, and respecting elders (in both kitchen and comedy).
• Bobby asks for dating advice regarding exes—where’s the line with friends’ former partners?
• Quote: “If it doesn’t kill you, it’ll make you stronger!” — Guy Fieri, on enduring Bobby’s perpetual sickness [74:36]

7. Inside Flavortown & Guy’s Style

• The group busts the myth of the “famous flame shirt.” Guy reveals it was a one-off promo photo, never an everyday wardrobe staple.
• [84:35] Car talk: the iconic Triple D Camaro, Guy's car collecting obsession, and a hilarious story about fooling his family with two identical restored Camaros.
• Quote: “If you can’t laugh at yourself and poke fun... I think you’re missing what life is.” — Guy Fieri [77:39]

8. Guy Off-Script: Acting, Comedy, Authenticity

• [74:57] Guy discusses acting in commercials (Uber Eats), the importance of being real, and why authenticity resonates on TV and in podcasting.

9. Bonding, Rivalry, & True Friendship

• Though their jabs get sharp, Bobby and Andrew reaffirm their brotherly bond.
• Guy, a natural mentor, validates the hosts’ dynamic and encourages their style.
• Quote: “You can’t fake this... you can’t try to be two funny guys that sit in a room and bust balls if it doesn’t happen in real life.” — Guy Fieri [81:27]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [29:40] “I can tell when you don’t like something on Triple D... you move quickly through it.” — Santino calls out Guy’s poker face on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
• [54:35] “It’s great to see people saying, ‘Screw it, this is who we are.’” — Guy on the importance of authenticity in an era of overprotection.
• [61:22] Guy shares raising $1.7 million for Maui wildfire victims in one night with his chef network.
• [83:31] Bobby shares how inclusion from friends like Bert Kreischer made a difference in his life.
• [92:27] The Camaro Scratch Story: Guy’s family all get tricked when the telltale scratch is swapped onto the clone car.
• [77:14] “That iconic flame shirt? It was one time. It was a flyer!” — Guy debunks a meme.

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------|---------------:| | Hosts riff on “monkey philosophy” and shreking | 00:40 – 05:40 | | Guy’s intro, family, and first impressions | 20:31 – 23:33 | | Food Network behind-the-scenes & chef beef | 42:01 – 51:35 | | Philanthropy/Disaster Relief stories | 56:06 – 61:22 | | Flavortown “brand” – flame shirt & fandom | 76:02 – 77:39 | | Life & dating advice (exes, code, marriage) | 68:36 – 73:34 | | Triple D Camaro saga & car collection | 84:35 – 92:54 | | Authencity in comedy, pod, and life | 81:05 – 82:44 |

Closing Thoughts

Guy Fieri brings playful energy, heartfelt stories, and pragmatic advice, fitting seamlessly into the Bad Friends universe. This episode is a blend of hilarity, humility, and sincerity—revealing surprising depths behind the “King of Flavortown” label, and reminding listeners that a real legend tastes life with as much joy and openness as he does food.

End quote:
“Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, for my entire family and to yours. Thank you for being a bad friend.” — Guy Fieri [93:39]