Camp Gagnon #174: Bernie Podcast Reaction & The Mexican Ship Wreck

Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host: Mark Gagnon
Guests: Joey Avery and Miles

1. Reaction to the Mexican Ship Wreck in New York City

The episode opens with Mark Gagnon, Joey Avery, and Miles discussing a tragic incident involving a Mexican navy training ship that met with disaster in New York City. The ship, intended as a symbol of goodwill and naval prowess, lost power while maneuvering in the harbor, leading to a collision with another vessel.

• Details of the Incident:
  Joey Avery explains, "The prevailing theory is they lost power while entering the harbor and during their turnaround maneuver" ([15:30]). This unexpected power loss resulted in the ship being unable to avoid the collision, causing significant damage and loss of life.

• Human Impact:
  Miles adds, "There's poor guys. They were attempting to bring good PR but ended up causing a tragedy" ([16:36]). The conversation highlights the human cost of the accident, including individuals who were on the bridge or mast at the time of impact.

• PR and Reputation:
  The team discusses the ironic outcome where the ship, adorned with a large Mexican flag meant to showcase national pride, instead became a symbol of misfortune. Joey muses, "It's designed to bring good PR, but it has had the exact opposite effect" ([16:31]).

• Future of the Vessel:
  They speculate on the ship's future, debating whether it will be repaired or retired. Joey humorously suggests, "Probably fix it with some duct tape" ([19:26]), while Miles contemplates environmental aspects like turning the damaged ship into a reef.

2. Air Traffic Control Outage at Newark Airport

Transitioning from maritime mishaps, the conversation shifts to aviation safety following an air traffic control outage at Newark Airport.

• Incident Overview:
  Mark reports, "Air traffic controllers were in the hallways, shaking because they didn't know planes were going to crash into each other" ([22:12]). This 90-second blackout forced the relocation of control operations to Philadelphia, exacerbating staff shortages and increasing the strain on air traffic controllers.

• Impact on Flights and Travelers:
  Joey shares his personal experience, saying, "The flight was delayed until 6:30, turned into an insane journey with no AC and constant turbulence" ([24:11]). This resulted in the cancellation of his Indianapolis show and a rushed rescheduling of performances.

• Systemic Issues:
  Miles comments on the systemic vulnerabilities, "They moved the control to Philly because they are already understaffed" ([22:57]). The hosts express concern over the robustness of air traffic systems and the psychological toll on controllers dealing with such crises.

3. Podcast Episode with Bernie Sanders

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the hosts' recent podcast interview with Senator Bernie Sanders, reflecting on his influence and the reception of their conversation.

• Hosting Experience:
  Joey reflects, "Bernie exceeded my expectations. He's been a principled guy for the better part of 60 years" ([27:03]). The hosts praise Sanders's authentic and honest demeanor, contrasting it with their general skepticism towards politicians.

• Policy Discussions:
  They delve into Sanders's focus on wealth inequality and racial justice, with Joey noting, "Wages aren't going up, and people are struggling while America's wealth isn't being redistributed" ([31:05]). Miles adds insights into Sanders's communication style, likening it to a familial, after-dinner discussion where complex systems are demystified.

• Public Reception and Criticisms:
  While the podcast received positive feedback on platforms like YouTube, Mark mentions, "Schultz posted on Instagram and people are like, you better call this fucking hypocrite out" ([28:24]). They discuss criticisms Sanders faces, such as allegations of hypocrisy over accepting donations from pharmaceutical employees and his use of private jets.

• Comparisons with Donald Trump:
  The hosts draw parallels and contrasts between Sanders and Trump, focusing on their distinct auras and public personas. Joey states, "Trump has a more charismatic aura, while Bernie is straight to business" ([34:13]). Miles adds, "Bernie seems very straight to business, and Trump has a bizarre aura" ([34:16]).

• Impact on Political Discourse:
  Joey emphasizes the importance of such conversations, stating, "Long-form conversations with different viewpoints are good for public discourse" ([41:30]). They advocate for a more open and less policing approach to political dialogue, aligning with progressive ideals of freedom of expression.

4. Personal Anecdotes and Additional Discussions

Beyond the main topics, the hosts share personal stories and engage in light-hearted banter:

• Travel Mishaps:
  Joey recounts an Airbnb dispute over alleged sink clogs and vomit, vehemently denying responsibility: "Neither of us puked in the Airbnb" ([09:56]).

• Stand-Up Comedy and Tours:
  They promote their upcoming stand-up specials and tours, discussing the challenges of traveling and performing under stressful conditions, such as delayed flights and combining shows.

• Parenting and Personal Growth:
  The conversation takes a reflective turn as Joey and Miles discuss parenting philosophies, the balance between personal traits and upbringing, and the complexities of raising children in modern society.

• Humorous Exchanges:
  Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in humorous exchanges, poking fun at each other's anecdotes and sharing light-hearted moments, such as dreaming about sports or navigating wedding vows.

Notable Quotes

• Mark Gagnon:
  "Air traffic controllers were in the hallways, shaking because they didn't know planes were going to crash into each other." ([22:12])

• Joey Avery:
  "Bernie exceeded my expectations. He's been a principled guy for the better part of 60 years." ([27:03])

• Miles:
  "Bernie seems very straight to business, and Trump has a bizarre aura." ([34:16])

• Joey Avery:
  "Long-form conversations with different viewpoints are good for public discourse." ([41:30])

Conclusion

In this episode of Camp Gagnon, Mark Gagnon, alongside guests Joey Avery and Miles, navigates a blend of serious and light-hearted topics. From reacting to the unfortunate Mexican ship wreck and discussing systemic issues in air traffic control to reflecting on their meaningful conversation with Bernie Sanders, the hosts provide insightful commentary interspersed with personal anecdotes and humor. The episode underscores the importance of open dialogue in political discourse while offering listeners relatable stories from the hosts' personal and professional lives.