Disgraceful with Grace O'Malley

Episode: Andrew Santino: No Bad Lies, Only Good Banter
Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of Disgraceful with Grace O'Malley, host Grace welcomes the esteemed comedian Andrew Santino, known for co-hosting the Bad Friends podcast alongside his sister, Nora O'Malley. The episode delves into their dynamic sibling relationship, Andrew's comedic journey, and his insights into the evolving landscape of comedy.

Sibling Relationship and Personal Dynamics

Grace and Andrew kick off the conversation by exploring their unique sibling bond, highlighting a significant nine-year age gap that initially separated their friendship.

Andrew Santino [02:08]: "We didn't really. I graduated college before she got to high school, so it was a little. It was kind of."

Despite not growing up together, their adult friendship blossomed, allowing them to support and root for each other in their respective careers. Andrew shares anecdotes about missing his sister's presence during their formative years but expresses deep affection and pride in her achievements.

Andrew Santino [02:29]: "She's the one who parties, dude. She's the one who leads the way. She's the... I love her to death."

Comedy Careers and Touring Experiences

Andrew provides an insightful look into his life as a comedian, recounting his early days, touring mishaps, and the challenges of performing in diverse cities like New York, Chicago, and Minneapolis. He reflects on the differing comedic vibes of each city and how they shape his performances.

Andrew Santino [02:38]: "It's pathetic."

He humorously discusses adapting to city atmospheres, especially New York's unpredictable weather and crowds, which often influence his comedic material.

Andrew Santino [03:12]: "Just never go back."

Podcasting and Bad Friends

Transitioning to his podcasting ventures, Andrew elaborates on the evolution of his audience and the symbiotic relationship between his Whiskey Ginger and Bad Friends podcasts. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced audience demographic as both he and Bobby Lee’s fan bases mature.

Andrew Santino [18:01]: "Our numbers have skewed better as time has gone on to being pretty good. Like, our audience is now... you see them."

The discussion highlights how Bad Friends has organically attracted a diverse listener base, moving beyond a predominantly male or female demographic to include couples and varied groups.

Interactions with Celebrities and Industry Insights

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to Andrew's interactions with famous personalities. He shares memorable moments from his experiences working with icons like Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Flavor Flav, illustrating the unpredictable and often humorous side of celebrity encounters.

Andrew Santino [51:07]: "She was so cool. She was so much better because she was like, you're supposed to be mad that we were fucked up."

Andrew reminisces about his time on the sketch show American TV, detailing the creative processes, improvisations, and the challenges posed by critical reception despite positive personal experiences.

Andrew Santino [39:00]: "We were like the largest FX comedy. I think Hulu."

Personal Anecdotes and Life Lessons

Andrew opens up about personal struggles and lessons learned throughout his career. From dealing with severe sunburns during tours to overcoming the emotional impact of being cut from a film, he provides a candid look into the resilience required in the entertainment industry.

Andrew Santino [56:04]: "What was your first big gig doing?"

He discusses moments of vulnerability, such as contemplating the impact of being cut from a movie, and the importance of having supportive relationships to navigate these lows.

Andrew Santino [74:27]: "You do some dumb. It's you. I would have done so much worse than whatever that kid did."

The Evolving Comedy Landscape and Future Projects

Grace and Andrew analyze the current state of comedy, noting the shift towards digital platforms and the decline of traditional stand-up venues. They express concerns over the cancellation of beloved shows and the increasing difficulty of sustaining a career in comedy.

Andrew Santino [91:46]: "I think it's sick. It's like a whole different thing. I, I'd love to tap into."

Looking ahead, Andrew shares his enthusiasm for upcoming projects, including a Special Olympics event and potential new shows that blend philosophy with entertainment, aiming to keep his comedic endeavors fresh and impactful.

Andrew Santino [85:01]: "There's a new... I'm going to start taking out... I'm doing like a home run derby. Celebrity Home Run Derby in the Valley."

Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with a heartfelt exchange between Grace and Andrew, underscoring the importance of mutual support and authenticity in their professional and personal lives. Andrew reflects on his journey, the lessons learned, and his unwavering commitment to his craft despite the industry's challenges.

Andrew Santino [103:03]: "Yeah. I think I was a 262 6."

Their conversation leaves listeners with a blend of humor, insight, and genuine camaraderie, encapsulating the essence of what makes Disgraceful with Grace O'Malley a standout comedy podcast.

Notable Quotes

• Andrew Santino [02:08]: "We didn't really. I graduated college before she got to high school, so it was a little. It was kind of."
• Andrew Santino [02:29]: "She's the one who parties, dude. She's the one who leads the way. She's the... I love her to death."
• Andrew Santino [18:01]: "Our numbers have skewed better as time has gone on to being pretty good. Like, our audience is now... you see them."
• Andrew Santino [51:07]: "She was so cool. She was so much better because she was like, you're supposed to be mad that we were fucked up."
• Andrew Santino [74:27]: "You do some dumb. It's you. I would have done so much worse than whatever that kid did."

This episode is a must-listen for fans of Andrew Santino and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes realities of a comedian's life. Grace and Andrew's engaging dialogue offers both laughter and profound insights, making it a rich addition to the Disgraceful series.