BONUS: ROBBIE GK made Kip a HEATED RIVALRY star, can beat you at Spike Ball & needs his own Marvel movie

Summary

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Empty Netters Podcast (Almost Friday Media)

BONUS: ROBBIE GK made Kip a HEATED RIVALRY star, can beat you at Spike Ball & needs his own Marvel movie

Date: January 12, 2026
Guest: Robbie GK (actor, known for “Heated Rivalry”)

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Episode Overview

This episode features Port Credit, Ontario native and actor Robbie GK, known for playing Kip on the hit series “Heated Rivalry.” The Empty Netters crew dives into Robbie’s journey from musical theater to TV stardom, touching on everything from his early stage experiences, the phenomenon surrounding Kip, his family’s athletic roots, and his passion for both performance art and sports. The conversation is peppered with humor, heartfelt anecdotes, rivalries on and off screen, and fan-favorite “Pass, Shoot, Score” game.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Robbie’s Artistic Origin Story

• First Performing Experiences:
  • Robbie’s love for performing was ignited as a child after being pulled onstage with clowns at a Cirque du Soleil show.

    “That’s kind of when you were like, oh, I like performing and this is really cool.” (Host 2, 03:02)

• Musical Theatre Training:
  • Studied at Etobicoke School of Arts, started as Kurt Von Trapp in “Sound of Music,” and developed his craft in tight-knit theater communities where everyone pitched in—from building sets to creating costumes.

    “You really get this sense of character and learn how to work with people...musical theater, you’re just a small part of a bigger ensemble.” (Robbie, 04:30)

• Transition to TV & Film:
  • Dropped out of NY musical theater school partly due to strict attendance rules while filming “Full Out”:

    “They were like, you gotta come in every weekend to make up classes or leave...I wasn’t going to class sometimes, yeah.” (Robbie, 03:32–04:18)

2. The Heated Rivalry Phenomenon

• Path to “Kip”

  • Originally auditioned for Scott Hunter, showed up with a mullet and mustache envisioning a stereotypical Canadian hockey player.

    “I was a ski bum in Whistler…then got back to Toronto and everything got back to normal” (Robbie, 10:40)

• Finding Relatability in Kip:

  • Drew from his own experiences working sales jobs to fund his creative pursuits, making Kip grounded and relatable.

    “This is a guy who’s just kind of normal and looking to make some money...to pursue these greater aspirations.” (Robbie, 11:39)

• Unique Character Dynamics:

  • Appreciates that Kip’s drama with Scott isn’t based on tired miscommunication tropes:

    “It was so nice to see a dramatic story between people that wasn’t just about miscommunication.” (Host 3, 11:21)

• On Set Relationships & Method Acting:

  • Matt Gordon, who plays Kip’s dad, became a genuine paternal presence on set.

    “…he daps and went for a big hug immediately…I get your vibe.” (Robbie, 12:58)

  • Francois Arnault (Scott) brought intensity and skill, making the rapid development of the on-screen relationship feel natural.

3. Making of the “Bottle Episode”

• Filming Episode 3:

  • Almost all of Kip & Scott’s arc was filmed in order, mirroring the growing chemistry between the actors.

    “Our first scene was at the art gallery…Both nervous to be out in public…It worked out so well.” (Robbie, 17:44)

  • Robbie intentionally avoided reading the original book for a fresh perspective, mirroring many first-time TV viewers.

    “I almost don’t want to know all that backstory because…my performance will be, like, winking.” (Host 2 & Robbie, 19:05)

• Emotional Impact:

  • Even reading the episode script at his father’s cottage (“cabin!”), Robbie was moved to tears:

    “I was crying…my dad came in the room, he’s like, what’s wrong with you?...You wouldn’t understand.” (Robbie, 21:38)

• Fan Reception and Legacy:

  • Kip’s launch as a character was slow-burning but intense, with people recognizing Robbie in public and floods of fan messages—including handwritten airport notes.

    “For someone to see me in person, take the time to write it and then give it to me…It’s just so lovely.” (Robbie, 29:50)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the uniqueness of theater:

  “That is the most rewarding sensation as a performer…live musical theater.” (Robbie, 06:24)

• On Kip’s relatability:

  “…Trying to survive in an expensive city…So relatable.” (Host 1, 11:11)

• On set with Matt Gordon:

  “He dabs, went for a big hug immediately…I get your vibe.” (Robbie, 12:58)

• On the “bottle episode” storytelling:

  “I just viewed it as a standalone movie.” (Robbie, 22:52)

• On public recognition:

  “…the shock is hitting now…being here and seeing everyone, people were like, we’re such fans of the show.” (Robbie, 24:21)

  • Plane story: Airport staff recognizing him, and a fan giving him a heartfelt note. (26:12–29:50)

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Fun Segment Highlights

Pass, Shoot, Score Game (41:00–49:55)

1. Outdoor Athletics:

• Pass: Rock climbing (“I’m trash at it”)
• Shoot: Skiing
• Score: Spikeball with the boys (Ultimate passion; grass & cleats only!)

  “I don’t fuck around, guys. I have my cleats in my spikeball bag.” (Robbie, 41:24)

2. Musical Theater:

• Pass: Sound of Music
• Shoot: Jesus Christ Superstar
• Score: West Side Story (“having those dance breaks…perfect production”)

3. Lord of the Rings Characters:

• Pass: Aragorn (with pain)
• Shoot: Legolas
• Score: Gimli (short king loyalty)

4. Christmas Movies:

• Top 3: Home Alone, The Holiday, Elf
  • New recommendation from the hosts: Klaus (animated Netflix film).

5. Video Games:

• Pass: Rocket League
• Shoot: Arc Raiders
• Score: CoD Modern Warfare 2019 (but honorable mention to Black Ops 2)
• Discussed intense lockdown gaming sessions and launching a Twitch stream soon.

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Extended Topics & Behind-the-Scenes Details

Physicality, Marvel Dreams, and Sports Roots

• Superhero Ambitions:

  • Dreams of mo-cap or Marvel roles, especially “Planet of the Apes”/performance capture work, as well as envy of Tom Holland/Spider-Man and a soft spot for Bucky Barnes and Wolverine.

    “I want to work with Andy Serkis...train as a gorilla, put me in!” (Robbie, 32:05)

• Athletic Background:

  • Multi-sport upbringing: soccer, baseball, football, rugby, gymnastics.
  • Wears family Grey Cup ring; family is steeped in Canadian football and provincial rugby.
  • Rugby and team sports still provide his main fitness regime (notably, “crushing beers on a Friday” is also in there).

• Smoothie-Making & Living with Roommates:

  • Real-life smoothie skills have improved since getting a blender, now makes blueberry-protein combos for his roommates (much laughter about the famous “bad smoothie” complaints on the show).

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Key Timestamps

• [03:02] – Robbie’s performing origins at Cirque du Soleil.
• [04:30–07:27] – Life lessons and community from musical theater.
• [09:01] – Audition mishaps: showing up with the “wrong” hockey look.
• [11:11] – Making Kip relatable, connections to his own life.
• [12:58] – Matt Gordon’s paternal bond with Robbie on set.
• [17:44] – Building chemistry with Francois Arnault (Scott).
• [19:05] – Avoiding the book, staying in-the-moment for TV.
• [22:52] – The emotional power of the bottle episode structure.
• [24:13] – Robbie describes the “slow ramp” of fame post-premiere.
• [29:50] – Receiving a handwritten note from a fan at the airport.
• [41:00–49:55] – “Pass, Shoot, Score” segments: hilarious and revealing.
• [50:00–51:47] – Plans to return to Twitch streaming, love for horror games.

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Episode Tone and Vibe

• Casual, self-deprecating, highly energetic and affectionate.
• The vibe is “locker room banter meets theater green room,” celebrating both athletic and artistic achievements.
• Robbie is warm, quick to laugh, and feeds off the hosts’ infectious energy.
• The conversation weaves through geek culture, sports, theater, and personal anecdotes naturally—lots of inside jokes, humility (“I’m a loser, I bring cleats to spikeball”), and overflowing gratitude for fans and collaborators.

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Final Shoutouts and Plugs

• Robbie thanks his parents and steps into a Marvel-movie-ready future with humility.
• Acknowledges support from the Heated Rivalry team (Jacob, Brendan, Rachel), the Empty Netters community, and his friend Dan, a listener of the podcast.

  “Just stoked to be here.” (Robbie, 52:18)

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If you haven’t watched “Heated Rivalry” or caught Robbie on screen, this episode provides an energetic, insightful, and highly relatable journey through theater, TV, and sports—with enough laughs and behind-the-scenes nuggets to make you a new fan of both podcast and star.

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Transcript

[Host 1]

We are joined today by a Port Credit, Ontario native, an incredibly talented singer, actor, dancer, and gymnast from the Etobicoke School of Arts who got his start portraying Kurt Von Trapp.

[Robbie Gk]

That's right.

[Host 1]

Has appeared in many projects like the Next Step, Anti Social, Full Out, Utopia Falls, the Community Players, Merry Fuck Kill, Overcompensating, and Sheriff County. And now is the smoothie making art loving, hardbodied Kip on the massive series Heated rivalry. Robbie gk, welcome to the Empty Ners podcast.

[Robbie Gk]

Thank you so much. I feel like I need a walkout song and like, we should have had that. Let's go.

[Host 1]

The robe would have been great.

[Robbie Gk]

Hood up too. Just like shake song too.

[Host 2]

Didn't you know you're from your app. There was that big song.

[Robbie Gk]

Oh, it's. I'll Believe in Anything.

[Host 1]

We should.

[Host 2]

We should have been playing I'll Believe in Anything. You guys blew it as he walked out.

[Robbie Gk]

I'm out of here, actually.

[Host 2]

Dude.

[Robbie Gk]

Great.

[Host 1]

All right, we're going to edit that.

[Robbie Gk]

We're going to start it over.

[Host 1]

Yeah, actually, that's how we get demonetized.

[Host 2]

Yeah, right. No music.

[Host 1]

That's funny, dude.

[Host 2]

Heard you got a sick Christmas present for your mom this year.

[Robbie Gk]

Wow. Okay. Well, I think you're referencing one thing which is like, is it the. The Kip Grady doll? Is that what.

[Host 2]

Oh, I didn't know about the doll.

[Robbie Gk]

Okay, so what's. Okay, I'm curious what you think.

[Host 2]

I heard you got the socks.

[Robbie Gk]

I did get the socks. Yeah. My mom taught that. Was it. There's a couple of things. So there was the socks that my mom got, and then my stepdad. Actually, I might grab my phone. I got to show you this.

[Host 2]

Yeah, yeah.

[Host 1]

Get it, get it, get it.

[Host 3]

I want a Kip Grady doll saved.

[Host 2]

Agree.

[Host 1]

That was my first thought.

[Robbie Gk]

Well, there's so many third party, like, merch stuff being made about the show now. So let me see if I can find this doll. Because this, like, the socks were one thing, but my stepdad made this Kip Grady, like, paper mache because he's really big into art and, like, everything like that. So he made this whole Kip Grady action figure in a box. What are the accessories?

[Host 1]

It's like a stop motion animation doll.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. Literally.

[Host 1]

It's incredible.

[Robbie Gk]

And it's like, Kip, the apron, the bow tie, the bow tie. The bow tie, bow tie there, the smoothie, and then the cupcake that I blow out at the end of the episode. So he made this whole thing and made the box. Let me see. Yeah. And then, like, on the side, it's like he made literally your intro. Yeah, he made the box and everything and put, like a fake barcode on the back. So that was very cool.

[Host 2]

That's like the greatest Christmas present I've ever seen in my life.

[Host 1]

It is.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

It was also.

[Host 1]

You have any idea the value of that thing in a few.

[Host 3]

Few years?

[Robbie Gk]

It's one that.

[Host 1]

What I'm saying, one of one. And you know what's tough now is that's going to just be recreated by all these third parties.

[Robbie Gk]

I did send it to Rachel Reed, the writer, and I was like, my Fred. Shout out Fred. My stepdad who made it. And I was like, fred made this. Like, don't worry, he's not going to distribute. You don't have to sue. There's no copyright. Please. It's. It's just for me.

[Host 2]

Rachel ties Fred up in a lawsuit for years.

[Host 1]

Fred's like, this is the worst thing that's ever happened to me.

[Host 2]

Oh, that is so good. Holy Moly Dan mentioned Sound of Music. Kirk von Trapp got your start, and you really got your start in musical theater in general. But to even go before that, we saw that you had gone to a Cirque du Soleil show with your dad.

[Robbie Gk]

I did.

[Host 2]

And been pulled up on stage and you're playing with the clowns and everything. And that's kind of when you were like, oh, I like this. I like performing. And this is really cool.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

And Ksenia just came on and she has circus training in Russia. I don't know if you knew. Yes. Yeah, I think there's something going on here, dude.

[Robbie Gk]

Maybe like this circus pipeline, I guess, to TV and film.

[Host 1]

It goes straight to heated rivalry. Exactly.

[Host 2]

Right. So. And then for someone who loves musical theater so much, you end up going to school in New York to do that too. And then I guess we can say dropped out, but maybe kicked out of school.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, I mean, I was. So I was there in New York and then I was filming Full Out. The movie for that was in, like, Canada, I guess, and then it went to Netflix or whatever. Anyways, I was filming that movie, so I was late getting to school. Like, maybe like a week late. And they had docked me, were like, sorry, like, you've missed all these classes. You got to make up for it and you're failing. And then I had to go home for, like, a surgery and like, came back with doctor letters and everything like that. And they were like, yeah, we can't accept that. Like, you're either failing so you got to come in every weekend to make up classes or leave. And so like, they're sitting at the office. I was like, dude, that is so.

[Host 2]

Cuz I. I had heard you say I wasn't going to class. And I was like, oh, yeah, okay, that's. That's how you get kicked out of school. But this is ridiculous.

[Robbie Gk]

I mean, that's true too.

[Host 2]

Yeah, Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

I also wasn't going to class sometimes. Ye. Yeah.

[Host 2]

That's crazy. So. So tell us just a little bit about how much you like musical theater and how that was a cool way for you to cut your teeth before you kind of made the pivot.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, so like, musical theater is so different and like, you learn so many lessons, and I think you really develop this sense of like, professionalism because there's not. Like with TV and film, you know, obviously there's way more money. You can distribute it way farther. And with musical theater, it's like, often people are like, bringing their own costumes and stuff and smaller kind of community stuff. So you really, like, get this sense of character and you really learn from other people who've kind of tried to or who have been doing it their entire lives and like, looking for a break or their chance to a bigger stage. And they like, you know, they're extremely talented people who are just. It's mind blowing. It's such a weird thing because you're surrounded by this entire cast of like, crazy talented people and you're all performing for like, maybe 200 people a day. And what? And it's just like, such a good opportunity to like, learn how to work with people, learn how to, you know, understand you're just a small part of a bigger ensemble. And so I think bringing that into TV and film is like, I don't know, it's. It's a weird, like, kind of mix of tides where, like, I feel like TV and film often, you know, you kind of have these big stars and like, you know, you have this trailer and all that stuff. Even in smaller stuff that you get a trailer and you get your meals paid for and you get all like a drive to and from. But like, musical theater, like, you're paying for your own gym membership, you're paying for all your own makeup, like all this other stuff.

[Host 2]

Dude, that was when I didn't know. That's crazy because that feels like such a part of the production to me.

[Robbie Gk]

Totally.

[Host 1]

And I think you said it best when you said community. I've been in musical theater productions where it's like we were helping Build the set. And then what you just said I loved about, you know, 200 people are coming. When you have three days of a show and when it's that small and you look into the audience and you see the same people returning for the second and third nights, it's. You're like, this is incredible. It's almost better than the huge thing, 100%. So it's cool. When you have a small set and it feels like that, it's like everyone's helping, everyone's in it together. That's incredible.

[Robbie Gk]

I love that. And it's great. And like, you know, live performance is a totally different beast than TV and film or any recorded stuff. Like I, I still feel that that is the most, I don't know, rewarding like sensation as a performer is doing live theater, live musical theater. Because you can see people like know even if in your. If you're in a 2,000 seat or a thousand seat theater, like you can see the first four or five rows or so. And if you're doing a production. I remember we, I did a production of Jesus Christ Superstar in Charlottetown Festival, which is an island and in Canada, on the east coast, just above Maine.

[Host 1]

Yeah, yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

And they have a great festival there. And I worked there for like five years or so and we did a production of Jesus Christ Superstar and at the end, like, it's a very dramatic show, it's very moving. And I remember like looking at the first through two or three rows, like in the wings, you know, drenched in sweat, doing a big dance break and like scrubbing blood off my body because my friend Aaron, who was playing Jesus and we had to carry him off and like everything. And then you look at the people in the front row and they're just bawling.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

And you don't really get that sensation the same way that you do in like TV and film and stuff. Like you see videos and you see people's reaction when they watch it. But yeah, to see you do something and then that have the direct impact is like. Yeah, I don't know. It's a messy at moment.

[Host 1]

It really is. I have to ask, have you seen, oh, the Cirque du Soleil show. Okay. No, I will literally take you to.

[Robbie Gk]

Oh, done.

[Host 1]

Because it is truly the most miraculous thing I've ever seen in my entire life. It's. It's a. I don't want to give anything.

[Host 3]

Don't.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

But it's a water based Cirque show at the Bellagio in Vegas. Robbie.

[Robbie Gk]

I've heard about that.

[Host 1]

It is actually insane. I audibly gasped like an old woman the first time I went. And it's just like. It's truly incredible.

[Robbie Gk]

So add that to this. Absolutely. I've never been to Vegas, but I would like to go and. And do all that stuff.

[Host 3]

You should definitely go. I gotta say, as well, with the beard coming in right now, you're giving a lot more Scott Hunter and a lot less kit. You auditioned for Scott Hunter first, though.

[Robbie Gk]

I did.

[Host 3]

But when you went, you didn't have a beard. You had a mullet and a mustache. Cause you thought that's what a hockey player looked like.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, Yeah. I was like, I'm bugging this shit for sure. I just need missing teeth. But, like, you.

[Host 3]

So how did that go going in looking like a 70s porn star instead of a hockey player? And how did you not know what a hockey player looked like growing up in Canada and being an athlete?

[Robbie Gk]

Okay, so I think, like, Canadian, like, beer league hockey players do have much.

[Host 2]

Correct.

[Host 1]

I'm gonna come to your defense there. That is correct.

[Robbie Gk]

There's no way they don't. Because I know, like, everybody, like, in Vancouver, if they play rugby, like, because that's where I play more, and I never played hockey growing up, but everybody. Even Ontario, like, bleached hair mullets, like, you know. You know, the haircut. So, yeah, it's. I originally auditioned for Scott Hunter, and, you know, I kind of read it like a pretty bro y dude. Like, I didn't really understand. And it was kind of like another audition that came in, and I was like, yeah, okay, Hockey Show Canada. Like, I have an idea. And, you know, Shoresy was.

[Host 1]

Yeah, yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Or sorry. Letterkenny was popular at the time, and that was Jacob's previous show. And so I was like, okay, maybe this is it. But then obviously, when I kind of read through it more, and then when I got asked to audition for Kip, I was like, okay, this is. This is very different feel as to. As to what I thought it was originally.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

I wanted to ask you as well, because, like, I know a lot of thespians kind of gravitate towards the more tortured roles.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

And Kip is a very, like, mature, very. Kind of, like, regulates his emotions very well kind of character. So when you first read Kip, were you kind of like, oh, this character is boring before you really read it with the whole script and saw where his. His role in the whole story was? Or were you just as excited to get Kip as you would have been with, like, a more Tortured Scott, maybe.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, no, definitely. I, like, so, you know, so excited to even be. It was great that they even saw me as. As a. Potentially for kids.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, right. Like to send in a tape like that. Usually I would send something in like that and it would just be like, no, this guy, like, sucks or is not right for the role. And to like, have the vision to. To see me for that was great. And at the time then my haircut had changed.

[Host 2]

Yeah. Did you get a haircut?

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, yeah. It got a little more subdued because I was. I was like, I was a ski bum in Whistler for, like, in Vancouver for like two months when I originally auditioned for Scott. So then I got back to Toronto and everything got back to normal. And. No, I think I saw Kip as actually a very exciting character because, like, you know, the three other main guys are all like top level hockey players and Kip is like the only normal character, like with the sense of stakes and like the lifestyle and whatever.

[Host 3]

Very grounded.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, yeah.

[Host 1]

So relatable too, to so many people, for sure. Battling through, trying to go to school, working your job, trying to survive in an expensive city. So relatable.

[Robbie Gk]

Definite.

[Host 3]

We said it on the podcast as well. Like, it's. It was so nice to see, like, a dramatic story between people that wasn't just about miscommunication.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

Like, between Kip and Scott communicating so well, but, like, their drama was an extort. External thing. It wasn't just about them not being able to, like a Hallmark movie, like, not being able to say how they feel, you know?

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, yeah.

[Host 3]

It was really good to see that.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. And just going back to your points, like, I think reading Kip's stuff and reading the script, like, I really was kind of, and in some ways still am very relate to that character in the sense that, like, at the time I was working a sales job, that I was like, you know, I'm really just doing this to pay the bills so that I can do things that I'm passionate about and go to acting class and. And be able to ski and do that type of stuff. And so I remember reading the character breakdown of, like, this is a guy who's just kind of normal and looking to make some money and all this other stuff to pursue these greater aspirations. And so it was just kind of natural to read and just.

[Host 1]

Yeah, yeah. So that was my life on this show. I feel like we've heard so much about how incredible the cast was with each other and even people who didn't necessarily have scenes together. And some of the parties and meetups, and it's just felt like this big family and this love fest that's been so amazing. And then two people with Francois Arnault and Matt Gordon, who played Scott and your dad in the show, were people you obviously had great scenes with. And you had mentioned that Matt was almost sort of like a method actor with how much of a paternal figure he became for you on set. How did he do that and, and what were ways that he just made you feel right off the bat, like, wow, this guy's, like, taking care of me like a dad and showing me that type of love and affection and support?

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, he, like, I think when we first met, you know, I think when you meet anybody on a set, especially, like, other actors, you know, everyone kind of has their own, like, way of that they approach things and whatever. But I, I, I think if my memory serves me correctly, I went for a handshake and then he, like, I think he dabs and went for a big hug immediately. And I was like, oh, okay. Like, I, I get your vibe. And, and Matt has kids of his own as well, and he just really is like, the cool dad. So I, like, the whole time, you know, he and I started talking about sports and we started talking about other stuff like that and, and, and, yeah, in between takes, like, even in the stuff that we weren't like, I know at the end of episode three, there we have, like, an emotional scene where I come in and we're crying, we embrace. But, like, the other stuff too, where he's kind of cheering me on and stuff. When, when we were switching the cameras around, I'd be like, how'd that feel for you? Like, is there anything I can do? He's like, no, you're doing great, buddy. Like, keep going. You're doing a great job.

[Host 2]

Good job, son. Yeah, literally.

[Robbie Gk]

Literally. And it was like, between him and Jacob, like, they both were such kind of, like, I guess, paternal forces of being like, you're doing a great job, dude. Like, keep it up. Like, can I get you anything? Like, whatever. And so it was just so natural. Like, I, like, I remember smiling when we were doing some scenes together, like, chatting with him, because I was like, you're kind of are being like a dad on this set. And so that's. It was so easy.

[Host 1]

It's amazing how far that goes, you know, for sure. Building that comfortability. It's amazing. And obviously, no one could have ever guessed the reception of this show. I mean, it is just exploded in so many ways. But with that relationship specifically, were there any scenes or moments where you could kind of tell that he was going to be a character, this sort of father figure character that a lot of people would love? Because we always get obsessed with shows and movies that have awesome TV or movie dads and moms. And he's in there now. He's like, fuck, I want him to be my dad, too.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I just kind of. Since day one, the second I met him, and second I met Matt, and we kind of hugged and started talking about sports and stuff. And then when. When we did our first take, I remember, like, I think our first take of being, like, father, son stuff. I was like, fuck, this guy's good. Yeah. Like, I'm going to break here. I'm supposed to be stressed and, like, getting shit around the house and stuff. And he's cheering me on. I'm like, shut up. Why are you being so endearing? This is so, like. Anyway, so I think just like, from the second I. You know, obviously you film everything and you hope that editing is a whole other part, but you see what makes it in. But. And so all of those scenes that he and I did together and like the little snippets and like, you know, I. I'm thinking back to episode three. There's a moment where I'm. I'm getting dressed and stuff, and I run upstairs. He's like, you're going to do great, buddy, and whatever. And. And like those little moments that he's kind of talking to himself after. And like, I was like, God, I really hope they keep that in because that. That really is what sells it. Right. That's what makes it feel genuine, because he was just being genuine.

[Host 2]

He's gonna be your dad forever. Imagine disappointing him. I'm disappointed. Text. Dude, that. That's.

[Robbie Gk]

That really.

[Host 1]

But speaking of being so good, we mentioned Francois as well. And you had said also that he brought a real intense and great expertise to set, which helped you a lot.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

And obviously one of people, I mean, for us three, when we were watching the show, we got to episode three and we sat down doing these reviews, and we were like, easily favorite episode so far. Like, it just blew us away. Truly blew us away. And I think there was so much to be said about the way you two created this whole story arc and this whole romance and relationship that we all invested in in just under an hour. That's hard. So what were some of the ways that you two worked together and were able to communicate to make all of those Moments like the chemistry, the intimacy scenes, the sex scenes really work and sell, that you guys were comfortable with each other and made it feel so great for all of us.

[Host 2]

And I would add, did you even. Did, you know, like, when you did those chemistry trips early, were you like, okay, we've got something cooking here, or did it grow?

[Robbie Gk]

For sure, it's a bit of both. So when we did the chemistry reads, I read with some people in person and then I read with a couple of people over Zoom. And I remember when it was, when we did it with Francois, we read and I texted Jacob right after saying that was our last one. Like, that I know for sure. And I know. I know Jacob was a fan of Francois and, like, really wanted him for this.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

And so in combination of that as well as, like the chemistry just working out, it was just like one of those, this is a no brainer decision. So that was great. And then as far as developing the relationship, it actually kind of worked to our favor that this was all so compacted because. And for the most part, our scenes were shot in order of like, oh, great point.

[Host 2]

I didn't even think about that.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, we had. Our first scene was the scene at the art gallery when he kind of tells me to shh. And that was dorms off. That was our first.

[Host 2]

Such an intense.

[Robbie Gk]

But it's a good one because we're both nervous, right? Yeah, totally. We're both nervous to be out in public. We're both nervous, like. And so it worked out so well because then we kind of went back to the beginning and had like the flirty scenes in the. In the smoothie shop and all that other stuff. But it really was a natural way of kind of like figuring each other out on screen as well as off screen. Because, like, we would say cut. And then we would go sit down and be like, so, like, where are your parents from?

[Host 2]

Like.

[Robbie Gk]

Right. And then we're talking about that kind of in the scene as well. So it worked out really well. And by the time that we got to like, you know, the banquet stuff where we're all in the suits and stuff and we know each other better, and the intimacy scenes, it was like, it was like. Yeah, it was. It was perfect design by Jacob and the team of like, this is how we're gonna do this.

[Host 1]

I was about to say, just another example of Jacob and the team's mastery of like, that's. That's a calculated decision and that will just help it grow, both personally and character wise. Yeah, that's just really really well done. I love that.

[Host 2]

Yeah. That's amazing.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

And so let's stay on episode three for a second, because I want to give you our pov. But I also saw something you said that I think is sick.

[Robbie Gk]

Okay.

[Host 2]

That you hadn't read the book before, and then you were like, oh, well, since we're telling an entire book in one episode.

[Robbie Gk]

Right.

[Host 2]

I almost don't want to know all that backstory because then I'll. I'll know my performance will be, like, winking at stuff that's, like, no one knows. Like, the people that hadn't watched the book won't even. Or hadn't read the book won't even know this.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

So I thought that was awesome because I'm like, oh, now it makes this character kind of like what you said to Ksenia about, like, she was basing it off the writing in the script. Right.

[Host 3]

Just her. Just her parts as well.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

Even reading the entire script, she was like, I just want to know my character and what my character in this world.

[Host 1]

Right.

[Host 2]

So I thought that was so awesome. And we obviously went in blind, too. And we, like, Dean just said episode three, because we would come in here in the mornings to do them, and we usually weren't watching together, and we'd all come in like, dude, what did you think? And three blew our hair back. We were like, oh, my God, This. This entire series has leveled up in a way of storytelling that was so intense. And then I was shocked in the comments to see a lot of the book readers didn't like that. It was this. Your. The whole skip story was this bottle episode.

[Host 1]

And I was like, what? Well, I think they just wanted more. Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

So obviously that was Jacob's decision, right? To be like, okay, this is how we're telling this part of the story. But my first question is, did that decision kind of come up at all? Was he like, hey, we're telling an entire book in one EP and this is the way we're doing it? But people might be rattled. Or were you guys just like, whatever we're going.

[Robbie Gk]

I think, like, you know, obviously, us as the actors, we don't get any say as included.

[Host 2]

So read your lines.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, yeah, read your lines and do your job. But no, I think, like, just from seeing in the conversations with. With everyone else in the cast, as well as reading, like, I did go through and read. Kind of skimmed the other episodes, but I also didn't really want all the outside world that was going on in the show to affect my performance with Scott, like, I didn't want the context of Ilya and Shane. So smart. I didn't want any of that. I just wanted to be kind of rocked by our storyline and by, you know, Scott Hunter's coming into my world. And at the end of the day, like, I trusted Jacob and read through the, through the episode. I remember I was up at my dad's like, cottage. I feel like the word cottage now is so loaded. It's so true. So loaded.

[Host 1]

Every time I say cottage now, I'm like, I'm just saying cottage.

[Host 2]

I was, we did. I was remote on our show yesterday because I was skiing with my girlfriend's dad and I was like, damn. Was like, where are you? And I was like, I'm in the cabin. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Host 1]

The other day I bought some cottage cheese. This woman was like, yeah, I know.

[Robbie Gk]

What you did there. Yeah. But I was, I was up. Okay. This would be more of a cabin. Like I was up at my dad's in the, in the winter time where it's like we're boring a hole in the ice to like take the bucket out, to boil it to shower into a pail to the reshower.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

So we were like up north and I was on my phone and I was reading through the episode and you know, I like, I would say, like, not a lot of stuff moves me, but I remember reading through this and I got to this scene where, yeah, the embrace with Matt and everything. And I was crying, I was like. And then my dad came in the room. He's like, what's wrong with you? And I was like, you wouldn't understand.

[Host 2]

Shower too cold. No, no.

[Host 1]

You're like, it's my TV dad.

[Host 3]

Don't worry.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, exactly. We've joked quite a bit that I'm like, it's my TV dad and we're embraced sane and he loves me. So just like, you wouldn't get it. Yeah, you wouldn't get it. Exactly. No, but I, you know, I trusted it. And when I read through it, I was like, this is great. Like, this is great. And if you are not a book reader, like, I'm sure the book readers out there who have read Game Changers or Game Changer has, they probably were like, oh, there's all this stuff in there that I want too. And you know, my fingers are crossed. I know nothing about season two, but my fingers are crossed that there's maybe a world in which we either go back or whatever, do a spin off or something like that for those readers to, to get what they.

[Host 2]

Yeah. Dude, that's amazing because you answered my follow up, which was going to be. Were you surprised how much emotion you guys were able to pack in whatever, 52 minutes. But I guess it sounds like even from reading it, you could already tell even before you got to see the final product.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, I mean, I just viewed it as a standalone movie.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Like, it's an hour long episode. A good rom com is like what, an hour 30 or so.

[Host 1]

Did you watch the Last of Us?

[Robbie Gk]

Yes.

[Host 1]

It's like that. Exactly what I said when I. That episode came out. I was like, how the hell did they do this? You guys managed to do it as well. It was, it was, it was like. It was a movie really, is what it was. It was incredible.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. So it's just. It was its own standalone story and. But obviously the tie, like at the beginning of the episode where they used like the same shot that they ended on the last episode, but then they go in on Scott Hunter instead of Shane.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Like, it's just like those. That was awesome. As soon as that happened, I'm like.

[Host 3]

Oh, I'm gonna fucking love this episode.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

And then it was just like, just every single scene was just winner after winner after winner. I'm really hoping we get more skip in season two.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, I, you know, I obviously hope so too.

[Host 2]

I think you said too that the. The end of EP3, you only see or you only acted your part, like having a party. And then so then you watch it, you get to see like, Scott, like looking through like the raining.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

And you're like, oh, my God.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

Devastating parts of the entire series.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

So good.

[Robbie Gk]

No, it was fun.

[Host 3]

You had a very kind of different launch into stardom than a lot of your other castmates, though, because you weren't at the premiere and I think you were. You were playing rugby when you got the news and Jacob had contacted you and gave you a heads up saying, hey, this is. It's going to get crazy for you.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

But did it. Were you a little bit more like managed with that warning or was it still like a shock to see just how much you had blown up?

[Robbie Gk]

I think the shock is coming now. Like, the shock is hitting now.

[Host 3]

You've come onto the empty netter.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. I'm like, I am floored to be here, guys.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

No, but truly it is like, that is definitely a part of it. And, and there was like, scheduling. I was. I'm shooting this other show called Sheriff country where I play a recurring, like, character in. And. And Just like the timing of that. I. I didn't want to fly back then come back and fly back and then all this other stuff. So I wasn't able to make the premiere, which was too bad. But yeah, and then, you know, I kind of thought that when Jacob called me being like, brace for impact because this is happening with Connor and Hudson, like, I've. They were keeping Kip a secret for. Until episode three. Like, you know, they had all that episode name as asterisk or whatever, trying to keep it low key until the drop. So I was like, I don't think, like, I can't imagine people are going to get off this train to jump on this train in the same way that, like, everyone's kind of rallying behind these two guys. But it's kind of been a slow ramp. And like, like, like I said, being here and seeing everyone, like, I was at the pit premiere last night for season two, and there were people there, like HBO people who were like, coming up to me and being like, we're such fans of the show and like, whatever. And. And I was like, this is crazy. Like, yeah, anyway.

[Host 1]

Yeah, it's funny, man. It's like we, you know, you and I had been talking already about coming on.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

And then you posted something the other day. You were like, I'm coming to la. Anyone have any recommendations or something like that? The amount of people who DM'd us your story post. Yeah, really being like, he's in your hood. Get him on the show immediately. I had a moment for you of being like, oh, he's getting slammed with people right now for sure. It's like everyone's watching your every move now.

[Robbie Gk]

It's crazy.

[Host 3]

You were telling us earlier about. About getting spotted on a plane. Can you tell that again?

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, that was on the way down here. That was my. On my flight yesterday where it was like, I checked in and. And they did the, you know, sometimes you get called up, do the passport verification or whatever. Which I am like, I don't really know what that's for. But I was like, I got pulled back. And then they did the passport verification. The lady who was doing it, she like smiled and gave it to me and she held the smile like, a little longer. And I was like. But I was wearing this exact outfit. So I was like, you're not.

[Host 3]

It might have just because. Been because you're a sexy lumberjack.

[Host 2]

Thanks, man.

[Robbie Gk]

Appreciate it. But I was just like, yeah, whatever, whatever. And then she was the one when they said, you got moved this because She's a big fan. She was the one, like, waving there, and I was still trying to, like, figure out what was going on, if I was getting booted or.

[Host 2]

Yeah, yeah.

[Host 1]

She's like, actually, like, no, get off the plane.

[Robbie Gk]

You're off the plane. Yeah.

[Host 1]

Oh, man.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. So.

[Host 3]

So do you think now, with the amount of eyeballs that are on you and on this role, that if, you know, in future roles, is that going to be something that's, like, playing in your mind, acting, or is that going to be something when you're playing Kip again in the future? If you are playing Kip again in the future, is that going to be something? Knowing how much of a fan favorite.

[Robbie Gk]

Kip is, I, you know, I think truly I'm speculating because obviously we're not there yet, and I don't even know if I'll have a chance to put some new breath into Kit. But I think that the vibe that Jacob created on set for season one was just so chill and so fun, and I can't imagine that changing if we were going to go and do more stuff in season two with these characters. Like, again, like, I probably sound like a broken record here, but, like, really, Jacob, Brendan and all the creative team created such a chill environment. And I've been on enough sets now where I know when that's not the case. And it's like, it's the same way that you guys probably run stuff around here where it's like they're playing music when they're changing the cameras over and, like, people are shooting the shit and, like, people are laughing and they're like, okay, we got it. Like, we gotta get our shit together and go here. So I don't think that would change anything. You know, it would be interesting to kind of have a reunion and have a chance to see everyone after, like, Hudson's press tour and Connor and Francois and everything like that. To be back in the same room, that would be kind of cool.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

But I think with other characters. No, I don't think so. Like, I don't think it's going to affect me again. Like, I've kind of been five feet from, like, the laser beam of attention that the show has gotten, and especially with Connor and Hudson doing Seth Meyers and. And Fallon and now presenting at the Globes on Sunday, which is insane. Crazy. Right? So, you know, I'd like to think that it would all stay normal, and I'm. I'm feeling pretty good that that will be the case, but I guess we'll See?

[Host 2]

And who. I just want to. I do this. Do the note story too.

[Robbie Gk]

Do. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So on that. I can't remember which pocket on that flight after the flight attendant and moved me up and everything. And then a different flight attendant came over during the flight and was like, sorry to do this, but I love the show. Whatever. Can we get a photo? I said, absolutely. And then I was off the flight in LA and working my way through the airport and I felt the tap on my shoulder and this guy came up and I could tell he was really, really nervous and almost couldn't speak, but he said, thank you so much. I love this show and it's very meaningful to me. And then handed me this note and he said, this is for you. And I was like, oh, okay, cool. And then we're. Took the photo, whatever. And then later in the Uber, I was reading it and it's just like the sweetest. It's the sweetest message. I don't know if you want me to read it out loud, but I. It's. I took a photo of it and sent it to my mom and my sister and they were both like, crying or said they were crying via text.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

But, yeah, it's just like a lovely letter just talking about how. How meaningful the show is and, you know, my portrayal of Kip is. Is great and just like wishing me kind of all the best in my career and everything. And. Yeah, it's so lovely. Like, you know, I think in this day and age of social media, so accessible and I do get a lot of lovely messages from people. It's like for someone to see me in person, take the time to write it and then give it to me. Yeah. I just.

[Host 2]

Dude, how awesome.

[Host 1]

It's, like so amazing.

[Host 3]

Totally.

[Host 1]

It's, you know, we always joke. It's whenever we have meetings about writing or acting or any of these projects.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

And things get too intense and people start losing their minds. Every now and then we have a check in moment of being like, we're. We're making up stories. Everyone calm down.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

But then when something like that happens, or even something as silly as us reviewing the amazing show that you all made and people telling us how much it meant to them.

[Robbie Gk]

Sure.

[Host 1]

Those are the moments where you're like, you know what? This is a pretty sweet world and cool thing that we all get to do. So it's just the best feeling.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

And staying on your roles, because I'm obsessed with this topic and from what I can tell you, and I have Very similar tastes. So I'm thrilled to chat with you about stuff. Yeah, I always love talking about what's next, because, you know, as an actor, as a writer, you always do kind of want to think, okay, this is great, but I want to keep going. I want to keep expanding and trying new things. So I want to talk about, you know, the things that you want to do in your career moving forward. And yeah, I know that you're a fan of cop procedural, so Sheriff country is obviously scratching that itch, which is amazing. But I also have seen that you really want to use your physicality as you should, and you're a big superhero fan, and Marvel stuff was always in the, in the realm of possibility for you. And we're kind of thinking like, here's your chance, baby, let's go.

[Robbie Gk]

Totally.

[Host 1]

But, you know, just in general, what are, what are the types of roles that call to you? Things that you'd be like, wow, I'd love to do something like that moving forward.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, I mean, I, I, I think a charcuterie board approach would be ideal. Like, I, I love doing something different every single day. And so I think that, you know, if there was days that I'm able to do something dark and kind of moody and projects right now that my fingers are crossed that I'm kind of pretty close to getting would be ticking. That box.

[Host 1]

Nice.

[Robbie Gk]

So that would be sweet. But, like, ever since I was, like, probably 15 or 14, like, it's going to be weird, but it's like Planet of the Apes, something like that. I was like, I want to do that. I want to work with Andy Circus. I want to, like, be there. I want to train as a gorilla. Like, put me in.

[Host 1]

I know there, there's more now.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

Most underrated trilogy of all time.

[Robbie Gk]

I agree.

[Host 1]

It's unbelievable. I love when people bring those movies up because I'm like, yep, it's truly one of the.

[Robbie Gk]

So good.

[Host 1]

It's so good those three movies are out of this.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

I mean, they're all.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

Like, even was the most recent one, Rise of Planet. That was awesome, too. They're all incredible.

[Host 3]

Incredible.

[Robbie Gk]

And the work that they do, like, it's just like, I, I feel like performance capture, emotion capture.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Work. Especially specifically Andy Serkis work is like, I just don't understand how people are not mind blown by it, dude. It's like stunts in Hollywood. I'm like, how are we not all, like, screaming from the rooftops to be like, this is so fucking sick that we're able to do this.

[Host 1]

Couldn't agree more.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

Have you ever seen the behind the scenes footage of Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug?

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. Where he's lying on the pad. He's doing the.

[Host 1]

We were once skiing up in Mammoth with a huge crew and we were absolutely buckled at like three in the morning and we were crawling around the ground recreating that. And then one of our boys is sleeping, like ready for a, you know, a bell to bell day. The next morning, woke up and came out of his room and he's like, can you guys shut the up? As we're just doing Smaug impressions, you're.

[Robbie Gk]

Probably like, no, no, it's definitely close to this. I was like, you don't get four times four people doing it.

[Host 2]

You don't understand what goes into this.

[Host 1]

But you are so right, man. I think that stuff is fascinating. When Andy has brought out the, the, the bipedal things when he's doing. Yeah, it's unbelievable. I think it's such a cool different element of acting.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

And if we can go through the last 10 years of the MCU, what is a role that you would have loved?

[Host 2]

Who did you want to be?

[Host 3]

Bucky Barnes.

[Host 2]

Oh, yeah, Good one, Sean.

[Host 1]

That's a great one.

[Robbie Gk]

He's a great character and yeah, it.

[Host 2]

Doesn'T need to be your favorite character. Yeah, yeah.

[Host 1]

Character that you would have loved to play.

[Robbie Gk]

Well, when I was younger, I was like Tom Holland. I swear to God, I'll kill you for taking for like Spider man. Because I was like, this is, this is the moment. And I was, you know, but I like, he absolutely hit it out of the park. So he nailed it. All props to him. Who else would I want to do in Marvel Universe, man? See, like I, I have always been a Hulk fan, but I also think like filming that would be weird because you're kind of mostly in a green screen like environment. So I feel like Bucky's a good one.

[Host 2]

That's cool.

[Host 3]

I mean, you've already played him spiritually. Yeah. You know, the heated rivalry fan fiction started as right as a captain. Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

True.

[Host 3]

Oh, is that true?

[Host 2]

Yeah, yeah. Well, the. Scott.

[Host 1]

Well, Scott. Ok. That was like.

[Host 3]

I didn't just think that you just looked like a good bookie Barnes. It's because you've somehow played bookie Barnes while not playing bookie Barnes so well.

[Robbie Gk]

Hopefully more efficiently.

[Host 3]

I'm getting a bit of Wolverine from you right now.

[Robbie Gk]

That's what people are saying. Like, I've seen some Instagram posts where they're trying to take photos of me as Kip and, like, edit it to look like Wolverine. And I'm like, these are not even close. But, like, just find a photo. Like, I look closer to it now, of course, but, like.

[Host 1]

Well, I'll tell you, you have the body for.

[Host 2]

I'm interested. I'm interested.

[Host 3]

I do need to ask.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

What's the routine?

[Robbie Gk]

Literally no routine. I will say that. No, I guess just smoothies actively all day. No, it's. You know, I'm still. Like, right now, I'm not doing as much, but, like, over the last couple of months, I'm, like, going to rugby practice two days a week and then playing games on Saturdays. And I don't know if you guys have ever done, like, that'll do it. But it's hard work. Like, it's. And it's great. And when you show up, it doesn't matter who you are. They're like, if you're not here to do, like, 27 burpees in a row in the mud, in the cold, like, get out.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

I don't care who you are. Like, we're doing this as a team. So that. Yeah, that was. That's a. I mean, great exercise and then, you know, going to the gym and whatever, but really, like, living in Vancouver, it's such an active lifestyle, so really, that's it. Honestly. And then shout out to my parents for genetics, because that's okay. That's lifting for sure.

[Host 3]

Wait, hang on. So it's genetics, it's sports, it's hard work. These are all the answers I didn't want.

[Host 2]

Yeah. Okay.

[Robbie Gk]

Crushing beers on a Friday. Crushing beers on a Tuesday. Yeah. So they're like.

[Host 3]

I was kind of hoping it would be, like, a smoothie situation, but, you know, I can dream. Yeah. Do you know the recipe for what. What's it called, Chris?

[Host 2]

Blue Moon over Brooklyn.

[Host 3]

Blue Moon over Brooklyn. Do you know the recipe for that, people?

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, I mean, I don't know it because we used, like, pre. And that's one thing that I was like, so many people are chirping me on the. On the show, being like, you make a shitty smoothie because the smoothie's watery. And I'm like, as if I. I'm the person that's, like, in control of.

[Host 1]

News flash, guys. This has been sitting out here for two hours because we're doing so many takes.

[Host 3]

Yeah, it's actually blue paint. Yeah.

[Host 1]

100.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. But I, like, I. In an interview recently, they were like, do you make any smoothies? And I. At my House. We recently got a blender, which is like, like super cool to me because I didn't have a blender growing up in my parents house. And. And so I found myself now making blueberry smoothies. And I was like, yeah, this sucks. Like, why am I doing. This is such a loser thing to do.

[Host 3]

Wait, what's. What's your recipe for a blueberry smoothie?

[Robbie Gk]

Frozen blueberries, frozen whatever fruit, bananas, like whey protein, yogurt, milk, water. That's it, dude. And then I make a bunch extra and I go up to my, like, my roommates. My one roommate, Chad, he works at a bank. And my roommate Amir, he. He's like a software engineer. And so like, I'm in. I'm the only one who doesn't have like a 9 to 5 right now. And so I'm like making food for everyone. Exactly. I'm like, I made extra like, flex.

[Host 3]

It must be to have Kip making you smoothies while you're working at home.

[Robbie Gk]

Those boys need to be more grateful.

[Host 2]

Hey, I heard you had to return the blender. Everything all right there?

[Robbie Gk]

Everything's all right. Okay, we got a second blender. There might be some blender fraud going on right now, but I don't want to air that out.

[Host 2]

Yeah, we don't.

[Host 1]

We don't need to sewer any blender companies right now.

[Host 2]

Well, you just said you're playing rugby now, which I think is so awesome. Yeah, because we are still like beer.

[Host 1]

League three times a week.

[Host 3]

Oh, yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

For you guys.

[Host 1]

But it's like you said it. I mean, it is infinitely better than going to the gym playing a sport still. It's like, I'll do it till I'm 50.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, yeah, totally.

[Host 2]

But you were quite an athlete growing up. You, baseball, football, all kinds of stuff too. Was it always rugby was your favorite or did that come later?

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, I. So I played like soccer and then baseball stuff at a very young age and then did gymnastics as well and kind of. And all those sports got to the point where like, I'm either gonna go competitive or like, you know, pretty much stop playing and. And musical theater and dance and stuff like that started to kind of take off more. So I did put more eggs in that basket. But I like, I come from like a football family. My dad's side of the family. My dad played provincial rugby and like, probably could have played national if you want to. And my mom's side of the family. I'm actually wearing the gray cup ring, which is like.

[Host 1]

Gonna ask about this.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. Sick. So My dad, my mom's grand, my grandfather, my mom's side is like a two time great cub championship winner. And so I come from like a football family and played football growing up as a kid and like played contact but was so small that my mom was like, okay, we gotta go to like flag.

[Host 2]

Which I was like, mom, you can't downgrade.

[Robbie Gk]

He still had me in the car seat at the age of 13 and now I'm playing flag football. And this was before flag football was kind of cool.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

It's kind of sick.

[Robbie Gk]

So I did that. And then my dad in high school, my dad was like, you should try rugby. Yeah. And our, and our arts high school was like, let's start a rugby team because we don't have the equipment for football and all this other stuff. So my dad coached the team and then I was like the captain of our rugby team all four years and then kept playing after that. Yeah, yeah.

[Host 2]

And well, dude, you mentioned the dance because the heated rivalry ticket tick tock put up a thing about like who's the best dancer.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

And everybody was saying Connor. And then Cassenia came on and said that was that. It's her.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

And now I'm hearing that it's that.

[Robbie Gk]

Is that it's actually you. Yeah.

[Host 2]

So yeah. We need the record set straight.

[Host 3]

There's only one way to settle this. We need to have it.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. That's what I'm saying, guys. Trust me. If you're gonna bet on any sports betting, it's this dance off.

[Host 2]

It's that.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Here's.

[Host 1]

This is where you get the inside scoop. We're hammering, hammering Robbie to win this dance.

[Host 2]

Incredible. So I'm glad, glad we know now. We know now.

[Robbie Gk]

I'm feeling good. I'm feeling good.

[Host 1]

We're going to wrap you up with a game we call Pass Shoot score.

[Robbie Gk]

Okay.

[Host 1]

It's basically just a ranking system. We're going to give you three things that we know you love and you got to rank them. Pass, shoot, score. Pass is going to be third.

[Robbie Gk]

Okay.

[Host 2]

Shoot.

[Host 1]

It's going to be second. A little bit better. Score is the ultimate goal.

[Host 2]

And as a guy who was in a movie called Mary Kill, this should be easy for you.

[Robbie Gk]

I'm seeing that.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

Okay. Your first category is outdoor athletics. Pass, shoot, score. Rock climbing, skiing. Playing spike ball with the boys. Oh, I know, bro.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Saving the best for last.

[Host 3]

Pass.

[Robbie Gk]

Rock climbing because I'm trash at it. Shoot. Wait, no, shoot. Second.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Skiing. And then obviously I love.

[Host 1]

I, I know that you're a Skier. So I was wondering if that was gonna be a tough choice. No, man. A good spike ball with the boy set. Unbeatable is unbeatable. Are you. Are you a beach in the sand or a grass guy?

[Robbie Gk]

Grass guy. Grass guy. Cleats.

[Host 1]

Turf cleats, Robbie.

[Robbie Gk]

I don't fuck around, guys. I'm not.

[Host 1]

Yeah, I was right about to be like, okay, we gotta play. But now I'm like, oh, ready?

[Robbie Gk]

I'm that loser. Like, I have my cleats. This is just by chance, but my cleats in my spike ball bag are yellow and black back.

[Host 2]

Come on, bro.

[Host 1]

That. You know what?

[Robbie Gk]

I'm a loser.

[Host 1]

Don't think that makes you a loser. In fact, I love that the pack is high.

[Host 3]

If I'm playing spike ball with somebody and they show up with cleats for spike ball, I'm going home.

[Host 2]

Yeah. I'm not playing.

[Robbie Gk]

That's what everyone thinks. And then the next time I play with those people, they come with cleats and they're like, okay, I'm ready.

[Host 1]

And are you. I mean, this is a stupid question. You're competitive.

[Robbie Gk]

Very.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Very competitive.

[Host 1]

You're one of us. Robbie's one of us.

[Robbie Gk]

If you guys ever want to run a spike ball match, I will fly down just to love spike. Done.

[Host 2]

Dude.

[Host 1]

I clarified. It's better on grass.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

Because you can.

[Host 2]

We grew up.

[Robbie Gk]

Get there.

[Host 1]

Yes. We started playing on the beach in this. I mean, we first found out about spike ball. I think I was in college, and it's like, I brought it back, and we were. We're on the beach in our little hometown in Maine all the time.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

But you're right. It's like the soft sand, it's like. It's almost an excuse to be like, ah, I couldn't get that one.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

When you're on grass, I'm like, I am diving and I am getting every.

[Host 2]

Single ball I leave injured. Yeah, injured. Every single.

[Robbie Gk]

This is my athletic activity for the week.

[Host 1]

I actually hear about tennis elbow. Spike ball, elbow is. That'll get you.

[Host 2]

I put myself in spike ball timeout at a point in my life where I was like, I'm, like, losing friendships over this. Like, I'm going fucking. I gotta calm down.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Host 2]

Are you a big skier, though?

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. Like, relatively. Yeah. I think it's a big scale. I would say I'm probably in the middle to higher end, but, yeah. I grew up skiing with my dad in Whistler.

[Host 2]

We're trying to hit Whistler this year. We're Going to come?

[Robbie Gk]

Let me know when you guys are there. I have 100 pass, so I can go every weekend.

[Host 3]

There you go.

[Host 1]

Yeah, yeah, absolutely.

[Robbie Gk]

I'm going, actually on Saturday. I fly back in from this, and I'm going to an apres in Longhorn on Saturday unless I get a Globes invite, but we're waiting.

[Host 3]

All right, next category.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

I want to move on topics because I can't ski and I can't go with you guys. So I'm very. I'm massive FOMO right now.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

But musical theater.

[Robbie Gk]

Okay.

[Host 3]

All right, we got Sound of Music, Jesus Christ Superstar, and West side Story.

[Robbie Gk]

You're gonna say why I said sorry. Oh, it's tough.

[Host 3]

Okay.

[Robbie Gk]

I'm going to. I love Sound of Music, but I gotta pass Sound of Music pulling up for Trap. I know, I know.

[Host 1]

I'm with him, though.

[Robbie Gk]

I'm going Jesus Christ Superstar as the shoot, and then west side Story is the score.

[Host 3]

I was hoping Jesus Christ Superstar would be the score. I love Jesus Christ Superstar.

[Robbie Gk]

I do, too. I really do. But I think west side Story is just like. Like, just so. Like, having the women ensemble and the men ensemble and, like, having those dance breaks.

[Host 2]

It's perfect.

[Robbie Gk]

It's a perfect, perfect production.

[Host 3]

It's also. It's just a classic as well. Everybody knows it. Everybody's seen it.

[Robbie Gk]

It's phenomenal.

[Host 2]

You haven't done that one yet, right?

[Robbie Gk]

I haven't done a production of west side Story.

[Host 2]

We got it.

[Robbie Gk]

I've always wanted to do it.

[Host 2]

That's next.

[Host 3]

We'll produce one.

[Robbie Gk]

We can all be the cat.

[Host 1]

Jesus, don't tempt me with a good time. Okay, I. I almost hate doing this one to you. I know.

[Robbie Gk]

That's okay.

[Host 1]

Your next one is Lord of the Rings.

[Robbie Gk]

Okay.

[Host 1]

Pass. Shoot.

[Host 3]

Score.

[Robbie Gk]

Okay.

[Host 1]

Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli.

[Robbie Gk]

Oh, fuck.

[Host 2]

I know, bro.

[Host 1]

I genuinely hate doing this to you.

[Robbie Gk]

And it's tough, too, because at different stages in my life, I'm like, oh, I really. With Gimli. And, like, other stages, I'm like. It's obviously Legolas, like, the clear pick.

[Host 1]

Imagine if we threw Gandalf in here.

[Robbie Gk]

I know. Yeah. That'd be a tough one. Okay. Passes. Aragon.

[Host 3]

Wow.

[Robbie Gk]

Aragorn.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

No, no, no, no. I. I'm. I'm blown away by the bravery to pass on.

[Robbie Gk]

I know. Shoot, Legolas. And I'm rolling with my short king. Gamely. All the way into a score.

[Host 3]

Easy. Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Easy pick.

[Host 2]

God, he's got your ass.

[Robbie Gk]

I played him in the video game. I can't remember what the video game.

[Host 1]

Is, dude, but there's like, PlayStation 2.

[Host 2]

Robbie.

[Robbie Gk]

That was open world kind of.

[Host 1]

Yep.

[Robbie Gk]

Oh, my God. And playing as Gimli and you could throw the ax at people.

[Host 1]

Unbelievable. That was one of the great video games of all time.

[Host 2]

That is one of the best games ever.

[Robbie Gk]

I'm so surprised they haven't done a remake.

[Host 1]

I know. It's. It's. That game was truly incredible, dude.

[Host 3]

They have made, like, more recent Lord of the Rings games that have also been very, very good, but nothing has really kind of captured the magic of that PS2 era.

[Host 1]

Yeah, it's so true. So true. There's a scene in the OC where the boys are playing that game.

[Robbie Gk]

Really?

[Host 1]

I remember clocking it so intense. I was like, that's how good the game rocks.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, that's so true.

[Host 2]

That was sick.

[Robbie Gk]

That's good.

[Host 1]

Okay. Your follow up, you were in New Zealand recently.

[Robbie Gk]

I was.

[Host 1]

Did you do any Lord of the Ring stuff?

[Robbie Gk]

We kind of just by chance, like, we're passing through areas where we're like that. We didn't do any Lord of the Rings, like, tour. That was primarily, like, my mom and my sister's trip and usually how that goes. I travel with them often and, like, my sister does all the booking. My mom, shout out mom, like, does a lot of the pain aspect and I do all the driving and all the carry of the luggage and it's still on the couches.

[Host 2]

Good deal.

[Robbie Gk]

It's a good deal.

[Host 1]

It's a good deal.

[Robbie Gk]

But I don't. Yeah. I'm not like an executive producer. Like, on these trips, you don't have itinerary. Exactly. Yeah. I'm not that. Not that clearance yet. So. Yeah.

[Host 1]

And then, I mean, we're on movies, so. Just real quick. I saw recently that you rewatched the Holiday over Christmas.

[Host 3]

Of course.

[Host 1]

Do you have a top three Christmas movies? I think we're still in the Rumble. We can talk.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

Yes.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

Yes, we are.

[Robbie Gk]

I don't even know what the order would be, but Home Alone, obviously.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Without a doubt. Holiday takes the cake. Still for me, that's my score year after year. And shout out to Elf.

[Host 1]

I would say nice, you know, Like.

[Robbie Gk]

I know they're generic picks. I wish I was more of like a cinephile to be like, oh, have you heard of this?

[Host 1]

Like, there's no such thing. Like, they're Christmas movies for a reason. We watch them every year. I. I wouldn't be me if I didn't do this. Have you seen Klaus Klaus.

[Robbie Gk]

No.

[Host 1]

Okay. I'm putting you on Klaus. Netflix movie.

[Robbie Gk]

Easy.

[Host 1]

Don't need. Doesn't need to be Christmas to watch it.

[Robbie Gk]

Great.

[Host 1]

It's gonna blow your mind.

[Robbie Gk]

Mind blowing.

[Host 1]

Absolutely incredible. Absolutely incredible.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. Dude, Is this a new release?

[Host 1]

It came out, I think, in 2018. It is true. It's. It's my number one Christmas movie.

[Robbie Gk]

Wow.

[Host 1]

Like. And that is hard to trump everything else. And it did. It's unbelievable.

[Robbie Gk]

Crazy close.

[Host 2]

Okay, your last one.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. Y.

[Host 2]

And God, because I know there's going to be. I wish I could give you 20 of these, but I'm only going to give you three. Your last category is video games.

[Robbie Gk]

Oh, you.

[Host 2]

Okay. Call of Duty, Arc Raiders, Rocket League.

[Robbie Gk]

Which? Call of Duty? Oh, the whole franchise.

[Host 2]

No, you're right.

[Host 1]

I got to pick one.

[Robbie Gk]

You got to pick one and pick carefully.

[Host 3]

Can I. Can I pick which house, please?

[Host 1]

All right.

[Host 3]

Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 2019.

[Robbie Gk]

You. Yeah, that totally changes where I changes the game.

[Host 1]

Could have said Black Ops. Black Ops.

[Host 2]

And it would have been.

[Host 3]

I know you.

[Robbie Gk]

I see you. I mean. Okay, I'm gonna go. Fuck this. Is that. That's a good one.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Rocket League would be the pass.

[Host 3]

Okay.

[Robbie Gk]

That's like a game I'll play, but I don't have any friends who play it. And so it's just like. You'll connect easy.

[Host 3]

I got a whole crew.

[Robbie Gk]

What? Ranker?

[Host 3]

I don't even know. I. I don't even.

[Robbie Gk]

All right, you're out. You had to say a high rank in order to. 3,000. Next.

[Host 1]

Nice try, Sean.

[Robbie Gk]

3,000.

[Host 2]

Sean's pissed. He can't ski.

[Robbie Gk]

He sucks a rocket.

[Host 1]

How quick that. What? Ranker.

[Robbie Gk]

You came.

[Host 3]

Yeah, I'll never get any Robbie time.

[Robbie Gk]

No, no, we'll. We'll still link up. I could show you a few things. Yeah, we'll figure it out. Rocket League. Pass. I'm gonna go. I mean, Arc Raiders is great, but I'm gonna shoot Arc Raiders. And then Modern Warfare 2019, I would say is.

[Host 1]

Might be the go.

[Robbie Gk]

Between that And Black Ops 2 is the best Call of Duty in my opinion.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

And that's like. That's all I played over Covid.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Like, all my friends got online. It was like, oh, it was such a dream those first two weeks. As far as the gaming standpoint, not the worldwide pandemic, of course, but the opportunity to play with my friends who are all online. Nobody had to work. We had like, like 40 guys in Discord. Like, doing drinking. Old fashioned.

[Host 1]

Are you Headset?

[Robbie Gk]

Duh.

[Host 1]

So we. I Asked that because we just figured out why Scott and Kip are so good at communicating. Because there's no better communication than a bunch of guys playing Call of Duty.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, totally.

[Host 1]

Truly breaking down a warfare.

[Host 3]

The communicating in the show was a lot less aggressive.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, true.

[Host 1]

A lot less yelling.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm actually starting up my Twitch stream when I get back to.

[Host 1]

I saw you had one.

[Host 2]

Yeah, yeah. But it hadn't been active in a while. But we were coming back.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

Because breaking news boost, dude.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah, I'm stoked for it. I'm pumped. I had LA 100 Thieves, which is like a gaming corporation here. One of their like streamers reached out to me. So we're gonna do a co stream and they're sending me merch and whatever and like, my like video game nerd is back. It's just.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Robbie Gk]

Exploding.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

God.

[Robbie Gk]

Dude.

[Host 1]

Well, so what's streaming? Yeah, great transition to a question.

[Host 2]

Yeah. What are these? I saw a compilation of you doing these horror video games. Yeah, bro, that looks like the hell's the matter? I'm a scary movie. Like, I'll watch it, but I do. I jump and scream. And you were torturing yourself.

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

I can't believe that. What are those?

[Robbie Gk]

And they're just like. It's like. Yeah, they're like first person horror games that are out there and there's like a million of them. There's some really good ones that are like kind of story based and like. Yeah, you're like. You're solving a puzzle or something like that. But as a viewer, like, I started streaming those over Covid and I noticed that like, people love to watch it because it's like that secondhand. It's easier to watch something scary when you have friends around, of course. And like, it's kind of like that way. And so I actually hate playing them. But I know that the engagement is high because I know that I watch other people like this when they're playing games. So yeah, it's. It's. But it's a lot of fun because, like, people are chatting with you and all this other stuff and yeah, you.

[Host 2]

Gotta send me your. Send me one of your favorites. Send me a good one.

[Robbie Gk]

Okay. And I'll.

[Host 2]

I'll take it first.

[Host 1]

I always die late at night when I'm scrolling IG or something and those videos pop up. I'm like, like, I can't watch this. It's going to scare the out of me. But it's like dark in your bedroom. Terrible.

[Robbie Gk]

That's how I feel about spike ball if I see spike videos? No, but in a different way, because my heart starts racing and I'm like, oh, you've got me in there.

[Host 1]

I agree completely.

[Host 3]

So what. What horror game are you playing now?

[Robbie Gk]

At the moment, I. I don't have one teed up. I got to do some more research and see which ones are out there now, because it's been a little bit since I've been back in the game. But do you know what you're going.

[Host 2]

To play to return your. Your twitch?

[Robbie Gk]

I don't know.

[Host 2]

Okay. Sick. Wow, that's a big decision.

[Host 1]

Fired up.

[Robbie Gk]

We're deep in the video game lore here, but I know. Seriously, people are logging. I'm stoked.

[Host 1]

They're like, this guy doesn't play sports. Oh, my God. All right, well, Robbie, we've taken up enough of your time. This was so, so fun for us. Thank you so much for coming on. Before we let you go, is there anything you want to plug? Anything you want to shout out? Anyone?

[Robbie Gk]

Yeah. Hi to my friend Dan, who listens to your podcast and has for a long time. I told him I was coming here, and he was like, oh, my God, so sick. And I guess, like, you know, shout out to Jacob, Brendan, and everyone for giving me this opportunity. I wouldn't be here without them. And Rachel, of course. So just stoked to. Stoked to be here.

[Host 1]

Hell, yeah, man.

[Host 3]

I love it.

[Host 2]

Sick. Now it's getting me to the globes. Dude, give me that globe sticks.

[Robbie Gk]

Apparently, HBO still maybe trying to pull some strings, so we'll see if you see me there. I'll wave to you.

[Host 1]

Incredible.

[Host 3]

Perfect.

[Robbie Gk]

Sweet.

[Host 2]

Awesome.

[Robbie Gk]

Thanks so much, guys.

[Host 3]

So much.

[Host 2]

Incredible.