History Hyenas with Chris Distefano and Yannis Pappas: Episode Featuring Bert Kreischer – "Lucky to be Alive"
Release Date: March 27, 2025
1. Bert Kreischer’s Hiatus and Transition to Family Life [00:00 - 06:02]
The episode kicks off with Bert Kreischer sharing his recent nine-month break from touring, emphasizing his shift from a hectic road schedule to domestic life. Bert humorously acknowledges the sensitivity of his hosts, Chris DiStefano and Giannis Pappas, about the changes in his personal life.
Notable Quotes:
- Bert Kreischer [00:00]: "I took nine months off."
- Bert Kreischer [05:07]: "I stop doing the road and I come home, and it's me and Leanne 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
The hosts engage in playful banter about their own domestic situations, with Chris joking about their gay identities and the challenges of being more home-focused.
2. Comedy Specials and Industry Insights [01:10 - 06:32]
Bert discusses his Netflix special "Lucky to be Alive," expressing gratitude for the show's success and its impact on his career. The conversation touches on other comedy works, including the show "Adolescence," which Giannis praises as a "masterpiece" despite its disturbing themes.
Notable Quotes:
- Chris DiStefano [02:10]: "I'm telling you, you're gonna feel better about yourself when you watch Bert Kreischer Special."
- Giannis Pappas [02:25]: "I would actually prescribe it that way... it's a perfect cleanser."
Bert reflects on his past performances and the satisfaction of connecting with large audiences, revealing his preference for the stage over a sedentary lifestyle.
3. Emotional Moments: Losing Pets to Cancer [03:04 - 06:32]
A heartfelt segment where Bert opens up about putting down his bullmastiff dogs, Mac and Izzy, both diagnosed with cancer simultaneously. He shares the emotional difficulty of seeing his dogs suffer and the unexpected news from the vet about their conditions.
Notable Quotes:
- Bert Kreischer [03:48]: "Mac, both have cancer at the exact same time."
- Giannis Pappas [03:24]: "Dogs die at the same rate. Ukrainians do."
The hosts empathetically discuss the broader emotional impact of losing pets, comparing it to losing family members and the pervasive grief owners experience.
4. Drinking Habits and Health Regimens [04:36 - 27:14]
The conversation delves into Bert’s daily alcohol consumption, exploring his relationship with drinking and its impact on his health. Bert candidly shares his extensive drinking history, admitting to consuming alcohol daily from age 22 to 40 and his strategies to manage it, including IV treatments and a strict carnivore diet.
Notable Quotes:
- Bert Kreischer [21:03]: "40 is the first time I took, like, a real big break."
- Bert Kreischer [22:15]: "I had seven 19 ounce liquid deaths to try to flood my system."
Giannis and Chris share their own drinking habits humorously, highlighting the camaraderie and understanding among the comedians regarding lifestyle choices.
5. Navigating Sensitive Topics in Comedy [30:00 - 50:00]
Bert and the hosts tackle the complexities of addressing race and stereotypes in their humor. They discuss historical figures like Ulysses S. Grant in a satirical light, intentionally distorting facts for comedic effect. The segment includes edgy jokes that walk the fine line between humor and offensiveness.
Notable Quotes:
- Bert Kreischer [35:55]: "They’re joking, right?"
- Chris DiStefano [35:49]: "Jim Jeffries joke on that was the retard joke."
The trio reflects on the responsibility of comedians to handle sensitive subjects thoughtfully while maintaining their unique comedic voices.
6. Balancing Podcasting and Stand-Up Comedy [51:00 - 65:00]
A discussion on the differences between podcasting and stand-up comedy, focusing on how certain material fits better in live performances. Bert emphasizes the importance of reserving personal and impactful stories for the stage to preserve their comedic integrity.
Notable Quotes:
- Bert Kreischer [56:46]: "Stand ups. The thing I'd hold on to forever. That's the last thing."
- Chris DiStefano [54:05]: "It's not only going to be home runs."
They explore creative processes, the spontaneity of live comedy, and the structured nature of podcast content, agreeing that certain jokes and stories are better suited for specific formats.
7. Personal Insights and Life Philosophy [65:00 - 82:00]
The hosts share their perspectives on happiness, parenting, and maintaining personal well-being amidst a demanding career. Bert discusses his journey towards mindfulness and being present, contrasting it with his habitual screen time addiction.
Notable Quotes:
- Chris DiStefano [50:09]: "But if it works for you, that is the be all, end all."
- Bert Kreischer [63:01]: "I wasn't doing anything. I was just living vicariously through Leeanne's tits."
They highlight the importance of tailored approaches to personal happiness, rejecting one-size-fits-all societal expectations, and emphasizing the significance of individual fulfillment in family dynamics.
8. Interactive Segments and Patreon Engagement [66:00 - 81:00]
The episode transitions to interactive segments where the hosts engage with their Patreon community, brainstorming humorous and outrageous names for group chats and characters. This playful segment underscores the collaborative and creative synergy among the hosts and their audience.
Notable Quotes:
- Chris DiStefano [70:37]: "Completing the list was a snoozer, but the first 20 minutes was on fire."
- Giannis Pappas [78:38]: "Straight to the back. Soon."
They conclude with updates on their respective projects, upcoming tours, and the mutual support that sustains their comedic endeavors.
Conclusion
The "Lucky to be Alive" episode of History Hyenas with Bert Kreischer offers a blend of heartfelt personal stories, candid discussions on lifestyle choices, and the challenges of balancing different comedic platforms. Through humor and honesty, Bert and the hosts navigate complex topics, illustrating the depth and versatility of their comedic talents. Listeners are treated to an engaging mix of laughter, introspection, and the camaraderie that defines the History Hyenas podcast.
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes with timestamps, and the overall flow of conversation. It provides an informative overview for those who haven't listened to the episode while maintaining the engaging spirit of the podcast.