Podcast Summary: History Hyenas with Chris DiStefano and Yannis Pappas Episode: What Makes a Step Dad w/ Dan Soder Release Date: August 7, 2025

Introduction

In this lively episode of History Hyenas, hosts Chris DiStefano and Yannis Pappas welcome comedian Dan Soder to delve into the intricate dynamics of stepfatherhood. True to the podcast's blend of history and humor, the trio navigates personal anecdotes, societal perceptions, and the emotional complexities that come with being a stepdad.

Guest Introduction: Dan Soder

Dan Soder, a renowned comedian from Denver, joins Chris and Yannis to share his experiences and insights on what defines a stepdad. The conversation kicks off with playful banter about Dan's hair transplant journey, setting a humorous tone for the episode.

Notable Quote:

• Dan Soder [02:29]: "I had to sleep it. Now it's settled."

Personal Stories and Stepdad Dynamics

Dan opens up about his relationship with his stepdad, Nick, juxtaposed against his late biological father. He recounts childhood memories, such as a traumatic dog bite incident that left him with facial scars, highlighting how these experiences shaped his perception of father figures.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Soder [07:06]: "I had to get 47 stitches, like. Like all the way down here, all the way under here."
• Dan Soder [40:56]: "Nobody ever graduated for stepdad status for you."

The Role of Stepdads in Blended Families

The discussion deepens as Chris and Yannis explore the transition from viewing a stepdad as just a parental figure to genuinely integrating them into the family structure. They touch upon the challenges children face in accepting a stepfather while maintaining loyalty to their biological parents.

Notable Quote:

• Chris DiStefano [43:02]: "I think one in PE was me being 15 years old and still needing to sleep in bed with my mom because I was scared of ghosts in my other room."

Male Insecurity and Its Impact

The conversation shifts towards broader themes of male insecurity, self-image, and the lengths individuals go to mask their vulnerabilities. Dan shares his journey through therapy, revealing how overcoming insecurities about his comedic peers led to personal growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Soder [57:31]: "I had a thing with, like, really famous comics... it felt like all my heroes were picking people around me but me."
• Giannis Pappas [56:50]: "I think there's nothing wrong with it. I think what you're doing is not vain. I think it's the same as brushing your teeth."

Humorous Segments and "Walked into One" Awards

In true History Hyenas fashion, the episode features the comedic segment "Walked into One," where the hosts hilariously nominate fictional and exaggerated characters for amusing titles. While these segments provide comic relief, they also subtly underscore the episode's themes of identity and perception.

Notable Interaction:

• Dan Soder [71:21]: "Believe that."
• Giannis Pappas [72:20]: "Captain Epstein of the Itty Bitty Frisbee Committee."

Concluding Reflections

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the importance of honesty and self-acceptance. They emphasize that embracing one's true self, whether through personal changes or acknowledging past traumas, is crucial for personal growth and healthier relationships.

Notable Quote:

• Dan Soder [61:57]: "Because you do want to defend your dad. You want to be like, I'm not... I don't come from the stock of a loser."

Final Thoughts

History Hyenas successfully intertwines humor with heartfelt discussions, offering listeners both laughter and meaningful insights into the complexities of stepfatherhood and the broader implications of male insecurity. Dan Soder's candid anecdotes provide a relatable and engaging narrative, making this episode a standout in the podcast series.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Dan Soder [02:29]: "I had to sleep it. Now it's settled."
• Dan Soder [07:06]: "I had to get 47 stitches, like. Like all the way down here, all the way under here."
• Dan Soder [40:56]: "Nobody ever graduated for stepdad status for you."
• Chris DiStefano [43:02]: "I think one in PE was me being 15 years old and still needing to sleep in bed with my mom because I was scared of ghosts in my other room."
• Dan Soder [57:31]: "I had a thing with, like, really famous comics... it felt like all my heroes were picking people around me but me."
• Giannis Pappas [56:50]: "I think there's nothing wrong with it. I think what you're doing is not vain. I think it's the same as brushing your teeth."
• Dan Soder [61:57]: "Because you do want to defend your dad. You want to be like, I'm not... I don't come from the stock of a loser."

For more engaging episodes that blend history and humor, tune into History Hyenas and join Chris DiStefano and Yannis Pappas on their comedic journeys through time.