Last Podcast on the Left – Episode: Side Stories: The Audition Release Date: January 22, 2025

1. Health and Physical Challenges

[00:54] Henry Zabrowski shares his struggles with shoulder pain and his experience with physical therapy. He discusses a unique exercise introduced by his therapist, likening it to an "ancient form of exercise" and humorously describing it as resembling a Roman salute.

Notable Quote:

"It's like a salute motion. If you can see it. I saw this. It's crazy. It was like, serendipitous." – Henry Zabrowski [01:08]

2. Gesture Controversy: The Roman Salute Debate

Ed Larson and Henry Zabrowski delve into the implications of gestures that can be misconstrued as Nazi salutes. They emphasize the importance of being mindful of body language, especially in public and political settings, to avoid unintended associations.

Notable Quotes:

"You might want to avoid any single motion that might be misconstrued for Ziggyl." – Ed Larson [03:22]

"It's just bad optics, you know, across the board." – Henry Zabrowski [05:04]

The hosts discuss the significance of gestures in media and public perception, highlighting the potential backlash from inadvertent use of historically charged symbols.

3. Henry's Audition Story: Navigating the Acting Industry

Henry Zabrowski recounts his tumultuous journey auditioning for "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). He details the intense audition process, his interactions with producers, and the subsequent fallout after his audition was featured in a 50th-anniversary documentary series.

Key Highlights:

• Audition Process: Henry describes the high-pressure environment of SNL auditions, likening it to "a doctor's office" due to the meticulous scrutiny involved.

• Initial Success: Despite feeling unprepared, Henry managed to impress some members of the production team, leading to his audition being noted for its uniqueness.

• Rejection and Aftermath: The documentary portrayed Henry's audition negatively, suggesting he had faded from the industry. However, Henry emphasizes his continued involvement in acting and attributes the negative portrayal to producers misjudging his potential.

Notable Quotes:

"Innocent mistakes from South Africa. He doesn't know Nazis are." – Henry Zabrowski [04:05]

"The only thing I would take umbrage with the coverage of my audition in the documentary series." – Henry Zabrowski [09:07]

Henry offers insights into the competitive nature of show business and stresses the importance of authenticity over conforming to industry expectations.

4. Artistic Integrity: David Lynch vs. Wes Anderson

The hosts engage in a comparative analysis of filmmakers David Lynch and Wes Anderson. They explore Lynch's commitment to personal artistic expression and his resistance to external pressures, contrasting it with Anderson's more stylized and controlled filmmaking approach.

Key Points:

• David Lynch: Celebrated for his surreal and introspective films, Lynch prioritizes personal vision over mainstream appeal. His ability to create immersive worlds without concern for audience interpretation is highlighted.

• Wes Anderson: Known for his meticulous aesthetic and recurring themes, Anderson is critiqued for being a "parody of himself," suggesting a lack of genuine spontaneity compared to Lynch.

Notable Quotes:

"David Lynch was such a good example of like, you know, everybody who likes David Lynch kind of felt like, that's my direction actor." – Henry Zabrowski [29:27]

"I like David Lynch because he's trying to lose me. He doesn't give a." – Henry Zabrowski [30:27]

The discussion underscores the value of maintaining creative integrity and encourages aspiring artists to pursue their unique paths.

5. Current Events: Family Annihilations in the USA

The podcast touches on the grim statistic that "every five days a relative kills a relative in the United States of America." Henry Zabrowski highlights a recent tragic case involving Clifford Hunt Jr., who murdered his family members and subsequently took his own life.

Key Points:

• Clifford Hunt Jr.'s Case: At 19, Hunt Jr. killed his father, mother, and 16-year-old brother before committing suicide. The tragic event emphasizes the severe issue of domestic violence and mental health crises.

• Statistical Insight: The hosts discuss how such incidents, while alarming, are influenced by fluctuating statistics and media reporting, potentially skewing public perception.

Notable Quotes:

"Every five days a relative kills a relative in the United States of America." – Henry Zabrowski [39:23]

"He's willing to start a bid at 500k." – Ed Larson [50:55]

The segment serves as a sobering reminder of the pervasive issues of violence within families and the importance of addressing mental health.

6. UFO Footage Analysis: Ross Colhart's Revelations

Henry Zabrowski and Ed Larson analyze footage purportedly released by Ross Colhart from News Nation, showcasing an unidentified anomalous phenomenon (UAP) being airlifted by a helicopter. They scrutinize the footage's credibility, debating whether it depicts a genuine UAP or a hoax.

Key Points:

• Immaculate Constellation Program: The discussion references a Pentagon program focused on retrieving UAPs from crash sites worldwide, suggesting the U.S. may possess multiple UFOs.

• Footage Examination: The hosts question the authenticity of the "egg-shaped object" captured in the video, proposing it might be an egg on a stick or a prop to mock the claims.

Notable Quotes:

"But when I look at this footage, it is extremely difficult for me to not say that is an egg on a stick." – Henry Zabrowski [46:26]

"You can see clearly an egg shaped object that is 25ft long in a hammock being suspended by a helicopter." – Ed Larson [45:31]

The analysis reflects skepticism towards sensationalized UAP claims, urging viewers to critically evaluate such evidence.

7. Road Rage Incident: Attempted Organ Harvesting

The hosts discuss a disturbing case from San Antonio where Jose Israel Tehran Jr., aged 21, was charged with attempting to purchase a nine-month-old baby's organs. The incident stemmed from a mistakenly added group text message where Tehran, unfamiliar with the family, initiated a chilling proposal.

Key Points:

• Initial Contact: Tehran was inadvertently added to a family group chat discussing a baptism. Misinterpreting the context, he made a grotesque offer to purchase the baby's organs.

• Escalation: The situation escalated when Tehran felt slighted after being ignored, leading him to commit a road rage shooting targeting the family members.

Notable Quotes:

"He was mistakenly added to a group text message... He was like, that's a nice Caucasian baby. How much you want for it." – Ed Larson [50:41]

"He's willing to start a bid at 500k." – Ed Larson [50:55]

This segment highlights the dangers of digital miscommunication and the extreme consequences of such encounters.

8. Listener Emails and Light-hearted Topics

Transitioning to lighter content, Ed Larson and Henry Zabrowski engage with listener emails, discussing topics ranging from humorous takes on animal behavior to culinary preferences. They delve into banter about cooking techniques, specifically focusing on preparing tofu and lamb, infusing the conversation with their characteristic humor.

Key Highlights:

• Cooking Discussions: The hosts share personal cooking tips for tofu and lamb, debating flavors and preparation methods.

• Humorous Exchanges: Playful interactions about cooking mishaps and personal habits add a comedic relief to the episode.

Notable Quotes:

"I will go kiss some fruit. I'll be plum happy about it." – Ed Larson [54:51]

"You have to marinate it. You have to marinate it." – Henry Zabrowski [57:25]

The engaging dialogue fosters a relatable and entertaining atmosphere for listeners.

9. Promotion of Live Shows and Future Episodes

Towards the episode's conclusion, the hosts promote upcoming live shows in various cities, encouraging listeners to attend their performances. They also mention future episodes and express gratitude towards their audience and collaborators.

Key Points:

• Live Shows: Announcements for performances in Huntsville, Dallas, Nashville, Detroit, Toronto, and Atlanta, with enthusiasm and humor.

• Collaborations: Mention of guest appearances by personalities like Jared Logan and Ariel from Fraudsters, adding excitement for future content.

Notable Quotes:

"We're gonna be in Huntsville, Alabama at the VBC Mars Music Hall. And I want to say right now, NASA. Come for it, bro." – Ed Larson [37:32]

"Hail sweet Satan, everyone. And hail David Lynch." – Henry Zabrowski [64:21]

10. Conclusion and Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts expressing appreciation for each other and their listeners. They maintain their comedic rapport, blending gratitude with their signature humor, leaving listeners with anticipation for upcoming content.

Notable Quotes:

"This is been quite an episode of side stories and I want to thank you for being my partner." – Henry Zabrowski [61:35]

"Thank you. It really meant a lot to me to... It was like it is wild that I got to be a part of the 50th anniversary, whether I liked it or not." – Henry Zabrowski [64:51]

Conclusion

"Side Stories: The Audition" offers a multifaceted exploration of personal anecdotes, industry insights, and current events, all woven together with humor and candid conversations. From navigating the complexities of show business to dissecting UFO phenomena and addressing societal issues, the episode provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.

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