Senses Working Overtime with David Cross: Episode Featuring Ryan Sickler

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Introduction

In this emotionally charged and humor-infused episode of "Senses Working Overtime", host David Cross engages in an intimate conversation with comedian and single father, Ryan Sickler. The episode delves deep into Ryan's personal journey, exploring his struggles, triumphs, and the intricate balance between fatherhood and his career in comedy.

Early Life and Background

Ryan Sickler opens up about his roots in Baltimore, Maryland, recounting his upbringing in a state rich with diverse landscapes—from the bustling Chesapeake Bay to the serene Appalachian Mountains.

Ryan Sickler [05:02]: "I really do love Maryland. It's... you have the Chesapeake, the beach, the mountains out there in western Maryland."

His move from Baltimore to Los Angeles and subsequently to Brooklyn highlights his pursuit of personal space and a conducive environment for raising his daughter.

Family Life and Relationships

Ryan shares the complexities of his relationship with his fiancée, whom he met when she already had a son. Their engagement and the subsequent birth of their daughter illustrate the challenges and joys of blending families.

Ryan Sickler [11:30]: "We were engaged and started trying to have a baby within three months. It happened. Very lucky with that."

However, their relationship faced hurdles as his fiancée decided against marriage and the traditional family structure they initially envisioned, leading to their eventual separation.

Single Fatherhood and Co-Parenting

Transitioning into single fatherhood, Ryan discusses the emotional and logistical challenges of co-parenting. Balancing custody arrangements and maintaining a stable environment for his 10-year-old daughter necessitated significant adjustments.

Ryan Sickler [25:00]: "We switch with each other. When I need to go on the road and work, she switches. We're doing 50/50 custody."

Despite these challenges, Ryan emphasizes the importance of providing a nurturing and supportive environment for his daughter, highlighting moments of resilience and love.

Health Struggles and Overcoming Adversity

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Ryan's health battles. At 42, he was diagnosed with a blood disorder, Factor V Leiden, making him prone to thrombosis. This revelation came amidst the already turbulent period of his personal life, amplifying his struggles.

Ryan Sickler [29:58]: "This blood disease affects my clotting, making me a ticking time bomb if I lay still."

Ryan recounts his harrowing experiences in the hospital, including a near-death experience during back surgery where his condition almost cost him his life.

Ryan Sickler [35:37]: "They told me I might have cancer. I was terrified. But then, thankfully, it was just the blood disease."

His candidness about the fear, pain, and eventual relief offers listeners a profound glimpse into his resilience and determination to overcome life's unexpected challenges.

Career and Comedy Amidst Chaos

Balancing his career as a comedian with his personal struggles, Ryan discusses how his experiences have shaped his humor. His comedy becomes a coping mechanism, allowing him to process pain through laughter.

Ryan Sickler [62:02]: "Check out the Honeydew podcast. I've got a podcast called The Way Back where it's just all fun nostalgia as well."

He also touches upon the twists of fate, such as meeting David Cross in the hospital when Ryan was in critical condition, adding a serendipitous and humorous layer to his narrative.

Personal Insights and Reflections

Throughout the conversation, Ryan reflects on his past behaviors and how they contrast with his present self. He humorously contemplates what his younger self would think of his current lifestyle and values.

Ryan Sickler [49:15]: "My 18-year-old self would punch me in the face for littering. And I'd be proud of being a father and husband."

These reflections underscore his personal growth and the shifts in priorities that come with mature fatherhood and confronting mortality.

Conclusion

Ryan Sickler's episode on "Senses Working Overtime" is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and find humor amidst adversity. His journey from a dedicated father navigating custody battles to a comedian channeling personal pain into laughter offers listeners both inspiration and relatability.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Sickler [05:02]: "I really do love Maryland. It's... you have the Chesapeake, the beach, the mountains out there in western Maryland."

• Ryan Sickler [11:30]: "We were engaged and started trying to have a baby within three months. It happened. Very lucky with that."

• Ryan Sickler [25:00]: "We switch with each other. When I need to go on the road and work, she switches. We're doing 50/50 custody."

• Ryan Sickler [29:58]: "This blood disease affects my clotting, making me a ticking time bomb if I lay still."

• Ryan Sickler [35:37]: "They told me I might have cancer. I was terrified. But then, thankfully, it was just the blood disease."

• Ryan Sickler [49:15]: "My 18-year-old self would punch me in the face for littering. And I'd be proud of being a father and husband."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Ryan Sickler's candid and heartfelt discussion with David Cross, offering listeners a profound understanding of his life's intertwining with humor and resilience.