Podcast Summary: Stavvy's World Episode #99 - Wes Haney and Daniel Simonsen
Release Date: October 21, 2024
Introduction to Episode and Guests
In Episode #99 of Stavvy's World, host Stavros Halkias welcomes special guests Wes Haney and Daniel Simonsen. The episode centers around their collaborative indie comedy film, "Let's Start a Cult", which Stavros co-wrote with Wes and their friend Ben Kitnick. Stavros emphasizes the importance of supporting the film’s release on October 25th, urging listeners to watch the movie in theaters for a dose of "90 minutes of very, very stupid comedy."
Notable Quote:
Stavros Halkias [01:03]: "It's 90 minutes of very, very stupid comedy. If you like this podcast, you will like the movie, I promise you."
Behind the Scenes of "Let's Start a Cult"
The conversation delves into the challenges and humorous moments experienced during the making of the movie. Wes Haney expresses humility and excitement about their achievement:
Notable Quote:
Wes Haney [02:40]: "I'm humbled to the highest degree right now."
Daniel Simonsen shares his surprise at the movie’s screening across various theaters, highlighting the grassroots nature of their project.
Notable Quote:
Daniel Simonson [03:06]: "I didn't even know about that."
Stavros reflects on the roles they each played in the film, humorously likening himself to a "James Dean movie star" and Wes to the "haggard old villain."
Notable Quote:
Stavros Halkias [03:08]: "I'm sort of like the kind of like the James Dean movie star of it... Wes is the haggard old villain who I have to defeat."
The trio discusses the rigorous filming schedule, often working 14-hour days, and the camaraderie that developed despite the taxing conditions.
Notable Quote:
Stavros Halkias [55:00]: "We were working like 14 hour days and then just get back, get Taco Bell or kebabs or we would drive..."
Cultural Exchanges and Personal Stories
A significant portion of the episode explores cultural differences, particularly between Greek, Norwegian, and South American societies. Daniel Simonsen recounts his time living in a Greek house in Paris, describing the sober yet vibrant social gatherings characterized by traditional Greek dances like the Zbekiko.
Notable Quote:
Daniel Simonsen [12:01]: "Was really strange. Whenever I saw that, I would just kind of tiptoe away."
The hosts humorously critique stereotypes and share anecdotes about adjusting to different cultural norms, such as the contrast between relaxed and stringent societal behaviors.
Notable Quote:
Stavros Halkias [10:24]: "He was the Italian Rick Moranis."
Listener Calls and Relationship Advice
The latter part of the episode features listener call-ins, where Wes, Daniel, and Stavros offer humorous yet insightful advice on various personal relationship dilemmas.
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Caller 1: Marriage Pressure at 25
- Issue: Uncertainty about proposing due to societal pressure and being the youngest among friends getting married.
- Advice: The panel suggests introspection and emphasizes the importance of making personal decisions without external pressure.
Notable Quote:
Stavros Halkias [63:51]: "If you're a young lady, think... Have a great one."
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Caller 2: Open Relationship and Sexual Boundaries
- Issue: Navigating sexual relationships outside a long-term partnership without disrupting the primary relationship.
- Advice: Encourages open communication and honesty to maintain trust and understanding within the relationship.
Notable Quote:
Stavros Halkias [74:49]: "It's like, this is digital age, everybody's seeing everything."
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Caller 3: Changing Beauty Standards
- Issue: Concerns over evolving beauty standards and maintaining personal appearance.
- Advice: Emphasizes self-acceptance and finding personal style over conforming to fleeting trends.
Notable Quote:
Stavros Halkias [89:14]: "Just be yourself. You're clearly a little neurotic too."
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Caller 4: Excessive Horniness from Increased Workouts
- Issue: Struggling with heightened sexual urges due to intensive gym workouts, affecting marital relations.
- Advice: Recommends balancing physical activity with mental health practices and possibly consulting a therapist for underlying issues.
Notable Quote:
Stavros Halkias [95:08]: "He needs to do shrooms, right?"
Humorous Segments and Final Remarks
Throughout the episode, the hosts intersperse humorous takes on serious topics, offering a blend of comedy and genuine advice. They also promote their collaborative film, encouraging listeners to support their indie project.
Notable Quote:
Stavros Halkias [99:10]: "Please watch the movie. Get to theaters."
The episode concludes with playful banter and additional promotions for their movie and upcoming projects, maintaining the show's signature blend of humor and camaraderie.
Key Takeaways
- "Let's Start a Cult" is an indie comedy film co-created by Stavros Halkias, Wes Haney, and Daniel Simonsen, set for theatrical release on October 25th.
- The podcast episode offers an inside look at the making of the film, highlighting the challenges and humorous experiences of the trio.
- Cultural exchanges and personal stories enrich the conversation, providing unique insights into Greek, Norwegian, and South American lifestyles.
- Listener calls provide relatable relationship dilemmas, addressed with a combination of humor and sincere advice.
- The hosts maintain a light-hearted atmosphere while discussing personal and cultural topics, staying true to the podcast’s essence of being a place to "hang out with your pal Stav."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Stavros Halkias [01:03]: "It's 90 minutes of very, very stupid comedy. If you like this podcast, you will like the movie, I promise you."
- Wes Haney [02:40]: "I'm humbled to the highest degree right now."
- Daniel Simonsen [03:06]: "I didn't even know about that."
- Stavros Halkias [03:08]: "I'm sort of like the kind of like the James Dean movie star of it... Wes is the haggard old villain who I have to defeat."
- Stavros Halkias [63:51]: "If you're a young lady, think... Have a great one."
- Stavros Halkias [74:49]: "It's like, this is digital age, everybody's seeing everything."
- Stavros Halkias [89:14]: "Just be yourself. You're clearly a little neurotic too."
- Stavros Halkias [95:08]: "He needs to do shrooms, right?"
- Stavros Halkias [99:10]: "Please watch the movie. Get to theaters."
Recommendation: For fans of comedy and indie films, Episode #99 of Stavvy's World offers a mix of behind-the-scenes insights, cultural anecdotes, and relatable relationship advice, all delivered with Stavros Halkias's unique comedic flair. Don't miss the opportunity to support their new film, "Let's Start a Cult", hitting theaters on October 25th.