The Basement Yard Podcast
Episode #470 - Welcome To Hell's Kitchen
Release Date: September 30, 2024

Introduction

In episode #470 of The Basement Yard, hosts Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez dive into a myriad of topics ranging from Halloween preparations and parenting anecdotes to pop culture discussions and humorous takes on social media mishaps. The conversation is marked by their signature banter, insightful observations, and lighthearted humor, making it both engaging and relatable for listeners.

Halloween Preparations and Decor

The episode kicks off with the hosts discussing their enthusiasm for the Halloween season. Frank shares his excitement about recent decorations, including a Mickey Mouse pumpkin and a pirate ship that rocks back and forth:

Frank Alvarez [01:48]: "I'm telling you right now, if I see something like Christmas themed at a Costco website or something, it's coming home with daddy."

Joe adds to the festive spirit by describing an impressive Halloween setup he witnessed on TikTok:

Joe Santagato [06:02]: "I saw a TikTok the other day, it felt like it was 10 hours long, but I watched the entire thing and it was this woman setting up Halloween decorations in her front yard. It looks like a giant skeleton is crawling out of the ground. I'm like, this is awesome."

The hosts also touch upon their plans for Halloween costumes, highlighting their family's creativity and the anticipation surrounding their children's costume choices.

Parenting and Kids' Interests

A significant portion of the conversation centers around parenting and the various interests of their children. Frank praises the animated series Bluey, lauding it as one of the greatest kids' shows:

Frank Alvarez [04:30]: "Bluey is the greatest kids piece of media that has come out possibly ever. It was family of dogs. Okay, all right. It is the cutest, but greatest."

Joe and Frank discuss the challenges and joys of parenting, particularly in guiding their children’s interests and balancing family activities. They humorously debate the merits of various children's shows, such as Paw Patrol and Octonauts, reflecting on how these programs influence their kids.

Costco Adventures and Family Memories

The duo reminisces about their family trips to Costco for samples, describing it as a family bonding activity:

Frank Alvarez [03:30]: "We used to go at Costco at, like, noon. And that would be our lunch. We would go and just fucking sample from the 90 different things that they would have."

Joe humorously points out the addictive nature of Costco samples, comparing the store to a miniature theme park:

Joe Santagato [03:57]: "It's the greatest place on earth. That's heavy."

Their shared memories highlight the importance of simple family moments and the lasting impressions they leave.

Pop Culture and Social Media Highlights

The conversation shifts to covering recent pop culture events. The hosts discuss Taylor Swift's public support for Kamala Harris, Elon Musk's humorous response, and the antics of Shannon Sharpe on Instagram Live. They analyze the implications of celebrity endorsements and social media interactions with a blend of humor and critical insight.

Frank Alvarez [28:58]: "She was at the Chiefs games. Was she at both of them?"

Joe Santagato [30:52]: "Taylor Swift. Pussycat. Taylor Swift cats."

Their discussion on social media mishaps and celebrity behavior underscores the pervasive influence of public figures in everyday conversations.

Conspiracy Theories and Personal Anecdotes

Delving into more speculative territory, Joe shares his father's fascination with the Philadelphia Experiment, a purported military project involving teleportation and invisibility:

Joe Santagato [40:16]: "The story claims that the US Navy made the USS Eldridge destroyer escort invisible and teleported it from Philadelphia to Virginia."

Frank expresses skepticism and personal disinterest in conspiracy theories, recounting a childhood encounter with 9/11 conspiracy claims:

Frank Alvarez [42:53]: "In, like, 2004, a kid in my class showed me loose change about 9/11. Yeah. And I was like, wait a sec."

Their exchange highlights the tension between curiosity and skepticism when confronted with unverified claims.

Social Media and Privacy Concerns

The hosts humorously explore the pitfalls of accidental live broadcasts on platforms like Instagram, using the mishap involving NFL player Shannon Sharpe as a case study:

Frank Alvarez [47:32]: "Frank Alvarez8085 on Twitter, the Frank Alvarez and all the forms of social media. Go check out Patreon."

They discuss the potential embarrassment and privacy invasions that come with unintended live streams, concluding with lighthearted jokes about how such situations could escalate.

Closing Remarks

As the episode nears its end, Joe and Frank reflect on their enduring friendship and shared experiences. They provide listeners with information on how to connect with them through social media and Patreon, expressing gratitude for the support from their audience.

Frank Alvarez [58:26]: "Patreon.com thebasement yard. Sign up today. Do all that stuff. It's really cool."

The episode wraps up with their characteristic humor, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future discussions.

Notable Quotes

• Frank Alvarez [00:43]: "Spooky season you're into. Have you watched any of the. We watch. I'll tell you right now, without hyperbole, good experience in my personal top 50 of movies, period."

• Joe Santagato [05:22]: "Listen, if we ever do a show in Australia, they're not gonna let us leave without doing it. So wear your favorite pair of shoes."

• Frank Alvarez [09:14]: "He's like Robin, and then Miles is the Joker. I won, folks."

• Joe Santagato [17:11]: "Yes. You are boiling them alive. Definitely not."

• Frank Alvarez [51:08]: "I think recently he called me, and I answered. I was like, yo, you just woke up the baby. And he's like, no, stop."

Conclusion

Episode #470 of The Basement Yard offers a blend of heartfelt parenting stories, humorous takes on pop culture, and candid discussions on everyday challenges. Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez's dynamic conversation provides listeners with both laughter and relatable insights, making it a memorable addition to the podcast series.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the episode's content.