Podcast Summary: The Basement Yard – Episode #478: The CORN Episode

Release Date: November 25, 2024

Introduction

In Episode #478 of The Basement Yard, titled "The CORN Episode," hosts Joe Santagato and his co-host engage in a lively and eclectic conversation that weaves through topics ranging from modern technology and personal discipline to pop culture mishaps and everyday annoyances. The episode is peppered with humorous anecdotes, sharp banter, and insightful observations, making it a must-listen for both regular followers and newcomers.

Technology and Modern Communication

The episode kicks off with a discussion about smartwatches, particularly the Apple Watch. Joe questions the necessity of the device, expressing his preference for simpler technology:

Joe Santagato [00:30]: "I don't like it. My mom."

His co-host defends the Apple Watch, highlighting its durability and fitness tracking capabilities:

Co-host [00:35]: "It's good at tracking steps."

The conversation quickly shifts to the evolving landscape of communication methods. The hosts debate the merits of voice notes versus traditional texting, reflecting on how these changes impact personal interactions:

Co-host [00:50]: "We have lost the art of communication."

Joe Santagato [01:09]: "I'm still texting."

Their discussion underscores a broader commentary on how digital communication tools shape and sometimes hinder meaningful conversations.

Personal Habits and Discipline

Moving forward, the hosts delve into personal discipline, particularly focusing on morning routines and the challenges of maintaining them. Joe shares his struggle with waking up early due to unsettling dreams:

Co-host [09:54]: "There is no little man inside me. Just want to also make that clear."

Joe recounts a vivid dream where he couldn't walk, leading him to silence his morning alarms:

Joe Santagato [09:56]: "This is some sci-fi shit. This is like dreams bleeding into reality."

To combat his morning inertia, the co-host suggests cold showers as a method to strengthen mental resilience:

Co-host [13:17]: "Maybe that's how I strengthen my brain, to not be like a douchebag dream version of myself."

Joe expresses skepticism but remains open to trying techniques that could enhance his discipline:

Joe Santagato [13:18]: "I don't know if that's going to work, but I'm optimistic that maybe it does."

Their exchange highlights the common struggle of balancing personal goals with internal resistance.

Pop Culture and "Wicked" Movie Discussion

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the upcoming "Wicked" movie, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The hosts express their excitement and delve into the various promotional mishaps associated with the film. They humorously discuss a packaging error where merchandise intended for "Wicked" dolls redirects to a corn-related website, leading to confusion and amusement:

Joe Santagato [26:47]: "You can tell the show out at the basement yard on all forms of social media and on patreon@patreon.com the basement yard."

The conversation then meanders through their anticipation of the movie, favorite songs like "Defying Gravity," and the emotional responses elicited by the cast during interviews:

Co-host [22:48]: "All the time. But I like watching people crying for, like, a nice reason."

Their lighthearted banter captures the infectious excitement surrounding the film's release and the accompanying marketing blunders.

Everyday Annoyances: Charcuterie Boards, Hot Pockets, and Band-Aids

The hosts transition into a rant about everyday items that frustrate them. They start with charcuterie boards, elaborating on the complexities of assembling one, especially with cultural twists like Greek cheeses and lamb additions:

Co-host [41:18]: "You could throw, like, you know, dates on there. Some fresh figs."

Joe shares his disdain for certain food items like Hot Pockets, critiquing their packaging and content:

Joe Santagato [43:42]: "But I don't like the crackers usually."

The conversation then shifts to the challenges posed by chewing gum packaging. They lament the inefficiency and frustration of modern gum wrappers, reminiscing about more straightforward packaging from their childhood:

Co-host [50:22]: "They'll just sit down and they'll be like."

Joe Santagato [51:02]: "Frank, now that we've brought up bandaids, that's a lot of fun."

Their humorous take on mundane objects underscores the hosts' ability to find entertainment in the everyday irritations of life.

Costco and the Rise of "Costco Verse"

A recurring theme in the episode is the hosts' fascination with Costco and the unique online personas emerging from it. They discuss "Costco Verse," referring to content creators who gain fame through videos made at Costco, blending humor and admiration:

Co-host [60:38]: "We haven't been invited to at least dip our toes into the Costco verse."

Joe Santagato [63:50]: "They might be racing cars."

The conversation touches upon the viral nature of modern internet fame and the quirky niches that thrive online, such as those stemming from warehouse stores like Costco.

Sponsors and Advertisements (Skipped)

As per the episode's flow, there is a segment dedicated to advertising sponsors like Kickoff, SeatGeek, and Stamps.com. However, adhering to the request to omit advertisements, these sections are excluded from this summary.

Conclusion

The CORN Episode of The Basement Yard offers a delightful mix of insightful discussions, humorous critiques, and relatable anecdotes. From grappling with modern communication tools and personal discipline to navigating the quirks of pop culture and everyday frustrations, Joe Santagato and his co-host provide an engaging and entertaining listen. Their ability to seamlessly transition between topics while maintaining a lighthearted tone ensures that listeners are both amused and thoughtful throughout the episode.

For those eager to delve deeper into the hosts' personalities and join their community, additional content and exclusive episodes are available on Patreon.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joe Santagato [00:30]: "I don't like it. My mom."

• Co-host [00:35]: "It's good at tracking steps."

• Co-host [00:50]: "We have lost the art of communication."

• Joe Santagato [09:56]: "This is some sci-fi shit. This is like dreams bleeding into reality."

• Co-host [13:17]: "Maybe that's how I strengthen my brain, to not be like a douchebag dream version of myself."

• Joe Santagato [26:47]: "You can tell the show out at the basement yard on all forms of social media and on patreon@patreon.com the basement yard."

• Co-host [22:48]: "All the time. But I like watching people crying for, like, a nice reason."

• Joe Santagato [43:42]: "But I don't like the crackers usually."

• Co-host [50:22]: "They'll just sit down and they'll be like."

• Joe Santagato [51:02]: "Frank, now that we've brought up bandaids, that's a lot of fun."

• Co-host [60:38]: "We haven't been invited to at least dip our toes into the Costco verse."

This summary aims to capture the essence of Episode #478, focusing on the core discussions and excluding non-content segments such as advertisements and sign-offs.