Podcast Summary: The Basement Yard – Episode #485: "New Year, Same Me"
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host: Joe Santagato (Santagato Studios)
I. Embracing Affection Among Friends
The episode opens with a heartfelt discussion about fostering stronger bonds among friends. Joe Santagato and his co-host delve into the concept of making 2025 the "year of bragging your hoes and hugging your bros," emphasizing the importance of showing affection and support within their social circles.
Joe (00:07): "You should hug your bros for life."
They humorously debate the idea of introducing new “seasons” for different types of camaraderie, ultimately agreeing on prioritizing genuine connections over fleeting trends.
II. Pop Culture References: Dexter Morgan
Transitioning to pop culture, Joe mentions being mistaken for Dexter Morgan, the fictional forensic technician and vigilante from the TV series Dexter.
Co-host (01:13): "I don't know why you showed up looking like Dexter Morgan, but it's kind of this is last year energy that you're doing here."
They discuss their appreciation for the character, with Joe reminiscing about his fondness for Dexter and noting how the show resonates with fans for its complex portrayal of a killer who seeks connection.
Joe (01:41): "People absolutely love Dexter Morgan. I mean, the way he..."
III. Tactile Sensitivities and Shopping Preferences
The conversation shifts to personal preferences regarding tactile experiences, particularly in shopping for clothing.
Joe (03:08): "I am a very tactile person... I don't care for it."
Joe shares anecdotes about his sensitivity to the texture of clothing, prioritizing comfort over sustainability when it comes to fabric choices.
Co-host (03:22): "I don't like shirts that feel like construction paper, you know?"
IV. Sustainability and Beverage Packaging: Glass vs. Plastic
A lively debate ensues over the merits of glass versus plastic packaging. The hosts critique the modern marketing of recycled materials and express skepticism about claims like "100% recycled glass."
Joe (04:05): "I don't want to save the planet. You like the color green. Glass doesn't seem so bad."
They humorously discuss the practicality and aesthetics of different bottle types, touching upon personal preferences for drinking beverages from glass containers due to their tactile appeal.
Co-host (05:14): "Glass is great. I feel important when I have something in my hand made of glass."
V. Nostalgia for Dive Bars
The hosts reminisce about their favorite dive bars from their college days, expressing nostalgia for the authentic and unpolished atmosphere that characterized these establishments.
Joe (08:02): "I remember this for a fact. I went in October, and they still had green beer from Magic's day."
They lament the corporatization of modern bars, longing for the camaraderie and simplicity of their past experiences at places like Spectators and The Brick.
VI. Political Commentary
In a sharp turn, Joe and his co-host engage in political discourse, critiquing the Democratic Party for losing touch with "real Americans."
Joe (13:23): "Big Dems, you're watching, right? We're getting political."
They argue that the party has deviated from its core values, suggesting a return to more grassroots, genuine interactions akin to those found in dive bars.
Co-host (14:24): "We get dirty, dirty and stinky again."
VII. Christmas Gift Exchange Story
The episode features a humorous and relatable story about a Christmas gift mishap. The co-host recounts gifting Miles a miniature hockey net that inadvertently ended up containing only PVC pipes, causing confusion and laughter among family members.
Co-host (18:37): "I opened the box from Uncle Joey that was just white pipes."
Joe empathizes with the situation, highlighting the challenges of managing gift exchanges and the importance of thoughtful presentation.
Joe (20:02): "It's overwhelming. So, like, Miles is really empathetic... he's like, wow, this is awesome."
VIII. Personal Experiences: Cold Showers and Polar Plunges
A candid discussion about cold showers and polar plunges follows, with both hosts sharing their apprehensions and experiences with extreme temperature bathing.
Joe (28:26): "I almost passed out in the shower."
They humorously contemplate the dangers of cold water immersion, comparing their experiences to historical maritime tragedies like the Titanic sinking.
IX. Titanic and Polar Waters
Delving deeper into the topic, Joe and his co-host discuss the icy waters of the Titanic disaster, debunking myths about saltwater freezing and the rapid onset of hypothermia in such conditions.
Co-host (34:37): "28 degrees, dude. How cold was the water when the Titanic sank?"
Their banter combines historical facts with humorous hypotheticals, illustrating their chemistry and ability to make complex topics entertaining.
X. Harry Potter Discussions
The latter part of the episode is dedicated to an animated discussion about the Harry Potter series and its video games. The hosts debate house preferences, character designs, and the recent developments in the franchise.
Joe (36:34): "With Nicholas Holt? It's on Max, dude, watch it."
They humorously critique the representation of Slytherin house and engage in playful banter about character names and appearances.
Co-host (49:15): "He reminds me of Benedict Cumberbatch a little."
XI. Concluding Remarks
As the episode winds down, Joe reflects on the themes discussed and looks forward to the new year with a blend of humor and sincerity.
Joe (54:36): "2025 is the year we expose Greg for the fucking raccoon he is."
They wrap up with light-hearted jokes and a reaffirmation of their bond, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future episodes.
Joe (60:58): "Let's rock and roll, baby."
Notable Quotes
- Joe (00:07): "You should hug your bros for life."
- Co-host (05:14): "Glass is great. I feel important when I have something in my hand made of glass."
- Joe (13:23): "Big Dems, you're watching, right? We're getting political."
- Co-host (14:24): "We get dirty, dirty and stinky again."
- Joe (28:26): "I almost passed out in the shower."
- Co-host (34:37): "28 degrees, dude. How cold was the water when the Titanic sank?"
Final Thoughts
In "New Year, Same Me," Joe Santagato and his co-host offer a blend of humor, nostalgia, and candid conversations about personal experiences and societal observations. From reminiscing about dive bars and discussing pop culture to engaging in political commentary and sharing personal anecdotes, the episode provides listeners with an engaging and relatable narrative. Notably, the hosts' dynamic interactions and willingness to delve into diverse topics make for a rich and entertaining listening experience, whether you're a longtime fan or tuning in for the first time.