The Basement Yard – Episode #540: "We Were Nominated"

Release date: February 2, 2026
Hosts: Joe Santagato & Frank Alvarez
Guest/Producer: Ant

Overview

This episode of The Basement Yard captures Joe, Frank, and Ant at their rambunctious, sharply comedic best, riffing through personal anecdotes, wild tangents, petty bickering, and their signature mix of raunchy humor and self-deprecation. The main throughline—and ultimate celebratory subject—is the announcement that they’ve been nominated for two iHeartRadio Podcast Awards (“Best Comedy Podcast” and “Best Overall Ensemble”). The episode also features lively discussion about Backstreet Boys, boy band beef, drone paranoia, weird sleep habits, skincare woes, and fan engagement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Wearing Inappropriate Shirts & Gym Fashion

[01:04–02:20]

Frank sports a hat from the minor league team "the Hops," prompting banter about his tradition of promoting random brands (and his infamous "butcher shirt" with graphic illustrations).
They question appropriate places to wear a “balls-on-the-back” shirt (at home, gym, or only on the podcast set).
Frank: “If I have a shirt that has balls on it, I’m wearing it somewhere. But this comedy podcast... is probably the safest place.”

2. Friendly Rivalry and Body-Shaming

[02:28–04:31, 08:07–09:14, 41:00–42:18]

Joey and Frank demand Ant settle the “who has the better ass” debate.
- Ant: “It’s probably Frankie.” Joey, incredulous: “Stick. Be a man.”
Ant describes Joey’s behind as “It’s there” which becomes a running joke.
They mock each other about body insecurities—Joey later references being body-shamed and Ant’s “double dog pile” (later, also involving micro penis jokes and self-deprecation).
Frank: “You always act like this big ogre. It’s ridiculous.”
Joey: “First of all, you’re a good looking guy.”

3. Generational Banter: The “Greatest Generation”

[03:41–04:46]

Jokey reflection on the “Greatest Generation,” WWII, and Baby Boomers:
- Frank: “They came home from war and guess what they did? They fucked.”
- Joey: “Got after it like rabbits.”

4. Modern Paranoia: The Drone Outside Joey’s Window

[05:03–12:03]

Joey recounts a movie-style drone floating near his high-rise apartment, scaring him into thinking of aliens.
Frank shares about conspiracy-hunting with his wife, Becca.
A humorous debate ensues on what to do—call the cops or let it go?
- Frank: “You would call the cops? This kid’s Karen.”
- Joey deflects: “There’s a drone at my window and I’m a million feet in the air!”
Jokes escalate about possible footage of Joey naked:
- Frank: “Maybe they were just like, it’s TMZ—they’re after you.”
- Joey: “If you’re gonna use my yang in a movie, I should get something for sure.”

5. Sleep and Skincare Oddities

[12:03–16:36]

The trio discusses their night routines.
- Ant: “I always sleep in socks.” Joey, aghast, calls it “psych ward” behavior.
On extreme cold rooms:
- Joey: “Being in [Espo’s] house is a cold plunge.”
- Frank: “Maybe cold keeps your skin tight... or dries it out. Somebody tell us the science.”
Skincare practices:
- Frank & Ant use products but not routinely.
- Joey used to—until he got eye cream in his eye and needed steroids (“Twins! My dog also needed steroids!”).

6. YouTube, Monetization, & Boy Band Copyright Drama

[18:19–25:55, 39:11–40:50]

Ant reveals one video lost monetization due to a Simlish (Sims-language) Backstreet Boys parody, causing fake outrage at paying royalties.
- Frank: “We’re drug mules for their music. Now they’re taking our cash too.”
- Joey: “If we did it so well that we’re paying you... Let us get our money’s worth. Let us on stage!”
Spirals into a detailed, genuinely impassioned, and tongue-in-cheek riff about finally meeting—and performing with—the Backstreet Boys as payback.
Later, lighthearted anxiety about potentially offending YouTube’s CEO (Neil), with playful narrative shifts (“I’m a victim of a patriarchal society!”).

7. Fan Campaign: Basement Boys Pitch Themselves To Backstreet Boys

[25:16–38:42]

Pitch to be called on stage at a Backstreet Boys concert to perform.
- Joey: “If you’re gonna take the money, we want to sing the song on stage... Not the whole song. Just want to get a couple notes.”
- Frank: “If anything, we're more from the back street than you. We're Basement Backstreet Boys.”
They joke about wardrobe (“puffer vests and baggy pants”), choreography, and needing special gear.
Spirals into a hypothetical “boy band beef” if NSYNC outbids BSB—“Triple B: 2026 Boy Band Beef.”

8. The iHeartRadio Podcast Award Nominations

[50:13–56:14]

Big reveal: The podcast was nominated for Best Comedy Podcast and Best Overall Ensemble at the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.
- Joey: “I didn’t think we were an ensemble. That feels like we’re doing a dance.”
- Ant points out competition are trios, not duos—another running joke about whether Ant “tips the scales.”
Humble, appreciative tone about being nominated among “juggernauts” like Amy Poehler and the cast of Smartless.
- Frank: “Just being in the conversation is cool.”
- Joey: “All jokes aside… Not something I thought was possible.”

9. Patreon, Fan Goals & Outrage Marketing

[34:38, 62:24–74:51]

Frank heavily plugs their Patreon, riffing with absurd metaphors (“Check out what’s under the blanket!”).
Considering new Patreon stretch goals—reviving stunts like Edward 40 Hands, Shock Collar Trivia, and extreme punishments.
- Frank: “If you argue against it, you’re racist.” (about raising a goal to 42,000 for Jackie Robinson—a tongue-in-cheek push).
- Recap of their “Jackass-era” eggs and tape-suit stunts, the pain and rashes involved, and the idea to let Ant invent a new punishment for Joey.

10. Meta-Humor and Bullshitting Each Other

Throughout episode

Classic Basement Yard vibe persists—false bravado, complaint, pointed finger tallies (Joey’s hand movements earning Ant cash), and ever-present “thin (ice)” jokes.
- Joey: “I might throw up on that stage.”
- Ant: “Be careful how good it gets. We’re gonna owe them money.”
Quick detour into playground/punishment stories, Italian dad discipline, and how parenting has evolved (now, “psychological catfishing” is the joke).
End on a “drunk but not really” sleepiness, light bullying, and warm thanks to the community.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On body shaming:
Joey: “Tell me something negative about my ass.”
Ant: “It’s there.” [03:19]
On drone scare:
Joey: “I mean, if they were like, spying on me, who’s to say they weren’t? Those drones have pretty good camera and zoom capabilities.” [07:34]
On the Simlish copyright:
Frank: “The Backstreet Boys flagged you for singing their song in Simlish?”
Ant: “Swear to God.” [19:16]
On performing with boy bands:
Joey: “If we did it so well that we’re paying you... Let us get our money’s worth. Let us get up there and sing.” [22:29]
Frank: “If anything, we’re more from the back street than you. We’re basement Backstreet Boys.” [24:13]
On being nominated:
Frank: “All jokes aside, we were just talking—we started talking about Joey’s tiny wiener, and now we’re nominated for awards.” [52:03]
Joey: “It’s really cool to get that recognition… not something that we ever expected, to be honest. All this is pretty unexpected.” [78:59]
On YouTube’s CEO:
Joey: “Women can’t be CEOs—no, they can and should be. I believe the CEO of YouTube is a woman, if I’m not mistaken. Cancel him!” [39:12]
On stunts:
Frank: “If you argue against it, you’re racist. For 42,000—for Jackie Robinson. Now, if you say no, then you’re—” [62:59]

Timestamps for Major Segments

00:30 – Show starts, banter about hats, shirts, gym attire
02:28 – The “better ass” debate, body-shaming jokes
05:03 – Joey’s drone scare & “Karen” debates
10:21 – “See something, say something” NYC & paranoia
12:03 – Sleeping in socks / room temperature / skincare routines
18:19 – Simlish Backstreet Boys parody, losing YouTube monetization
25:16 – Backstreet Boys segment, campaign to perform on stage
39:11 – CEO of YouTube jokes (Neil)
50:13 – The big reveal: iHeart Award nominations
62:24 – Return to Patreon, stunts, and egg pelting stories
73:35 – Old stunts and new possible punishments
78:32 – Heartfelt “thank you” to fans

Tone & Style

Loosely structured, rapid-fire, profane but warm, self-mocking, always ready for a tangent or to undercut their own self-importance. The guys veer from staged bits to off-kilter philosophy, and back to rabid clowning on each other with an undercurrent of genuine affection and surprise at their achievements.

Summary

Episode 540 of The Basement Yard is a quintessential deep-dive into the friend group’s psyche: bickering about butts, bodies, and boys, riffing on internet fame, obsessing over the Backstreet Boys, lampooning themselves and each other, and capping things off with honest appreciation for fan support after major award nominations.

If you tune in for unfiltered friendship, irreverent humor, and the feeling of being in a room with the funniest people you know, this episode delivers—especially if you’re rooting for the boys as they shoot their shot with both iHeartRadio and their favorite ‘90s boy bands.

The Basement Yard – Episode #540: "We Were Nominated"

Release date: February 2, 2026
Hosts: Joe Santagato & Frank Alvarez
Guest/Producer: Ant

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Wearing Inappropriate Shirts & Gym Fashion

[01:04–02:20]

Frank sports a hat from the minor league team "the Hops," prompting banter about his tradition of promoting random brands (and his infamous "butcher shirt" with graphic illustrations).
They question appropriate places to wear a “balls-on-the-back” shirt (at home, gym, or only on the podcast set).
Frank: “If I have a shirt that has balls on it, I’m wearing it somewhere. But this comedy podcast... is probably the safest place.”

2. Friendly Rivalry and Body-Shaming

[02:28–04:31, 08:07–09:14, 41:00–42:18]

Joey and Frank demand Ant settle the “who has the better ass” debate.
- Ant: “It’s probably Frankie.” Joey, incredulous: “Stick. Be a man.”
Ant describes Joey’s behind as “It’s there” which becomes a running joke.
They mock each other about body insecurities—Joey later references being body-shamed and Ant’s “double dog pile” (later, also involving micro penis jokes and self-deprecation).
Frank: “You always act like this big ogre. It’s ridiculous.”
Joey: “First of all, you’re a good looking guy.”

3. Generational Banter: The “Greatest Generation”

[03:41–04:46]

Jokey reflection on the “Greatest Generation,” WWII, and Baby Boomers:
- Frank: “They came home from war and guess what they did? They fucked.”
- Joey: “Got after it like rabbits.”

4. Modern Paranoia: The Drone Outside Joey’s Window

[05:03–12:03]

Joey recounts a movie-style drone floating near his high-rise apartment, scaring him into thinking of aliens.
Frank shares about conspiracy-hunting with his wife, Becca.
A humorous debate ensues on what to do—call the cops or let it go?
- Frank: “You would call the cops? This kid’s Karen.”
- Joey deflects: “There’s a drone at my window and I’m a million feet in the air!”
Jokes escalate about possible footage of Joey naked:
- Frank: “Maybe they were just like, it’s TMZ—they’re after you.”
- Joey: “If you’re gonna use my yang in a movie, I should get something for sure.”

5. Sleep and Skincare Oddities

[12:03–16:36]

The trio discusses their night routines.
- Ant: “I always sleep in socks.” Joey, aghast, calls it “psych ward” behavior.
On extreme cold rooms:
- Joey: “Being in [Espo’s] house is a cold plunge.”
- Frank: “Maybe cold keeps your skin tight... or dries it out. Somebody tell us the science.”
Skincare practices:
- Frank & Ant use products but not routinely.
- Joey used to—until he got eye cream in his eye and needed steroids (“Twins! My dog also needed steroids!”).

6. YouTube, Monetization, & Boy Band Copyright Drama

[18:19–25:55, 39:11–40:50]

Ant reveals one video lost monetization due to a Simlish (Sims-language) Backstreet Boys parody, causing fake outrage at paying royalties.
- Frank: “We’re drug mules for their music. Now they’re taking our cash too.”
- Joey: “If we did it so well that we’re paying you... Let us get our money’s worth. Let us on stage!”
Spirals into a detailed, genuinely impassioned, and tongue-in-cheek riff about finally meeting—and performing with—the Backstreet Boys as payback.
Later, lighthearted anxiety about potentially offending YouTube’s CEO (Neil), with playful narrative shifts (“I’m a victim of a patriarchal society!”).

7. Fan Campaign: Basement Boys Pitch Themselves To Backstreet Boys

[25:16–38:42]

Pitch to be called on stage at a Backstreet Boys concert to perform.
- Joey: “If you’re gonna take the money, we want to sing the song on stage... Not the whole song. Just want to get a couple notes.”
- Frank: “If anything, we're more from the back street than you. We're Basement Backstreet Boys.”
They joke about wardrobe (“puffer vests and baggy pants”), choreography, and needing special gear.
Spirals into a hypothetical “boy band beef” if NSYNC outbids BSB—“Triple B: 2026 Boy Band Beef.”

8. The iHeartRadio Podcast Award Nominations

[50:13–56:14]

Big reveal: The podcast was nominated for Best Comedy Podcast and Best Overall Ensemble at the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.
- Joey: “I didn’t think we were an ensemble. That feels like we’re doing a dance.”
- Ant points out competition are trios, not duos—another running joke about whether Ant “tips the scales.”
Humble, appreciative tone about being nominated among “juggernauts” like Amy Poehler and the cast of Smartless.
- Frank: “Just being in the conversation is cool.”
- Joey: “All jokes aside… Not something I thought was possible.”

9. Patreon, Fan Goals & Outrage Marketing

[34:38, 62:24–74:51]

Frank heavily plugs their Patreon, riffing with absurd metaphors (“Check out what’s under the blanket!”).
Considering new Patreon stretch goals—reviving stunts like Edward 40 Hands, Shock Collar Trivia, and extreme punishments.
- Frank: “If you argue against it, you’re racist.” (about raising a goal to 42,000 for Jackie Robinson—a tongue-in-cheek push).
- Recap of their “Jackass-era” eggs and tape-suit stunts, the pain and rashes involved, and the idea to let Ant invent a new punishment for Joey.

10. Meta-Humor and Bullshitting Each Other

Throughout episode

Classic Basement Yard vibe persists—false bravado, complaint, pointed finger tallies (Joey’s hand movements earning Ant cash), and ever-present “thin (ice)” jokes.
- Joey: “I might throw up on that stage.”
- Ant: “Be careful how good it gets. We’re gonna owe them money.”
Quick detour into playground/punishment stories, Italian dad discipline, and how parenting has evolved (now, “psychological catfishing” is the joke).
End on a “drunk but not really” sleepiness, light bullying, and warm thanks to the community.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On body shaming:
Joey: “Tell me something negative about my ass.”
Ant: “It’s there.” [03:19]
On drone scare:
Joey: “I mean, if they were like, spying on me, who’s to say they weren’t? Those drones have pretty good camera and zoom capabilities.” [07:34]
On the Simlish copyright:
Frank: “The Backstreet Boys flagged you for singing their song in Simlish?”
Ant: “Swear to God.” [19:16]
On performing with boy bands:
Joey: “If we did it so well that we’re paying you... Let us get our money’s worth. Let us get up there and sing.” [22:29]
Frank: “If anything, we’re more from the back street than you. We’re basement Backstreet Boys.” [24:13]
On being nominated:
Frank: “All jokes aside, we were just talking—we started talking about Joey’s tiny wiener, and now we’re nominated for awards.” [52:03]
Joey: “It’s really cool to get that recognition… not something that we ever expected, to be honest. All this is pretty unexpected.” [78:59]
On YouTube’s CEO:
Joey: “Women can’t be CEOs—no, they can and should be. I believe the CEO of YouTube is a woman, if I’m not mistaken. Cancel him!” [39:12]
On stunts:
Frank: “If you argue against it, you’re racist. For 42,000—for Jackie Robinson. Now, if you say no, then you’re—” [62:59]

Timestamps for Major Segments

00:30 – Show starts, banter about hats, shirts, gym attire
02:28 – The “better ass” debate, body-shaming jokes
05:03 – Joey’s drone scare & “Karen” debates
10:21 – “See something, say something” NYC & paranoia
12:03 – Sleeping in socks / room temperature / skincare routines
18:19 – Simlish Backstreet Boys parody, losing YouTube monetization
25:16 – Backstreet Boys segment, campaign to perform on stage
39:11 – CEO of YouTube jokes (Neil)
50:13 – The big reveal: iHeart Award nominations
62:24 – Return to Patreon, stunts, and egg pelting stories
73:35 – Old stunts and new possible punishments
78:32 – Heartfelt “thank you” to fans

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#540 - We Were Nominated

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Summary

The Basement Yard – Episode #540: "We Were Nominated"

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Wearing Inappropriate Shirts & Gym Fashion

2. Friendly Rivalry and Body-Shaming

3. Generational Banter: The “Greatest Generation”

4. Modern Paranoia: The Drone Outside Joey’s Window

5. Sleep and Skincare Oddities

6. YouTube, Monetization, & Boy Band Copyright Drama

7. Fan Campaign: Basement Boys Pitch Themselves To Backstreet Boys

8. The iHeartRadio Podcast Award Nominations

9. Patreon, Fan Goals & Outrage Marketing

10. Meta-Humor and Bullshitting Each Other

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Major Segments

Tone & Style

Summary

Summary

The Basement Yard – Episode #540: "We Were Nominated"

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Wearing Inappropriate Shirts & Gym Fashion

2. Friendly Rivalry and Body-Shaming

3. Generational Banter: The “Greatest Generation”

4. Modern Paranoia: The Drone Outside Joey’s Window

5. Sleep and Skincare Oddities

6. YouTube, Monetization, & Boy Band Copyright Drama

7. Fan Campaign: Basement Boys Pitch Themselves To Backstreet Boys

8. The iHeartRadio Podcast Award Nominations

9. Patreon, Fan Goals & Outrage Marketing

10. Meta-Humor and Bullshitting Each Other

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Major Segments

Tone & Style

Summary