The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Episode: The Island of Insanity Party
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Hosts: Joey Coco Diaz & Lee Syatt
Guest: Steve Avillo

Introduction and Welcome Back (00:00 – 15:15)

In the latest episode titled "The Island of Insanity Party," hosts Joey Diaz and Lee Syatt kick off the show with heartfelt New Year greetings and updates. Joey apologizes for being sick the previous week, expressing his eagerness to return after a brief hiatus. The duo extends their sympathies to the fire department and those affected by the recent California wildfires, emphasizing their commitment to genuine support over traditional donation channels.

Notable Quote:

Joey Diaz [00:10]: "I was sick last week. My apologies about that. Lee couldn't handle it by himself, you know."

Introducing Steve Avillo (15:15 – 16:18)

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Joey introduces his longtime friend and guest, Steve Avillo. Joey reminisces about meeting Steve in eighth grade at Our Lady of Libra, highlighting their enduring friendship that spans over five decades. The hosts express their camaraderie, setting the stage for a deep dive into their shared past.

Notable Quote:

Joey Diaz [15:35]: "Today, my guest is, what I call them, guests. They're family. Today, the family member is a guy I've known for a long time."

Memories of North Bergen and Youthful Escapades (16:19 – 45:40)

Steve Avillo shares vivid memories of growing up in North Bergen, New Jersey. The stories range from battling cold weather in the city, navigating high school antics, and engaging in mischievous activities like stealing from beer trucks and attending wild parties. The hosts recount their adventures, including memorable concerts, interactions with quirky neighborhood characters, and humorous incidents that defined their formative years.

Notable Quotes:

Joey Diaz [17:09]: "We ran into him at the restaurant, yeah, at the Rudies. We ran him a few with Mike Bart."

Steve Avillo [35:39]: "Bring a cop. Bring whoever the fuck you want. And I had nothing in my locker."

Joey Diaz [42:34]: "We were out every night after that in one form, shape or another."

Rock 'n' Roll Adventures and Concert Chaos (45:41 – 64:19)

The discussion delves into their passion for music, with Steve detailing his journey in the band business and the formation of The Past Masters, a band he's been part of for nearly two decades. Joey and Steve reminisce about attending legendary concerts, including those of Ted Nugent, AC/DC, and Pink Floyd. They share intense experiences from these events, such as chair-throwing chaos during Led Zeppelin performances and the tragic plane crash that affected Lynyrd Skynyrd, illustrating the highs and lows of their rock 'n' roll lifestyles.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Avillo [79:42]: "Absolutely. Absolutely. It keeps me sane."

Joey Diaz [62:44]: "What a good dude. He was the best."

Joey Diaz [65:05]: "Whenever I get confused, I put dogs on, and it sets me the fuck straight."

Personal Reflections on Music and Life (64:20 – 85:22)

Joey emphasizes the significance of having creative outlets, particularly music and comedy, as essential for mental well-being and stress relief. Both hosts reflect on how their early experiences and friendships shaped their careers and personal lives. Steve underscores the gratification derived from performing with his band, comparing the exhilaration to the intimacy of sex, highlighting the deep emotional connections music fosters.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Avillo [81:01]: "It keeps me sane. And it's... It just, you know, I love music."

Joey Diaz [85:19]: "For Christmas I wake up, oh, I got you a foot massager for your calves. I go, I'm gonna use that once. Then it's gonna sit over there and collect dust."

Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes (85:23 – End)

As the episode winds down, Joey thanks Steve for his stories and the enduring friendship that has been a cornerstone of both their lives. They briefly touch upon personal challenges, such as Joey’s recent illness and Lee's experience with edibles, maintaining their signature blend of humor and candidness. The hosts reiterate their commitment to returning the following Tuesday, assuring listeners of more engaging content despite recent setbacks.

Notable Quote:

Joey Diaz [90:40]: "And I'm like, yeah, yeah. What are we going to do a walk up that hill for? For donations like we could."

Conclusion

"The Island of Insanity Party" offers a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes, musical passions, and nostalgic reflections from Joey Diaz, Lee Syatt, and guest Steve Avillo. The episode skillfully blends humor with heartfelt moments, providing listeners with an engaging glimpse into the hosts' lives and the enduring bonds of friendship formed in North Bergen. Whether it's wild concert tales or deep personal insights, this episode stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling and camaraderie.

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• Joey Diaz [00:10]: "I was sick last week. My apologies about that. Lee couldn't handle it by himself, you know."
• Steve Avillo [35:39]: "Bring a cop. Bring whoever the fuck you want. And I had nothing in my locker."
• Steve Avillo [81:01]: "Absolutely. Absolutely. It keeps me sane."
• Joey Diaz [85:19]: "For Christmas I wake up, oh, I got you a foot massager for your calves."
• Joey Diaz [90:40]: "And I'm like, yeah, yeah. What are we going to do a walk up that hill for?"

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisement segments and non-content sections to focus solely on the enriching and entertaining conversations between the hosts and their esteemed guest.