Podcast Summary: The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler – Episode 328: Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block

Release Date: April 7, 2025
Host: Ryan Sickler
Guest: Joey McIntyre

Introduction

In episode 328 of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler, comedian and host Ryan Sickler sits down with Joey McIntyre, a prominent member of the iconic boy band New Kids on the Block (NKOTB). The conversation delves into Joey's early beginnings, the formation and rise of NKOTB, experiences with fame, solo ventures, and the challenges faced along the way. Rich with anecdotes and reflective insights, this episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the life of a child star navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry.

Early Beginnings and Family Influence

Joey McIntyre's passion for performing arts stemmed from his early childhood. Growing up in a household steeped in theater, Joey was the youngest of nine siblings, with seven older sisters who influenced his love for dance and performance.

Joey McIntyre [35:10]:
"We live four blocks away from the oldest community theater in America called the Footlight Club... My mom showed us the love of theater."

His mother actively participated in plays and musicals, providing a creative outlet for the family, while his father, a union man involved in Boston politics, maintained a more pragmatic view, often referring to the entertainment world as "all showbiz."

Joey McIntyre [35:34]:
"My father would say, it's all showbiz. He was a union guy into politics... It's all about the presentation."

Formation of New Kids on the Block

At the age of 12, Joey's life took a pivotal turn when he auditioned for what would become New Kids on the Block. The band’s formation was orchestrated by Maurice Starr, who sought to replicate the success of established groups like New Edition by creating a white boy band with strong performance skills.

Joey McIntyre [27:01]:
"I was in the studio two weeks later and 12. Yeah."

The audition process was relatively small-scale, with only about eight kids trying out. Joey's background in theater and his performance abilities stood out, leading to his selection alongside his eventual bandmates.

Joey McIntyre [34:37]:
"I sang a Nat King Cole song for him... And the rest is history."
[35:10]
"We all have the same story. We were living in Roxbury where my parents grew up in Boston..."

Rise to Fame and Navigating Early Success

Joey recounts the rapid ascent of NKOTB, highlighting the whirlwind nature of fame achieved at such a young age. Despite the excitement, he emphasizes the desire to maintain normalcy and the challenges of sudden celebrity status.

Joey McIntyre [41:12]:
"I didn’t really have that 'Oh my God' moment because it was just another stage for me. It was exciting, it was fantastic. It was fun."

However, the influx of fame brought its own set of difficulties, including managing public attention and maintaining personal relationships. Joey shares memorable incidents, such as being inundated with fans at his childhood home, which underscored the intensity of their popularity.

Joey McIntyre [43:30]:
"I remember I pulled up, I rented a car... I went to my childhood on my dad's home and... 50, 60 girls outside of my house."

Solo Ventures and Creative Pursuits

After decades with NKOTB, Joey embarked on solo projects, expanding his artistic repertoire beyond music into acting and theater. His latest solo album, Freedom, consists of ten tracks co-written with producer Sean Thomas, reflecting his growth as an artist.

Joey McIntyre [09:32]:
"Out of the 10 songs, me and my collaborator Sean, we co-wrote eight of them and then the other two I wrote by myself."

Joey emphasizes the commitment required to produce a full-length album, contrasting it with the more collaborative environment of the band.

Joey McIntyre [10:20]:
"It's gotta be math. You can only do so many projects before you start getting maxed out and the work is being compromised."

Challenges and Low Points

Joey candidly discusses the "lowlights" of his career, including moments of self-doubt and the struggle to balance multiple creative pursuits. One significant turning point was a challenging acting audition that initially went poorly, leaving him questioning his versatility.

Joey McIntyre [16:09]:
"When I came out here and I got on Boston Public... my manager was like, I don't know about this audition."

Despite setbacks, Joey highlights the importance of perseverance and self-confidence, drawing parallels between his experiences in music and acting.

Joey McIntyre [21:48]:
"To me, it's the prep. It's about communicating. If you don't know what you're talking about, it's going to show."

Touring Experiences and Fan Interactions

Joey shares vivid memories from touring, both domestically and internationally. From the adrenaline of performing live to the unpredictable nature of fan interactions, he reflects on the highs and lows of life on the road.

Joey McIntyre [53:08]:
"When we were just building up steam... we were doing a whole routine and Maurice kept talking about the power of radio, but it was really the power of bingo."
(Reference to a low attendance show)

He recounts incidents such as fans throwing stuffed animals during performances, leading to injuries among band members, exemplifying the sometimes chaotic nature of fandom.

Joey McIntyre [53:09]:
"They threw a stuffed animal, and Danny was dancing and he twisted his leg... he had to leave the tour for a couple of weeks."

Additionally, Joey shares humorous and memorable encounters with fans across different countries, highlighting the diverse and passionate nature of NKOTB's global fanbase.

Joey McIntyre [55:08]:
"When we got to Korea... I walked into the bathroom, and behind the door were two Korean schoolgirls. I screamed and ran out."

Balancing Personal Life and Career

Throughout the discussion, Joey underscores the significance of family support in managing the demands of fame. Despite the challenges, his family's guidance played a pivotal role in sustaining his career and personal well-being.

Joey McIntyre [60:10]:
"My mom was strict, but my dad would come out on the road and check out on me... The best we can do as parents is put a roof over their head, clean clothes, food, and set some boundaries."

He reflects on the necessity of maintaining boundaries and the limitations of parental advice, emphasizing that personal growth and learning ultimately come from individual experiences.

Joey McIntyre [60:24]:
"There's nothing that they, it's like the teacher in Charlie Brown. It really is. And it's just human nature."

Reflections and Advice

As the episode draws to a close, Joey shares his perspective on legacy and the importance of teamwork. He expresses pride in his contributions to NKOTB's success while maintaining humility about the collective effort required to achieve lasting impact.

Joey McIntyre [58:32]:
"It's all about the presentation. It's communication... There's a detachment to it."

When asked for advice to his younger self, Joey offers a simple yet profound message, echoing his father's wisdom.

Joey McIntyre [63:09]:
"Take five minutes for yourself."

He emphasizes the value of taking moments to reflect and reassess amidst the chaos of a demanding career.

Conclusion

Episode 328 of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler provides a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of Joey McIntyre's journey in the entertainment industry. From his early days in theater to the meteoric rise of NKOTB and his ongoing solo endeavors, Joey offers a nuanced perspective on fame, creativity, and personal growth. Listeners are left with an appreciation for the dedication and resilience required to sustain a multi-decade career in the spotlight.

Notable Quotes:

• Joey McIntyre [07:47]:
  "There are certain people, when you look at them, you're like, oh, that person came here to do exactly what they were supposed to do."

• Joey McIntyre [16:18]:
  "That was a big break, acting-wise."

• Joey McIntyre [20:53]:
  "To me, it's the prep. If you haven't done the work, it shows."

• Joey McIntyre [63:09]:
  "Take five minutes for yourself."

Promotional Segments (Skipped)

As per the podcast's structure, advertisements, intros, and outros were omitted to focus solely on the content-rich sections of the interview. This ensures a comprehensive and uninterrupted summary for those who seek to understand the essence of Joey McIntyre's experiences and insights shared during the episode.