Podcast Summary: The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler
Episode 336: Gary Owen and the Absent Gliding Father
Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 336 of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler, host Ryan Sickler welcomes stand-up comedian Gary Owen for an intimate and revealing conversation. This episode delves deep into Gary's tumultuous upbringing, his strained relationships with his father and stepdad, his time in the Navy, and his journey into comedy.

Gary Owen’s Early Life and Family Background

Gary Owen opens up about his unconventional and challenging family life. He was born to parents who were high school sweethearts, older in age, which led to a complicated family dynamic. At age ten, Gary and his mother moved to a trailer park in Oxford, Ohio, marking the beginning of his life in a low-income environment.

Notable Quote:
Gary Owen shares, “[My] parents were in their twenties... my mom had me in high school” (09:10).

Relationship with His Father and Stepdad

Gary's father, a Navy serviceman, had a sporadic presence in his life. His father’s service led to frequent absences and minimal involvement, leaving Gary primarily under his mother's care. The introduction of Gary’s stepdad, Rod, added another layer of complexity. Rod was abusive and had a quick temper, often engaging in fights and contributing to a hostile home environment.

Notable Quote:
Gary reflects, “When you have an asshole stepdad that is abusive... it's like a nightmare” (19:12).

School Life and Sports

To escape the difficulties at home, Gary immersed himself in sports during his school years. He played multiple sports, including wrestling, where he humorously recounts his struggles: “I ended up being pretty good at it... but I only won three times and lost thirty” (31:45). Despite his lack of success, wrestling became a sanctuary for him.

Notable Quote:
Gary jokes, “I used to tell guys, 'Just let it happen. I'm gonna pin myself'” (32:28).

Joining the Navy

At seventeen, influenced by his friend Mike Hyneman, Gary enlisted in the Navy. Initially aiming to be in the honor guard, Gary found the experience both challenging and transformative. His role in the honor guard allowed him to participate in significant ceremonies, including President Clinton’s inauguration.

Notable Quote:
Gary describes his honor guard experience, “We marched down Pennsylvania Avenue... it was a very cool experience” (55:24).

Life in the Navy

Gary served six years in the Navy, primarily stationed in San Diego and Washington, D.C. His duties included serving as a Navy cop, handling incidents like drunk driving and bar fights on the base. Despite the structured environment, Gary reminisces about lighter moments, such as sneaking food from the base daycare.

Notable Quote:
Gary humorously shares, “I was the one you catch them like, dude, just get a room, bro” (56:52).

Struggles with Family and Addiction

Tragically, Gary’s brother, Dallas, struggled with heroin addiction and ultimately passed away from an overdose. This event profoundly affected Gary, leading him to write an article for BuzzFeed that addressed addiction from a family member’s perspective. However, this attempt at healing was met with resistance from Rod, who blamed Gary for Dallas’s death, further straining their already fragile relationship.

Notable Quote:
Gary candidly states, “Rod called me and tried to blame me for him dying. And I said, we're done” (66:06).

Reconciliation and Ongoing Tensions

Following Dallas’s death, there was a brief period of reconciliation between Gary and Rod. However, tensions resurfaced when Rod accused Gary of exploiting their family tragedy for his career. This confrontation led to Gary severing ties with both his father and stepdad, prioritizing his mental well-being over familial obligations.

Notable Quote:
Gary advises, “Gary, when you run away? Don't look back” (72:53).

Gary’s Journey into Comedy

Gary transitioned into a career in comedy as a means to cope with his past and share his experiences. His comedic style is deeply influenced by his life’s hardships, using humor to highlight and laugh at life’s lowlights. Throughout the episode, Gary promotes his latest comedy special available on Mint Comedy and discusses his ongoing tour.

Notable Quote:
Gary enthusiastically promotes his work, “My latest special is on MintComedy.com. So it's nothing you've seen before” (02:31).

Reflections and Advice

Towards the end of the episode, Gary reflects on his past with a sense of resilience and offers heartfelt advice to his younger self. Emphasizing the importance of moving forward without dwelling on past traumas, Gary encourages embracing the future with strength and determination.

Notable Quote:
Gary advises his younger self, “Gary, when you run away? Don't look back. Straight ahead, brother” (72:53).

Conclusion

Episode 336 of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler provides a poignant glimpse into Gary Owen’s life, showcasing his ability to find humor amidst adversity. Through candid storytelling and introspection, Gary shares his journey of overcoming familial struggles, serving in the Navy, and establishing himself in the comedy world. This episode not only highlights Gary’s resilience but also underscores the enduring impact of personal experiences on one’s career and outlook on life.

Note: Timecodes are based on the provided transcript and correspond to the sections they appear in.