Podcast Summary: The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler – Episode 342: Ali Siddiq's 9-Pack of Parenthood

Release Date: July 14, 2025

Introduction and Guest Appearance

In this episode of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler, comedian Alonzo Bodden returns as a guest, bringing his unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling to the conversation. Alonzo has been a recurring presence on the show, and his third appearance delves deeper into his personal life, parenting, and the challenges he's faced both professionally and personally.

Alonzo Bodden’s Personal Life and Parenting

Number of Children and Family Dynamics

Alonzo opens up about his large family, mentioning that he has a total of nine children. He shares the emotional story of losing his first son at nine months old when he was just 16 or 17 years old. This tragedy profoundly impacted his life and shaped his approach to fatherhood. Alonzo emphasizes the importance of being present for his children, contrasting his own upbringing with what he strives to provide for his kids.

“I want to make sure my children have happy memories and lessons learned from both good and bad experiences,” Alonzo states ([07:43]).

Supporting Children’s Passions

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Alonzo's dedication to supporting his children's interests. He discusses how his daughter Helena sparked his family's love for ice skating, leading to her rapid advancement in the sport. Alonzo highlights the importance of nurturing his children's passions, whether it's ice skating, gymnastics, or culinary arts.

“When you have a passion, you have to cultivate it, especially if you see the same laser focus in your children that you had in yourself,” Alonzo explains ([31:24]).

Comedy Career and Specials

Starting a Career Post-Prison

Alonzo shares his journey into comedy, which began after he was released from prison at the age of 25. Determined to rebuild his life, he secured a job at a men’s apparel store, using the uniform discounts to dress appropriately for performing stand-up. His resilience and commitment to his craft were evident as he navigated the early stages of his career.

“If I didn’t get a job, I just moved on to the next thing. I wasn’t deterred by any ‘no’s,” Alonzo remarks ([10:39]).

Recent Comedy Specials

The duo discusses Alonzo’s recent accomplishments in the comedy world, including multiple recorded specials. Alonzo reveals that he has three specials already recorded—The Dog, Father, and Monday—with plans to release them throughout the year. This achievement underscores his relentless work ethic and passion for comedy.

“We’re trying to set the bar high. Three specials in one year—none other than me,” Alonzo boasts ([68:54]).

Personal Anecdotes and Challenges

Breaking His Clavicle in Cabo

Alonzo recounts a harrowing experience where he broke his clavicle, ribs, and teeth while surfing in Cabo. Despite his injuries, he remained committed to his shows, performing with a broken arm and navigating through pain without medication. This story highlights his dedication and the physical demands of being a touring comedian.

“I broke my clavicle and broke four of my ribs and strained my sternum and cracked my teeth surfing in Cabo,” Alonzo shares ([57:44]).

Interactions with Other Comedians

Alonzo reflects on his interactions with fellow comedians like Earthquake and Tom Segura. He narrates a memorable encounter with Earthquake that evolved from skepticism to friendship after witnessing Alonzo’s successful performances.

“Earthquake walked in and looked right in my face and said, ‘Hey, try not to get booed tonight.’” Alonzo recalls ([19:36]).

Reflections on Fatherhood and Legacy

Impact of His Own Father

Alonzo delves into his strained relationship with his own father, who was often irresponsible and absent. He discusses how his father’s negligence and involvement in drug-related activities influenced his determination to be a dependable and supportive father. Alonzo emphasizes the lessons learned from both his father's shortcomings and his mother's pivotal role in his life.

“The reason why I'm the type of father I am now is my mom would like to say that it was her. But no, it was really a lot of the feelings that I did want my children to have about me,” Alonzo reflects ([65:12]).

Creating Positive Memories for His Children

He underscores the significance of creating positive memories with his children, contrasting with his own experiences of limited fond memories with his father. Alonzo shares how he makes a conscious effort to be present, whether it's attending ice skating competitions, engaging in meaningful conversations, or simply spending quality time together.

“I would rather my children have more memories of me being there than not,” Alonzo states ([65:12]).

Miscellaneous Stories and Experiences

Unique Family Dynamics

Alonzo introduces his children, each with distinct personalities and interests. From Hasan’s sophisticated palate and love for chess to Helena’s passion for ice skating and Hanan’s managerial skills, Alonzo paints a vivid picture of his vibrant family life.

“Hanan is the one that you can ask for money. She’s like, 'For how long?'" Alonzo jokes about his youngest daughter's financial acumen ([39:27]).

Comedy Club Experiences

He shares humorous and sometimes challenging experiences from performing at various comedy clubs, including dealing with audience reactions and unexpected encounters that test his comedic resilience.

Conclusion and Promotions

As the episode wraps up, Alonzo promotes his upcoming shows across 34 new cities, encouraging listeners to attend his performances. He also invites audiences to watch his specials on YouTube and visit his website for tickets and further information.

“Go watch the specials on YouTube. You can start at Domino Effect and go up if you want to, you know, get some backstory,” Alonzo encourages ([73:35]).

Notable Quotes

• Alonzo Bodden ([07:43]): “I want to make sure my children have happy memories and lessons learned from both good and bad experiences.”

• Alonzo Bodden ([31:24]): “When you have a passion, you have to cultivate it, especially if you see the same laser focus in your children that you had in yourself.”

• Alonzo Bodden ([10:39]): “If I didn’t get a job, I just moved on to the next thing. I wasn’t deterred by any ‘no’s.”

• Alonzo Bodden ([57:44]): “I broke my clavicle and broke four of my ribs and strained my sternum and cracked my teeth surfing in Cabo.”

• Alonzo Bodden ([19:36]): “Earthquake walked in and looked right in my face and said, ‘Hey, try not to get booed tonight.’”

• Alonzo Bodden ([65:12]): “I would rather my children have more memories of me being there than not.”

Key Takeaways

• Resilience and Determination: Alonzo’s journey from a challenging youth to a successful comedian underscores the power of resilience and unwavering determination.

• Active Parenting: Emphasizing the importance of being present and supportive, Alonzo demonstrates how actively engaging in children’s interests fosters their growth and happiness.

• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Alonzo navigates the complexities of touring and parenting, illustrating the delicate balance required to maintain both personal and professional commitments.

• Learning from the Past: Reflecting on his own upbringing, Alonzo highlights how personal experiences shape one's approach to fatherhood, aiming to provide a more supportive and loving environment for his children.

This episode offers a profound look into Alonzo Bodden’s life, blending humor with heartfelt reflections on family, career, and personal growth. Listeners gain insight into the man behind the comedy, understanding the motivations and challenges that drive his performances and parenting philosophy.