Podcast Summary: The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler – Episode: Ari Shaffir - AriDew

Introduction

In the January 20, 2025 episode of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler, comedian Ari Shaffir joins host Ryan Sickler for an engaging and heartfelt conversation. The episode, titled "AriDew," delves deep into Ari's personal life, his relationship with his parents, reflections on mortality, and the unique challenges and insights that come with an aging family.

Ari Shaffir’s Comedy Career and New Special

The episode kicks off with Ryan promoting his Patreon tiers, but quickly shifts focus to Ari Shaffir. Ryan expresses admiration for Ari's accomplishments, particularly highlighting his latest comedy special, "America’s Sweetheart," which Ari proudly announces has recently been released and is set to appear on Netflix around April or May 2025.

Discussion on Comedy and Milestones

Ryan remarks on Ari’s pioneering efforts in the comedy scene, noting, “You have taken Comedy Central, the first digital platform to network.” They discuss the longevity of Ari's special, which has been out for nearly three years, and the challenges of keeping comedic material relevant over such an extended period.

Ari’s Family Dynamics and Parents’ Health

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Ari's parents. Ari reveals that he turned 50 during the interview and shares that both his parents are alive and healthy, with his father being around 89 years old and his mother approximately 83-84. This leads to a touching discussion about his father's adventurous spirit and resilience. Ari recounts a poignant story:

[04:55] Ari Shaffir: "I called to get a pickle recipe. My dad's old, Romanian, pre-war. And then during war, then post-war, they left Romania. But I called to get a pickle recipe. How do you put whatever."

His mother’s mysterious response about his father’s whereabouts piques his curiosity, culminating in the revelation that his father had embarked on a solo hike up Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of 83—a feat that astonished everyone.

Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition and Reflections on Mortality

Ari describes his father's Mount Kilimanjaro expedition, emphasizing the determination and secretive nature of the journey:

[07:07] Ari Shaffir: "Sorry, I gotta see this right? I gotta get this right. Boom. This message came through from my dad."

The discussion naturally transitions into deeper reflections on death and legacy. Ryan shares his own fears and experiences with losing his father, who died shortly after Ryan returned home from the hospital. This mutual conversation highlights the complexities of coping with loss and the varying ways individuals process grief.

Empathy and Understanding Without Parenthood

Ari and Ryan explore the concept of empathy, especially from Ryan’s perspective as a non-parent. Ari expresses a nuanced view of parenting, acknowledging the sacrifices parents make while also recognizing the personal freedoms lost:

[16:48] Ari Shaffir: "What they gave up. [...] you gave up a lot for us. [...] dealing with my acting up in school."

Ryan adds, reflecting on his relationship with his own parents, saying, “It’s not about a number that’s tagged attached to me. I just feel younger than that man.”

Personal Experiences with Near-Death Situations

The conversation takes a dramatic turn as Ryan recounts a harrowing experience in Mexico where he narrowly escaped a potentially fatal accident:

[50:18] Ryan Sickler: "We stopped. He goes, it's right here on your left. [...] And I stepped out, and here comes an F1 50 pickup truck. [...] I would have been pinned in that sheet metal."

This story serves as a catalyst for discussions about life changes post-trauma. Ryan shares that such experiences have led him to make healthier lifestyle choices, including reducing alcohol consumption:

[53:04] Ryan Sickler: "I started drinking a lot less. A lot less. I'd go up and I haven't had drank in two years now."

Ari reflects on his own encounters with death, mentioning the passing of fellow comedians and the serene way some handle their final moments, expressing a desire for a peaceful end.

Memorialization and Legacy

Ari and Ryan delve into their thoughts on how they wish to be remembered. Ryan humorously suggests a unique memorialization method:

[26:21] Ryan Sickler: "I would want a 50.50ra. Come have a party and somebody bounces out of it. Half goes to the party funds. The other half goes to somebody gets a walk home."

Ari contemplates more traditional and meaningful approaches, such as dispersing ashes in beloved natural settings, emphasizing the importance of being remembered through actions and memories rather than grand gestures.

Coping with Loss and Continuing Bonds

Both speakers discuss how they maintain connections with those who have passed. Ari shares his personal ritual of visiting cemeteries and reflecting on the lives inscribed on the tombstones, fostering a sense of ongoing bond with the departed:

[41:48] Ari Shaffir: "I always like to hang Joe Liston and I, it's like we were the only ones were. [...] but, like, I could have hung out in Africa."

Ryan echoes similar sentiments, highlighting the enduring impact of loss on personal relationships and mental well-being.

Ari’s Final Thoughts and Comedy Promotion

Towards the end of the episode, Ari shifts the conversation back to his career, promoting his Netflix special "America’s Sweetheart." He encourages listeners to support the show by watching it in its entirety, aiding in its visibility on streaming platforms.

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with a blend of humor and heartfelt appreciation between Ryan and Ari. They exchange well-wishes and affirm their enduring friendship, wrapping up a conversation that oscillated between light-hearted banter and profound personal revelations.

Notable Quotes

• Ari Shaffir on His Father’s Expedition:

  “[07:07] Ari Shaffir: 'Sorry, I gotta see this right? I gotta get this right. Boom. This message came through from my dad.'”

• Ryan Sickler on Changing His Lifestyle:

  “[53:04] Ryan Sickler: 'I started drinking a lot less. A lot less. I'd go up and I haven't had drank in two years now.'”

• Ari Shaffir on Memorialization:

  “[26:21] Ryan Sickler: 'I would want a 50.50ra. Come have a party and somebody bounces out of it. Half goes to the party funds. The other half goes to somebody gets a walk home.'”

Conclusion

This episode of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler offers listeners a deep and introspective look into Ari Shaffir’s life, exploring themes of family, mortality, and personal growth. Through candid storytelling and meaningful exchanges, both Ryan and Ari provide valuable insights into navigating life’s darker moments with humor and resilience. Whether discussing near-death experiences or the complexities of parent-child relationships, the conversation remains both relatable and thought-provoking, embodying the essence of The HoneyDew’s mission to highlight and laugh at life's lowlights.