Podcast Summary: Gianmarco Soresi - SoresiDew

The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler
Episode: Gianmarco Soresi - SoresiDew
Release Date: October 28, 2024
Host: Ryan Sickler
Guest: Gianmarco Soresi

Introduction

In this heartfelt and candid episode of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler, comedian Ryan Sickler welcomes Gianmarco Soresi, also known as SoresiDew, to delve deep into Gianmarco's turbulent upbringing, complex family dynamics, and his journey toward finding his passion in comedy. Drawing from his own adverse childhood experiences, Ryan facilitates a conversation that highlights the struggles and triumphs Gianmarco faced growing up in a fractured household.

Early Life and Family Background

Gianmarco Soresi hails from Potomac, Maryland, a place he describes as "very boring" (04:38). His upbringing was marked by his parents' divorce, which introduced him to a life split between two households. Gianmarco's mother was a lawyer, potentially representing major corporations like Exxon Mobil, while his father was an entrepreneur involved in oil spill cleanup and scrap metal recycling (05:04). This ironic juxtaposition—where his mother's legal work might indirectly support his father's environmental cleanup efforts—sets the stage for the complex family dynamics Gianmarco would navigate.

Notable Quote:
"Exxon and your dad's cleaning the shit up." — Gianmarco Soresi (05:43)

Parents' Divorce and Custody Arrangement

Gianmarco's parents divorced when he was an infant, leading to a strict custody arrangement. His time was divided between his mother and father on a rotating schedule: four days with his mother followed by three days with his father, and so on (08:02). This arrangement disrupted Gianmarco's sense of stability and fractured his perception of weekends, making activities like trips or extended family visits challenging.

Notable Quote:
"It just kind of fucked up. So it was bad." — Gianmarco Soresi (08:35)

Life with Stepdad

At approximately three years old, Gianmarco's mother remarried, introducing a strict stepfather into his life. Unlike his carefree biological father, his stepdad was highly disciplined and often imposed rigid rules. Gianmarco describes his stepdad as "the enemy of my childhood" due to his strictness and lack of emotional connection (15:17). Despite occasional moments of creativity, such as organizing elaborate Beanie Baby scavenger hunts, the overall relationship remained distant and strained.

Notable Quote:
"He was the enemy of my childhood. He was just strict." — Gianmarco Soresi (15:17)

Impact of Stepdad and Relationships with Siblings

The strained relationship with his stepfather left Gianmarco feeling isolated. While his siblings on his mother's side experienced their own struggles, Gianmarco developed a closer bond with his sisters, appreciating the unique connection they shared despite the fragmented family structure (23:02). As he grew older, Gianmarco recognized the depth of these relationships, especially during challenging times like dealing with parents' illnesses or navigating adulthood.

Notable Quote:
"I love my siblings much more deeply than I knew how to fully when I was, you know, a kid." — Gianmarco Soresi (23:02)

Educational Experiences and Regrets

Gianmarco attended the University of Miami, Florida, majoring in musical theater. However, he harbors significant regrets about this decision, feeling that the program did not prepare him adequately for the realities of the entertainment industry. He criticizes the structure of arts education, arguing that it often leaves students with substantial debt and limited practical skills necessary for career success.

Notable Quote:
"An arts degree is foolish, especially in today's world." — Gianmarco Soresi (52:21)

Finding Passion in Comedy

Despite his initial focus on acting and theater, Gianmarco found his true calling in stand-up comedy during his college years. He reflects on how early performances in school plays inadvertently prepared him for a career in comedy, even though it took him longer to realize this path was his true passion. Gianmarco emphasizes the importance of self-motivation and resilience in pursuing his dreams, traits he feels were lacking in his upbringing.

Notable Quote:
"I had to become my own pusher." — Gianmarco Soresi (37:08)

Advice to Younger Self

When prompted to offer advice to his 16-year-old self, Gianmarco underscores the importance of engaging in physical activities that one enjoys. He regrets not participating in sports or other athletic pursuits, which he believes could have instilled discipline and resilience earlier in his life. Instead, he suggests exploring non-traditional physical activities like martial arts or yoga to build a strong foundation for personal growth.

Notable Quote:
"Do something, do some, it doesn't have to be a traditional sport." — Gianmarco Soresi (57:33)

Reflections on Education and Career Paths

Both Ryan and Gianmarco engage in a critical discussion about the value of traditional four-year college programs, especially in the arts. Gianmarco expresses frustration with the lack of practical training and networking opportunities, feeling that institutions often mislead students about the prospects and realities of pursuing careers in fields like acting and comedy. They advocate for more flexible and practical approaches to education that better prepare individuals for the challenges of the industry.

Notable Quote:
"The arts is too unstable of a business and too chaotic to spend four years anywhere." — Gianmarco Soresi (55:25)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Gianmarco promoting his tour and podcast, The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi. Throughout the conversation, both Ryan and Gianmarco highlight the importance of resilience, self-motivation, and finding one's true passion despite challenging circumstances. Gianmarco's insights offer valuable lessons for listeners navigating their own personal and professional journeys.

Notable Quote:
"You're going to take that guy over? This guy or lady who fucking hustles, who's really going to show up?" — Ryan Sickler (56:35)

Key Takeaways

• Family Dynamics: Gianmarco's upbringing was significantly impacted by his parents' divorce and the introduction of a strict stepfather, leading to feelings of isolation and instability.

• Educational Critique: The traditional four-year arts programs are criticized for lacking practical training and relevancy to the current entertainment landscape.

• Self-Motivation: Gianmarco emphasizes the necessity of becoming one's own motivator, especially when lacking supportive and encouraging parental figures.

• Finding Passion: Despite early setbacks and regrets, Gianmarco found his true calling in stand-up comedy, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-discovery.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Exxon and your dad's cleaning the shit up." — Gianmarco Soresi (05:43)
• "It just kind of fucked up. So it was bad." — Gianmarco Soresi (08:35)
• "He was the enemy of my childhood. He was just strict." — Gianmarco Soresi (15:17)
• "I love my siblings much more deeply than I knew how to fully when I was, you know, a kid." — Gianmarco Soresi (23:02)
• "An arts degree is foolish, especially in today's world." — Gianmarco Soresi (52:21)
• "I had to become my own pusher." — Gianmarco Soresi (37:08)
• "Do something, do some, it doesn't have to be a traditional sport." — Gianmarco Soresi (57:33)
• "The arts is too unstable of a business and too chaotic to spend four years anywhere." — Gianmarco Soresi (55:25)
• "You're going to take that guy over? This guy or lady who fucking hustles, who's really going to show up?" — Ryan Sickler (56:35)

Final Thoughts

Gianmarco Soresi's episode on The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler offers an unfiltered look into the challenges of growing up in a fractured family, the pitfalls of traditional education systems, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion amidst adversity. His story serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the importance of self-driven motivation in overcoming life's obstacles.