Podcast Summary: The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler – Episode featuring Langston Kerman ("KermanDew")

Release Date: September 30, 2024
Host: Ryan Sickler
Guest: Langston Kerman
Podcast Title: The HoneyDew
Episode Title: KermanDew

1. Introduction

Ryan Sickler opens the episode with his customary gratitude towards his listeners, expressing appreciation for their support regardless of their engagement level. He introduces Langston Kerman, a guest whose personal stories promise to be both engaging and enlightening.

Notable Quote:
Ryan Sickler [03:31]: "Thank you for supporting whatever it is I do anything. I don't care what it is."

2. Langston Kerman's Background

Langston Kerman hails from Oak Park, Illinois, and discusses his position as the eldest of five siblings. The significant age gaps between him and his younger siblings—ranging from 10 to 23 years—have uniquely shaped his family dynamics and personal experiences.

Notable Quote:
Langston Kerman [07:27]: "I'm the oldest of five, but I am 10 years older than the next in line and 23 years older than the youngest."

3. Family Dynamics and Parental Separation

Langston delves into his family history, revealing that his parents separated when he was just four years old. This early separation led to a 50/50 custody arrangement, allowing him to spend equal time between both parents. He shares that his father remarried twice after the separation, resulting in complex family relationships, including an adopted brother.

Notable Quote:
Langston Kerman [12:09]: "I got the 50. 50 split. Which is cool. It makes for a weird."

4. Relationship with Stepmother and Siblings

A significant portion of Langston's narrative focuses on his strained relationship with his stepmother. She resentfully viewed him as an unwanted child from a previous marriage, leading to manipulative and hostile interactions. This tension extended to his relationships with his siblings, especially as his younger brothers grew older and became more influenced by their stepmother.

Notable Quote:
Langston Kerman [14:54]: "She always resented the fact that my dad had kids or had a kid before she showed up."

5. The "Benny the Bull" Incident

One of the most dramatic episodes Langston recounts involves his stepfather, affectionately dubbed "Benny the Bull," a former Chicago mascot who fell from grace after being caught selling weed. This downfall led to his struggle with alcoholism, further complicating family relationships and contributing to his eventual passing.

Notable Quote:
Langston Kerman [25:44]: "And he couldn't stop even when they told him. You don't even have."

6. Mother's Relocation to Ghana

Following the tumultuous events surrounding his stepfather, Langston's mother chose to relocate to Ghana with his youngest sister. Seeking a fresh start away from the challenges of the American education system and her previous marital conflicts, she embraced a new life, marrying a Ghanaian who produces fruit juice. This move has further added layers to the family's intricate dynamics.

Notable Quote:
Langston Kerman [37:38]: "I think she just became sort of exhausted with that process and was like, I'm just gonna go uplift my life and experience something that is completely outside of this."

7. Langston's College Experience at University of Michigan

Langston shares his unsettling experiences during his freshman year at the University of Michigan. He describes encountering a mysterious individual in the dormitory showers, leading to allegations of sexual harassment. Despite following protocol and reporting the incident, the university's investigation concluded without taking action, leaving Langston disillusioned and reinforcing his resolve to find humor in adverse situations.

Notable Quote:
Langston Kerman [48:10]: "I was like, I'm gonna do, I'm gonna follow every protocol. I'm gonna bring justice to this injustice. This is gonna be resolved quickly and quickly."

8. Amsterdam Trip and Airbnb Break-In

In a vivid account, Langston describes a chaotic trip to Amsterdam with friends. After a night of partying, they return to their Airbnb to find a break-in that resulted in stolen passports, laptops, and personal items. The ensuing interactions with the Dutch police were fraught with tension and misunderstanding, highlighting cultural and procedural differences in handling such incidents.

Notable Quote:
Langston Kerman [53:00]: "But I think for them it's like nobody was hurt. There's no. There's no evidence of what you're suggesting might be the case."

9. Advice to Younger Self

Reflecting on his tumultuous journey, Langston offers heartfelt advice to his 16-year-old self: to find humor in difficult situations. He emphasizes that adopting a lighter perspective can transform personal struggles into sources of strength and laughter.

Notable Quote:
Langston Kerman [56:17]: "I think advice that I would give 16 year old Langston is that a bunch of this stuff is funnier than you think it is."

10. Conspiracy Theories Podcast: "My Mama Told Me"

Langston promotes his podcast, "My Mama Told Me," co-hosted with his friend David Bori. The show delves into black conspiracy theories, where they research and dissect various claims, separating fact from fiction. One notable topic discussed was the sinister possibilities surrounding DNA data from services like 23andMe, raising concerns about genetic privacy and discrimination.

Notable Quote:
Langston Kerman [58:44]: "We can deny you a home, life insurance. We can deny you life insurance all because of the DNA that you're feeding to find out if you're like, you know, British or some shit."

11. Promotions and Final Remarks

Throughout the episode, Langston promotes his stand-up special "Bad Poetry," available on Netflix, and reiterates the importance of his podcast for listeners interested in conspiracy theories and black cultural narratives. Ryan concludes the episode by expressing gratitude to Langston for sharing his compelling stories and insights.

Notable Quote:
Langston Kerman [57:27]: "And, oh, and my mama told me it's a. A podcast I run with David Bori. Very funny. If you like conspiracy theories and black people, it's a perfect combination to ask."

Conclusion

This episode of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler offers a deep dive into Langston Kerman's intricate family life, personal struggles, and unique experiences. Through candid conversations and poignant storytelling, Langston provides listeners with a multifaceted view of resilience, humor, and the complexities of blended families. His insights into handling adversity with laughter and his advocacy through his podcast underscore the episode's central themes of finding light in life's darker moments.