The JTrain Podcast: April Fools & Big Moves with Noah Gardenswartz - CHIT CHAT WEDNESDAY

Release Date: April 2, 2025

In this engaging episode of The JTrain Podcast, host Jared Freid welcomes long-time friend and recurring guest, Noah Gardenswartz. The conversation spans a variety of topics, from April Fools' pranks and life transitions to the intricacies of family dynamics and the vibrant Jewish community in Las Vegas. Here's a detailed breakdown of the episode:

1. Introduction and April Fools' Prank

The episode kicks off with Jared expressing excitement about having Noah back on the show. Noah shares a humorous yet heart-stopping experience where his wife plays an April Fools' prank by texting him that she’s pregnant. Recorded on April 1st, Noah was initially frantic, sending multiple texts back and forth, only to discover at [02:30] that it was all a joke. This lighthearted exchange sets the tone for a candid and relatable conversation about maintaining a strong marriage through playful antics.

Notable Quote:

• Noah Gardenswartz ([02:30]): "I think I'm pregnant. And come on now. I completely forgot that it's April 1st for all listeners."

2. Moving to Las Vegas: Lifestyle and Community

Noah delves into his recent move to Las Vegas, discussing the challenges and rewards of relocating with a wife and two children. He highlights the friendly nature of Las Vegas, portraying it as a city where transplants feel welcome and can easily integrate into established communities. Noah emphasizes the importance of built-in communities, such as local schools, sports leagues, and the Jewish community, which help in forging meaningful friendships.

Notable Quote:

• Noah Gardenswartz ([07:56]): "Vegas is a city where most people are transplant. So everyone knows what it's like to be the new kid in town."

3. The Jewish Community in Las Vegas

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the Jewish community in Las Vegas. Noah describes it as diverse, with a mix of Ashkenazi Jews from California and a substantial Middle Eastern Jewish population. This blend creates a sustainable yet intimate community where members often know each other, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.

Notable Quote:

• Noah Gardenswartz ([08:21]): "The Vegas Jewish community is great. It's big enough to have a very sustainable community, but small enough where everyone eventually knows each other."

4. Navigating Comedian Life and Performances

Jared and Noah exchange insights on the life of a comedian, touching upon the balance between performing, writing new material, and maintaining a personal life. They discuss upcoming shows, including Noah's performance at the Boca Black Box on June 20th, and Jared shares his own experiences with canceled shows and the unpredictability of life on the road.

Notable Quote:

• Jared Freid ([16:11]): "Never played 18 holes in my life. Never. I just got yelled at for three hours by my dad."

5. Parenting and Family Dynamics

The conversation shifts to parenting, where Noah humorously describes his two young sons as "monster psychopaths" who keep him and his wife perpetually active from morning till bedtime. They discuss the joys and challenges of raising children, emphasizing the importance of fostering friendships among siblings and navigating the complexities of extended family relationships.

Notable Quote:

• Noah Gardenswartz ([28:27]): "So the peak is absolutely that they are friends and they entertain each other. The pit is they are absolute monster psychopaths. They're great kids. They're sweet kids."

6. Listener Email: Handling In-Laws During a Family Trip

In a segment addressing listener emails, Jared reads a detailed account of a family vacation gone awry due to in-law conflicts over camper accommodations at Disney. Both Jared and Noah agree that the situation was mishandled by all parties involved, labeling everyone as "assholes" for poor communication and lack of consideration. They offer practical advice on setting clear expectations and ensuring everyone’s needs are met before embarking on family trips.

Notable Quote:

• Noah Gardenswartz ([38:16]): "The only reason the woman writing the email isn't necessarily because it seems like they're paying for everything. But also it's a huge asshole move to put the comfort of a two-year-old over the comfort of five adults."

7. Peaks and Pits: A Fun Game Segment

Emulating the Kardashians' "Peaks and Pits," Jared and Noah share the highlights and low points of their lives. Jared discusses the positive reactions he receives from mentioning his work on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, while Noah talks about the peace he finds living off the Strip in Las Vegas versus the intense summer heat that poses a challenge.

Notable Quotes:

• Noah Gardenswartz ([19:49]): "Oh, man. I would say the Peak is off the Strip. Surprisingly calm, affordable, peaceful lifestyle. But then on the Strip, you're 15 minutes away from the greatest nightlife and restaurants in the world."
• Jared Freid ([23:10]): "Is it weird that like when you move to Vegas, is there like you're, are you up on the Vegas like financials, like how it's doing as a city?"

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Jared and Noah exchange humorous jabs about personal anecdotes and upcoming performances. They reiterate the importance of community, both in personal life and professional endeavors, and encourage listeners to support Noah’s show in Boca.

Notable Quote:

• Noah Gardenswartz ([42:10]): "Stop embarrassing your father out there. Learn how to swing, would you?"

Final Remarks

This episode of The JTrain Podcast offers a blend of humor, personal stories, and insightful discussions on family, community, and the life of a comedian. Jared and Noah's chemistry makes for an entertaining listen, providing valuable takeaways for anyone navigating similar life transitions or family dynamics.

For more laughs and relatable conversations, tune into The JTrain Podcast every Monday!