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Jared Freed
Chit chat Wednesday for you to listen to. I have a guess who will be your new boo. You're gonna love them too. Chit chat Wednesday. I hope you're having a good day today. I hope it's gonna be a perfect week too. I hope you have a nice poo. It's a ch. Chit chat Wednesday too. Hello and welcome to J Train Podcast. It's a chit chat Wednesday and today's guest is new to the jcu. Peter Ravello, hilarious comic. Go check him out. I've been seeing him at the Comedy Cellar over the last few months. He kills. He just is so funny. And what you're gonna watch is two dudes getting to know each other. If you're. If you're wondering about, like, there's a lot of talk about men having no friends and the male loneliness thing. And these are. This is two men who have met in passing now having a zoned in conversation. Peter is at a park in Staten Island. We talk about Staten island and talk about his friends and how he grew up and all that good stuff. And I just think it was a great conversation and fun time. And then at the end, he talks about his friends in Staten island of, like, this kind of like scumbag culture. So we talk about. We play a game called Scummy or Yummy, which the name. We got to work on it. But if you're watching, listening, I'm on the road and I would love for you to come to the show and I would love for you to bring friends and family. Denver, San Francisco, Providence, Winnipeg, Kansas City, Richmond. That's like the end of my summer. Then we get into, like, the theaters, dc, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Chicago, Durham, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Royal Oak, Michigan, Columbus, Ohio, Orlando, San Diego, Philly, Baltimore, Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston, Dallas, Houston, New York, Toronto, and then Seattle, Vancouver. Look at. I had to look at a sheet to read because it's so many dates and I want you to come. Jaredfree.com assemble the group chat and enjoy today's episode. Boom. Hello and welcome to the J Train Podcast. This is Jay Train, Jared Freed coming live from Los Angeles, California. That's right, every Wednesday is a Chit chat Wednesday where I have on a friend, a comedian, an expert. Today we have like one and a half out of three we've just met and really, you know, seen each other around recently. So I'd call them friendly. I would say they're a comedian and they're not an expert. But yeah, they're an expert. I'd give them two and a half Expert in Staten Island. Scumbag. Because we're going to talk a little scumbag on this episode. Hilarious comedian. Go follow on all the platforms at Peter Underscore Ravello. Peter Ravello, how are you?
Peter Ravello
Hey, Jared. Thanks for having me. Happy to be in a scumbag for you. I.
Jared Freed
You're our lead scumbag here on the J Train. Your first time on the show, you're in Staten island because I only say this because, first of all, you have, like, how to spot a scumbag is, like. Is prevalent on your social media.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, we. It was fun for a little while. You know, it's a. It's just. You grow up with these people, and it's just fun to pretend to be them.
Jared Freed
But I. That was what. Why it stood out to me, because when you go on stage, you talk a lot about, like, your group of friends, and when I hear your stand up, which is great, and everyone should go follow Peter, you do have, like, a thing where you're like. I'm like, are you. Were you the only one who made it out?
Peter Ravello
Like, yeah, out of all my friends, yeah, some of them. What do you mean by making out? I mean, some of them are like garbage men and firemen, so they're doing okay, although others are not doing so well.
Jared Freed
Was it like, in your area, Was it like, go join a union? Was that like, kind of like childhood was like, go join a union or you're like, a loser? Like, is that because you're from Staten Island? For people that don't know, but you talk about it on stage. And I do have this, like, you know, when you hear someone's act, you kind of go to a place, you know.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, no, I don't. I don't mix it up with many Fortune 500, you know, Titans of industry. It's a. It's a lot of, you know. Yeah. Union guys. People who are a lot of fringe people. A lot of guys who are still enjoying certain substances.
Jared Freed
Okay.
Peter Ravello
So. Yeah, so I. Yeah, I mean, I grew up with a lot of those kind of guys. Like. No. No one. A few college educated, not many.
Jared Freed
What era. Where are you from?
Peter Ravello
Savvy? I'm from Tottenville in Staten Island. So, like, it's the South Shore. All Italian. Real construction, where it's all. It's not. It's. It's dumb money down there. That makes sense. A lot of contractors skimming off the top and building their own houses.
Jared Freed
Is that, like, to me, I'm like, is that a cartoon or is it a Real thing? Is it like a real thing? Like, is that a reality?
Peter Ravello
Real? Yeah, that's how you. That's how you build a house in Staten Island. You. You take the materials from another job and you just kind of.
Jared Freed
You build your own home.
Peter Ravello
I know, I know a few guys like that.
Jared Freed
Staten island, like, to me, you would think, and I think most people think this, it's like this, like little, tiny, you know, you know, like tiny thing. But it's bigger than Manhattan.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, no, it's tremendous. I mean, look. Look at the greenery. I mean, look, that's the thing. Come on.
Jared Freed
I've gone and I know it's nicer than people let on. That's what I like. It's more suburban.
Peter Ravello
Yeah.
Jared Freed
And maybe you would imagine because it's just not what people think. And. And I think the people of Staten island, like, kind of want it that way.
Peter Ravello
Well, yeah, that's the thing too. Like, that is like the most Republican of the boroughs. So, you know, I mean, like, it gets a wrap for being, like, kind of racist and, you know, rightfully we.
Jared Freed
Well, but I think, like, the skimming off the top and the like, I feel like that's part of, like the fun of being from Staten island is there's like, I don't know, like, I hope this doesn't sound bad, but like, when I see, like when I hear from Staten island people, and then I saw it, I was like, wait a minute, there's like tree lined highways here. Like, like, this is beautiful. Like, who wouldn't want to live here? But then all the talk of it is like, oh, like everything people.
Peter Ravello
Oh, Jared, please. That's a little. I mean, my culture is in your costume.
Jared Freed
I mean, if so for Jew, like, I could understand. You could. I think every group has its noises, but I. I guess I only feel comfortable doing the Jewish one and the Italian.
Peter Ravello
Italian one. Those are the last two. Those are the last two.
Jared Freed
The last two you can copy. Yeah.
Peter Ravello
God damn it. But no, I. It is. You know what it is? The place is beautiful. The people are horrible. The people are absolutely. Like, where I grew up, it's like all like real guineas. Like real Italian, you know, just miserable construction workers. They have a beautiful house, marble everything. They got a nice gold line out on the front lawn. But they hate themselves. They hate life. They're very clannish. Like, they. It's all about the family. They don't let inside. Everyone thinks they're in the mafia.
Jared Freed
I mean, there's like a distrust of sorts.
Peter Ravello
I don't know if that's an Italian thing, but, yeah, that carried over from the old country.
Jared Freed
Right. I mean, it is just such an interesting place to me, because you can be from Staten island and be like. I think I. I. You know, I worked with a guy. He was from. He was. He lived on Staten Island. Loved it. But he. His background was. It was. Who had a. He was like, Eastern European, but they had a war that we got involved.
Peter Ravello
In Croatia or Bulgaria. That's. Yeah, probably that.
Jared Freed
That One of those areas. And I remember the Serbs. He was Serbian. Yes. And there's a Serbian area of Staten island, right?
Peter Ravello
Yeah, we got little pockets. It's predominantly Italian and Irish. But then, like, you get like, we have. We got some hasidum coming in, and that's exciting. And then we got. We got a little serve pocket, Russian pocket, you know, so we got a little pockets, but the big pocket is mostly Italian. Irish.
Jared Freed
Yeah.
Peter Ravello
Yeah.
Jared Freed
So your friends that. So growing up, were your parents in the union? Like, was that part of your. Or were you guys, like, the. Was it like the. Yeah, we're. We're here, but we're not, like, you know.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, no, we're not. We're not like that. My dad is like. So what they call the Verrazano Bridge is. If you're, like, born in Staten island before it was built, you call it the guinea gangplank, because as soon as that was built, then you get all the. All the Italians came in, and so, like, they kind of changed the demographic. But this used to be like the sticks. Staten Island, State island used to be like a wooded area. Like, we used to have, like, south beach was like a. Like, Jersey. It was like a Seaside heights.
Jared Freed
Right?
Peter Ravello
And then it kind of. Then it kind of changed. It became all that union ship. But no, my dad was. My dad didn't have a job, and my mom was a cpa. So it's a real mixed bag in that regard.
Jared Freed
Right. So, I mean, it's funny how a bridge will just change the whole thing. Like, you know, this is the stuff sociologists, like, talk about. You know, like, they're like, the minute that bridge went in, and then, like, you know, this would be like a documentary type of thing.
Peter Ravello
I know. It is strange. Like, you think of, like, how evolved we are and, like, how you want to take credit for a lot of things that you do or whatever. And then a bridge is built, and it changes everything. And you're like, right, all it took was a bridge.
Jared Freed
And you're like, oh, we go over that and that's why we move, you know, like we are animals, you know?
Peter Ravello
Yeah, yeah, we migrated. I mean, a lot of the migrated, but.
Jared Freed
So you, you grew up in Staten island, then you go off to college?
Peter Ravello
Yeah, I went to college in Manhattan. So, like, that helps get the stink off a little bit and then.
Jared Freed
But is that like going away? Like when you say I'm going to Manhattan, are they. Because I'm from Boston or outside of Boston in the city?
Peter Ravello
Yeah, you go into the city, right?
Jared Freed
That's the thing. Like, to me, Boston and New York was not that big of a jump. Like, I was like, yeah, it's a city in the northeast. It wasn't like I was going off, like, it didn't feel like that like coming of age movie where I was like getting in my car and, and trying to make it in the big city. Like, it was just like, right. No, this is a city you go to and this is where successful people are. But there are people back home. Every now and again, the languaging they use is like, they're like, is it big and fast? I'm like, you're from fucking Boston. What are you talking about? You're not a loser.
Peter Ravello
You know, like, yeah, they act like it's like the city of the future or something. Or like the crime thing, they're just like, is it. It's like, it's not, it's not Mad Max. I mean, you get some homeless guys, but it's, you know, everyone's.
Jared Freed
Everyone's people are like that from Staten island, where the crime, like, for them to mention the crime. You're like, we have the same news channel.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, well, because it's so different. Like, a lot of people get stuck here. So, you know, a lot of people kind of just. They get, you know, they're stuck on the island and they just, you know, they're afraid of Manhattan. Which always made me laugh, especially as, like, comics. Some comics get stuck here. They start doing stand up here and they just like, the best place is 35 minutes away, right?
Jared Freed
Well, 35 minutes away, but like, you know, what a risk, you know, like you can, you know that like, you get used to like the stage that is around all your friends and you do the material that, you know, will work. Like, I'm sure there's Staten island comics that are like, listen, I got this thing that works and I make some money doing it and no risk, no fail, you know, but it's such a horrible hobby.
Peter Ravello
Don't you feel that way about stand up? Like, what a terrible Hobby. Like, if you make model planes, you're not getting embarrassed every now and again.
Jared Freed
I think it's a horrible hobby to not realize is a hobby. Like, I like, I think if you can do, like, I actually think if someone had like a great job and once a week they go to like their local open mic that get some local people and it's not all comics, and, you know, I think that can be nice. I do think if you're like, you think you're going for it and you're getting angry that it's not working for you, but you're treating it as a hobbyist and you're doing things that a hobbyist, you know, that you're not doing things like a professional should be doing. That's like a version of hell. Like, you know, to me, like, yeah, I'm going to make it, but I'm not leaving Staten Island. That's hell.
Peter Ravello
Yeah. And then there is a bitterness. They're just like, I crushed in great Kills. And you're like, yeah, yeah. It's like, oh, there's just like one place though. And. But yeah, it is.
Jared Freed
I don't know.
Peter Ravello
I, I. People are like, very. They have a lot of questions about Staten Island. It's very interesting because it seems.
Jared Freed
I definitely have a lot of questions.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, it's very underreported, I guess. It's. It just has the most New Yorkers, like Bronx and the Staten island have the most native New Yorkers. So that's always makes me laugh. Like people like New Yorkers are, you know, mean or whatever. Or like, like, yeah, that's, that's, that's pieces of shit, garbage people.
Jared Freed
It is, it's. It's one of those things from the outside looking in, you go, oh, I know Brooklyn. I can get. Understand what that is. I can understand the Bronx a little bit. If you, I mean, a little bit. You can get like, okay, Yankees and stuff like that. But like, I think Staten island just is like, maybe the island, you know, maybe because it's an island. Like, you know, that's, that's something about, like, long island that you forget. Like, long islanders to me are like weirdos. And they are. And they don't really admit to it, or maybe they do. But I'm saying, like, you have to remember, like, that's an island. Like, I think like island people, no matter where the island is, makes you a little bit weird. Like one road in, one road out. That changes everything. Again, we're back to sociology lessons. I'm like, I do like, to think.
Peter Ravello
Of myself as an island person, as like a white guy. You know what I mean? Just like, yeah, I'm from an island. You know everything.
Jared Freed
I'm an island. Over here, it's the New York Islanders. Like, that's literally the.
Peter Ravello
Yeah.
Jared Freed
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Peter Ravello
We met at a pizzeria in time.
Jared Freed
You're not doing a good job of getting yourself out of Staten Island. Like that is like, it's a little.
Peter Ravello
On the nose a little bit.
Jared Freed
A little bit. You're being cartoonish now.
Peter Ravello
We lady in the tramp. The. The spaghetti. And then we just fell in love. Ever since classic Staten Island.
Jared Freed
Got on the fe. And held hands the whole way home.
Peter Ravello
Yeah. I mean, I was a delivery driver, and she was a waitress, and it's a tale as old as time, Jared. You know, just sparks flew.
Jared Freed
Where was the Italian place?
Peter Ravello
In Tottenville. In Tottenville. It was a place called Bellagio, and it was. It was an awesome place. It's like old Sicilian. Not old. He was, like, right off the boat, Sicilian guy. And he had his son Cologedo, which is, you know.
Jared Freed
Cologedo.
Peter Ravello
Yeah.
Jared Freed
You ever see a broadcast, the beginning. What is this? The beginning of the Godfather. Like, like, where the names are, like. Like a little more Italian than they should be.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, yeah, I know. You think. You think, like, John Vito is, like, an Italian name, and you get him the Cologero, and you're just like this. There's levels to this, right?
Jared Freed
Yeah, absolutely. You're delivering. She's a waitress. And how old are you?
Peter Ravello
I'm 20. We started dating when I was 20. Now I am 34. So we've been together, I don't know, 15 years.
Jared Freed
About how long married?
Peter Ravello
Four before years. I took a while. Jared. Took a while.
Jared Freed
I mean. I mean, listen, you. You committed, though. Like, you know, like, took a while. But I'm sitting here 40, and I. But she probably reminds you of how long it took you. All the time.
Peter Ravello
Not all the time, but I. I remember one day we were talking about, like, marriage or what, before we got married. And I just said, like, oh, I. You know, say, why aren't we. Why haven't you proposed? And I was like, I didn't think you cared. I know. Every day. Every day. I know. Every day I commit myself to you. And I was, like, explaining to her my logic. Like, I don't need, you know, to be married to you, to feel like I'm with you. And then she's like, but if we got married, it would be more, like, you know, official and more. I'm like, yeah, we can always get divorced. And then she started to cry. Jared. See, that's. That's not the right. Because she started to cry. She started saying, dude, this is. She's like, we got. We're getting divorced before we get married. And I'm just like, it's not how I meant it. I wanted this to be nice.
Jared Freed
It is. This does sound like it's a new A version. Like, we did an updated version of, like, west side Story. Like, this conversation of, like, hey, Peter, why aren't we married? Like, this sounds very like black and white movie to me.
Peter Ravello
Like to say she's Blanche dubois all of a sudden.
Jared Freed
But then I, I, it is. The real issue here is.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, let's get to it.
Jared Freed
Well, the issue is, is it sucks to, like, wait a while to get married because you talk on stage about being happily married and it does come, comes off. It doesn't seem like you're bullshitting. It doesn't seem like it's coming from a lying place. So it seems like the marriage thing, if it took you a while, it wasn't because the person wasn't right. It was like, I need to feel comfortable with myself. I can understand. This is all stuff a therapist would go, it ain't the I'm fucking around thing. It's the, no, I need to feel right as a man and ready to, like, be responsible for the relationship. I can understand all that, but here's what I would, here's however or not however, as much as you should be able to. Like, what sucks is it's like finding out you were impotent. Like, it's finding out. It's like finding out your sperm doesn't work after years of stressing out about maybe she's pregnant. Like, you could have had all these stressless years because you, right now, I'm sure you're comfortable in your marriage and you're going, if I adjust, done it three years earlier, we'd be, I would never have this argument. We would never, I would never get for this for the rest of my life. Like, the rest of your life?
Peter Ravello
You feel weird?
Jared Freed
Yeah. Like someone's gonna go, how long you been married? You'll be like, well, we're together 30 years, but two years married, and someone's.
Peter Ravello
Like, what, what are you, Puerto Rican?
Jared Freed
What's going on here? And then you have to, like, do the, like, you know, put your toe in the sand. Like, well, here's what happened. And I just didn't have the confidence. Like, you have to, like, open up to some stranger every time.
Peter Ravello
I know people are just, yeah, they, they love to ask questions about that, but I, I like the way it happened. The way it happened, you know, and it's been good and. But it's funny, like, being together that long, it's such a strange, it just blows my mind. It doesn't feel like 15. Sometimes it feels like 5, and then other times it feels like 30. Like, it's just hard to, it's hard to explain to be with someone that Long, like, through my whole twenties. All of my twenties.
Jared Freed
I gave my twenties. I gave her. You gave.
Peter Ravello
Very generous.
Jared Freed
Oh, my God. You gave him the good years of your body. I can't believe.
Peter Ravello
The best years of the body.
Jared Freed
Yeah. How could you. You waste it, you know, like the. And I'm sure you had the friends, if you were in that area, like, of, you know, of Staten island, the friends. Like, I mean, you've mentioned this on stage of, like, you know, how could you. You know, you. You should be dating. You should be out there just like me. But then you see them, and I'm sure you're like, that doesn't look that fun either.
Peter Ravello
It does. It seems hard. You're single, right?
Jared Freed
I'm single.
Peter Ravello
It's single. Ish. No, I'm single.
Jared Freed
I'm single, and we're good. I. I think it's hard because you get very. Like, you've never really experienced, like, the.
Peter Ravello
I was before Tinder. Like, I was. We got together even before apps.
Jared Freed
You grew together. So there's this thing called shared brain. Have you ever heard that? I have. Where when a spouse passes away, you're losing part of your brain because there's things they're taking care of and not you.
Peter Ravello
Yeah.
Jared Freed
So, like, they know a code to the garage, which is not something that they would know and you not know, but as an example, they would know the code of the garage. So if they passed away, you lose that. You. You lose the memory. They have a story that they tell. So. Well, I am like a single mother. I don't. I got. I only have my own memories. So it's weird at this age to, like, I don't under. I don't have anyone to, like, commiserate.
Peter Ravello
With or, like, like, reminisce with.
Jared Freed
Right. And then I'm like, how would I even. I can't even make a friend at 40. How am I going to, like, meet someone that I would, like, spend every waking minute with at this age?
Peter Ravello
I guess so. I. Yeah. I don't know.
Jared Freed
Like, I called you half a friend. I said, we're friendly. Like, I wasn't. Like, we're friends. Like, I think at this age, you go, I'm not just letting anyone in. And then I got to let them in at, like, I got to go from zero. Like, it'd be. It's actually weird.
Peter Ravello
I prefer to be put in that position. I can only go up now, Jared. That's the way I see it. I can only just win you over. And now, you know, we started at Friends. I'm like, this guy's gross, disgusting. It's a little too much, right? But now I'm like, well, okay, there's rude, there's a. You left a little crack in there for me.
Jared Freed
We can figure this out.
Peter Ravello
But yeah, I guess that could be because my brother, he's. He just got, he was out of a. He was in a relationship for like seven, eight years and then they broke up and he's just horn ended up. He's having a hell of a.
Jared Freed
How old is he?
Peter Ravello
He's two years older than me. So he's 36. 37.
Jared Freed
So he's 36. Was he married?
Peter Ravello
No, he was never married.
Jared Freed
Okay, so what ended it? What made them. After seven years, like, what made them go finally, like.
Peter Ravello
Well, she broke up with him. So that, that, that usually.
Jared Freed
Well, that, well, that means she was trying again and again and he wasn't changing.
Peter Ravello
Yeah. Yeah. So he, he was, they weren't compatible. It's for the best. But it is interesting to see him now. He's in his glory. Jared. He's loving it.
Jared Freed
He loves. Wears off. But how long have they been apart?
Peter Ravello
Less than a year.
Jared Freed
Yeah, that's the fun. That's the. I'm doing apps. I'm playing with the app. It's not like I'm going on the app. It's. I'm gonna play with. It's fun and games right now. Is he. And he's probably a good looking dude. He's probably a hakamati. He's got a job.
Peter Ravello
He's a union guy. He's a union guy.
Jared Freed
So he's got benefits. Does he have a house?
Peter Ravello
No, not yet. Not yet. But if he had a house, I mean, forget it. It would just be unfair.
Jared Freed
And he lives on Staten Island.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, he does. Yeah, we all live here.
Jared Freed
Loving it. Everyone, so. And you even came back. That's the thing. Like I, I, you commute to the shows.
Peter Ravello
I do. I, I like leaving. Don't you feel that way? Don't you feel like Manhattan's like, oppressive sometimes? Like everything's going to happen here. Like, if I had to do all my spots in the city and do everything in the city and then you just walk two blocks. There's no, like really bringing up something.
Jared Freed
That I've been enjoying. I moved to Delray Beach, Florida. So.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, I was wondering where you've been.
Jared Freed
Yeah, I went to. So I was living literally down the street from the Comedy Cellar, like going to. Well, I didn't know it was too much until I Got out. And I'm really liking the, like, when I'm home, I'm home.
Peter Ravello
You move to Florida?
Jared Freed
Yeah, for the summer to see if I could work it. And I really like it, I gotta say. Like, when I come to New York and do spots, like, I'm having fun doing that too. Like, I'm not really. My big concern was, will I lose? Stand up. Will I lose? But I think there's a marginal rate of return when you're doing, you know, when you do eight spots a week and then you do 15. I don't know if eight to 15, you're really gaining anything from it. Or maybe I, I, I, like a certain point. Right.
Peter Ravello
I think you're right. No, I think you put down so much of that bedrock that it's like, you're not gonna lose. It's not something that could be lost.
Jared Freed
Right. And I know what I like to talk about, and I, you know, I can write. And I, I was like, I needed to do more writing than performing, you know? Like, you have this thing. I'm like, it's all workflow. Shit. It, like, it turns into, like. Yeah, you know, you feel like a douche because I'm like, I just said the word workflow. My parents are in Boca. Oh, okay. So, like, they were nearby, and Delray beach is, like, a beach town. Like, it's like I turned into the, like, PR person for Delray Beach. I'm the opposite of you with Staten Island. Like, I'm like, you got to come here. The beaches are great. The restaurants are awesome. There's women.
Peter Ravello
It's affordable. Oh, there's women. Oh, God. Far as I can see. I know, but I just.
Jared Freed
I don't know.
Peter Ravello
Florida is just such a. I don't know. I. My, My dad lives down there. He lives in, like, Port. Port Solo. Like, near, Near Jupiter. Like, Jupiter. And it's just the Floridians, it just. I guess maybe the beach people are better, but they're.
Jared Freed
It's a little bit better in Delray beach because it doesn't feel as stale. There's. There's a little bit of energy there because it's a new town, and you can tell people are moving there from elsewhere. You. I do know what you're talking about. There's some times where you walk into a strip mall in Florida. I have that in la. I'm in LA right now. There's some parts of LA where I walk into a Walgreens, and I'm like, everything about this makes me sad. Like, I, I Can't I, Like, I can't because there's like. I don't know. Maybe it's the sun. Like, I. At least when it's like, in Boston, right? When it's Boston and I go to a Walgreens there, there's like. I don't know. It's cold out. It's. I, I. There's. There's a.
Peter Ravello
There's a gloom.
Jared Freed
Yeah, there's something. There's some grit there. Here. It's just so bright. The lights are just shining on you. All right, I want to play a game before we go, because this has been nice. I don't apologize. I, I want everyone to go follow Peter Ravello. He's hilarious. Kills all the time. So funny. At Peter Underscore. Ravello. Go follow all the information in the. I was going to promote your show, but you're going to Philly. But it's already happened, so. Philly people.
Peter Ravello
You're going to have something next Wednesday. I don't know when this is right.
Jared Freed
This is coming out later. It's. We're getting ahead, so it's over now. But yeah, I'm sure everyone in Philly had fun. You'll have to see them the next time. I wanted to play a game called Scum or Yum. Oh, okay.
Peter Ravello
All right.
Jared Freed
You are a resident scumbag expert and you're going to tell us if this move is scummy or yummy. You ready?
Peter Ravello
Just that term.
Jared Freed
All right.
Peter Ravello
Yeah.
Jared Freed
Okay. I know it rhymes with scum. Okay. I, I listen. It was. It was scum. It was scummer yum or.
Peter Ravello
That's it.
Jared Freed
I know gum. Or like, you're not a bad guy. Doesn't really have the same bum. No bum is scum. You know, like.
Peter Ravello
I know.
Jared Freed
Okay.
Peter Ravello
Scummer yum. Here we go.
Jared Freed
Scummer. Hum. Scummer.
Peter Ravello
Maybe it's a scum or. And it's like a. Is it scummy?
Jared Freed
Well, I like yum. Let's go. Scummy or yummy. Okay, here's the first one. Easy one. Ketchup on pasta. Is that scummy or yummy?
Peter Ravello
That is scummy. It is. It's a blight. I hate ketchup. Even take out the Italian heritage. The ketchup is an abomination. I don't think it should be on anything. I think it's.
Jared Freed
It.
Peter Ravello
It's so disgusting. People put it in meatloaf. My sister used to put it on her eggs because she was a Cretan. She's grown out of it. She's. She's evolved. But I think ketchup is disgusting.
Jared Freed
I don't think I like ketchup in moderation. I'm with you. I think ketchup on fries. Cold ketchup with hot, hot fries. That is a delicious, beautiful thing. Ketchup on pasta. It's never been for me. It never made sense. It.
Peter Ravello
You've never seen this. And out in the wild, though. This is.
Jared Freed
Every single one of these are things my dad does. And I'm getting you to say whether he's scummy or yummy. And my dad is. Yeah, he's a ketchup on pasta guy. It is a. I think the ketchup.
Peter Ravello
Did you put parmesan or anything?
Jared Freed
Oh, no, no. Straight up ketchup. And he does. He'll like squeeze it so you hear the. From the bottle. Like he just said glop. There's no shame in it. That's the problem too. And I think it's like a depression era thing because I think my grandmother would have pushed it. And I think it likes it. There really isn't. I'm with you. I like that you said that. It's not even my Italian heritage talking. And then you do it with the most Italian accent ever, like most New York. And you're like, hey, it's not the Italian you know, but it's all fudged up.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, go ahead.
Jared Freed
Okay, here's another one. Takes things from the lost and found at the local jcc.
Peter Ravello
Why do we have to put the. Well, I mean, who knows? Maybe the people who dropped them are not of any specific denomination. So I would say, I'm gonna go yummy on this. I'm gonna go yummy.
Jared Freed
Fair game. It's been lost. They didn't care enough about it in the first place, right?
Peter Ravello
What are you doing?
Jared Freed
It's. They. Listen, you had enough time. If it's in the lost and found for a minute, that's a minute longer than you would have had to find it anyways. And it's now, you know, up for grabs.
Peter Ravello
Right. And if. You know what, if you're too good to hold on to something, it's. It's. I should. It should belong to me. I'll take care of it better. I promise. I won't lose it as well.
Jared Freed
Okay. Okay. Okay. So you yummy. Okay. You arrive at a barbecue with food that you would only like to have. So you do. You brought food for yourself to a barbecue because you were afraid they wouldn't have the food you would like at the barbecue.
Peter Ravello
I think that's scummy. I'm a man of the people, Jared. I think you have to defer to the group. You get invited to the barbecue. You have to. You have to accentuate it as much as you can. It's not about you. The barbecue is not about you.
Jared Freed
Yeah, that. That's something. Not. That's not something my dad has done, but I agree with you. I think it's. To bring anything in Tupperware to a barbecue that has your name on it. Bad luck. Scummy.
Peter Ravello
Yeah.
Jared Freed
Okay.
Peter Ravello
There's no iron barbecue.
Jared Freed
No. So. All right, last one. You go to a restaurant that has a policy where if you complain about one of the sides that's on your dish, they will come back with a third side and not take back the one that was mistaken. And once you catch on to this, you then order based on knowing that they won't take the side from your plate, and you will always get three sides. Does this make sense?
Peter Ravello
How often do I go there? I guess once a month.
Jared Freed
Once a month, you go to a place where, you know, if you say, oh, I didn't get the potatoes, you know, they'll let you know. Go, keep the potatoes. Keep the coleslaw. We'll bring you out the side of baked potato.
Peter Ravello
It's yummy. It's gotta be yummy. It's up. It's a good move. I think it's a good move also. You know what? It's not like a caviar side, but talk about mashed potatoes. And. And maybe some. Some greens.
Jared Freed
I mean, a rice peel off a greens. A standard sides.
Peter Ravello
Yeah, yeah, A rice pilaf. I mean, if you're crying over a side of rice pilaf, you're in tr.
Jared Freed
You know, So I think they're to be fucked with if you.
Peter Ravello
If you're doing this, you want me to do it. You're you. There's a part of you that wants to. You want to see me this happy. You want to see me flush with sides.
Jared Freed
So if anything, it is a puzzle you have left as a secret menu item where you are impressed. They figured out the big riddle, and now you got a third side for having figured out.
Peter Ravello
And I keep coming. You know, I'm paying for it. I'm paying for it. You know, I'm. I'm a good customer once a month. That's a good customer. In my.
Jared Freed
It is a good customer.
Peter Ravello
Any.
Jared Freed
Any restaurant will be lucky to have that customer. I guess you're right. A restaurant would give you a third side if they knew. Guaranteed you'd come back every month, once a month.
Peter Ravello
So that's why it's a little tax. It's a little you. You know, for. For being loyal. Some rice pilaf goes a long way.
Jared Freed
Peter Ravello, you're fantastic. Great to have you on the J train. A great first entry into the jcu. The J Train. Cinematic. Enjoy the park. We'll be back next week. Boom.
The JTrain Podcast: Staten Island Sweethearts and Scumbags with Peter Revello
Release Date: August 13, 2025
In this engaging episode of The JTrain Podcast, host Jared Freed welcomes comedian Peter Revello for a lively discussion centered around Staten Island's unique culture, personal relationships, and the intricacies of the local stand-up comedy scene. The conversation seamlessly blends humor with insightful commentary, offering listeners a comprehensive look into both the borough's dynamics and the personal lives of the guests.
Jared Freed sets the stage by introducing Peter Revello, a rising star in the comedy circuit, whom he praises for his performances at the Comedy Cellar. Jared emphasizes the theme of the episode—"Staten Island Sweethearts and Scumbags"—highlighting the exploration of male friendships and the concept of male loneliness.
Jared Freed [00:00]: "Today's guest is new to the JCU, Peter Revello, hilarious comic. Go check him out. He kills. He just is so funny."
The discussion delves deep into Staten Island's cultural landscape. Peter paints a vivid picture of his upbringing in Tottenville, an area characterized by its Italian heritage and construction-centric community. He touches upon the challenges and stereotypes associated with Staten Island, including perceptions of it being the most Republican borough and its "scumbag culture."
Peter Revello [07:09]: "My dad is like. So what they call the Verrazano Bridge is. If you're, like, born in Staten Island before it was built, you call it the guinea gangplank, because as soon as that was built, then all the Italians came in, and so, like, they kind of changed the demographic."
Jared adds his observations, noting Staten Island's surprising greenery and suburban feel, contrary to common perceptions.
Jared Freed [05:45]: "I've gone and I know it's nicer than people let on. That's what I like. It's more suburban."
Transitioning to personal anecdotes, Peter shares his long-term relationship story. He recounts meeting his wife at a pizzeria in Tottenville, reflecting on their 15-year relationship and four years of marriage. The conversation touches on the dynamics of committing in relationships and the societal expectations surrounding marriage.
Peter Revello [17:26]: "We met at a pizzeria in Tottenville. It was an awesome place. It's like old Sicilian. Not old. He was, like, right off the boat, Sicilian guy."
Jared juxtaposes his own single status with Peter's committed relationship, exploring the challenges of forming meaningful connections later in life.
Jared Freed [22:24]: "I don't have anyone to, like, commiserate with... I can't even make a friend at 40."
The conversation shifts to the world of stand-up comedy, contrasting the opportunities and challenges of performing in Staten Island versus the bustling comedy scene in Manhattan. Peter discusses the difficulties comedians face when staying local versus venturing into the competitive New York City market.
Peter Revello [11:46]: "Some comics get stuck here. They start doing stand up here and they just like, the best place is 35 minutes away, right?"
Jared shares his experiences of commuting for shows and the balance between personal life and professional aspirations in comedy.
Jared Freed [25:50]: "I moved to Delray Beach, Florida... When I come to New York and do spots, I'm having fun doing that too."
Towards the end of the episode, Jared introduces a playful segment titled "Scum or Yum", where he poses various scenarios to Peter, who must decide if each situation is scummy or yummy. This segment adds a humorous twist to the episode, allowing both hosts to showcase their comedic chemistry.
Example Round:
Ketchup on Pasta
Peter Revello [29:45]: "That is scummy. It's a blight. I hate ketchup. Even take out the Italian heritage. The ketchup is an abomination."
Taking Items from the Lost and Found
Peter Revello [31:20]: "I'm gonna go yummy on this. It belongs to me. I'll take care of it better."
Bringing Your Own Food to a Barbecue
Peter Revello [32:23]: "I think that's scummy. The barbecue is not about you."
Exploiting Restaurant Side Policies for Extra Sides
Peter Revello [33:22]: "It's yummy. It's up. It's a good move."
These interactions not only bring laughter but also highlight the hosts' perspectives on social etiquette and personal preferences.
As the episode wraps up, Jared urges listeners to follow Peter Revello on various platforms, praising his comedic talent and expressing enthusiasm for his future performances. The hosts briefly discuss upcoming shows and the potential for future collaborations, leaving the door open for more entertaining episodes ahead.
Jared Freed [34:43]: "Peter Revello, you're fantastic. Great to have you on the J train. A great first entry into the jcu."
Conclusion
This episode of The JTrain Podcast masterfully combines humor with heartfelt discussions, offering a multifaceted view of Staten Island's culture, the personal lives of those who call it home, and the ever-evolving landscape of stand-up comedy. Peter Revello's candid storytelling and comedic insights provide listeners with both laughs and meaningful reflections, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps: