Podcast Summary: Zac Amico's Morning Zoo – Episode 0016: Na'im Ali and Zia Anderson

Release Date: June 8, 2025

Hosts and Guests:

• Zach Amico (Host)
• Na'im Ali (Guest from the upcoming podcast True Dad)
• Zia Anderson (Co-host and comedian)

1. Show Start and Initial Banter (01:02 - 02:35)

The episode kicks off with typical Morning Zoo chaos as the hosts humorously address a late start.

• Zach Amico [01:47]: “Hello, It's a Wednesday here on the Gas Digital Network. It's your other boy, the international superstar Zak Amico.”

• Zia Anderson [02:16]: “Welcome to the horror of doing a show with someone who's perpetually late. It will age you. It will drive you crazy.”

The playful jabs set the tone for the episode, emphasizing the unhinged and humorous nature of the show.

2. Discussion on Digital Platforms and Guest Management (02:35 - 07:35)

The hosts delve into the challenges of managing show guests, particularly through digital platforms like Craigslist.

• Zach Amico [10:00]: “Honestly, you know what's so funny? When we were doing Chip, we wanted to do a hemorrhoid competition... I put it up on Craigslist thinking maybe it'll be up for a little while.”

• Zia Anderson [11:18]: “I had to go read the ad, read the ad, read the ad.”

This segment highlights their creative yet sometimes unconventional methods for sourcing guest content.

3. Stereotypes and Their Origins (12:35 - 20:35)

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to unpacking common stereotypes, tracing their roots, and sharing personal anecdotes.

• Na'im Ali [17:35]: “Most stereotypes are true... The watermelon stereotype comes from black people being watermelon farmers because it was the easiest thing to grow.”

• Zach Amico [17:46]: “What about the fried chicken one? Where'd that come from?”

• Zia Anderson [18:15]: “It's because white people were richer in some cultures and had access to higher cuts of meat, so they didn't need to...”

The hosts discuss how historical contexts like slavery influenced stereotypes such as black people being associated with watermelons and fried chicken, and white people with mayonnaise.

4. Plugs for True Dad Podcast and Upcoming Shows (07:35 - 12:35 & 19:42 - 20:27)

Na'im Ali introduces his upcoming podcast, True Dad, emphasizing its focus on true crime.

• Na'im Ali [20:15]: “It's a great show. If you like True Crime, check us out... There are scary people outside everywhere.”

Zach and Zia enthusiastically promote the podcast, sharing release dates and encouraging listeners to support their projects.

5. Managing Panic Attacks and Mental Health (20:35 - 28:00)

The conversation shifts to personal experiences with panic attacks, coping mechanisms, and mental health awareness.

• Zach Amico [40:03]: “I've had panic attacks so many times since I was 16... I can talk myself out of it.”

• Zia Anderson [40:31]: “When I have panic attacks, the first thing that really helps me is count your teeth.”

• Na'im Ali [43:03]: “My baby mama has panic attacks when she drives...”

The hosts share strategies like counting teeth and memorizing objects to manage anxiety, fostering a supportive dialogue on mental health.

6. Pet Ownership Stories and Experiences (25:00 - 35:00)

Sharing humorous and sometimes challenging tales of pet ownership, particularly dogs.

• Zach Amico [35:07]: “I've seen people get wasted and piss on hotel walls. It happens.”

• Na'im Ali [35:05]: “I bought a golden doodle for my daughter... six months later, the dog was way bigger than expected.”

These anecdotes illustrate the unpredictability and demands of owning pets, reinforcing their preference for low-maintenance animals like cats.

7. Fast Food Adventures and Restaurant Experiences (35:00 - 60:00)

The hosts reminisce about fast food experiences, highlighting both positive and negative encounters.

• Zia Anderson [57:03]: “I was on the road and I had two different fast food breakfasts that blew my mind.”

• Zach Amico [55:28]: “They sent us like two out of the eight things that we ordered...”

Stories range from exceptional meal discoveries to frustrating service mishaps, adding a relatable and entertaining layer to the discussion.

8. Celebrity Tipping Stories (60:00 - 73:00)

A lighthearted segment where the hosts discuss how various celebrities tip based on accounts from service staff.

• Shannon [69:54]: “T. Pain once tipped $2,000 on an $800 bill.”

• Zach Amico [71:10]: “He gave a thousand dollars to each staff member on the set of The Different Man.”

Positive examples include generous tippers like T. Pain, Bruce Willis, and Zendaya, while less favorable mentions like the Dixie Chicks illustrate the disparity in tipping behaviors.

9. Closing Remarks and Final Plugs (73:00 - End)

The episode wraps up with final anecdotes and promotional content.

• Zia Anderson [75:21]: “We're gonna call it there. Thank you so much for tuning in... Catch you this Friday on GasDigital.com.”

• Na'im Ali [76:06]: “The fun's begun. No sleeping in. Noon is morning time to him.”

The hosts encourage listeners to check out Na'im Ali's True Dad podcast and tease upcoming content, maintaining engagement until the end.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach Amico [01:47]: “It's your other boy, the international superstar Zak Amico.”

• Na'im Ali [17:35]: “Most stereotypes are true...”

• Zia Anderson [40:31]: “Take your tongue and count your teeth...”

Conclusion:

Episode 0016 of Zac Amico's Morning Zoo delivers a blend of humor, personal stories, and insightful discussions on stereotypes and mental health. With guests like Na'im Ali and the dynamic presence of Zia Anderson, the show offers an engaging and chaotic start to the listeners' mornings. The episode also effectively plugs upcoming projects, ensuring fans stay tuned for more entertaining content.