The Pete and Sebastian Show - EP 686

Episode Title: Make It Rain Confetti
Release Date: December 23, 2025
Hosts: Pete Correale and Sebastian Maniscalco

Episode Overview

This episode captures Pete and Sebastian in festive, reflective moods. They swap stories about family life, parenting intensity, holiday spirit, and professional highs—peppered with signature banter and observational humor. The episode’s theme orbits around transitions: from childhood innocence to skepticism, from parental involvement to letting go, and celebrating rare moments of joy—sometimes with literal confetti.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Florida Vibes, Palm Beach Encounters, and Mar-a-Lago (01:00–04:46)

• Pete describes his recent work trip to Palm Beach, crossing paths with Mar-a-Lago and relishing Florida’s atmosphere.
• Addresses how encountering Turning Point attendees contrasts with his conditioned California experience.

“As soon as I land in Florida...all of a sudden I'm happy. I don't know. The water, the sand. I went and put my feet in the water. Something about...It's like medicine, man.”
— Pete [04:19]

• Sebastian agrees, emphasizing the importance of feeling at home wherever you live, regardless of politics.

2. Parenting, Youth Sports Intensity, and Transitions (05:27–18:23)

Pete’s Son’s Soccer Tryouts Drama

• Pete details the emotional gauntlet of enrolling his son in a more competitive soccer league—living out “Maniscalco family grit.”
• Frustration at his son being listed as a “transitional player” inspires a surge of parental competitiveness.

“Let’s get the fucking private coaches in here. Let's get to get this kid up and running.”
— Pete [10:09]

“I felt like I got cut.”
— Pete [11:49]

• Pete and Sebastian riff on the challenge of how to “break the news” to a six-year-old who didn’t make the team.

“How do you tell a six-year-old he didn't make the team?”
— Pete [12:10]

• Both reminisce on parents pushing them and the (sometimes dubious) merits of private coaching.

  • Pete recalls his own “German guy” soccer coach, Frank Speth, brought in by his dad:

    “Failing math, no tutor. Soccer, he brought in a German.”
    — Pete [15:23]

• Sebastian insists what’s really needed is “eye of the tiger” energy and basic grit, not fancy drills.

3. Christmas Spirit & Holiday Shopping Goodwill (19:28–26:51)

• Pete recounts getting cologne at a boutique and having the recipient’s initials engraved, relishing the old-school Christmas shopping vibe.
• The hosts observe how Christmas spirit makes people extra friendly—even chatty with strangers about sneakers.

“You’re like a walking Hallmark movie right now, guy.”
— Sebastian [24:24]

• Cautionary note: Pete might be “peaking too soon” on the Christmas spirit (it’s only December 9th).

4. Family Traditions & the Santa/Elf Dilemma (26:47–31:22)

• Pete laments his daughter’s fading belief in Santa at eight, influenced by school friends.

• The expansion of “Elf on the Shelf” to multiple elves—including for the family dogs—brings both marvel and mockery.

• Sebastian contrasts holiday traditions from their own childhoods with modern parenting:

  “We never did the elf. We told Sadie the elf was bullshit. Like, that we didn’t do.”
  — Sebastian [27:27]

• Regional differences are joked about (Pete’s LA vs. Sebastian’s more “wholesome” town).

5. The Question of Where to Live: Home Uncertainty (32:28–35:00)

• Pete voices uncertainty about staying in California, moving, or remaining in the same house; it’s “causing stress.”
• Sebastian offers empathy and recounts his own challenging but ultimately rewarding move:

  “If you got to that point, everyone would fall into line if you knew...It set me back when I moved, bro...but then all of a sudden Sadie turned around...‘Thanks so much again for moving, I really love it here.’”
  — Sebastian [33:14]

6. Grandparents Today vs. Yesteryear (36:03–44:48)

• The generational shift: today’s grandparents are globe-trotting, tech-using, and less tethered to family duties.

“My grandmother wasn’t playing Words with Friends, you know what I’m saying?”
— Pete [39:36]

• Jokes about “eating into the inheritance” as parents travel, get hotel rooms, or remodel.

“They're going through everything. They're gonna leave you with...”
— Pete [45:40]

7. Economic Realities, Parental Absence & Kids’ Perspective (47:01–48:49)

• Pete reflects on explaining to his kids why he works and isn’t always present—contrasting himself with parents who are ever-visible at school.

“The reason I go is because, you know, the lights don't just turn on, you know, I got to explain to them, I gotta go out and make some meat. So we come home and cook it.”
— Pete [47:36]

• They joke that “the best athletes” are children of unemployed parents because they always have someone to ball with.

8. Celebrating Wins: Pete on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (49:01–57:52)

The Play-by-Play

• Pete details his appearance on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune with Meghan Trainor, Taye Diggs, and Ryan Seacrest.
  • Wins over $180,000 for charity.
  • Solved a bonus puzzle in 2.4 seconds!

“I win $152,000, plus I get 30 grand for practice. I walk out of there with about $180,000 for the charity. Wow. Hey.”
— Pete [51:34]

• The experience of confetti falling becomes a comedic revelation.

“Everybody should have confetti fall on them once in their life.”
— Pete [52:54]

• Pete jokes about wanting confetti as a daily ritual for celebrating even small victories.

“Anytime somebody feels like there’s…it’s like a celebration. You got an A on the paper. Boom—right over the kitchen table.”
— Pete [57:37]

9. Miscellaneous Movie & TV Talk; Upcoming Gigs (58:06–60:20)

• Movie recommendations:
  • Pete recommends “Mercy” (Chris Pratt).
  • Sebastian mentions an upcoming DiCaprio/Benicio del Toro/Sean Penn film and “F1” with Brad Pitt.
• Pete plugs a Las Vegas gig Super Bowl weekend at the Wynn and celebrates the release of his new Hulu special, which Sebastian raves about.

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | 04:19 | “As soon as I land in Florida...all of a sudden I'm happy…It's like medicine, man.” | Pete | | 10:09 | “Let’s get the fucking private coaches in here…” | Pete | | 12:10 | “How do you tell a six-year-old he didn't make the team?” | Pete | | 15:23 | “Failing math, no tutor. Soccer, he brought in a German.” | Pete | | 24:24 | “You’re like a walking Hallmark movie right now, guy.” | Sebastian | | 39:36 | “My grandmother wasn’t playing Words with Friends, you know what I’m saying?” | Pete | | 44:05 | “If you learn anything from this podcast, grandparents are dead. Not in the sense that they died, but their responsibilities now...are completely different.” | Pete | | 47:36 | “…the reason I go is because…the lights don't just turn on, you know, I got to explain to them, I gotta go out and make some meat. So we come home and cook it.” | Pete | | 51:34 | “I win $152,000, plus I get 30 grand for practice. I walk out of there with about $180,000 for the charity. Wow. Hey.” | Pete | | 52:54 | “Everybody should have confetti fall on them once in their life.” | Pete |

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Florida vibes, Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago — 01:00–04:46
• Youth sports / being a “transitional player” — 05:27–18:23
• Holiday shopping and spreading cheer — 19:28–26:51
• Elf on the Shelf & Santa beliefs — 26:47–31:22
• Family moves and settling anxiety — 32:28–35:00
• Modern grandparents vs. Old school — 36:03–44:48
• Talking with kids about work & money — 47:01–48:49
• Celebrity Wheel of Fortune confetti win — 49:01–57:52
• Movie recommendations, show plugs — 58:06–60:20

Tone & Language

The episode is high-energy, affectionate, and laced with self-deprecation and friendly family ribbing. Pete and Sebastian freely oscillate between deep nostalgia and biting contemporary commentary, always with an emphasis on their distinctly Italian-American, everyman point of view.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Even A-list comedians stress about parenting, family, and figuring out where “home” should be.
• Sometimes, little wins (or literal confetti) bring unmatched joy.
• Traditions evolve, families change, but laughter and grit stay central.
• The Pete and Sebastian Show remains a relatable, riotous celebration of the challenges and quirks of daily life—especially during the holidays.

Next episode: Tune in for more stories, laughs, and relatable real-life moments in the new year!