Podcast Summary: The Wayback #61 | Bret Ernst
Episode Information
- Title: The Wayback #61 | Bret Ernst
- Host: Ryan Sickler
- Guest: Bret Ernst
- Release Date: February 27, 2025
- Description: Ryan Sickler and Bret Ernst take a nostalgic journey through Bret’s life, filled with humorous anecdotes, fond memories, and reflective insights.
1. Introduction and Show Promotions
Ryan Sickler kicks off the episode with enthusiastic promotions of his upcoming live tours and comedy specials. He highlights his engagements at the San Jose Improv and Comedy on State in Madison, Wisconsin, encouraging listeners to attend and stay connected via his website and social media platforms.
Notable Quote:
"I'm excited to announce I'm shooting my next special at your club Comedy on State. I was there not too long ago, had such a great time, such a great club." [01:14]
2. Guest Introduction and Self-Promotion
Bret Ernst is warmly welcomed back to the show. He takes a moment to promote his latest comedy special, "Uncaged," directing listeners to his website (BretComedy.com) and other platforms where his work is available.
Notable Quote:
"Go watch his special." [03:11]
3. Early Life and Family Background
The conversation delves into Bret’s childhood, highlighting his upbringing in a single-parent household with three brothers. Bret shares poignant details about his parents' divorce when he was six and his father's untimely passing when he was ten, painting a picture of resilience and familial bonds.
Notable Quote:
"My grandparents helped." [05:54]
"My father died when I was 10." [04:59]
4. Childhood Antics and Memories
Bret reminisces about his mischievous childhood, including antics like flicking pennies out of car windows with his brothers. These stories illustrate the playful yet rebellious nature of his formative years.
Notable Quote:
"We would just jump in the back and put the window down and flick people off." [04:35]
5. Roller Skating Adventures
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Bret’s roller skating experiences. He recounts his visits to the Wallington Skating Center in New Jersey and later to Galaxy Skateway in Florida. These anecdotes not only highlight his love for roller skating but also introduce memorable characters from his youth.
Notable Quote:
"There was always that guy that was like 30 when we were like 10." [15:26]
6. Nostalgia for 90s Cologne and Fashion
The duo dives into a nostalgic conversation about 90s colognes, emphasizing their strong scents and the cultural significance of fragrances during that era. Bret humorously describes his first cologne gift and the infamous Avon musk scent, blending humor with relatable teenage experiences.
Notable Quotes:
"My first cologne came in a Dallas Cowboy bottle. It looked like a Super Bowl trophy." [19:04]
"90s was the golden era of Cologne." [20:01]
7. Clubbing and Early Adulthood Experiences
Bret shares his ventures into the nightclub scene, including his stint running a club in South Florida and working at establishments like Hooters and The Moon in Tallahassee. He discusses the challenges and adventures of this period, including his experiences with fake IDs and interactions with law enforcement.
Notable Quote:
"I ran a club in South Florida. I was like the front door guy that greeted everybody." [29:56]
"I almost got pinched because my mom called the police to do a welfare check on me." [34:36]
8. Sibling Relationships and Life Lessons
The conversation shifts to Bret’s relationships with his brothers. He highlights the mentorship role his older brother, Scotty, played in his life and the camaraderie with his younger brother, Keith. Bret reflects on the responsibilities and lessons learned from growing up without a father, shaping his approach to life and relationships.
Notable Quote:
"My older brother was more like a father to me." [35:18]
"I taught my little brother to fight, but now I realize those were bad habits." [35:16]
9. Reflective Insights and Personal Growth
Bret introspectively discusses the transformation from his younger self’s beliefs about masculinity and fighting to his mature understanding of healthier behaviors. He touches on themes of personal growth, accountability, and the impact of early experiences on adult life.
Notable Quote:
"When you don't have a father, you create what a man is with a young mind." [35:18]
"I have responsibility for creating habits in my brother." [36:53]
10. Concluding Remarks and Final Promotions
As the episode wraps up, Bret reiterates the promotion of his comedy special and upcoming tour dates. Both Ryan Sickler and Bret Ernst express their gratitude to the audience, emphasizing the informal and relaxed nature of their conversation.
Notable Quote:
"We used to do. We don't even need the mics. It's just like hanging out." [41:47]
Conclusion
Episode #61 of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of Bret Ernst’s life journey. From mischievous childhood antics to the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household, Bret provides listeners with a candid look into his past. The episode seamlessly blends nostalgia with insightful reflections, making it an engaging listen for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Notable Highlights:
- Family Dynamics: Insights into growing up with three brothers and a single mother.
- Childhood Memories: Stories of flicking pennies from car windows and navigating multiple schools.
- Roller Skating Adventures: Memorable experiences at local skating centers and encounters with unique characters.
- 90s Nostalgia: A humorous take on vintage colognes and fashion trends.
- Club Life: Bret’s foray into the nightclub scene, including humorous and precarious experiences.
- Sibling Bonds: The influential role of brothers in shaping personal values and life choices.
This episode serves as a testament to Bret Ernst’s resilience and adaptability, offering listeners both laughter and meaningful reflections on personal growth and familial relationships.