The Wayback with Ryan Sickler – Episode 62: Andrea Jin

Release Date: March 6, 2025

Introduction

In episode 62 of "The Wayback with Ryan Sickler," host Ryan Sickler welcomes comedian Andrea Jin for a heartfelt and humorous exploration of her early life. The conversation navigates through Andrea's childhood in China, her move to Vancouver, and her high school experiences in North America. Filled with nostalgic memories, candid reflections, and plenty of laughs, this episode offers listeners a deep dive into the formative years that shaped Andrea's comedic voice.

Early Life in China

Andrea Jin begins by painting a vivid picture of her upbringing in Shanghai, China. Living with her grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousin in a modest two-bedroom apartment, Andrea describes the challenges and joys of growing up in such a close-knit family environment.

"The equivalent of this seat for me was the back of my grandpa's bicycle," Andrea reminisces at [03:26], highlighting the intimate and sometimes cramped conditions of her early life. She fondly recalls being carried to school by her grandfather, an experience that fostered a sense of security despite the limited space.

Family Dynamics and Childhood Challenges

Living in a large household presented its own set of challenges, chief among them being Andrea's struggle with bedwetting. She candidly shares her experiences, adding a touch of humor to soften the memory.

"I wet the bed till I was 10," Andrea confesses at [13:44]. This ongoing issue led her grandparents to implement practical solutions, such as placing plastic covers on the bed to ease cleanup. Despite the inconvenience, Andrea appreciates her grandparents' patience and selflessness.

"They put plastic on the bed... it was easier to clean," she explains at [28:36], underscoring the practicality and love that characterized her family's approach to daily challenges.

Realization of Poverty and Moving to Vancouver

At the age of 10, Andrea's world changed dramatically when her family moved to Vancouver. This transition was a pivotal moment, bringing a stark realization of her family's financial struggles that had been unnoticed during her childhood in China.

"When I moved to Vancouver, that's when I realized we were poor because we couldn't... reuse bath water," Andrea reflects at [04:58]. This move not only introduced her to a new cultural environment but also brought her closer to her mother, whom she had been separated from due to her father's divorce and return to China.

School Life in China

Andrea's schooling in China was marked by strict discipline and a strong emphasis on academics. She describes a regimented routine that included unique practices not typically found in Western education systems.

"We learned a lot about... it was very math forward, country forward," Andrea shares at [05:56], highlighting the patriotic and academic focus of her education. One particularly memorable routine involved daily eye exercises during recess, a practice that Andrea humorously continues to find oddly comforting.

"Sometimes I still do it just if my eyes are tired. It works really well," she adds at [07:05], showcasing her ability to find humor in the repetitive nature of her childhood routines.

High School in North America: Sports, Band, and Rebellion

Upon relocating to North America, Andrea immersed herself in a variety of activities during high school, balancing athletics, academics, and extracurriculars.

"I played every sport... I had good grades too," Andrea recounts at [33:44], emphasizing her dedication and ability to juggle multiple responsibilities. She was actively involved in sports such as volleyball, basketball, and softball, as well as participating in the school band where she learned to play the saxophone and piano.

However, alongside her accomplishments, Andrea also navigated typical teenage rebellions. She humorously details her involvement with "Asian gangsters" at school, engaging in shoplifting, drinking, and smoking weed.

"I was running wild because... my mom... she couldn't be bothered with what I was doing," Andrea admits at [38:29], illustrating the complexities of her teenage years and her quest for independence.

Personal Struggles and Self-Deprecating Humor

Andrea doesn't shy away from discussing her personal struggles, using self-deprecating humor to address issues that many might find uncomfortable.

"No boy was interested in me from as early as I can remember till like maybe 21," she quips at [39:39], reflecting on her perceived lack of romantic interest during her formative years. This self-awareness not only adds depth to her character but also highlights her ability to find humor in vulnerability.

Childhood Memories: Pets and Playing with Ants

Andrea shares heartfelt and humorous memories from her childhood, including her time spent with pets and her interactions with ants.

"We had chicks... they were my friends," she reminisces at [25:38], detailing her grandparents' love for chickens and the mixed feelings she had about them being kept for eggs and eventually eaten. Additionally, Andrea talks about her fascination with ants, admitting to uncontrollably influencing their lives in a way that now brings her remorse.

"I terrorize these ants... It was terrible," Andrea confesses at [26:54], poignantly acknowledging the unintentional cruelty of her childhood play.

Moving Forward: Reflections and Growth

As the conversation progresses, Andrea reflects on the lasting impact of her grandparents' love and the lessons learned from her challenging yet formative childhood.

"I'm so grateful that they put up with me," she states at [13:24], expressing deep appreciation for her family's patience and support. These reflections reveal a maturity and gratitude that have undoubtedly influenced her comedic perspective.

Conclusion

Episode 62 of "The Wayback with Ryan Sickler" offers a rich and engaging narrative of Andrea Jin's early life, blending humor with heartfelt reflections. From navigating the challenges of a large family in China to experiencing the cultural shift of moving to Vancouver, Andrea's stories provide listeners with an intimate look into the experiences that have shaped her as both a person and a comedian. Her ability to find humor in adversity and her candid storytelling make this episode a memorable and relatable listen for all.

Notable Quotes

• Andrea Jin [03:26]: "The equivalent of this seat for me was the back of my grandpa's bicycle."

• Andrea Jin [13:44]: "I wet the bed till I was 10."

• Andrea Jin [28:36]: "They put plastic on the bed... it was easier to clean."

• Andrea Jin [04:58]: "When I moved to Vancouver, that's when I realized we were poor because we couldn't... reuse bath water."

• Andrea Jin [07:05]: "Sometimes I still do it just if my eyes are tired. It works really well."

• Andrea Jin [33:44]: "I played every sport... I had good grades too."

• Andrea Jin [38:29]: "I was running wild because... my mom... she couldn't be bothered with what I was doing."

• Andrea Jin [39:39]: "No boy was interested in me from as early as I can remember till like maybe 21."

• Andrea Jin [25:38]: "We had chicks... they were my friends."

• Andrea Jin [26:54]: "I terrorize these ants... It was terrible."

• Andrea Jin [13:24]: "I'm so grateful that they put up with me."

This structured and detailed summary captures all the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to it. Notable quotes are included with accurate timestamps and speaker attribution, enhancing the richness and authenticity of the summary.