Podcast Summary: The Wayback #63 | Sam Tripoli
Episode Information:
- Title: The Wayback #63 | Sam Tripoli
- Host: Ryan Sickler
- Guest: Sam Tripoli
- Release Date: March 13, 2025
- Description: Ryan Sickler and guest Sam Tripoli reminisce about their childhood antics, uncovering nostalgic memories filled with laughter, wild stories, and heartfelt reflections.
1. Childhood Adventures and Mischief
The episode kicks off with Ryan and Sam diving into their shared childhood experiences, particularly revolving around car-related antics. They recall the era of station wagons and the playful yet reckless behaviors they engaged in.
- Ryan Sickler [02:24]: "Have you ever actually sat in this seat growing up?"
- Sam Tripoli [02:33]: "It was a station wagon. David used to love to do something where he would just, he would just come up to a car and for no reason hit the brakes really hard so it sounded like he was screeching."
- Unknown Co-host [03:15]: "We would dip the shoulder and just take your hand and loosely over the wheel like this."
This segment highlights their mischievous drives, including dangerous maneuvers like sudden braking to startle others and playful headlight flashing to mock radar detection.
- Ryan Sickler [03:28]: "We used to put the blinker on it just as someone's coming. People would swerve like we're going to kill something."
- Sam Tripoli [04:49]: "Driving in upstate New York was always crazy because even when I go back, man, there's just like dead animals everywhere."
2. The Heartbreaking Moment: Discovering Santa Claus Isn't Real
A poignant moment arises when Sam shares the impactful experience of learning that Santa Claus is not real, a revelation that shattered his childhood innocence.
- Sam Tripoli [05:08]: "I found out Santa wasn't real. I was super young."
- Ryan Sickler [05:22]: "You're devastated, man."
The discussion delves into the emotional turmoil that comes with losing the magic of childhood beliefs and how it affects one's perception of the world.
- Sam Tripoli [09:05]: "Santa Claus is the first conspiracy because it's a giant blackmailing scheme to get you to act like a good kid."
- Ryan Sickler [09:35]: "You’re never getting presents again. You only think that's where they come from."
They reflect on the balance between maintaining childhood wonder and the harsh truths of growing up, exploring how these revelations influence personal development.
3. Realizing Pro Wrestling is Scripted
Transitioning from childhood myths to popular culture, Ryan shares his moment of realizing that professional wrestling is scripted, mirroring Sam's earlier experience with Santa Claus.
- Ryan Sickler [13:19]: "Do you remember the moment I found out wrestling was fake?"
- Sam Tripoli [14:15]: "It's basically a men's soap opera with fighting."
They discuss the overlap between scripted entertainment and real emotions, pondering the authenticity within staged performances.
- Ryan Sickler [14:42]: "It started out as shoot wrestling, and then they realized they'd rather control the outcome."
- Sam Tripoli [16:01]: "I can't watch any. I just watch Hulk Hogan beat the Iron Chic at Madison Square Garden."
This segment highlights their deep appreciation for the theatricality of wrestling and how it parallels other aspects of their lives.
4. Bowling Memories and Family Legacy
A significant portion of the conversation centers around Sam's passion for bowling, tracing back to his family's involvement and his brother's exceptional skills.
- Sam Tripoli [17:03]: "My grandfather was an awesome bowler."
- Ryan Sickler [17:26]: "Did you ever bowl a perfect game?"
- Sam Tripoli [17:32]: "My brother could bowl 300 with both hands."
They reminisce about family bowling leagues, the competitive spirit instilled by his father, and the camaraderie within the bowling community.
- Sam Tripoli [25:49]: "I catch fire. I couldn't miss the pocket, dude."
- Ryan Sickler [26:00]: "If I get a turkey, you ain't going to hear me. I'm done."
Their stories underscore the joy and challenges of perfecting a skill, as well as the bonds formed through shared hobbies.
5. High School Antics and Streaking Stories
The conversation takes a humorous turn as Ryan and Sam recount their high school days filled with daring antics, including streaking at bowling alleys and orchestrating pranks.
- Ryan Sickler [20:05]: "We'd dare you to just poke your head in Pizza Hut and scream, 'Hey, did anybody call cab?'"
- Sam Tripoli [21:23]: "We'd have to totally forget about."
They laugh over their youthful bravado, the thrill of breaking rules, and the lasting memories of their rebellious behaviors.
- Sam Tripoli [21:22]: "I miss it, dude. I remember when my brother beat my dad for the first time in bowling."
- Ryan Sickler [23:07]: "I'm doing it on stage in the comedy, right?"
These stories highlight their creative and sometimes reckless attempts to inject excitement into their teenage years.
6. Regrets and Reflections
Towards the end of the episode, Sam opens up about his personal regrets, offering a more introspective view of his life choices and relationships.
- Sam Tripoli [23:26]: "My biggest regrets are three things. I left my mother too early because my dad was just pounding on me."
- Sam Tripoli [24:05]: "I never did shrooms with Brody Stevens. I wish I could have done shrooms with that guy."
He reflects on familial relationships, missed opportunities with friends, and cherished family legacies, providing listeners with a heartfelt narrative of growth and self-awareness.
- Sam Tripoli [29:09]: "My shoulder. Dude. Erected at work, brother."
- Ryan Sickler [29:20]: "Thank you for doing this with me."
7. Promotions and Closing Remarks
As the episode draws to a close, Sam takes the opportunity to promote his latest projects, including his new comedy special and podcasts.
- Sam Tripoli [29:31]: "Go to SamTripoli.com for all things Sam Tripoli. My new special is called 'Quiet,' available on Rumble."
- Ryan Sickler [30:07]: "As always, Ryan Sickler on all your social media. RyanSickler.com."
Both host and guest express mutual appreciation, wrapping up the episode with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future collaborations.
Notable Quotes:
- Sam Tripoli [09:05]: "Santa Claus is the first conspiracy because it's a giant blackmailing scheme to get you to act like a good kid."
- Ryan Sickler [14:42]: "It's basically a men's soap opera with fighting."
- Sam Tripoli [25:49]: "I catch fire. I couldn't miss the pocket, dude."
Conclusion:
In "The Wayback #63," Ryan Sickler and Sam Tripoli offer listeners a rich tapestry of memories that blend humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt reflections. From childhood mischief and the bitter loss of innocence to the camaraderie of bowling lanes and the thrill of high school pranks, the episode captures the essence of growing up and the enduring bonds formed along the way. Sam's candid admissions about his regrets add depth to the conversation, making it both entertaining and emotionally resonant for the audience.