Podcast Summary: The Wayback #65 | Nick Swardson

Release Date: March 27, 2025

Host: Ryan Sickler
Guest: Nick Swardson

Introduction

In Episode 65 of "The Wayback with Ryan Sickler," host Ryan Sickler welcomes back comedian Nick Swardson for a nostalgic and humorous conversation. The episode delves into Nick's childhood misadventures, high school antics, favorite TV shows, family dynamics, and memorable experiences growing up in Minnesota. Through engaging storytelling and laughter, Ryan and Nick transport listeners back to the good old days, reflecting on both the fun and the chaos of their youth.

Childhood and Family Adventures

Nick Swardson opens up about his early years, reminiscing about his family's lime green Chevy Caprice wagon with brown seats—a quintessential family vehicle in his household. He shares a humorous yet embarrassing story from his childhood:

Nick Swardson (04:06): "So I was hiding in the car, rolled down the window a crack, and I light a bottle rocket to shoot at another house. It went off so fast and blew a hole in our station wagon seat. When we went out, my dad noticed the burnt hole, but I had no idea it was me. Funny how kids think they can get away with things, but clearly, they can’t be the first suspects."

This anecdote highlights the typical childhood experimentation and the inevitable consequences that come with youthful curiosity.

High School Mischief and School Life

The conversation shifts to Nick's high school years, where he candidly discusses his reputation as a troublemaker. From prank devices to classroom antics, Nick recalls various escapades:

Nick Swardson (12:40): "In social studies class, I threw an apple at the blackboard like a baseball. It exploded everywhere, and when Mr. Greener saw it, he was like, 'Who did this?' It was clearly me, but I acted oblivious."

Ryan adds his own experiences, mentioning his twin brother and their shared Dodge Aspen station wagon, which they used to chauffeur neighborhood kids to school—a testament to their mischievous spirits:

Ryan Sickler (09:57): "We had a 1977 Dodge Aspen station wagon with wood paneling on the side. That was our high school car. We would pick up the whole neighborhood and take everybody to school every morning."

Favorite TV Shows and Pop Culture

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to nostalgic TV shows that defined Nick's and Ryan’s formative years. Nick expresses his love for "Three's Company," praising John Ritter's performance:

Nick Swardson (14:30): "Three's Company was one of my favorite shows. John Ritter was the glue of the whole thing. I was obsessed with it during my high school years."

Ryan concurs, sharing mutual appreciation for the show's humor and iconic moments:

Ryan Sickler (15:00): "Richard played by John Ritter was hilarious, pretending to be gay to live with two women. The comedy was unmatched."

They also discuss other classics like "Cheers," highlighting its blend of humor and serious themes:

Nick Swardson (16:29): "I loved 'Cheers' because it mixed comedy with serious moments. Jim Brooks and Norman Lear did a great job balancing both."

Family Reunions and Dynamics

The topic of family reunions brings a mix of humor and poignancy. Nick describes his extensive family gatherings in the Midwest, emphasizing the camaraderie despite the occasional drama:

Nick Swardson (19:59): "We would gather in Missouri or Michigan, have around 25 to 30 people. It was super fun and very Midwest, Scandinavian."

Contrastingly, Ryan shares a more somber family dynamic, where reunions were rare due to frequent losses:

Ryan Sickler (21:23): "In my family, we didn't really have family reunions because everyone was dying so young. We would see each other at funerals non-stop."

This exchange underscores the varying family experiences and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.

Sports and Extracurricular Activities

Sports play a notable role in both Ryan’s and Nick's lives. Nick reminisces about his high school sports, particularly soccer and tennis, which he excelled in:

Nick Swardson (24:23): "I was good at soccer and tennis. I played soccer in high school with a really good team, the Minute Men."

Ryan shares his own athletic experiences, highlighting the shared enthusiasm for sports during their school years:

Ryan Sickler (09:57): "We take everybody to school. That's exactly what it looked like. We had three in the front, four in the back..."

Sneaking Out and Teenage Exploration

The duo delves into the rebellious side of their youth, discussing sneaking out and the adventures that ensued. Nick recounts sneaking out to meet friends or boys, illustrating the thrill and the realities of teenage rebellion:

Nick Swardson (29:47): "My older sister would get me to sneak out because she was meeting a boy. It just felt cool being out, even if it was boring."

Ryan adds his own tales of sneaking out, emphasizing the common teenage desire for independence and the humorous mishaps that follow:

Ryan Sickler (29:34): "My sister would get me to go sneak out. It was almost like being in a weird jail where you just go out and come back. Nothing crazy, just quiet and boring."

Winter Memories and Snow Days in Minnesota

Growing up in Minnesota, snow days are a recurring theme filled with both joyous activities and challenges. Nick vividly describes the extreme winters, the fun of tubing and sledding, and the community's resilience:

Nick Swardson (32:14): "Snow days were the best. We would build tunnels in the snow, tube down hills, and just enjoy the winter wonderland despite the bitter cold."

Ryan contrasts this with his experiences in Baltimore, where winters are milder, enriching the conversation with diverse perspectives on seasonal living:

Ryan Sickler (35:24): "We used to have things like snow days handled differently. My Lincoln had issues with freezing doors, so I had to learn to climb in through the hatch."

Their shared and contrasting experiences highlight the unique aspects of growing up in different climates and how environment shapes childhood memories.

Mischievous Gadgets and Pranks

The conversation takes a playful turn as Ryan shares his childhood experiences with gadgets like the Brookstone Lock Icer:

Ryan Sickler (36:25): "Brookstone sold this thing that looked like a car key remote but was actually a heater. In school, I'd use it to burn people in class, making them shut up."

Nick reacts with amusement and relief that his own school didn't have such dangerous pranks:

Nick Swardson (37:33): "We didn't have that. It's terrible. Good God, that'd be horrible."

This segment underscores the lengths kids go to in pranks and the varying environments of their school experiences.

Concluding Remarks and Upcoming Projects

As the episode wraps up, Nick shares his current projects and future plans, including his ongoing "Toilet Head" tour and upcoming film roles:

Nick Swardson (37:47): "I'm wrapping up my 'Toilet Head' tour in May and working on filming two scripts I wrote—R-rated crazy comedies. Also, a little role in 'Happy Gilmore 2' is in the works."

Ryan encourages listeners to check out Nick's shows and stay connected through his website and social media:

Ryan Sickler (38:17): "NickSwartz.net for all tour dates. Real Nick Swartz on Instagram for all more information."

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation and a heartfelt farewell, reinforcing the strong camaraderie between host and guest.

Memorable Quotes

• Nick Swardson (04:06): "I was sitting there, and the bottle rocket just goes, it's so loud, and it blows up a hole in our station wagon. I panicked and had to act clueless."

• Ryan Sickler (09:57): "We take everybody to school. That's exactly what it looked like."

• Nick Swardson (14:30): "Three's Company was one of my favorite shows. John Ritter was the glue of the whole thing."

• Ryan Sickler (21:23): "In my family, we didn't really have family reunions because everyone was dying so young."

• Nick Swardson (24:23): "I was good at soccer and tennis. I played soccer in high school with a really good team, the Minute Men."

Conclusion

Episode 65 of "The Wayback with Ryan Sickler" offers a delightful journey through Nick Swardson's past, rich with laughter, relatable childhood tales, and reflections on the passage of time. From mischievous acts in high school to enduring friendships and the warmth of family gatherings, Ryan and Nick provide listeners with a heartfelt and entertaining exploration of what it means to look back fondly on one's youth.

Connect with Nick Swardson:

• Website: nickswartz.net
• Instagram: @nickswartz

Tune in Next Week: For another episode filled with nostalgia, humor, and insightful conversations on "The Wayback with Ryan Sickler."