Episode Summary: The Wayback #66 | Bobby Moynihan
In episode 66 of "The Wayback with Ryan Sickler," host Ryan Sickler sits down with comedian and actor Bobby Moynihan for a heartfelt and humorous trip down memory lane. The conversation covers a wide array of nostalgic topics, including childhood television shows, family dynamics, favorite toys, early video game experiences, and personal anecdotes that shaped Bobby’s life and career.
Welcome and Introduction
Ryan Sickler opens the episode by expressing gratitude to his listeners and promoting his upcoming shows. He warmly welcomes Bobby Moynihan back to "The Wayback," exclaiming, “You already make me laugh right away” ([01:32]). Bobby reciprocates the enthusiasm, setting a friendly and relaxed tone for the conversation.
Childhood Television and Early Memories
DuckTales Nostalgia
The duo dives into their shared love for the animated series "DuckTales," reminiscing about how the show's theme song signaled the end of the school day. Bobby shares, “I remember coming home from school and watching it, hearing the theme song meant, like, school's over, it's time to play” ([03:06]). They both express a longing for a "DuckTales" movie, with Bobby urging listeners, “Everyone ask for the movie. The DuckTales movie. That's what I Want” ([02:24]).
Local Puppet Shows: The Magic Garden
Bobby recounts watching "The Magic Garden," a local puppet show on WPIX in New York City. He explains, “Paula and Carol, I think were their names… they would just talk about love and singing and grass” ([18:45]). Ryan adds that these shows were akin to today’s "Sesame Street" or "Blippi," providing a nostalgic glimpse into pre-digital entertainment for children.
Family Dynamics and Early Life
Living with a Bedridden Grandmother
Bobby opens up about his upbringing, living with his bedridden Italian-speaking grandmother. He reflects on the challenging yet formative experiences, particularly the morning routine where his grandmother would "throw a wet rag to wake you up." Bobby poignantly states, “It's sadder than you think” ([04:01]), highlighting the complex emotions tied to these memories.
Family Vehicles and Childhood Adventures
The Jalop: A Childhood Staple
The conversation shifts to family cars, with Bobby fondly recalling the family's dark red Plymouth station wagon, nicknamed “the jalop.” He humorously describes the car’s flaws: “Every single time you got in the car, you were just immediately stabbed in the thigh about a quarter of an inch deep with just metal wire” ([08:25]). Ryan shares his own experience of transitioning to a Ford Taurus, emphasizing the sentimental value attached to these vehicles and the resistance to change within his family.
Adventures and Mishaps
Bobby reminisces about adventurous escapades in the jalop, including sleigh rides into garage doors during snowy days. He nostalgically notes, “We would just sleigh ride down that face first into a garage door” ([23:06]), painting a vivid picture of carefree childhood fun and the inevitable bumps along the way.
Toys, Action Figures, and Playtime
Passion for GI Joes and Transformers
Bobby delves into his love for action figures, particularly GI Joes and Transformers. He shares memories of organizing toys at a used toy store he frequented, stating, “I was super into GI Joe” ([25:17]). Ryan adds that many of their friends had expansive toy collections, recalling, “We all have the one kid in the back of our brain that had the aircraft carrier” ([29:00]).
Friendships and Shared Play
The discussion highlights how shared interests in toys like the Millennium Falcon and large-scale action figure sets fostered friendships and created lasting memories. Bobby mentions, “Robbie Alexander was the younger brother of my sister's close friend... we played with it all the time” ([29:43]), illustrating the communal aspect of play during their youth.
Video Games: A Milestone in Childhood
First Nintendo Experience
Bobby shares the excitement of receiving his first Nintendo, a gift that held significant emotional value. He recounts waking up one morning to find the console as a surprise, exclaiming, “They gave me the Nintendo and I was like, are you kidding me?” ([30:46]). Ryan reflects on the impact of such gifts, noting how they marked pivotal moments in their childhoods.
Emotional Significance
The conversation underscores how gaming consoles like the Nintendo represented more than just entertainment; they were symbols of love and appreciation from parents. Bobby states, “It was one of the best days of my life” ([31:34]), emphasizing the deep emotional connections tied to these experiences.
Artistic Pursuits and Creative Expression
Drawing and Yearbook Covers
Bobby discusses his artistic inclinations, particularly his dedication to drawing action figures and designing yearbook covers during high school. He proudly mentions, “I drew, like, the covers of the yearbook in college” ([32:10]). Ryan connects this passion to his own experiences, highlighting the importance of creative outlets in personal development.
Influence of Role Models
The conversation touches on the influence of figures like Phil Hartman, who contributed to iconic album cover art, inspiring Bobby's artistic endeavors. Bobby remarks, “It's insane, but that's what I did” ([25:44]), showcasing his commitment to honing his creative skills from a young age.
Musical Interests and Personal Development
Involvement in Musical Theater
Bobby reminisces about his participation in musical theater during his youth, describing himself as “a musical theater kid” ([34:21]). He humorously contrasts his own musical talents with those of his Broadway singer wife, admitting, “I felt very stupid” ([35:08]), and acknowledging her exceptional abilities.
Balancing Talents
The discussion highlights the balance between personal interests and recognizing the talents of others, emphasizing mutual respect and admiration within personal relationships. Bobby acknowledges, “My wife is insanely talented” ([35:21]), reinforcing the theme of humility and appreciation.
Old Commercials and Cultural Reflections
Zima and Improv Experiences
Bobby shares a humorous story about introducing Zima, a clear alcoholic beverage, to a room full of children during an improv show. He recalls the unexpected reactions, stating, “We drank all the Zima in a parking lot and started hysterically laughing” ([11:54]). This anecdote underscores the generational differences in cultural references and humor.
Public Safety Messages
The conversation shifts to nostalgic public safety commercials like “Do you know where your children are?”, featuring celebrities such as Cyndi Lauper and Debbie Allen. Bobby nostalgically recalls, “Ms. Rachel all the time. She's the best” ([19:36]), highlighting the impact of these messages on parenting and child safety awareness.
Conclusion and Guest Promotions
As the episode draws to a close, Bobby promotes his podcast "Who, Me with the Batman," encouraging listeners to check it out for more of his comedic insights ([35:30]). Ryan expresses his appreciation for Bobby’s openness and humor, concluding the episode with heartfelt thanks and well-wishes.
Notable Quotes:
- “I remember coming home from school and watching it, hearing the theme song meant, like, school's over, it's time to play.” - Bobby Moynihan ([03:06])
- “Every single time you got in the car, you were just immediately stabbed in the thigh about a quarter of an inch deep with just metal wire.” - Bobby Moynihan ([08:25])
- “I was super into GI Joe... I was... like, let me fix this for you.” - Bobby Moynihan ([25:17])
- “They gave me the Nintendo and I was like, are you kidding me?” - Bobby Moynihan ([30:46])
- “It was one of the best days of my life.” - Bobby Moynihan ([31:34])
- “I drew, like, the covers of the yearbook in college.” - Bobby Moynihan ([32:10])
- “I felt very stupid.” - Bobby Moynihan ([35:08])
- “Ms. Rachel all the time. She's the best.” - Bobby Moynihan ([19:36])
This episode of "The Wayback with Ryan Sickler" offers listeners a rich and engaging exploration of Bobby Moynihan’s formative years, blending humor with poignant reflections. From beloved childhood shows and cherished family cars to the joy of receiving a first video game console, Bobby shares stories that resonate with anyone who has fond memories of growing up in a pre-digital age.