Podcast Summary: The Wayback with Ryan Sickler - Episode 76: Dan St. Germain

Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 76 of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler, host Ryan Sickler welcomes comedian and wrestling enthusiast Dan St. Germain for an engaging and nostalgic conversation. The episode delves into Dan's unique upbringing, his experiences at music festivals, high school antics, and his enduring passion for wrestling. Throughout the discussion, both Ryan and Dan share humorous anecdotes, reflective insights, and memorable quotes that paint a vivid picture of Dan's life journey.

Childhood and Family

Dan begins by sharing insights into his childhood, particularly the role his grandparents played in his upbringing.

Dan St. Germain (02:05):

"When I was a little kid, they would give me my grandpa and my grandma. I remember a lot of this fondly."

He reminisces about his grandmother, affectionately called "Megama," and the unconventional moments they shared.

Dan St. Germain (05:14):

"Megama would make us like great cream sodas with ginger ale. After my grandpa died, Megama lived in our attic, fully furnished with a kitchen and living room."

Dan also touches on the complexities of his family dynamics, including his grandfathers' contrasting personalities and the impact of his grandfather's death.

Dan St. Germain (07:41):

"My grandpa was wild—he went to World War II and freed concentration camps. Another grandpa, who was a pharmacist, shot himself in the hand in Australia and wasn't deployed to the Pacific."

Festival Stories: Gathering of the Vibes

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Dan's experiences at music festivals, particularly the Gathering of the Vibes.

Dan St. Germain (03:15):

"Wavy Gravy was there. We started doing blow in my friend's dad's trailer. It was at that moment I realized my friend had a bad dad."

Dan recounts the wild and sometimes troubling experiences, blending humor with candid reflections on his past drug use during festival days.

Dan St. Germain (04:04):

"It's hilarious. I don't even remember the music. I was so up."

High School Activities: Choir and Wrestling

Dan delves into his vibrant high school years, highlighting his involvement in choir and wrestling, which shaped much of his adolescence.

Choir Involvement: Dan was an active participant in his school's choir, even joining the gospel choir to protest funding cuts, despite being an atheist.

Dan St. Germain (14:15):

"Blessed redeemer please redeem ourselves... Satan wants his way in my life. I got to keep holding on and praying."

He humorously addresses his struggles with rhythm and the cultural dynamics of singing in a predominantly black gospel choir.

Wrestling Experiences: Wrestling was another significant part of Dan's high school life. He shares both the camaraderie and the harsh realities of his wrestling coach.

Dan St. Germain (20:42):

"We had a ladder match in my friend's backyard where they tied wire to my neck and tore me off the ladder."

He reflects on his wrestling persona and the backyard wrestling league he was part of, illustrating the blend of comedy and athleticism in his early performances.

Dan St. Germain (19:08):

"Comedy and wrestling are very similar."

Prom Anecdotes

Prom was a memorable event in Dan's high school years, filled with unexpected twists and humorous situations.

Dan St. Germain (16:07):

"A girl asked me to prom. We got drunk in the limo and went to see Ari Spears at Caroline's. When we dropped her home, the limo driver talked about his mom not accepting his black girlfriend."

The night was a mix of youthful rebellion, awkward conversations, and typical prom festivities, encapsulating the chaos and fun of teenage social gatherings.

Traveling and Vacations

Dan shares stories from his family's travels, highlighting both the adventurous and challenging moments.

Dan St. Germain (24:32):

"We went to England and France. It was the first time I ever drank—I acted drunk because I was only 12."

He recounts a particularly chaotic trip to Nicaragua, emphasizing the cultural and political lessons learned during the experience.

Dan St. Germain (25:36):

"Between the Sandinistas and the Contras, eating rice and beans was crazy. Reverend Acorn took us down there. It was a wild trip."

Wrestling Interests and Current Projects

Wrestling remains a passion for Dan, both as a fan and as a participant in various related projects.

Dan St. Germain (19:06):

"Still am a huge wrestling fan. Check out Working Stiff Pro Wrestling Podcast."

He discusses his involvement in creating wrestling content, including podcasts and roasts, blending his comedic background with his love for the sport.

Dan St. Germain (21:52):

"We had our backyard wrestling league, Paw Professional Amateur Wrestlers. I was the Fig, a heel character."

Dan's dedication to wrestling is evident as he shares details about his memorabilia and ongoing projects that honor his wrestling roots.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Dan reflects on his high school years' end, his sketch comedy group, and his aspirations in writing and performing. He candidly shares the highs and lows of his teenage experiences, offering listeners a glimpse into the formative years that shaped his comedic and personal life.

Dan St. Germain (30:56):

"I had written a play that won the Stephen Sondheim best young play thing. I knew maybe I could get into writing."

Ryan thanks Dan for his openness and engaging stories, highlighting the blend of humor and heartfelt moments that made the episode both entertaining and meaningful.

Notable Quotes

• Dan St. Germain (02:05):

  "When I was a little kid, they would give me my grandpa and my grandma. I remember a lot of this fondly."

• Dan St. Germain (04:04):

  "It's hilarious. I don't even remember the music. I was so up."

• Dan St. Germain (19:08):

  "Comedy and wrestling are very similar."

• Dan St. Germain (25:30):

  "Stuffed rooster. I don't know why I bought it."

Final Thoughts

Episode 76 of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler offers a deep dive into Dan St. Germain's eclectic life experiences, blending humor with poignant reflections. From his unique family dynamics and wild festival tales to his high school exploits in choir and wrestling, Dan provides listeners with a multifaceted view of his journey. The episode underscores the importance of embracing one's past, finding humor in adversity, and pursuing passions relentlessly.

For more insights and upcoming episodes, follow Ryan Sickler and Dan St. Germain on their respective social media platforms.