Podcast Summary: The Wayback with Ryan Sickler – Episode #79 featuring Yannis (Giannis) Pappas

Release Date: July 3, 2025

In Episode #79 of "The Wayback with Ryan Sickler," host Ryan Sickler welcomes comedian Giannis Pappas for a nostalgic journey through Giannis's formative years in 1980s Brooklyn, New York. The conversation is rich with anecdotes, humor, and heartfelt reflections, painting a vivid picture of growing up in a bustling urban environment.

1. Childhood in 1980s Brooklyn

Nostalgic Beginnings: Giannis opens the discussion with a playful nod to time travel, humorously interacting as if he's back in 1983. He reminisces about the simplicity of childhood entertainment, highlighting the shift from black-and-white TVs to color as a significant change during his youth.

[01:04] Giannis: "I grew up in a black and white TV. I used to watch the Honeymooners at 11:30 and then Star Trek at midnight."

Playing Neighborhood Games: Giannis vividly describes playing improvised baseball and wiffle ball with makeshift bases and strike zones, using neighborhood landmarks like apartment buildings and garden gates to simulate the game's mechanics.

[03:12] Giannis: "We broke windows. We played running bases right up there… Wiffle ball was huge when I was a kid."

2. Navigating a Diverse and Dynamic Neighborhood

Understanding Brooklyn's Complex Landscape: Giannis provides insight into the socio-economic diversity of Brooklyn, explaining how a few blocks could drastically change the neighborhood's atmosphere. He contrasts his relatively good area with adjacent "bad" neighborhoods, emphasizing the proximity of contrasting environments.

[05:51] Giannis: "From where I lived was kind of good, but two blocks, and you're in bad. It's so close."

Memorable Locations: He shares nostalgic memories of playing basketball in schoolyards and local courts, which were once rough areas but have transformed over the years into more affluent neighborhoods like Park Slope.

[06:30] Giannis: "Those courts were just black tops and glass chain nets… Now it's all different."

3. Summer Camp and Formative Experiences

All America Camp Trauma: One of the most intense segments revolves around Giannis's traumatic experiences at All America Camp at New York Military Academy. He recounts harsh treatment by Marine counselors, including physical abuse and hazing, which left a lasting impact on him.

[14:17] Giannis: "They would pick us and hang us on hooks by our underwear. They would beat us. Marina counselors were torturing us."

Building Friendships Amid Adversity: Despite the hardships, Giannis formed lasting friendships, including with Chi Ali, who later became a rapper. They even retaliated against their abusive counselors, showcasing their resilience and camaraderie.

[15:48] Giannis: "We made a lotion and threw it on him while he was sleeping. We got kicked out because of that."

4. High School Antics and Personal Growth

Class Clown Persona: Giannis describes his high school years as a blend of humor and troublemaking. Known as the class clown, his antics often led to multiple suspensions, yet his popularity kept him from being permanently expelled.

[22:05] Giannis: "I was a class clown. When I got suspended, they put up Free Giannis signs. It was around the time of the movie Ferris Bueller, I think."

Adventures and Missteps: He shares stories of stealing sodas from the school cafeteria and even cars during his teenage years, illustrating a rebellious streak tempered by youthful naivety.

[23:35] Giannis: "I kicked open the door, handed out sodas like Robin Hood, and got straight up suspended."

5. Teenage Exploration and Risks

Early Sexual Experiences: Giannis candidly discusses his early forays into sexuality, including awkward first experiences and the challenges of navigating relationships without modern resources like the internet.

[27:11] Giannis: "When you ate a girl out, you had to just… It was like licking a bear's head. It was just hair."

Dangerous Playground Endeavors: From riding atop subway cars to engaging in street games that sometimes turned violent, Giannis's tales paint a picture of the adventurous—and sometimes perilous—nature of his youth.

[32:02] Giannis: "We used to ride in between the train cars, on the edge… It was stupid and dangerous, but we did it."

6. Reflections on Change and Growth

Evolving Neighborhoods: Giannis reflects on how neighborhoods like SoHo and Tribeca have transformed from desolate areas to some of the most expensive real estate in America, contrasting them with his memories of rougher Brooklyn locales.

[35:56] Giannis: "Now, SoHo is one of the best neighborhoods, but when I was a kid, it was just warehouses and artists. Same with Tribeca and Dumbo."

Personal Growth and Moving Forward: As the conversation winds down, Giannis acknowledges his journey from mischievous youth to a successful comedian, highlighting the personal growth and resilience that shaped his path.

7. Guest Promotion and Closing Remarks

Towards the end of the episode, Giannis promotes his latest projects, encouraging listeners to check out his special "Property Owner" on YouTube and stay connected through his website and live performances.

[36:16] Giannis: "Watch my newest special on YouTube. Property Owner on YouTube. Just go. Property Owner Giannis Pappas."

Ryan Sickler wraps up the episode by thanking Giannis for sharing his vivid and often raw childhood stories, emphasizing the show's essence of taking listeners on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

[36:27] Ryan Sickler: "As always, Ryan Sickler on all your social media. We'll talk to you all next week."

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience Amid Adversity: Giannis's stories underscore the resilience required to navigate challenging environments and abusive situations.

• Transformation of Urban Spaces: The evolution of Brooklyn neighborhoods from tough areas to upscale locales highlights broader social and economic shifts.

• Humor as a Coping Mechanism: Despite traumatic experiences, Giannis maintains a humorous outlook, using comedy to process and share his past.

• Importance of Community and Friendship: Strong friendships formed during difficult times provided support and shaped Giannis's personal and professional life.

Notable Quotes:

• Giannis Pappas: "We broke windows. We played running bases right up there… Wiffle ball was huge when I was a kid." [03:12]

• Giannis Pappas: "They would pick us and hang us on hooks by our underwear. They would beat us." [14:17]

• Giannis Pappas: "We made a lotion and threw it on him while he was sleeping. We got kicked out because of that." [15:48]

• Giannis Pappas: "I was a class clown. When I got suspended, they put up Free Giannis signs." [22:05]

This episode offers a candid and heartfelt exploration of Giannis Pappas's upbringing, providing listeners with a blend of humor, nostalgia, and poignant reflections on personal growth and the ever-changing urban landscape.