Podcast Summary: The Wayback with Ryan Sickler | Episode 80: Joey McIntyre

Introduction

The Wayback with Ryan Sickler takes listeners on a nostalgic journey, revisiting memorable moments and personal stories from its guests. In Episode 80, released on July 10, 2025, Ryan Sickler welcomes Joey McIntyre, a renowned singer and actor, best known for his role in the boy band New Kids on the Block and his subsequent solo career.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Joey McIntyre opens up about his upbringing in a large family, being the youngest of nine children. The conversation delves into the dynamics of having seven sisters, a brother, and himself as the last child.

• Sibling Hierarchy: At [00:42], Joey shares, "Youngest? Yep. Seven girls, then my brother, then me." Ryan acknowledges the complexity with, "That's your dad trying for a boy or is you just not Irish Catholic?" Joey clarifies, "They just kept going. As my mother would say, the blood. The blood is falling out of me." This highlights the challenges and expectations placed upon him as the youngest son.

• Parental Influence: Joey reflects on his parents' separation when he was ten, noting his mother's strong Catholic beliefs which prevented their divorce. "She didn't drive anywhere, actually. She walked everywhere," he mentions at [02:56], painting a picture of a disciplined and resilient household.

Growing Up in Brookline

The discussion transitions to Joey's childhood home at 20 Orchard Street, Brookline, MA. They reminisce about the neighborhood's charm and the architectural styles present during his upbringing.

• Neighborhood Nostalgia: At [04:42], Joey points out, "Look at that. This Victorian. That's spectacular." Ryan adds, "Beautiful," emphasizing the fondness for his early environment.

• Community Connections: Joey reminisces about neighbors like John Tobin, a Boston City Councilor turned club manager, highlighting the tight-knit community feel. "John manages that club. He also Moonlighted as a Boston City Councilor," Joey explains at [05:19].

Adventures and Family Activities

Joey shares memories of family vacations to Cape Cod, where they frequented the Melody Tent, a legendary rock and roll venue.

• First Concert Experience: At [11:42], Joey recounts, "My first concert was Cyndi Lauper. Maybe 11 or 12." He describes the excitement and the personal significance of these early musical experiences.

• Family Bonding: They discuss the importance of family activities and how large families create unique traditions. "We adopted Boston College as our team. And my grandfather went there on my mom's side," Joey notes at [14:04], revealing the family's deep-rooted sports loyalty.

Teenage Years and Personal Growth

The conversation shifts to Joey's teenage years, touching upon his early forays into acting and music.

• Early Career Challenges: Joey talks about balancing family responsibilities with his budding career. "It was a special place. But it's not normal for a 17-year-old... to have a house and then play, play, play head of the house," he shares at [09:17], illustrating the pressures he faced.

• First Car and Independence: Discussions about his first car, a 1993 Mercedes 300 CE Cabriolet, reveal Joey's early independence. At [24:54], he proudly states, "That was my first car," and later shares maintenance anecdotes, adding a personal touch to his story.

Nostalgia for the '80s and '90s Pop Culture

Ryan and Joey dive into the pop culture of the '80s and '90s, reminiscing about favorite TV shows, concerts, and memorable moments.

• Television Favorites: Joey mentions watching shows like Dukes of Hazzard and Solid Gold. At [16:16], he says, "Dukes of Hazzard was one," leading to a lighthearted discussion about iconic car jumps and character dynamics.

• Concert Memories: Joey shares experiences of attending concerts at the Melody Tent, listing performers like James Taylor and George Carlin. He nostalgically recalls, "Every house needed a paint job... they were all," at [05:07], emphasizing the vibrant cultural landscape of his youth.

• Iconic TV Moments: The duo discusses notable TV events, such as the character arcs in Dukes of Hazzard. At [16:51], Ryan talks about the infamous "jumping the shark" moment, prompting Joey to correct, "That's a movie," adding humor to their exchange.

Personal Anecdotes and Humor

Throughout the episode, Joey and Ryan infuse the conversation with humor and personal anecdotes, making the discussion relatable and engaging.

• Sibling Stories: Joey shares amusing stories about his older brother, like hiding change under the doormat. At [29:18], he recalls, "He would just leave like tons of change under the doormat," highlighting the quirky aspects of their relationship.

• Funny Incidents: Ryan describes a humorous encounter involving a vintage Volvo, leading to a lighthearted exchange about car nostalgia and unexpected conversations. At [28:42], Joey laughs, "I never really crossed the line."

Conclusion and Promotion

As the episode wraps up, Joey promotes his latest work and personal interests. He encourages listeners to check out his new album, Freedom, and shares his love for leisurely activities like walks on the beach.

• Album Promotion: Joey highlights his latest album, stating at [00:54], "My new album, Freedom. You got to check it out. It's worth it. 10 songs, 32 minutes is the perfect car ride."

• Personal Interests: He adds, "I like walks on the beach. Big coffee guy. JoeyMac.com," at [31:01], inviting fans to connect with him beyond the podcast.

Notable Quotes

• "We got that new one though, with all the celebrities. Travis Kelsey is on one." – Ryan Sickler [01:28]

• "The blood is falling out of me. Legit." – Joey McIntyre [02:51]

• "It's like you can't even control... that nostalgia, it just hits you." – Joey McIntyre [27:36]

• "They pushed it too far. It was all." – Joey McIntyre [30:32]

Key Takeaways

• Family and Upbringing: Joey's experiences growing up in a large family shaped his personality and work ethic.

• Nostalgia: The episode is rich with nostalgic references to '80s and '90s pop culture, resonating with listeners who share similar memories.

• Personal Growth: Joey's journey from a large household to achieving independence highlights his resilience and passion for music and acting.

• Humor and Relatability: The lighthearted banter between Ryan and Joey makes the conversation engaging and relatable, offering listeners both laughter and heartfelt moments.

Final Thoughts

Episode 80 of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler offers a heartfelt and humorous glimpse into Joey McIntyre's life, from his early days in a bustling household to his rise in the entertainment industry. Through shared stories and playful exchanges, Ryan and Joey create an engaging narrative that captivates both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Additional Resources

• Joey McIntyre's Official Website: JoeyMac.com
• Listen to Freedom Album: Available on major streaming platforms.
• Follow Joey McIntyre on Social Media: Stay updated with Joey's latest projects and personal stories.

Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript and podcast information. For the full experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the episode directly.