The Wayback #45 | George Perez
The Wayback with Ryan Sickler
Release Date: November 7, 2024
Host: Ryan Sickler
Guest: George Perez
Duration: Approximately 36 minutes

Introduction

Ryan Sickler welcomes comedian and storyteller George Perez to the episode, setting the stage for a nostalgic journey into George’s past. The conversation opens with playful banter, immediately establishing a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Growing Up in a Large Family

George Perez dives into his childhood, emphasizing the chaos and camaraderie of being the second youngest among 15 siblings.

• George Perez [01:44]: "I am the second youngest of 15 kids. I've always been in the way..."

Ryan highlights the logistical challenges of such a large household, pondering the difficulties of monitoring numerous children.

• Ryan Sickler [03:38]: "There was nine of us in a four bedroom."

George humorously shares anecdotes about sneaking out of a crowded household, detailing the intricate paths he had to navigate to gain some personal space.

• George Perez [06:00]: "The window that we snuck out of was the back restroom window... climb up the apricot tree, go over the back fence..."

Neighborhood Dynamics and Friendships

The discussion shifts to George’s neighborhood, painting a vivid picture of a diverse community with various neighbors.

• George Perez [05:25]: "We had Chris Lister, the baddest white boy in our city... John Bowker, a Korean war veteran..."

He recounts the complexities of friendships across cultural lines, including his interactions with Joseph Vo, a first-generation Vietnamese neighbor.

• George Perez [05:46]: "We would be fighting in front of his house... he was like, my mom says I can't play with you."

Childhood Games and Mischief

George reminisces about playing neighborhood games like "Ditchum," a local version of capture the flag, showcasing the competitive and inventive spirit of his youth.

• George Perez [07:26]: "Ditchum was just like, alright, there's 10 of us... the BMX Bandits..."

Ryan and George describe the adrenaline-filled moments of playing these games at night, avoiding parental detection, and the creativity involved in creating makeshift game equipment.

• George Perez [09:37]: "We were playing one night... my mom was just so pissed off, coming out with spandex on..."

The challenges of hiding during these games, coupled with humorous incidents involving George’s overzealous mother, add depth to the narrative.

Lessons from Mischief

George shares a pivotal moment when his mischievous actions led to meaningful life lessons.

• George Perez [18:03]: "I was such a bad kid... trying to rob this chick for all her Nintendo games."

After getting caught and facing his mother's ire, George reflects on how this experience curbed his tendency to steal.

• George Perez [19:19]: "That's when the lesson of life... I never stole after that again..."

Nintendo Nostalgia and Family Dynamics

The conversation shifts to the pivotal role of video games in George’s childhood, particularly his experiences with the Nintendo console.

• George Perez [19:28]: "Nintendo was life, bro. I still collect it."

Ryan and George delve into the competitive nature of their gaming sessions, highlighting tense yet bonding moments over games like Super Mario Brothers and Mike Tyson's Punch Out.

• Ryan Sickler [23:05]: "They were trying to hurt you verbally and just humiliate you while we're playing."

George shares humorous yet relatable stories of sibling rivalries exacerbated by competitive gaming, including memorable fights and his father’s stern yet amusing interventions.

• George Perez [26:13]: "My dad was like, I'm blind. And my dad wakes up and kicks everybody's ass."

Early Romantic Ventures and Parental Guidance

George recounts his early attempts at romance and the comedic yet strict guidance from his father.

• George Perez [35:11]: "I had to sit... I did it... My dad slapped me."

Ryan shares a personal story mirroring George’s experiences, emphasizing the universal challenges of teenage romance and parental oversight.

• Ryan Sickler [32:11]: "I saw it change to one. I heard, dude, my dad laid on that horn like this..."

George humorously reflects on the awkwardness and lessons learned from these early romantic mishaps.

Memorable Coaches and Sports Memories

The dialogue transitions to George’s high school sports experiences, particularly his relationship with a mentor figure, Coach Rocky Mounds.

• George Perez [29:05]: "He taught me how to play defense, man..."

George highlights the positive impact of his coach, contrasting it with the chaotic influence of his brothers and their attempts to out-coach him.

• George Perez [30:19]: "Every practice he would play Public Enemy. Welcome to the Terror Dome."

This section underscores the importance of mentorship and the lasting impressions coaches can leave on young athletes.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the episode wraps up, George and Ryan reflect on their shared experiences growing up, emphasizing the lasting friendships and memories forged through childhood adventures and mischief.

• George Perez [35:46]: "Yeah, that's why he was proud. He's like, hey, you're not telling on him no more."

Both guests share a final round of promotions, celebrating the community they've built and the ongoing connections that sustain their friendships.

• George Perez [36:14]: "Don't forget, guys, George P. Comedy on any social media..."

Ryan concludes by thanking George and encouraging listeners to join future live shows.

Notable Quotes

• George Perez [01:44]: "I am the second youngest of 15 kids. I've always been in the way..."

• Ryan Sickler [03:38]: "There was nine of us in a four bedroom."

• George Perez [07:26]: "Ditchum was just like, alright, there's 10 of us... the BMX Bandits..."

• George Perez [18:03]: "I was such a bad kid... trying to rob this chick for all her Nintendo games."

• Ryan Sickler [23:05]: "They were trying to hurt you verbally and just humiliate you while we're playing."

• George Perez [26:13]: "My dad was like, I'm blind. And my dad wakes up and kicks everybody's ass."

• George Perez [35:11]: "I had to sit... I did it... My dad slapped me."

Key Takeaways

• Family Dynamics: Growing up in a large family fostered both chaos and strong sibling bonds, teaching George resilience and resourcefulness.

• Neighborhood Influence: Diverse interactions with neighbors shaped George’s social skills and understanding of different cultures.

• Childhood Mischief: Engaging in neighborhood games and minor rebellions provided valuable life lessons and lasting memories.

• Gaming and Competition: Video games were a central part of George’s childhood, fostering both camaraderie and competitive spirit among friends and siblings.

• Parental Guidance: Strict yet loving parental guidance, particularly from George’s father, played a crucial role in shaping his character and decisions.

• Mentorship in Sports: Positive mentorship from coaches like Rocky Mounds significantly impacted George’s development and appreciation for teamwork and strategy.

Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler, George Perez offers a heartfelt and humorous glimpse into his childhood, illustrating how early experiences and relationships shape who we become. Through shared stories of family, friends, and formative adventures, both hosts and listeners are reminded of the enduring impact of our past on our present selves.

Stay Connected:

• Ryan Sickler: RyanCickler.com | Follow on all social media platforms
• George Perez: George P. Comedy | Linktree for tours and podcasts
• Live Shows: Tickets available at ryansickler.com

Thank you for tuning into The Wayback. Join us next week for another trip down memory lane!