Podcast Summary: The Wayback #49 | Shapel Lacey

Title: The Wayback with Ryan Sickler
Host: Ryan Sickler
Guest: Chappelle Lacey
Release Date: December 5, 2024

Introduction

In episode #49 of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler, host Ryan Sickler welcomes comedian Shapel Lacey for an engaging and nostalgic conversation. The episode delves into Chappelle's upbringing, family dynamics, early memories, and pivotal moments that shaped his journey into comedy. Filled with heartfelt reflections, humorous anecdotes, and insightful revelations, this episode offers listeners a deep dive into Shapel Lacey's life story.

Family Background and Childhood

Shapel Lacey opens up about his challenging childhood, growing up in Section 8 housing with his mother and siblings. He shares vivid memories of relying on a service that provided transportation for medical appointments, which left a lasting impression on him.

[02:17] Shapel Lacey: "We were on Section 8 housing, welfare, all that stuff. My mom had five kids, and whenever we had doctor's appointments, this service would pick us up."

Chappelle reminisces about the feeling of being transported in a station wagon pickup service, likening it to a spaceship ride alongside his brother.

[03:02] Shapel Lacey: "We felt like we was on a spaceship sitting in the back, going to our doctor's appointments."

He further elaborates on his large family, consisting of three brothers and one sister, emphasizing the dynamics and camaraderie that came from growing up in such an environment.

[04:14] Shapel Lacey: "We had three brothers and one sister. It was a lot, but our nucleus was strong."

Educational Challenges and Early Rebellion

Chappelle recounts his years in junior high at Powell Junior High, highlighting the school's lack of resources and his own rebellious nature. He shares an amusing yet telling story about his principal offering him a chance to graduate early due to his disruptive behavior.

[05:30] Shapel Lacey: "My principal wanted me out because I was such a bad kid. He offered to let me graduate early if I got straight A's and didn’t come back. But I couldn’t accept that because I was petty."

This anecdote underscores Shapel's resistance to authority and his determination to navigate his own path despite challenges.

Stepparent Influence and Personal Growth

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Shapel's relationship with his stepfather, Jerry. Despite the chaotic household environment, Chappelle acknowledges the positive influences his stepdad had on him, particularly in nurturing his interests in cooking and basketball.

[08:07] Shapel Lacey: "Jerry was trying to vibe, taking us to the movies like 'Don't Be a Menace.' He was a good cook—could make a bologna sandwich taste amazing."

Shapel highlights Jerry's unexpected talents, such as breakdancing and basketball skills, which left a lasting impression on him.

[10:12] Shapel Lacey: "Jerry was really good at basketball and could breakdance out of nowhere. It was funny because he was only 16 when he became my stepdad."

He reflects on how these experiences fostered his appreciation for music and martial arts films, laying the groundwork for his comedic style.

[13:16] Shapel Lacey: "Because of Jerry, I got into martial arts films and music. Watching those movies inspired me to learn backflips."

Early Interests and Comedy Foundations

Shapel shares his early fascination with music and martial arts, influenced heavily by his stepfather's interests. He recalls teaching himself backflips at the age of five after being inspired by classic kung fu movies.

[14:07] Shapel Lacey: "I taught myself backflips at five after watching 'Kung Fu' with David Carradine. Those movies were the coolest to me."

This passion for performance and physical comedy seamlessly transitioned into his comedic endeavors during his school years.

School Memories and First Encounters with Comedy

In recounting his school experiences, Shapel describes a moment in fifth grade when he humorously convinced his peers of his karate skills, only to surprise everyone by actually defending himself in a scuffle.

[16:19] Shapel Lacey: "I told kids I knew karate and actually managed to block every punch and hit back. They thought I was a kung fu master because I could do backflips."

This story not only highlights his natural comedic timing but also his ability to turn unexpected situations into entertaining narratives.

Media Influences and Building a Comedic Identity

The discussion shifts to Shapel's early exposure to television and how it influenced his comedic sensibilities. He fondly remembers watching shows like Mama's Family, The Jeffersons, and Sanford and Son, which featured strong, often angry characters that resonated with his personal experiences.

[18:22] Shapel Lacey: "Watching 'Mama's Family' and 'The Jeffersons' taught me how to make anger funny. Bernie Mac was one of my favorites for bringing anger into comedy."

Chappelle credits these shows and comedians like Bernie Mac for helping him channel his own aggressive tendencies into humor, shaping his unique comedic voice.

First Vacation and Personal Reflections

Shapel recounts his first vacation at the age of 20, an experience that contrasted sharply with his earlier childhood memories. He describes feelings of awkwardness and confusion during his trip to Legoland, reflecting on how his perception of family vacations evolved over time.

[26:17] Shapel Lacey: "Going to Legoland at 20 felt weird because I was older than my sisters. They enjoyed it more, but I was just confused about why I was there."

This story underscores the complexities of his family relationships and the varied experiences that have molded his outlook on life.

Cheer Camp Anecdote and Vulnerable Moments

Towards the end of the episode, Shapel shares a personal and humorous story from his time at college cheer camp. He describes an incident where he lost his virginity, leading to an unexpected and awkward situation involving excessive bleeding.

[29:19] Shapel Lacey: "At cheer camp, I wasn't prepared and ended up with blood everywhere. My friends had to clean it up while I was freaking out about what happened."

This candid recounting showcases Shapel's ability to find humor in vulnerable moments, further endearing him to listeners.

Conclusion and Final Reflections

As the episode wraps up, Shapel reflects on his non-traditional upbringing and the sense of family he has cultivated despite early hardships. He emphasizes the importance of embracing his past and the lessons learned from each family member.

[28:27] Shapel Lacey: "Even though I didn't grow up traditionally, I still feel like I have a big family and have learned so much from each of them."

Ryan Sickler thanks Shapel for sharing his stories and encourages listeners to support him through his tours and podcast.

Notable Quotes

• Shapel Lacey [02:17]: "We were on Section 8 housing, welfare, all that stuff. My mom had five kids, and whenever we had doctor's appointments, this service would pick us up."

• Shapel Lacey [05:30]: "My principal wanted me out because I was such a bad kid. He offered to let me graduate early if I got straight A's and didn’t come back. But I couldn’t accept that because I was petty."

• Shapel Lacey [08:07]: "Jerry was trying to vibe, taking us to the movies like 'Don't Be a Menace.' He was a good cook—could make a bologna sandwich taste amazing."

• Shapel Lacey [14:07]: "I taught myself backflips at five after watching 'Kung Fu' with David Carradine. Those movies were the coolest to me."

• Shapel Lacey [18:22]: "Watching 'Mama's Family' and 'The Jeffersons' taught me how to make anger funny. Bernie Mac was one of my favorites for bringing anger into comedy."

• Shapel Lacey [28:27]: "Even though I didn't grow up traditionally, I still feel like I have a big family and have learned so much from each of them."

Final Thoughts

Episode #49 of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of Shapel Lacey's life. From navigating a challenging childhood to discovering his comedic identity, Shappelle shares authentic moments that resonate deeply with listeners. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling in understanding one's past and shaping one's future.

Connect with Shapel Lacey

• Website: chappellelacey.com
• Podcast: Lesser Known Characters with Joel Jimenez
• Social Media: Follow Shapel for updates on tours and new content.

Thank you for tuning into The Wayback with Ryan Sickler. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, and join us next week for another nostalgic journey.