Podcast Summary: The Wayback #50 | Ryan Long

Release Date: December 12, 2024

Introduction

In the milestone 50th episode of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler, host Ryan Sickler welcomes comedian and musician Ryan Long for an engaging trip down memory lane. The conversation delves into Ryan Long's childhood in Toronto, his experiences with skateboarding and hockey, his journey in the music industry, and nostalgic high school antics.

Early Life and Hobbies

Ryan Long opens up about his upbringing in Ajax, Ontario, a suburb just half an hour outside of Toronto. He paints a vivid picture of his summers, which were predominantly spent skateboarding and later shifting focus to his passion for being in a band.

"The majority of my life was exclusively skateboarding. And then it switched immediately to trying to be in a band," Ryan Long shares [10:01].

He contrasts the dynamics of Canadian suburbs with American ones, highlighting the universal teenage experiences of skateboarding, hanging out at the mall, and occasional troublemaking.

The Sneaker Culture

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the sneaker culture of their youth. Ryan Sickler reminisces about iconic sneakers like Reebok Pumps and Patrick Ewing Adidas, while Ryan Long shares his personal experiences of earning compliments and even buying a second pair due to their popularity.

"I have never had more compliments from black dudes since I bought these shoes," Ryan Long remarks [05:14].

They explore the evolution of sneaker trends, from the dominance of the Reebok Pumps and Adidas in the early '80s to the rise of Jordan sneakers sparked by Michael Jordan's influence.

High School Memories and Pranks

Ryan Long recounts mischievous high school pranks, including one where he and a friend replaced their French teacher's VCR movie with a porno, leading to unforeseen consequences.

"We put a porno movie in the VCR, and she ended up staying for a month and a half," Ryan Long explains [23:00].

This segment highlights the rebellious spirit of youth and the lasting memories that come from such antics.

Musical Journey and Band Days

Transitioning from pranks to music, Ryan Long discusses his involvement in forming the band The Johnstones. He details the challenges of maintaining the band name after a member left and the camaraderie of touring and recording.

"We had a couple songs that were on the MTV Countdown and four or five albums that went popular," Ryan Long shares [34:53].

The conversation touches on the lifestyle of touring, managing band dynamics, and the transition from high school bands to more serious musical endeavors.

Hockey and Family Expectations

Ryan Long reflects on his family's strong emphasis on hockey, detailing the rigorous training regimen imposed during his childhood. Although he played up to Double A level, his passion for hockey waned in his teenage years.

"Hockey was the main thing where I was being groomed to be in the NHL. Didn't take," he admits [15:01].

This segment underscores the tension between personal interests and family expectations, a common theme in many youths' lives.

Nostalgia and Reflections

Throughout the episode, both Ryan Sickler and Ryan Long express a sense of nostalgia for their formative years. They reminisce about the fashion trends, the music scene, and the simple joys of youth that have shaped who they are today.

"If you wore those shoes, you were definitely going home that day with blood on those things," Ryan Sickler recalls [08:03].

Conclusion

The Wayback #50 serves as a heartfelt tribute to the past, capturing the essence of growing up in the '80s and '90s. Ryan Sickler and Ryan Long's candid conversation offers listeners a blend of humor, nostalgia, and genuine reflection on the experiences that define one's youth.

Notable Quotes

• "The majority of my life was exclusively skateboarding. And then it switched immediately to trying to be in a band." – Ryan Long [10:01]
• "I have never had more compliments from black dudes since I bought these shoes." – Ryan Long [05:14]
• "We put a porno movie in the VCR, and she ended up staying for a month and a half." – Ryan Long [23:00]
• "We had a couple songs that were on the MTV Countdown and four or five albums that went popular." – Ryan Long [34:53]
• "Hockey was the main thing where I was being groomed to be in the NHL. Didn't take." – Ryan Long [15:01]
• "If you wore those shoes, you were definitely going home that day with blood on those things." – Ryan Sickler [08:03]

Final Thoughts

The Wayback #50 | Ryan Long is a nostalgic journey that resonates with anyone who cherishes memories from past decades. With engaging storytelling and relatable anecdotes, Ryan Sickler and Ryan Long create an episode that's both entertaining and reflective.