Podcast Summary: The Wayback #51 | Eleanor Kerrigan
Released on December 19, 2024, "The Wayback with Ryan Sickler" features a heartfelt and humorous conversation between host Ryan Sickler and comedian Eleanor Kerrigan. This episode delves deep into Eleanor's expansive family life, childhood adventures, and the dynamics of growing up in a large household.
1. Early Family Life
Eleanor Kerrigan opens up about her early years in a bustling household. As the eighth child among ten siblings—six boys and four girls—Eleanor describes the challenges and chaos of her upbringing.
Eleanor Kerrigan [05:37]: "We were only halfway at this point. That's nuts."
The sheer number of siblings created a lively and sometimes tumultuous environment, setting the stage for many of the stories shared throughout the episode.
2. Family Dynamics and Sibling Relationships
The interactions between Eleanor and her siblings were filled with both camaraderie and conflict. She recounts instances of playful mischief and the inevitable squabbles that arose from sharing limited space and resources.
Eleanor Kerrigan [10:22]: "Cuz Jimmy was older, so, you know, he's at the age you could you hit him, I guess."
These dynamics highlight the complexities of navigating relationships in a large family, where each member plays a distinct role.
3. Car Rides and Family Trips
Traveling with ten children was no small feat. Eleanor shares vivid memories of packed car rides, often leading to uncomfortable and chaotic situations.
Eleanor Kerrigan [06:49]: "I throw up on your mom's lap. On my mom's lap. She's trying to clean it up. Hey. Jesus Christ. What the hell is that?"
Such experiences not only tested familial bonds but also provided a backdrop for many memorable and humorous anecdotes.
4. Living in a Large Household
With only one bathroom shared among ten people, daily routines were a logistical challenge. Eleanor describes the creative and sometimes desperate measures the family took to accommodate everyone's needs.
Eleanor Kerrigan [20:08]: "We just have to rip up the partition, redo the plumbing."
The lack of adequate facilities often led to amusing and sometimes exasperating situations, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the family.
5. Home Challenges: Plumbing and Space
Eleanor discusses the practical challenges of maintaining a large household, particularly focusing on the plumbing issues that arose from having a single bathroom.
Eleanor Kerrigan [21:20]: "My mom still owns that row home. It took her 54 years to pay it off."
Despite these challenges, the family found ways to make the best of their living conditions, often relying on the help of resourceful relatives.
6. Extended Family and Vacationing
Vacationing with such a large family was another area rife with challenges. Eleanor recounts trips to Wildwood, New Jersey, where extended family members gathered, creating a temporary but lively household.
Eleanor Kerrigan [33:53]: "We were sleeping head to foot. Yeah. It was crazy, but it was fun."
These gatherings, though logistically complex, were filled with fond memories and strengthened familial bonds.
7. Childhood Adventures and Mischief
Growing up with ten siblings provided ample opportunities for adventures and mischief. From playing hide and seek in dark basements to creative games that often bordered on the reckless, Eleanor's childhood was anything but dull.
Eleanor Kerrigan [26:00]: "Bobby hid in the dryer. We threw him in, and he loved it."
Such stories highlight the inventive and sometimes daring spirit fostered within a large family dynamic.
8. Family and Hockey Culture
A significant aspect of Eleanor's upbringing was the family's passion for hockey, particularly their support for the Broad Street Bullies—a reflection of Philadelphia's spirited sports culture.
Eleanor Kerrigan [30:13]: "She made my sister Karen stay home to watch the little ones. My brother Jimmy was stuck somewhere."
Attending games amidst family chaos underscored the deep-rooted love for the sport and its role in bringing the family together during trying times.
9. Reflections on Family and Growth
Towards the end of the episode, both Ryan and Eleanor reflect on how these formative experiences shaped their perspectives and relationships. Eleanor touches on the delicate balance between fond memories and the underlying tensions that accompanied them.
Ryan Sickler [34:05]: "Some of the hardest times or still to this day."
This reflection offers listeners a poignant understanding of the complexities inherent in large families.
10. Conclusion and Promotions
As the episode winds down, Eleanor promotes her comedy special "No Country for Old Women" and encourages listeners to follow her on various social platforms for more content. Ryan wraps up by thanking Eleanor for her candid storytelling and inviting listeners to engage with both hosts’ work.
Eleanor Kerrigan [35:35]: "Follow on all the socials and check out the YouTube. Check out TikTok."
Notable Quotes:
- Eleanor Kerrigan [06:49]: "I throw up on your mom's lap. On my mom's lap. She's trying to clean it up. Hey. Jesus Christ. What the hell is that?"
- Eleanor Kerrigan [10:22]: "Cuz Jimmy was older, so, you know, he's at the age you could you hit him, I guess."
- Eleanor Kerrigan [26:00]: "Bobby hid in the dryer. We threw him in, and he loved it."
- Eleanor Kerrigan [35:35]: "Follow on all the socials and check out the YouTube. Check out TikTok."
Conclusion:
"The Wayback #51 | Eleanor Kerrigan" offers a rich tapestry of stories that paint a vivid picture of life in a large, dynamic family. Through laughter and nostalgia, Eleanor Kerrigan shares the highs and lows of her upbringing, providing listeners with both entertainment and insight into the complexities of familial relationships.