Episode Summary: The Wayback #58 | Rachel Feinstein
In episode #58 of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler, host Ryan Sickler welcomes acclaimed comedian and actress Rachel Feinstein for an engaging and heartfelt conversation. This episode delves deep into Rachel's nostalgic memories, family dynamics, and formative experiences that shaped her comedic voice today.
Introduction and Welcome
Ryan Sickler kicks off the episode with enthusiasm, expressing his admiration for Rachel Feinstein's work. He warmly introduces Rachel, highlighting her Netflix special, Big Guy, and encourages listeners to watch it:
"Go watch Rachel's special. Go see her on the road. She's one of the best out there doing it." (01:52)
Rachel responds graciously, confirming the correct pronunciation of her last name and reiterating the promotion of her Netflix special:
"I have a special out on Netflix. It's called Big Guy. Watch it." (01:42)
Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics
Family Car Adventures
Rachel fondly reminisces about her childhood, particularly focusing on her family's red Datsun station wagon, affectionately nicknamed "the bulldozer" by her father:
"That was our wagon. My dad called it the bulldozer." (03:02)
She shares a humorous yet chaotic memory of her father accidentally tipping the car on its side:
"Fully over on its side? Yeah. How does it tip on its side?" (03:39)
Rachel recounts how her father, Howie Feinstein, would attempt to revive the overturned car by revving the engine persistently, much to the amusement and distress of his children:
"My dad, the Dawson, fell fully over on its side, and my dad just kept revving the engine like he was gonna hit the car back up again." (03:39)
Disciplinary Methods
The Feinstein household was anything but typical, with Rachel describing her father's unconventional disciplinary techniques:
"My whole childhood just was in half nelson. I feel like I was never not in a half nelson. It was so irritating." (17:42)
She humorously details how her father would hurl his children as a form of discipline, leading to memorable (though embarrassing) incidents:
"When my brother was... he would take his dirty sock on. This would happen when I get off school. He take... he would take his sock off, roll it up into a ball, put it on my face... do some sort of countdown." (18:07)
Rachel also touches on her mother's role as a social worker and her attempts to moderate her father's extreme methods:
"My mom... you can't throw them like you used to, Howie. You can't throw them both." (20:29)
Family Vacations and Hershey Park Chaos
Trips to Ocean City and Rehoboth
Rachel describes the Feinstein family's vacations to Ocean City and Rehoboth, primarily revolving around outlet shopping to satisfy her mother's penchant for brand-name purchases:
"My mom wanted to go outlet shopping. She wanted to go Claiborne Outlet." (13:07)
She humorously reflects on how these trips were less about relaxation and more about shopping frenzies:
"If you're from Maryland or that little pocket of the eastern coast, a vacation is driving to Ocean City for a week." (13:24)
Hershey Park Mayhem
One of the most vivid anecdotes Rachel shares involves a disastrous trip to Hershey Park. The day begins with excitement over chocolate chip pancakes, a rare treat for Rachel:
"We get chocolate chips and pancakes. No sweets." (20:13)
However, the outing takes a chaotic turn when her father's habitual hurling leads to a public spectacle, resulting in an ambulance visit:
"We were ordering the chocolate chip pancakes... all of a sudden, my dad's laying in this booth... the ambulance calls... he was laying like this, like screaming in a tiny restaurant." (21:15)
Rachel details the family's embarrassment as onlookers watch the Feinsteins' distress unfold, culminating in her father being wheeled out in a stretcher:
"Everybody's just blinking, just watching all of this, just like, what the... What the heck is going on with this family?" (22:44)
The episode captures the blend of humor and pathos in Rachel's recounting, painting a vivid picture of her unconventional upbringing.
Jewish Sleepaway Camps and Unsettling Encounters
Camp Louise Experiences
Rachel recounts her time at Camp Louise, a Jewish sleepaway camp that provided a backdrop for early social interactions and friendships:
"We would have a dance with the boys camp. I made a friend and we would call each other lesbian lovers." (25:37)
She shares the innocent beginnings of friendships that later took unexpected turns, particularly involving a campmate who became an obsessive stalker years later:
"She ended up stalking me and like sending me a lot of crazy messages. I had to get a restraining order." (26:51)
Rachel humorously reflects on her brother's reaction to her stalking ordeal:
"My brother thinks it would be really funny to get a sweatshirt made that said, 'I'm on Annie's side' because of the courtroom." (28:11)
Despite the unnerving experience, Rachel maintains a lighthearted tone, discussing the complexities of her relationships formed during her camp years.
Early Life Challenges and Transformative Moments
Academic Struggles and School Experiences
Rachel opens up about her academic challenges, including being pulled out of middle school due to failing grades:
"Before I was finally pulled out because I was failing." (07:02)
She also shares an embarrassing moment from her childhood when she was interviewed at the beach, proudly declaring her nationality only to be laughed at:
"I said, 'I'm from the United States of America,' and everybody laughed. I was like, wait, why are you guys laughing?" (14:49)
This incident marks one of her first experiences with public ridicule, shaping her understanding of social interactions.
Sibling Dynamics and Personal Growth
Rachel discusses the intricate dynamics with her brother, who was deeply influenced by wrestling from a young age. The revelation that wrestling was scripted led to unexpected behavioral changes:
"When they found out that it was pretend... he went into some sort of like depression." (18:07)
She humorously describes his exaggerated reactions and routines, highlighting the lasting impact of their father's disciplinary methods:
"He'd put his sock off, roll it up into a ball, put it on my face... do some sort of countdown." (18:07)
Conclusion and Promotion
As the conversation draws to a close, Rachel Feinstein reiterates the availability of her Netflix special, Big Guy, urging listeners to watch and support her work:
"I have a special out called Big Guy. It's out right now. It's on Netflix." (29:10)
Ryan concludes the episode by congratulating Rachel and encouraging the audience to explore her comedic endeavors:
"Congrats on everything. Go watch Rachel special for sure. Big Guy on Netflix." (29:26)
Notable Quotes
-
Rachel Feinstein on Dad's Car Tipping Over:
"Fully over on its side? Yeah. How does it tip on its side?" (03:39)
-
On Being Disciplined by a Half Nelson:
"My whole childhood just was in half nelson. I feel like I was never not in a half nelson. It was so irritating." (17:42)
-
Hershey Park Ambulance Incident:
"He was laying like this, like screaming in a tiny restaurant." (22:44)
-
Stalking Experience:
"She ended up stalking me and like sending me a lot of crazy messages. I had to get a restraining order." (26:51)
Key Takeaways
- Rachel Feinstein's upbringing was marked by unconventional family dynamics, particularly her father's unique disciplinary methods.
- Family vacations, while often chaotic, provided memorable experiences that Rachel reflects on with a mix of humor and nostalgia.
- Early social experiences, including time at Jewish sleepaway camps, played a significant role in shaping Rachel's interpersonal relationships.
- Despite facing challenges and public embarrassments, Rachel developed a resilient and humorous outlook, which is evident in her successful career in comedy.
- The episode underscores the importance of embracing one's past, no matter how tumultuous, as a foundation for personal growth and professional success.
This episode of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Rachel Feinstein's life, blending laughter with poignant reflections. Through candid storytelling, Rachel illustrates how her unique experiences have forged her as a comedian, making this episode both entertaining and inspiring.