Podcast Summary: "You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes" – Episode Featuring Jay Jordan
Release Date: June 25, 2025

In this engaging episode of You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes, host Pete Holmes sits down with comedian Jay Jordan to explore a wide array of topics ranging from fashion trends and the evolution of comedy to deep dives into masculinity, sexuality, and the human experience. Their candid and humorous conversation offers listeners a blend of insightful commentary and personal anecdotes, showcasing the unique comedic chemistry between Holmes and Jordan.

1. Fashion Trends and the Rise of Gorpcore

The discussion kicks off with an exploration of contemporary fashion trends, particularly the emergence of "gorpcore"—a style that blends outdoor utility with streetwear aesthetics.

• Jay Jordan introduces the concept:
  “[02:08] Jay Jordan: Gorpcore now has been adopted by a bit of streetwear kind of aesthetic people where everyone who's obsessed with Arterics and anything Gore-Tex and water-resistant...”

• Pete Holmes adds his perspective on functional fashion:
  “[03:00] Pete Holmes: All of everything in Gap kids are minor pants. That's all we have is minor pants.”

The duo delves into how gorpcore reflects broader societal shifts towards practicality infused with trendy elements, highlighting brands like The North Face and J. Crew.

2. Masculinity, Sexuality, and Pop Culture

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the interplay between masculinity and sexuality, especially within the context of pop culture and media representations.

• Jay Jordan discusses the portrayal of masculinity in Hollywood:
  “[07:00] Jay Jordan: I'm gonna say he's He's. There's an avian quality to his face. A little bird. A little bird.”

• Pete Holmes reflects on male attractiveness and identity:
  “[09:55] Pete Holmes: I'm here for it, by the way. That's it, that's it. This is strictly fashion.”

They examine characters like Ryan Gosling and Adam Driver, analyzing how their unique looks contribute to their on-screen personas and the broader narrative of male identity.

3. Evolution of Comedy and Late-Night Television

Holmes and Jordan share insights into the world of stand-up comedy and late-night television, discussing the challenges and nuances of maintaining authenticity in sprawling entertainment landscapes.

• Jay Jordan recounts his late-night show experiences:
  “[10:48] Jay Jordan: I did Fallon three times. I did Cordon. And the craziest part is on the couch.”

• Pete Holmes empathizes with the pressures of late-night performance:
  “[10:45] Pete Holmes: Think it's, like one of those hard things to talk about...”

They explore how these platforms demand a balance between scripted performance and genuine comedic expression, highlighting personal anecdotes from their careers.

4. Video Games: Then and Now

The conversation shifts towards the evolution of video games, contrasting the challenging games of the past with today's more immersive and expansive experiences.

• Jay Jordan reminisces about classic games:
  “[20:06] Jay Jordan: You'd go, "I'm on level two. It's just a map... It's tough."”

• Pete Holmes comments on the shift in game design philosophy:
  “[22:25] Pete Holmes: Like, the game couldn't be that big because you had...”

They discuss how advancements in technology have transformed gaming from straightforward challenges to complex, narrative-driven experiences, reflecting broader changes in entertainment consumption.

5. Homosocial Relationships and Male Loneliness

A profound segment of the episode delves into the intricacies of homosocial relationships—the deep, non-romantic bonds between men—and the pervasive issue of male loneliness in contemporary society.

• Pete Holmes expresses concerns about male camaraderie:
  “[65:17] Pete Holmes: When we sit, I go, 'What are you ashamed of? Tell me something you're ashamed of.'”

• Jay Jordan offers solutions for building meaningful connections:
  “[66:24] Jay Jordan: There's a level of male loneliness online that requires authentic, in-person friendships.”

They highlight the importance of vulnerability and honest communication in fostering lasting male friendships, critiquing the superficiality often present in online interactions.

6. Mythology, Religion, and Queer Culture in Media

Holmes and Jordan intertwine discussions of mythology and religion with representations of queer culture in media, particularly through the lens of comic book narratives like the X-Men.

• Jay Jordan connects Mythological archetypes to contemporary narratives:
  “[35:04] Jay Jordan: Bugs Bunny is a trickster. Loki is a trickster...”

• Pete Holmes relates these archetypes to real-world identities:
  “[35:10] Pete Holmes: We can't stop.”

They explore how queer characters embody trickster roles, challenging traditional narratives and offering nuanced representations that resonate with marginalized communities.

7. The Meaning of Life and Personal Reflections

In the concluding segments, Holmes and Jordan engage in a philosophical dialogue about entropy, the interconnectedness of life, and personal growth.

• Jay Jordan reflects on entropy and existence:
  “[118:05] Jay Jordan: There is a beauty in the finite nature of that.”

• Pete Holmes visualizes life through metaphors:
  “[119:48] Pete Holmes: If you ever look at a lake when it's raining... like an effervescence rises from it.”

They discuss the transient nature of life, the beauty found in impermanence, and the ways in which personal interactions contribute to the larger tapestry of existence.

Notable Quotes

• Jay Jordan on Male Loneliness:
  “[70:03] Jay Jordan: Because the queerest thing you can do after you've reached peak gay is bring a straight guy and a girl.”

• Pete Holmes on Comedy and Authenticity:
  “[84:40] Pete Holmes: I like being done with it. If I have six shows, I just did Nashville...”

• Jay Jordan on Comedy Evolution:
  “[86:00] Jay Jordan: My approach to comedy was also a bit theatrical...”

These quotes encapsulate key themes of the episode, highlighting the balance between humor and deeper social commentary.

Conclusion

This episode of You Made It Weird masterfully navigates through diverse topics, offering listeners a rich tapestry of humor, introspection, and cultural analysis. From dissecting fashion trends to exploring the depths of male friendships and the complexities of queer representation in media, Pete Holmes and Jay Jordan provide a thought-provoking and entertaining dialogue that resonates with a wide audience.