JRE #1924 – Andrew Santino

This podcast features comedian Andrew Santino, known for his roles in various projects including the “Whiskey Ginger” podcast, “Bad Friends” podcast, and his Netflix special “Andrew Santino: Cheeseburger.” The conversation explores a wide range of topics, from Santino’s experiences in stand-up comedy to his personal views on life and culture.

Major Topics in the Podcast:

1. Motorcycle Culture and Risk:

   • Santino’s interest in motorcycles and his decision not to ride after witnessing accidents and near-misses.
   • The allure and danger of motorcycle riding, with emphasis on the lack of protection compared to cars.
   • Discussion of the motorcycle culture, including the prevalence of Harley-Davidson bikes and various handlebars.
   • Santino’s admiration for a friend who rides a motorcycle everywhere, highlighting the freedom and sense of rebellion it offers.

2. The Fascination with Mastery and Skill:

   • Santino’s fascination with observing people who have mastered specific skills, such as professional pool players, golfers, and MMA fighters.
   • The profound respect he holds for those who dedicate years of practice and dedication to achieve elite levels of proficiency.
   • The humbling experience of witnessing the gap between his own abilities and those of true masters in various fields.
   • Comparison of the experience of watching skilled performers live, highlighting the visceral and awe-inspiring nature of it.

3. The Importance of Technique and Fluidity:

   • Santino emphasizes the importance of proper technique in achieving success, specifically in sports like golf and pool.
   • He compares the fluidity of a perfect stroke to driving a golf ball smoothly or executing a precise cue ball shot in pool.
   • Santino highlights the difficulty of mastering a skill like golf, emphasizing the need for constant practice and refinement of technique.
   • He draws parallels to various other skills, including taekwondo, where proper technique is paramount for achieving maximum power and efficiency.

4. The Psychology of Pressure and Performance:

   • Santino discusses the role of pressure in performance, highlighting how anxiety and the desire to rush can hinder success.
   • He emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure and staying within one’s technique even under pressure.
   • Santino shares anecdotes about professional athletes and performers who have achieved remarkable feats under extreme pressure.
   • He suggests that mastering proper technique is essential for maintaining consistency and handling pressure effectively.

5. The Allure of Flight and Exploration:

   • Santino expresses a desire to experience the thrill of flight, highlighting his fascination with jetpacks and wingsuits.
   • He discusses the risks associated with these activities, including the potential for injury or even death.
   • Santino’s fascination with flight extends to drones and drone racing competitions, highlighting the advancements in technology and the thrill of virtual reality experiences.
   • He connects the desire for flight to a broader theme of exploration and pushing boundaries.

6. The Power and Peril of Belief Systems:

   • Santino’s discussion of religious cults and the potential for manipulation and control within these groups.
   • He references the documentary “Holy Hell,” which details the experiences of members within a cult led by a charismatic leader who ultimately abandoned them.
   • Santino highlights the allure of belief systems, especially for those seeking purpose and belonging, but also the potential for harm and exploitation.
   • He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority, especially within groups that promote blind faith and obedience.

7. The Nature of Demons and Evil:

   • Santino explores his belief in demons and the presence of external forces that can influence human behavior.
   • He suggests that negative energy and destructive actions can contribute to the existence of demons and evil entities.
   • Santino shares his personal experience of feeling a sense of relief after witnessing the death of a loved one, suggesting that the essence of the person had moved on.
   • His discussion touches on the complexities of spirituality, the nature of good and evil, and the potential for both positive and negative influences in the world.

8. The Dark Side of the Catholic Church:

   • Santino discusses the Catholic Church’s history of sexual abuse, specifically the case of a priest who allegedly molested over 200 deaf boys.
   • He criticizes the Church’s apparent concern for its own image rather than protecting children from abuse.
   • Santino highlights the institution’s power and influence, which may have enabled it to evade accountability for these crimes.
   • He touches on the complexities of faith, the corruption of power, and the need for transparency and justice within religious institutions.

9. The Mystery of the Vatican:

   • Santino references the case of a girl who went missing from the Vatican, highlighting the secrecy and potential for wrongdoing within the institution.
   • He discusses the Vatican’s unique status as a sovereign city-state, granting it a level of immunity from external investigations.
   • Santino’s discussion highlights the potential for corruption and abuse within seemingly impenetrable institutions.
   • He touches on the ongoing quest for truth and justice, even in the face of powerful and secretive entities.

10. The Power of Music and Sampling:

    • Santino shares his love for hip-hop music and the art of sampling, discussing how artists often create new and innovative sounds by incorporating elements from older songs.
    • He highlights the challenges of clearing samples, especially those used in older tracks, and the difficulties of navigating legal issues related to copyright.
    • Santino discusses the creative process behind sampling, emphasizing the ability of artists to reinterpret and transform existing music.
    • He expresses admiration for artists who have skillfully incorporated samples into their work, showcasing the transformative power of music.

11. The Unsettling Reality of Death:

    • Santino shares his personal experience of witnessing the death of his grandmother, highlighting the feeling of emptiness and the realization that the essence of the person had departed.
    • He discusses the unsettling nature of seeing a loved one’s body after death, emphasizing the disconnect between the physical form and the soul.
    • Santino touches on cultural practices surrounding death, including wakes and sky burials.
    • His discussion explores the complex and often emotional process of confronting mortality and accepting loss.

12. The Body Trade and Ethics:

    • Santino discusses the body trade, where human tissue is harvested and sold for medical purposes, highlighting the ethical implications and the potential for exploitation.
    • He references a documentary about body brokers, who profit from the dissection and sale of deceased individuals.
    • Santino raises questions about consent, the commodification of human remains, and the potential for abuse in this industry.
    • He touches on the complexities of medical advancements, the importance of ethical considerations, and the need for transparency in the body trade.

13. The Debate Over Saudi Funding in Sports:

    • Santino discusses the controversy surrounding Saudi funding in sports, specifically in golf and the WWE.
    • He acknowledges the concerns about the Saudi government’s human rights record and the potential for athletes to be complicit in its actions.
    • Santino also highlights the economic and competitive benefits of Saudi investment in sports, arguing that athletes should be free to pursue opportunities that benefit them.
    • His discussion touches on the complexities of globalization, the intersection of sports and politics, and the challenges of balancing ethical concerns with economic realities.

14. The Future of Golf and Sports:

    • Santino discusses the potential for innovation and disruption in the golf world, specifically the rise of alternative leagues and new technologies.
    • He highlights the appeal of live golf, which offers a more entertaining and engaging experience for fans.
    • Santino suggests that the PGA may face challenges in maintaining its dominance as alternative leagues and technology continue to evolve.
    • He touches on the ongoing quest for greater audience engagement and the potential for sports to evolve and adapt to changing tastes and preferences.

15. The Impact of Social Media and Viral Content:

    • Santino discusses the impact of social media on viral content, highlighting the rapid spread of videos and the potential for both good and bad outcomes.
    • He references a video of a man harassing another person with a helicopter, showcasing the potential for irresponsibility and lack of consideration on social media.
    • Santino suggests that social media can both amplify and perpetuate harmful behaviors, while also providing a platform for positive change and awareness.
    • He touches on the complexities of navigating a world dominated by social media, where content can spread quickly and influence public opinion.

Underlying Themes in the Podcast:

1. The Human Desire for Mastery and Achievement:

   Santino’s deep fascination with skill and mastery is a recurring theme, highlighting the human drive to excel and push boundaries. He expresses awe for those who dedicate themselves to achieving exceptional levels of proficiency, recognizing the dedication and sacrifices it requires.

2. The Perils and Allure of Belief Systems:

   The podcast explores the power and peril of belief systems, especially those that promote blind faith and obedience. Santino’s discussions of cults and the Catholic Church’s history of abuse highlight the dangers of unchecked authority and the importance of critical thinking. He also recognizes the appeal of belonging and purpose that belief systems can offer, suggesting that these needs can be exploited by manipulative individuals.

3. The Unpredictability and Impermanence of Life:

   Santino’s reflections on death, particularly his grandmother’s passing, and the unsettling experience of witnessing a loved one’s body after death, highlight the fragility and impermanence of life. He explores the human need to reconcile with the inevitable, while also seeking meaning and purpose in the face of mortality. His discussions of cults and the body trade touch upon the ethical complexities and the need for accountability in a world where power and greed can often supersede human dignity.

4. The Continuous Quest for Meaning and Purpose:

   Santino’s frequent reflections on his own life and career, his desire for new experiences, and his willingness to challenge himself, demonstrate a persistent quest for meaning and purpose. He embraces change, seeking growth and transformation through new endeavors and challenges. His discussions of cults and the body trade reveal the darker aspects of human nature, but also the resilience and desire for a better world.

Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

• “I’m out about other people. My one of my closest childhood friends, him and his wife, both rode professionally like he would do motocross and all that shit and trick shows internationally. That’s where he met his wife overseas, and they both gave it up because she I don’t know if she was with them or saw it happen. One of her good friends die on a bike, and she was like, that’s it. Never never again. And both of it. And, dude, he was the the whole time I knew this kid when we were teenagers, he was a fucking nut back. I mean, he loved bikes, loved anything with two wheels that he could fly, he loved it. And then as soon as that happened, it was like never again. Ever.” – Santino’s friend’s experience highlights the potential for trauma and life-altering decisions due to accidents and loss.
• “You gotta blow them both by knees out. They’re both useless. Be still. Flying around in this fucking jetpack.” – Santino describes a jetpack enthusiast’s dedication to his passion despite the physical cost, showcasing the extreme lengths people will go to for their dreams.
• “I just love that that I could just watch it. I like it if I know I don’t have that much interest in it because then I don’t get jealous. And and I don’t go I wanna pick one up so fucking bad. Oh, yeah.” – Santino expresses the enjoyment of observing masters of skills without feeling the pressure to compete, highlighting the joy of appreciating exceptional talent.
• “Like, you know, sometimes they have to untangle, like, a fucking phone wire. Right. What someone else has done to you? Because you can keep changing. As you get older, your body will change. You know, like Tiger goes through it his back. So he changed the way he swings. Like, that’s the same thing and your techniques have to change with time and your body and with your limits. You know what I mean?” – Santino speaks about the need for adaptability in skill development, emphasizing the importance of adjusting to changing circumstances and physical limitations.
• “You don’t wanna see it. Yeah. We don’t wanna eat lunch on your compressing body. No. But we wanna pay someone far away to do it to you. But we wanna launch a rocket out of our flying robots. Nuts. Yeah. It’s great. It’s terrible. But, you know, we’re not pulling on your the the fucking” – Santino’s commentary highlights the irony and hypocrisy of modern warfare, where technology has advanced to a point where we can kill with minimal direct involvement.