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#566 - Do You Believe?

The Basement Yard

1h 24m
Transcript

Original podcast

Summary

Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.

Hosts Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez, joined by producer Ant, kick off the episode debating the chaotic physical effects of old-school pre-workout supplements and nostalgia-filled video games like Def Jam Fight for New York and Twisted Metal 2. The conversation shifts toward bizarre spiritual topics, including mummified Japanese monks who practiced Sokushinbutsu, life path numbers, and whether they should dare to dabble in tarot card readings. Things take a funny turn when the hosts randomly pull tarot cards online, leading to shockingly accurate or ironic descriptions for each of them. Throughout the banter, the hosts promote their upcoming live shows and a special photo submission contest for audience members.

  • You can submit your own embarrassing or crazy photos for the hosts to display on the big screen during their upcoming live shows by visiting their website. 4:44
  • Make sure to browse Patreon via a web browser rather than mobile smart apps to save money on your subscription. 37:09
  • Sokushinbutsu is a historical practice where Japanese Buddhist monks would mummify themselves over a thousand days to reach Nirvana. 39:32
  • Tarot card readings can be a fun, surprising parlor game even for skeptics who do not fully subscribe to spirituality. 1:08:57

Chapters

  1. 0:30
    Podcast Intro and Energy Drink Chaos

    Joe and Frank open the show, joking about an energy drink that makes them feel hyper‑active, leading to a comedic run‑in with the mic.

  2. 6:01
    Audience Photo Submission Segment

    Frank explains the new interactive segment where listeners can submit photos for live display during shows, detailing the submission process and incentives.

  3. 9:24
    Pre‑Workout Powerhouses and Drug‑Like Effects

    The hosts dive into a nostalgic rant about early‑2010s pre‑workout supplements, their intense names, and the near‑drug sensations they produce.

  4. 12:00
    Meditation, Mindfulness, and Comedy Cross‑Over

    A light‑hearted discussion about meditation practices, their relevance to comedians, and the blurred line between focus and distraction in the podcasting world.

  5. 32:48
    Sponsor Spotlight: Squarespace, Rocket Money, Hungry Root

    The hosts promote their sponsors, offering discounts and highlighting the benefits of each service for listeners’ personal and financial lives.

  6. 43:53
    Apple Watch Mindfulness and Meditation

    The hosts discuss the Apple Watch's mindful meditation feature and its daily prompts.

  7. 44:48
    Sound Baths and Vibrational Healing

    They explore sound baths, vibrations, and the idea of frequency-based healing.

  8. 46:48
    Debate Over Energy and Belief

    The conversation turns to whether energy exists, the role of belief, and the hosts' differing stances.

  9. 54:19
    Product Advertisements and Sponsor Shoutouts

    The episode includes ads for Zocdoc, Kachava, and other sponsors, interspersed with the hosts' commentary.

  10. 56:00
    Tarot Card Reading Segment

    The hosts attempt a tarot card reading, debating its meaning and their reactions.

  11. 59:01
    Astrology, Numerology, and Personal Identity

    They discuss astrology, numerology, and how these systems relate to personal traits and life paths.

  12. 1:22:46
    Wrap‑Up and Closing Remarks

    The hosts conclude the episode, reflect on the tarot segment, and provide contact information.

Highlights

  • 0:53

    Energy Drink Lightheadednessstory

    The guest experiences a sudden dizzy spell after doing a fake run in his seat, blaming his overall poor physical shape.

  • 7:50

    Insane Pre-Workout Namesinsight

    The hosts reminisce about early 2010s pre-workout supplements that had aggressive, crime-sounding names and felt dangerously close to methamphetamine.

  • 19:39

    Expensive Retro Video Gamesdata

    The guest admits to paying $150 to buy a collector's item copy of the classic PS2 rap fighting game Def Jam Fight for New York.

  • 39:25

    Mummified Self-Depriving Monksinsight

    The producer explains the extreme Japanese Buddhist practice of Sokushinbutsu, where monks allegedly mummified themselves alive over a thousand days.

  • 46:45

    Debating Invisible Energydebate

    The hosts debate whether abstract human energy and vibes are measurable physical phenomena or simply a matter of external conduct and behavior.

  • 59:50

    Calculating Life Path Numbersdata

    The hosts look up their numerology life path numbers online, finding amusingly accurate personality assessments for their specific birthdays.

  • 1:16:36

    Uncanny Tarot Card Pullsstory

    The hosts pull tarot cards out of curiosity, resulting in hilariously fitting cards like the Eight of Swords for the guest and Nine of Pentacles for the host.

Quotes

  • “Self-love is the best love.”
    Unnamed speaker · 3:54
  • “I think a lot of those old pre-workouts got in trouble because they had some shit that's like—”
    Unnamed speaker · 8:54
  • Lululemon 0:01–0:28
  • Lululemon 21:16–21:40
  • Squarespace 32:48–35:45
  • Rocket Money 33:45–35:00
  • Hungry Root 35:00–36:01
  • Patreon 36:01–37:27
  • Santagatosstudios.com 36:47–37:25
  • thebasementyard.com 37:49–38:46
  • Zocdoc 54:29–56:04
  • Kachava 55:57–57:30
  • Lululemon 1:00:43–1:01:14

About this episode

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Transcript

0:00
1:24:49

16,775 words · 5 speakers

Topics

  • tarot card
  • You Got Served
  • Ten of Cups
  • Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3
  • Stomp the Yard
  • Eight of Swords
  • Def Jam Fight for New York
  • Need for Speed Underground 2
  • Twisted Metal 2
  • Apple Watch

Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated