Overview of Fan Favorite Episode 416 — Andrew Santino
This episode of The Fighter and The Kid (Fan Favorite Episode 416) features comedian Andrew Santino joining hosts Brendan “Shab” Schaub and Brian Callen. The conversation is free‑wheeling, long-form, and ranges across Santino’s comedy career and podcast (Whiskey Ginger), childhood stories (anger, getting in fights), acting and TV work, podcasting dynamics and fan culture, mental health and social media, video games/VR, heavyweight boxing commentary, and plenty of improvised bits/roasts. The episode includes explicit language, adult jokes and dark humor.
Key topics discussed
- Andrew Santino’s background
- His childhood reputation as a fighter (“Slugger Santino”), redhead insecurities and how roasting shaped his comedy.
- Transition from athletics/fighting to comedy; the “shortcut” debate (having prior fame through fighting/podcasts).
- Comedy and career
- How podcasting and touring helped Santino build an audience.
- The dynamics of “shortcut” narratives and paying dues—why lived experience (fighting, touring) matters.
- Stand‑up vs. acting: Santino’s preferences and experiences (Showtime special, pilots/trailer work).
- Podcasting & fan culture
- How loyal podcast audiences can boost or damage guests’ careers.
- Managing social media, negative comments, and the temptation to read replies—strategies (avoiding Twitter, selective engagement, roasting fans).
- Mental health & social media
- Discussion touching on Pete Davidson’s social media bullying and broader links between social media use and anxiety/depression.
- Brief discussion about gut health, autoimmune conditions and psoriasis treatment (personal anecdote).
- Fighting, physicality, and persona
- Banter about who could fight whom; tough‑guy persona vs. comedy persona.
- Dark, exaggerated “fight” fantasies as comic bit material.
- Video games, VR, and youth behavior
- Concerns about video game addiction, sedentary kids, VR technology potential vs. present limitations.
- Current events & sports
- Pete Davidson and online bullying.
- Tyson Fury’s donation of his Wilder fight purse and opinions on heavyweight matchups (Fury, Joshua, Wilder).
- Promotion & logistics
- Santino plugs Whiskey Ginger podcast, tour dates, and his Showtime special (Spreckels Theater, San Diego).
- Multiple sponsor reads sprinkled through the episode (5‑Hour Energy, Angie.com, Toyota).
Notable quotes & moments
- On social media and depression: “Social media is not a community — it’s like comparing porn and sex.”
- On his comic identity: “When they see you on stage and you’re normal, you have to deliver harder… then I fucking murder and they go, ‘Wow.’”
- On fame and money: Santino and hosts discuss how having resources changes temperament and choices — not necessarily character.
- Tyson Fury praise: Hosts admire Fury’s generosity and authenticity; discussion of donating a $10M purse resonated.
- Roast‑heavy, improvisational back‑and‑forth (Santino, Schaub, Callen) — several recurring bits about “red rocket”/glory‑hole imagery and extreme, absurd hypothetical violence used as comic shock.
Main takeaways
- Andrew Santino leverages a mix of life experience (fighting background, performing) and podcasting exposure to build a distinct comedic voice; the “shortcut” critique is nuanced and often overblown.
- Podcast fanbases are powerful and particular — positive or negative reception from a loyal audience can seriously affect guests.
- Social media can exacerbate anxiety and depression; public figures experience amplified harassment, and many adopt strategies to limit exposure (e.g., avoid Twitter, pick selective engagement).
- Video games and VR are culturally transformative but create real parenting concerns when screentime is excessive and sedentary behavior dominates childhood.
- The episode is equally an interview and a live comic performance — many bits are improvisational, raw, and intentionally provocative.
Practical info / Calls to action
- Andrew Santino podcasts: Whiskey Ginger — available on major podcast platforms; Santino’s site andrewsantino.com for dates and tickets.
- Santino tour highlights referenced: Bakersfield (Jan 19), Draft House (D.C.), and a Showtime special being shot at Spreckels Theater in San Diego (check official channels for exact dates and ticket links).
- Hosts’ show: The Fighter and The Kid (TFATK) — tfatk.com for episodes, merch (Abbot Kinney Fight Club tees were promoted).
- Sponsors mentioned in the episode: 5‑Hour Energy (Funfetti/Confetti Craze flavor), Angie.com, Toyota.
Who this episode is best for
- Fans of long‑form comedy podcasts and improvisational banter.
- Listeners interested in how comedians build careers via podcasts and live shows.
- People who enjoy sports/combat sports chat mixed with pop culture and unfiltered humor.
- Note: Not suitable for listeners sensitive to explicit sexual content, violent imagery used comedically, or harsh insults.
Quick summary (one‑minute)
Andrew Santino sits with Brendan Schaub and Brian Callen for a rapid‑fire, often raunchy conversation covering his path into comedy and podcasting, dealing with social media bullying, the perks/criticism of podcast fame, acting ambitions, funny childhood anecdotes about fighting and being redheaded, thoughts on boxing (Tyson Fury), concerns about gaming and VR, and promotion of his Whiskey Ginger podcast and upcoming Showtime special. The episode blends candid storytelling with heavy roast banter and recurring comedic bits.