The Basement Yard
Hosts: Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez
Episodes: Over 300 episodes available as of 2023.
Genre: Comedy.
Rating: Listener Discretion Advised
Trailer: Two life long friends, no topics off limits, one life to live!
I found this podcast because it is gaining massive popularity on TikTok. Check out some clips from their podcast:
In this video on the left you get a taste of the playful engagement that occurs between the two hosts. The podcast is available as an audio experience and visually on Youtube.
Below is a video of some of the little riffs that these two gentlemen go off on. In this particular clip one of the hosts, Frank, is dissecting some ridiculous propaganda put out by online misogynists groups. Though the guys are always cracking jokes they do discuss some interesting topics. I am always impressed by how they critique toxic masculinity and homophobia!
Synopsis: This friend duo uses their podcast to talk about relevant news across the world and in pop culture. They also share their personal experiences, opinions, and events from their 25+ years friendship.
Created by: Joe Santagato started on Youtube in the early 2010s and has progressed into many other mediums and ventures. He advertises for many different products he's had involvement with on The Basement Yard website. He makes a hot sauce, contributed to the creation of a popular board game, and creates videos and podcasts full time. His podcasting partner, Frank Alvarez is a long time friend of his from New York.
Analysis: This show came to my attention because it is gaining such popularity across all social media. Looking at the podcast's patron i see that they have over 20,000 people donating to their venture (Patreon, n.d). I was skeptical going into this because often podcasts hosted by two straight men is not going to be something I personally relate to or agree with. Almost everyone my age has a horror story about some awful person who listened to the Joe Rogan podcast too much and lost their mind. So, I went into this not really knowing what to expect but I was planning for the worst. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a podcast hosted by two totally raunchy, immature, lovable fool types who use their platform to discuss world events and pop culture. Joe, the creator of the podcast, is a bachelor type who lives in New York City. Frank, the other host, is a father who lives out in the suburbs. They both represent two healthy and diverse ways to live as responsible, compassionate young men in the world. Though they can be a little heavy with the dirty jokes at some points, they are setting a good example of how to have fun without putting any particular group down. Instead, they are using their platform to elevate stories about all types of people. At one point, the pair dressed up in drag and talked about the importance of Gay rights. Mind you, at another point they made a video getting "manzillian" waxes, so. There is a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
Potential Issues: Access could prove to be an issue. I think the best way to get people to podcasts would be getting a subscription price reduction for Spotify for library users. I know that through SJSU I can get a student price, but it would be awesome to reach out to Spotify and see if one could get a library member pricing deal! Teens should use discretion when listening as this is not an appropriate podcast for working environments like schools.
In the Library: I think the set up this pair has is so cool, and it would be awesome to inspire teens to get involved with content creation. Using this podcast and similar ventures as examples I would love to offer a class on podcast and video production. If resource allowed the library could even offer teens the option to rent out equipment or use it in house.
Reason for Inclusion: I wanted to highlight positively masculine voices and figures that young men could look at for examples of how to do right by the world. I think this comedy podcast is engaging in a way that other materials in the library fail to provide. It is authentic and of the times in the best way possible.
Sources:
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The basement yard. (n.d) Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheBasementYard
Thebasementyard. (2023, April 22). Okay why did you point at me??[video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@thebasementyard/video/7224537666380057902?_r=1&_t=8c2pbXfKE9u&social_sharing=v1
Thebasementyard. (2023, April 18 ) He hates when I interrupt me 😂😂😂 [video]. https://www.tiktok.com/@thebasementyard/video/7223423235558313259?_r=1&_t=8c2pNgr2v8M&social_sharing=v1
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