Austin: I think the main takeaway is I should not be given a wish because I will use it very frivolously. Austin: So maybe give a better thought leader the wish. Austin: Maybe that's what I'll be. I'll wish that somebody else can make this wish that Austin: has a better perspective on the world. I want no responsibility. Danny: Hi, and welcome to 5 Random Questions, the show with unexpected questions Danny: and unfiltered answers.
Danny: I'm your host, Danny Brown. and each week I'll be asking my guests five questions Danny: created by a random question generator. Danny: The guest has no idea what the questions are and neither do I, Danny: which means this could go either way. Danny: So sit back, relax and let's dive into this week's episode.
Danny: Today's guest is Austin Grey. An Austin-based comedian and writer who can't Danny: help but laugh at the little things, Austin loves to write self-indicting essays Danny: that use comedy as a shield and also a spotlight. Danny: He's also the host of Rambler, Live from the City That Never Works, Danny: a podcast audio diary from inside a city addicted to being addicted. Danny: So, Austin, welcome to 5 Random Questions.
Austin: Thanks, Danny. It's great to be here. I'm excited. Excited to see where we go Austin: and what questions are about to pop up for us. Danny: Well, this is always the fun little part as well, because it's like the gentle Danny: easing into whatever lies ahead. Danny: So this is always a nice, gentle start as well. So good to have you here. Danny: I appreciate you being on the show today, mate. Austin: Right. Thank you. Thanks for having me.
Danny: And as I mentioned in the introduction, you're a comedian who's also got the podcast. Danny: Do you take inspiration from some of the audience interactions for your podcast Danny: and vice versa, or are they two separate things? Austin: Yeah, I would say they're mainly two separate things, but I'd be lying if this Austin: podcast just wasn't influenced by every single thing in my life.
Austin: It's very much so me just rambling about what I've seen recently and what's Austin: inspired me, what's influenced me. Austin: And interestingly enough, as I've written for the podcast and started sharing, Austin: smaller things are more noticeable in their larger impact. Austin: So definitely audiences influence what I find funny and what I want to share.
Danny: And instead of crowd work, how do you find crowd work? Because I've spoken to Danny: a couple of comedians before on the podcast, well enough. Danny: And one of the chaps I work with does improv. Danny: And it's always interesting to hear each one's, you know, take on audience work Danny: and do they like it, do they not like it. So what's yours take on it? Austin: Yeah, it's definitely a learned art, for sure.
Austin: It's not something I think a Austin: lot of people like to go up and do crowd work and just like to chit chat. Austin: It's a learned art. I think when it's on, it's perfect. Austin: Sometimes the audience doesn't realize it's a joke and that can be brutal. Austin: It can go sideways quickly. Austin: But as long as the audience is an engaged audience and they're there to have Austin: fun, it's really my favorite thing to do when the audience is there to be the comedian themselves.
Austin: Sometimes it's not quite as fun. Danny: I hear you. I could imagine if you're up there on a stage in the spotlight and Danny: you're not getting a reaction, I can imagine what that could be like for sure. Danny: And as I mentioned, you've got your podcast. Danny: And what I found interesting before we get into your random questions is your Danny: podcast description mentions, we're not interested in answers, Danny: but I'm going to ask you a lot of questions.
Danny: So how do you feel you'll do on 5 Random Questions that's all about your answers? Austin: I think you'll find my answers to your questions may not be complete answers either. Austin: So we'll see if there's other questions that come up as I'm answering. Austin: It's the old political move, you know, answer a question with a question. Austin: That's the best way to avoid an answer. So I'll try my best to give complete Austin: answers and take through it.
Austin: But I never know where it's about to head. So fair warning. Danny: That's good enough for me. Good enough for me. So without further ado, Danny: then, are you ready to jump into the 5 Random Questions hot seat? Austin: Absolutely. Let's get into it. Danny: All right. Let's bring up the random question generator. Okay, Austin. Danny: Nice, easy one, I feel, too, to jump into for question number one. Danny: How have you changed since you were younger?
Austin: That's a good, that's a reminiscent question that I don't think I was ready Austin: for that deep of a question. Yeah. Austin: It's interesting what has changed and what hasn't changed. Austin: Funnily enough, as a child, I would probably say I was more introverted. Austin: I got a lot of energy from books, a lot of energy in my academics.
Austin: But I think that energy came from a place of being someone who likes to please Austin: and likes to have people please with my performance and what I'm doing. Austin: And funnily enough, as I get older, I find the easiest way to please people Austin: and get them happy with me is to entertain them.
Austin: And so it kind of has evolved from this place of being a very expert student Austin: to being a bit more of a entertainer out in the wild, kind of doing random things, Austin: doing things that people will react to and people will interact to. Austin: Still with the end result of trying to make them happy and trying to bring a
Austin: smile to their face. It just went from getting A's on your report card, Austin: bringing a smile to your family, your parents' face, to telling a good joke Austin: that lands is what brings a smile to your friend's face. Austin: So definitely same motive, but I guess different result, interestingly enough. Danny: And you mentioned there about wanting to make people happy. Is that something Danny: that's just always been like a natural thing?
Danny: And this isn't an indictment on parents, Danny: family, etc or teachers or whatever or friends was it looking for approval from Danny: your circle whoever that circle may have looked like or was it just natural Danny: to you that you wanted to please people? Austin: That's a fantastic question and, Austin: As far as I can remember, I've always wanted to be somebody who pleases my circle Austin: and is, you know, a good student, a good child, a good son, a good friend.
Austin: But, you know, is it nature or nurture? Austin: My family definitely has all the similar tendencies across my family. Austin: We're all people who, you know, like to be engaged and I like to make people Austin: around us comfortable and like to make people around us have a good time and enjoy themselves. Austin: And was I born like that genetically? Austin: Possibly. I mean, it almost seems like it. But then again, we all had the same Austin: upbringing and the same environment.
Austin: My dad is a coach or was a sports coach. And so it's definitely very much so Austin: like, I want to tell you what I want you to do and you're going to go execute it. Austin: And I can't help but say I'm sure that had something to do with my desire to Austin: do what I'm asked to do in a positive way. Danny: Yeah, and I think that's a good thing. I think that the world needs more people Danny: that want to please and help others, you know, and make others happy.
Danny: I think that certainly in the last 10 years, whatever you want to look at it, Danny: it just seems that we've kind of moved away from serve to self, if you like. Danny: And I feel it's a good thing to want to, you know, make other lives enjoyable. Danny: So, you know, like I say, no critique on anybody there. I just wanted to make Danny: that clear, I just wanted to, you know, but it's great to see that. Austin: There's plenty to critique Perinzion, but we'll give them a pass on that one.
Austin: There's definitely a selfishness to society these days. Maybe it's always been Austin: there, we just haven't noticed it. Austin: Maybe less opportunity to be selfless. So I definitely think in any way you Austin: can be and serve the people around you. Austin: In my opinion, it's what we're here for, to make everybody's life more enjoyable Austin: and to have a collective, enjoyable experience.
Danny: Well, I like that. And as I say, I like that a lot. I think it's a really nice outlook to have. Danny: So I'm all for that and kudos to you for that. And I feel that's a great way Danny: to end your time on question one. and let's have a look at what question number two brings up. Danny: All right. Question number two, Austin. And because of your background as a Danny: comedian, writer, et cetera, and also a podcaster, I like this one from a question point of view.
Danny: So question two, what are your favorite topics to talk about?
Austin: This is a this is a loaded one so i'm Austin: a contrarian at heart and i'm going to be honest i would never tell that Austin: to uh in the middle of a conversation but uh i'm a Austin: contrarian and i i like to take the opposite side Austin: of something that someone else is passionate about um Austin: so basically all the things that you're not supposed to talk about at Austin: the dinner table are my favorite topics to hit on you Austin: know politics um being being a being
Austin: a good one um and challenging the status quo Austin: um but also sports you know getting into someone's against Austin: someone's favorite sports team and telling them why they're kind of Austin: a little trash talk is always a good time but it kind Austin: of goes back to the first question where it's about people for Austin: me and i want to talk about something that the other person Austin: is passionate about um conversations get rather dull if it's me talking the
Austin: entire time so i don't know how this is gonna go but uh it will be fine but Austin: uh i uh i definitely like uh to have the other person passing it and engaged Austin: and poking holes in their point of view and getting them going. Danny: And you mentioned there about being contrarian and you love to offer the counterpoint Danny: to someone else's beliefs, topics, understanding of a certain topic, for example.
Danny: So you mentioned family, close family, and you like to make each other happy. Danny: So based on that, if you're going to get a Thanksgiving get together, Danny: everybody's around the table and you're talking Maybe politics, Danny: maybe religion, maybe sports, anything that you always get to very much opposing sides generally.
Danny: With your mindset of also wanting to, you know, please and make people happy, Danny: is there any topic that you tend to or conversation you've found in the past Danny: where you've had this back and forth and you've realised, oh, Danny: this is going down a path I shouldn't go any longer?
Danny: And you've pulled back Austin: Oh many many times um i Austin: have a i have a rule i think every comedian should live by is Austin: um it's too far when it's not funny um if Austin: if people are laughing and engaged you're you're right on the knot if it's no Austin: longer funny you went too far and i know that's uh not really a fair rule because Austin: you never you normally don't know it's not funny until you present it but um
Austin: a large part of cancel culture i feel like is people getting offended by these jokes Austin: and in my opinion it's because the jokes are malicious they're not Austin: funny but they're coming they're saying things that are Austin: just shock humor um to get people surprised to Austin: get people riled up there's no real innovation no real thought Austin: behind the joke and i think when people know that intent behind what you're
Austin: saying is to be ironic or be funny and honestly a huge part of humor is irony Austin: so you got to know if i say one thing that i'm really kind of meaning the other Austin: and highlighting how crazy what I'm saying actually is. Austin: But, oh my gosh, it goes too far. Austin: More than once in my life, and it's always a beet red moment in my life because, Austin: like you said, I don't want to offend somebody.
Austin: I find an argument and discussion stimulating, and I like to think that other people do as well. Austin: But I don't want it to be a negative thing. And it shouldn't be. Austin: Arguing doesn't necessarily have to always be negative. Austin: It can be a civil discourse that can bring about good new ideas. Danny: Well, that's a really good point you made about the difference between comedy Danny: stroke satire and just pure maliciousness.
Danny: One of my favorite comedians, George Carlin, always, you know, Danny: his mantra was you can basically make humor out of anything, but never punch down. Danny: Punch straight ahead and make sure that you're at a level playing field. Danny: If you're giving someone, you can take it back. Never punch down because that's an easy cop out.
Danny: What what's your sort of like get out of jail free card if you like if you realize Danny: if you're on stage and you realize oh this isn't going i'm i'm now upsetting Danny: someone have you got like a a process you now do or do you stop and say i apologize Danny: we'll move on what's your what's your take there but how do you do yeah Austin: I try to move on um as as quick as possible i i don't i i would like to apologize
Austin: after the show um if i try like i truly offended someone um because like i said Austin: That's never, ever my intent. Austin: My intent was to bring happiness, to bring laughter. Austin: And in fact, that's quite the opposite thing. Sometimes you offend someone and Austin: they may leave, which is the biggest gut punch because you get no opportunity Austin: to remedy it. But I normally don't address it on stage. Austin: Like I said, it makes me really beet red and awkward.
Austin: And so, unfortunately, it shuts off my creative spirit. Austin: I try to get away from it and run as fast as I can in the other direction.
Austin: It um maybe someday i'll be uh comfortable Austin: enough to uh you know loop back around and Austin: and ad lib off of it and maybe do some crowd work off of it with that person Austin: make fun of myself um would probably be my preferred route there and uh and Austin: probably lean into like an archetype of uh some you know redneck or some uh Austin: extreme liberal uh it go from there so yeah.
Danny: Well i always wonder as well and this is just me stereotyping so i apologize Danny: if this is completely off off cuff sorry off you know Danny: off base but um there's a stereotype that um a lot of americans don't understand Danny: irony whereas it's more like a european kind of humor kind of thing do you think Danny: that's true and if so is that maybe where misunderstandings can happen on your Danny: you know your comedy stage for example
Austin: I think Americans don't have as developed of a sense of irony as many Europeans do. Austin: I think the best example is The Office, where the UK version was a lot more Austin: subtle and quiet than the American version, Austin: which is very in-your-face with Steve Carell doing insane tactics. Austin: There's still some of the ironic portions. And what's funny is a lot of people Austin: will tell me they don't like The Office.
Austin: Um well not a lot of people don't like the office but a lot of people that don't Austin: like the office will tell me they don't like it because um it's uncomfortable Austin: i think that uncomfortableness is the irony and kind of the the lack of grasping Austin: what's ironic there uh will you remind me that the name of who is the the boss Austin: in the office in the uk version i can see his face but yeah so.
Danny: It's david brent um who's uh played by ricky jivey Austin: Yes and and ricky has this sense of humor that's very much so ironic. Austin: And he did, I believe, the Oscars or Grammys a few years ago. Austin: And he did a pretty brutal, Austin: opening monologue. And I don't think it went as well in the U.S. Austin: As it might have gone in Europe. Just because...
Austin: Uh we're a group that takes ourselves so serious um we don't we don't love not Austin: they don't love being the punch the run the joke um because we fail to realize Austin: that it's ironic so um i uh i do think europeans maybe have a better grasp on Austin: irony than the americans well. Danny: I mean they did invite him back four times i think he did it five times in a Danny: row right what was it the golden globes maybe Austin: Yeah the golden globes that's what it is yeah um.
Danny: So maybe who knows maybe Austin: Somebody understood Yeah. Danny: Exactly. I saw the audience and the dollars coming. I thought, Danny: yeah, let's get this guy booked back on. Danny: Yeah, no, it's like you say, I mean, stereotypes are hard because sometimes Danny: they're proper stereotypes, other times they're not. Danny: And I've obviously had many, I've got many American friends and had many American guests on the show.
Danny: And it's always nice to sort of break down, well, that's not quite true. Danny: This is maybe true, et cetera. Danny: But yeah, I think Irene is one of these ones as well. Even as someone from the Danny: UK that now lives in Canada, I find Canadians have got very much a similar sense Danny: of humour as the Brits or us.
Danny: From the uk but there's still that fine line at times between irony and satire Danny: and knowing the exact you know where that's where that's being crossed Austin: Yeah i think uh every region every audience has a different sense of humor um Austin: so to say you know a full audience america you know has always prided itself Austin: on being a melting pot so surely there's somebody here who gets irony um but Austin: um in general you know it probably is a little,
Austin: A little more towards sensationalism and shock humor in America than maybe the Austin: little ironic tidbits here and there in the dry comedy. Danny: Well, I think what we'll do, and I appreciate it, I think we'll work together Danny: to break these barriers down. And we'll continue to do that as we look at more questions. Danny: So are you ready for question number three, Austin: Austin? Absolutely. Danny: All right. Let's see what comes up on question number three.
Danny: Okay. What's your ideal, question three, what's your ideal way to celebrate your birthday?
Austin: Uh this past birthday was probably my Austin: favorite birthday i've had of all time so i probably can just describe um Austin: this one i recently moved into a house which Austin: is a big upgrade for me in my condo life it did come with roommates which has Austin: been an adjustment but uh it's nice to have the uh square footage um to be able Austin: to host and entertain i'm a big entertainer like i said and so uh i invited
Austin: probably 30 30 close friends um to uh my birthday this year at my house um for Austin: a halloween i'm a i'm a october i'm a scorpio Austin: if any of your listeners are into astrology so uh Austin: had a nice scorpio halloween party in Austin: october and everybody came dressed up there was Austin: some really insane outfits um and Austin: then a couple of people brought you know the gift of alcohol which was quickly
Austin: shared with the whole group um and it went very late um my guitar was brought Austin: out around uh two in the morning which is a terrible terrible sign which means Austin: go home So that's the final call for everyone to leave. Austin: But it was a great time because I was with the people I like the most, Austin: with the friends I like the most that care about me and that I care about. Austin: Somebody brought a cookie cake and didn't have a candle.
Austin: So they took a pretzel I bought and put a piece of tissue on top of the pretzel Austin: and lit it on fire so they could sing me happy birthday and have me blow it out. Austin: Just spontaneous stuff like that that show you care about each other and you're Austin: going to do whatever and have a good time with each other. Danny: That sounds awesome. Like, A, there's so many good things there because you've Danny: just moved into the new house.
Danny: You're surrounded by friends. There's nothing for fans. It's all fun. Danny: You've got the guitar out. It's funny, you mentioned David Brent from The Office in the UK. Danny: His favourite, or one of his favourite lines was in an episode where he was Danny: having like a team meeting. He says, Gareth, go get the guitar. Danny: So he got his guitar status thing, etc. It's just reminding me of that.
Danny: And I feel, is that generally how you would prefer to have, if you could have Danny: any birthday celebration you want, no budget limitations, no location limitations. Danny: Would you always want to go for that kind of close friends only? Danny: Or would you ever want to have a big kind of bash? Austin: No, I would always want it to be close friends only. I was thinking about that, actually.
Austin: I can't remember what TV show, but somebody threw a big birthday party every year. It was a big event. Austin: It wouldn't be as fun. Like I said, I find the purpose in life sharing love Austin: with each other and making everybody have an enjoyable experience. Austin: And I feel like you lose that the bigger the audience. Austin: Even in comedy, some venues are so unintimate that there's no way you can do crowd work.
Austin: I don't know how some of these comedians who are doing these specials are able Austin: to do crowd work like they do. Austin: It just seems so disconnected from the audience. Austin: But I'm a person that craves intimacy in not a romantic way, Austin: but in just a platonic way with your friends. Austin: It's a fun thing for me and it's what I enjoy the most Yeah.
Danny: It's interesting you mention that about the crowd working, the comedians I've Danny: seen some of my favourite comedians Danny: now get more successful and play in massive venues so Jimmy Carr for example Danny: UK comedian, started off fairly small stand-up TV shows and now he's doing these big stadiums.
Danny: He still seems to be good but I feel like to your point it's like when you watch Danny: your favourite indie band and they're playing little dive bars and then all Danny: of a sudden get a massive record deal and they're playing Wembley Stadium Jets Stadium etc Danny: Something disappears, you know, when you have that. Danny: But yeah, I like the intimacy. And I guess with birthdays especially, Danny: if you're having a big birthday each year, now you're trying to top the previous year.
Danny: And it gets to some stage where it's a diminishing return that you cannot top it. Austin: Absolutely. I can just imagine like sparklers and go-go girls coming through Austin: the door with a birthday cake.
Austin: And the morning show, there's a Steve Carell Austin: at his birthday and steve martin pops i mean martin short pops out of a cake Austin: with uh with rocket dancers behind him i don't think i'll ever have the wealth Austin: to be able to do a birthday party at that level and i'm very comfortable where Austin: i'm at trying to out beat the next year so well.
Danny: As an introvert i'm not about crowds i i you know i i feel comfortable if i Danny: know people as you mentioned and you've got that comfort level i wouldn't feel Danny: comfortable at a big party i'd be in the corner eating the cake or the pretzel Danny: stick with the candle light on and just stand there that would be me in the corner there Austin: It's funny but i think most uh comedians are uh introspective people and they
Austin: are very perceptive and parties can probably be a little overwhelming a lot Austin: of times and uh it's too much to take in all at once so absolutely. Danny: Well, I like that. And as an October birthday person myself, Danny: I'm just beyond you, though. I'm a Libra. So I must be, you must be early October. Danny: I'm like smack in the middle. Austin: Yeah. Danny: But yeah, it's a good time of year to have a birthday as well, Danny: because you're in that sort of fall, autumn period.
Danny: So you can, you know, have colors in that. If you have an outdoor party, Danny: you've still got a nice temperature to have an outdoor party. Danny: It's a nice time of year to have, I feel. Austin: Absolutely. I live in Austin, Texas. So the summer it's like, Austin: you don't go outside unless there's a body of water that you can get in so that Austin: you don't have heat exhaustion. Austin: So it was an indoor outdoor party and it actually rained torrentially during the party.
Austin: And I had some people get stuck in a little tent outside and I was trying to Austin: throw them drinks so that they could have something to stay hydrated while they're Austin: in the tent but it was definitely an event and it was a good time. Danny: You wake up in the morning and the tent's no longer there. It's halfway to another Danny: state floating down the river.
Austin: The chairs in the tent were just stuck in the mud. It was like, Austin: so it's definitely an event pulling those out of the mud. Danny: I like it. I like it. And I like that answer. So thank you for that. Danny: Let's have a look at what question number four brings up. Danny: Question four. What accomplishment are you most proud of? Austin: That's a... Austin: That's a hard one. There's definitely a recency bias.
Austin: The first thing that pops in my head is I recently lost around 65 pounds in Austin: the last, I guess, two years. Austin: And I am pretty proud of that accomplishment because I did it for health to Austin: make sure I have a long life, a long mobile life where I can get around and do things. Austin: So I would be remiss to say that I'm not very proud of that. Austin: And that's probably what I'm most proud of at the moment.
Austin: You know, it's funny how things that you're most proud of when you're younger Austin: and doing other things kind of disappear. Austin: They don't disappear necessarily, but the farther away they get, Austin: the less proud you are of them. Austin: Like I think in high school, how important it was that I got into a good college. Austin: And then you get into the good college and you go to the great college. Austin: And suddenly all your friends also got into the good college.
Austin: And the accomplishment that getting into that good college once was is not as Austin: big of a deal because everybody that you know also did it. Austin: So, yeah, I'm going to stick with it. I'm going to stick with losing that weight, Austin: and hopefully keeping it off here in the future. Danny: Well, that's amazing. Hey, congratulations for that. That's kudos. Danny: What brought the, if you don't make me ask, what brought the weight on earlier? Was it just like...
Danny: Like lack of movement were you in a rut what was the cause there are Austin: Yeah it's a great question and um i was always Austin: a heavier child um i grew up Austin: playing uh football there's a term for women or used Austin: to be for women that's not for men but you'd be in a pretty plus sizing um unfortunately Austin: it's just husky for men which is not as as nice of a sound but uh i was a bigger Austin: child uh struggled with uh i guess just being born that way most of my family
Austin: it's on the on the bigger side my dad I was a football player. Austin: I was a football player, and weight is an important aspect. Austin: Football as in American football. Danny: Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Not the proper football. Austin: Not the one with the ball that you roll around. But so it was important to be Austin: of size so that you can mass, moves, mass. Austin: I got done playing football and lost a little bit of weight, actually.
Austin: But then college and COVID happened, and I ballooned up during COVID. Austin: I actually spent some time at home. and my dad's 6'4", like I said, Austin: played college football was a large fella and, uh, Austin: I went and stepped on the scale at my hometown house, and it was like 265, Austin: and he comes behind me, and he steps on the scale, and he's 255. Austin: I was like, oh, absolutely not. I'm not going to weigh more than my dad.
Austin: My dad, I call Biggin because of his stature. I'm not going to be weighing more than Biggin. Austin: So after that, I was like, I have to do something. We have to get this weight down. Austin: So those lifestyle changes, activity was definitely one, walking more, eating healthier.
Austin: It was it wasn't it was more so not eating too much but eating unhealthy is Austin: so much fast food and options you can go to canes or in and out burger and get Austin: a 1200 calorie meal and and not and still be hungry afterwards so that's what it was.
Danny: Yeah no and it's funny you know it's like healthy food is so expensive whereas Danny: cheap you know like the fast food is bad for you is real cheap and i feel i Danny: know like there's been so many documentaries etc and studies etc about that do you feel like Danny: and I don't know who'd be responsible retailers probably Danny: markets that are selling food etc companies that Danny: make them do you feel there needs to be a sort of change in mindset where we
Danny: have to make healthy food and healthy choices and healthy education at schools Danny: I guess more easily accessible as opposed to just going down a block on one Danny: main street and you've got five fast food places but only one salad bar is that Danny: a really basic example right Austin: No it's a great example it's a result of what I would say capitalism and that the salad bar, Austin: the greens wilt relatively quickly and this frozen patty at McDonald's is going
Austin: to be good for my entire life. I don't know if it expires. Austin: So there definitely should be an effort, I think, in the U.S. Austin: To make sure that what we're eating is up to standards of health. Austin: But ultimately, I don't think a regulation... Austin: It's what fixes that. It has to be a lifestyle, complete lifestyle change. Austin: If you look at the diets of some of the European countries, they don't have Austin: particularly healthy diets, but they have active lifestyles.
Austin: They don't sit at a desk for eight hours a day and work away. Austin: So it's a whole cultural change, in my opinion, more so than just saying, Austin: oh, we're going to have more healthy options to eat. Yeah. Austin: It's so hard for me to pick a salad bar over Cane's any day of the week. Austin: So unless I have some sort of internal motivation, even if Cane's was $20 and Austin: the salad was $10, I'd probably still find myself at Cane's every once in a while.
Austin: So it's a mixture. It's a whole mixture, and it's a case-by-case, Austin: person-by-person war that you kind of have to fight in your own head, in my opinion.
Danny: No, that's a good point about the COVID when the pandemic hit, Danny: and obviously everybody was at home, Danny: which i feel could also helps maybe um Danny: like when you when you think of remote working for example Danny: um and obviously it gives you a much better work-life Danny: balance much healthier work-life balance but i found i Danny: used to work in toronto um before i moved where we are Danny: now which is like a really small village about three hours north so i'd
Danny: commute two hours each way every day then i'd sit under a desk Danny: for eight hours um so i put on weight Danny: um as well over the pandemic uh so i Danny: put on weight because of all that commute but during pandemic because i was Danny: at home i could finish and get outside and go for a walk etc much like you did Danny: and i found that helped a lot whereas now there's a lot of mandates to get people
Danny: back into the office and i wonder that to your point you know all the cultural Danny: side if that's going to make it harder for people to continue i Austin: I can't imagine it not it's just you give up so much of your life and the frustrating Austin: part is you give up so much of your life in a commute, sitting in a car, Austin: going to in front of an office, and you could spend so much of that time productively in your own life.
Austin: You're giving that to the company in reality. You're not giving it to yourself, Austin: but even though it's your own personal time. Austin: So I can't imagine it helping. I think I lost 10 pounds when I used to work Austin: in person, moved to remote. Austin: And that first six months I moved to remote, I lost like 10 pounds because suddenly Austin: I had time to actually go to a gym and enjoy the gym. So, Austin: Although I do still hate the gym with everything in my being.
Austin: But it's a lot easier when you're not brain dead from driving in traffic for Austin: an hour to go get back in the traffic and go to the gym. Danny: Yeah, exactly. The last thing you want to do, you finish the day's work, you're tired. Danny: You know you want to work out, but your brain's saying you should and your body's saying no. Austin: Yeah, exactly. I'm tired. I'm done. Let me go to sleep. Danny: Exactly. Well, hopefully. And again, like I say, kudos to you for that lifestyle
Danny: change. Hopefully, you know, more people can have the opportunity to do that Danny: if culture allows for that. So fingers crossed. Austin: Fingers crossed. Absolutely. Fingers crossed. Danny: And on that note, let's have a look at what question number five is. Danny: And I feel this is a good one, actually, to finish off your time in the hot seat here, Austin.
Danny: Question five. Would you rather be granted three wishes of your choice 10 years Danny: from today or be granted one wish today? Austin: It's complex because I have to think about what my wishes, three wishes and Austin: one wish would be I'm a finance person so there's a time value of money too if you get a scientific.
Danny: About it I Austin: Guess I could wish for any amount of money so maybe not that maybe no need to Austin: get that scientific I'm gonna go, Austin: I'm gonna go with one wish today because who knows in 10 years I don't know Austin: if do I get to make a wish from the grave so you never know You never know what's going to go. Austin: So I go one wish today, which kind of starts to beg the question of what that wish would be.
Austin: The give me answer that makes me look like a hero is I'd wish that the culture Austin: in America allowed for everyone to live a healthy lifestyle. Austin: That is not what I would use the wish on, to be clear. But that would be a good one. Austin: So it'd probably be something like some skill or something that I could instantly have. Austin: I find enjoyment in. But as I think through that, part of the enjoyment comes Austin: from learning the skill. So probably not that.
Austin: I don't know. I mean, I think about it. Danny: Well, I think that's what I like about it as well. It's like, Danny: say, I mean, you've got the easy choices. All right, make me super rich. Danny: Make me super, a beautiful partner, for example. Danny: You know, any of the sort of the typical, you know, materialistic things that, Danny: yeah, would bring happiness, but I guess maybe long term might not.
Danny: You know, so, and then, let's see, because you've got one wish, Danny: is it something that can do more for many or is it more for you that allows Danny: you to do more for many, et cetera? Danny: And I totally agree with your point about you may be dead in 10 years. Danny: Hopefully you're not. Hopefully you're not putting it out there right now. Danny: But you may be dead. So that's a wasted three wishes.
Danny: I guess your first wish could be, no, it couldn't be because it's 10 years from Danny: now. Your first wish could have been, keep me alive for 10 years, Danny: but you can't do that. That's not allowed.
Austin: You know three other years alive at that point with no wishes i Austin: think uh i think it would have to be something for to help the many Austin: um because something as i was thinking through it you know a large part of like Austin: where you get happiness from life in my opinion is from the process of getting Austin: there if i wish for anything i really really wanted right now um and instantly Austin: got it i wouldn't i don't think i'd really want it anymore it kind of goes back
Austin: to those accomplishments that you have earlier in life. Austin: You want that accomplishment and you're working so hard to get there. Austin: And that's what's bringing you purpose and bringing you joy. Austin: And then once you get it, it's an accomplishment and it's great and you're super Austin: proud of yourself, but it's not where you get the joy from, in my opinion.
Austin: You get the joy from all the hard work and doing something hard and proving Austin: to yourself that you can do something hard. Austin: So I don't know if I would want money. it's not my money I don't know if I want Austin: love I didn't earn love I was given love I think I want something for the group to benefit from, Austin: Maybe we could bring Richard Pryor back from the dead or something like that Austin: so that everybody could get one more show or something.
Danny: Now we're talking about Richard Pryor and George Carlin double bill for one night only. Austin: There we go. Now that's a wish I could get behind. Danny: I'm there 100%. I like the fact that it's about, and again, and there's nothing Danny: wrong with it, it could be super easy to say, well, end world hunger.
Danny: But that also brings other issues that Danny: you that you know we don't even think about when it comes to what'd Danny: be easy to do but then you've got these issues you know um if you make it easy Danny: for people to eat does that take away skills of farming you know culture cultivating Danny: etc so yeah it's i like that answer where it's for the many bit that'd be super Danny: cool to get like richard prior back on stage what a what a just what a legend he was i
Austin: Think the main takeaway is uh i should not be given a wish because i will use Austin: it very frivolously so maybe give a better thought leader the wish uh we could Austin: we could maybe i'll just be i'll wish that somebody else can make this wish Austin: that has a better perspective on the world.
Danny: That is very matter of you and again you know kudos for taking you know away Danny: the responsibility to put it on your shoulders and like put on someone else's Danny: shoulders that doesn't want that responsibility either yeah Austin: You do it i don't on it.
Danny: Awesome well i i love that answer and i i appreciate your time and the random Danny: question hot seat austin as is only fair i've had you on the hot seat for about Danny: 35 minutes now so it's now time to hand over the question asking baton to you yeah Austin: And so i think i have a good one uh but i do this a lot and i wanted to get Austin: see if you do it as well um but i will state things that i am confident are Austin: true to later find out that I was in fact lying,
Austin: but didn't know I was lying. It was, I was just misguided. Austin: So I wanted to know what was the dumbest thing, if you've done it, Austin: and if you have, what's the dumbest thing you stated as a fact that you later found out to be false. Danny: So, funnily enough, my wife says I'd be really good at Balderdash, the game Balderdash. Danny: I don't know if you guys have got it in the States. Is Balderdash a thing in the States? Austin: I don't think I've seen it.
Danny: Okay, so basically you tell what you're stating a fact, but it's actually a lie. Danny: So you tell something and then the audience has got to guess, Danny: like the people playing the game, I've got to guess, is that an actual fact Danny: or is it a lie that you've made up? Austin: We call that politics.
Danny: There you go. I hear you on that one. because I tend to make crap up but I say Danny: it with such conviction so it's a little bit slightly different from your question Danny: I will make stuff up just for fun with such belief and stubbornness that's correct that my wife, Danny: especially my kids my kids just hate me for it are trying to work out is that true or not Danny: and I'm trying to work out I'm trying to remember an example recently um
Danny: where I'd say something known for a fact that's a lie. Danny: And it's not true. And not a malicious lie, but I'd just be so steadfast in Danny: my belief that, and I'd just continue to make it up as I go along with little facts. Danny: So I guess for one example would be, and this is like a really crappy one from Danny: a few years back, but How Friday Got Its Name. Danny: I'd talk about days of the week and how they got their names. Danny: I'd say, do you know How Friday Got Its Name?
Danny: And you go, yeah, it's to do with the Latin Gregorian calendar or whatever that Danny: used to be, would be the answer back. But I say, no, no, no, no, no. Danny: Friday got its name from my ancestors in Scotland, the Celts. Danny: And it's basically back in the day when, you know, the Highlanders and that Danny: were living off the land to get their proteins, have to go out and hunt, Danny: you know, Highland cows and bulls and stuff like that and bring it back.
Danny: And normally they just bring it back and maybe, you know, eat it raw and a lot Danny: of them would get upset stomachs and they'd die because there's no doctors, et cetera.
Danny: So a lot of people were dying and the big chiefs always say, Danny: well we have to do something better than this so what they decided to Danny: do then was get the animal fat and put it over the fire Danny: in a big melting pot and that got really hot then Danny: they could put the meat on fry it so every Danny: day would become a fry day so but Danny: they don't do that once a week because that's when they go out hunting so friday
Danny: became friday so i stuck with that for years um and i had to come clean with Danny: my wife and she was so yeah every time i come out with a statement now she'll Danny: double check me because she knows that I could be going down a different path. Austin: It was your wife that was going around telling this. She thought was for a fact Austin: true was that Friday came from frying a cow. Danny: Yeah, exactly. She was the Austin: Way it was actually like.
Danny: Yeah, exactly. She was telling her friends at work and her mom and stuff. Danny: So when I told her, nope, that was not a good... She was fine, but she was pissed. Austin: Whoops. Oh, that's a good one. Danny: Yeah, so I hope... I think that kind of answers your question, Danny: but that's a good one, I like that.
Austin: It absolutely does, thank you. Yeah, I find myself, Austin: I'm not dumb, but it's just sometimes, you know, somebody tells you something Austin: that cows are fried on Friday and that's why it's called Friday. Austin: You're excited to share. Austin: And it turns out you're wrong. It's always the most embarrassing thing. Danny: And that's, I think, as long as you're so convicted in your belief, you can fool people.
Danny: You know, it's when it starts getting super ridiculous and you can start to Danny: feel yourself break. You think, OK. Danny: It goes back to your, maybe your first question, your first answer, Danny: where you realize you're going too far. So you need to move on a step back and Danny: say, okay, come and clean. Austin: It's a balancing act. Everything in life is a balancing act. It goes to lying as well.
Danny: 100%. 100%. Well, Austin, I have really, really enjoyed having you in the random Danny: question hot seat today. Danny: For our listeners that want to know more about you, your podcast, Danny: maybe where to catch a live show, a stand-up, if they're in your vicinity, etc. Danny: Where's the best place to connect with you online and listen to your podcast, all that good stuff?
Austin: Yeah. Yeah, ramblerlive.com, R-A-M-B-L-E-R live.com is where I host my podcast Austin: and post everything that I'm doing. Austin: So if you go check out that website, it'll be fantastic. Got my emails on there. Austin: Feel free to shoot me an email. Austin: I'm not very popular, so I will actually reply to it. Austin: So yeah, look forward to it. Danny: Awesome. And as always, I will leave that link in the show notes.
Danny: So whatever app you're listening on or you're listening to this on the website, Danny: just check the show notes out for the episode and the link to Austin's website Danny: will be there and you can hop on over and do all that good stuff that you just mentioned. Danny: So again, Austin, I really appreciate appearing on today's 5 Random Questions. Austin: Awesome. Thank you. It was a good time. I had a great time.
Danny: Thanks for listening to 5 Random Questions. And if this was your first time Danny: here, feel free to hit follow and check out past episodes. Danny: If you enjoyed this week's episode, I'd love for you to leave a review on the Danny: app you're currently listening on, or if you know someone else that would enjoy Danny: the show, be sure to send them this way. It's very much appreciated. Danny: Until the next time, keep asking those questions.