Category Archives: Advice

Ep. 173 “Gabby’s Dollhouse of Horrors”

Advice, Comedy, Marriage, Parenting, Pop Culture, Sex, Travel, Uncategorized

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In the latest episode of ‘We Hired a Sitter for This’ podcast, titled “Gabby’s Dollhouse of Horrors,” Patrick records solo from his home studio in Bushwick, NYC, utilizing the time freed up by a client cancellation to discuss various personal and professional updates. He shares insights on his renewed commitment to treadmill workouts and candidly addresses struggles with sugar addiction, while also reflecting on recent stand-up performances, including a surprise gig at a fundraiser. Patrick recounts a challenging family outing to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and contemplates upcoming travel plans, including shows in Wisconsin and a family trip to Colorado. As he looks toward the future, he considers potential shifts in his podcasting career and outlines actionable steps for enhancing his show’s reach, such as booking studio time with guests and improving his website.
Notes
️ Podcast Introduction and Setup (00:00 – 07:56)

  • Episode 173 of ‘We Hired a Sitter for This’ podcast
  • Patrick recording alone in his home studio in Bushwick, NYC
  • Multitasking due to a client cancellation
  • Discusses potential studio recordings with guests

️ Personal Updates and Exercise (07:56 – 17:20)

  • Resumed treadmill workouts with hill incline setting
  • Discussing sugar addiction and body image concerns
  • Commiserating with friend Pat V. about sweets addiction
  • Mentions documentary work with Joe List

Weekend Comedy Shows (17:21 – 27:50)

  • Performed at Laugh Tour comedy club in Jersey City
  • Surprise gig at ‘Butt Disco’ fundraiser for Burning Man group
  • Detailed experience of performing at a karate dojo in Maplewood, NJ
  • Reflections on audience interactions and performance challenges

‍‍ Family Activities and Challenges (27:51 – 37:00)

  • Visit to Brooklyn Children’s Museum for Gabby’s Dollhouse event
  • Crowded and overwhelming experience at the museum
  • Face painting line and moral dilemma about line-cutting
  • Concerns about sanitation and crowded spaces

️ Future Plans and Financial Reflections (37:01 – 46:49)

  • Upcoming shows in Wisconsin and potential Chicago gigs
  • Family trip to Colorado from March 22nd to 28th
  • Gratitude for family’s financial support for the trip
  • Reflections on podcast future and potential career focus shifts
Action items
Patrick

  • Consider booking studio space for recording podcast episodes with guests (03:01)
  • Get either COVID or flu vaccine (29:07)
  • Update website calendar with upcoming shows (46:32)
  • Sell merchandise at shows (46:42)

Ep. 172 “Concert of Farts”

Advice, Comedy, Marriage, Parenting, Pop Culture, Sex, Travel, Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,

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In Episode 172 of the podcast “We Hired a Sitter for This,” the host presents a solo episode that opens with a humorous anecdote involving a misunderstanding with their daughter over a bathroom incident, leading to reflections on the complexities of a post-truth society. The conversation transitions into the host’s fascination with spiritual and paranormal topics, including telepathy, reincarnation, and aliens, while balancing skepticism and belief in the supernatural. The episode recounts the host’s recent trip to Salem for the premiere of a Tom Dustin documentary, where technical sound issues contrasted with the audience’s warm reception. As the episode unfolds, the host reflects on aspirations to create more documentaries amid financial concerns and a philosophical contemplation of life’s purpose rooted in love. It concludes with a recap of recent comedy gigs, highlights the supportive community within comedy, and addresses uncertainties regarding the podcast’s future and audience engagement, with action items encouraging a deeper exploration of documentary filmmaking and the effectiveness of the podcast itself.

Notes

️ Solo Episode Introduction (00:24 – 08:32)

  • Episode 172 of “We Hired a Sitter for This”
  • Solo episode by the host
  • Morning incident involving a fart sound in the bathroom
  • Misunderstanding with daughter about the source of the sound
  • Reflection on post-truth society

Spiritual and Paranormal Interests (08:32 – 18:22)

  • Discussion about telepathy and the “Telepathy Tapes” podcast
  • Thoughts on past lives and reincarnation
  • Interest in aliens and UFO disclosure
  • Skepticism vs. belief in supernatural phenomena

Comedy Experiences and Documentary Premiere (18:22 – 28:09)

  • Trip to Salem, Massachusetts
  • Premiere of Tom Dustin documentary in Somerville
  • Technical issues with sound during the screening
  • Positive audience response to the film

Spirituality and Career Reflections (28:09 – 41:19)

  • Further discussion on telepathy and alien theories
  • Desire to make more documentary films
  • Financial concerns and seeking work opportunities
  • Reflection on the purpose of life being love

Comedy Gigs and Podcast Reflections (41:19 – 50:27)

  • Recap of recent comedy performances
  • Positive experience at Summer Shack in Cambridge
  • Appreciation for Jack Burke’s kindness to new comedians
  • Uncertainty about the podcast’s future and audience

 

Ep. 171 “Do You Know Who I Am??”

Advice, Comedy, Marriage, Parenting, Pop Culture, Sex, Travel, Uncategorized

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Overview
Notes

Comedy Career and Business (00:00 – 09:59)

  • Patrick and Gastor discuss inspirational business meeting
  • Gastor’s business acumen comes from his father
  • Gastor sold candies in high school for profit
  • Patrick hoarded money as a kid due to scarcity mindset
  • Discussion on balancing creativity and business mindset

Comedy Industry Insights (09:59 – 19:44)

  • Mark Normand’s approach to joke writing as a money-making venture
  • Gastor’s plan to highlight his skills and collaborate more this year
  • Patrick’s experience with new material and upcoming special
  • Discussion on work ethic in comedy and success

Comedy Shows and Venues (19:44 – 29:35)

  • Gianmarco’s work ethic and success discussed
  • Importance of performing frequently and in various venues
  • Alex’s success with vegan restaurant and comedy career
  • Discussion on comedy rooms in restaurants and bars

Comedy Challenges and Etiquette (29:36 – 37:37)

  • Debate on pitching oneself for shows and opportunities
  • Discussion on comedy club dynamics and getting passed at clubs
  • Critique of overused phrases in comedy like ‘clap it up’
  • Importance of preparation and closing bits in sets

️ Podcast Experiences (37:38 – 47:35)

  • Gastor’s experience with unprepared podcast hosts
  • Patrick’s experience with disrespectful introductions
  • Discussion on the challenges of podcasting and interviewing
  • Importance of research and preparation in podcasting

️ Upcoming Shows and Closing Thoughts (47:35 – 56:10)

  • Gastor’s upcoming shows in Saratoga and other locations
  • Patrick’s potential shows in Colorado and Wisconsin
  • Reflections on respect in the comedy community
  • Closing remarks and New Year wishes
Action items

Gastro

  • Plan and execute collaborations to highlight skills (09:59)
  • Pitch himself for ‘Stand up on the Spot’ show (39:04)

Patrick

  • Organize YouTube channel with sections for stand-up and podcasts (29:36)
  • Consider posting recent hosting set clips, editing out unfinished jokes (29:36)
  • Attend Gastor’s show at Comedy Works in Saratoga (46:45)

Ep. 170 “Two Cry Limit”

Advice, Comedy, Marriage, Parenting, Pop Culture, Sex, Travel, Uncategorized

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Overview
In an informal discussion, participants reminisced about memorable experiences from 2005, including social gatherings and the cultural impact of shows like The Apprentice, particularly focusing on Donald Trump’s early public persona. They shared anecdotes from a New Year’s Eve party that blended family friends and comedians, highlighting the unique dynamics of such interactions, particularly with karaoke involved. Topics evolved to parenting, where they discussed appropriate restaurant behavior for children and established a ‘two-cry rule’ for public settings while suggesting ways to compensate disturbed diners. Conversations continued on living arrangements with parents, weighing the benefits of proximity to family against independence, before transitioning to creative ambitions for the New Year, including goals for a YouTube channel and the challenges of content creation. Action items were identified, including producing more clips for the YouTube channel, posting recorded shows, and considering original documentary projects to enhance viewership.
Notes
Reminiscing About 2005 (00:00 – 09:11)

  • Discussed memories from 2005, including parties in Williamsburg and Astoria
  • Mentioned watching the first season of The Apprentice with Donald Trump
  • Reflected on Trump’s public persona and business image at the time
  • Discussed making casting tapes for The Apprentice

New Year’s Eve Party (09:11 – 18:53)

  • One participant hosted a New Year’s Eve party at their parents’ house
  • The party was a mix of family friends and comedians
  • Discussed the dynamics of mixing civilians and comedians at social gatherings
  • Mentioned karaoke and singing attempts at the party
  • Discussed the issue of having more beer after the party than before

Parenting and Restaurant Etiquette (18:53 – 28:13)

  • Discussed a New Year’s Eve dinner at Roberta’s Pizza with kids from daycare
  • Debated appropriate behavior for children in restaurant settings
  • Established a ‘two-cry rule’ for children in public spaces
  • Suggested tipping extra or buying drinks for disturbed tables as compensation

Living Arrangements and Family (28:13 – 38:48)

  • Discussed potential living arrangements with parents
  • One participant’s parents offered their upstairs apartment
  • Debated pros and cons of living closer to family
  • Mentioned the idea of having a ‘crash pad’ at parents’ place for extended visits

Creative Goals and YouTube Channel (38:48 – 48:12)

  • Discussed New Year’s resolutions, focusing on creative projects
  • Expressed desire to grow YouTube channel and reach 500 subscribers
  • Mentioned upcoming Tom Dustin documentary with theatrical release
  • Discussed the challenges of creating content and growing an audience
  • Reflected on the sacrifices required for success in creative fields
Action items
Pat Miscellaneous

  • Create more clips for the YouTube channel to grow the audience (45:43)
  • Post three duo shows that have already been recorded (46:02)
  • Consider making original documentaries for the YouTube channel (46:43)

Ep. 169 “Fun to the Head”

Advice, Comedy, Marriage, Parenting, Pop Culture, Sex, Travel, Uncategorized

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As we were recording this felt like the last podcast of 2024, not the first of 2025. So please pardon our appearance and attitude and general malaise. This one was recorded mainly to keep the streak alive. Ross didn’t want to do it and I barely did either. But we are here and perhaps there’s a nugget of truth or connection that will bring some pleasure into your day? Thanks for listening!! Here’s to a happy and healthy new year.

Ep. 168 “Merry BMX-mas”

Advice, Comedy, Marriage, Parenting, Pop Culture, Sex, Travel, Uncategorized

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Overview
In episode 168 of the “We Hired a Sitter for this” podcast, the hosts engage in a light-hearted conversation on various topics, starting with a humorous take on the Elf on the Shelf tradition and fond childhood memories associated with Christmas ornaments and gifts, such as an NBA Live game and a GT performer BMX bike. They explore family dynamics, sharing anecdotes about sibling relationships, parental favoritism, and the memories of childhood squabbles. The discussion transitions to “old man strength,” where they recount physical confrontations with family members and the differences in fighting style across ages. They reflect on physical fitness, aging, and the commitment required for fitness activities like stand-up comedy versus working out. The episode also touches on holiday traditions, family gatherings, and the challenges of hosting, while celebrating the milestone of the podcast completing its 52nd episode, marking a full year of weekly episodes.
Notes
Christmas Discussion (00:13 – 08:53)

  • Episode 168 of “We Hired a Sitter for this” podcast
  • Discussed dislike for Elf on the Shelf tradition
  • Talked about Christmas ornaments and childhood memories
  • Mentioned favorite Christmas gifts (NBA Live game, GT performer BMX bike)

Family Dynamics (08:53 – 18:19)

  • Discussed sibling relationships and parental favoritism
  • Shared stories about childhood fights with siblings and cousins
  • Talked about parents’ birthdays and activities

Dad Strength and Fights (18:19 – 30:13)

  • Discussed the concept of “old man strength”
  • Shared stories about physical confrontations with siblings and cousins
  • Talked about the differences between younger and older men in fights

️ Physical Fitness and Aging (30:13 – 39:08)

  • Discussed the idea of getting in shape and going to the gym
  • Talked about commitment to different activities (stand-up comedy vs. working out)
  • Shared thoughts on aging and physical changes

Holiday Traditions (39:08 – 48:40)

  • Discussed family gatherings for various holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s)
  • Talked about hosting parties and the challenges that come with it
  • Mentioned the desire for parents to move and leave their house to the children
  • Celebrated the 52nd episode of the podcast, marking a full year of weekly episodes

Ep. 166 “All The Dads Are Dying”

Advice, Comedy, Marriage, Parenting, Pop Culture, Sex, Travel, Uncategorized

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Overview
In episode 166 of the podcast ‘We Hired a Sitter for this’, host Patrick Holbert opens with a personal update, candidly discussing his busy work life and recent feelings of burnout, including a Thanksgiving incident that left him self-conscious about his weight. The episode continues with Patrick announcing his upcoming comedy projects, such as his first special set for release on Amazon in 2025 and the premiere of the Tom Dustin documentary in January. He reflects on solo parenting while his wife is in yoga training, highlighting the challenges of balancing family life with late-night comedy gigs. As he navigates concerns about aging and relevance in the comedy scene, Patrick expresses financial struggles and the importance of connecting with younger audiences. The episode concludes with his contemplations on mortality and future plans, extending gratitude to listeners and encouraging them to share the podcast. Action items include improving communication for scheduling and promoting his upcoming comedy events scheduled for December in Williamsburg and Hurleyville, NY.
Notes
️ Podcast Introduction and Personal Update (00:00 – 08:35)

  • Patrick Holbert introduces episode 166 of ‘We Hired a Sitter for this’
  • Discusses his busy work schedule and experiencing burnout
  • Mentions feeling self-conscious about his body
  • Shares a Thanksgiving incident involving his father commenting on his weight

Comedy Career and Projects (08:35 – 16:46)

  • Announces upcoming comedy shows and events
  • Discusses his first comedy special, to be released on Amazon in 2025
  • Mentions the Tom Dustin documentary premiering in January
  • Talks about the challenges of doing late-night comedy gigs

‍ Parenting and Personal Life (16:47 – 26:15)

  • Shares experiences of solo parenting while his wife attended yoga training
  • Describes decorating the Christmas tree with his daughter Franny
  • Discusses the difficulties of balancing parenting with late-night comedy gigs

Age and Relevance in Comedy (26:15 – 37:37)

  • Expresses concerns about feeling less relevant in comedy at age 43
  • Discusses the challenges of connecting with younger audiences
  • Talks about financial struggles and the need to make more money from comedy

Mortality and Future Plans (37:39 – 48:24)

  • Shares concerns about friends’ fathers passing away
  • Discusses the uncertainty of his future in comedy
  • Expresses gratitude for listeners and the opportunity to express himself
  • Encourages listeners to share the podcast with others who might relate
Action items
Patrick Holbert

  • Improve communication with Gastor for podcast scheduling (45:07)
  • Ask for more help from people in his life, including his wife Ross (45:38)
  • Promote upcoming comedy shows: Kenny DeForest Memorial show on December 14th at the Gutter in Williamsburg and Holiday storytelling show on December 21st at H Pack in Hurleyville, NY (46:04)

Ep. 165 “Wayne Montana & DMX”

Advice, Comedy, Marriage, Parenting, Pop Culture, Sex, Travel, Uncategorized

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In the latest episode of the podcast “We Hired a Sitter for This,” titled Episode 165, hosts Patrick Holbert and Gastor Almonte kicked off with a discussion about social media, including Patrick’s handle change and Gastor’s new commercial project, while reflecting on DMX’s influential legacy. The conversation transitioned into innovative marketing strategies for films like Gladiator 2 and Smile, as well as debates surrounding NFL kickers. As the episode progressed, Gastor proposed a humorous conspiracy theory linking Joe Montana and Wayne Gretzky, followed by discussions on various conspiracy theories and recommendations for documentaries. The hosts explored how modern technology influences documentary quality and shared personal insights on parenting’s effect on entertainment choices. The podcast concluded with Gastor’s experience of facing an acting rejection, emphasizing resilience in the entertainment industry, before correcting the episode number to 165. Action items included Patrick suggesting documentaries to Gastor, and Gastor committing to watch “Dark Days.” ***Summary written by a robot***
Follow us both on social media @itspatrickholbert & @gastoralmonte

Ep. 164 “Screen Name Cohesion”

Advice, Comedy, Marriage, Parenting, Pop Culture, Sex, Travel, Uncategorized

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In episode 164 of the podcast, the hosts engage in a lively discussion that begins with a dive into hip hop culture, where Patrick shares past rap names and contemplates producing beats with Ableton, despite Gastor’s humorous discouragement. The conversation quickly shifts to Patrick’s inconsistent social media branding, prompting Gastor’s critique of his current strategy and a recounting of farm experiences. As the episode progresses, the hosts pressure Patrick to update his Instagram handle, which he does mid-episode, emphasizing the importance of consistent branding. The latter part of the podcast includes a debate on Ryan Reynolds’ career and appeal, with insights into personal growth and relationship dynamics, capped off by action items for Patrick to align all his social media handles for better cohesion. ***This summary was written by a robot***
Follow us on social media
@itspatrickholbert
@GastorAlmonte

Ep. 161 “Emotional Embargo”

Advice, Comedy, Marriage, Parenting, Pop Culture, Sex, Travel, Uncategorized

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In the latest episode of the WHASFT podcast, hosts Patrick Holbert and Ross Erin Martineau reconnect, sharing personal updates and reflections on various topics including Halloween decorations, the upcoming election, and Ross’ return after a brief hiatus. They delve into their past experiences with addiction and recovery, touching on the 12-step program and the complexities of maintaining sobriety and relationships. A discussion about their recent visit to a haunted house leads to lighthearted conversations about dating and family life, particularly focusing on their daughter Franny’s reactions to their behavior. They also contemplate potential work opportunities that could take Patrick to Europe, along with the accompanying challenges of family separation. The meeting concludes with action items for both hosts, including preparing affirmations for family support and plans for a stationery store visit.