654 - The Pieman w/ Wil Anderson and Justin Hamilton - Live
Oct 8, 2024
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Wil Anderson and Justin Hamilton, both renowned Australian comedians, join forces for a hilarious exploration of The Pieman, Australia's peculiar athletic hero. They recount the whimsical life of William Francis King, filled with absurd romantic misadventures and bizarre athletic challenges. The duo dives into the legend's eccentric antics, showcasing their comedic camaraderie through wild stories of endurance and absurdity in 19th century Australia. Expect plenty of laughter as they dissect fame, folly, and the quirky spirit of local folklore.
The podcast explores the life of William Francis King, known as the Flying Pie Man, highlighting his eccentric feats and eventual decline.
Gareth Reynolds and Dave Anthony's humorous storytelling format effectively engages the audience by blending historical narratives with spontaneous banter.
The discussion reflects on the fleeting nature of celebrity, questioning the legacy of infamous figures like the Flying Pie Man in history.
Deep dives
Introduction to Rocket Money
The episode begins by introducing Rocket Money, a personal finance app that helps users manage and monitor their subscriptions. It emphasizes the convenience of the app in automatically identifying forgotten subscriptions and providing insights on spending habits. An example shared in the episode mentions a user saving approximately $300 through the app's negotiation services for bills. The narrative highlights the app's features, such as cancelling unwanted subscriptions and alerting users to price increases.
The Format of the Podcast
The episode follows a unique format where one host shares an intriguing story from American history with another host who is hearing it for the first time. This structure allows for spontaneous humor and reactions, creating an engaging dialogue. The dynamic between the hosts adds humor to the historical narrative, as they riff off each other’s commentary. The exchange often leads to light-hearted banter about the absurdity of the historical events being discussed.
The Story of William Francis King
The primary tale centers around William Francis King, who was born in 1807 and initially had aspirations of leading a respectable life that soon spiraled as he pursued his restlessness in Australia. He developed a reputation as the ‘Flying Pie Man’ after performing various feats of endurance and strength, including walking long distances while carrying heavy weights or participating in bizarre challenges. His life story is characterized by ambitious wagers that propelled him into the spotlight, drawing attention from the public and media alike. Ultimately, his fame morphed into an obsession with ridiculous challenges, often leaving him in precarious and humorous situations.
King's Downfall and Later Life
As the story progresses, it chronicles King's descent into hardship despite his past fame, illustrating the fleeting nature of celebrity. By the 1870s, he found himself living on the streets, with a journalist noting his decline and impoverished condition. The narrative captures the irony of his extraordinary history contrasted with his dire present circumstances. Ultimately, King ended up in a mental asylum, where he was buried in a pauper's grave upon his death in 1873, a stark reflection of lost glory.
Cultural Legacy of the Flying Pie Man
The podcast concludes by addressing the cultural legacy of the Flying Pie Man, noting that while many of his records still stand, they are often ludicrous feats that nobody adheres to today. It questions the nature of his celebrity, suggesting that he was more of a sideshow figure than a true athlete. The discussion touches upon how a musical was even created based on his life story, indicating that such eccentric characters have a place in the broader narrative of history. The hosts reflect on the absurdity of his life, highlighting both the entertainment value and the tragedy of his ultimate decline.
Comedians Gareth Reynolds and Dave Anthony are joined by Wil Anderson and Justin Hamilton to examine Australia's greatest athlete - The Pieman. Recorded in Adelaide.