Shayne Smith, an American comedian and vocalist for Painted Devils, talks about his experiences opening for Norm McDonald, addiction, false cancer diagnosis, difficult childhood, love for tattoos and horror movies, exploring the commitment of being straight edge, introduction to God through hardcore music, childhood love for Metallica, rediscovering hobbies after converting to Catholicism, difference between Mormonism and Catholicism in media consumption, conversations about religious backgrounds and conversion to Catholicism, the speaker's personal conversion journey, the impact of comedians and the power of laughter in serious situations.
The speaker discusses their journey of self-expression through tattoos, covering up ones that no longer align with their beliefs.
The importance and bonding experience of playing video games with friends and siblings.
The challenges and successes of finding comedy as a fulfilling pursuit after leaving a life of crime.
Navigating the comedy scene while staying true to oneself and maintaining authenticity.
The speaker's experience of achieving success in the comedy world and the potential fragility of a comedian's career.
The transformative power of conversion to Catholicism and the role of faith in personal growth and courage.
Deep dives
Tattoos and Commitment to Straight Edge Lifestyle
The speaker reflects on their past commitment to the straight edge lifestyle, which involves sobriety and abstaining from substances such as drugs, alcohol, and smoking. They discuss the significance of their tattoos, including gang tattoos, and their decision to cover up certain tattoos that no longer align with their current beliefs and values. They express their love for tattooing as an art form and their desire to be covered in tattoos that represent their identity and personal journey.
Gaming and Childhood Memories
The speaker reminisces about their favorite video games from their childhood, such as Starcraft, Red Alert, Quake, Diablo, and Warcraft II. They emphasize the joy, camaraderie, and bonding experience of playing video games with friends and siblings, highlighting the importance of those memories in their life.
Personal Experiences and Growth in Tattoo Culture
The speaker shares personal experiences and reflections on their tattoos, acknowledging their past involvement in gang culture and the significance of certain tattoos that represent their journey. They express their appreciation for tattooing as a means of self-expression and identity, while also discussing their decision to cover up certain tattoos that no longer resonate with their current beliefs and values. They emphasize the transformation and growth they have undergone as they continue to explore and evolve in their tattoo culture.
Discovering a New Passion
The speaker shares their journey of finding comedy as a fulfilling and meaningful pursuit after leaving a life of crime. They discuss the process of starting out in comedy, the challenges and successes they experienced, and how they discovered their authentic comedic voice. They also reflect on the importance of authenticity in comedy and how it contributes to connecting with audiences.
Navigating the Comedy Scene
The speaker discusses the challenges of navigating the comedy scene, including the pressure to conform to certain expectations and the potential pitfalls of fame and success. They emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining authenticity in the face of industry pressures. They also touch on the topic of substance abuse and the potential pitfalls that can be associated with the comedy world.
The Journey to Success
The speaker shares their experience of achieving success in the comedy world, including being featured on a popular comedy platform. They discuss the impact of their viral video and the subsequent opportunities it brought, such as being approached by an agent and getting booked for shows. They also touch on the nature of show business, highlighting the potential uncertainty and fragility of a comedian's career.
A Profound Encounter with Mary
The speaker shares a powerful experience of encountering Mary during a visit to a Catholic church. They describe feeling a deep sense of love and reassurance from Mary, which brings them to tears. This encounter with Mary leads to a profound connection and devotion to her, shaping their journey towards Catholicism.
The Influence of Literature
The speaker mentions various authors and books that have influenced their life and perspectives, including Frank Herbert's Dune, Robert A. Heinlein's Starship Troopers, and Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. While literature may not have directly influenced their conversion to Catholicism, it played a role in shaping their creative and storytelling abilities in their comedy career.
The Beauty and Diversity of the Catholic Church
The speaker expresses their admiration for the Catholic Church's embrace of beauty, history, logic, and diversity. They highlight the church's willingness to engage with different perspectives and the importance of free will in maintaining love and relationships. They also express gratitude for the church's work in social justice and charity.
The Power of Conversion and Faith in the Journey Towards Christ
The podcast episode explores the transformative power of conversion and faith in the journey towards Christ. The speaker shares their personal experience of converting to Catholicism and how it has impacted their life. They discuss the importance of authenticity and embracing one's faith openly, even in the face of potential repercussions. The podcast also delves into the concept of spiritual warfare and the need to remain steadfast in one's beliefs. Overall, the episode highlights the role of faith in bringing about personal growth, authenticity, and courage.
The Intersection of Comedy and Catholicism
In this podcast episode, the speaker delves into the intersection of comedy and Catholicism. They discuss the role of comedy in expressing and exploring faith, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between humor and respect. The speaker shares their views on the potential humor in certain aspects of Catholicism, such as relics and the absurdity of faith itself. They also emphasize the need to approach comedy about faith with authenticity and playfulness, ensuring that jokes build up rather than denigrate the faith. Overall, the episode explores the potential for comedy to make faith relatable and highlight its unique aspects.
Shayne Smith is an American comedian and vocalist for the band, Painted Devils. His special, Prison for Wizards, appeared on Dry Bar Comedy. He is famously covered in tattoos - a reformed gang member - despite his mild manner and geeky appearance.
