Childhood in Mesa, Arizona

• 💡 Shapel Lacey recounts his childhood in Mesa, Arizona, growing up in Section 8 housing with four siblings and a teenage stepdad.
• 🚀 He shares a vivid memory of riding in the back of a station wagon pickup service for doctor's appointments, feeling like they were on a spaceship.
• 🏫 Shapel mentions a unique "paid program" at his junior high where students were paid to attend summer school to keep them off the streets.
• 🎓 His principal once offered him early graduation due to his disruptive behavior, highlighting his reputation as a "wrecking ball" and "class comedian."

Family and Influences

• 👨‍👦 Shapel discusses his stepfather, Jerry, who was only 17 when Shapel was born, and acknowledges him as a constant presence since day one.
• 🍳 Jerry is remembered as a surprisingly talented cook, able to elevate simple meals like baloney sandwiches and baked beans.
• 🏀 Jerry was also skilled at basketball and could breakdance, surprising Shapel with his hidden talents.
• 🥋 Shapel credits his stepfather's love for martial arts films, like old Shaolin movies and Bruce Lee's work, for inspiring his own interest and teaching him to do backflips.

90s Pop Culture Deep Dive

• 📺 The conversation delves into favorite 90s TV shows, including "Mama's Family," "Good Times," "What's Happening," "Hogan's Heroes," "Sanford and Son," and "The Jeffersons."
• 🎭 Shapel notes how shows like "Mama's Family" and Bernie Mac helped him channel anger into comedy, forming a foundation for his own comedic style.
• 🎬 Movies like "Stir Crazy" starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor are highlighted for their blend of goofiness and logic.
• 📺 Shapel also touches on children's shows like "Captain Kangaroo" and "Romper Room," and classic sitcoms like "Happy Days" and "The Jeffersons."

First Vacation and Personal Stories

• ✈️ Shapel shares that his first family vacation was at age 20, visiting Legoland and SeaWorld, an experience he found somewhat strange at the time.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 He reflects on reconnecting with his biological father at 29, who has since turned his life around after a significant prison sentence.
• ❤️ Despite a non-traditional upbringing, Shapel expresses a strong sense of family and love for both his biological and step-family.

A Memorable Cheer Camp Incident

• 🏕️ Shapel recounts a particularly embarrassing and painful experience at a college cheer camp where he lost his virginity.
• 🩸 Due to a combination of nerves, alcohol, and lack of lubrication, he experienced significant tearing and bleeding, leading to a messy and awkward situation.
• 🤦‍♂️ The incident involved blood on the walls, discarded bloody sheets on the beach, and continued pain during cheer activities the next day.
• 😂 Despite the initial trauma, Shapel can now look back on the story with humor, acknowledging his inexperience and the absurdity of the situation.