If you’ve spent any time on the corner of the internet occupied by Barstool Sports, you know it’s usually a whirlwind of gambling parlays, sports rants, and chaotic office drama. But there’s a specific pocket of that universe that feels entirely different, yet perfectly at home. I’m talking about the Out and About podcast. It’s messy. It’s loud. It’s incredibly honest. Hosted by Pat Barker and Joey Camasta, this show has carved out a niche that somehow bridges the gap between die-hard "Stoolies" and the broader LGBTQ+ community.
Honestly, it shouldn't work on paper.
You have Barstool—a brand historically associated with "frat culture"—hosting a flagship gay podcast. But that’s exactly why it thrives. It isn't sanitized. It isn't trying to be "corporate diversity." It’s just two guys, a microphone, and a relentless stream of consciousness that covers everything from the nuances of hookup apps to the absolute absurdity of working for Dave Portnoy.
The Chemistry That Makes Out and About Podcast Tick
Most podcasts fail because the hosts feel like they're reading a script or, worse, they’re just "work friends." Pat and Joey are different. Their dynamic is the engine. Pat Barker, who came up through the Barstool ranks, brings a certain groundedness, while Joey Camasta—a professional makeup artist who famously worked with Snooki—is a human hurricane of charisma.
They argue. A lot.
They talk over each other. They pivot from a heartbreaking discussion about family dynamics to a thirty-minute tangent about a bad date in Hell's Kitchen. It feels like eavesdropping on a conversation at a bar where you’re three drinks in and everyone has lost their filter. This lack of polish is their greatest asset. In an era where every media company is trying to produce "highly curated content," the Out and About podcast feels like a live wire.
Breaking the Barstool Mold
There’s this lingering misconception that Barstool is just for "the bros." While that might have been the core demographic a decade ago, the brand has mutated into a massive media conglomerate. The existence and success of this show prove that. Pat often talks about being the "only gay guy in the room" during those early years, and he doesn't sugarcoat the experience. He’s open about the friction, the growth, and the reality of navigating that space.
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Joey, on the other hand, entered the Barstool orbit like a glitter-covered wrecking ball. He didn't change his personality to fit the brand; the brand shifted to accommodate him. Seeing him interact with the "traditional" sports guys at the office is half the fun. It’s a culture clash that usually ends in mutual respect, or at least, very funny content.
What the Show Actually Covers (Beyond the Gossip)
People tune in for the tea, sure. They want to hear about the latest Barstool drama or who Joey ran into in the Hamptons. But if you listen closely, the Out and About podcast handles some heavy lifting regarding mental health and identity.
They don't do it in a "special episode" kind of way. It’s woven into the fabric of their daily lives.
- Body Image: Joey is refreshingly blunt about the pressures of looking a certain way in the gay community.
- Career Pivots: Both hosts have had non-linear paths to their current success, offering a blueprint for anyone trying to find their footing in creative industries.
- Modern Relationships: From "situationships" to the complexities of open marriages, nothing is off-limits.
It’s about visibility without the lecture.
You’re learning about the queer experience through the lens of two people just trying to pay their rent and stay relevant in New York City. That’s far more relatable to most listeners than a dry sociological breakdown of "the community."
The "Mafia" and the Community
Every successful podcast has a name for its fanbase. This one has a dedicated, almost cult-like following. They show up to live shows. They buy the merch. They interact with the hosts on social media in a way that feels personal.
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Why?
Because the Out and About podcast treats its listeners like insiders. When Pat or Joey goes through a rough patch, they talk about it in real-time. There’s no PR team cleaning up their takes. If they have a bad show, they admit it the following week. This transparency builds a level of trust that most traditional media outlets would kill for.
It also helps that the show isn't just for the LGBTQ+ community. A huge chunk of the audience is straight Barstool fans who just find the duo hilarious. It’s a masterclass in "accidental education." You might tune in because you like Pat’s sports takes, but you stay because you’ve become invested in Joey’s latest dating disaster.
Navigating the Controversies
You can't talk about anything Barstool-related without acknowledging the noise. The company is a lightning rod for criticism. Pat and Joey don't shy away from this. They address the backlash when it happens, whether it’s internal office politics or external critiques of the brand.
Sometimes they defend the company. Sometimes they voice their frustrations.
This nuance is rare. Usually, employees either become corporate shills or bitter ex-staffers. These guys manage to exist in the "in-between." They are loyal to the platform that gave them a voice but are fiercely protective of their own identities. It’s a tightrope walk that they perform every single week.
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Practical Insights for New Listeners
If you’re just diving in, don't expect a structured news show. This is lifestyle entertainment.
- Start with the Guest Episodes: They’ve had everyone from reality stars to fellow Barstool personalities. These are usually the best entry points to understand the show's "vibe."
- Follow the Socials: Much of the context for the podcast happens on Instagram and TikTok throughout the week.
- Check the Live Shows: If you ever get a chance to see them in person, do it. The energy is completely different when they have a live crowd to feed off of.
The Future of Queer Media in Mainstream Spaces
The success of the Out and About podcast signals a shift. We’re moving away from "niche" content that exists in a vacuum. People want to see different perspectives integrated into the platforms they already use. You shouldn't have to leave a sports app to find a gay podcast. It should all be part of the same ecosystem.
Pat and Joey have proven that there is a massive appetite for queer voices that don't follow the "standard" media script. They’re loud, they’re often wrong, they’re occasionally offensive, and they’re always authentic.
That is exactly what podcasting should be.
It isn't about being perfect. It’s about being present. In a world of AI-generated scripts and over-produced "reality" TV, two guys sitting in a studio in Manhattan talking about their lives is remarkably refreshing.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the most out of your listening experience, stop treating podcasts like background noise. Engage with the content to see why it’s actually working.
- Audit your feed: Look at the shows you listen to. Are they all echoing the same perspective? Adding something like this provides a necessary jolt of reality.
- Support the creators directly: If you like the show, engage with their clips on social media. Platforms like Barstool track "engagement" more than just raw downloads, so liking and commenting actually helps keep the show on the air.
- Listen to the "deep cuts": Go back to the early episodes where Joey first started appearing. Watching the evolution of the show from a standard talk format to the chaotic masterpiece it is now offers a great lesson in finding your creative voice.
- Attend a live event: The "Out and About" live experience is where the community really shines. It’s a safe, hilarious, and high-energy environment that proves the show's impact goes way beyond a digital file.