Part 10/15:
A significant part of the episode is dedicated to Billy Joel—a misunderstood “outcast” whose internal struggles and childhood trauma shaped his artistry. The hosts analyze the HBO documentary about him, emphasizing his resilience amid familial difficulties, early rejection, and depression.
Billy’s prodigious talent, developed in isolation on Long Island, is contrasted with the often dismissive treatment he received from industry insiders. His battles with depression and near-suicide attempts reveal a depth rarely acknowledged, reinforcing the hosts’ admiration for his integrity as an artist. They celebrate his storytelling mastery and the profound influence of his personal history, especially his relationship with his parents and his brush with mortality.