It's Pretty OK

Ep. 410: HoopGoons

Sun, 12 May 2024 13:41:07 GMT

This week, the SPORTS BOIS are talking about a quality that was on abundant display during the first round of the NBA playoffs (this episode was recorded when most of the first-round series were still going, and Patrick Beverley hadn't yet chucked a ball at a fan's face): goonery! Is this another opportunity for Sean to clown on Joel Embiid, who is really way too good at basketball to act the way he does? You better believe it is. But that's not all it is; the gang has the smoke for a number of other playoff heels.

MUSIC: "Someone Else's Dream" – Restorations

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Ep. 409: Beercast

Thu, 02 May 2024 20:36:39 GMT

This week, the gang (minus Sean) gets together to talk about a thing that's been a key part of so many moments in our lives and friendship together: beer. But it seems that everyone's relationship with a frosty-cold oat soda has maybe changed in the past decade or so, so it's time to unpack that!

MUSIC: "Dan Marino (Live)" – M.J. Lenderman and the Wind

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Ep. 408: Playoff Time!

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 18:24:25 GMT

This week, the SPORTS BOIS are here to talk about the NBA playoffs and how things have changed in the Play-in Tournament era. Are we punishing the #1 seeds somehow? And do the Celtics have anything to fear but fear itself?

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the play-in games, which means any mention of the Heat and Pelicans does not account for the injuries to Jimmy Butler and Zion Williamson.

MUSIC: "Glitz" – Cindy Lee

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Ep. 407: Nothing Was the Same

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:44:17 GMT

This week, the gang talks a little bit about their March Madness trip to Los Angeles, and the sushi spot that maybe ruined all other sushi spots for Kevin. What did YOU experience one time and know you would never match that level again?

MUSIC: "A World Without Pain" – Spiral Heads

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Ep. 406: Adaptation

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 23:32:53 GMT

This week, Pierce's experience both reading and watching L.A. Confidential has the gang pondering a classic conundrum: How are you supposed to evaluate movies based on books?

MUSIC: "Grifter's Grief" – Yard Act

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Ep. 405: Goal-Oriented

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:40:27 GMT

This week, the gang talks about setting goals for self-improvement, and ponders Pierce's theory that you can't really evaluate any goal like that on a timeline shorter than a year.

MUSIC: "Playing Favorites" – Sheer Mag

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Ep. 404: ENDGAME

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 17:17:08 GMT

This week, the SPORTS BOIS are talking about why the last minute or two of sporting events get treated so differently than all of the preceding minutes, especially by the referees.

MUSIC: "I Got Heaven" – Mannequin Pussy

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Ep. 403: This Little Podcast Went to Market

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 22:13:52 GMT

This week, the gang talks about why it feels like something's missing from the grocery store experience — vanished to make way for dumb stuff like palm scanners.

MUSIC: "Clubs" – Myra Keyes

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Ep. 402: A Pod for Sickos Who Love Punts

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 04:36:24 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to draft their favorite moments in sports. Some of them will make perfect sense. Others — hell, maybe most of them — will make whatever the literal opposite of perfect sense is. Check it out!

MUSIC: "Make a Joke" – Mama Zu

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Ep. 401: Back in the Office Again

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:35:03 GMT

This week, the gang talks about how some companies are going about trying to bring their employees back to the office from time to time with perks like an occasional free lunch — and why that strategy seems doomed to fail. Will one of these four fully remote workers argue that companies should just institute a policy and deal with whatever consequences come of it? You'll have to listen to find out!

MUSIC: "Horses" – Maggie Rogers

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Ep. 400: Wow, We Feel Old

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

This week is a bit of a throwback, with Sean and Pierce doing a little reminiscing on the past 400 episodes before shifting gears and talking a bit about how friggin' old they feel when it comes to going to concerts — but why it may be important to grit their teeth and do it anyway.

MUSIC: "Shade" – Office Dog

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Ep. 399: (Album) Artsy Fartsy

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:23:12 GMT

This week, Kevin asks the gang: Does anyone still care about album art?

MUSIC: "Blast Off" – CZARFACE

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Bud vs. Miller vs. Coors - Pro Brewer picks a favorite! (Tree House Brewing Company on YouTube)

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Ep. 398: We Swear It's Not a Drake Podcast

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 01:28:30 GMT

This week, some spicy words for Drake by Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) sparked some discussion online about whether or not Drake's music reminds you of shopping at Target. That points the gang toward a conversation about "selling out" and how cultural fandom has become about our identity as fans rather than engagement with and consideration of an artist's work.

MUSIC: "Wizard Buys a Hat" – the Mountain Goats

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: "On Smarm" (Gawker via the Wayback Machine) and "The Future Of The Culture Wars Is Here, And It's Gamergate" (Deadspin)

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Ep. 397: Way Too Late to Be an Emergency Podcast

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 16:39:49 GMT

Was there enough time between when we recorded this podcast and when it's finally coming out that Bill Belichick hadn't actually lost his job yet and Alabama hadn't hired a successor to Nick Saban? Yes! Does that make this podcast about what feels like the end of a coaching era kind of useless? You'll have to decide that for yourself.

MUSIC: "Can't Get Enough of It" – SPRINTS

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Ep. 396: The BBQ Diaries

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:14:44 GMT

This week, the gang returns for a new year with a discussion of Max's BBQ travels over the holidays, and what makes a place like Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, so different from a place like Dreamland Bar-B-Que, the Tuscaloosa, Alabama rib shack that has expanded to several locations across Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

MUSIC: "Salad" – Blondshell

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Ep. 395: Push It to the Limit

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 13:29:22 GMT

This week, the gang closes out 2023 by discussing the firehose of "breaking news" notifications that Sean and Pierce get on their phones, why it's so frustrating that we spend so much time on national political news, and why it's still important to get information about the world around you. Does Sean put on his "I'm a former local reporter" hat and deliver a nearly 7-minute monologue? You better believe it!

MUSIC: "Stone Window" – Metric

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Ep. 394: It's the Holidays, Be Kind to Yourself

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 01:44:40 GMT

This week, the gang gets together post-Thanksgiving to talk about Sean's experience with a simplified Turkey Day menu brought on by necessity. But it's not really a conversation about menus so much as a chat about finding ways to give yourself a break and not weigh the holidays down with expectations.

MUSIC: "Transformer" – Marnie Stern

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Ep. 393: And Then There Were Seven

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 15:12:14 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all — Sean, Pierce, and Kevin got together before going home for the holidays to talk about the 7 remaining undefeated FBS teams and what would be the best (or funniest) outcomes for each.

Of course, that was before any of the games were played. So tune in to see how many of the things they said are already outdated!

MUSIC: "All AKA Ciao" – Homeboy Sandman

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The World’s Most Popular Painter Sent His Followers After Me Because He Didn’t Like a Review of His Work. Here’s What I Learned (Artnet)

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Ep. 392: The Product Review Revue

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:33:18 GMT

We're almost back to a normal recording/release schedule, I swear. But in the meantime, the gang is discussing reviews. What are we looking at so many reviews for, and are we actually getting anything out of it? Also, Max brings an excellent trivia question.

MUSIC: "Fresh Tattoo" – The Mountain Goats

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Who are the Premier League’s true Rolls-Royces? (The Athletic)

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Ep. 391: The ACC Realignment Special

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 15:12:07 GMT

Apologies for the irregular recording schedule — someone is busy exploring the world. In the meantime, the SPORTS BOIS gather to discuss something they've been thinking about for a while now: how to rearrange the ACC's football setup now that Cal, SMU and Stanford are joining. They compete to see who's got the most chaotic vision, whether it's an odd number of divisions or forced transfers of engineering students. Okay, it's probably the one that involves forcing engineering students to transfer.

MUSIC: "Armageddon Now" – Teenage Halloween

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Ep. 390: The NBA Is Back!

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:00:23 GMT

This week, the SPORTS BOIS celebrate the return of the NBA! They head back to the hardwood by picking some teams that they're excited about for the upcoming season.

MUSIC: "Different Than" – A Giant Dog

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Revealed: What Jordan Poole Told Draymond Green Before the Punch Seen Around the World (Pablo Torre Finds Out on YouTube)

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Ep. 389: PodGPT

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:53:09 GMT

This week, the gang becomes your favorite tech podcast in order to talk about generative AI and how it will affect the process of learning that your half-baked ideas are, in fact, half-baked.

MUSIC: "Going to Die" – Fiddlehead

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: "Why Gen X Dads Can Appreciate Olivia Rodrigo" (The New Yorker)

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Ep. 388: Blow It Out

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 12:33:49 GMT

This week, on the heels of the Miami Dolphins putting a historic beatdown on the Denver Broncos, the gang has a question...are blowouts good?

MUSIC: "Doubt" – Slow Pulp

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Ep. 387: This Pod Is a Gift

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:46:17 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to talk about the act of giving yourself a gift. Is it something that should put a pit in your stomach? What's the right frequency with which to self-gift? Hell, for that matter, what even constitutes a gift to yourself in the first place?

MUSIC: "Megalodon" – Eldridge Rodriguez

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Ep. 386: Keep It Cool(er)

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 21:04:28 GMT

It's a conversation about a cooler — specifically, the Oyster Tempo "performance cooler." But it's not actually a conversation about a cooler. The gang is talking about why it is that we feel like we need to be upgrading stuff all the time.

MUSIC: "Birthmark" – Dizzy

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Ep. 385: Free Returns on This Podcast

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:42:31 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about a story Pierce read in The New Yorker about what happens to products after consumers return them — a pretty important question, considering that the value of returned products is believed to be close to $1 trillion.

MUSIC: "Through the Sewer" – C.O.F.F.I.N

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Listening to Taylor Swift in Prison (The New Yorker)

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Ep. 384: Football Is Back...

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 17:54:10 GMT

Football season is back, and believe it or not, the gang has very different relationships with the NFL. Nobody's particularly happy about the way that teams are kicking star players (especially running backs) to the curb — and in a surprising turn that will shock you all, Sean gets extremely agitated about the way that professional sports owners do their business.

MUSIC: "Liked U Better" – Jeff Rosenstock

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Bomani Jones and Michael Smith on Touré Show (Apple Podcasts // YouTube)

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Ep. 383: All You Can Draft Buffet

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 20:52:17 GMT

This week, the gang is doing something that is definitely not a blatant rip-off of any other podcasts or anything like that...they're drafting restaurants! Each participant is picking 5 real-life restaurants to build a town around.

MUSIC: "Pleasure Seeker" – Be Your Own Pet

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Hearing Songs for the First Time (playlist by Drumeo on YouTube)

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Ep. 382: Tchotchkes on Tchotchkes on Tchotchkes

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:05:45 GMT

This week, the full gang is back together for the first time in quite a while, and with Kevin back from a long trip, they're talking about the kinds of souvenirs and other little gifts/collections that you amass when you travel.

MUSIC: "It's Alive!" – Ratboys

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Ep. 381: Transaction Action

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 20:47:48 GMT

This week, Sean and Pierce are talking about the soccer transfer window — with its many twists, turns and sagas — and wondering how we got to the point where as fans, we're spending more time focusing on signings and trades and such than worrying about the actual games themselves.

MUSIC: "All We Ever" – Chris Farren

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Hanif Abdurraqib (MTV) and Steven Hyden (Uproxx) on The Last Waltz

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Ep. 380: MUSTARD SKITTLES

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 21:47:33 GMT

THIS PODCAST IS ABOUT MUSTARD SKITTLES. THAT'S A REAL THING. THERE'S REALLY NOT ANYTHING ELSE TO SAY ABOUT IT. JUST LISTEN!

MUSIC: "Knockin'" – MJ Lenderman

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Ep. 379: The Challenge Pod

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:46:03 GMT

No, it's not a podcast about the MTV competition show. This week, the gang (minus Kevin, who's on a jaunt around the west coast and Canada for a while) gets together to talk about summer reading and the concept of challenging yourself as an adult. Is it just a way to motivate yourself to do something you don't want to do, or can it be about reinforcing something that you already enjoy?

MUSIC: "Eye on the Bat" – Palehound

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Ep. 378: Pretty Patterns Podcasting

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:55:53 GMT

This week, it's the show you didn't even know you were waiting for...because you probably weren't actually waiting for it. Pierce and Sean finally do their long-rumored watch-along of the 2011 UEFA Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United. (You can find the game on Dailymotion just like they did if you want to be a sicko and watch it yourself.) Somewhat unsurprisingly, the discussion heads off into tangents about philosophy and...baseball? Wait, that doesn't seem right.

MUSIC: None, because we didn't want this to be the first episode to break the hour mark

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: "American Ivy Episode 1" (Articles of Interest on Apple Podcasts)

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Ep. 377: Pod or No Pod

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 16:29:07 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about game shows and why we love them the way we do.

MUSIC: "Be Careful" – bdrmm

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Juvenile's Tiny Desk Concert (NPR Music on YouTube)

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Ep. 376: Greasy Bar Food for Everyone!

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 01:40:48 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about the wonderful world of bar food. Wings and fries and all that jazz.

MUSIC: "Pressure Cooker" – DAZY and Militarie Gun

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Daniel Ellsberg’s Life Beyond the Pentagon Papers (The New Yorker)

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Ep. 375: Being for the Benefits of Mr. Kite

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:01:19 GMT

This week, the gang talks about work benefits. Per diems on company trips, parental leave, health care, vacation time — the whole nine yards.

MUSIC: "Carlos Is Crying" – The Hold Steady

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Ep. 374: Getting the Job Done

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 09:00:48 GMT

This week, the SPORTS BOIS talk about the Denver Nuggets' NBA championship victory. Well, they actually talk about Nikola Jokic's unexpectedly muted reaction to reaching his sport's highest pinnacle, and whether we would all do well to learn something from the big Serbian's perspective on work and competitiveness.

MUSIC: "On My Knees" – Middle Kids

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: How Will ‘Succession’ Be Remembered? (The Ringer)

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Ep. 373: A Watch-along Built for Four

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:48:54 GMT

Dive on in for some hot sardine-on-mackerel action! This week, the gang is talking about the Futurama episode "A Bicyclops Built for Two," which is both eerily prescient about the internet of the 2000s and 2010s...and also somehow a parody of Married...with Children?

MUSIC: "Freak" - Feeble Little Girl

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Ep. 372: Townie Summer

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:00:43 GMT

This week, the gang talks about "townie summer" — the phenomenon in which all of the students in a college town (or the tourists, depending on the town) vanish for a season, leaving the locals behind to do their thing for once.

MUSIC: "Checks" – Dead Billionaires

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Ep. 371: Every Pod Up In Equinox

Mon, 29 May 2023 23:58:18 GMT

This week, the gang gets together (hell, Max and Pierce literally get together!) to discuss what's going on with gym memberships. Max talks about his experience with ClassPass, and Sean suggests that the new wave of fancy "fitness experiences" like Equinox are the new-age replacement for a stuffy old-money status symbol.

MUSIC: "Chosen to Deserve" – Wednesday

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Reign of Error (Apple Podcasts)

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Ep. 370: 7-Year, 370-Episode Warranty

Mon, 22 May 2023 23:00:25 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about the terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad process of buying a car, so strap in.

MUSIC: "Orion" – Rodrigo y Gabriela

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Ep. 369: Coffee Table Books

Wed, 17 May 2023 13:04:17 GMT

No puns or misdirection or anything in the title — this week, the gang is talking about coffee table books. Well, I guess they start talking about coffee table books as a way to get into a larger discussion of something that they refer to as "situational reading" and how it's changed in the smartphone era.

MUSIC: "Kill Your Television" – Ned's Atomic Dustbin

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Ep. 368: What's Cooler than Being Cool? Kohlrabi!

Tue, 09 May 2023 20:42:49 GMT

This week, the gang is back at it to discuss CSA. No, not some horrifying dystopian hybrid of the CIA and the NSA — community-supported agriculture, in which you pay a local farm/producer up front for a season's worth of produce, to be collected on a periodic basis. Basically everyone on the pod has at least considered it, but only Pierce has taken the plunge. Plus, Sean has a totally unreasonable reaction to this week's trivia question, so stick around for that.

MUSIC: "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" – My Chemical Romance

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Eternal March of the Black Parade (The Ringer)

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Ep. 367: Content Creep

Mon, 01 May 2023 12:57:06 GMT

This week, Sean, Max and Pierce are talking about the phenomenon of "content creep" — the way that as podcasters, video creators, and other creative folks get more popular, the demand for them to constantly be creating more and different kinds of output just grows and grows.

MUSIC: "JOY (God Only Knows)" – Joy Anonymous

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Ep. 366: Middle of the Road

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 13:41:28 GMT

On this episode, Sean is getting older and finding that his beer tastes are becoming, as he put it, "maybe not like MY dad's, but definitely like A dad's." Are there other things where we're changing in this sort of way as we get older? And how does the "27 Club" factor in?

MUSIC: "Watching the Credits" – The Beths

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Ep. 365: Closing Time

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 17:15:38 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about the news that Pierce's favorite brewery in Atlanta is shutting down its local taproom and moving its production operations out of state. How do you deal with the loss of something like that that has become a fixture in your life?

MUSIC: "Training Montage" – The Mountain Goats

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Ep. 364: Death of the Big Man

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:50:13 GMT

This week, the SPORTS BOIS talk (in a very timely manner) about Purdue's first-round exit from the men's NCAA Tournament at the hands of 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson, the smallest team in the bracket. It seems to be part of an ongoing trend over the last decade or so in which the value of dominant centers is rapidly shrinking. And the gang finds a way to sneak in a "fond" farewell to Jim Boeheim along the way.

MUSIC: "Sole Obsession" – Nation of Language

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Ep. 363: The Instant Pod

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 20:24:22 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to talk about the hype around kitchen "multitaskers" like the Instant Pot as well as single-use implements like garlic presses. What's the argument for each, and how is Sean going to connect the Instant Pot to his iPhone?

MUSIC: "Not Strong Enough" – boygenius

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Ep. 362: Every Pod Everywhere All At Once

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 13:25:46 GMT

This week, the gang (minus Kevin) convenes to talk about movies — more specifically, the Academy Awards. What role do the Oscars play in the modern world of fragmented streaming services?

MUSIC: "Futures Bet" – U.S. Girls

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Ep. 361: A Jefferson for Your Thoughts

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:00:48 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about $2 bills. Why do they feel like such a novelty, and should that maybe change going forward?

MUSIC: "A Long December" – Oceanator

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Ep. 360: The Pod of Luxury

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 20:37:20 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about what "luxury" means in a time when things that were once the sole domain of the rich and powerful — like having someone drive you around in a car that is not a taxi — are so attainable that they almost feel mundane.

MUSIC: "Welcome to My Island" – Caroline Polachek

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Ep. 359: Is Rock Dead?

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 01:06:48 GMT

This week, the gang attempts to tackle a question that's been asked an awful lot in the last few years: Is rock music dead? Of course, it would probably be useful to have some idea what rock is in 2023, and that seems to be a practically unanswerable question.

MUSIC: "Hard Times" – Paramore

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Ep. 358: Rules Rules Rules

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 17:05:53 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about New York's list of rules for contemporary society (h/t to Kottke.org for blogging about it first). How much pizza is the appropriate amount? Is it okay to send work emails after midnight? And how silly is it for these "rules" to be emanating from such a narrow/particular segment of the population anyway?

MUSIC: "Stove Lighter" – Camp Cope

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Do You Know How to Behave? Are You Sure? (New York)

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Ep. 357: The One About Costco

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 13:09:14 GMT

This week, the gang is talking bulk shopping. That's right, it's an episode about Costco, so grab your giant shopping carts and get ready for a 55-gallon drum of podcasting! I'm sorry, I'll never write something that stupid again. (I will probably do it again next week.)

MUSIC: "Wet Dream" – Wet Leg

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Ep. 356: Dubious Environmental Claims

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 02:20:59 GMT

This week, a new study sheds some interesting new light on the environmental lifecycle of coffee — and also raises everyone's hackles by making yet another tired appeal to the role of personal responsibility in solving the climate crisis.

MUSIC: “Hunger for a Way Out” – Sweeping Promises

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Here’s how your cup of coffee contributes to climate change (The Conversation)

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Ep. 355: Our First MVP Pod Ever (Don't Fact Check That)

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 20:23:41 GMT

This week, the Sports Bois are together again to do something we've definitely never done in the history of this podcast. That's right, we're talking about MVP awards and what they mean. Okay, fine, we've done this before. Like, kind of a lot. But this time, the catalyst is different: the extremely likely possibility that Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is going to win his third consecutive NBA MVP award — a relatively unprecedented feat given that it's only happened three other times. Oh, and we get in an argument over whether a gas-powered leaf blower emits as many chemicals in half an hour as a pickup truck does driving from New York to Los Angeles.

MUSIC: "$20" – boygenius

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Leaf Blower's Emissions Dirtier than High-Performance Pick-Up Truck's, Says Edmunds' InsideLine.com (Edmunds)

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Ep. 354: The Times, They Are A-Wastin'

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 16:47:22 GMT

This week, the SPORTS BOIS™️ are together to talk about the phenomenon of time-wasting in sports — how it differs from soccer to basketball and baseball, if there's anything that can be done about it, etc.

MUSIC: "College Try" – Futurebirds

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: "'I Can’t Speak!': The Craziest Game in Darts History, Explained" (ESPN Daily on Apple Podcasts)

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Ep. 353: Fashion Police

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:00:00 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to talk about J. Crew and the phenomenon of the store where things are always on sale, as well as why it seems like the quality of your clothes is worse now (hint: because it is). And a new face takes over the trivia contest!

MUSIC: "New Shoes" – Paolo Nutini

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Your stuff is actually worse now (Vox)

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Ep. 352: The It's Pretty OK Reunion Tour Special

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 03:22:54 GMT

This week, the gang says goodbye to 2022 and rings in 2023 with a discussion of the growing phenomenon of "nostalgia tours" pegged to musical anniversaries. And of course, the thrilling conclusion to Rolling Stone Rock Music Trivia for the year.

MUSIC: "E.M.I." – The Sex Pistols

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Ep. 351: It's the Thought that Counts...Right?

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 15:52:02 GMT

Happy holidays! This week, the gang gets together to talk about gift-giving in the time when, as they put it, "everything is a subscription." Is gifting someone a subscription to a service basically just the same as giving a gift card? Or can it still be a thoughtful expression of care for a friend/family member?

MUSIC: “Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24” – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Best USA 🇺🇸 Grocery Store Coffee (James Hoffmann on YouTube)

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Ep. 350: "New" "Social" "Media"

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 02:18:24 GMT

This week, we're all on the edge of our seats to figure out what Pierce meant when he texted the gang that he had recently joined a "new" "social" "media."

MUSIC: "Come On! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!" – Sufjan Stevens

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Ep. 349: A Cookie Cutter Christmas

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 17:47:09 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to talk about Christmas lights and whether most people are performing up to Pierce's standards when it comes to decorating for the holidays. (Hint: They aren't.)

MUSIC: "Once in a Lifetime" - Talking Heads

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Ep. 348: Snobbery for Snobbery's Sake

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 16:44:36 GMT

This week (definitely not back in October), the gang got together to talk about a blog post about “good coffee” and the places that purport to sell it. Are we pro-snobbery? Anti-snobbery? Or are there maybe different gradations of snobbery, some of which are okay and some of which aren’t? You’ll have to listen to find out.

MUSIC: “Doobie Ashtray” – Devin the Dude

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Good Coffee Is Now Bad (Jason Diamond on Substack)

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Ep. 347: Yearnin' for Some Learnin'

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 15:03:29 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! The gang gets together this week to talk about the way that learning has changed now that not only are they not in school anymore, but videos seem to have overtaken books as the way to get yourself some new knowledge.

MUSIC: “Get Over It” – OK Go

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Ep. 346: Remembrance of Culture Past

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 05:41:14 GMT

This week, the gang talks about revisiting the entertainment products that previously brought you joy, and why coming back to a book again doesn’t necessarily feel the same as rewatching a movie or a TV show.

MUSIC: “Record Collection (feat. Simon Le Bon and Wiley)” – Mark Ronson & the Business Intl

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Crypto Story (Bloomberg Businessweek)

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Ep. 345: Lackluster Video

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 02:54:25 GMT

This week, the gang is together to talk about collections of physical media — especially DVDs. Strap in!

MUSIC: “Training Montage” – The Mountain Goats

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Ep. 344: DRAFT TALK

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 03:48:36 GMT

With Max off the board this week, the rest of the gang gets together to talk about why sports drafts — the NBA draft in particular — hold such a strong allure.

MUSIC: “Silk Chiffon (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)” – MUNA

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Ep. 343: FOURTHPOD

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 03:59:34 GMT

Whatever it is, let’s taco bout it

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Ep. 342: Hot Tub Pod Machine

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 20:59:25 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to discuss hot tubs, which Sean derisively refers to at one point as “human broth” but which were a fairly significant part of Max’s search for a new place to live. I feel like that’s probably enough for you to know in order to decide whether or not this episode is for you — not unlike hot tubs themselves.

MUSIC: “Always Rhyme” – Homeboy Sandman

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Ep. 341: Choosy Cooks Choose...

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:13:43 GMT

Sean is gone this week for a reason that may or may not have something to do with Hard Mountain Dew, but that’s not going to stop the rest of the gang from convening to talk about cooking routines. What are the things that you make a point of only eating out at restaurants (or things that you only eat at home)? And can trying cooking some of those things at home ruin the special-ness of the restaurant occasion?

MUSIC: “Easy On Your Own” – Alvvays

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Ep. 340: Where Have All the Rivalries Gone?

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 17:59:14 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to discuss whether the sports rivalry is still alive and well, particularly in professional sports in the U.S. How much of the seeming fade of these bitter rivalries is due to changing attitudes among new generations, and how much is dumb stuff like fantasy football and the ubiquity of legal sports gambling? And why do the greatest sports rivalries often have so little to do with sports themselves?

MUSIC: “TV Will Always Make Me Cry” – Alien Boy

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Ep. 339: BEDtv

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 01:26:37 GMT

This week, the gang talks about putting (or not putting) a TV in your bedroom. What goes into that momentous decision? Also, Sean gets irrationally angry about an audiobook he listened to, and as always, Pierce apologizes.

MUSIC: “Hurricanes and Hand Grenades” – Jason Isbell

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Ep. 338: College GamePod

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 02:03:10 GMT

This week, the Sports Bois™ convene to talk about the phenomenon of pregame shows, particularly for football. Two important notes:

1) This was recorded before College GameDay actually went to Boone, NC, which produced (among other things) this phenomenal intro video voiced by Wright Thompson.

2) Thanks to frustrating Skype connection stuff, the crosstalk/awkward pause conundrum is worse than usual!

MUSIC: “Let Us Die“ – King Princess

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Ep. 337: An Honest LIV-ing

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 14:37:19 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to talk about the ways that the sports industry is changing, especially the introduction of Saudi oil money in the form of the new LIV Golf tour. And we get the most harrowing edition of “Pierce Is Sorry” yet.

MUSIC: “9 to 5” – Dolly Parton

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Ep. 336: Sight Unseen

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 23:48:56 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to talk about a phenomenon they’ve all experienced in the last two years: the remote house tour.

MUSIC: “Hangover Song” – MJ Lenderman

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Ep. 335: Still Tippin'

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 01:53:31 GMT

Because everything is cyclical, this week, the gang is talking about tipping. The pandemic has changed our relationship with the practice, and it’s time to discuss it again — especially now that more places are starting to phase tipping out in favor of added service fees and the like.

MUSIC: “Exhibit C“ – Jay Electronica

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Ep. 334: The One About Home Workspaces

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 02:52:13 GMT

This week, Max, Pierce and Sean talk about the act of cultivating a home workspace — something so many of us have had to do in the last two years — and some of the ways that that process can maybe go wrong. Does Sean figure out in real time that he ought to rearrange a couple things in his apartment? Maybe!

MUSIC: “Gimmie Shelter” – Merry Clayton

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Ep. 333: Three White Guys in Their 30s Talking About F1

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 03:35:27 GMT

You’ve never heard that before, right? Apologies if the audio is glitchier than usual.

MUSIC: “Kawasaki Backflip” – Dogleg

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Ep. 332: The Overcooked Pork Support Group

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 03:43:09 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to talk about the foods that they ate frequently in their youth that they’ve had to grapple with as they’ve gotten older and started cooking for themselves. Spaghetti comes up a few times, as do the low-fat craze of the late ’80s and early ’90s and the fear of trichinosis that led every parent for multiple generations to cook pork way too long.

MUSIC: “(I’m) Screwed” – Titus Andronicus

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Ep. 331: Going, Going, Juan

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 14:23:00 GMT

This week, the It’s Pretty OK Sports Brain Trust™️ convenes to talk about the Juan Soto situation. He’s turned down a contract from the Nationals that looks huge on paper but is not nearly as good as it might appear, and now the team is expected to trade him. Where does that leave Pierce, who has been clinging to his Nats fandom even after leaving the D.C. area, specifically because of Soto?

MUSIC: “Worth It” – beabadoobee

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Ep. 330: A Return to Rulemaking

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 21:52:01 GMT

This week, the gang is back together for the first time in several weeks. What better way to celebrate than by revisiting a classic pod concept and seeing if we can’t make a rule for society to live by? This time, it’s about what is acceptable attire for a craft brewery — specifically, is it okay to wear another brewery’s T-shirt?

MUSIC: “Gotta Let It Go” – Joyce Manor

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Ep. 329: Los Angeles Is Part of the Midwest Now, Apparently

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 14:11:28 GMT

This week, Sean and Pierce talk conference realignment. Heads spin as they attempt to understand the concept of a college athletic conference that stretches from Piscataway, New Jersey to Los Angeles.

MUSIC: “Elvis Is in the Freezer” – Ratboys

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Ep. 328: Borrowed Nostalgia

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 11:49:15 GMT

This week, it’s just Sean and Pierce, and they’re talking about Stranger Things and the phenomenon of borrowed nostalgia. What’s different about this show as opposed to other prestige-TV period pieces like Mad Men or The Americans? And why doesn’t Sean like the Kate Bush song as much as everyone else?

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the release of the Stranger Things season 4 finale release, but after we had watched the previous S4 episodes. There’s not much in the way of spoiler-type stuff, but keep that in mind — if you’ve been saving Season 4 to watch until you could binge the whole thing, maybe wait until you’re done to listen?

MUSIC: “Once More for the Ocean” – Slothrust

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Ep. 327: That's What Makes U Beautiful

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 01:28:12 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to discuss what makes a college campus beautiful. Is it more than just having a picturesque quad and a few buildings designed in an aesthetically pleasing style of classical architecture? (Yes.) Pierce finally says something nice about Virginia Tech; how long will it be before he goes back to reflexively insulting them? (It’ll be less than a minute.) And we have perhaps our most thrilling Rolling Stone rock trivia question yet.

MUSIC: “Mulholland Dr.” – Bartees Strange

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Ep. 326: It's McPodcast Season Again

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 22:44:32 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about “stunt foods" — the parade of food challenges (like the Steak ‘n Shake 7x7) and ridiculous seasonal items (like Burger King’s black-bunned Halloween burger) that fast food customers find themselves bombarded with. Is this all the fault of Hardee’s and their risqué mid-2000s burger commercials? And will Sean take more stances that are probably more anticapitalist than he intended for them to be?

MUSIC: “The Amarillo Kid” – Craig Finn

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Ep. 325: Summer Treats Make Me Feel Fine

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 15:23:29 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to talk about the frozen delicacies that have sustained them through many a hot summer. Will Sean get overly regionally proud about the snowball and then rebut an argument about snowcones that no one actually made? You better believe it. Do multiple people on this podcast endorse the consumption of custard on scorching summer days? Incredibly, yes! And will Max be shocked to discover that the thing he thought was a Northeastern specialty is all over the place, just without the region-specific name? You’ll have to listen to find out.

MUSIC: “She Bangs the Drums” – The Stone Roses

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A Special Advance Screening of Ep. 324!

Sun, 05 Jun 2022 12:26:43 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about the fact that Max went to a midnight movie premiere (no matter what time zone he saw it in). They discuss the phenomenon of the special early release of movies/books/video games/etc. before the conversation unexpectedly turns into a referendum on Kevin’s approach to capitalism. You know, normal stuff.

MUSIC: “Heavy Heart” – Bartees Strange

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Ep. 323: Let Them Email About Cake

Mon, 30 May 2022 13:58:54 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to talk about the fact that Pierce is still getting email updates from local businesses in a town he hasn’t lived in in nearly two full years. How has everyone’s inbox gone so crazy? Can Pierce convince us that he’s actually in the right somehow? And is Max ever going to check his damn email?

MUSIC: “Intervention” – A Giant Dog

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Ep. 322: Trust the Pod-Cess

Sun, 22 May 2022 14:48:00 GMT

This week, the Sports Bois™️ are together to talk about yet another NBA conference finals that finds itself without Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. And while Sean would probably like to spend the entire pod taking a victory lap about that, it fortunately turns into a broader discussion about the dangers of sports teams taking an entirely long-term (or short-term, for that matter) approach.

MUSIC: “I Don’t Live Here Anymore (feat. Lucius) – The War on Drugs

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Ep. 321: I Pod, You Pod, We All Pod About iPods

Sun, 15 May 2022 22:50:03 GMT

This week, Sean talks to Pierce and Max about “the end of the iPod” and what it means. He also reveals that he is, in the year of our lord two thousand and twenty-two, the owner of a still-thriving (modified) iPod and tries to explain why he is the perfect target audience for the iPod modding craze.

MUSIC: “Chaise Longue” – Wet Leg

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

An Ode to the iPod Classic (The Ringer)

iPod Modders Give Apple’s Abandoned Music Player New Life (WIRED)

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Ep. 320: To Recommend or Not to Recommend

Sun, 08 May 2022 18:21:31 GMT

This week, the gang gets together to discuss recommendations. Is it better to get a good recommendation or to give one? Does the decision change if it’s not about a good recommendation, but just any recommendation? And why are we all so self-centered? Plus, a Pierce apology and a trivia question about unlikely high school classmates.

MUSIC: “Detective Lieutenant” – Drug Church

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Ep. 319: The Great Revisitation

Sun, 01 May 2022 17:20:19 GMT

This week, Sean is back and the full gang is talking about revisiting movies that you used to watch when you were a kid. Just how goofy is the Ewok storyline from Return of the Jedi? Was his portrayal of the Scorpion King really what catapulted Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson towards becoming the biggest movie star in the world? And is the fact that Flubber is only about 90 minutes long enough to offset the fact that it’s, well, Flubber?

MUSIC

“Without Me” – Eminem

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Sean on the On the Record with Ambi podcast (Apple Podcasts)

Big Thief performs “Simulation Swarm” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (YouTube)

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Ep. 318: Pod-triot's Day

Sat, 23 Apr 2022 17:41:36 GMT

This week, the gang gets together (minus Sean) to talk about local celebrations. Not so much the big things that gain a national reputation like Mardi Gras or the cherry blossom festival in DC — more like your small-town strawberry fests and whatnot. Plus, as always, Pierce apologizes, and we have a rock trivia question.

MUSIC: ”Now & Later Gators” – Freddie Gibbs, Curren$y and the Alchemist

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Ep. 317: (Company) Swag Surfin'

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 13:54:48 GMT

This week, the gang convenes to talk about the various perks that are afforded to the modern knowledge worker by their employer — especially all the branded jackets and backpacks and such. How should we feel about being made walking billboards for our companies? And what happens when we don’t work there anymore?

Somewhat predictably, Sean lashes out at corporate America, although it may just be because he’s not getting any swag at work. And there’s a Mad Men reference…but it’s not from Pierce for once.

MUSIC: “Country” – Good Morning

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: What ‘Severance’ Gets Right About Infantilizing Office Perks (The New York Times)

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Ep. 316: WePodded

Sat, 09 Apr 2022 15:48:01 GMT

This week, the gang talks about the flood of entertainment content based around problematic tech CEOs like Travis Kalanick (Uber), Elizabeth Holmes (Theranos), and Adam Neumann (WeWork). Why are there so many books, shows, podcasts, podcasts based on books, shows based on podcasts, etc. about these people?

MUSIC: “Halfway Out the Door” – Romero

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Ep. 315: The One About Awards Shows

Sat, 02 Apr 2022 14:28:14 GMT

This week, it’s just Sean and Pierce, and they’re trying to talk about the Academy Awards — and awards shows in general — while desperately avoiding any discussion of the only part of the Oscars that anyone really seems to be talking about. Did it work? Hard to say.

MUSIC: “Change Your Mind” – BAD MOVES

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Ep. 314: Live from the 919

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 21:34:08 GMT

Unfortunately, the initial version of Episode 314 was lost to a technical issue. But in exchange for waiting it out for a week, you get an extra special version of the pod recorded LIVE from the triumphant return of the It’s Pretty OK “Corporate Retreat”/NCAA Tournament Trip!

After a night of drinking many — and we do mean many — tiki drinks in Raleigh, first-time/long-time Robert joins the gang to discuss cocktails and whether or not they should be a little bit disgusting.

MUSIC: “Phantoms (feat. Open Mike Eagle and Kendra Morris)” – Czarface & MF DOOM

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Ep. 313: The Coach K Farewell Tour Special

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 17:05:23 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about what has certainly felt like the most hyped sporting event of our lifetimes: Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final regular-season game against North Carolina. Are they talking about the game itself? Of course not. They explore why it feels so weird to have farewell tours for coaches — or for any individuals in team sports, for that matter — and how this is probably all ESPN’s fault.

MUSIC: “Stuck” – Oceanator

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Ep. 312: Poddle

Sat, 05 Mar 2022 16:11:02 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about Wordle and other games that don’t let you do infinite play. Does it turn into a minor squabble over Wordle “hard mode”? Sure does. Does it then segue into a grim look at the future of the ever-consolidating entertainment industry? You better believe it!

MUSIC: “The Hardest Cut” – Spoon

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Ep. 311: Feeding the Content Beast

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 21:33:32 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about Netflix and the explosion of approximately 8 billion new shows of varying quality, seemingly tuned to every possible combination of micro-interests. What’s the deal with that? And why does Sean hate the word “content” so much?

MUSIC: “Amber” – 311

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Ep. 310: Dem Franchise Boyz PART 2!

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 16:00:28 GMT

This week, Sean, Pierce and Kevin revisit a conversation they had way back in November 2016 about which NBA star you’d want to build a franchise around. They’re pretty sure they all got it wrong (some more hilariously than others), so they try to assess who were the actual right answers back in 2016 — and then run it back to draft from a new generation of superstars.

MUSIC: “Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang” – Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg

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Ep. 309: It’s a Matter of Perspection

Sat, 12 Feb 2022 16:54:39 GMT

This week, the gang is all together to talk about the way that we watch sports. Specifically, is the way that live sports are filmed for TV broadcast wrong? And what the hell does any of that have to do with cows?

MUSIC: “Gallo Pinto” – Daniela Andrade

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Ep. 308: Hi, I'm Johnny Knoxville, Welcome to the Podcast

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 15:57:11 GMT

This week, Sean is back after missing last pod due to COVID, and he can’t stop talking about the fact that there’s a new Jackass movie coming out — so the gang talks about nostalgia for a certain kind of comedy that doesn’t get made all that often anymore.

MUSIC: “Be That Man” – Madeline Kenney

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Ep. 307: Members, Only?

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 20:36:24 GMT

This week, Sean is on the injured list with a condition that may or may not rhyme with SHMOVID-19, so the rest of the gang steps in to have a discussion about membership programs. No, not like Costco (although Costco is mentioned) — more like brewery/winery memberships or season passes at ski mountains. They talk about how these programs can help you connect with a new community and revisit how dumb it was for Pierce and Kevin to get Wizards season tickets way back when.

MUSIC: “Be a Part” – Dinosaur Jr.

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Ep. 306: Calling an Audible

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 12:45:17 GMT

This week, Sean, Max and Pierce talk about audiobooks — a thing they’ve definitely never done before. Sean’s been revising his stance on them. He even made a ham-fisted attempt at defining some audiobook rules for himself…and then broke them almost immediately. But maybe it was a good thing that he did? Plus, another riveting installment of Rolling Stone Rock Trivia Calendar Trivia™️.

MUSIC: “Bunny Is A Rider” – Caroline Polachek

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Ep. 305: SPORTS POD GO DAWGS

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:12:24 GMT

This week, the gang does an honest to god sports pod: they’re talking about the national championship game won by Georgia. Is Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis the largest man who has ever lived? (Maybe!) Remember when Brent Musburger was super horny on national television that time? (Hell yes, I do!) And will Sean stop trying to turn this into a rant about Chargers coach Brandon Staley calling that timeout? (Honestly, probably not!)

MUSIC: “Up from Below” – Remember Sports

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Ep. 304: Peyton Manning, Shailene Woodley and Aaron Rodgers Walk Into a Bar

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 19:10:57 GMT

It’s 2022, and the gang is back to its routine of probing the depths of Pierce’s brain on a weekly basis. This time, they’re talking about the nature of celebrity — especially as it relates to athletes. If you stick around for a few minutes, you’ll get to hear Sean uncork what may be a pretty silly opinion about the relative fame of Aaron Rodgers and Shailene Woodley.

MUSIC: “Going Down the Road Feelin’ Bad” – Lucinda Williams & Friends

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Ep. 303: A (Holiday) Tradition Very Much Like Many Others

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 18:01:05 GMT

Happy holidays, y’all! This week, the gang talks about what happens when it’s time to pass the responsibility for upholding existing traditions on to new faces/generations/etc., or to develop new traditions altogether. Christmas lasagna, anyone?

MUSIC: “Back Door Santa” – Clarence Carter

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Meet the Investigators podcast: Pandora Papers special edition (ICIJ)

The World of Five-Star (Apple Podcasts)

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Ep. 302: You're Talking About Playoffs?

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 20:02:37 GMT

This week, the gang talks about the expanded seven-team playoff setup that the NFL is moving to this year. How does it compare to the NBA play-in tournament? Are they just asking for more players to get hurt or catch COVID-19? And most importantly, what basketball player is Nicolas Cage most like?

MUSIC: “Love and Communication” – Cat Power

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Ep. 301: Ugly Christmas Sweater Podcast

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 21:37:02 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about “ugly Christmas sweaters.” Where did this phenomenon come from, and how the hell did it get hijacked by Popeye’s?

MUSIC: “Hurt A Fly” – Squirrel Flower

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Ep. 300: Are You Mad, Max?

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 21:05:38 GMT

This week, it’s the 300th episode of It’s Pretty OK. We did an episode about 40s for Episode 40 and online dating specials for Episodes 100 and 201, so it’s only natural that the gang would do another special thing for this major milestone. This time, it’s a watch-along, and for #300, there’s only one movie that we could do a podcast on … right?

MUSIC: “Pretty Pictures” – Indigo De Souza

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Adam McKay Says Will Ferrell Won’t Speak to Him (Vulture)

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Ep. 299: The Gift That Keeps On Getting Delayed

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 17:30:50 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! This week, the gang discusses the supply chain issues forcing people to start their holiday shopping earlier and earlier, and whether it’s really the thought that counts.

MUSIC: “have fun” – Jackie Hayes

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Ep. 298: Run, Run, Run

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 16:50:05 GMT

This week, the gang talks about a relatively new development: Pierce has started running. Why?

MUSIC: “Ben Franklin” – Snail Mail

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Ep. 297: Chain of Fools

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 20:50:01 GMT

This week, Pierce asks Max and Sean what makes a business like a restaurant a chain. Is it having multiple locations? Is it being in several different cities or states? Or is it maybe something a little more ineffable?

MUSIC: “The Chain” – Fleetwood Mac

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Ep. 296: New In Town

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 19:52:05 GMT

This week, the gang talks about whether or not you immerse yourself in the sports culture of your new city when you move. What happens if you move to the home city of your favorite team’s hated rival? And will Max find a bar in Oregon that will let him watch skiing?

MUSIC: “Queen of My World” – Bat Fangs

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Ep. 295: We Have the (Breakfast) Meats

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 21:36:11 GMT

This week, Pierce, Max and Sean talk about breakfast — specifically, the magical world of regional breakfast meats. Just how many different combinations of pig parts are there? Tune in to find out!

MUSIC: “The Hardest Cut” – Spoon

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Ep. 294: The Chair-men of the Board

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 16:16:31 GMT

This week, Kevin and Max have both recently moved, so the gang talks about furniture. What goes into your thought process when you’re looking for new (or maybe old?) stuff for your home, and how does that process change over time? As always, Pierce apologizes. And Sean recommends two books by members of the Defector army.

MUSIC: “Hard to Explain” - Touche Amore

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Ep. 293: Schefter Bomb

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 16:15:16 GMT

This week, Sean talks to Pierce and Kevin about ESPN’s NFL access merchant, Adam Schefter, getting caught up in the scandal surrounding deposed dirtbag coach Jon Gruden’s gross emails. We know that what you’ve all been clamoring for is a lesson on journalistic ethics from the It’s Pretty OK podcast, so we are happy to oblige. Is Schefter a “journalist”? Does it matter? What are the parallels (and differences) between Schefter’s situation and that of CNN’s Chris Cuomo? All in all, this is riveting stuff — definitely don’t listen to it before bed.

MUSIC

“Pool Hopping” - Illuminati Hotties

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Jon Gruden emails were part of June court filing by WFT owner Dan Snyder (Los Angeles Times)

Adam Schefter Is Pathetic And ESPN Is Gutless (Defector)

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Ep. 292: Double Secret Probation

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 18:34:29 GMT

This week, Sean is back after working on deadline on the Pandora Papers investigation. Pierce wants to talk to him and Kevin about what it’s like doing work that you have to keep secret while it’s in process.

MUSIC: “motherless” - hand habits

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Pandora Papers (ICIJ) || 5 ways celebrities in the Pandora Papers use the offshore system (ICIJ)

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Ep. 291: A Brief History of "Civilization"

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 00:36:26 GMT

This week, the gang (minus Sean, for a reason that he’ll talk about for far too long next week) investigates the reasons why Pierce is into board games, but not as enthusiastic about video games.

MUSIC: “A Dream With a Baseball Player” - Faye Webster

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Ep. 290: Beers of a Feather Flock Together

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 13:36:43 GMT

This week, the gang (all together!) talks about beer variety packs, from the brewery sampler to the grocery store build-your-own six-pack. Does Sean shoehorn in his hatred for pumpkin beer? You bet he does! Plus a special edition of “Kevin Is Sorry.”

MUSIC: “Wolf Like Me” - TV on the Radio

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Ep. 289: Flights of Fan-cy

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 17:04:09 GMT

This week, Kevin is thinking about traveling to see sporting events. What would get him to hop on a flight to go see a game? Is it affected by the one specific instance of sports-travel trauma he shares with Pierce and Sean? Will Sean find a way to shoehorn in his “sports fandom is a mental illness” catchphrase? Listen and find out!

MUSIC: “Hardline” - Julien Baker

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Ep. 288: It's All About the #RANGZ

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 11:49:45 GMT

This week, Kevin’s got on a (wedding) ring, so he, Pierce and Sean are talking about #RANGZ culture in sports, particularly the NBA. Is winning championships the only way to evaluate players’ greatness? Is it even a viable way to evaluate them at all? Also, we have the single best breaking news moment in the history of the podcast.

MUSIC: “We Are the Champions” - Queen

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Ep. 287: This Pod Is Certified Biodynamic

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 16:22:00 GMT

This week, the gang talks about wine terms. What the hell is “0/0 natural” supposed to mean? Does “sustainable” even mean anything anymore? And how much of this stuff is just marketing mumbo-jumbo?

MUSIC: “Dark In Here” - The Mountain Goats

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Ep. 286: The Decline of Western Civilization

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 19:55:08 GMT

It’s a flashback to the old days — Kevin and Max are dealing with wedding preparations and moving preparations, so it’s just Sean and Pierce. This week, they decided to revisit an old format and talk about something they just watched: Penelope Spheeris’s 1981 documentary about the Los Angeles punk scene, The Decline of Western Civilization. They discuss Darby Crash, the aggression of young men, and Black Flag living in squalor.

MUSIC: “Los Angeles” - X

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The 10 worst contracts in the NBA (Good Morning It’s Basketball)

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Ep. 285: The Pod About "Work Drinks"

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 18:32:30 GMT

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This week, Pierce talks to Sean and Max about an article he read calling for an end to work-related happy hours. They discuss whether that stance is really about the “happy hour” part of “work-related happy hour,” think about other social activities that could ease some of the author’s concerns, and refuse to talk about office Christmas parties.

MUSIC: “i refuse to die” - Sydney Sprague

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: End Office Happy Hours (Slate)

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Ep. 284: Leave the Cronut, Take the Cannoli

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 17:51:31 GMT

This week, Kevin went to a place that sells a very special cannoli — only he didn’t get the cannoli. This sparks a conversation about places that have “signature” items. Can you really pass judgment on a place if you didn’t try its specialty? Lest you think this is turning into a food podcast, clothing comes up as well. And stick around to the end to hear Sean butcher a classic line from The Godfather.

MUSIC: “Don’t Go Putting Wishes in My Head” - Torres

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Instagram Has Become SkyMall (Debugger)

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Ep. 283: Left Crust, Right Crust

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 15:25:48 GMT

If you’re trying to order pizza but can’t choose between two different toppings, you may have a natural impulse to order a half-and-half with the toppings split … or you might be Pierce. The gang gets together this week to discuss the circumstances in which you would — or wouldn’t — get a split pie.

MUSIC: “Polar Bear or Africa” - Jeff Rosenstock

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Ep. 282: Get to Know Your Town!

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 03:44:39 GMT

This week, Kevin is starting to prepare for a move, which brings up thoughts and questions about what happens when it’s time to leave town — and why it reminds us that we need to go try new places now.

MUSIC: “Middle Child” - Nervous Dater

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Ep. 281: Check Out Our New Menu

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 14:25:26 GMT

This week, the gang returns to discuss the way that certain parts of the restaurant experience — namely, the parts that have to do with choosing and ordering your food — have changed in the last year. Are QR-code menus contributing to the destruction of human interaction? Is any of this going to change back? And is Sean really going to rag on his dad for having a tough time reading menus in poorly-lit restaurants?

MUSIC: “Back That Azz Up” - Juvenile (feat. Mannie Fresh and Lil Wayne)

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: It’s over: ‘Vax That Thang Up’ is 2021’s song of the summer (The Verge)

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Ep. 280: Enjoy Your Stay

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 10:43:30 GMT

This week, the gang talks about the proliferation of hip hotels that cater to a younger crowd. How are they different from traditional stalwart hotel chains, and does that say anything about a shift in travel priorities?

MUSIC: “Black and White” - The dB’s

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: “I’ve got tequila on my foot”: It’s last call for Whitlow’s in Clarendon (The Washington Post)

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Ep. 279: The Toast of the Town

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 10:59:43 GMT

This week, the gang takes up an incredibly important topic: What’s the difference between something like avocado toast and an open-faced sandwich? Is it the dumbest podcast we’ve ever done? Probably! But also maybe not. You’ll have to listen and determine for yourself.

MUSIC: “Cheeseburger in Paradise” - Jimmy Buffett

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Reporter spends 15 hours in a Mississippi Waffle House as punishment for finishing last in fantasy football (Twitter)

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Ep. 278: Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 10:00:00 GMT

This week, the gang (minus Sean’s appendix!) gets together to talk about Uber/Lyft, Airbnb and food delivery companies pivoting to profitability. What is the “millennial lifestyle subsidy,” and should anyone actually be surprised by it?

MUSIC: “Maybe Your Baby” - Stevie Wonder

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Farewell, Millennial Lifestyle Subsidy (The New York Times)

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Ep. 277: Ball Control

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 10:00:00 GMT

This week, Kevin, Pierce and Sean are talking about a Sports Illustrated exposé on pitchers using foreign substances to doctor the ball and get a better grip. What are the parallels to the steroid era? And why does MLB keep stepping on rakes it could easily just pick up?

MUSIC

“Divorce Song” - Liz Phair

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

“This Should Be the Biggest Scandal in Sports” (Sports Illustrated)

Crushed from Religion of Sport (Apple Podcasts // Spotify)

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Ep. 276: So Much Room for Activities

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 15:37:37 GMT

This week, the gang talks about “lifetime sports,” the kind of activities that you can do even after your athletic prime has passed. Why do some of them seem to be so expensive, and are there more easily accessible options? Also, Pierce apologizes as usual — only this may be the most off-the-rails apology yet.

MUSIC: “Welcome to Earth” / “Bad Feeling” - Cobra Man

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: LeBron James’s Agent Is Transforming the Business of Basketball (The New Yorker)

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Ep. 275: Mastering MasterClass

Thu, 27 May 2021 17:18:04 GMT

This week, Kevin brings an article from The Atlantic on MasterClass, the “educational” phenomenon that allows you to buy access to video tutorials from luminaries like Aaron Sorkin and Stephen Curry. Who is the target audience, and is this a good idea at all?

MUSIC: “Generic Song About You” - Disheveled Cuss

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL:

What Is MasterClass Actually Selling? (The Atlantic)

Bomani Jones and Spencer Hall talk Stevie Wonder on The Right Time: Apple Podcasts // Spotify // YouTube

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Ep. 274: Shaken, Not Stirred

Thu, 20 May 2021 22:52:22 GMT

This week, the gang talks about good old-fashioned home drinking — or maybe more accurately, Old Fashioned home drinking. They explore how cocktails carry a special brand of nostalgia that beer and wine may not be able to match, and Sean and Pierce reminisce fondly on one specific night at one specific bar in DC.

MUSIC: “Two Characters in Search of a Country Song” - Country Westerns

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Ep. 273: Looking Out My Back Door

Thu, 13 May 2021 16:44:28 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about the things that make a backyard into a luxurious paradise. Are you a hot tub guy? Maybe you’re the king of the grill/smoker. Or maybe you just want to kick back and watch some TV while getting some fresh air. There’s something for everyone!

MUSIC: “The Lemon Song” - Led Zeppelin

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Ep. 272: A Friendly Wager

Thu, 06 May 2021 17:43:54 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about sports gambling now that sportsbooks are open for business in Virginia. Why is it probably a good idea to decouple sports betting from casinos? And how does ESPN’s Marvel-themed NBA broadcast from a few days ago factor into things?

MUSIC: “Lake Erie” - Wild Pink

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Ep. 271: The Year of the Bubbles

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 14:13:14 GMT

This week, Max is out, so it’s time for a SPORTS PODCAST! The gang looks back at the many changes that sports leagues made over the last year to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and tries to figure out if any of them are good things that should stick around — or if they were all just cynical money grabs to make sure TV contracts were fulfilled.

MUSIC: “Faith Healer” - Julien Baker

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Ep. 270: Choosy Podcasters Choose Jif

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Has the gang finally run out of ideas after 270 episodes? Listen to them talk about peanut butter and decide for yourself.

MUSIC: “How Am I Still Alive?” - Lauran Hibberd (feat. Lydia Night of The Regrettes)

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Ep. 269: Back to the Beach

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:00:00 GMT

This week, the gang talks about starting to dip a toe back into traveling. What are the things you have to think about when you hit the road post-COVID?

MUSIC: “Walking to England” - Cloud Nothings

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Ep. 268: Part of a Balanced Podcast

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:44:11 GMT

This week, Sean had a bowl of cereal for lunch thanks to Sports? with Katie Nolan’s cereal bracket episode, so the gang talks about what cereals make them nostalgic for a bygone era, what cereals they still buy now, and why Max thinks he likes Grape-Nuts but may really only like the shocking number of spoonfuls of sugar he used to top them with.

MUSIC: “Uncomfortable” - SAULT

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Ep. 267: Sitting Where You Eat

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 16:47:22 GMT

This week, an article about formal dining room tables has the gang talking about how what was once considered to be a sacred evening ritual for families has changed. Shocker: It doesn’t necessarily have all that much to do with furniture.

MUSIC: “With News from Heaven” - William Tyler

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: What is the dining table really for? (Vox)

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Ep. 266: Who? Paid How Much?? For WHAT???

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 17:31:33 GMT

Attempting to make sense of the latest craze

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Ep. 265: It's March, Let's Do a Bracket Thing (Part 2)

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 18:21:32 GMT

This week, the gang finishes their “which state hoops the best?” bracket. Can anyone topple California? Probably not, but if you listened to the first part last week, you might as well listen to this one too to see how it ends.

MUSIC: “Civilian” - Wye Oak

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Ep. 264: It's March, Let's Do a Bracket Thing (Part 1)

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 18:00:38 GMT

Since we were all deprived of an NCAA Tournament last year, the gang is doubling up on the brackets this year. In the first installment of a two-part episode, they start to break down which state has produced the best basketball players.

MUSIC: “Leave the Door Open” - Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak)

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Ep. 263: Looking Toward the Future

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 16:34:59 GMT

This week, some encouraging developments on the pandemic front have the gang daring to dream about a world in which life feels a little more normal. What are they excited to do again? Listen to find out!

MUSIC: “Heavy Covenant” - The Hold Steady

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Ep. 262: Au Revoir, Daft Punk

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 15:11:02 GMT

This week, the gang talks about the announcement (via video explosion) that Daft Punk is splitting up after nearly 30 years together. Did you really think we WEREN’T going to use a Daft Punk song as our music this week?

MUSIC: “Digital Love” - Daft Punk

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Vapors: A Southern Family, the New York Mob, and the Rise and Fall of Hot Springs, America's Forgotten Capital of Vice by David Hill (Bookshop.org)

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Ep. 261: Built Pod Tough

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:42:15 GMT

This week, a discovery that Sean’s stereo speakers are actually older than he is sparks a conversation about reliability, incentives, and the way that global manufacturing has changed. How did we get from “built to last” to “the internet of things,” and how do heirloom companies like Thomas Moser and Patek Philippe figure into the equation?

MUSIC: “Gas Station Food” — the pack a.d.

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Introducing the Live Music Jukebox (The Pudding)

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Ep. 260: The Tony Bennett All-Stars

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:03:36 GMT

This week, with Max on the road, the gang borrows (co-opts? steals?) a prompt from one of Sean’s group texts and debates the ultimate starting 5 from the Tony Bennett era of Virginia basketball. That’s right, it’s a sportsball one.

MUSIC: “Nice Guys” - Beach Bunny

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Samer Recognized A Fart Online (Defector)

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Ep. 259: I Think I'll Have Myself a Beer

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 13:07:19 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about one of its favorite pastimes: beer. How has your alcohol consumption changed over the last year? And how would it change if you could get free Coors Light (or a similarly cheap beer) for life?

MUSIC: “Beer” - Reel Big Fish

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Blame Game EP by Beach Bunny (Bandcamp)

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Ep. 258: Animation Station

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 11:00:00 GMT

This week, the gang is all together again, and they’re talking about animated movies and TV shows. Believe it or not, they’re not just for kids anymore — although maybe they never were in the first place? And does that justify Pierce’s attempt to watching nothing but animation for the entire month of January? It probably doesn’t.

MUSIC: “Louie Louie” - Toots and the Maytals

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Ep. 257: Warby and Allbirds and Everlane, Oh My!

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 14:34:51 GMT

This week, Max’s yuppy-tacular shopping trip sparks a conversation about modern brands like Allbirds and Warby Parker that have expanded from online-only businesses into brick-and-mortar retail. What are these brands selling you (apart from shoes and glasses, obviously), and how is it different from what, say, L.L. Bean is selling you?

MUSIC: “Heat of the Moment” - Asia

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Ep. 256: Stacks on Stacks on (Sub)stacks

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 15:38:38 GMT

This week, Pierce talks to Sean and Kevin about a New Yorker article on the rise of Substack, the email newsletter platform that has become one of the preferred homes for writers jumping ship from existing media properties. They discuss what makes a newsletter an enticing proposition for a reader, who is using these platforms to publish content, and whether or not you can get rich on Substack (as their CEO has claimed).

MUSIC: “No Eyed Girl” - Lemon Demon

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Is Substack the Media Future We Want? (The New Yorker)

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Ep. 255: Big Screen Blues

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:44:26 GMT

NOTE: We recorded this episode before the rioting in D.C. on Wednesday.

This week, the gang talks about movies. Well, not just movies, but also the movies. How is stuff like Warner releasing all of its 2021 movies to HBO Max going to affect the world of cinema? And do you even want to go back to a movie theater when it’s safer?

MUSIC: “Romance” - Wild Flag

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Ep. 254: Giving SZN

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 21:10:33 GMT

This week, Sean is out and the rest of the gang is talking about how to avoid some of the stress of holiday shopping.

MUSIC: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” - The Beths

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Ep. 253: These Cities Are Made for Walkin'

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 12:38:58 GMT

This week, a blog post about how Japanese people keep fit simply by walking sparks a conversation about how we choose where we live and how the way cities are laid out influences that decision.

MUSIC: “My Iron Lung” - Radiohead

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

I’ve Seen a Future Without Cars, and It’s Amazing (The New York Times)

Lego Version of Hokusai’s Iconic The Great Wave off Kanagawa (Kottke.org)

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Ep. 252: Great Expectations

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 16:46:34 GMT

When the Max is away, the sports fans will play, and this week, Pierce, Kevin and Sean discuss the reaction to ESPN.com’s pre-NBA Draft profile of top overall pick Anthony Edwards, in which the former Georgia star said that he’s “still not really into” basketball and would ditch the sport to play football if the NFL came calling.

MUSIC: “Living the Dream (Cuttin’ Grass version)” - Sturgill Simpson

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

The pain and promise of top NBA draft prospect Anthony Edwards (ESPN.com)

Radio Garden (online and in your app store of choice)

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Ep. 251: So Bad It's Good

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 16:12:19 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about when things are just plan bad…and when they’re maybe so bad that they’re actually kinda good? Nicolas Cage movies, Pitbull, The Room, the Fast and the Furious cinematic universe, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, and the 2020 NFC East are all up for discussion.

MUSIC: “Open Wound” - Bacchae

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Ep. 250: Taking a Snow Day

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 17:16:54 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! The gang talks about snow days, which are the best, and why it’s important not to lose them.

MUSIC: “Jokerman” - Daniel Romano’s Outfit

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Robert Durst Should Win Every Emmy - John Mulaney (Comedy Central on YouTube)

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Ep. 249: Carving the Roast Beast

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 18:09:59 GMT

This week, a conversation that starts with the question “is Thanksgiving turkey bad?” becomes a discussion of “performative holiday meats” — the big show-stopping centerpieces of family holiday gatherings since the beginning of time.

MUSIC: “New Face” - Forth Wanderers

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Ep. 248: Keeping It Local

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 18:28:16 GMT

This week, Pierce has a wild idea for a new local business, which gets the gang talking about the phenomenon of “shopping local” and “shopping small,” which, when you think about it…actually aren’t the phenomena, really.

MUSIC: “Lifeline” - A.G. Cook

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Phone Tones (Twenty Thousand Hertz)

Photos: Touring the Andouille Trail, with an ice chest and an appetite (NOLA.com)

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Ep. 247: Max vs. the Monorail

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 18:40:22 GMT

This week, the gang wanted to talk about anything besides the election, so they watched the classic Simpsons episode “Marge vs. The Monorail” and the “classic” Family Guy episode “Da Boom” and talked about them.

MUSIC: “Long as I Can See the Light” - Creedence Clearwater Revival

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: An Oral History of “Marge vs The Monorail”, the Episode That Changed “The Simpsons” (VICE)

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Ep. 246: That Place You Always Go

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 18:33:03 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about our little travel rituals: the places you love to go when you go somewhere. Are they as narrow as “I always go to this coffeeshop when I’m on the road,” or can they be more expansive than that? Hell, do they even have to take place in the same destinations?

MUSIC: “Mono No Aware” - Great Grandpa

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Ep. 245: Announcements About Announcers

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 15:59:11 GMT

This week, the gang talks about what makes for good sports announcers — and perhaps just as importantly, what makes for bad ones.

MUSIC: “Boomer” - Bartees Strange

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: “The [COMPRESSED] History of Mastering“ and “The Loudness Wars” (Twenty Thousand Hertz)

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Ep. 244: Rockin' in Your Socks

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 21:09:42 GMT

This week, the gang (minus Kevin) is talking about the virtual concert experience. What’s it like to try to experience a band live without actually being live and in person? And is that something that should stick around once venues (whichever ones make it through the pandemic :( ) reopen?

MUSIC: “Seasons (Waiting on You)” - Future Islands

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Ep. 243: Red Hot Chili Podcast

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 22:18:20 GMT

This week, the weather is cooling down and the gang is talking about a versatile and utilitarian food: chili. Are there rules to chili? Beans or no beans? Meat or no meat? Or should everyone maybe just calm down and have a good time?

MUSIC: “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love” - Van Halen

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Ep. 242: A Little Over the Top

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 18:32:25 GMT

This week, the gang talks about “over-the-top” and streaming video services that have multiplied like rabbits in the last few years, making it increasingly harder to cut the cord without actually paying more than you used to in cable’s heyday. Will they advocate for a little scheming? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

MUSIC: “T.V. Eye” - The Stooges

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Ep. 241: Shopping Small

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:16:02 GMT

This week, Pierce is concerned that physically going into a store and leaving without buying something is a bad thing when there’s a pandemic raging on outside. Is it bad for him? Is it bad for the businesses? The gang talks him through why he’s probably doing just fine and discusses the need to support small businesses in whatever way you can during this time.

MUSIC

“I Wish I Was Stephen Malkmus” - beabadoobee

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Ep. 240: Somethin' MORE 'Bout a Truck (or at Least a Car)

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 21:05:41 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about buying cars and why buying a used car may be surprisingly difficult right now.

MUSIC: “Blockbuster Night Part 1 (Instrumental)” - Run the Jewels

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Ep. 239: When You Wish Upon a (Super)star

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 13:22:42 GMT

Max is on the road, so Pierce, Kevin and Sean discuss one of the main things they ever talk about: sports. This week, as Kawhi Leonard barrels toward maybe winning a second consecutive NBA championship, they talk about what does (or doesn’t) make an athlete a superstar – and why baseball is particularly ill-suited to developing stars.

MUSIC: “The Reasons” - The Weakerthans

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Ep. 238: The War on (Allston) Christmas

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 20:04:16 GMT

Santa comes early on the streets of Boston

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Ep. 237: Can I Speak to the Manager?

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 16:59:10 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about dealing with customer service in the age of COVID and why it’s good to build relationships with local businesses.

MUSIC: “I’m Amazed” - My Morning Jacket

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Ep. 236: Dinner and a Podcast

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 15:50:34 GMT

This week, scheduling recording sessions around dinner time leads the gang to a discussion of what the “right time” to eat dinner is and where the stereotypically American timing might have come from.

MUSIC: “Meet Me in My Heart” - Video Age

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Ep. 235: Let's Go to the Mall Today

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 13:36:01 GMT

This week, Sean had to go to a mall, which sparks a discussion about the mall’s place in (particularly suburban) society and how both online shopping and the coronavirus have upset the apple cart.

MUSIC: “Rearview” - Beach Bunny

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Ep. 234: Something About a Truck

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 17:11:47 GMT

It sure seems like pickup trucks are getting bigger. So the gang talks about the gigantic automobiles and what leads people to buy them.

MUSIC: “Clean Kill” - Coriky

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Minimalist Schedule: Pac-12 Edition (Banner Society)

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Ep. 233: Sports in a Bubble

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 15:45:46 GMT

This week, the news that seemingly half of the Miami Marlins organization has contracted the coronavirus and the team voted to still play – not to mention probably the most infamous order of hot wings in NBA history – has the gang talking about the return of sports. Big surprise: Sean turns into an angry curmudgeon.

MUSIC: “Wedding Singer” - Modern Baseball

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Ep. 232: Rolling the Dice

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:15:39 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about a Slate Money podcast episode that touches on Robinhood the “app that’s gamifying the stock market.” Is this maybe somehow a replacement for sports gambling during the pandemic? Or is it part of a broader trend? Pierce apologizes as usual, and Max closes the show with a TV recommendation.

MUSIC: “Be Afraid” - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Quick Bites (Slate Money)

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Ep. 231: Doomscrolling

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 18:00:06 GMT

This week, the gang talks about the wasteland that is social media in the age of COVID-19…or maybe just in the age of social media. What purpose does it serve while we’re all (theoretically) inside keeping ourselves and other safe? And would we maybe all just be better off if we logged out for a while – or forever?

MUSIC: “Local Radio” - Bad Moves

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

The End of the Road: BackStory and the History of Finales in America (BackStory Radio)

UVa-UMBC: Tony Bennett/Kyle Guy/Ty Jerome postgame interview (Virginia Sports TV on YouTube)

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Ep. 230: New Math

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 19:39:51 GMT

This week, a video showcasing an alternate approach to multiplying sparks a long conversation about whether we spend too much time in elementary school on long division and “big multiplication.” Oh, and Sean gets real upset about efficiency.

MUSIC: “Kyoto” - Phoebe Bridgers

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Russian Multiplication: A Different Way to Multiply (kottke.org)

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Ep. 229: Green-Bubble Blues

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 19:53:20 GMT

This week, the gang talks about the war between the blue bubbles and the green bubbles. Why is there iPhone vs. Android/Mac vs. PC tribalism? Or is that whole idea maybe a little overblown?

MUSIC: “Radiation Vibe” - Kay Hanley

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Ep. 228: The New Normal

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 15:23:12 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about what happens when things go back to “normal” after the coronavirus pandemic. Will you feel comfortable going back to work or school? And what happens to the “open office plan,” which is built around removing barriers between coworkers and fostering in-person communication?

MUSIC: “Describe” - Perfume Genius

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Ep. 227: A Frank Conversation

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 11:43:46 GMT

This week, with the Fourth of July holiday approaching, the gang is talking about something you might find yourself enjoying with friends and family: the hot dog. How do you prefer your hot dogs? What about other sausage-type things? And what makes the hot dog the most quintessentially American food to ever exist?

MUSIC: “4th of July, Philadelphia (SANDY)” - Cymbals Eat Guitars

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Ep. 226: On Book Clubs

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:14:02 GMT

This week, the gang is back to discuss book clubs. What is it that brings people together to talk about things that they’ve read? And why do you maybe not want to have a book club with your closest friends?

MUSIC: “Hyper Enough” - Superchunk

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A Short Announcement

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 04:12:07 GMT

This is not Ep. 226. George Floyd, like so many other Black people before him, was killed by a police officer, and that’s just more important than whatever four privileged white guys who live on the Eastern seaboard have to say about beer or sports or whatever it is we would have talked about.

Instead, we’ve been compiling a list of resources for those of you who want to support, or just to take some time to learn more about an experience that’s not your own. You can find that here.

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Ep. 225: Spark It Up

Wed, 27 May 2020 16:32:52 GMT

The holiday weekend has the gang talking about pyrotechnics – specifically, fireworks. Why are they seemingly such an integral part of childhood (depending on where you grew up)? And is there anywhere better to get them than South Carolina? (No, there isn’t.)

MUSIC: “Let There Be Rock” - Drive-By Truckers

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Ep. 224: 99 Calories of Beer on the Wall

Thu, 21 May 2020 17:13:01 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about beer again – specifically, the trend of craft breweries producing low-calorie, low-alcohol beers. Where did this new breed of beers come from? How are they different from, say, Michelob Ultra? And why does so much of the marketing involve runners?

MUSIC: “Listening” - Ratboys

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Ep. 223: Passing the Time

Wed, 13 May 2020 18:13:11 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about passing the time during a global pandemic that’s got everyone stranded inside. How do you choose something to read/watch/play/do during this time – and how is that different from how you’d be doing it under normal circumstances?

MUSIC: “Fire” - Waxahatchee

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The 50 Best Contemporary Novels Over 500 Pages (Literary Hub)

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Ep. 222: The One About Productivity

Wed, 06 May 2020 17:58:03 GMT

This week, an article in Wired has inspired some strong reactions, so obviously the gang is going to talk about that article and how we think about productivity during the Great Quarantine™️.

MUSIC: “Morbid Stuff” - PUP

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Productivity is Not Working (Wired)

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Ep. 221: Tinker Tailor Soldier Podcaster

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:31:33 GMT

This week, Pierce has sent his beloved coffee grinder for repairs, so the gang talks tinkering. What’s changed since the era of working on your car in the garage? And are there things you can fix yourself that you don’t even realize?

MUSIC: “Learn to Fly” - Foo Fighters

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Ep. 220: Filing for Funemployment

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 18:11:21 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about “funemployment,” that time between when you leave one job and when you start another. Or is it time after you graduate from college when you don’t really care about whether or not you have a job yet? They discuss what the term means and why people get so excited for a time without a job.

MUSIC: “Angel from Montgomery” - John Prine

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Ep. 219: TikTok Around the Clock

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 18:56:51 GMT

This week, as the quarantine continues, Sean has a new activity: scrolling through a near-infinite feed of TikTok videos: cute animals, dumb pranks, and something called “social media challenges”? That’s what the gang is talking about this week.

MUSIC: No music, just audio from TikTok videos

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Ep. 218: My (Plant's) Name Is My (Plant's) Name

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 17:43:21 GMT

This week, the quarantine is maybe starting to get to the gang, so they talk about how lots of new people are joining Pierce in the bread-making game…and naming their sourdough starters, houseplants, and other things.

MUSIC: “All Kinds of Time” - Fountains of Wayne

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Ep. 217: The One About Animal Crossing

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 20:01:46 GMT

This week, as the quarantine continues, the gang talks about one of the ways that Kevin and Max (and a whole bunch of other people) are occupying themselves during the era of social distancing – Animal Crossing: New Horizons. How did we get here? And what TV show is the game most like?

MUSIC: “It’s a Trip!” - Joywave

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Ep. 216: Only the Essentials

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 21:06:46 GMT

This week, as states around the country order the close of non-essential businesses, the gang talks about what makes a business “essential” – and why that’s not necessarily the same in every state.

MUSIC: “The Steps” - Haim

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Ep. 215: Gimme Shelter (in Place)

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:40:39 GMT

This week is the first of many quarantine pods, and the gang is talking about a way that people can maintain their connections even during periods of enforced isolation: the virtual happy hour.

MUSIC: “Expectations” - Katie Pruitt

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Linkstravaganza on Substack

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Ep. 214: Attendance Zero

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 18:55:55 GMT

Okay, so I know we’re not a current events podcast. But the coronavirus has taken over basically everything, so why not lean in? This week, the gang discusses the impact that the pandemic is going to have on sports. What are games played in fanless stadiums going to be like? And how many times can Sean go back and forth about whether or not he’s intrigued by them?

MUSIC: “Television” – Shagwüf

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Ep. 213: (Tote) Baggage

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 18:50:44 GMT

This week, a Vox article based on an essay in The Cut gets the gang talking about carrying stuff around. What do you put in a tote bag? And is a tote bag ever more than just a tote bag?

MUSIC: “Scream” - Loucey

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Ep. 212: Mark It Zero

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:23:20 GMT

This week, the gang talks bowling. With things like bougie-fied workwear, axe-throwing, etc., is bowling missing out on its revival moment? Or, as is so often the case, are we the problem?

MUSIC: “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” - Kenny Rogers

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Ep. 211: If That's Moving Up, Then I'm Moving Out (to the Suburbs?)

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 22:20:41 GMT

This week, Pierce, Kevin and Max talk about the different places that people choose to live. Why do young people flock to urban centers? And when they eventually leave, how do they choose where to go?

MUSIC: “The Suburbs” - Arcade Fire

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Ep. 210: Cheater, Cheater, Trash Can Beater

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 22:23:16 GMT

This week, the gang finally sits down to talk about the Astros sign-stealing scandal (and the Nike Vaporfly/Alphafly shoe controversy). Where is the line where good old-fashioned gamesmanship crosses over into distasteful cheating? Then, as always, Pierce apologizes, and Sean closes the show by saying something about the Miami Heat that turned out not to actually happen (we recorded this one a few days early, on the day of the NBA trade deadline). So, you know, that.

MUSIC: “Festival Song” - Jeff Rosenstock

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Ep. 209: The One About Loneliness

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 20:23:35 GMT

This week, Kevin joins the show…as a host? Could this be the start of something new and wonderful? Maybe! But first, the gang is discussing an article in The Guardian about weekend loneliness, which everyone on the pod seems to have maybe experienced in some form or fashion.

MUSIC: “Piano Man” - Billy Joel

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Ep. 208: Up In Equinox

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 21:25:33 GMT

It’s fitness…but fancier

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Ep. 207: What Kind of Personality Quiz Are You?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 19:10:08 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about personality quizzes. Some are serious enough that they get used in the business world, some are silly enough that they tell you what cheese you are, but either way, there’s about a gazillion of them out there.

MUSIC: “Personality Crisis” - New York Dolls

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Ep. 206: Sean Left His Wallet in El Segundo

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 15:18:17 GMT

Is losing your wallet maybe less consequential than it used to be?

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Ep. 205: The Chip Checklist

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 07:00:49 GMT

This week, Kevin joins Sean and Pierce to discuss a topic of great import and much seriousness: What makes a good chip?

MUSIC: “Seventeen” - Sharon Van Etten

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Ep. 204: Link in Bio

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 16:09:35 GMT

This week, a blog post by tech thinker Anil Dash gets the gang talking about closed systems on the internet—ecosystems like Instagram that want to keep you within their own walls instead of letting you bounce around the rest of the web. Who benefits from closed systems? And are we operating within systems that we don’t even realize?

MUSIC: “Chatroom” - Charly Bliss

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

“Link In Bio” is a slow knife (Anil Dash)

“Link in Bio” Is the Worst Thing About Instagram (The Ringer)

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Ep. 203: To the Cloud...Kitchen?

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 21:15:52 GMT

The gang completes its transition into “a Slate Money meta-pod” this week, digging into the idea of “cloud kitchens”—warehouse kitchens designed to be rented by delivery-only restaurants. Can they have a rational discussion about this new approach to foodservice? Or will it just devolve into Sean being a curmudgeon and complaining about the app-ification of modern life? Better tune in to find out.

MUSIC: “No Future Three: Escape from No Future” - Titus Andronicus

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Ep. 202: Crossbound and Down

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 20:33:14 GMT

Thanksgiving did a number on people’s travel schedules, but never fear, Pierce and Kevin met up to discuss their fascination with crossword puzzles.

MUSIC: “Midnight City” - M83

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Ep. 201: Love in the Time of Smartphones - PART 2!

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 21:41:43 GMT

You may recall, way back about 100 episodes ago, that we did a pod on online dating. Two years later, with everyone who was on that podcast now in a relationship (3/4 of which started online!), we thought it would be good to revisit that conversation and see how our perspectives have changed.

MUSIC: “Shut Up Kiss Me” - Angel Olsen

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Proverbs for the Modern Dating World (Human Parts on Medium)

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Ep. 200: Go to More Concerts!

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 01:39:07 GMT

And pick some new ones to go to

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Ep. 199: The One About National Parks

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 18:31:00 GMT

This week, Sean is buried under a mountain of schoolwork, so Max and Pierce are talking about mountains and forests and other things that you might find in…national parks!

MUSIC: “Time We Had” - The Mother Hips

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Ep. 198: Power and Responsibility and Whatnot

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 18:01:03 GMT

Pierce was recently given a not-insignificant amount of power in society—he was on a jury in a criminal proceeding—so naturally, we had to ask him about it.

MUSIC: “Sweaty Lake” - Active Bird Community

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Ep. 197: It's Stew-ky Season!

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 16:54:22 GMT

This week, with it maybe kind of sort of finally starting to think about getting a little bit colder outside, the gang talks about our beloved fall/winter foods. Not PSLs or other fall food fads—we’re talking about comfort food classics.

MUSIC: “Not” - Big Thief

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Ep. 196: Making a List, PreChecking It Twice

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:53:48 GMT

This week, the topic of discussion is TSA PreCheck, that magical system that allows pretty much anyone with $85 and no criminal record to bypass most of the security procedures that “normal people” have to go through at the airport. How can something simultaneously be so great and so terrible?

MUSIC: “The Knife” - Maggie Rogers

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The best $80 I ever spent: TSA PreCheck (Vox); TSA Agents Say They’re Not Discriminating Against Black Women, But Their Body Scanners Might Be (ProPublica)

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Ep. 195: Bad Fan-ta

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 16:11:43 GMT

This week, Pierce has a conundrum: The Nationals are on the verge of a World Series appearance…but he’s not that psyched about it because he feels like the organization doesn’t deserve success. So he and Sean talk about “enlightened fandom” and the conundrum of rooting for your team to fail.

MUSIC: “Jager Yoga” - CSS

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Ep. 194: Post Mates or Past Mates?

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 16:43:58 GMT

This week, the discussion turns to the apps that exist to make our lives easier—and what they do to the way we use our social time.

MUSIC: “Teenage Wasteland” - Wussy

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Ep. 193: These Guys Really Think They're Tony Stark, Huh?

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 16:34:08 GMT

This week, the guys are talking about the cult of the tech CEO. Who are these guys, and why are they seemingly so revered in society?

MUSIC: “Ronin” / “Remember to Breathe” - Sturgill Simpson

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Ep. 192: I'm a Bleeding-Heart Liberal (Arts Major)

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 01:01:01 GMT

This week, the gang responds to a Wall Street Journal op-ed about the value of certain college majors. They even did research for this one (although admittedly not enough to look into the author’s college major…philosophy!), so strap in…

MUSIC: “Dancing in the Dark” - Lucy Dacus

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Is Majoring in English Worth It? (The Wall Street Journal - paywalled)

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Ep. 191: O Captions! My Captions!

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:38:44 GMT

Are young people hard of hearing? Because it seems like they’re using subtitles an awful lot these days. That’s what the gang is talking about this week.

MUSIC: “Just What I Needed” - The Cars (RIP Ric Ocasek)

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Don’t Be Caged In (It’s Pretty OK)

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Ep. 190: IKEA, Therefore I Am

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 16:04:40 GMT

If you’re in your 20s and you don’t have anything from IKEA, do you even have furniture? This week, the gang talks about why the Swedish giant’s furniture is so ubiquitous, war stories from trying to assemble POANG chairs and various HEMNES products, and how IKEA is like a casino.

MUSIC: “If She Ever Leaves Me” - The Highwomen

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Ep. 189: A Pumpkin Spice Podcast

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 20:06:23 GMT

From the Popeyes chicken sandwich to pumpkin spice everything, food fads are the topic this week…except for when Sean basically turns it into a rant about corporate Twitter accounts. He tries to redeem himself at the end by celebrating Megan Greenwell’s outstanding Deadspin exit letter.

MUSIC: “Peace Out” - Jay Som

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Adults In The Room (Deadspin)

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Ep. 188: Tough Luck

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:47:24 GMT

Sean’s an idiot and forgot to post the pod yesterday, so you had to wait an extra day for our sweet, sweet thoughts on Andrew Luck’s unexpected retirement. Blame him and shame him, then hear what the gang has to say.

MUSIC: “Confusion in the Marketplace” - The Hold Steady

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Ep. 187: Watch and Learn

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 17:16:04 GMT

This week, the gang is talking wristwear. Does anyone else under the age of 30 besides Pierce and Sean still wear a plain old time-telling watch? And what’s the allure of smartwatches that are largely an extension of the phones we’re already carrying around in our pockets?

MUSIC: “The Joke” - Brandi Carlile

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Ep. 186: High and Tight

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 18:22:44 GMT

This week, the discussion turns to haircuts. How do you find a barber you feel comfortable trusting to styling your hair? Do you bring pictures to the barbershop as a guide? And do you want your shop to be more of a hangout spot or a quiet place to get a fresh cut? As always, Pierce apologizes. Sean shouts out a great album from 2018 that he finally caught up on. And one is poured out for David Berman and Toni Morrison.

MUSIC: “Random Rules”/”Smith & Jones Forever” - Silver Jews

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Ep. 185: Stepping into "The Limo"

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 20:44:29 GMT

Max is back, so this week, the gang unpacks the Seinfeld episode “The Limo.” What happens when Jerry and George pretend to be different people in order to catch a limo ride back from the airport? Listen and find out!

MUSIC: “Greasy Spoon” - Birdgangs

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Ep. 184: Power to the People

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 19:46:24 GMT

This week, Max is out, but Kevin tags in to talk about the “player empowerment era.” NBA players are holding more sway than ever before in determining their situations. What set the table for this, and where should the other sports go from here?

MUSIC: “Paralysed” - Nilüfer Yanya

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Ep. 183: C-B-D, Easy as 1-2-3

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 18:36:59 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about CBD. You’ve seen it everywhere, in everything from lattes to lip balms, dog treats to vape cartridges. But is it actually effective, or is it all marketing hype. Come to think of it, what do you actually know about CBD? And what’s keeping you from learning more about it?

MUSIC

“Cissy Strut” - The Meters

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

CBD is everywhere. But is it a scam? (Vox)

How Essential Oils Became the Cure for Our Age of Anxiety (The New Yorker)

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Ep. 182: In a Van Down by the River

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 16:10:35 GMT

We’re firmly planted in tomato sandwich season, but this week, the gang is talking about #vanlife. What possesses certain people to convert passenger vans into roving residences? How does that relate to the “tiny house” trend? And what does the Britpop band Pulp have to do with any of that?

MUSIC: “Common People” - Pulp

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Ep. 181: A Show About Nothing

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 16:54:58 GMT

This week, the guys celebrate the USWNT’s World Cup victory, argue over the value of “doing nothing,” apologize for wardrobe choices, and recommend immersing yourself in history when you get the chance.

MUSIC: “Cadaver Sniffing Dog” - The Mountain Goats

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Ep. 180: Miss Independent (Bookstore)

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 09:00:00 GMT

This week, a recent Slate Money segment sparks a conversation about independent bookstores. How are they managing to compete in the age of Amazon, and when is it maybe a good idea to forgo maximum efficiency and slow things down a bit?

MUSIC: “SUN RA” - Jamila Woods

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Slate Money: “The Tweak a Little Harder Edition” (Slate)

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Ep. 179: Rough Draft

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 11:17:44 GMT

This week, Sean and Pierce are talking about drafts. No, not first drafts or cold draft beers. These are sports drafts, which are excellent for teams and their fans. But are drafts maybe bad for players? They examine who benefits from the draft system and what could be done as an alternative to empower young players while still preserving the joyful insanity of the NBA offseason.

MUSIC: “Fake Empire” - The National

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Abolish the Draft (New York)

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Ep. 178: Sittin' on the Dock(less) of the Bay

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 04:33:07 GMT

This week, Max’s new transportation habit starts a conversation about the dockless bike/scooter craze. What problem are they trying to solve? Whatever happened to just walking places? Why is Sean such a grumpy old asshole? And who’s that whimpering in the background? (It’s special guest/co-host Harriet the dog, that’s who!)

MUSIC: “Scream“ - Stef Chura (Note: Sean incorrectly identified her label as Polyvinyl; she records on Saddle Creek)

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Ep. 177: The Books of Summer

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 02:00:57 GMT

It’s getting to be summertime, so summer reading is the topic. We all seem to enjoy reading and the summer, so what was it about combining the two that caused so much dread for our adolescent selves?

MUSIC: “Right Place Wrong Time” - Dr. John / “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” - Geto Boys

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Ep. 176: Trivial Pursuits

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 22:08:46 GMT

This week, the discussion turns to perhaps Max’s favorite activity of any given week: bar trivia. Why is it such a ubiquitous way for young folks to spend their time? And is Pierce too competitive for it to be fun?

MUSIC: “Old Man” - Stella Donnelly

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Ep. 175: Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Show

Tue, 28 May 2019 08:00:00 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about movie theater etiquette. Why does it seem like it’s getting worse?

MUSIC: “Capacity” - Charly Bliss

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Ep. 174: Sticking the Landing

Tue, 21 May 2019 15:56:39 GMT

Game of Thrones has finally reached its much-anticipated end, but we talked about the show last week, so we’re not going to do that again. Instead, we’re talking endings…namely, why we’re so invested in them.

MUSIC: “Harmony Hall” - Vampire Weekend

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Ep. 173: Criticism Is a Ladder

Tue, 14 May 2019 15:40:28 GMT

There's only one episode left of Game of Thrones, but it's possible you missed that in the storm of criticism about the way that the eighth season has unfolded. This week, the gang digs into that criticism, the fan-theory economy, whether showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss deserve the flak they're getting, and whether this phenomenon is amplified by Game of Thrones's unique circumstances (FINISH THE BOOKS, GEORGE).

MUSIC: "Returning to the Fold" - The Thermals

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: On Smarm (Gawker)

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Ep. 172: Going Beyond the Burger

Wed, 08 May 2019 02:32:45 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about two hot new companies offering alternatives to the hamburger: Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. Beyond makes the first plant-based burger to be sold in the meat section of grocery stores, while Burger King will be serving Impossible Whoppers in all its stores by the end of the year. So naturally, we had to do some taste testing.

MUSIC

"Dylan Thomas" - Better Oblivion Community Center

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Your Questions About Food and Climate Change, Answered (The New York Times)

Plate and the Planet (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)

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Ep. 171: The One About Censorship

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 23:24:21 GMT

NPR’s refusal to use the word bullshit when quoting the president’s response to Robert Mueller’s report sparks a discussion of censorship that touches all the bases: America’s Puritan roots, the PMRC hearings of 1985, Grand Theft Auto 3, the importance of active parenting, and why you should be pro-information.

MUSIC: “APESHIT” - THE CARTERS

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Was the PMRC censorship in disguise? (Stuff You Should Know)

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Ep. 170: Upon Further Review...

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 17:11:47 GMT

This week, the guys talk about instant replay in sports, Pierce apologizes for a situation with a coworker, and Sean shouts out a GQ article about the iconic garment of country music: the Nudie suit.

MUSIC: “Red Bull & Hennessy” - Jenny Lewis

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Battle for the Heart of the Great American Nudie Suit (GQ)

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Ep. 169: A Tip of the Cap

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 18:39:16 GMT

This week, the gang is together, watching the Masters and Chelsea-Liverpool from Pierce’s couch while they talk about hats. Are baseball caps part of the archetypal “American uniform?” Should there be unwritten societal rules about when one can wear a knit winter hat? And of course, are fedoras ever acceptable to wear in public (or in private, for that matter)?

MUSIC: “Old Town Road - Remix (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus)” - Lil Nas X

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Ep. 168: Everyday I'm (Side) Hustlin'

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 17:04:45 GMT

VIRGINIA WON VIRGINIA WON VIRGINIA WON

Okay, now that we’ve gotten that out of our system, let’s get to this week’s topic: side hustles. What’s the difference between a side hustle and a second job? Are there particular kinds of things that lend themselves well to side hustles? Is there a risk to starting to make money from one of your hobbies? And do you even need to be making money for it to be a side hustle?

MUSIC: “Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself” - Alex Lahey

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Ep. 167: Convention-al Wisdom

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 22:06:13 GMT

This week, Max tells Pierce and Sean about his experience at the PAX East gaming convention in Boston. What goes on at a gaming convention? Who goes? And perhaps most importantly, how does it smell?

Oh, and VIRGINIA IS IN THE FINAL FOUR!

As always, Pierce apologizes. And Sean shouts out Us and a DC-area business for music lovers.

MUSIC: I Got 5 On It” - Luniz

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Ep. 166: Dollar Dollar Bills, Y'all

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 12:05:22 GMT

This week, Kevin and the gang are in Richmond discussing the cashless revolution. Why is it happening? Are there other financial priorities that we should be dealing with first? Who’s impacted most by it? And is Philadelphia right to try to put a stop to it?

MUSIC

“The Woodpile” - Frightened Rabbit

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Philadelphia Is First U.S. City to Ban Cashless Stores (Wall Street Journal - paywall)

I'm an American living in Sweden. Here's why I came to embrace the higher taxes. (Vox)

A Celebration Of The Songs Of Scott Hutchison Live at Rough Trade NYC (Soundcloud)

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Ep. 165: A Leg Up on the Competition

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 10:52:03 GMT

The gang takes a rare turn into current events this week to discuss the college admissions scandal that’s gripping the nation. Are these actions surprising because they’re illegal or just a logical (over)extension of parents’ desire for their kids to go to prestigious colleges? How will college athletics programs’ involvement affect real student athletes? And how low do you have to be to fake a disability to get accommodations on the SAT?

MUSIC: “Money in the Way” - 2 Chainz

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The most reprehensible part of the admissions scandal: faking disability accommodations (Vox)

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Ep. 164: The Most Important Pod of the Day

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 21:18:57 GMT

Maybe you’ve heard of the full English breakfast. You’ve probably heard of a continental breakfast. And you’ve undoubtedly heard a million different people give a million different answers about what you should eat for breakfast. But what’s an “American breakfast?” And how did we get to the point where people’s thoughts about the morning meal are so all over the place?

MUSIC: “Black Coffee in Bed” - Squeeze

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Ep. 163: '80s Nostalgia Singalong Time

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 15:02:55 GMT

This week, the guys are digging into the nostalgia surrounding the ‘80s songs you inevitably hear in bars, in movies, on TV, on the radio, and basically everywhere else. Why is Journey the band from the 1980s that has persisted so strongly in our culture, and what might eventually knock them off the pedestal?

MUSIC

“Purple Rain” - Prince

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

The 200 Best Albums of the 1980s (Pitchfork)

The 200 Best Songs of the 1980s (Pitchfork)

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Ep. 162: The AirPodcast

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 21:59:34 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about AirPods. Are they functional? What about practical? And does buying them make you part of a cult?

MUSIC: “Breathless on DVD” - Antarctigo Vespucci

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Do AirPods Make You Look Rich? These Millennials Think So (Wall Street Journal - paywalled)

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Ep. 161: I'm Not Growing Up, I'm Just Burning Out

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 13:10:18 GMT

You’ve maybe seen articles about millennial burnout in the New York Times or on BuzzFeed. The job market is still often brutal to navigate for young people, combined with rapidly-inflating costs of living and not-so-rapidly-inflating wages. And through all of it, there’s a chorus of Elon Musks and Gary Vaynerchuks shouting about “hustling,” “grinding,” and how if you’re not working 100 hours a week, you’re a failure. But there are skeptics out there who chalk it up to their favorite boogeyman—the coddled, entitled millennial who isn’t willing to “pay their dues” or “put in the work.” This week, Sean, Pierce, and Max talk about it all: burnout, the culture of “side hustles,” self-care, and why it’s sometimes good to just park yourself on the couch and watch TV or take a nap.

MUSIC: “Burnout” - Green Day

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Ep. 160: Those Guys You Love to Hate

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 17:48:15 GMT

Kevin joins Pierce and Sean for a discussion of college basketball’s longtime loathsome villains, the Duke Blue Devils. Has Duke become less hatable in the 2010s? And what the hell is Coach K doing playing a zone? As always, Pierce apologizes. And Sean shouts out a fantastic new book on A Tribe Called Quest.

MUSIC: “Jazz (We’ve Got)” - A Tribe Called Quest

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Go Ahead in the Rain by Hanif Abdurraqib (Indiebound)

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Ep. 159: Sean Is Really Beaten Down, Y'all

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 16:41:34 GMT

Ugh, it’s a rough time to be a New Orleans sports fan. Not only are the loathsome New England Patriots champions after beating the Los Angeles Rams in an all-around terrible Super Bowl that Sean feels like the Saints were shafted out of, but now the best player to ever suit up for his NBA team wants out — and he wants to go to the damn Lakers. He talks to Max and Pierce about Anthony Davis’s trade request, what it’s like to know that your franchise players are always going to want to leave, and where to go from here.

MUSIC: “Two Cups of Tea” - Star Fucking Hipsters

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Ep. 158: We've Still Got Things Left to Do

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 06:02:57 GMT

Last time we dove deep into a TV episode, Sean and Pierce dissected Mad Men’s “The Suitcase.” This time, Max is present as well for a discussion of “Ozymandias,” the Rian Johnson-directed Breaking Bad masterpiece. Pierce gives a stirring reading of the original Shelley poem before the gang talks about the sights and sounds of “Ozymandias” and explores how this is the episode where everything falls apart.

MUSIC: “Take My True Love By The Hand” - The Limeliters

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Ozymandias - As Read By Bryan Cranston: Breaking Bad (YouTube)

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Ep. 157: Netflix and Hulu and HBO GO, Oh My!

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 01:25:24 GMT

The gang opens the show with a tribute to Vanguard founder Jack Bogle. Then, an announcement of new price hikes by Netflix brings up the question of whether cord-cutting is actually more expensive than cable packages and a discussion of Netflix’s impending content crisis.

MUSIC: “Pain Killer” - Iceage

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Netflix’s upcoming content crisis, in one chart (Vox)

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Ep. 156: Going Bowl-ing

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 19:23:05 GMT

These days, it seems like all the food is going into bowls. Between Chipotle and Sweetgreen and Chopt and Cava and all of the other places that make mildly-to-egregiously-overpriced lunches for America’s millennial workforce, the focus appears to have shifted from the humble sandwich to salad bowls, burrito bowls, Mediterranean bowls, and on and on and on. Why is this happening? And, as we often ask, is it a good thing?

MUSIC: “Me & My Dog” - boygenius

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Patton Oswalt on KFC Famous Bowls (YouTube)

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Ep. 155: The Case for Dynasties?

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 09:00:00 GMT

Last night, No. 2 Clemson took a big lead early and never let up, cruising to a dominant 44-16 national championship win over No. 1 Alabama behind three passing touchdowns from true freshman Trevor Lawrence (two to wideout Justyn Ross) and three scores from tailback Travis Etienne.

It was the fourth year in a row that the two squads met in the College Football Playoff, and the third in that span where the title was on the line, so leading up to the game, there was a tremendous backlash from fans and media calling the predictable championship matchup boring and bad for the sport. But is there actually an argument that dynastic teams dominating their respective sports is actually a good thing? Sean certainly thinks so.

MUSIC: “Holding Out” - Metric

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Ep. 154: Go Tuck Yourself

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 15:10:55 GMT

Short-shirt company Untuckit has ridden the casual-workplace trend all the way to a search for funding that would value the company at a staggering $600 million. That valuation is nothing compared to what investors decided logoless shoe mavens Allbirds was worth. So how did we get here? And does middle school maybe have anything to do with it?

MUSIC: “Nameless, Faceless” - Courtney Barnett

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Ep. 153: Fixtures Most Festive

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 15:29:43 GMT

Merry Christmas! Hopefully you’re enjoying the holidays in the company of family and friends. And maybe, if you’re lucky enough to still be off work/school/etc., you’ll be settling in on Wednesday to watch some Boxing Day Premier League action. This week, the gang discusses the “Festive Fixtures” blitz that sees every club in England’s top league playing four matches in a blistering 14-day span.

MUSIC: “Atlas Drowned” - Gang of Youths

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Ep. 152: Shady Bounce

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 20:21:20 GMT

It’s Christmas party season, which means it’s time to remind you that you should probably be leaving parties (especially work ones) early. It’s also time to discuss a gesture that has as many names as there are lazy ethnic stereotypes about European nationalities. You might know it as the Irish goodbye, the French exit, or maybe something else. Why do people leave social gatherings without saying goodbye? And are they…right to do so?

MUSIC: “Back Door Santa” - Clarence Carter

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Sean’s Christmas playlist (Spotify)

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Ep. 151: Rank It Up

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 20:23:18 GMT

The year-end rankings list: Is it the definitive guide to what mattered in culture this past year? Or is it just an exercise in the perpetual need to crank out more and more content faster and faster? And why are they released so long before the year actually ends? That’s what Sean, Pierce, and Max are discussing this week.

MUSIC: “Love It If We Made It” - The 1975

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Ep. 150: No More Cars?

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 05:34:44 GMT

Ford and GM are both significantly scaling back development and production of cars—not as in automobiles generally, but specifically non-truck/SUV vehicles. Sean, Pierce, and Max talk about what’s driving that change (no pun intended) and who is still buying American-made sedans.

MUSIC: “Velvet Elvis” - Kacey Musgraves

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Ep. 149: The Leftovers

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 20:29:36 GMT

Are you still enjoying your Thanksgiving leftovers? Pierce (who is) and Sean (who is not) talk this week about what to do with the post-Turkey Day turkey. Is microwaving your leftover mashed potatoes disrespectful to your parents/grandparents/aunts/friends/yourself? And if you must nuke, is there a way to nuke that keeps your food from drying out?

As always, Pierce apologizes, and Sean gets emotional over books.

MUSIC: “Near to the Wild Heart of Life” - Japandroids

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Ep. 148: Check, Mate

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 21:51:21 GMT

Kevin joins Max and Pierce this week to discuss the greatest event in sport. No, not the Rams’ thrilling 54-51 win over the Chiefs on Monday Night Football. They’re talking, of course, about the 2018 World Chess Championship…which, as you listen to this, is still going on!

MUSIC: “Soft Stud” - Black Belt Eagle Scout

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Ep. 147: In This One, We Save the Food Network!

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 16:04:21 GMT

We’re not saying the Food Network is dying, but maybe it’s in need of an injection of a little something new. We’re a little tired of watching a zillion Chopped reruns a day. Meanwhile, Vice is struggling with some high-profile talent departures, a string of sexual harassment allegations, and some significant financial woes. Does Pierce have an idea that weaves those things together? He sure does!

MUSIC: “Everybody Wants to Be Famous” - Superorganism

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Ep. 146: A Better Way to Cook

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 11:05:14 GMT

It’s Election Day, so the gang gives one last reminder of how important it is for you to go vote today. After that, they chat about meal-prep services like Blue Apron and Bon Appetit’s sub-site Basically, which recently launched 10x10, “a series of 10 simple, essential recipes that will make you a better cook.” Who are these offerings aimed at? How are they different? And, as always, the question we love to ask: Are they good?

MUSIC: “Mistake” - Middle Kids

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Welcome to Basically 10x10 (Bon Appetit)

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Ep. 145: Little Pod of Horrors

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 13:17:47 GMT

Tomorrow is Halloween, so the gang got together to talk about scary movies. Why do we like them so much? How have they evolved since the days of Freddy and Jason? And what happens when you watch them multiple times?

MUSIC: “Quick” - Tank & the Bangas

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Ep. 144: This Week's Theme...Is Theme Weeks

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 21:30:39 GMT

From Chocolate Chip Cookie Week (The Takeout) and Evil Week (Lifehacker) in the Gizmodo Media Group universe to Good Bad Movies Week and Patriots Week on The Ringer, the “____ Week” has become a major trope on millennial-focused websites, so the gang is talking about them this week. Where did they start? What is the purpose they serve? And are they any good?

MUSIC: “Geyser” - Mitski

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Ep. 143: Push It to the (Austin City) Limit

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 17:28:55 GMT

About two years ago, the gang talked about festivals. For the first time since that episode, Sean went to a music festival—specifically, Austin City Limits. He talks to Pierce, Max, and Kevin about the bands he saw (many excellent ones), his appreciation of city-based festivals (explore the city in the morning, go to the festival in the afternoon), and whether his perspective on festivals has changed (you’ll have to listen to find out).

MUSIC: “Maria También” - Khruangbin

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Ep. 142: Where Legends Are Born

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 21:13:20 GMT

It’s October, which means it’s time for playoff baseball. Kevin joins Pierce and Sean to reminisce on their childhood relationships with baseball, how those relationships have changed, and whether it’s acceptable to have a 5-hour game.

MUSIC: “Slow Rider” - Cuddle Magic

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Ep. 141: Every Plastic Straw That's Ever Existed Still Exists

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 18:32:39 GMT

Max is still off with the kangaroos and the kookaburras, but Sean and Pierce got together to talk about the changes they’ve made to try to be more eco-conscious about food storage, etc. They talk about why reducing and reusing are every bit as important as recycling and share some small steps they’ve taken that might work for you too. Then Pierce apologizes, as always, and Sean shouts out a surprisingly timely movie he just saw for the first time.

MUSIC: “Comfort Zone” - Partner

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Ep. 140: You Don't Own This Podcast

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 15:06:07 GMT

Kevin joins the pod this week, and the gang is talking about a person who found that a movie he purchased on iTunes had disappeared from his computer. Turns out he didn’t really buy it, he just “bought” it. Why is “buying” something digitally different from buying something physically? And more importantly, who stands to benefit from that difference?

MUSIC: “Rock the Reaper” - Bat Fangs

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: You Don't Own the Music, Movies or Ebooks You 'Buy' on Amazon or iTunes (Lifehacker). Yes, You Can Own the Movies You Buy from Apple, Kinda (Gizmodo)

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Ep. 139: Meme, Myself, & I

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 18:59:51 GMT

Are memes an improvement on the way we express ourselves and communicate with other humans? That’s the question Pierce brings to the table this week, and Sean, Max, and Kevin are here to discuss subtlety, sincerity, and internet trolling.

MUSIC: “Universal Sound” - Tyler Childers

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Highly Questionable - Papi Handshake Fake Out Compilation (YouTube)

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Ep. 138: Work-Life Imbalance

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:31:00 GMT

Max moved for work, and that means he has a new commute. That sparks a conversation about commutes, how moving out to the suburbs affects other people, and a new way to think about the elusive concept of work-life balance.

MUSIC: “I Can’t Do Without You” - Clarence Carter

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Ep. 137: Unpacking "The Suitcase"

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 18:49:47 GMT

Pierce joins Sean in Charlottesville this week to talk about "The Suitcase," the episode of Mad Men (Pierce's favorite TV show) chosen at No. 2 in The Ringer's list of the 100 best television episodes of the 21st century. They talk about the parallels between the Don-Peggy relationship and the iconic Liston-Clay fight that features prominently in the episode, whether Don is the worst manager ever, and of course, the iconic line: "That's what the money's for!"

MUSIC: "Nervous Young Inhumans" - Car Seat Headrest

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Ep. 136: The Lost Episode

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 05:44:30 GMT

Well, we blew it. The third time may be the charm, but my granddaddy always taught me is that the 136th time is the one where things go haywire on you. We had some technical issues that forced us to scrap this week's pod, but we'll see you right back here next week.

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Ep. 135: Is Restaurant Week Maybe Bad?

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 16:20:46 GMT

Another year, another Restaurant Week. Restaurants roll out fixed-price menus that give eaters a taste of their offering at a reduced price. Seems like a great idea, right? So...why does Sean hate it so much? We're delving into the difference between price and value, how the atmosphere in a restaurant changes during Restaurant Weeks, and the beauty of appreciating luxury and picking your spots.

MUSIC: "Organ Donor" - DJ Shadow

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Ep. 134: Let's Get Metallic

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 15:11:50 GMT

It's long been in the works: a classic It's Pretty OK "questions pod." (Best?) friend of the pod Kevin joins the gang to answer questions about his love for heavy metal music. How did he first get into the genre? What should new converts listen to? And what the fuck is...crabcore?

MUSIC: "Whiskey in the Jar" - Metallica

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Ep. 133: Dinner and a MoviePass

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 15:01:10 GMT

Oh snap, Max is back! He joins Pierce and Sean for a discussion of MoviePass, which certainly appeared to be failing last week (NOTE: Since we recorded this, MoviePass announced changes to the service which would limit users to three movies per month in exchange for keeping the price at $9.95 per month and removing certain restrictions on what movies/showtimes are eligible). How has it changed moviegoing in 2018? And what will we do if it goes away?

MUSIC: "Heat Wave" - Snail Mail

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Ep. 132: Not Our First Rodeo

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 14:46:20 GMT

Well, I guess technically it actually is our first rodeo...because Pierce went to a rodeo! What are headers and heelers? Are rodeo clowns really a thing? And who has the best rodeo name? All of these questions are answered and more.

MUSIC: "Smoking's For Quitters" - Thin Lips

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Ep. 131: Much Ado About Sandwiches

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 15:21:13 GMT

Pierce and Sean have a very involved conversation about sandwiches. What makes a sandwich great? Why are tomato sandwiches so good? And what are their favorite sandwiches?

MUSIC: "Fire" - Special Explosion

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Ep. 130: Firsthand

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 15:40:50 GMT

Pierce just finished reading Please Kill Me, an oral history of the meteoric rise and fall of punk rock in the 1970s in New York and London. This week, he and Sean are talking about oral histories. Why are they so effective as a storytelling device? And why don't we see more of them?

MUSIC

"Midway" - Bad Bad Hats

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Meet Me in the Bathroom Is the First Great History of New York’s 21st Century Rock Scene (SPIN)

Blue Chips:An oral history of Shaq, Penny, and the Orlando Magic’s lost NBA dynasty (Grantland)

The Greatest Paper That Ever Died (Grantland)

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Ep. 129: The Food Goes In Your Mouth, Not On Your Phone

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:42:44 GMT

This week, an experience Pierce had with someone taking pictures of their food for the 'gram sparked a conversation about photography at concerts, rules to live by, and the importance of being good to your fellow humans. Sean closes the show by raving about the movie he saw on the 4th and lamenting how we don't make them like we used to (role models, not movies).

MUSIC: "Here's Your Future" - The Thermals

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Ep. 128: LeBron. Lakers. Legacy?

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 11:40:14 GMT

Pierce and Sean typically record on Sundays, but decided to wait until Monday this week in case anything wild happened in NBA free agency. Boy, were they right to wait. LeBron is a Laker! They talk about the move, the other dominos that might fall next, and what LeBron's legacy in L.A. will be. Oh, and they indulge in a little Kobe hatred. Or maybe a lot. Let's just say that Kobe Bryant will not be appearing as a guest any time soon.

MUSIC: "Basketball" - Kurtis Blow

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Ep. 127: The Gifts We Keep On Giving

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 17:45:09 GMT

Happy wedding season, y'all! This week, Sean and Pierce are talking about gift-giving. Is giving gifts actually inherently selfish? Are there times when it makes more sense to not give a thoughtful gift that demonstrates how much you value a friendship? And why are we still committed to wedding registries instead of "first apartment registries?"

MUSIC: "Mixer" - Nap Eyes

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The economic case against Christmas presents (Vox)

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Ep. 126: What Do You Mean, You Haven't Read It?

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 13:14:53 GMT

This week, Pierce has finally finished James Joyce's epic Ulysses. Why does he seem 6% more of a pretentious ass than he did before? And are there other things that make people behave that way? He and Sean discuss.

MUSIC: "Near to the Wild Heart of Life" - Japandroids

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Ep. 125: Reunited and It Feels So Good

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 12:07:43 GMT

Good lord, we're getting old. Pierce was in Charlottesville for the weekend of his 5th college reunion, but he wasn't exactly enthused about doing reunion stuff. He and Sean talked about why, and spent a few minutes celebrating the life of Anthony Bourdain.

MUSIC

"Not Losing Sleep" - Thin Lips

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Anthony Bourdain Was Remarkable Because He Possessed Qualities That Shouldn’t Be (The Root)

How to Live, According to Anthony Bourdain (Munchies)

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Ep. 124: "A Wookiee Crossed With a Tank"

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:19:04 GMT

This week, Pierce and Sean are talking about sports—specifically, about comparing athletes from different eras. There's not that much that's actually similar about Michael Jordan and LeBron James: different positions, different styles of play, different body types, different rules enforced by the referees, you get the picture. So why is everyone so hung up on which one of them is the G.O.A.T.? And is there a better way for us to celebrate transcendent athletes?

MUSIC

"Six Wave Hold-Down" - Hot Snakes

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Tunisia goalkeeper 'fakes injury' to break Ramadan fast (BBC)

Weezer Finally Cover Toto’s “Africa” (Pitchfork)

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Ep. 123: Is Han Solo Still Cool?

Tue, 29 May 2018 02:16:44 GMT

None of the guys have seen Solo: A Star Wars Story. But that's not stopping them from comparing the new installment in the Star Wars universe to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and asking the big question: Is Han Solo cool...or is Harrison Ford cool as Han Solo?

MUSIC: "Tea-Soaked Letter" - Anna Burch

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Ep. 122: On Punctuality (aka Don't Be Late)

Mon, 21 May 2018 11:46:44 GMT

Pierce, Sean, and Max are all in the same room this week to talk about lateness. What is "fashionably late?" Are there different rules for when you should arrive to dinner as opposed to a party? And why does punctuality seem to become more of a priority as you get older?

MUSIC: "Acetone" - Vundabar

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Where to Waste Time Online (Lifehacker). A Frighteningly Accurate Analysis Of Mario Kart's Politics (Kotaku)

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Ep. 121: Wanna Bet?

Tue, 15 May 2018 12:13:25 GMT

Monday morning, the Supreme Court offered a landmark decision when it struck down a 1992 federal law prohibiting sports gambling in the United States. Now that it's up to the states to decide, Sean and Pierce talk about sports betting and their visions of what a legalized, regulated gambling industry might look like.

MUSIC: "Turn It Up" - Bat Fangs

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Lottery: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) (YouTube). The life (and near-death) of bad-boy chef Matty Matheson (Toronto Life)

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Ep. 120: We Work, But Do We Work...at WeWork?

Tue, 08 May 2018 11:11:25 GMT

This week, a recent episode of Slate Money sparks a discussion about WeWork, the trendy "co-working" company that is bringing the office lifestyle of Silicon Valley to a bustling, millennial-heavy metropolis near you. Could the gang see themselves working in a WeWork space instead of, say, working at a coffee shop? And what level of lunacy would be required for them to dive into WeLive, which applies the same ethos to...your apartment?

MUSIC: "How Simple" - Hop Along

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Ep. 119: The Right Time for FaceTime

Tue, 01 May 2018 16:55:25 GMT

Sean and Max are feeling a little rough after a weekend in Nashville, but they're pulling themselves together to talk to Pierce about an encounter Sean had with someone using FaceTime in public. As always, Pierce apologizes. And the show ends with a discussion of the first time that a college student trying to eat fruit has been a bad thing.

MUSIC: "Quarrel" - Moses Sumney

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Rotting fruit mistaken for gas leak causes campus evacuation (The Takeout)

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Ep. 118: Recipes for Success

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 11:00:40 GMT

This week, the guys are talking about recipes—namely, the kind you find on food blogs. You know, the kind with 2,000 additional words of personal commentary before you even get to an ingredients list? Why are we so put off by this? And just as importantly, why do we let it slide in other forums

MUSIC: "Die Hard" - Acid Dad

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Ep. 117: Easy Like Sundae Morning

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 11:58:51 GMT

Pete Wells, the New York Times restaurant critic, wrote a column last week titled "The Ice Cream Sundae Must Be Stopped." It sparked a bit of an argument, so Kevin joined the pod for a discussion about dessert in restaurants and whether they should be addressed with the same creativity as the rest of the menu. As always, Pierce apologizes. And Sean and Kevin talk about increasingly absurd sub-genres of heavy metal.

MUSIC: "Ice Cream Man" - Raekwon

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Ep. 116: Lemon Pepper Wet?!

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 03:39:17 GMT

This week, Pierce and Sean are talking about Atlanta. The most creative and original show on television somehow managed to keep topping itself with its last two incredible episodes: one full of cringeworthy hijinks, one heavy with horror and dread. They talk about why they love the show so much and why it's so hard to compare it to any other show on TV. As always, Pierce apologizes. And Sean closes out the show with some words about local radio—specifically, the WTJU Rock Marathon.

MUSIC: "Mistaken for Strangers" - The National

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Donald Glover Can't Save You (The New Yorker). Cardi B's Money Moves (GQ). Donate to WTJU here!

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Ep. 115: If You Don't Write Them Down, Are They Still Rules?

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 10:42:37 GMT

It's less than a week into baseball season, and we already have a high-profile dustup over the "unwritten rules" of the game. The guys discuss the lunacy of having such an extensive parallel code of etiquette in a sport that has black-and-white, zero-sum outcomes and a well-defined set of actual rules pertaining to gameplay, and why it's different from the social contract we abide by in our everyday lives. Then, Pierce apologizes for how he comes across, and Sean shouts out a great new album.

MUSIC: "Follow Your Arrow" - Kacey Musgraves

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Ep. 114: Chasing the Dragon

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 13:26:26 GMT

It's been a week, so the gang is finally ready to talk about what happened to the Virginia basketball team in its historic NCAA Tournament loss to 16-seed UMBC. With an assist from Kevin, the group therapy session turns into a discussion of underdogs, how expectations change when your team wins, and whether or not Jim Boeheim is actually good now that he's come to Tony Bennett's defense. As always, Pierce apologizes for something, and Sean shouts out print newspapers (yes, this is still 2018).

MUSIC: "The Underdog" - Spoon

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Ep. 113: The Retirement Episode

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 04:07:31 GMT

No, it's not our last episode. Sean is out this week, so Max and Pierce are talking about retirement, which seems like this big, looming thing that inspires dread in a lot of people...but does it need to be? Or should we maybe just be looking at it a little differently?

MUSIC: "(I'm) Like a Rolling Stone" - Titus Andronicus

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Oh, the Places You'll Go...One Day (It's Pretty OK). The Richest 10% of Americans Now Own 84% of All Stocks (Time). Good news: Coffee and tea are apparently not dehydrating you (The Takeout)

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Ep. 112: This One Time at Bandcamp(.com)

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 10:00:00 GMT

This week, the guys are talking about the way we support artists. Is buying an album on iTunes better than streaming on Spotify, and is there a way that's even better than that? What about going to concerts and buying merch? And how does this relate to tipping at restaurants and coffee shops? As always, Pierce apologizes. Then Sean shouts out a podcast (duh) and Pierce defends his choice for the best non-holiday "holiday" of the year.

MUSIC: "Jungleland" - Bruce Springsteen

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Celebration Rock by 93X (Apple Podcasts) (specific episode shoutout: "20th Century Boss Part 2: 'Born To Run' with Jeff Rosenstock"). Bandcamp

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Ep. 111: No Reservations

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 18:25:45 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about restaurant reservations after a British establishment Twitter-shamed groups that no-showed after making reservations. Why is it such a big deal? And are there ways to fix the system? Plus, as always, Pierce apologizes, and Sean celebrates some fantastic new music.

MUSIC: "The Face of God" - Camp Cope

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Restaurants have resorted to publicly shaming no-show diners (The Takeout)

Camp Cope - How to Socialise & Make Friends (Spotify)

Lucy Dacus - Historian (Spotify)

Soccer Mommy - Clean (Spotify)

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Ep. 110: "What Do You WANT The Players' Tribune to Be?"

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:07:09 GMT

This week, the subject of discussion is The Players' Tribune, the company founded by Derek "Yeah Jeets" Jeter to let athletes tell their stories free of silly little things like fact checking and objectivity. What is it? How does it fit into the sports media space-time continuum? And can we call it journalism with a straight face?

MUSIC: "Cool" - Soccer Mommy

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: What Happens When Athletes Do the Sportswriting? (New York Times Magazine)

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Ep. 109: Going for the Gold

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:38:58 GMT

This week, Sean and Pierce have a confession: They haven't really been paying attention to the Winter Olympics. They talk to noted winter sports fan Max about how the Summer and Winter Olympics are interesting in very different ways and how the Olympics aren't even the pinnacle of most of their sports. As always, Pierce apologizes, and Sean shouts out a movie (spoiler: it's Black Panther, which is really, really good) and a book.

MUSIC: "DEVASTATED" - Joey Bada$$

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: How NBC Flubbed Its Coverage, Reported The Wrong Gold Medalist, Then Botched The Correction Of One Of The Most Stunning Upsets In Olympic History (Deadspin)

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Ep. 108: Satisfaction Guaranteed...?

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:21:20 GMT

This week, the guys talk about the end of an era: the era of L.L. Bean's famously generous return policy, which is finally coming to an end...or is it? Also featured in this episode: inter-species justice, someone who should have caught these hands, and a positive change from a company looking to help people make positive changes.

MUSIC: "BOOGIE" - BROCKHAMPTON.

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: South African lions eat 'poacher', leaving just his head (BBC) / L.L. Bean Has Ended Unlimited Returns, and I Am Fairly Certain It’s My Fault (Slate) / Weight Watchers scraps its before-and-after photos because diets are forever (The Takeout)

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Ep. 107: Goodbye, CDs?

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 13:05:00 GMT

The guys are talking about Best Buy's recent decision that it will take CDs off the shelves. What will take their place? And does this mean the compact disc is dying? As always, Pierce apologizes for something. And this week, Sean shouts out some movies he's seen recently.

MUSIC: "Love, Like Language" - Happy Abandon

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Best Buy to Stop Selling CDs (Pitchfork). Does Vinyl Really Sound Better? (Pitchfork). RIAA Sales Data, 1973-2016

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Ep. 106: Cheap Eats

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 14:43:04 GMT

A conversation about Max's experience with Vegemite in Australia leads to a discussion of inexpensive regional foods. Why did a restaurant in Mississippi start serving pig-ear sandwiches? What happens when "the food of the people" gets co-opted by hipsters and rich people? And what are hot dogs really made of? (Just kidding--we don't actually want to know either.)

MUSIC: "Night Shift" - Lucy Dacus

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Ep. 105: Let's Get Fantastical

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 06:40:29 GMT

What's so appealing about a series of more than a dozen 800-plus-page tomes? This week, Kevin joins Pierce and Max to talk about reading goals for 2018 and sci-fi/fantasy books. And, as always, Pierce apologizes.

MUSIC: "Deception" - Blackalicious

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Ep. 104: Your Google Home Isn't Spying On You...Yet

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 14:18:53 GMT

This week, Max is back from his jaunt around the world, and the gang is talking about virtual assistants. They discuss the Internet of Things, unknown unknowns, and why your biggest concern right now is not that someone will hack your Amazon Echo and take over your home. Then Pierce checks in with a trademark apology and offers up a fascinating scientific update. MUSIC: "The Embers" - Vagabon. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Don't Buy Anyone An Echo (Gizmodo)

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Ep. 103: Rockstars

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 17:46:26 GMT

Rockstars. These people capture our imagination in a very specific way. How much of it has to do with the music anyway? And since we've been reminded so many times that rock is dead, who are the rockstars of today? Those are the questions that Sean and Pierce are talking about on this week's episode.

MUSIC: "Dum Surfer" - King Krule. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: King Krule Will Be The Last Rock Star In The Universe (Deadspin)

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Ep. 102: New Year, Same Us...Just Better

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 02:05:41 GMT

It's the first pod of 2018! Kevin joins Pierce and Sean to discuss why your goals should be about forming habits (not fulfilling resolutions) and what body positivity means. Believe it or not, the movie Spy Kids is involved. Pierce apologizes for a time that he didn't read, and Sean shouts out a phenomenal concert. MUSIC: "How Did We Get So Dark?" - Royal Blood. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Enough With the Resolutions Already (Lifehacker)

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Ep. 101: What a Year It's Been

Mon, 25 Dec 2017 13:15:51 GMT

In the last episode of 2017, the guys look back on what has been an exhausting year to be alive, and shout out the things that helped them escape for a while. Then Pierce apologizes, and he and Sean close the show celebrating a TV show that's operating at a very high level.

MUSIC: "A Snake in the Shower" - The Hold Steady

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Ep. 100 (!): Love in the Time of Smartphones

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 14:42:24 GMT

Wow, we've done this 100 times. That's kind of amazing.

Anyway, Kevin joins the pod this week to help the guys discuss dating as facilitated by mobile apps. They look at how what we look for in other people has changed, and why it's important to get out and experience the world. MUSIC: "Done" - Camp Cope. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari (Amazon)

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Ep. 99: It's Too Loud In Here

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 10:00:00 GMT

Kevin joins the pod this week to talk about bars that host live music, Pierce apologizes for something, and Sean celebrates the ability to see three movies in a week. MUSIC: "Web in Front" - Archers of Loaf

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Ep. 98: Not So Chill Anymore

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 04:23:42 GMT

In the words of a friend of the show, Netflix went "from a Blockbuster killer to a euphemism for sex to more necessary than your cable subscription." But now, Pierce is wondering whether it's gone another step—to not being worth it anymore. MUSIC: "I Haven't Been Taking Care Of Myself" - Alex Lahey

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Ep. 97: Another Pod About Fandom

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 14:28:19 GMT

The third time (or is it the fourth? Or the fifth? Or the 97th?) is obviously the charm when it comes to podcast episodes about sports fandom. Pierce talks about his life as an Eli Manning fan masquerading as a Giants fan, and the gang ponders what he should do when the Manning era comes to a close in New York. Then Pierce apologizes (as always), and Max chimes in with a pop culture recommendation. MUSIC: "Up All Night" - David Bazan. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Simpsons Spectacular Part I / Part II (Stuff You Should Know)

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Ep. 96: Joining the Conversation

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 18:07:49 GMT

This week, the gang talks about internet comment sections (which gets Sean very fired up), Pierce apologizes for his travel etiquette, and Sean debuts a new segment: Some S--- that Happened. MUSIC: "Kills to Be Resistant" - Bully. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Best Washington D.C. Tips From Our Readers (Lifehacker)

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Ep. 95: In the (Time) Zone

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 13:50:42 GMT

Pierce is coming in hot with a bold suggestion this week. That leads to a conversation about time zones: Do they serve a purpose anymore? And is there a better way? As always, Pierce apologizes for something, and Sean celebrates pettiness in the world. MUSIC: "Tether" / "In Your Head" - loucey. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Daylight saving time ended Sunday: 6 things to know about “falling back” (Vox)

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Ep. 94: Flying Solo

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 10:00:00 GMT

This week, Pierce is back after a few weeks on the road—including some time spent traveling alone. That sparks a conversation about how traveling alone is different and the best way to maximize your solo-travel enjoyment rather than defaulting to your normal habits. MUSIC: "Hard Times" - Paramore. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: America is having an epistemic crisis (Vox)

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Ep. 93: What Happens When (The Artists) We (Love) Die?

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 18:57:46 GMT

This week, an innocent question about Sean's record-shopping trip launches a discussion of what happens when iconic artists pass away—especially if you weren't particularly familiar with their work while they were alive. Then Pierce apologizes for his choice of words, and Sean shouts out Shea Serrano's new book. MUSIC: "Bendover" - A Giant Dog

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Ep. 92: SNEStalgia

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 17:09:37 GMT

This week, real-life Pierce is off the grid, but podcast Pierce is available through some sorcery (i.e. we pre-recorded the episode) to talk about his and Max's recent purchase of the SNES Classic. Pop culture nostalgia is discussed, and something—possibly hilarity, but probably not—ensues. Then, if you stick around at the end, you can get an exclusive sneak peek at the kind of preparation the gang does before a recording session. MUSIC: "You Don't Hang Around" - The Lovely Bad Things

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Ep. 91: Is Ikigai the New Hyyge?

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 17:30:54 GMT

This week, a blog post exploring whether "ikigai" is "the new hyyge" sparks a conversation about cultural appropriation, hipster dickbags, and the importance of following through on things. Oh, and what "ikigai" and "hyyge" mean in the first place. MUSIC: "Sober" - Lorde. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Is Ikigai the New Hyyge? (Food52)

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Ep. 90: (Eating) On the Road Again

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 19:38:02 GMT

Ian just passed through town on a long car trip, so this week, the guys are talking about what food it makes sense to eat in the car. MUSIC: "Captive of the Sun" - Parquet Courts feat. Bun B

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Ep. 89: Sleeping Giants

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 18:25:37 GMT

The gang's all together this week, and they're talking about sleep schedules, and Pierce apologizes for his laundry habits. MUSIC: "If Before I Wake" - The Districts (this is not the music that Sean mentioned in the episode--oops!)

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Ep. 88: Can I Get An Encore? (Actually, Never Mind)

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 21:17:37 GMT

Pierce and Sean gather to talk about concerts. Do you prepare for the concerts you go to? Do you go to the show if the band you're seeing just put out a bad album? And what's the deal with encores? MUSIC: "Giant" - Banks and Steelz. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Have A Nice Hot Cup Of Herbal Tea (Deadspin). Vince Staples on Hot Ones (YouTube)

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Ep. 87: Hot Thoughts

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 15:46:38 GMT

This week, Sean and Pierce talk about hot sauce, specifically Tabasco. Is it butt? Or is it perhaps...not butt? They close the show by discussing petty larceny and a South African student that stood up to robbers. MUSIC: "Hot Thoughts" - Spoon

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Ep. 86: Maps

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 18:52:13 GMT

This week, the guys are talking about maps, specifically those of the Google variety. Has access to maps on our phones eroded our sense of direction or changed how we drive? And who do people that put their feet on the dash think they are? MUSIC: "Maps" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: A Definitive Ranking of “Getting the Gang Together” Montages (The Ringer)

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Ep. 85: Central Perks

Tue, 05 Sep 2017 14:58:17 GMT

One of Pierce's favorite coffeeshops turns its wifi off over the weekend. Naturally, this called back to a time when the gang discussed a bar that used a Farraday cage to disrupt cell signals inside, and sparked a conversation about the etiquette of working at places that are neither your home nor your office. MUSIC: "Read My Mind" - The Killers. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Shea Serrano (@sheaserrano) on Twitter

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Ep. 84: Critiquing the Critics

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 10:28:30 GMT

This week, the reactions to season 7 of Game of Thrones (no spoilers) have Pierce and Sean talking about cultural criticism and the times when Pierce takes issue with it. As always, Pierce apologizes, and Sean shares a TED excerpt that's got him thinking. MUSIC: "Cathedral" - Jade Bird. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks - How we can face the future without fear, together (TED)

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Ep. 83: Why Is Easy Rider "Dated," But Mad Men Isn't?

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 10:00:00 GMT

This week, Pierce opens the show by talking about a book Sean lent him—that he actually read for once. That leads to a conversation about what makes a piece of culture "dated," then Pierce apologizes and Sean shares a passage from said book. MUSIC: "The Stack" - White Reaper

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Ep. 82: All in Good Humor

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 17:02:53 GMT

This week, Pierce confesses that something besides a concussion ails him: an adverse reaction to humor. With help from Kevin, the crew delves into that issue, then Pierce apologizes (as always). MUSIC: "Jumpstarting" - Deer Tick. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Vagabon on Audiotree Live (YouTube), "The Land of the Large Adult Son" (The New Yorker)

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Ep. 81: On the Beach

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 23:16:04 GMT

This week, the gang talks about why beach vacations are way better than the beach itself. Plus, as always, Pierce apologizes for something. MUSIC: "Silver" - Waxahatchee

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Ep. 80: To Infinity Foods and Beyond

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 10:00:00 GMT

Jared and Kevin join the pod this week to talk to Pierce and Sean about the concept of "infinity foods." What is an infinity food? What makes a good one? Once they've got the concept, the guys have a draft. MUSIC: "Everyday" - A$AP Rocky

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Ep. 79: Kyrie Irving (Not Really An) Emergency Podcast

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 10:00:00 GMT

Holy crap. Veritable NBA superstar Kyrie Irving has requested that the Cavaliers trade him. This is wild, so Sean and Pierce jumped on the phone to talk about the places he reportedly wants to go and the structural factors that make the NBA the easiest league for superstar players to exert power over their situation. MUSIC: "Evil" - Interpol. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Anthony Davis's #DriveByDunkChallenge (via The Ringer)

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Ep. 78: We Have the Meats (But Should We Eat Them?)

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 20:46:15 GMT

This week, the gang (plus Kevin!) is sitting around the table talking about meat - namely, about reducing your meat intake. What does it do for your health? What about the environment? Would we try going vegetarian? Plus, as always, Pierce apologizes.MUSIC: "25 Bucks" - Danny Brown feat. Purity Ring

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Ep. 77: You Know You're a '90s Kid When...

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 13:41:26 GMT

If you're vaguely internet-savvy (like Max, who's back!), you've probably been flooded with '90s nostalgia lately. From "Which Friends Friend Are You?" personality quiz to '90s-themed dance parties, it's everywhere. This week, that has the gang pondering what decade defines a person. As always, Pierce apologizes, and he and Sean celebrate the new album from HAIM.MUSIC: "745" - Vince Staples

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Ep. 76: Meta-Pod Special

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 21:05:52 GMT

This week, Pierce and Sean are talking about podcasts. Namely, about how Pierce could stand to be more adventurous in his selection.MUSIC: "No EQ" - Into It. Over It.

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Ep. 75: Traveling (the Basketball Kind)

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 13:29:58 GMT

Max isn't here, but Sean and Pierce are, and they're doing that thing they do where they pose a random sports-related question and talk about it far too long. This time: If you had to adopt a new NBA team (but you had to move to the city too), where would you go? And as always, Pierce apologizes, and Sean provides an update on his Game of Thrones watching.MUSIC: "Glitter" - Charly Bliss

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Ep. 74: Mergers and Acquisitions

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 07:00:00 GMT

The announcement that Amazon is buying Whole Foods for over $13 billion (!!!) is some of the biggest news of the week, so the gang is talking about the ultimate goal for the online-retail giant. As always, Pierce apologizes for something. And Sean has FINALLY started watching Game of Thrones, so he's got an update on that.MUSIC: "Home Studio (Back Up In This Bitch)" - Chance the Rapper (feat. the Social Experiment)

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Ep. 73: Join the "Nation"

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 11:18:48 GMT

Back in the day, you liked the team that was on TV in your area, and that was that. Now, with the aid of the internet, it's never been easier to follow any team, anywhere. This week, the guys are talking about the decline of regional fandom—as well as some places where it's still as strong as ever.

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Ep. 72: Watching the Throne(s)

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 14:25:18 GMT

Game of Thrones. It's one of the most popular shows on television, it's arguably the last "cultural moment" that binds us all together...and Sean has never seen it. Now, he's considering finally diving in, but first, he has some questions for Max and Pierce.MUSIC: "Minnesota, WI" - Bon Iver

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Ep. 71: News Aggregation

Mon, 29 May 2017 17:26:16 GMT

Max is on vacation, so Sean and Pierce spent some time talking about websites that aggregate information rather than producing original content. Who benefits from news aggregation? Plus an apology from Pierce and a bonus second topic!MUSIC: "Bob Dylan's Grandma" - Diarrhea PlanetADDITIONAL MATERIAL:Support your local basketball creatives (Google Docs)The Story Behind The Perfect Photo Of Sports' First Streaker (Deadspin)Pete Wells Is Wrong About What A Critic's Role Should Be (Slate)

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Ep. 70: Art Food

Mon, 22 May 2017 19:18:30 GMT

This week, an essay by Drew Magary prompts the gang into a discussion of "chef worship." What happens when food becomes more than just food - when it becomes art? And is it a good thing for the eaters of food?

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Ep. 69: Mars-nifest Destiny

Mon, 15 May 2017 16:45:06 GMT

Sean was in the area last weekend, so what better way to celebrate than by getting Kevin into the room as well for a thought-provoking discussion about interplanetary exploration? Human colonization of Mars sparks a chat about the value of exploration, the depths of the sea, and reality television.MUSIC: "Namesake" - Tunde Olaniran

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Ep. 68: Set Phasers to "Cool"

Mon, 08 May 2017 13:49:34 GMT

Three-quarters of all American households have air conditioning, but plenty of people (including much of Europe) don't share that enthusiasm. That's what the gang is talking about this week. Also, Pierce apologizes for not reading, and a PSA regarding Lonzo Ball's basketball shoes.

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Ep. 67: Beer Tourism

Mon, 01 May 2017 22:31:07 GMT

It's a special week at It's Pretty OK. Pierce was on the road, so he checked in with friend of the pod Eric to discuss "beer tourism." MUSIC: "Remain" - Jay Som ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Eric's intro to bottle shares (It's Pretty OK)

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Ep. 66: Discover(ing New Music) Weekly

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 21:46:19 GMT

A few months back, the gang talked about the ways we listen to music. This time, Sean and Pierce are talking about something slightly different: how we actually discover the new music we listen to. They talk about radio stations and shared Dropboxes before noting some 2017 music that's got them excited.

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Ep. 65: News of the World

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 15:13:19 GMT

This week, the guys are talking about the news. What's the difference between "slow news" and "fast news?" What makes something "clickbait?" And Pierce apologizes for his pronunciation.

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Ep. 64: It Might Get Loud

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 17:19:54 GMT

This week, Pierce wants to talk to Sean and Max about playing instruments. How long have they played? What is a good instrument to play in an apartment? Is the harmonica ever cool? Pierce apologizes as always, and Sean and Pierce celebrate Magnum the Verb Lord, Vince Staples, and Shea Serrano. MUSIC: "Freaks and Geeks" - Childish Gambino ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Axis of Awesome - 4 Chords Crossroads - guitar battle scene A Very Bad Dunk Contest Real NBA Tough Guys vs. Fake NBA Tough Guys It Might Get Loud on Vimeo

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Ep. 63: Kick It Into (Top) Gear

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 14:19:19 GMT

Max's search for a car, namely a Mini, has the guys talking about car culture. What does it mean to be a "car guy?" Are "car guys" a dying breed? What cars will we be celebrating 50 years from now? MUSIC: "Good Ass Intro" - Chance the Rapper ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: The Woodward Dream Cruise

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Ep. 62: The Committee to Plan Parties

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 14:02:42 GMT

This week, the gang is talking about bachelor parties, but as usual, it turns into slightly more than that. Additionally, Pierce apologizes, and Sean plugs a fantastic food show. MUSIC: "Tear It Down" - Spoon

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Ep. 61: (Work)Space-d Out

Tue, 21 Mar 2017 03:42:47 GMT

Cubicles? Offices? Hoteling? This week, the guys (who are on the road in New Orleans) are talking about workspaces. What does your desk—or lack thereof—say about your company's culture, your work style, or even your aspirations?

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Ep. 60: Slowed to a Crawl

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 14:24:01 GMT

This week, one of the nation's premier drinking holidays is happening. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, the gang is talking about one of the many ways that someone can choose to get inebriated while wearing green: bar crawls. Music: "Legend" - Drake

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Ep. 59: Ready Player One (But Not the Book)

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 12:00:00 GMT

This week, the topic is video games. How did they factor into the guys' lives when they were younger? Do they still play? What's different about playing video games as an adult? Music: "I Broke Up in Amarante" - Los Campesinos!

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Ep. 58: Talkin' Cocktails

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 17:33:15 GMT

This week, the gang is talking cocktails. What makes something a "cocktail" and not just a mixed drink? What's your go-to drink? Are clear alcohols really just for rich women on diets? Music: "Unless It's Kicks" - Okkervil River

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Ep. 57: A Helpful Tip

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 18:43:37 GMT

This week, the guys are talking about tipping. Why do we tip? What happens in other places like Europe, where tipping isn't expected? That sort of thing. Sorry for the technical issues, though that means more Rae Sremmurd for you guys! Music: "This Could Be Us" - Rae Sremmurd ADDITIONAL READING Danny Meyer Is Eliminating All Tipping at His Restaurants - Eater

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Ep. 56: Phoning It In

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 19:00:00 GMT

This week, Pierce poses a question: If your smartphone did everything it currently does - except make phone calls - would you still buy/use it? Plus an apology and the latest entry in the long list of reboots. Music: "It Takes Two" - Mike Will Made-It, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Lil Yachty ADDITIONAL READING "The 36 Questions That Lead to Love" - New York Times "The End of Small Talk" - New York Times "How Mike Will Made It" - The New Yorker

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Ep. 55: Poppin' (Soda) Bottles

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 06:12:35 GMT

This week, the guys are talking about carbonated sugar syrup. That's right, it's an epi-soda (please excuse the terrible humor). Is Sprite terrible? Why do people drink diet sodas? Did you grow up with soda in the house? These questions and more, plus an apology from Pierce and a special movie marathon in Austin. Music: "Anything You Want" - Spoon

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Ep. 54: Let's Talk About Libraries

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 11:09:37 GMT

How has the local library's role in your life changed over time? That's what the guys are talking about this week. Also, an apology from Pierce and some pointed words for ESPN's Darren Rovell. "Not Your Mother's Library" in The Atlantic: http://theatln.tc/2jJESPJ Music: "Little House of Savages" - The Walkmen

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Ep. 53: The Happiest of Hours

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 16:15:52 GMT

This week, the guys are talking about happy hours. They may have started as a way for working men to avoid their families after work (or maybe not - who knows?), but the more important question is: How do we experience them now? MUSIC: "(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano" - Sampha

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Ep. 52: Brunch.

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 17:00:00 GMT

Brunch: Is it just a meal, or is it something more? That's what the guys are talking about this week. Then, Pierce apologizes for toaster-pastry etiquette and Sean drops a very lukewarm Star Wars take.

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Ep. 51: Fan-ning the Flames

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 12:30:00 GMT

This week, the NFL playoffs prompt a conversation about the different ways we express our fandom when watching sports. Max likes to have a rooting interest whenever he's watching a game, and Sean and Pierce have many questions about that.

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