Episodes

  • Episode 16 - My Politics Over Time
    May 20 2024
    The metamorphosis of our political identities is a journey that can surprise even ourselves. I never expected to trade in my Democrat badge for an Independent's uncertainty, only to later align with the Republicans. With Leander Kelsey Jr by my side, we unfold the story of this evolution, revealing why primaries played a pivotal role in this switch and how our aging selves see conservatism in a complex light, especially when it comes to our financial decisions as business owners. Are we being frugal, or are we scrutinizing capitalism and its effects on our societal progress? We grapple with these questions, digging into the tension between innovation and the lure of the status quo.

    History isn't just for textbooks; it's etched in our national consciousness, stirring debates and awakening our senses to the ironies that surround us, like Confederate Heritage Month. This episode isn't one to shy away from the uncomfortable - we wrestle with the significance of confronting our painful history versus the allure of safe spaces, questioning whether the selective remembrance is skewing our understanding of the true American experience. Through my reflections and our dialogue, we underscore the importance of preserving these narratives to prevent history from repeating its darkest chapters.

    As we navigate the shifting political waters, our chat turns to the transformative moments that magnified our political lens—from my time at an HBCU through the Trump presidency—to the awakening of our social consciousness. We dissect the stark realities of inequity and the government's role in healthcare and economic disparity, sharing how these insights propelled us toward a deeper commitment to civic engagement. Politics isn't just a spectator sport; it's our communal responsibility to get involved and shape the outcomes in our communities. Without our voice, we're simply bystanders in the whirlwind of change.
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    41 mins
  • Episode 15: The Social Media Evolution - Molding Digital Identities
    May 13 2024

    Remember the days when updating your MySpace page with the perfect song felt like the most crucial decision of the week? As we ride the wave of nostalgia, Ben Ford and I, Leander Kelsey Jr., throw it back to those early digital days and chart the rise of social media from its innocent roots to the complex giant it's become. Our candid tales and personal evolutions underscore how these platforms have shaped our lives, careers, and the way we present ourselves to the world.

    Join us as we pull back the curtain on the strategies and stumbles we've experienced in molding our online personas – from my journey as a fitness trainer turned gym owner to Ben's careful orchestration of his music career. We tackle the thorny issues of privacy, the generation gap, and question why we choose to share certain slices of life while keeping others under wraps. Plus, we'll share a laugh as we discuss the quirks of aging with social media, from dodging TikTok trends to curiously eyeing the Facebook Marketplace.

    To cap off this digital odyssey, we reflect on the content creation hustle, the struggles of monetization, and the ethical quagmires of targeted advertising to younger audiences. As parents and creators, we're not just talking shop; we're questioning the fabric of this social media tapestry and its implications for future generations. So, whether you're a fellow digital denizen or just curious about the social landscape, there's a place for you in our conversation, as we ponder the future of our interconnected, digital lives.

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    38 mins
  • Episode 14 - Shifting Gears Part 2 - Changing Care Desires Over Time
    Apr 22 2024

    Ever wondered how a car can be an extension of your soul? Join us, Ben Ford and Leander Kelsey Jr., as we embark on a gear-grinding journey through the world of cars and their intimate ties to our identities. From the practicality of a Ford Lightning to the eclectic dream garage that rivals Jay Leno's collection, we share our heartfelt thanks to our better halves for indulging our automotive obsessions, and chuckle at what our vehicular fancies become when money's no object.

    Strap in as we reminisce about the charm of vintage pickups, debate the practicality of supercars for the daily grind, and confess our secret longing to be chauffeured. Does a British-built Ineos Grenadier suit a safari better than a drive-thru zoo? We muse over this and more, including the quandary of our love for the visceral driving experience versus the rising fuel costs nudging us towards the electric horizon. And let's not forget about those luxurious car features—are they truly worth the price tag or just a lure for our hard-earned cash?

    Closing the hood on this episode, we dissect the complex dance of car shopping and personal preferences, from the allure of a Honda Civic's performance to the daunting prices of European luxury. Join us and our producer, Ben Ford, as we candidly reflect on how our tastes in cars have evolved, just like our online shopping carts. Tune in for an episode fueled by humor, candid confessions, and a shared passion that'll drive any car enthusiast’s heart into overdrive.

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    47 mins
  • Episode 13 - Shifting Gears: Our Changing Car Desires (Part 1)
    Apr 15 2024

    Buckle up for a ride through time as we reminisce about the cars that revved up our teenage dreams and how our tastes have evolved to the sophisticated preferences of today. In our latest episode, we chat about the allure of bubble Chevys and SS Impalas that ruled our younger years, inspired by cultural icons of the era. However, as we've navigated the roads of life, our appreciation for the wide world of cars has expanded, leading to a newfound respect for vintage collectibles and the impressive car culture in unexpected places like Dubai. Our conversation takes a turn to the practical side of things, pondering the preparedness of our personal vehicles and the vital importance of having a reliable ride in case of emergencies.

    The electrifying debate on electric vehicles versus their gas-guzzling ancestors takes center stage in our discussion, where we dissect the pros and cons of embracing the electric revolution. We're talking Teslas, the thrill of going green, and the fusion of efficiency and tech that has us all charged up about the new Prius Prime. But it's not all about what's under the hood – our banter reveals the car brands that simply don't make the cut for us. We share a laugh as we discuss the transformation of once-snubbed manufacturers like Hyundai and Kia, now cruising the fast lane of automotive reinvention.

    As we cruise into the home stretch of our journey, we take a deep dive into the psyche behind our car buying decisions. We explore the balancing act between the flash of a Mercedes AMG S63 and the practical charm of a family-friendly Honda Passport. Our personal tales of car ownership woes and the financial detours of choosing life experiences over hefty car payments steer the conversation toward a destination where practicality triumphs over prestige. It's a ride that covers the full spectrum of car culture – from the sentimental streets of nostalgia to the highways of futuristic innovations. So, rev your engines and tune in, as we navigate the intersections of car preferences, technology, and personal values. Don't forget to subscribe for the full tour of insights with every turn!

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    34 mins
  • Episode 12 - Thee Outdoors: Backyard and Beyond
    Apr 8 2024

    Remember those carefree days of youth when the call of the wild was quite literally your mother hollering across the lake to wrap up your outdoor shenanigans? Those days might be long gone, but the allure of the great outdoors remains unshaken in adulthood. In our latest podcast episode, we take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane and contrast it with today's reality, where nature is not just a backdrop for play but a stage for survival, and yard work becomes a rite of passage. We share hearty laughs over our urban camping blunders and ponder if our ancestors ever sneezed their way through pollen season.

    You might not expect an anecdote about using a seal carcass as a makeshift wetsuit to make its way into a conversation, but that's the kind of wild tale we dig into as we recount the most innovative survival tactics heard and seen. From the tranquility of fishing with my grandmother to the heart-pounding rush of thinking a bear's nearby while at a makeshift gun range, this episode is packed with stories that bind us to nature and to each other. We also discuss the cultural pivot to indoor-centric living, our physical resilience, or the lack thereof, and how a simple round of golf could be just what the doctor ordered for our nature-starved souls.

    Wrapping up our outdoor odyssey, we muse on the clash between the romanticized cowboy life and the suburban lawn warrior we've become. I confess my whimsical wish to soar as a bald eagle in another life, and we examine how outdoor experiences have evolved with age. From the chuckles over our spouses' glamping preferences to the mature acknowledgment of the weeds that need pulling, join us as we celebrate and scrutinize our connection with nature and the personal growth that comes with it. After all, adulthood might mean more responsibilities, but it doesn't have to mean less adventure.

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    47 mins
  • Episode 11 - DIY or Pay
    Apr 2 2024

    Ever found yourself knee-deep in a DIY disaster, questioning your life choices as you hold a perplexing piece of IKEA furniture? Well, you're not alone. Join us on a rollicking adventure that pits the can-do spirit against the realities of home and auto repairs. We'll share tales from the trenches, like my own thermostat debacle and a calamitous attempt at iPhone surgery, all serving as a hilarious reminder that sometimes, YouTube tutorials should come with a warning label. As we recount our DIY misadventures, you'll laugh, you'll cringe, and you might just learn when to reach for the tool belt and when to dial up the experts.

    Have you ever stood before a sea of fallen leaves, armed with nothing but a puny blower and a heart full of regret? We've been there, and we're dissecting the seasonal conundrum of yard work versus calling in the pros. I'll confess my wallet's woes as I weigh the merits of frugality against the lure of professional services. But it's not just about the lawn; we navigate the home improvement odyssey, from flooring fiascos to the dreaded painting project, and share why having a reliable 'guy' can save more than just your Saturday.

    Lastly, we tap into the surprising life lessons hidden within those DIY undertakings. I open up about constructing my own studio and dive into the world of parenting, where even the type of swaddle can be a game-changer. We also talk about the deep, soul-satisfying fulfillment that comes from completing a project with your own hands, be it a revamp of the home theater or resurrecting gym equipment. So, if you're hungry for a mix of heartwarming insights and side-splitting stories, this episode is your fixer-upper.

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    41 mins
  • Episode 11 - People Watching: The Unscripted Drama of Daily Life
    Mar 26 2024

    Have you ever caught yourself, in a moment of idle curiosity, watching the world whirl around you, taking in the nuances of human behavior like a spectator at the grandest of plays? That's where you'll find me, Ben Ford, and my partner in observation, Leander Kelsey Jr., as we peel back the curtain on the delightfully unpredictable art of people watching. From the sly scratchers to the fashion victims of air travel, our latest episode promises a tapestry of tales that celebrates the mundane yet fascinating spectacle of everyday life.

    Settle in and chuckle along with us as we recount the diverse cast of characters you might encounter on a stroll through Walmart or while waiting for a flight. We muse on the sartorial mysteries of airport bonnets and debate the merits of post-church iPad cleanliness, all the while pondering the unintentional comedy that humans provide when they presume they're unseen. It's an adventure through public spaces that will have you questioning whether to laugh or cringe—and sometimes both at once.

    Wrapping up with a more reflective note, we dissect the silent conversations spelled out in body language, from the intimacy of leg-crossing to the subtle clues in our walking patterns. But it's not just about watching; we're also inviting you to become part of the narrative. As we sign off, we're handing you the binoculars, encouraging you to embrace the dual role of audience and performer in this continuous dance of life—because, let's face it, we're all a little curious, aren't we? Join us, and see just how much fun a little observation can be.

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    34 mins
  • Episode 10: Potluck - Good Luck
    Mar 18 2024

    Ever wondered what it takes to be the unrivaled champ of potluck etiquette? Strap in as your hosts, Ben Ford and Leander Kelsey Jr., take you on a rip-roaring ride through the world of communal feasts, dishing out chuckles alongside practical advice. We'll let you in on a little secret—the recipes that get you invited back are not the ones you whipped up on a whim! And yes, we're looking at you, folks who let Fido lick the spoon. With a dash of our signature humor and a sprinkle of personal anecdotes, our chat will have you nodding in agreement or gasping at the thought of potluck perils.

    Now, let's get to the meat and potatoes—or should we say, taco dip disasters? We're slicing through the layers of potluck horror stories, debating whether it's better to laugh it off or call out the culinary culprits. As parents, we're even spilling the beans on those little concessions we make with our kids, germs and all. But it's not all food faux pas; we wrap up on a high note, championing chicken as the hero of every potluck. Join us, your culinary crusaders, as we share laughs, groans, and maybe a recipe or two. Bon appétit, and remember, keep the pets out of the kitchen—unless they're the ones wearing the apron.

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    29 mins