The Absurdists

By: Mary Murphy & Marlo Anderson
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  • Summary

  • The Absurdists is a weekly podcast where co-hosts Marlo Anderson and Mary Murphy take you on a hilarious and thought-provoking journey through the bizarre, the whimsical, and the downright absurd aspects of modern life. Whether they’re discussing peculiar inventions, absurd laws, or the quirks of daily communication, Marlo and Mary bring humor, curiosity, and light-hearted banter to every episode. With a focus on finding joy in life’s oddities, The Absurdists is a show that embraces the weird and invites listeners to laugh at the unexpected. Tune in for engaging conversations, amusing stories, and a reminder to embrace the absurdity in your own life!
    Copyright 2024 Marlo Anderson LLC
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Biographies & Memoirs Comedy & Humor Social Sciences World
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Episodes
  • Walking Down Memory Lane: Nostalgia, Humor, and Absurdity

    Walking Down Memory Lane: Nostalgia, Humor, and Absurdity
    Nov 20 2024
    In this delightful and laugh-out-loud episode of The Absurdists, co-hosts Mary Murphy and Marlo Anderson take us on a whimsical stroll through the past. Together, they explore a variety of once-popular phenomena and inventions, rating them as either “Baby, Come Back” or “Forget About It.” Prepare yourself for an entertaining blend of nostalgia, absurdity, and quirky insights as the duo dissects bygone cultural staples and ponders their place in today’s world. Highlights from the Episode: The Ingenious Pet Rock Mary and Marlo kick things off with a deep dive into the pet rock phenomenon. From googly eyes to DIY versions, they ponder the rock's utility as the ultimate low-maintenance pet—and a hilarious fallback gift for awkward social situations. Would the pet rock be a hit if it made a comeback today? Mary’s verdict? “Baby, Come Back.” Drive-In Theaters: Nostalgia on Four Wheels Remember drive-in theaters? Marlo shares tales of cramming friends into car trunks to save a few bucks, while Mary recalls the questionable sound quality and lumpy French fries. Though it stirs up fond memories, both hosts ultimately agree this one is a “Forget About It.” Cigarette Vending Machines The duo reminisces about the ubiquity of cigarette vending machines in the mid-20th century. With no ID checks, these machines were a fixture in laundromats and grocery stores. The absurdity of their unregulated accessibility leads both hosts to give this relic a firm “Forget About It.” Soda Jerks and Custom Beverages Marlo fondly recounts his encounters with soda jerks, the original mixologists who crafted fizzy drinks from syrups and soda water. Mary, intrigued by this bygone experience, votes “Baby, Come Back,” envisioning a revival of soda fountains in nostalgic eateries. The Great VHS vs. Betamax Debate The rivalry between VHS and Betamax gets the absurdist treatment as Marlo reveals an unexpected twist: the porn industry’s pivotal role in VHS’s victory. While the higher quality of Betamax impressed professionals, its inability to adapt to the home recording market sealed its fate. Waterbeds: A Sloshy Sleep Saga Waterbeds were a sensation in the 70s and 80s, but their leaks, high maintenance, and the infamous patch kits made them more trouble than they were worth. Despite their nostalgic charm, both Mary and Marlo agree they’re better left in the past. Dial-Up Modems: The Internet’s Awkward Teenage Years Nothing screams early internet like the screeching tones of a dial-up modem. Mary and Marlo hilariously recount the agony of losing a connection when someone picked up the phone. Nostalgic? Yes. But neither wants to relive those frustrating days. Verdict? “Forget About It.” Milk Delivery: Then and Now While the traditional image of a milkman in a white uniform may no longer exist, modern-day milk delivery services still thrive in some communities. Both hosts celebrate its evolution, voting “Baby, Come Back.” Phone Booths: Privacy, Please Marlo and Mary debate the merits of phone booths, with Marlo highlighting their nostalgic charm and Mary dreaming of modern “cone of silence” booths for noisy public phone users. The verdict remains mixed, but Mary’s vision for their revival feels more relevant than ever. MySpace: The Social Media OG In a heartfelt closing, Mary declares her undying love for the original MySpace, reminiscing about its customizable pages and band promotions. She proudly states, “I will die on this hill: Baby, Come Back.” Takeaway This episode is a love letter to the absurdities of the past and the quirks of human innovation. Whether reminiscing about soda jerks or cringing at the thought of waterbeds, Mary and Marlo guide us through a delightful mix of history and hilarity. Join The Absurdists for this nostalgic journey, and don’t forget to share your own “Baby, Come Back” or “Forget About It” moments in the comments. Stay absurd!
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • The Most Absurd World Records You Never Knew Existed

    The Most Absurd World Records You Never Knew Existed
    Nov 1 2024
    The Most Absurd World Records You Never Knew Existed Ever wonder who holds the record for balancing a running lawnmower on their chin? Neither had we, until this week's episode. Marlo and Mary dove headfirst into the weird world of record-breaking achievements, and folks, it's even stranger than we imagined. Did You Know People PAY to Break Records? Before we get into the truly bizarre stuff, here's something that blew our minds: people actually pay thousands of dollars to have their record attempts certified. That's right – somebody paid actual money to have someone watch them stack M&Ms. Speaking of which... Seven M&Ms: The Stack That Shocked Mary When Mary confessed she couldn't even stack two M&Ms, we knew we were in for a treat. The current record? Seven M&Ms stacked on top of each other. No glue, no tricks, just pure M&M-stacking dedication. As Mary put it, "I can't get two to stay on top of each other. I can't imagine anything more than that!" The T-Shirt Champion of Ontario Picture wearing 260 t-shirts at once. Now picture paying someone to watch you do it. Ted Hastings from Ontario did exactly that, requiring special order shirts up to size 20XL. His description? "Generally awful." But hey, he raised $11,000 for a playground, so we'll call that a win! High Heels at High Speed Remember Usain Bolt's 100-meter sprint record of 9.58 seconds? Now imagine running that same distance in stilettos. Someone did it in 12.82 seconds – just 3.24 seconds slower than Bolt's record. Mary's response? "I'm already in pain just thinking about it." Other Mind-Bending Records We Covered: A man who broke 51 watermelons with his head in one minute 125 scoops of ice cream balanced on a single cone Fingernails measuring almost 43 feet combined Breaking 46 wooden toilet seats with your head in 60 seconds (because... why not?) The Stories Behind the Strange What makes these records truly fascinating isn't just the bizarre achievements – it's the stories behind them. From a teacher's scolding leading to 66 years of nail growth to a tribute to a lost loved one, these seemingly absurd accomplishments often have surprisingly touching origins. Want to Break a Record with The Absurdists? We're cooking up something special. Marlo and Mary are contemplating setting their own world record with our listeners. Stay tuned for what might be the most absurd group achievement yet! Keep it Absurd As Marlo always says, "Stay Absurd, Everybody!" And if you're thinking about breaking any of these records, maybe start with stacking two M&Ms before moving on to the running lawnmower balancing act. Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform, and don't forget to follow us for more weekly doses of absurdity. Fun Fact: During the recording of this episode, Marlo revealed he holds four world records himself – though thankfully none involve balancing lawn equipment on any body parts!
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    33 mins
  • From Big Macs to Bless You: Laughing Through the World’s Weird Rituals

    From Big Macs to Bless You: Laughing Through the World’s Weird Rituals
    Oct 24 2024
    In this latest episode of The Absurdists, Marlo Anderson and Mary Murphy dive headfirst into the hilariously quirky world of human rituals, customs, and behaviors that, at a closer look, seem utterly absurd. With their characteristic wit, the duo unravels the strange ways people engage with everyday customs and habits that many of us take for granted, prompting laughter, reflection, and perhaps a little confusion along the way. The Great "Bless You" Debate The episode begins with a deep dive into the peculiar practice of saying “bless you” when someone sneezes. Marlo and Mary muse over why sneezes, and not coughs or yawns, earn this special acknowledgment. The pair uncovers the bizarre history of this ritual, tracing it back to ancient beliefs, where sneezing was thought to release spirits from the body, requiring a blessing to ward off evil. Mary shares how, even now, the custom persists globally, yet the logic behind it has long been lost to time. Marlo’s take? He wonders whether society would feel just as compelled to offer blessings if someone hiccupped or burped in public. Together, the hosts laugh at the oddity of such arbitrary social expectations, which shape behaviors we follow without second thought. Holding Doors: A Chivalry Conundrum Marlo recounts an awkward moment during his recent trip to London, where his attempt at politeness—holding a door open for strangers—was met with unexpected criticism. This moment triggers a larger conversation about the nuances of politeness and courtesy. The duo debates when it’s appropriate to hold a door, and how some cultures view these small acts of kindness differently. They discuss how politeness can sometimes backfire, turning an intended good deed into an uncomfortable social faux pas. Mary reflects on times when she felt awkward holding doors too long or when someone hurried awkwardly to avoid being “inconvenient.” The conversation naturally meanders into how different regions of the world handle common courtesy, with humorous stories peppered throughout. The Awkward Etiquette of Elevators Few things in modern life are as awkward as standing in an elevator with strangers, and Marlo and Mary fully explore this phenomenon. Should you strike up a conversation or pretend everyone else doesn’t exist? They laugh over the unwritten rules of elevator etiquette, where eye contact becomes taboo, and everyone instinctively turns to their phones to avoid interaction. Mary shares a story of a particularly lively elevator ride she once took in Las Vegas, where an impromptu conversation broke the unspoken rule of silence. Meanwhile, Marlo marvels at how such a small, confined space can amplify social anxiety and awkwardness. Crickets and Tequila: A Crunchy Cultural Experience Mary introduces listeners to her most recent culinary adventure in Mexico, where she participated in a tequila tasting that came with an unusual snack: crickets. Describing the experience with her signature humor, she shares how the tequila made the crunchy insects more palatable, although she warns listeners about the surprising challenge of dealing with tiny legs and antennae that stubbornly stick between your teeth. Marlo can’t resist chiming in, pondering the rise of edible insects in Western culture and playfully imagining future food trends. Could crickets become the new potato chips? The thought alone is absurd enough to warrant a chuckle. Absurd Reflections on Everyday Behavior The episode wraps up with reflections on how rituals and customs, from saying “bless you” to awkward elevator silences, shape human behavior. Marlo and Mary leave listeners with an invitation to embrace the absurdity of life and find humor in everyday interactions. Whether it’s holding a door, munching on crickets, or nodding politely in an elevator, these small moments remind us that life is full of quirks worth celebrating. Highlights from Episode 12: The Origins of “Bless You”: Sneezing and its strang...
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    Less than 1 minute

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