The Chris Ham podcast

WE ARE BACK AFTER A HIATUS!

I start the episode walking back the minimizing 3 kid parenting last year. Spoiler Alert: 3 kids are hard BRAH.

I then share a camping anecdoate of bougie camping which turned into a terrifying situation!

I discuss the manner in which friendships evolve in your late 30s/40s are much more complex and heavy than your youth.

I quickly share the conflict that comes up when listening to R.Kelly and Michael Jackson.

• Hammer rants:

1. 3 year olds are the hardest
2. Boomer tv remotes
3. Drivers seat preferences
4. Tennis>Golf
5. More drinking, less booze
6. Peter Pan deplorables
7. Mcdonalds drive thru delays
8. Solicitors are not acceptable
9. Weekday diner dining
10. Boy poop
11. Kid toy conflict

• In my introduction I talk about why as a 40 something year old dad, spring isnt so bad. (0:00-6:12)

• I welcome in long-time friend and successful entrepreneuer, Jeff Khadavi , who first shares some key parenting hacks for couples with young kids to keep sanity. We then discuss how Jeff had us groomsmen do a choreographed dance for his wedding in 2015 and rehearse at his bachelor party in Jamaica.

• We dive into a passionate area for Jeff(personal finance) and we discuss a great basic investing strategy, 529 plans, long-term savings, and the immense cost of college especailly for our kids in the next 10-15 years. (6:16-38:20)

• After a break we discuss Tik tok, the bougie friends on our "Jackals" text thread, and then POLITICS
• He challenges me on AOC and I challenge him on the "socially liberal, fiscally conservative" position that I feel many hide behind.
• I question the alignment of Persians with Trump and state my case as to why it doesn't make a lot of sense in the context of the overall voter base.
• Then we get into some lighter topics- we discuss the underrated movie of "The Bronx Tale" from the 1990s, and pivot to the New York Knicks where we share who set the Knicks back and zapped the life out of our fandom for a good while. (38:24-1:07:32)

• After one last break we discuss parenting and the dynamics of challenges of multiple kids. I express how adding a dog first was the MOST jarring even ahead of 0 to 1, 1 to 2, or 2 to 3 kids.(1:07:36-1:16:49)

• Hammer Rants: Chinese Food; Landscaping Blackouts; "12 year olds"; iPhone in parking spots(1:16:53-1:25:31)

• I start talking about the superfluous skiing IG posts and my relationship with skiing
• I recap the Cowboys/Bucs MNF Wildcard matchup and what it means goign forward for both teams.
• Then Chris B, Eagles fan and NFL guru, joins me to talk about the NFL action from Wildcard weekend.

• Seahawks/Niners- The 49ers buzz saw + Russell Wilson's game falling off a cliff.  Chris B wasn't shocked. 
• Chargers/Jags- Why Brandon Staley is in over his head.  Will he get fired?  How does Sean Payton's candidacy come into play here or elsewhere? 
• Dolphins/Bills- The shakiness of the Bills and Josh Allen in spite of the Hamlin catalyst 
• Giants/Vikings- Is this Giants team magical or just a team with a good coach overacheiving? What to do with Saquan and Daniel Jones? 

• Hot take on Mike McCarthy and the discussion of the coaching vacancies, Lovie Smith's big FU to the Texans, What the Bears should do with the #1 pick and why they won't, The QB carousel- will the Jets end up with one of the big names? What will happen with Zach Wilson? 
• End of year awards- Coach of Year, MVP, Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year
• We end with swapping suburban dads/home owners and parenting stories 

I start the episode discussing decades and narrowing down the single hardest thing about having 3 kids.

I segue to what makes me intersted in Prince Harry/Megan Markle and how "black passing" creates lazy racial categorization and why it pisses me off.  

I discuss why HBO's White Lotus is worth the hype and the travel bug it creates.  I discuss a disappointing streaming movie and a surprisngly intriguing one.

Hammer rants- Shorten the game with kids; "friendly dogs"; bandaids/scotch tape/ice packs; VIP customers; figuring out life; Republican clown show

I end the episode discussing the NFL 2022 season conclusion and interesting storylines and playoff matchups.

FINALLY-  I discuss what I thought about my New York Jets 2022 season and the outlook for 2023.  

I discuss new show format spinoffs and then Ham Hot Sharp Butter Knife Picks ATS

• NYJ vs. BAL
• PIT at CIN
• GB at MIN
• CLE PK at CAR
• NE at MIA
• CHI vs. SF

• Then buddy Jordan Rubenstein joinns.  We do 30 minutes of non-football then discuss how the season wraps up near Valentine's Day. 
• We then talk about the Jets- discuss negative narratives, Dolphins hype, who needs to be good outside of Zach Wilson and then defend rookie OT Max Mitchell's comments about Calais Campbell. Discussion about a mainstream sports personality who lives nearby and his negaitve Jets sentiment.
• We then rant and rave about our Yankees  

• I start discussing a very tiring and scary double ER trip for two out of three of my kids in a FIVE day span.  
• I segue to the Roe V. Wade decision and express the outrage of men controlling women's bodies and the Republicans stacking the deck in the SCOTUS.  BUT, I take an angle on the driver of Roe V. Wade that I dont hear discussed often and relate it ot a lot of conservative politics in general.  
• I discuss why I have problems taking out the red, white, and blue pom poms are July 4th and how even as a privileged guy, there are certain challenges I have being mixed race person of color.  
• Then let's talk about January 6th and why the details and testimonies dont matter as much as the outcome.  
• I share two celebrity encounter stories- one was well received and one definitely was NOT.  

Hammer rants- Fresh lemonade at kid stands; grocery storey aisle etiquette; crazy people/crazy pets; green light honks; Biden re-election bid

• I end the podcast with a quick sports digest- The Warriors/Curry; Knicks/Durant; My Yankees 

I start the show with perhaps my angriest rant yet.  I talk about the tragic ELEMENTARY school shooting in Texas and some of the narratives by gun nuts.(0:00-9:10)

My originally recorded intro- the episode was on remote location from Miami! I discuss how hard it is to be away from my kids even though I was enjoying a recharge.  (9:10-14:16)

The first topic we kick off is around the New York Yankees, Josh Donaladson and Chicago White Sox shortstop, Tim Anderson.  Why saying "Jackie" while to me doesnt deserve a suspension, is not innocuous and signals racism even if white America doesn't want to believe it. I talk about a controversial litmus test I do to see how racially sensitive somebody is. (14:20-25:07)

I then segue to why the Donaldson monicker for Anderson has to be considered in the context of racial issues in the United States.  I discuss the HORRIFIC Buffalo grocery store shooting by a white terrorist and my unorthodox solution for this country around drawing new borders(25:11-37:40)

I segue to the lighter topic of Miami as a city and my observations from my most recent trip- the weather, the shady character element, dress confidence, being perceived as Latin, Covid, and more (37:44-56:05)

Hammer Rants: airplane entitlement; up/down as synonyms 

I start the episode complaining about Northeast weather and peel back the curtain around a privileged conversation that I haven't heard many share publicly.  

Jordan then joins the show- We start talking about Covid, property taxes, houses, cars, and challenges of young kids.(0:00-29:55)

We then segue to our Jets:  We cover the 4th pick overall and why the "Sauce"pick makes sense in the newest AFC East landscape.  We talk about Garrett Wilson versus other WR prospects and the ability of a good GM to pivot real-time during a draft.  We discuss the value of Jermaine Johnson.  We discuss the value and upside of the day 2 and day 3 picks and then give our outlook for win total with the newst iteration of the roster.  We talk about surprise picks more broadly in the first round of the draft.  

We end with some brief Yankee talk

Hammer rants- Landscaping trucks; family of 5 laundry

• I start sharing about our Ham family Covid experience and discuss some double and triple date excitement.
• I then segue to warn fellow Democrats about Covid approach in this election year plus rake anti-vaxers over the coals for a clear example of hypocrisy.  
• Are safes really needed in hotels when you travel domestically? 
• I apply a Malcolm Gladwell principle to parenting.  
• Hammer rants: I take a side in the Chris Rock/Will Smith debacle from the Oscars; Betas drive X; Cryptic social media age rep; Doja Cat/Ariana Grande
• I end discussing some thoughts on the NCAA tournament, the NBA, the Yankees, and my Jets

• I start my intro with some excitement over this time of the year and why I have a renewed apprecation for St. Patrick's Day but it was NOT always that way.(0:00-9:16)
• Jen joins the program and we start discussing laugh attacks and why they're good for the soul.  Why and how Jen should get a stand-up comedy shot.  Philosophically, what is success? (9:19-29:52)

• Jen get into the meat and potatoes and we segue to discuss parenting and the differences between 0 to 1 kids, 1 to 2 kids, 2 to 3 kids.  
• We walk through the sexism wrapped into discussing gender differences
• We talk about insecurity around developmental differences with kids expressed by others
• How do kids coming into the world mirror personality later in life?
• What messages does society give us about breast feeding versus formula feeding and why is it hypocritical?
• I discuss how I have more insight into understanding Jen's issue with people bringing up parental esemblance by the weird assumptions around racial inheritance.  
• We also discuss dynamics around toy sharing and when do we referee if at all?
• We end with discussing Jen's books in progress.(29:55-1:20:39)

• Hammer Rants: High school kids at premium gyms; Uncle Tom's and Supreme Court; Patrick Mahomes needs to revamp(1:20:42-1:29:49)

• BLOOPERS(1:29:52-1:32:15)

I start the episdoe briefly touching on the scary events in Ukraine and what simple character flaw caused Putin to invade.  

I segue to a major life event-  first son and third kid welcomed in our Ham household and I discuss what life has been like parenting 3 kids.  

I then discuss the liberal hysteria at this stage of the pandemic and why it upsets me as a regsitered Democrat and unabashed liberal.  

I revisit black coaching in the NFL and discuss why the Flores suit is justified and why me as a mixed race person of color will be rooting against certain teams and for others.

I discuss a favorite restaurant in Westcheter

I discuss how hard it is to eat clean and healthy even with an earnest desire.  

Rants- Socially distant; Toddler diapers; Dog poop spots; Milestone congrats; Camrys and old people

A show that has no boundaries for topics with a cross section of guests- Sports, Politics, Philosophy, Pop Culture.  Buckle Up!  

On this episode I start talking about pending baby boy, and mid-January boiler breakdown.  

Then friend of the pod, Chris B joins to breakdown the NFL landscape going into the Championship games.  

I segue to an analysis on minority coaches and how they unfairly get screwed. 

Hammer rants- Gym Coffee is a no no; No headlights at dusk; cryptic about salaries but not housing prices; toilet seat etiquettte 

I start discussing the end of the 2021 holiday season and why it reminds me of closing out bars in my 20s. I preview some of the upcoming episode releases in 2022.(0:00-6:07)

I share a couple stories about how racism comes out toward me as a privleged racially ambiguous mixed guy.  I talk about my hypothesis of the root cause of what casuses microaggression and low grade racism.(6:11-17:31)  

I recap the absurdity of the right's denail of Covid but focus on taking to task the hysteria around Omicron from the left.(17:35-21:21) 

I then introduce a brand new guest, friend, dad and fellow Jets fan- Jordan Rubenstein- we discuss the good and the challenging around parenting young kids under 6.  He gives me a heads up on what to expect parenting a boy for the first time.(21:25-48:35)

We give a mutual friend some crap for some poor sports takes that have been quickly decided.  I share why I have esclating dislike over the New York Giants.(48:36- 1:01:00)

We segue to our Jets- We cover Darnold, Wilson, coordinators, Saleh, Joe Douglas, and why we have some hope for our crummy franchise as the year closes. What if Russell Wilson came to the New York team in green rather than blue? (1:01:00-1:38:00)

I recap Week 16 in the NFL and talk playoff picture.(1:38:05-1:48:05)

 Takes of all Temperatures(T.O.A.Ts)- The window of Santa belief; reindeer antlers on Range Rovers(1:48:09-1:51:00)

My college friend joins the podcast to discuss her experience with "Long Covid".

After a take on early holiday decorations, I start the episode talking about the best things about Thanksgving week. 

I then bring on my former college classmate and mom of 2 girls, Rachel Ferebee Puckett who explains that in spite of taking a very cautious and conservative approach to Covid, contracted the disease and symptoms have stuck with her for almost a year.  She talks about the challenges she has experienced and how difficult it has been to manage a household with this.  She ends discussing broader Covid frustrations of the population.

Takes of all Temperatures(T.O.A.Ts)- bad drivers/bad cars; nannies don't parent; change of seasons underrated?; blasphemous Frank Sinatra take for an Italian-American.

I start talking about why I love October almost as much as September.  I discuss the brutal cold that struck the Ham family.   I then segue to talking about fun Halloween plans and a party with kids, adults, and NFL football.  I finish off my intro discussing the witnessing of an interaction between my older daughter and her classmate that left me feeling very angry and protective and not surprised based on interactions with the parents (0:00-11:11).

I discuss how I am a "supermarket Catholic" but very spiritual and how both dogmatic religion and atheism are rooted in one very similar character trait.  I tie this character trait to stagnation and dysfunction with two of my beloved professional sports teams(11:15-25:20).

I breakdown the Netflix hit Squid Game and discuss what makes the show so captivating(25:24-31:16).

I introduce a pop culture segment and react to the E News IG story real-time(31:20-37:44.

I talk about a local magazine feature and how being a minority within a minority group makes relatability challenging even as I grow my family. I discuss gratitude for a great 40th birthday celebration and the friends in my life(37:48-44:20)

Takes of all Temperatures(T.O.A.Ts)- Anti-Vax Dimwits; Rainrunning; Tomohawk Chop; Women rarely worse looking than hubbie (44:24-51:20)

I recap why I like analyzing NFL lines and spreads but do not actually gamble myself.  I discuss how you have to narrow games down and not pick every game.  I then make my ATS picks for week 8 and explain my rationale to narrowing down from the whole slate to the card of 5 which people use for supercontest style pools are top wagers.  

I start talking reflecting about my pending milestone 40th birthday and what is planned. I talk about parenting and how their challenges jump out when you are solo without your spouse.  I discuss the specific challenges of my two kids and how we better get ready for THREE kids. (0:00-7:41)

NFL- Ham Hot Sharp Butter Knife Picks ATS for Week 3. (7:45-18:58)

Some thoughts on Zach Wilson, the Jets in 2021, and the end of the Yankee regular season. (19:02-23:58)

Reflection on turning 40- Discussing what my 20s and 30s were about; the good, the bad, the ugly; How an interaction at age 12 or 13, is something that is still sticking with me as I turn 40. I also talk about how racist my college girlfriend's familly was and a racist encounter that I heard of in college from a friend but didn't involve me directly. I discuss addiction, the blessings in my life now, and why 9/11 is more emotional now 20 years later than it was in 2001.(24:02- 48:08)

Takes of all Temperatures(T.O.A.Ts)- Sending servers away at restaurants; ice cream float APEXs; fashion trends that stay static; baseball players and gold chains (48:12-52:46)

I play two very prophetic statements on January 5th by my guest, Chris B.  I intro discussing an exciting announcement about the Ham Hot Sharp Butter Knife segment/bonus pod.  

My wife's cousin's husband and godfather to our 2nd daugther joins the episode to forecast the NFL 2021 season. We start talking about a bougie sporting event, a bloody pinky, and a brand new car fender bender to start the episode.

Then we dive into our excitement for football and discuss the top 3 storylines entering the 2021 NFL season.  Spoiler Alert: We discuss the impact of Covid and the unvaxed as one of these major stories!

We predict division finishes

• We name a few clown coaches but one that we kinda root for.  
• We don't understand the elevation of one coach from a northeastern team.
• We talk about the tendency of people to overrate the Falcons.
• I make two very bold division predictions involving number 1 overall picks over the last few years.
• We don't understand a team that is being annointed to the degree they are given their QB who has ZERO playoff wins and is in his mid 30s.

We go through playoff seeds and Chris B has a bold Superbowl prediction.

I introduce the episode sharing excitement around a new car, a new restaurant, and what makes my favorite month of September particularly special this year.

My wife Jen Aloisi Ham joins the show for the first time in a bit:

I start trying to understand why stray laundry stresses Jen out and dbate the merits of segregating "outdoor" and "indoor" clothing.

We then jump into breaking down our Nashville trip and what lessons we learned as first and last plane trip as a family of 4 until we become a family of FIVE very soon.

We then segue to talking about the south.  We talk about the racist remnants and the artifacts that exist subtly. In spite of all the technology in 2021, the word of Covid apparently hasn't made its' way down south.

Then we segue to talking about our family expansion and baby boy Ham on his way. We hammer a couple of the weird cliche questions we have gotten since sharing the news with people including why one question is particularly STUPID.

We anticipate having a boy and what terrifies us about the new gender in our household.

We discuss our dog's injury in spite of his laziness.

We then talk about friendships around this phase of life, aspirational role model parents in their 40s, and hypothesize why certain couples get along.

Are husbands bad photo takers? What drives this? 

We end with some Kardashian talk and the partner picking challenges, the phenomenon of their fame, and I can't think of anyone who I would be more star struck if I ran into them.  

We cap the show off with a quick NFL discussion about high level predictions and the spectacle of the Cowboys on Hard Knocks.

I kick off the episode with a major personal announcment.  CAN YOU GUESS? Oh boy. 

I then welcome Dr. Monica Gandhi, medical doctor, infectious disease expert with a massive Covid Twitter following.

• Dr. Gandhi and I start disucssing how her HIV background helped shape some of her Covid philosophies.  
• We then segue to when Covid came on her radar and the cycle of severe disease.  
• We discuss the polarizing politcial reactions and OVER-reactions to Covid. Was it ok to take off the mask for a while?  We discuss vitriol from fellow Democrats.  I give an umbrella analogy around mask wearing.
• Then of course, we discuss the DELTA VARIANT as public enemy #1, understanding recent CDC messaging, and the interpretation by vaccinated folks.
• We talk about how vaccines work, understanding effectiveness, and Covid risks in 2021 versus 2020.
• Vaccine side effects
• When will we see Delta go away and what is that based on?
• How does Delta effect young children? What should schools look like in the fall? 
• Will variants evade vaccines in the future? What will Covid look like in 2 years? Should we worry about long COVID?

Linner segment: College kids need to go back to school

Takes of all Temperatures(TOATs): cookies over ice cream; Starbucks; regular customers; mosquito irritation; city living shelf life

I open talking about my oldest daughter Eloise's marathon 5th birthday celebration and how 5 and 6 are unique birthday parties for parents. I preview a very compelling guest and podcast logo change as we step into episode 70.  

I then segue to discuss why social media likes are less trivial than advertised and how smaller behavioral actions by friends, family, and acquaintances can actually be larger windows into sentiments.

I discuss the N-word and how suffix implies a different meaning yet both should still be avoided

Linner segment- I talk about how spouses can be checks and balances for each other; I show an example of 12-step recovery in action around NBA Finals MVP Giannis.

TWELVE TAKES OF ALL TEMPERATUES(T.O.A.TS)- CP3 & State Farm; baseball uniforms; maple syrup types; motorcyles; bulk bacon; armored trucks; multiple simultaneous photo takers; Bezos PR; Monday anniversaries; orange juice; cross gender texting; QR codes 

I start disucssing my enjoyment of Father's Day and one of my favorite local pizza places and what makes the pizza so great and unique.

I segue to discussing the population of people that don't seem to acknolwedge dads on Father's Day beyond their own.  

I then talk about Covid dwindling and the clinging to irrational mask belief systems.

I share a fender bender story and talk about how little decisions can lead to big things good, bad, and everything in between.

T.O.A.Ts(Takes of All Temperatures)- Durant hair; Over-using "baby"; Good towns & traffic; Pet names: Coach attire; Red Flags at 20 are red flags at 40

I open talking about entering a period of great weather and also spiked up the excitment socialization post vaccination and made a comparision to returning to college from summer break. I list my favorite cocktails to be sipped with nice dinners.  

I talk about the extreme Republican skeptism of Covid in 2020 but then quickly pivot to the frustration I feel toward LIBERALS in 2021 and their irrational fear toward Covid post-vaccination.  I talk about why we should be very excited about the vaccine landscape.  There is a lot of hypocrisy going on with over-maskers and I explain why.  I relate it to the pitfall character flaw of liberals.  

I also poke holes in a few of the arguments of not breathing easy-PUN INTENDED.  I talk about the dangers of reluctance in spite of varying risk tolerance.  

I quickly hit on the announcment that the U.S government will acknowledge the existence of Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon.

Takes of All Temperatures(T.O.A.T.S)- Hot cheese superiority; Overrated Change of Seasons; Interracial Couple Racial Assumptions; Height Vitriol for Average Men; Sketchy White Vans; Chase ATM slowness

I start the show talking about shot 2 effects of the Pfizer vaccine for wifey and I as well as Jen's company launch and Times Square celebration.(0:00-10:39) 

Then one of my best and oldest friends "Baumer" comes on for the Ham Film Club Deep Dive of Varsity Blues.  We are on the same college driven text thread "The Jackals" and we talk about most likely and least likely other guests on the pod.  Then we talk about our kids dinner and bedtime routines and the random questions asked by pre-schoolers like the creepy tendencies of the Tooth Fairy. (10:42-26:30) 

We kick off our discussion of Varsity Blues and contemplate the first time we saw it and talk about the versatility of being able to watch movies in college with both dudes and women late night for entirely different drivers.  We establish the age range of those who loved this movie most, hop into an executive summary of Varsity Blues if you have never heard of the movie, and talk about the most notable stars of the movie including one TERRIBLE actor.  We go through what we like about the movie and contrast where it is flawed high level (26:31-48:01) 

Categories(48:05-1:13:55) 

• Best Scene 
• Worst Acted Scene B
• est Quote 
• Best Character- Did Tweeder reinvent himself and become "Richie" in Boiler Room 
• Biggest Crush- We digress and talk about the strapping Idris Elba and the sophistication of Brits.  
• I would not want to be in an alley with this person 
• Special: Most realistic great football play 
• Special: Least realsitic football play 

I call bullshit segment/random burning questions(1:13:56-1:25:50)Who is Moxon really?- good guy or sketchy guy? Bud Kilmer's terrible speech among a several others.   Random Trivia(1:25:51-1:31:30) Lance's younger brother as a kid actor became a side character on two very popular shows. We end discussing future movies to do in the Ham Film Club Deep Dive and talk about Covid vaccine reactions BEFORE I got it and Jen's startup launch(1:31:31-1:38:29)

It's good to be back and I share a story about a silly mistake that led to a parking ticket.   

I then segue to giving thoughts about the Chauvin verdict and why I expressed jubilation and broke down crying in a 5 minute window.  

I talk about how easy it is to swat away right wing talking points used by stupid Trump supporters around police brutality and guns. 

I check in about Covid and how life could look in the next 6-12 months but it's hard for people to uncondition. 

I breakdown "Keeping Up With the Kardashians"- I talk about how you an paradoxically admire and loathe them.  I also talk about how with two small tweeks- I would be right up Kendall's alley. 

Takes of all Temperatures(T.O.A.Ts)- Sending Servers Away; Senior Citizen Staring; Evolve as you Age; Shady License Plates; Birthday Texts; Bye Bye Darnold 

I start talking about my younger daughter as a pandemic baby and the celebration of her 1st birthday party.  

I also have a big personal announcement around my career. 

No major topics on this pod but a bunch of smaller ones! 

I have some criticsm of those with my political views-  I start talking about Covid over-caution by the left and under-caution by the right I then segue to the hyperbole around Dr. Seuss and how a lot of our society succumbs to black and white thinking.  I criticze the left on this. 

I segue to talking about my list of some key similarities with Megan Markle and how those racist against her really don't understand genetics. 

I do a detailed breakdown of Huey Lewis' 1984 beach music video "If This is It". 

Then we have a robust TAKES of all Temperatures segment(T.O.A.Ts)- Black Mirror Netflix greatness; celsius vs. fahrenheit; Bulls 1990s P.A intros; tints and trumpers; lights off in big houses; Emoji skin colors; crash diets; changing book pronouns

I start the episode complaining about February as a month and how you could look at this point in winter in the Northeast glass half empty or glass half full.  I go on to discuss how to consume t.v as a parent in 2020 and how the new Twilight Zone has captured my attention.(0:00-6:43)

I explain why and how being the parent of kids under 12 during Covid has had it the hardest the last 12 months and has had it the relative hardest since World War II, all things equal.  Count your number of household depenedents including pets and that is a measure of how hard it is to work remotely during Covid with young kids. (6:46-17:07)

I explain why there is hypocrisy in much of the Blue Lives Matter flagging and those who wave it.  Blue Lives Matter is a dog whistle and it always has been. I asked my closest college friends if they would put a Black Lives Matter flag or sign up and their reservations are similar to mine and I discuss unfortunately why. (17:11-26:15)

I talk about cancel culture and how it is weaponized on the right even toward the middle of the political spectrum(26:19- 32:53)

I give a philosophical take on aging and how it gets scary to approach "mid-life" (32:57-35:12)

T.O.A.Ts(Takes of All Temperatures)- Robert Saleh; 4-year old quirks; Friendship height correlations; Hamoisi as a name; Unnecessary outdoor mask scrambling  (36:29-45:37)

Quick Superbowl LV recap, our family experience watching this year, and Covid season capstone (45:41-53:20)

I start ths show noting the lighter air with Joe Biden as President and commemorate my first podcast episode without Donald Trump at the helm.(0:00-5:36)

I then give my Ham Hot Sharp Butter Knife Picks for Championship week in the NFL.(5:40-10:22)

I then introduce my local friend Brooks to do a breakdown of the 1996 popular Michael Bay film, The Rock.  I embarrass Brooks about being my smartest friend and he is very modest about it.  We start briefly discussing Seinfeld, analyze the series high-level, and rank main characters. (10:30-18:24)

We start breaking down The Rock- We give executive summaries for the hypothetical scenario if someone unfamiliar walked into the room.  We talk about Alcatraz as a tourist destination.  We then discuss major actors including Nicholas Cage and his mid 1990s run where he was much younger than most to peak.   We talk about what we like about The Rock as a film warts and all.  I categorize for me what similarities in Contagion, The Purge, Hostel, and The Rock resonate with me as a film viewer.(18:24-40:07)

Categories(40:11-01:22:00)

• Best Scene- Brooks and I agree on it and it's not the one you might expect 
• Most Unintentionally funny scene-  
• Worst acted scene 
• Best character 
• I would not want to be in an alley with this person 
• I call bull$hit on...
• Best quote

Misc. trivia/goofs(01:22:01-01:33:53)- 1996 was a high level movie year, General Hummel's flimsy escape plan, his plan to get the kids out of the hostage pool, Emotional mistep by a Navy SEAL, the trolly driver's improbable survival during the car chase, and the unrealistic reveal of what Mason was hiding for decades.

Chris B.(My wife's cousins husband) who is a friend and Godfather to my younger daughter joins the podcast to summarize the 2020 NFL season and preview the playoffs.

We start with a discussion about the surreal year that is 2020 and how we each had a kid since our last discussion which in spite of the turmoil has been a blessing.  We hit on the confluence of Covid and parenting.  How will Covid change society forever and what are the most rewarding parts of parenting.   

We jump into the NFL discussion and talk about how Covid affected Black Monday,  We rank the best and worst open coaching vacancies. We discuss QB changes  I give a theory as to what Flores was doing starting Tua.  We give our end-of-season awards(MVP, Coach of the Year, Rookies).   We discuss Eagles tanking against the Washington Football Team and Chris B's conviction around his theory as to WHY.  We dive into what went wrong with the Eagles and the Jets over the last couple of years and when I was out on Sam Darnold and how I want a fresh start. 

We then preview the Wildcard weekend playoff games-discuss the new format of 7 teams per conference.

Chris joins me for the Ham Hot Sharp Butter Knife Picks ATS.  

I start the epsidoe talking about a December blizzard in the Northeast and how I like the look of snow but the ugly forms it takes several days in then losing my credit card and wallet in the same Christmas present run while with my 4-year old.  I then talk about how Bruno in 6 years has growled ferociously at a short list of people and he encounter two recently (0:00-11:32)

I rant about how I became a Jets fan and give a little Jets history lesson.  Then I talk about how Adam Gase is the worst coach in the history of a punchline franchise and how the Jets blew a chance at a generational QB.  The person to blame for the win is Sean McVay over anybody in the Jets organization (11:36-19:39)

I discuss couple friendships, recap how friendships stick, and talk about the decline of your number of friends between 25 and 40. I give a personal account of lost friendships including a couple friendship who "reverse witness protectioned" us(19:42- 29:40)

I check in on politics about Covid incompetence and baseless voter fraud conspiracys manufactured by the right.  Then I talk about the Republican infighting (29:44-34:08)

Takes of all Temperatures(T.O.A.Ts)- Zoom fatigue;  Kwanzaa is fugazi; Child actors peak too early; Fozzie Bear is the worst; Heavy Pours/Light Pours; Santa's Coming for Us Music Video  (34:12-43:48)

I start the episode talking about Thanksgiving and reminiscing about Thanksgiving Eve and thinking about the future with my kids and how things come full circle.  I share a pearl of wisdom about the progression of parenting challenges.  And let's acknoweldge on the pod that WE HAVE A NEW PRESIDENT! (0:00-6:33)

I start discussing the transiton to Biden as the 46th President and how the transition process, Trump's baseless fraud accusations, and Trump's legal team are an absolute embarrassment.  I get into why 2020 Republicans generally wear me the hell ou.  I ALSO get fatigued by how and when the left goes too far BUT I don't equalize it (6:34-19:19)

Parenting Snapshot- I discuss the best and most challenging things of parenting our kids at their respective ages of 4+4 months and 8.5 months old (19:22-25:08)

What I expect from COVID and for the people to SHUT UP compaining about Governor crowd gathering mandates(25:11-27:49)

Takes of all Temperatures(TOATs)- Siri voice accents; Social media privacy pet peeves; Addressing people; Game winning drive stats; Thanksgiving rankings (27:52-34:54)

NFL storylines, Fantasy Football Disdian & Ham Hot Sharp Butter Knife Picks ATS (34:57-45:59)

I start recapping Covid Halloween and talk about aggressive squirrels in my neighborhood and spider crickets.(0:00-7:09)

Recorded 11/1/20-My friend from town and around the corner neighbor Brad Garfield, mutli-talented creative media executive, and resident Trump hater joins the pod to talk about the upcoming election and what is at stake for the country.

We start talking about Brad's upbringing in Southern California in the 1960s including being a lone Jewish person among peers, his hippy parents, his Marine corp stint, backpacking around Europe in the 80s, how the best decision he ever made galvanized his political activism and awareness, and why it still matters to vote in solid blue and red states (7:10-25:17)

What would Brad say to swing a swing voter?  One word and one attribute sum things up.  We talk Trump supporter narratives, we discuss these Trump caravans leading up to the elections, and speculate post-election day results  (25:17-48:00)

Brad talks about how internationally we are an embarrassment currently in spite of this attitude of American "exceptionalism" and why young politicians BOTH Democrats and Republican are important as we look ahead.   We also talk about how policies matter OVER party. We touch on the fruitless Hunter Biden story and juxtapose it with Trump family nepotism. (48:00-58:00)

Why do we think 2020 will be different than 2016?  How did we feel after Trump got elected in his first term? How Brad's young adult kids talked him off the ledge.(58:00-1:09:13)

Takes of All Temperatures(T.O.A.Ts)- Guys who don't follow ANY sports; espresso over coffee; voice distinction; election take and respective result predicitons (1:10:10-

We are moved into our house and startin to get settled in.  I start talking about impateince over other liquor store patrons. 

I share some freaky anecotes captured of toddlers sighting ghosts to parents demonstrating something bigger than what we see and experience daily. 

I talk about the housing rennovatoin I found most fascinating so far.  

I give an update on the election polling and talk about how my real concern is the backlash after a Biden win rather than the outcome. 

T.O.A.Ts- Incorrect Covid mask wearing; Trade workers and home bathrooms; Memorable quotes; counting weeks/months/half years; Basic B!tch political pairings

 NFL week 6 storylines and Ham Hot Sharp Butter Knife PIcks ATS

I start talking about the weird year that is Covid 2020 and how all sports are going on at the same time.  I speak about a month out from the election and Trump having Covid.  I don't wish him the best even as a man of faith.(0:00-4:57)

I discuss the presidential debate 1 and Trump's childish antics.(5:01-10:44)

I talk about the HORRIBLE moving experience between our last apartment to our first house and some of the things you encounter buying and closing on a house.(10:48-18:43)

Takes of All Temperatures(T.O.A.Ts)- Westchester Pizza; Knives left out of place settings unacceptable; You need intials or last name on phone contacts; Entitled left turners, Parents get weird after age 60. (18:47- 23:56)

I preview week 4 of the NFL and give my picks ATS. (24:00-29:59)

I start expressing my love for September as a month and gear up for another parents night out for Jen's birthday who loves to spoil her own gifts ALWAYS.(0:00-8:12)

I preview a show format through a segment where I breakdown the 1984 classic "The Karate Kid":

Elevator pitch describing the movie plot, what makes the movie good, where is it flawed, trivia, best scene, uninentionally funny,  bad actors, how great Dutch is as a Cobra Kai member and how terrible Bobby Brown is. I then talk about the character I would not want to cross in an alley, and where I call bull$hit. I then talk very briefly about the 2018 Netflix spin-off "Cobra Kai" and how I root for Johnny Lawrence and against Daniel LaRussa.(8:13-26:32)

Trump Terrible Tranmissions and McEnany Misspeakings(26:36-33:01)

Takes of All Temperatures(T.O.A.Ts)- Senior Citizen Zoom Struggles; Long Island driving insecurity; Cable Companies suck; Pickup truck drivers(33:04-41:47)

I start off disussing the expanded COVID bubble, a great parents night out, and a "normal" feeling weekend. (0:00-8:04)

I then juxtapose the treatment by police of Jacob Blake and Kyle Rittenhouse.  Police see Rittenhouse as an appendage or auxiliary police officer since he promotes a frightening agenda.  The 1990s movie HIgher Learning ending captures this sentiment.  By "defund", I don't mean "disband" and I explain the difference.(8:08-19:15)

I discuss my thoughts on the RNC playbook and the motivation by bringing out Uncle Tom African Americans.   I talk about what jumping ship from an extreme liberal would look like and what liberals want in a nutshell- in my opinion at least!(19:18-23:31)

I talk about how we need to use simple data and a statistcal principle to be optomistic about a Biden/Harris victory.(23:32-29:13)

Parenting Stripes-  Rewards and Challenges of each kid- Sleep Deprivation; Car Bugaboo(29:16-35:47)

Takes of all Temperatures(T.O.A.T.S)- Tucker Carlson; Oat Milk; Hangover relief points; Age limit on shots(36:31-43:10)

Sports Digest- NBA protests, COVID across all sports, and recapping the first three episodes of HBO's Hard Knocks.(43:13-47:35)

I start discussing losing power due to Hurricane Isais, the inconvinient effects, and have some critical words about ConEd and Optimum as utility providers.(0:00-7:20)

My 2nd cousin Cara, an Irish/Italian American millenial joins the pod to discuss her political views as an Independent!

We start sharing how we are related, Cara's career, cooking hobby, tacos, then her upbringing-values instilled/lessons taught including respect, and treating others the way you want to be treated rooted in Catholic school education. Also- millennials played outside! (7:24-25:26)

We segue to politics- Cara talks about when she noticed, 9/11, why/when she registered as an Indpendent, how I enjoy dialogue most with Indpendents/Moderates as opposed to Republicans or even Democrats.  Most of the people you CHOOSE to spend time with are contained to a political spectrum range BUT not your family always. (25:26-38:30) 

Cara gives her thoughts on Donald Trump, Obama/McCain 2008 and shifting sentiment on McCain, Hillary Clinton.  We then talk about why AOC is such a lightning rod and is any part of her criticsm valid?(38:30-50:50)

Cara then shares her own personal family account with COVID, talks about the appreciation of Andrew Cuomo, and emphasizes the importance of mask wearing.  We then talk about Black LIves Matter, Blue Lives Matter, and All LIves Matter.(50:50-1:04:04)

I ask her the biggest thing about the Democratic Party and the Republican Party that bother her most- it's a similar answer!(1:04:05-1:07:33)

We end sharing a couple funny family stories around embarrassing movies.(1:07:03-1:15:03)

Takes of All Temperatures(T.O.A.Ts)- Kamala Harris; Cyclists; Dems are wealthy too; I like outdoor cigarette smoke(1:15:53- 1:26:37)

Buckle up!  Excited to be back after a 2.5 week hiatus.  I talk about my New York accent and the ebbs and flows of the intensity, discuss the realization when I got carded for buying White Claws at a local grocery store that my older daughter is closer to 21 than I am!  (0:00-7:30)

I revisit a hate crime in hindsight from 1982 discussing the murder of Vincent Chin and the ridiculous lack of penalty for the perps(7:30-16:58)

I give a brief tribute to the late acitvist and politican John Lewis(17:01-19:50)

I segue to discuss the weird COVID grey zone and the botched U.S response due to decentralized state responses(19:50-27:49)

Terrible Trump Tranmissions & McEnany Misspeakings(28:32-37:16)

T.O.A.Ts- Takes of All Temperatures- AOC; Naysayers/Yes People; Sweet as Slang; Mask Mouth; Dangerous Drivers; Injury Prone & 4 year olds(37:19-45:05)

Buckle up! My wife, Jen, joined to talk about the American Flag dog whistle, raising kids to be racially aware, and thewet blanket of a year that is 2020.  

I kick off the show introducing upcoming epsidoes and discuss why July and Q3 in general is an important time for our family.(0:00-4:55)

Jen attempts to impersonate my intro to the show and we start talking about the differences between men and women when it comes to photo taking.(5:31-12:58)

Jen then lays out the two discrete examples of American flag flying people and why both are problematic in 2020.  She then pitches her idea about country match making and how picking a country to live in should be looked at like a romantic relationship. (12:59-26:40)

I talk about how an American flag has become a dog whistle for conservative America and regressive ideals.  I speak about a realization I had about living in a homogeneous town and the perpetual microaggressions that are a symptom of that experience.  I am going to be ready to bite as our kids get older. (26:41-36:54)

We discuss how in your 30s you realize that life is full of a$$holes then we do our best to compare our kids as babies and talk about the irratating narrative that "boys are easier than girls" when they become teenagers.  We end avoiding loaded topics but Jen gives a dystopian prediction about the year that is 2020.(36:55-53:20)

Terrible Trump Tranmissions- Stock Market Dellusion, Bubba Wallace (54:05-59:07)

TOATs- Fireworks; Conservative Bingo; 30s/60s as divergent decades(59:11-1:05:15)