Hi. I'm Vanessa Bayer and this is my brother Jonah.

Hi. I'm Vanessa Bayer and this is my brother Jonah.

We're two siblings who love to talk about our childhood and nostalgia and how it shaped us into the people we are today.

We're two siblings who love to talk about our childhood and nostalgia and how it shaped us into the people we are today.

Who are unpuzzlingly pleased about our guest today.

Who are unpuzzlingly pleased about our guest today.

Welcome to How did We get Weird?

Welcome to How did We get Weird?

Jonah?

Jonah?

I know we're both really excited about our guests today, and we recently did his podcast and something kind of funny happened.

I know we're both really excited about our guests today, and we recently did his podcast and something kind of funny happened.

Do you want to talk about it?

Do you want to talk about it?

Yes?

Yes?

Our guest has a really great podcast called The Puzzler and was nice enough to invite us to come on together. And I had some sort of technical issue where my audio was very slow.

Our guest has a really great podcast called The Puzzler and was nice enough to invite us to come on together. And I had some sort of technical issue where my audio was very slow.

Everyone's out.

Everyone's out.

Yeah, So my audio was very slow, and it was in my headphones too, and so I was sort of matching my own cadence as I was here myself. So instead of talking like this, I was like, Hey, guys, what's going on? And it was so hard for me to also chime into a conversation because I'm moving so slowly. What did it sound like to you? To me?

Yeah, So my audio was very slow, and it was in my headphones too, and so I was sort of matching my own cadence as I was here myself. So instead of talking like this, I was like, Hey, guys, what's going on? And it was so hard for me to also chime into a conversation because I'm moving so slowly. What did it sound like to you? To me?

It was just funny because our guest today and the other hosts like don't know you, so they don't really know what you talk like, and so it sounded like like we were playing games and you'd be like, I don't know the and sir, but I will guess. And I at some point had to say, just so you guys know, like, this isn't how Jonah talks.

It was just funny because our guest today and the other hosts like don't know you, so they don't really know what you talk like, and so it sounded like like we were playing games and you'd be like, I don't know the and sir, but I will guess. And I at some point had to say, just so you guys know, like, this isn't how Jonah talks.

Like it you'll kind of ki or anything.

Like it you'll kind of ki or anything.

Just yeah, I said, this is something's going on with the audio. So I'm maybe we should introduce our guests and see what his experience was like.

Just yeah, I said, this is something's going on with the audio. So I'm maybe we should introduce our guests and see what his experience was like.

Check us out on the Puzzler. And if I sound kind of weird, it's no fault of theirs.

Check us out on the Puzzler. And if I sound kind of weird, it's no fault of theirs.

It's my own well, right, because as you said, you started sort of like matching what you were hearing in a way.

It's my own well, right, because as you said, you started sort of like matching what you were hearing in a way.

It affected you.

It affected you.

It affected me because because even afterwards my wife was like, why are we talking about that? And it kind of a long story, but yeah, let's get into it. Our guest today is a journalist, author, lecturer, podcaster. You can hear his podcast A Puzzler we just talked about. He's written a bunch of amazing books that I've read the Year of Living Biblically dropped out Healthy in his new book, The Year of Living Constitutionally, Please welcome A. J. Jacobs Hey, aj, Hell, you know I had to do that.

It affected me because because even afterwards my wife was like, why are we talking about that? And it kind of a long story, but yeah, let's get into it. Our guest today is a journalist, author, lecturer, podcaster. You can hear his podcast A Puzzler we just talked about. He's written a bunch of amazing books that I've read the Year of Living Biblically dropped out Healthy in his new book, The Year of Living Constitutionally, Please welcome A. J. Jacobs Hey, aj, Hell, you know I had to do that.

That was I don't think I laughed harder at any puzzler than when you were talking, because I actually do know how because I listened to your lovely podcast, so I know that you speak at a normal speed. Not I don't want to know.

That was I don't think I laughed harder at any puzzler than when you were talking, because I actually do know how because I listened to your lovely podcast, so I know that you speak at a normal speed. Not I don't want to know.

It's true, say what's normal? That's right?

It's true, say what's normal? That's right?

Sure, speak at a relatively fast clip. And and you were speaking like you would have just suffered a stroke, and so that I was a little worried at points.

Sure, speak at a relatively fast clip. And and you were speaking like you would have just suffered a stroke, and so that I was a little worried at points.

So I was, but then.

So I was, but then.

You explained what was going on, and I felt better. Now. The funny thing is, well, one of the funny things to me is the producer said, well, this is just going to be on Jonah's end on his computer. Once he uploads the audio, it'll sound fine. So I was like great, and then we upload the audio. To me, it did sound fine because I'm not like an audio file. But the producer was like, he's still slow. He is, So they are going in and speeding you up fifteen percent. So you are the first time ever on our podcast that we will have an artificially sped up But it's you know, now I understand why you were matching your own lag right, So that makes sense. But it was just fantastic. It was one of my favorites. And and you did very well on the puzzles. Despite being midstroke, you were actually very good at solving puzzles.

You explained what was going on, and I felt better. Now. The funny thing is, well, one of the funny things to me is the producer said, well, this is just going to be on Jonah's end on his computer. Once he uploads the audio, it'll sound fine. So I was like great, and then we upload the audio. To me, it did sound fine because I'm not like an audio file. But the producer was like, he's still slow. He is, So they are going in and speeding you up fifteen percent. So you are the first time ever on our podcast that we will have an artificially sped up But it's you know, now I understand why you were matching your own lag right, So that makes sense. But it was just fantastic. It was one of my favorites. And and you did very well on the puzzles. Despite being midstroke, you were actually very good at solving puzzles.

I'm glad to hear that because it almost felt like a weird, like anxiety nightmare, where like I've been a fan of yours for a long time. You know, I have autographed books from you, I've been to your readings, and I was like so excited to come on the podcast, and then it's like a bad dream where you're on the podcast and you're talking in slow motion and there's nothing you can do about it, and you're like, how is this happening?

I'm glad to hear that because it almost felt like a weird, like anxiety nightmare, where like I've been a fan of yours for a long time. You know, I have autographed books from you, I've been to your readings, and I was like so excited to come on the podcast, and then it's like a bad dream where you're on the podcast and you're talking in slow motion and there's nothing you can do about it, and you're like, how is this happening?

It's hilarious, I know, because you couldn't help it. But again, as I say, I, if I had never heard you, then I would be like, oh that's nice, and Vanessa to do something with her her brother.

It's hilarious, I know, because you couldn't help it. But again, as I say, I, if I had never heard you, then I would be like, oh that's nice, and Vanessa to do something with her her brother.

But I said okay today, and yeah, so just eighteen percent not to bad.

But I said okay today, and yeah, so just eighteen percent not to bad.

Yeah, just fifteen just fifteen, not even fifteen.

Yeah, just fifteen just fifteen, not even fifteen.

Fifteen percent percent, that's it.

Fifteen percent percent, that's it.

That's nothing as fifteen percent.

That's nothing as fifteen percent.

Although I've been trying to listen back to podcasts at one point two fi speed, like a little faster to get through them, and I had to stop because it sounded, especially podcasts I listened to a lot, it sounded so unnatural that it was like taking me out of the car. Have you either you tried speeding them up at all listening?

Although I've been trying to listen back to podcasts at one point two fi speed, like a little faster to get through them, and I had to stop because it sounded, especially podcasts I listened to a lot, it sounded so unnatural that it was like taking me out of the car. Have you either you tried speeding them up at all listening?

That's interesting, Vanessa.

That's interesting, Vanessa.

I have yes, and sometimes I enjoy it, and sometimes it does feel unnatural.

I have yes, and sometimes I enjoy it, and sometimes it does feel unnatural.

I hear what you're saying. AJ, do you ever listen to podcasts, I.

I hear what you're saying. AJ, do you ever listen to podcasts, I.

Must confess I am a two I'm a two x er. Really well, don't be so impressed. I still I miss like forty percent of it. I just am okay with that, but they yeah, I it depends on the podcast, especially British podcasts. Then I have to go one one and one and a half mad sim okay, yeah, and some but some like if it's uh, if it's NPR, I feel sometimes going two x is just like speaking at normal speed. For some reason, when you get on NPR, you just there's some.

Must confess I am a two I'm a two x er. Really well, don't be so impressed. I still I miss like forty percent of it. I just am okay with that, but they yeah, I it depends on the podcast, especially British podcasts. Then I have to go one one and one and a half mad sim okay, yeah, and some but some like if it's uh, if it's NPR, I feel sometimes going two x is just like speaking at normal speed. For some reason, when you get on NPR, you just there's some.

Fair specific cadence.

Fair specific cadence.

And have you also ever noticed how on NPR specifically the hosts have such weird quirks, like like Franco or Donia's like always signs off and he goes Franco or Donias and then and then the other woman always goes terry gross, Terry gross. But then the other woman goes like, you know, and then there's that woman who goes like and in the news she talks like that, do you know what I'm talking about?

And have you also ever noticed how on NPR specifically the hosts have such weird quirks, like like Franco or Donia's like always signs off and he goes Franco or Donias and then and then the other woman always goes terry gross, Terry gross. But then the other woman goes like, you know, and then there's that woman who goes like and in the news she talks like that, do you know what I'm talking about?

I haven't heard. I don't listen that much, but that is hilarious. I'm gonna listen.

I haven't heard. I don't listen that much, but that is hilarious. I'm gonna listen.

They are all the rockiest people. It's so crazy their voices there. And then there's one woman who I love who always sounds so out of breath and she's like, this is going on in the country, Like I truly, their voices are like they're just all little characters. And I that's a very condescending way to talk about these very serious but so I don't mean it in that way. I just mean their voices are God. I wish I could play them for you right now. What I'm talking about is I feel like I've gone on for too long.

They are all the rockiest people. It's so crazy their voices there. And then there's one woman who I love who always sounds so out of breath and she's like, this is going on in the country, Like I truly, their voices are like they're just all little characters. And I that's a very condescending way to talk about these very serious but so I don't mean it in that way. I just mean their voices are God. I wish I could play them for you right now. What I'm talking about is I feel like I've gone on for too long.

No I love. Well, maybe it's a conscious decision, because I mean, sure you have. And I actually have a weird voice. It's sort of like I've been compared to Horse Shack or Adam Sandler is a little bit more positive spin on it. But yeah, it's sort of like, you know, a navelish voice. And I used to hate it. I used to be so embarrassed and I tried. I even took during my health I wrote a book about health, and I took voice lessons so that I could try to sound like, I don't know, like one of the Helmsworth brothers. And it was unsuccessful. But now I'm fine with it. I'm like, I don't care, it's it's fine and uh and it's come in handy like twice because I'll be, you know, be talking to my wife at a movie theater and someone will turn around and be like, I recognize that voice, you know, wow, So so there you go.

No I love. Well, maybe it's a conscious decision, because I mean, sure you have. And I actually have a weird voice. It's sort of like I've been compared to Horse Shack or Adam Sandler is a little bit more positive spin on it. But yeah, it's sort of like, you know, a navelish voice. And I used to hate it. I used to be so embarrassed and I tried. I even took during my health I wrote a book about health, and I took voice lessons so that I could try to sound like, I don't know, like one of the Helmsworth brothers. And it was unsuccessful. But now I'm fine with it. I'm like, I don't care, it's it's fine and uh and it's come in handy like twice because I'll be, you know, be talking to my wife at a movie theater and someone will turn around and be like, I recognize that voice, you know, wow, So so there you go.

That's great.

That's great.

That's great. Aja.

That's great. Aja.

I'm curious, like the first book of yours that I became exposed to was a know it all. We read all the encyclopedias, and I'm curious, speaking of listening, are you were you a fast reader as a kid or you a fast reader in general? Because that was obviously a big endeavor, right.

I'm curious, like the first book of yours that I became exposed to was a know it all. We read all the encyclopedias, and I'm curious, speaking of listening, are you were you a fast reader as a kid or you a fast reader in general? Because that was obviously a big endeavor, right.

I wanted to read the Encyclopedia Britannica, which doesn't really exist anymore, from A to z SO, which is thirty three thousand pages and yeah, I definitely am a fast reader. But I'm you know, I'm a skimmer.

I wanted to read the Encyclopedia Britannica, which doesn't really exist anymore, from A to z SO, which is thirty three thousand pages and yeah, I definitely am a fast reader. But I'm you know, I'm a skimmer.

I am.

I am.

I guess skimming as a very negative connotation.

I guess skimming as a very negative connotation.

I don't.

I don't.

I want to come up with an alternative to skimmer, something like.

I want to come up with an alternative to skimmer, something like.

You know, yeah, cruiser.

You know, yeah, cruiser.

I don't know what it would be, but yeah, I'm what about you all? Are you fast or slow readers?

I don't know what it would be, but yeah, I'm what about you all? Are you fast or slow readers?

I'm a very fast reader. Oh that's good.

I'm a very fast reader. Oh that's good.

But I don't feel like I have a great memory, like someone's like, oh, someone will mentioned a book a bik I read that book.

But I don't feel like I have a great memory, like someone's like, oh, someone will mentioned a book a bik I read that book.

In the book, would you think, I'm like, I don't.

In the book, would you think, I'm like, I don't.

I feel like I paid attention the whole time, but I don't remember any details of it total.

I feel like I paid attention the whole time, but I don't remember any details of it total.

Well, I actually I have that problem, and I have a file. It's one of my favorite little rituals. I have a file on my computer called one Thing, And for every book I read, or every conversation, every podcast, I try to write down one thing because otherwise I'll remember zero things, but at least one, and they're not always like the most sophisticated things. Hold on, I'm looking up now what we've got?

Well, I actually I have that problem, and I have a file. It's one of my favorite little rituals. I have a file on my computer called one Thing, And for every book I read, or every conversation, every podcast, I try to write down one thing because otherwise I'll remember zero things, but at least one, and they're not always like the most sophisticated things. Hold on, I'm looking up now what we've got?

Uh?

Uh?

Podcast with Joan and Vanessa. What do you have? Well? Nothing? Yet.

Podcast with Joan and Vanessa. What do you have? Well? Nothing? Yet.

But there's too many options, too many options already. Yeah, this was from Election, the movie with Will f Was that what it was called?

But there's too many options, too many options already. Yeah, this was from Election, the movie with Will f Was that what it was called?

It was Matthew Broderick, the Reese Witherspoon.

It was Matthew Broderick, the Reese Witherspoon.

No, see I labeled it wrong.

No, see I labeled it wrong.

They did later.

They did later.

I love it was. It was with Will Ferrell and and he played campaign campaign Yes, right, And so I wrote down the greatest American who ever lived, Jesus Christ. I just I just thought that was a funny line. I'm never going to use it for anything. But if I didn't write that, there's literally zero I would remember from that movie.

I love it was. It was with Will Ferrell and and he played campaign campaign Yes, right, And so I wrote down the greatest American who ever lived, Jesus Christ. I just I just thought that was a funny line. I'm never going to use it for anything. But if I didn't write that, there's literally zero I would remember from that movie.

Smart.

Smart.

I'm going to start doing that because I was thinking about getting like a digital notebook or doing something, and then I was like, I'm never going to use this thing. Yeah, this is a better idea. This seems to manageable one thing, one thing.

I'm going to start doing that because I was thinking about getting like a digital notebook or doing something, and then I was like, I'm never going to use this thing. Yeah, this is a better idea. This seems to manageable one thing, one thing.

Yeah, I recommend that.

Yeah, I recommend that.

Yeah, that's really smart. I think that's really smart. By the way, I am a very slow reader. It takes me such a long time to read stuff. Jonah's very fast.

Yeah, that's really smart. I think that's really smart. By the way, I am a very slow reader. It takes me such a long time to read stuff. Jonah's very fast.

Hold on, I'm just looking up because I watched your show, Vanessa, I love I love you.

Hold on, I'm just looking up because I watched your show, Vanessa, I love I love you.

Well, that's so nice.

Well, that's so nice.

I'm trying to find the notes. That thing yeah, yeah, which I know we're in. I'm having trouble. Uh, there's so many loves in my one thing file because it's hundreds of pages. So it'll take me. I'll tell you afterwards when I track.

I'm trying to find the notes. That thing yeah, yeah, which I know we're in. I'm having trouble. Uh, there's so many loves in my one thing file because it's hundreds of pages. So it'll take me. I'll tell you afterwards when I track.

It's so nice. I'm honored.

It's so nice. I'm honored.

One thing I think that you love that we share that. I don't know why I know this. You must have written about this in one of your books, but it stuck out to me. Was you were in one of your books you're eating dried mango. That's true, that's true. Excellent memory. Yes, yes, that was the health book. There was a whole I had a whole section on it because I was addicted to dried mango.

One thing I think that you love that we share that. I don't know why I know this. You must have written about this in one of your books, but it stuck out to me. Was you were in one of your books you're eating dried mango. That's true, that's true. Excellent memory. Yes, yes, that was the health book. There was a whole I had a whole section on it because I was addicted to dried mango.

Oh it's so good.

Oh it's so good.

So you both are are dried mango fans.

So you both are are dried mango fans.

Well, Jonah eats it a lot.

Well, Jonah eats it a lot.

And one time, Jonah, this was probably a year ago, Jonah and his wife Vicky stayed at my place and left some dried mango here and I ate it like it was I couldn't even I couldn't get enough of it. And I was like, oh, I can never buy this because I'll just eat it immediately.

And one time, Jonah, this was probably a year ago, Jonah and his wife Vicky stayed at my place and left some dried mango here and I ate it like it was I couldn't even I couldn't get enough of it. And I was like, oh, I can never buy this because I'll just eat it immediately.

It's like for roll ups.

It's like for roll ups.

Yeah, so you yeah, I have not had it in about twelve years.

Yeah, so you yeah, I have not had it in about twelve years.

Because of that book.

Because of that book.

My feeling was, it's so good and you're kind of lulled into the idea it's healthy because it's right mango.

My feeling was, it's so good and you're kind of lulled into the idea it's healthy because it's right mango.

Sure.

Sure.

Really the dry part it just like concentrates the sugar, so it's really like Reese's Pieces or something. So I one of the strategies that one of these health professors had recommended was sort of a blackmail yourself strategy where if you want to quit smoking, you write a check to a charity and say to your friend or your spouse, if I start smoking, send this check now. But the key is it's better if you do an anti charity, if you do something horrible that you disagree with, because then you really don't want the check sent. So I wrote one hundred dollars check to the American Nazi Party, and I gave it to my wife and said, literally, if I have a mango dried mango, send this. And it worked like it was so effective. There was no way I was going to donate to the Nazi Party. And she would have done it. She's like, you know, she's she commits to the bit. So it was, uh, yeah, that's that's my That's why I haven't eaten mangos in twelve Okay.

Really the dry part it just like concentrates the sugar, so it's really like Reese's Pieces or something. So I one of the strategies that one of these health professors had recommended was sort of a blackmail yourself strategy where if you want to quit smoking, you write a check to a charity and say to your friend or your spouse, if I start smoking, send this check now. But the key is it's better if you do an anti charity, if you do something horrible that you disagree with, because then you really don't want the check sent. So I wrote one hundred dollars check to the American Nazi Party, and I gave it to my wife and said, literally, if I have a mango dried mango, send this. And it worked like it was so effective. There was no way I was going to donate to the Nazi Party. And she would have done it. She's like, you know, she's she commits to the bit. So it was, uh, yeah, that's that's my That's why I haven't eaten mangos in twelve Okay.

Wow.

Wow.

So the fact that you do all of these kind of lifestyle experiments, it's so crazy and I feel like I'm so interested in this kind of stuff too. How do you feel about like this is different than what you do? But were you very into like borat and that kind of stuff? Like how did you it's different? But I'm just curious, like what your thoughts were on stuff like that.

So the fact that you do all of these kind of lifestyle experiments, it's so crazy and I feel like I'm so interested in this kind of stuff too. How do you feel about like this is different than what you do? But were you very into like borat and that kind of stuff? Like how did you it's different? But I'm just curious, like what your thoughts were on stuff like that.

Oh No, I'm a huge fan of Sasha Aaron going. I mean, I I don't think I I I'm trying to. I am pretty open. I've done a couple where I'm undercover and I can tell you about those, but usually I'm just out there and you know, very honest with what I'm doing.

Oh No, I'm a huge fan of Sasha Aaron going. I mean, I I don't think I I I'm trying to. I am pretty open. I've done a couple where I'm undercover and I can tell you about those, but usually I'm just out there and you know, very honest with what I'm doing.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So I admire him for like him going, as you know, into these crazy right wing places and just that would terrify me. So yeah, more power.

So I admire him for like him going, as you know, into these crazy right wing places and just that would terrify me. So yeah, more power.

Yeah, yeah, how do you get?

Yeah, yeah, how do you get?

I guess my question would be like, as someone who's kind of self conscious, you're put in these situations, like especially in your new book, The Year of Living Constitutionally, where you're going to like elections and trying to give people cake and like get you know, do all the Yes, you got.

I guess my question would be like, as someone who's kind of self conscious, you're put in these situations, like especially in your new book, The Year of Living Constitutionally, where you're going to like elections and trying to give people cake and like get you know, do all the Yes, you got.

The tricorn for you.

The tricorn for you.

Yeah.

Yeah.

But to me, it's like when I'm watching, like in Practical Jokers or something, I'm like, I can't go up to a stranger and say something that seems terrifying. How do you kind of work past that? Are you like, Oh, I'm doing this for my book. I kind of have to do this as part of the rest.

But to me, it's like when I'm watching, like in Practical Jokers or something, I'm like, I can't go up to a stranger and say something that seems terrifying. How do you kind of work past that? Are you like, Oh, I'm doing this for my book. I kind of have to do this as part of the rest.

Definitely that, I mean, I think I admire actors. I've never been an actor, but I feel that sometimes I take on a role. I'm like, Okay, this is my role. I'm going to try to live by the Bible or I'm going to try to live like a colonial guy. And you now go method like method acting, but this is method writing, and I just and my son, as he likes to say, you know, commit to the bit. I just go all in. Also, there's I would be humiliated. It is humiliating to, you know, go out in public wearing a tricorn hat and carrying a musket or whatever. But it would also be humiliating when I announce that I have a book that I'm writing to everyone, and then at the end of the year it's a boring book. So sure, like that's sort of that there's a little bit of motivation, like I'm in it, I've announced it, I have some responsibility to finish this up right.

Definitely that, I mean, I think I admire actors. I've never been an actor, but I feel that sometimes I take on a role. I'm like, Okay, this is my role. I'm going to try to live by the Bible or I'm going to try to live like a colonial guy. And you now go method like method acting, but this is method writing, and I just and my son, as he likes to say, you know, commit to the bit. I just go all in. Also, there's I would be humiliated. It is humiliating to, you know, go out in public wearing a tricorn hat and carrying a musket or whatever. But it would also be humiliating when I announce that I have a book that I'm writing to everyone, and then at the end of the year it's a boring book. So sure, like that's sort of that there's a little bit of motivation, like I'm in it, I've announced it, I have some responsibility to finish this up right.

It's really impressive. I did one thing when I lived in Chicago. I was really I was, so this is the It just made me think of this, and it's not nearly as cool as what you did. But I remember I was at Nordstrom and they were giving out twenty dollars gift cards if you did this dating on demand you made if you if you signed up for this dating on demand thing, and I didn't realize that you had to make a video like a dating video that it went on Comcast cable and you basically like people could watch it online anyway. So I wanted to get the twenty dollars so I but I had like a boyfriend at the time, and I, I don't know, I like didn't want to do it as myself. So I decided, Okay, I'm gonna I'm going to do this thing, but I'm going to do it as someone who's really shy, and I went by Vanessa and stuff, but I was like, I'm going to act really shy and I'm going to act like I don't have a personality and I don't really know how to be on camera, so I kept so I so I committed to this bit and it was sort of got myself into a situation where and if you google Vanessa needs a date online you can find it.

It's really impressive. I did one thing when I lived in Chicago. I was really I was, so this is the It just made me think of this, and it's not nearly as cool as what you did. But I remember I was at Nordstrom and they were giving out twenty dollars gift cards if you did this dating on demand you made if you if you signed up for this dating on demand thing, and I didn't realize that you had to make a video like a dating video that it went on Comcast cable and you basically like people could watch it online anyway. So I wanted to get the twenty dollars so I but I had like a boyfriend at the time, and I, I don't know, I like didn't want to do it as myself. So I decided, Okay, I'm gonna I'm going to do this thing, but I'm going to do it as someone who's really shy, and I went by Vanessa and stuff, but I was like, I'm going to act really shy and I'm going to act like I don't have a personality and I don't really know how to be on camera, so I kept so I so I committed to this bit and it was sort of got myself into a situation where and if you google Vanessa needs a date online you can find it.

Right.

Right.

A friend of mine put it online.

A friend of mine put it online.

Right.

Right.

But so I committed to it, and I could tell the producer was getting so frustrated with me because she'd be like, what, like, what's what's something that you like a guy? And I would like think for such a long time, and she gets so frustrated, and then I'd look at her and I'd go like, well that he's.

But so I committed to it, and I could tell the producer was getting so frustrated with me because she'd be like, what, like, what's what's something that you like a guy? And I would like think for such a long time, and she gets so frustrated, and then I'd look at her and I'd go like, well that he's.

Maybe he.

Maybe he.

Happens to be tall or and I'd go on, like take such a long time. And this woman kept going, don't look at me, look at the camera. Don't look at me, look at the camera. And I knew that because I was like doing acting like I knew, I knew what I was supposed to do.

Happens to be tall or and I'd go on, like take such a long time. And this woman kept going, don't look at me, look at the camera. Don't look at me, look at the camera. And I knew that because I was like doing acting like I knew, I knew what I was supposed to do.

But I was like, I have to fully commit to this.

But I was like, I have to fully commit to this.

And I was like, if I started laughing now, this woman will be so mad at me and I won't get the twenty dollars, which was like at the time, like that could help me get like a really nice pair of jeans, you know, Like I was like, I won't get the twenty dollars, and this woman will be she's furious with me as is. She will be more furious if she knows if she finds out I'm like faking this, so she would be like they'd be like, what's what's the What's like something that nobody knows about you? And like kind of like asking in like a sexy way, and I and I think I said, I can't even remember I said something so boring, like I said something like like I remember she said, what's the what's the coolest thing you ever did?

And I was like, if I started laughing now, this woman will be so mad at me and I won't get the twenty dollars, which was like at the time, like that could help me get like a really nice pair of jeans, you know, Like I was like, I won't get the twenty dollars, and this woman will be she's furious with me as is. She will be more furious if she knows if she finds out I'm like faking this, so she would be like they'd be like, what's what's the What's like something that nobody knows about you? And like kind of like asking in like a sexy way, and I and I think I said, I can't even remember I said something so boring, like I said something like like I remember she said, what's the what's the coolest thing you ever did?

And I said graduated from college? But I'm trying to.

And I said graduated from college? But I'm trying to.

Remember when she said, what's something no one knows about you? I think I said I thought about it for like like literally like two minutes, made her wait while I thought, and then I said, like I can speak French or something like I like, truly she was like dying.

Remember when she said, what's something no one knows about you? I think I said I thought about it for like like literally like two minutes, made her wait while I thought, and then I said, like I can speak French or something like I like, truly she was like dying.

This woman was could not have been more furious.

This woman was could not have been more furious.

And I didn't think it was gonna And part of my reasoning, I think, was that I thought this is going to be so bad. They're not going to use it, but I'm still going to get the twenty dollars. But they were so desperate that they like edited it down and they used it. So when you go to it, if you Google you search Vanessa needs a date, you'll see a version of it, but it's so edited down. And still they can't get rid of all of my like pauses and stuff because I did them so much.

And I didn't think it was gonna And part of my reasoning, I think, was that I thought this is going to be so bad. They're not going to use it, but I'm still going to get the twenty dollars. But they were so desperate that they like edited it down and they used it. So when you go to it, if you Google you search Vanessa needs a date, you'll see a version of it, but it's so edited down. And still they can't get rid of all of my like pauses and stuff because I did them so much.

But there's something about like putting yourself in a.

But there's something about like putting yourself in a.

Situation like that where you're like, I, I actually have have made it so that like, if I don't fully commit to this thing, everything all the part sort of right.

Situation like that where you're like, I, I actually have have made it so that like, if I don't fully commit to this thing, everything all the part sort of right.

Right, Wait, can I do one follow up on that? Did you ever get any dates out of that? Anyway?

Right, Wait, can I do one follow up on that? Did you ever get any dates out of that? Anyway?

That's the question.

That's the question.

So I think at the time I didn't really First of all, again I had I think I had a boyfriend at the time, but I also didn't really understand how it worked. I definitely use the gift certificate immediately, but I don't. I didn't really, And then I tried to look. At one point I tried to see if I had gotten any like people trying to reach out to me, and I could it was like too late, it had left the.

So I think at the time I didn't really First of all, again I had I think I had a boyfriend at the time, but I also didn't really understand how it worked. I definitely use the gift certificate immediately, but I don't. I didn't really, And then I tried to look. At one point I tried to see if I had gotten any like people trying to reach out to me, and I could it was like too late, it had left the.

The thing had expired.

The thing had expired.

But when I used to do stand up at colleges and stuff, I used to show it and talk about like because people online like make comments about it, like she looks like Napoleon Dynamite.

But when I used to do stand up at colleges and stuff, I used to show it and talk about like because people online like make comments about it, like she looks like Napoleon Dynamite.

But but uh, but I don't.

But but uh, but I don't.

But that's the question that I can never answer that everyone asks is did you get any dates? And it would have been really funny to see who would have reached out to someone with that.

But that's the question that I can never answer that everyone asks is did you get any dates? And it would have been really funny to see who would have reached out to someone with that.

Like that was interesting. I can tell you quickly about my online dating experience because I met my wife before online dating really happened, So which is sad, I think. Uh, But I we had a babysitter, very beautiful babysitter, and she was single, and my wife and I were like, we should try to set her up and she's like, eh, I said, well, have you tried match dot com? That was what it was, that was before hinge or whatever, and she's like, oh, no, I would do it, but I'm just I don't. I'm too lazy. I don't want to have to type it all in. And I was like, I'm a writer, I'll type it for you, like I'll write, I'll just set it all up, put your picture up, and then you go on the dates and that'll make it fine. So I did it, like I put picture up first of all, Like within ten minutes, I had like three hundred guys like interested in me and I again, it was the committing to the bit, like I knew they weren't really flirting with me, but still, like I've never had that much positive feedback, so it was exciting. And then I started I started to get like a little I don't know what the word is. They would like write you hot or something, and I would I would, you know, try to say give them advice, friendly advice, like you know, that is not the way to engage with me if you really want, you know, let's let's have a real conversation.

Like that was interesting. I can tell you quickly about my online dating experience because I met my wife before online dating really happened, So which is sad, I think. Uh, But I we had a babysitter, very beautiful babysitter, and she was single, and my wife and I were like, we should try to set her up and she's like, eh, I said, well, have you tried match dot com? That was what it was, that was before hinge or whatever, and she's like, oh, no, I would do it, but I'm just I don't. I'm too lazy. I don't want to have to type it all in. And I was like, I'm a writer, I'll type it for you, like I'll write, I'll just set it all up, put your picture up, and then you go on the dates and that'll make it fine. So I did it, like I put picture up first of all, Like within ten minutes, I had like three hundred guys like interested in me and I again, it was the committing to the bit, like I knew they weren't really flirting with me, but still, like I've never had that much positive feedback, so it was exciting. And then I started I started to get like a little I don't know what the word is. They would like write you hot or something, and I would I would, you know, try to say give them advice, friendly advice, like you know, that is not the way to engage with me if you really want, you know, let's let's have a real conversation.

And so funny because normally someone would just absolutely ignore that person. But to try and like have a teaching teachable moment with bit, well.

And so funny because normally someone would just absolutely ignore that person. But to try and like have a teaching teachable moment with bit, well.

That was it.

That was it.

I wanted to, yeah, to help out and yeah, So anyway it went on and on. I got way too into it, and she did go out on several dates and never never actually.

I wanted to, yeah, to help out and yeah, So anyway it went on and on. I got way too into it, and she did go out on several dates and never never actually.

So you kind of screened the dates and you were I.

So you kind of screened the dates and you were I.

Would screen like I found two or three who I thought were very nice and and yeah, some of them I mean, I got this one guy who's like, I'm married, so I'm not mister right, but I could be mister right now and then. But this was very ethically dubious of me, Like I said, oh, tell me more, what are your fantasies? So I got him to write all of these fantasies I know. But then I was like, you disgusted me, I am so then I turned on him like, as you know, I sort of lured him in like catch the predator type thing, and then I turned him in and was like, you make me sick and trying to pick up women married guy, and he's like I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry so that I'm not proud of that. That is not ethical behavior, and uh yeah, I would not do that again. But I kind of just got swept up in the day.

Would screen like I found two or three who I thought were very nice and and yeah, some of them I mean, I got this one guy who's like, I'm married, so I'm not mister right, but I could be mister right now and then. But this was very ethically dubious of me, Like I said, oh, tell me more, what are your fantasies? So I got him to write all of these fantasies I know. But then I was like, you disgusted me, I am so then I turned on him like, as you know, I sort of lured him in like catch the predator type thing, and then I turned him in and was like, you make me sick and trying to pick up women married guy, and he's like I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry so that I'm not proud of that. That is not ethical behavior, and uh yeah, I would not do that again. But I kind of just got swept up in the day.

Yeah.

Yeah.

It almost felt like, you know, I know you're someone who loves puzzles and games.

It almost felt like, you know, I know you're someone who loves puzzles and games.

It feels almost like a game of like just.

It feels almost like a game of like just.

A little yeah.

A little yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And I justified it to myself like it was for the greater good because I'm trying to find an actual nice guy to step up with a babysitter. H there you go, but there you go.

And I justified it to myself like it was for the greater good because I'm trying to find an actual nice guy to step up with a babysitter. H there you go, but there you go.

Well, We are going to take a quick commercial break, but we'll be right back with AJ Jacob.

Well, We are going to take a quick commercial break, but we'll be right back with AJ Jacob.

And we're back.

And we're back.

So, AJ, you had a really great topic for us to talk about today which we really made us laugh, which is participation trophies.

So, AJ, you had a really great topic for us to talk about today which we really made us laugh, which is participation trophies.

Now, what sort of made you think of this topic?

Now, what sort of made you think of this topic?

Well, I was just trying to think of memorable moments from my childhood and this is certainly one of them, for better or worse, mostly worse. And I want to also hear your trophy stories because I'm very excited. But this one was. I was part of an afterschool sports program in middle school and we would play sports, including Newcomb. Do you remember Newcomb?

Well, I was just trying to think of memorable moments from my childhood and this is certainly one of them, for better or worse, mostly worse. And I want to also hear your trophy stories because I'm very excited. But this one was. I was part of an afterschool sports program in middle school and we would play sports, including Newcomb. Do you remember Newcomb?

Wait?

Wait?

Is Newcomb like kickball or like.

Is Newcomb like kickball or like.

A dodgeball dodgeball bat, but it's it's volleyball for people who are not that athletic.

A dodgeball dodgeball bat, but it's it's volleyball for people who are not that athletic.

It's like, instead of hitting it, you you catch the ball and then you throw it.

It's like, instead of hitting it, you you catch the ball and then you throw it.

Yeah, we were playing Jim. It's also so weird that it was called Nukeom. We could do a whole episode about the names of Jim Jim sport. We definitely like, I remember the gym teachers saying like, we're going to play new Comb today.

Yeah, we were playing Jim. It's also so weird that it was called Nukeom. We could do a whole episode about the names of Jim Jim sport. We definitely like, I remember the gym teachers saying like, we're going to play new Comb today.

I just looked up New Coomb before this because I thought it might be talking. I actually didn't look up what the name was. But it was invented around the same time as volleyball, and for a while they were neck and neck, like imagine universe was the big exactly.

I just looked up New Coomb before this because I thought it might be talking. I actually didn't look up what the name was. But it was invented around the same time as volleyball, and for a while they were neck and neck, like imagine universe was the big exactly.

Taking off a volleyball feels like the right name for what that is?

Taking off a volleyball feels like the right name for what that is?

Where's you go?

Where's you go?

What? Right?

What? Right?

I don't even think the inventor was named Newcombe. She was a woman. That was exciting. It was like one of the first women invented sports.

I don't even think the inventor was named Newcombe. She was a woman. That was exciting. It was like one of the first women invented sports.

That is very exciting. Now, how how did it differ? Because from volleyball.

That is very exciting. Now, how how did it differ? Because from volleyball.

Instead of volleyball, you hit you're not allowed to count. You have to hit it with your hands, right this one you actually try to catch it and then throw it over the net. And if the ball hits the ground, then you lose the point. If you if the ball hits the ground on your side, you lose the point.

Instead of volleyball, you hit you're not allowed to count. You have to hit it with your hands, right this one you actually try to catch it and then throw it over the net. And if the ball hits the ground, then you lose the point. If you if the ball hits the ground on your side, you lose the point.

Can you hit it like a volleyball though, like spike it's off the ground.

Can you hit it like a volleyball though, like spike it's off the ground.

I'm not sure. That's none of us.

I'm not sure. That's none of us.

Definitely not good at Newcombe.

Definitely not good at Newcombe.

Well that was the segue because I was bad a I was bad at it, and then this particular day I was particularly bad at it because I had peed my pants, like because I didn't like going to like the public restroom in Central Park, so I peed my pants. So I wanted to make sure that no one would look at me. So I stayed way in the back, no interaction with the ball because I didn't want to catch them.

Well that was the segue because I was bad a I was bad at it, and then this particular day I was particularly bad at it because I had peed my pants, like because I didn't like going to like the public restroom in Central Park, so I peed my pants. So I wanted to make sure that no one would look at me. So I stayed way in the back, no interaction with the ball because I didn't want to catch them.

Can I ask a.

Can I ask a.

Question, were you in a gym, were you in a different outfit or was it your outfit for the day.

Question, were you in a gym, were you in a different outfit or was it your outfit for the day.

I think it was my outpha for the right because this was okay after school. Yeah, right, So I pee my pants. So I stayed away in very low profile. And then every week at the end of this sports program, they would have a trophy ceremony and it every week, Yeah, every week, because we need the positive approval, we need liked. And so that week they announced like the five kids who won, and I won most Improved Player, which already is a condescending category, you know, it's like you suck less and then the but then, of course I knew it was totally fake that they had decided because I didn't touch the ball, and then I had to go up and get my trophy with my stained pants and it was just horrible.

I think it was my outpha for the right because this was okay after school. Yeah, right, So I pee my pants. So I stayed away in very low profile. And then every week at the end of this sports program, they would have a trophy ceremony and it every week, Yeah, every week, because we need the positive approval, we need liked. And so that week they announced like the five kids who won, and I won most Improved Player, which already is a condescending category, you know, it's like you suck less and then the but then, of course I knew it was totally fake that they had decided because I didn't touch the ball, and then I had to go up and get my trophy with my stained pants and it was just horrible.

So that was, yeah, I was that.

So that was, yeah, I was that.

Do you think people noticed.

Do you think people noticed.

That's a great question. That is a great question. I certainly, well, I still remember it. So whether or not they noted it, like, no one made fun of me. That would have been taking it to a new level. But yeah, it was. It was not pleasant. So that and I was trying to think. I don't think I won many other, if at all, trophies, So that was a memorable trophy. And yeah, it wasn't. It was a participation trophy in that it was totally rigged. It was clear that I decided, he hasn't had any trophies, so we're gonna throw them one. So that was my trophy. But what about you you all? I want to hear your trophy.

That's a great question. That is a great question. I certainly, well, I still remember it. So whether or not they noted it, like, no one made fun of me. That would have been taking it to a new level. But yeah, it was. It was not pleasant. So that and I was trying to think. I don't think I won many other, if at all, trophies, So that was a memorable trophy. And yeah, it wasn't. It was a participation trophy in that it was totally rigged. It was clear that I decided, he hasn't had any trophies, so we're gonna throw them one. So that was my trophy. But what about you you all? I want to hear your trophy.

I have some, you know. I was researching this little too, you know, participation trophy. This is like kind of a controversial topic because it's sort of uh, you know, and this is just what I found on Wikipedia. It says it's caused some controversy. Critics argue it promotes narcissism and entitlement among children from their giving and incorrect assumptions regarding the psychological benefits of self esteem. Critics also note some children do not value them as much as they do quote unquote normal trophies that are given to winners. Right, I could see that, Yeah, yeah, I can see that. Defenders say that it teaches children that trying their best is good enough even if they don't win. And a backlash against participation trophies happened in the nineteen nineties. And you hear this like this could be like a right wing talking point, be like it's coddling kids, like everyone gets a trophy now, and it's but I feel like I definitely got participation trophies. I can think of two examples, and one I felt was didn't make me self conscious. Like I was in a bowling league after school. I remember this in middle school, and I was actually like a pretty good bowler with kids are with adults with kids. It was we would go we had this bowling alley pepper Laines, which was right next to a Bob's Big Boy, and we would go there on the bus after school. And yeah, I mean I was in the hundreds. I had a team with two other guys. Every year at the end, you'd get a little trophy, but if your team won, you got like a slightly taller one got it. So I have like twenty of these trophies, and I think we won like once or twice. I have the taller version. And then I thought was fine, you know, it's like I did it. You get a trophy. It has your average on it, which was cool, right, so you could see your improvement. But then I also went to like a sports type camp, I think at this school of Gilmore, and it was a sports oriented camp. And at the end, like you're saying, we did have a trophy thing, and it was getting towards the end and they're reading off the trophies and I'm still kind of waiting around. And then I got one and it was for like computers, and I'm ninety nine percent sure there were no computers at this camp. Remember ever seeing a computer using a computer. I don't know if we even had a computer. And I remember feeling like, okay, they're giving me this trophy, but I don't I remember, even as a little kid, sort of being like something seems off here, right right, right right, yeah, And it kind of made me feel bad in the sense I was like, I know you're trying to make me feel better, but this makes me feel like I'm worse.

I have some, you know. I was researching this little too, you know, participation trophy. This is like kind of a controversial topic because it's sort of uh, you know, and this is just what I found on Wikipedia. It says it's caused some controversy. Critics argue it promotes narcissism and entitlement among children from their giving and incorrect assumptions regarding the psychological benefits of self esteem. Critics also note some children do not value them as much as they do quote unquote normal trophies that are given to winners. Right, I could see that, Yeah, yeah, I can see that. Defenders say that it teaches children that trying their best is good enough even if they don't win. And a backlash against participation trophies happened in the nineteen nineties. And you hear this like this could be like a right wing talking point, be like it's coddling kids, like everyone gets a trophy now, and it's but I feel like I definitely got participation trophies. I can think of two examples, and one I felt was didn't make me self conscious. Like I was in a bowling league after school. I remember this in middle school, and I was actually like a pretty good bowler with kids are with adults with kids. It was we would go we had this bowling alley pepper Laines, which was right next to a Bob's Big Boy, and we would go there on the bus after school. And yeah, I mean I was in the hundreds. I had a team with two other guys. Every year at the end, you'd get a little trophy, but if your team won, you got like a slightly taller one got it. So I have like twenty of these trophies, and I think we won like once or twice. I have the taller version. And then I thought was fine, you know, it's like I did it. You get a trophy. It has your average on it, which was cool, right, so you could see your improvement. But then I also went to like a sports type camp, I think at this school of Gilmore, and it was a sports oriented camp. And at the end, like you're saying, we did have a trophy thing, and it was getting towards the end and they're reading off the trophies and I'm still kind of waiting around. And then I got one and it was for like computers, and I'm ninety nine percent sure there were no computers at this camp. Remember ever seeing a computer using a computer. I don't know if we even had a computer. And I remember feeling like, okay, they're giving me this trophy, but I don't I remember, even as a little kid, sort of being like something seems off here, right right, right right, yeah, And it kind of made me feel bad in the sense I was like, I know you're trying to make me feel better, but this makes me feel like I'm worse.

Six nights.

Six nights.

Yeah, do you what do you think was going on in their minds that they're like, if we did have computers, this looks like a guy who would be good at them.

Yeah, do you what do you think was going on in their minds that they're like, if we did have computers, this looks like a guy who would be good at them.

What.

What.

Yeah, I think they were brainstorming and they're like, okay, we're out of the sports trophies. We still got these three kids, Like what what else? What are kids into? Out of computers? We don't have a computer. It's okay, just put computer on it. Like it was like I think it was very thrown together, but like we gotta give Jonah something hilarious.

Yeah, I think they were brainstorming and they're like, okay, we're out of the sports trophies. We still got these three kids, Like what what else? What are kids into? Out of computers? We don't have a computer. It's okay, just put computer on it. Like it was like I think it was very thrown together, but like we gotta give Jonah something hilarious.

Congratulations, Yeah, thank you.

Congratulations, Yeah, thank you.

I still I think I still have it somewhere, so I should I should look it up. It might be in our parents' basement.

I still I think I still have it somewhere, so I should I should look it up. It might be in our parents' basement.

And what about you? Do you remember any you know?

And what about you? Do you remember any you know?

I remember when I went to overnight camp and it was like a horseback riding camp, and I was pretty bad at riding horses, not really why I went. I went on to become a counselor there and I taught drama, so that kind of shows you you know where. But I remember getting at the end of camp, like getting all these ribbons for horseback riding, and they were like the crappiest ribbons could. They were like they were like white and yellow and like they were like the color of like like they so they were so they were like awards, but they were just like yeah they were they were like participation, like you know.

I remember when I went to overnight camp and it was like a horseback riding camp, and I was pretty bad at riding horses, not really why I went. I went on to become a counselor there and I taught drama, so that kind of shows you you know where. But I remember getting at the end of camp, like getting all these ribbons for horseback riding, and they were like the crappiest ribbons could. They were like they were like white and yellow and like they were like the color of like like they so they were so they were like awards, but they were just like yeah they were they were like participation, like you know.

They had red, white and blue.

They had red, white and blue.

Yeah, maybe they.

Yeah, maybe they.

Had names like you know, improved or something like that.

Had names like you know, improved or something like that.

But this is really funny. I actually did.

But this is really funny. I actually did.

I got to do an episode of The Simpsons that was all about this. No way, yeah, I got to and I looked it up and because you know, there's a whole wiki Simpsons, and it's called A Father's Watch and it happened to be nominated for a twenty eighteen Writers Guild of America Award and Animation I guess, which has nothing to do with me, but I've you brought the words to life, I exactly. I played this woman, Clarity Hoffman Roth. Basically, the premise of it was that Marge was worried that Bart was like gonna be a failure, and so she turns to this parenting expert who like and that was me.

I got to do an episode of The Simpsons that was all about this. No way, yeah, I got to and I looked it up and because you know, there's a whole wiki Simpsons, and it's called A Father's Watch and it happened to be nominated for a twenty eighteen Writers Guild of America Award and Animation I guess, which has nothing to do with me, but I've you brought the words to life, I exactly. I played this woman, Clarity Hoffman Roth. Basically, the premise of it was that Marge was worried that Bart was like gonna be a failure, and so she turns to this parenting expert who like and that was me.

And I come to the school and I say that.

And I come to the school and I say that.

All kids should get trophies, and then basically all kids start getting trophies, and Lisa is like this isn't okay, Like you shouldn't give kids trophies for doing nothing, and then Homer starts like a whole trophy company, and then basically Lisa brings in a different child expert who says like no one should get trophies and doesn't even give trophies for like people winning actual awards, and so anyway, it's just really crazy because this was the whole I.

All kids should get trophies, and then basically all kids start getting trophies, and Lisa is like this isn't okay, Like you shouldn't give kids trophies for doing nothing, and then Homer starts like a whole trophy company, and then basically Lisa brings in a different child expert who says like no one should get trophies and doesn't even give trophies for like people winning actual awards, and so anyway, it's just really crazy because this was the whole I.

Was so lucky.

Was so lucky.

I was so excited to get to do The Simpsons, and this was what the whole episode was about.

I was so excited to get to do The Simpsons, and this was what the whole episode was about.

That weird.

That weird.

Yeah, yeah, I love it.

Yeah, yeah, I love it.

So when you do the Simpsons, are you in the same room as the other actors or do you do it solo?

So when you do the Simpsons, are you in the same room as the other actors or do you do it solo?

I know you do it solo, or at least I did it solo.

I know you do it solo, or at least I did it solo.

I don't know how they record, but I was in a recording studio and some of the writers and stuff were on, like I like on video I think, right, And but it was really cool and I actually have a friend Jess, who writes for The Simpsons, and it's so cool to be It's crazy that it's still going on.

I don't know how they record, but I was in a recording studio and some of the writers and stuff were on, like I like on video I think, right, And but it was really cool and I actually have a friend Jess, who writes for The Simpsons, and it's so cool to be It's crazy that it's still going on.

I know, and it is still good. That's the crazy thing. Because I hadn't watched it in several years, but we had Mike Grease as a puzzle. He loves puzzles and he's a long time Simpsons writer. From the first episode, Wow, yeah, he said, so I watched it because I am yeah, and I was like this, they did a great parody of that woman who started the scam blood testing.

I know, and it is still good. That's the crazy thing. Because I hadn't watched it in several years, but we had Mike Grease as a puzzle. He loves puzzles and he's a long time Simpsons writer. From the first episode, Wow, yeah, he said, so I watched it because I am yeah, and I was like this, they did a great parody of that woman who started the scam blood testing.

Yeah of that? Yeah?

Yeah of that? Yeah?

Wow?

Wow?

And they sent you some stuff. Did they send you some action figures or something?

And they sent you some stuff. Did they send you some action figures or something?

They sent me, Oh my god, they sent me so much merch after I didn't remember.

They sent me, Oh my god, they sent me so much merch after I didn't remember.

I had a red wig that was like, uh, we.

I had a red wig that was like, uh, we.

Got a pick of you in it, I think, Jonah, it was what character is that?

Got a pick of you in it, I think, Jonah, it was what character is that?

Yeah?

Yeah?

Wow, that's big.

Wow, that's big.

And they sent me a bunch of action figures and like little action figures and I think DVDs and a bunch of stuff.

And they sent me a bunch of action figures and like little action figures and I think DVDs and a bunch of stuff.

I think I gave some of it to you, Jonah.

I think I gave some of it to you, Jonah.

Think something to Dan Ozzy because don't remember Dan into the Simpsons.

Think something to Dan Ozzy because don't remember Dan into the Simpsons.

Yeah, I gave him, gave him nice.

Yeah, I gave him, gave him nice.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I loved watching the Simpsons. I always thought it would be interesting if you tried to take the same script and acted as a tragedy, because it is quite you know, you've got this guy in a dead end job. He's totally unqualified. He chokes his kid. Apparently they stopped choking Bart.

I loved watching the Simpsons. I always thought it would be interesting if you tried to take the same script and acted as a tragedy, because it is quite you know, you've got this guy in a dead end job. He's totally unqualified. He chokes his kid. Apparently they stopped choking Bart.

Now the way that my episode ends, it says Homer tries to cheer up Bart, And I got the whole synopsis off of again Wicky Simpson's Bart and Grandpa make photos for an article together right before Bart breaks the watch when it ends up on the floor and Grandpa strangles him.

Now the way that my episode ends, it says Homer tries to cheer up Bart, And I got the whole synopsis off of again Wicky Simpson's Bart and Grandpa make photos for an article together right before Bart breaks the watch when it ends up on the floor and Grandpa strangles him.

My episode was twenty eighteen ended with strength.

My episode was twenty eighteen ended with strength.

You know it just I read the headline just a few months ago, like, oh, interesting, stopped with the physical abuse. Yeah, okay, which is interesting.

You know it just I read the headline just a few months ago, like, oh, interesting, stopped with the physical abuse. Yeah, okay, which is interesting.

I remember there was an episode where Homer gets injured and he falls down a cliff.

I remember there was an episode where Homer gets injured and he falls down a cliff.

Do you remember that?

Do you remember that?

And I remember that episode because I saw it several times. I don't know it was on TV a lot. I was so upset by that episode. Interesting. Yeah, it was really upsetting to me. What was that He was falling down a cliff and he kept hitting it and he was like, I just hated it.

And I remember that episode because I saw it several times. I don't know it was on TV a lot. I was so upset by that episode. Interesting. Yeah, it was really upsetting to me. What was that He was falling down a cliff and he kept hitting it and he was like, I just hated it.

I was like, I felt so bad for him.

I was like, I felt so bad for him.

Well, it is interesting because my kids, when they were younger, the comedy things that were supposed to be funny or one of my kids was just horrified by the treatment of the criminals in home alone. Yeah, he was like, yeah, they are so cruel to them. He hated ice age had that little squirrel that would always try to get the acorn and it would always elude him, and he could not stay in the room, like he had to leave the room.