That Talking Podcast

The kids call it "spooky szn" and it's coming to a close yet again. But we couldn't avoid doing a halloween episode, no way! Between trick-or-treating (or what passes for it nowadays), candy, costumes, helicopter parents, and the ever-present threat of being kidnapped, we've got a lot to say. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

We spent date night seeing one of our new favorite comedians do a live stand-up show. And his opening bit boiled down to this: "Don't listen to comedians." As in, don't take everything people say at face value; take it all with a grain of salt. It's comedy, for crying out load! These are jokes! Maybe we all need to keep that in mind on the daily when we find ourselves taking everything so seriousl...

We talk a lot about how things used to be, what we miss about the past, and what life looked like before it started getting in the way. And, well, we're sort of doing it again. This time we're looking back fondly on where we used to be and realizing that our personal evolution can really be the best thing for each of us. Won't stop us from remembering what life used to be like, though. And it cert...

That's a wrap on another tattoo con! We're sore and tired and still trying to get our bearings. But you know what's weird? It really wasn't that crazy a weekend. We usually come back from these shows and can't stop talking about the funny encounters and celeb sightings we had, but this time... It was all just kind of flat. Like a farmer's market but with more half-naked people. And that's what we'...

Another coffee klatsch with your favorite podcasters! We're talking about how this cat is still keeping us up at night, and how we've started firing off small Nerf darts to curb her bad habits. We're talking about eliminating delivery services, since they can't always be counted on to do their one job. And we're talking about how people don't bother reading beyond a title or a headline for an actu...

Some people say that indecision IS a decision. But... is it? We seem to have fostered a culture where people settle for some thing or another of someone else's choosing because they don't have the attention span to make up their own minds. Or is it that we've become accustomed to the trap of keeping "unpopular" opinions to ourselves? That's what we're talking about. It's amazing what you can learn...

We are indeed a couple of tired horses for this one. We're talking about how present and past cats have schemed to get us up in the middle of the night, for whatever their dark purposes may be. We're talking about how the nightlife (and, by extension, boogieing) is being wasted on the youth. And... other stuff too. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

These days, it seems like people have a difficult time distinguishing being a supportive friend from being saddled with the responsibility of coming up with a solution to everyone's problems. But the truth is, sometimes it really is more important - and compassionate - to just be an ear for listening, and, as Hemingway put it, to keep your mouth shut. That's what we're talking about. It's amazing...

In the words of Rob Thomas - man, it's a hot one. Today's topic, that is! Sparked on by a recent podcast we've heard, and some comparably unpopular opinions we have, we're talking about the epidemic of declining masculinity. We're asking, "what hath become of chivalry?" And we're wondering, "where have all the cowboys gone?" It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

We're back! Vacation is over and, once again, it's back to real life. And anyone who has been with us from the very beginning knows that this is a major point for debate between the two of us. We're talking about that! And, of course, the nonsense that goes along with getting back to real life. Such good times! It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them. 

At long last - the Pokemon episode is here! Talking about it all from the history of the games to the recent trend of investing in cards like they're bearer bonds. Andy's giving out lessons on where the hype comes from, and we even close it out by opening some packs on air. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

We're winding down from Andy's 20 year high school reunion, and all the thoughts and feelings it's brought up. We're remembering what it was like to be in high school, especially so long ago, and talking about what it's like holding on to relationships from back then. Or Not. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

From any time to every time we find something that works for us - whether it's to lose weight, to get stronger, or to feel better either physically or mentally - we feel some weird, primal urge to suggest those things to other people. In fact, we insist upon it. But we keep forgetting that we're not all the same, and that not everyone responds to "fixes" the way we might. But are they fixes? Are w...

Sorry, mom! If you don't want the details, turn back now. Because we're talking about what the kids are calling "sex work." Some people call it "adult entertainment," others may call it, simply, "porn." For us - brace yourselves - it's a side job. It's a way for us (and for others out there) to express ourselves and our relationship, while making a few bucks on the side. And we're taking the time...

We've been saying for over two years now that we'd like to have more guests come on and talk with us, and yet it's still not shaking out. But if and when it finally does, what WOULD we talk about? Would we compile a list of talking points beforehand, or just let it fly? That's what we're talking about. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

Cicero said that gratitude is the parent of all other virtues. And it's true! A sense of gratitude can't combat feelings of anxiety, depression, anger and hostility, and even boredom. We - us, here - are constantly thanking our lucky stars for what we have and what we have to spread around. But it takes practice, and that's what we're talking about. It's amazing what you can learn about someone ju...

We've talked about collecting before. But this time we're delving into the idea of collecting without using. Collecting without even opening. The quintessential "look, but don't touch" mindset. Some people want to hold on to items for the sake of keeping them in pristine condition. Others, however, are comfortable causing a little bit of damage here and there for sake of sopping as much joy as the...

Some of us grew up glued to the TV, and some of us just grew into it. Maybe the "screen" habits of our youth have molded the habits we have as adults, or maybe we've consciously made that switch either toward or away from devices. But it's not just the television, and it's not just screens. That's what we're talking about. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

If you really think about it, if you just keep your two cents to yourself then you'll always have at least two pennies to rub together. (Aren't idioms fun?) Does that explain why staying out of fruitless debates can contribute to an overall state of emotional well-being? I mean no one wants to be dodging flack just because they have an "unpopular" opinion. Like the opinions we have about teaching...

Quoth Frodo. But this isn't the shire.. We're talking about that in-vogue social anxiety "FOMO," or the fear of missing out. While we're at it, we're also kind of talking about "FOBO," the fear of better options. Then there's "JOMO," the JOY of missing out, and even what we've coined "FODO" - the fear of disappointing others, and all the other acronyms social media amplifies to keep us from feelin...

You can't deny that some people use their devices as a crutch. Heck, some of us right here do. Sometimes the phone can be a distraction from real life, and other times it can be a means of comfort and connection. But it's undeniable that the attention paid to these screens can get out of hand, even to the point of obsessive. That's what we're talking about. It's amazing what you can learn about so...

We've said it before-- live and let live. But when, from all sides, you're being bombarded with differing opinions, outlooks, and the idea that you're not living your own life the way others either would or simply think you should, we think it's time to say it again. So that's what we're talking about. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

No, we're talking about actual grudges here. Not just that but we're talking about the nature of forgiveness, and whether or not it's even a real thing. Can you forgive AND forget? What does it really do to someone when they hold a grudge? It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

Introducing the latest addition to the team: Clean Gene! Just kidding, it's still us. We're talking about hygiene, and the common sense that goes into maintaining it. Because, as whole, grown adults, we can't figure out how - or why! - other whole, grown adults still haven't mastered the basics. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

We have a cat now! We've taken in a stray and turned the 3 of us here at TTP into 4. It's got us thinking about all the pets we've had before, and all the wildlife we get to interact with in our lives. It's even got us talking a bit about "new pet guilt" and the realness of pet ownership. But, bottom line-- WE HAVE A CAT NOW! It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.