The Catchup

This week, we're talking about the layoff heard around the world. The CEO of Better.com laid off 900 employees in the most savage of ways... on a zoom call. So how is it that someone feels that disassociated with the employees under them that they find find that behavior acceptable? The CEO spoke out saying many of these employees were taking advantage of working from home, and being lazy on...

This week, we asked YOU what's been on your mind and had you talking! We asked on our Facebook page to give us your topic suggestions.  Several of you responded with the topics, life events, and more that's had your attention, and it inspired us to talk about them. It's something we plan to continue to answer and follow-up on in the next several weeks, so you'll want to stay tu...

This week, Black Friday is back with a vengeance… but not in the way most shoppers would want. The fears of supply chain interruptions and chip shortages have come to pass, and it’s impacting our holiday shopping in a big way with huge delays and lack of availability on popular items.  We share our firsthand experience, with things like laptops and even couches not expected to show up for months....

This week, we’re discussing Apple’s new self-service program that allows you to give new life to your aging iPhone! It’s a major breakthrough in the world of smartphones, but it does come with some limitations. First, you can only replace your screen, camera, and battery. And while for most people that’s likely enough, this only applies to the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13. Why is Apple limiting the acc...

Who says you can’t go home? For the first time, a high school reunion is being planned for the class of 2012 at John and Denison’s alma mater. As with many 10-year reunions, there’s a lot of planning and other variables. But what happens when you have over 1,200 former students to account for? And how many of those will actually show up? There’s a lot of preconceived notions when it comes to high...

This week, we're talking about the impact of Ford's new concept pickup, the F100. If it looks familiar, that's no coincidence. The truck harkens back to an era over 40 years old, and provides a look back at the past, while also giving a window to the future. While only a concept, we want to know if the truck will change the way electric cars are designed. With a propulsion system mu...

This week, we break down the REAL reason Facebook is changing its name to Meta. It's more than just a timely rebrand after a series of scandals. In fact, Meta stands to represent the Metaverse - a hybrid world of online social experiences, sometimes expanded into three dimensions or projected into the physical world. What does that mean? It means a push to augmented reality, a blending of the...

This week we got the chance to speak with race broadcasting legend Allen Bestwick, the man behind the mic for over decades in NASCAR, Indycar, SRX, and so much more. It's not often the broadcaster gets to share their personal story, but this week we get to learn about Allen's upbringing, what got him interested in sports and broadcasting, and how he got his start in the industry. Plus, w...

This week, we’re diving into California’s ban of gas-powered lawn equipment by 2024. That forces over 50,000 companies to  begin making those purchases after that deadline. The State has a plan to help, and one can argue this move is for the greater good (see: the environment/climate change). But is this evidence of major government overreach into the free market? Or is this a worthwhile transitio...

Has Hollywood met its match? This week, we're talking about Squid Games, the new viral show tearing up the charts, and set to become the most successful show in Netflix history! What's the reason for this show's unexpected and sweeping success? What is it that has gripped the nation? And is this a sign of the future - more movies and shows outperforming American-made films in Hollyw...

This week, we take a look at Tesla-competitor Rivian, and the company's unconventional efforts to take the top spot as an EV automaker. First, Rivian's new R1T makes a direct appeal to the adventure-seekers in the world, even showcasing its rugged nature through a trip from South America to California - all captured on an Apple TV special. But taking an Electric Vehicle off the beaten pa...

This week, a special episode based on a question we received during a livestream! John was asked what it's like to face the criticism he and other members of the media receive on a consistent basis. Part of his response includes what it's like to battle vaccine deniers, among the most dividing of topics in our country today. Discussion includes why people who refuse to get the vaccine ar...

So much for us to talk about this week, so let's jump right into it! First, a controversial argument against the vaccine, courtesy Nicki Minaj. The rapper shares an inside scoop about her cousin's friend's swollen... plums, after getting the vaccine. But, an investigation in the country of Trinidad revealed there was no such case. What's the reason, then, for the wild claim? An...

This week, is Apple being hypocritical about the company’s commitment to keeping your information private? New security measures planned for the next iOS are garnering heated reactions, even forcing Apple to delay their launch. One uses an onboard AI to block potentially harmful images (I.e., nudes) from being sent to children and teens. Another scans your photos - shared on iCloud - to monitor fo...

Anytime Drake drops a new album, it gets the whole world talking. And we at The Catchup, are no exception. This week, we break down Certified Lover Boy, and what makes it unique compared to its counterparts. One example is Drake's honesty in sharing what some would call a "toxically masculine" approach to his love life. We discuss why what some consider negative lyrics are actually...

This week is an IN-PERSON CATCHUP! We share the highlights of getting to hang together in the Air Capitol of the World - Wichita. But, a strange pattern continues with Denison's arrival... colder weather and stormy skies. However, no matter the severity of the situation, it doesn't compare to what's going on in Louisiana. We offer our thoughts on Hurricane Ida, and compare it to oth...

This week, we discuss controversial content site OnlyFans, and the company's attempt to appeal to more investors... by doing away with the thing that made it so infamous to begin with. The company is creating a more family-friendly version of OnlyFans, and banning pornography on the main site. It joins an exclusive group of social media/content platforms to promote safe content, but are the i...

This week, John and Denison reveal a new track featuring friend of the show, Devaughn Dorsett (Artist Name: Dev Omar). His new track "Telly", produced/mixed/master and even featuring John is due out September 17th. More details including a "behind the track" are due in the coming weeks. But in the meantime, you can follow Dev on Spotify to be among the first to know when the ne...

This week, an authentic and transparent episode of The Catchup. First, Denison shares his big move into a new townhome, and cohabitation with his girlfriend. It's a big step for anyone in a serious relationship. So, we chat about why now was the time to make the move, the early challenges, and what he's learned from sharing a space with another. Then, John shares his battle with melanoma...

This week, John and Denison are once again joined by Justin and Montrell from The Players' Take Podcast for an in-depth discussion on societal standards and China's influence on gaming, and the world. First, are men to blame for the current culture of dating? It's a question of the chicken and the egg - which came first? What spawned our selfish and sex-promoting behavior? We discus...

This week kicks off the start of Tokyo 2020, delayed last year due to the pandemic. This year's Olympics faces a few new events, including surfing and skateboarding. So it begs the question, what sports would YOU like to see added to the lineup for Paris 2024? We discuss our favorite options, including the possible addition of Esports. Denison makes a strong case for why it - and possibly che...

This week on the Catchup, it's what some say is an attempt to intimidate voters, deter participation, and stoke fears of  voter fraud without actual proof. Hervis Rogers from Texas voted in the 2018 midterms, and 2020 Democratic Primary. Rogers spent time in jail for a burglary in the 90s, and was on parole from 2004 to June 2020. But under Texas law, parolees cannot cast a ballot. So, Rogers...

Last week, John handled things on his own with a motivational solo episode. What does that mean for this week? Well, there's a lot of CATCHING UP to do! This Week, Denison shares the details on his surprise trip to Austin, one of America's weirdest cities. The Hard Cider-lovers we are, Denison dives into his cider-tasting at the city's famous Austin Eastciders, one of the many highl...

This week follows our country's biggest celebration, Independence Day. And while there is some debate over whether the USA truly provides freedom for all, there's one freedom that can't be taken away: Your own autonomy. Definition of autonomy 1: the quality or state of being self-governing especially : the right of self-government The territory was granted autonomy . 2: self-directi...

This week, we're just days away from our nation's biggest celebration, Independence Day! With society finally feeling nearly back to normal post-COVID, how are we celebrating? Will this year's festivities (that happen to fall on a weekend by the way) go out with a bang? Or nothing more than a mere fizzle? The excitement is palpable, and we want to know how YOU are enjoying this ongo...