The Pondcast: Conversations That Go Nowhere

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. What happens when your dream job becomes your actual job? Jeff Ponder talks with author of "Patriarchs of the Dugout: Baseball's Greatest Managers," Matthew DiBiase, about professional sports, as well as baseball and basketball management. Wait until you hear about his take on how ranking managers and coaches...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Country rock musician Levi Coovert joins The Pondcast for a wide-ranging conversation that quickly moves beyond office small talk into sports, journalism, music and the ups and downs of being a lifelong sports fan. We discuss covering sports as reporters, playing sports as kids, Levi's country rock career and...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. St. Louis musician Matt F. Basler joins The Pondcast for a hilarious conversation about music, local diners and one very unusual upcoming performance: Matt will eat a 4-foot hot dog while he performs his set. We also talk about Matt's band Middle Class Fashion, his music career, some of the wildest things he'...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something different. Nikki Rigby, founder of GetREAL With Alcohol, joins The Pondcast for an honest conversation about alcohol use, addiction and what it takes to change your relationship with drinking. We discuss the challenges of stopping alcohol when drinking is part of your social life and daily routine, Nikki's coaching phil...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. TJ joins The Pondcast for a nostalgic conversation about the video games we grew up playing and the experiences that made us gamers. We nerd out over the Batman: Arkham games, Metal Gear Solid, Assassin's Creed, Resident Evil 4 and plenty more, while reminiscing about childhood gaming memories, getting new co...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Bob LeMent of Static Radio returns to The Pondcast for a hilarious conversation about The Lord of the Rings, the golden age of video rental stores, and how surprisingly easy it is to accidentally stumble across adult content while streaming today. We also talk about Bob's experience working in a video rental...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Registered nurse Pakesta Washington joins The Pondcast for its most personal and serious conversation yet. Pakesta shares her experience living with bipolar disorder, the challenges of receiving the right diagnosis, and the realities of nursing fatigue. Together, we discuss mental health, self-advocacy, recog...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. My old co-worker and friend Brooke joins The Pondcast for a funny and nostalgic conversation about Pixar movies and why some of them still make grown adults cry. Along the way, we reminisce about working together in an ordinary office, swap stories about unforgettable coworkers, discuss imaginary friends and...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Multidisciplinary artist Oya Obinidodo joins The Pondcast for a fascinating conversation about overcoming writer's block, using AI as a creative tool, balancing music, books, filmmaking, and blogging all within one creative mind. We also touch on The Simpsons, the creative process, and the projects you'll fin...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Podcast enthusiast Lina La Rue—better known as "The Pod Nerd"—joins The Pondcast for a hilarious conversation about one of life's greatest unsolved mysteries: why socks disappear in the dryer. Along the way, we debate toe socks, compare hockey skates to everyday shoes, share stories about annoying our spouses...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Chris Schnabel from the Mad Props Podcast joins The Pondcast for a hilarious conversation about concert etiquette. From mosh pits and concert venues to unforgettable concert experiences, we debate the unwritten rules of live music. Plus, we dive into our love of Billy Joel, fitness journeys, gym life, and the...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Improv actor Russ Gooberman joins The Pondcast for a hilarious conversation about one of pop culture's greatest hypothetical questions: Which fictional character would make the worst roommate? Along the way, we talk about Whose Line Is It Anyway?, improv comedy, raising kids as both younger and older parents,...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Frank King joins The Pondcast for a hilarious and insightful conversation about bad bosses, terrible workplace experiences and the lessons we learn from them. Along the way, we discuss working at a bar, the fall of Blockbuster, the rise of Netflix, mental health and how going from stand-up comedy to doing Ted...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Why do we buy things we never planned to purchase? Michael Hebert of Oilers Live! joins The Pondcast for a funny and nostalgic conversation about impulse buying, hockey culture, podcasting over the years, and the strange joy of spending money on things that seemed like a good idea at the time—no script, no ru...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Bob LeMent of Static Radio ( http://staticradio.com ) joins The Pondcast for a hilarious conversation about buying things just because they’re on sale. From unnecessary purchases to clearance-bin logic, this episode explores the mental gymnastics behind good deals and why some of us convince ourselves we’re s...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Composer, entrepreneur, and writer David Andrew Wiebe joins The Pondcast for a fun and insightful conversation about ... office coffee? Kinda. From drinking soda as children to fighting writer's block, this episode explores the inner workings of remote workers and how they find motivation to get things done—n...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Curt Price, former co-host of Let’s Go Blues Radio, joins The Pondcast for a hilarious conversation about midlife crises, aging, pickleball, hockey war stories and the aches and pains that suddenly become part of everyday life. From staying active to realizing your body doesn’t recover like it used to, this e...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Pastor and adult film actress Christy Love joins The Pondcast for a funny and thought-provoking conversation about why we keep boxes “just in case.” From moving from San Diego to Los Angeles to discussing life changes, writing projects and unexpected career paths, this episode blends relatable habits with rea...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Friend Jennifer Spellazza joins The Pondcast for a funny and relatable conversation about one of life’s most universal experiences: forgetting why you walked into a room. From parenting and busy schedules to doctor visits and everyday life in St. Louis, this episode dives into the chaos of memory lapses and m...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Former Boston-area police sergeant Jim Vaglica joins The Pondcast for a fun and thought-provoking conversation about retirement fantasies. From future trips to the many goals we set for ourselves, this episode blends real-life experience with humor as we explore what we really want out of life after work—no s...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. In this episode of The Pondcast, Cam—self-described “untitled funny man” and Jeff's cousin—joins for a hilarious and nostalgic conversation about failing driving tests, riding around with family, and the chaos that comes with it. From relatable driving stories to growing up and family memories, this comedy po...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Amateur comedian Tina Azzam joins The Pondcast for a hilarious deep dive into one of life’s most awkward everyday experiences: elevators. From unspoken social rules to strange encounters, this comedy podcast episode explores why elevators bring out the weird in all of us—no script, no rules, just stories and...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Popular YouTuber MetalMusicMan (also, my friend Will) joins The Pondcast for a hilarious deep dive into weather conspiracies. From acid rain to government weather control theories, this episode explores the strange, funny, and sometimes believable ideas behind how weather might—or might not—be manipulated. Jo...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. Actor Jimmy Palumbo (The Jimmy Palumbo Show, Friends, Beer League) joins The Pondcast for a hilarious and honest conversation about small-town fame. What happens when everyone knows who you are—but only in one place? From acting stories to unexpected recognition, this comedy podcast episode dives into the str...

No script. No structure. Just a conversation that somehow turns into something hilarious. In the premiere of The Pondcast: Conversations That Go Nowhere, John Pertzborn formerly of Fox 2 St. Louis joins the show to tell us about superstitions he may have, what others he has worked with have and ... a drunken Santa? All of this hilarity and more on the new show's debut episode—no script, no rules,...