Soundtrack of the Week
A comedy podcast diving into the latest news of the week.
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Episode 55: Ghosts of Thanksgiving Past
11/30/2025
Episode 55: Ghosts of Thanksgiving Past
After months of swearing they’d do a palate-cleanser, the gang finally coughs one up. In this Thanksgiving special, Ty, Jay and Meredith dig into holiday memories, dredging up all the triumphs, disasters and psychic scars that happen when you trap an entire family in one house and call it gratitude. It’s festive. It’s nostalgic. It’s a slow-motion car wreck with pie. (00:04:05) Meredith's corn casserole experiment (00:05:40) Jay's working for the Mormons (00:09:37) Soaking parties (00:12:30) Ty's company is "restructuring" (00:14:40) News update: Epstein files (00:16:40) News update: Immigration crackdown (00:24:25) Sounds of the Week: (00:35:08) Sounds of the Week: (0:49:14) Thanksgiving stories Songs: "Father of Mine" by Everclear "Mother Mother" by Tracy Bonham "We're a Happy Family" by Ramones Notes: (0:09:37) (0:09:37) (0:14:40) (0:16:50) (0:29:05) (0:29:05) (0:29:05) (0:29:27) Trump's social media posts suggesting death penalty for certain Democrat Congress members: , and he reposted 0:41:00) (0:43:17) (0:44:41)
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Episode 54: Blue Wave Goodbye
11/16/2025
Episode 54: Blue Wave Goodbye
The Democrats finally caught a big wave, rode it for five glorious minutes, and then face-planted into dry sand. On this episode, the gang digs into the 2025 “blue wave” that briefly washed over the country before evaporating in record time. Eight Democratic senators broke ranks to end the longest shutdown in U.S. history, with voters left blinking like “wait, what?” Intro: Northern Lights in the U.S. Everything is AI Meredith believes in werewolf moons Sounds of the Week: 2025 blue "wave" Songs*: "Blue Monday" by Orgy "Blueprint" by Fugazi "Tangled Up In Blue" by Bob Dylan *Jay based this theme on the song "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" by Eiffel 65, but the app he uses for music only had weird remix versions that sucked. Rest assured, that song was top of the list. Notes: Does the full moon affect human behavior? , but . (00:08:00) (00:20:35) (00:21:20) Grok's chatbot market share in the U.S. is , not 3% (00:26:15) (00:28:05) (00:28:33) (00:30:50) (00:36:36) (00:38:30) (00:44:45) Andrew Cuomo of the vote, where his father in 1977 (00:45:30) (00:45:47) (00:58:05) (00:59:45) (01:01:33) (01:12:35) (01:13:05)
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Episode 53: Extreme Makeover: White House Edition
11/02/2025
Episode 53: Extreme Makeover: White House Edition
Trump’s latest real estate investment? Flatten the East Wing and drop $300 million on a ballroom big enough for his ego. This week, the gang breaks down the funding fiasco, the motives behind the demolition, and why the new dance floor might be the most expensive metaphor for American politics yet. Intro: Labubus, Meredith's spooky 911 experience, Jay's Halloween vacation, Ty's health scare Sounds of the Week: President Donald Trump's ballroom Songs: "Burning Down the House" by Talking Heads "Ballroom Blitz" by Sweet "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus Notes: (0:10:36) (0:18:40) (0:29:40) (0:29:57) (0:30:15) (0:45:00) (0:45:05) (0:46:05) (0:46:05) (0:48:26) (0:48:26) (0:53:35) (0:55:05) (0:58:15) (0:59:45) (1:01:35) (1:01:58)
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Episode 52: Healthcare: An American Horror Story
10/19/2025
Episode 52: Healthcare: An American Horror Story
In SOTW 1.0, the gang was young, dumb, and invincible ... or so they thought. Fast-forward to their 40s, and their bodies are staging a full-scale rebellion. Jay has a Frankenstein knee, Meredith’s running shoes are mostly decorative, and Ty faints at the sight of his own hemoglobin. This week, they talk about what “self-care” looks like when your warranty’s expired—and the fine art of selective neglect. Their health plan may be questionable, but it’s still better than whatever Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is selling. 0:00:00 - Intro (SOTW doesn't suck, Meredith's conservatorship hell, Jay got a boo-boo on his knee) 0:23:15 - Sounds of the Week: 0:46:37 - Aging bodies and healthcare Songs: "Broken, Beat & Scarred" by Metallica "My Shit's Fucked Up" by Warren Zevon "Life is Killing Me" by Type O Negative Notes: (0:10:57) (0:11:04) (0:11:21) (0:12:55) (0:13:30) (0:13:30) (0:15:22) (0:30:50) (0:33:27) (0:35:06) (0:36:19) (0:36:50) (0:37:54) (0:41:26)
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Episode 51: Cartography of Control
10/05/2025
Episode 51: Cartography of Control
Every ten years, the census hands politicians a fresh box of crayons—and somehow the “art project” always ends up looking like a crime scene. Despite the next census not due until 2030, the redistricting free-for-all is already underway: Trump pushing Republican states to redraw early, Democrats striking back, and the whole country caught in a cartographic cage match. This week, Geoff Gerling returns to help Ty and Jay tackle everyone’s favorite “sexy” political scandal: gerrymandering. The gang breaks down what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how those squiggly lines on a map quietly decide who holds power. 0:00:00 - Intro (Dropping out of news and social media, Jay's in extreme Halloween mode, the left is beating the right at something, sports betting revisited) 0:18:20 - Sounds of the Week: 0:44:28 - Gerrymandering Songs: "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis "My Song" by Jerry Cantrell "Jerry Was a Racecar Driver" by Primus Notes: (0:04:46) The movie Ty is talking about is , also known as Hatchet IV (0:06:37) (0:09:30) (0:11:15) (0:20:04) (0:23:35) (0:27:35) (0:34:33) (0:35:50) (0:52:24) (0:53:18) (0:54:39) (1:07:12) (1:08:00) (1:09:40) (1:14:45) (1:15:20)
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Episode 50: Political Psychosis
09/21/2025
Episode 50: Political Psychosis
It's finally time for a palate cleanser episode! Just kidding. We're totally talking about ... you know ... that thing that happened. This week, the gang gives their totally neutral, not at all controversial, unbiased hot take on the $h0t heard around the world. 0:00:00 - Intro (Crypto currency investment fraud and other old people scams) 0:22:08 - Sounds of the Week: 0:39:32 - He who must not be named Songs: "Bullet in the Head" by Rage Against the Machine "Hey Man Nice Shot" by Filter "See You In Hell" by Grim Reaper Notes: (0:24:00) (0:33:20) The only event held at an Ivy League school appears to be a 2019 event at Brown University (0:42:20) (0:49:35) (1:01:13) (1:02:08) (1:02:20) (1:02:55)
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Episode 49: Tariffied
09/06/2025
Episode 49: Tariffied
Trump promised tariffs would make America strong. He didn’t just tinker with trade—he brought a sledgehammer to a scalpel’s job. Ten federal judges have already declared the biggest tariffs unlawful, and now the Supreme Court gets to decide whether to call it policy or vandalism. After months of whiplash—on again, off again—the pain is finally trickling down, landing squarely on families already gasping for air. This week, the gang talks about how tariffs are less an economic strategy and more a slow-motion robbery, and whether breaking the camel’s back is a bug…or a feature. 0:00:00 - Intro (Meredith in SantaCaliGon, Ty in Manhattan, Jay's extreme horror book obsession) 0:26:19 - Sounds of the Week: 0:50:26 - Tariffs Songs: "Moneytalks" by AC/DC "Money" by Pink Floyd "Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits Notes: (0:03:51) (0:06:25) (0:23:03) (0:26:32) (0:32:58) (0:42:42) (1:05:36) (1:07:25) (1:12:20) (1:12:50)
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Episode 48: Let It Go
08/24/2025
Episode 48: Let It Go
After 16 years, Marc Maron is calling it quits on one of the most iconic podcasts ever. That news got Tyson spiraling: if Maron can walk away, why does he struggle to let go of… well, anything? This week, the gang dives into the art (and agony) of moving on—from jobs to hobbies to relationships—and why cutting ties, even when things are good, can feel like pulling teeth. Spoiler: it’s harder than it looks. 0:00:00 - Intro (black cat shenanigans, Bingo Loco, Meredith saw a laser light show for the first time, Jay had lunch with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce) 0:25:34 - Sounds of the Week: 0:43:34 - Letting go Songs: "Take This Job and Shove It" by Johhny Paycheck "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" by Billy Joel "I Will Survive" by Cake Notes: (0:08:38) (0:13:47) (0:15:50) - Amazon price tracker (0:26:24) (0:29:15) (0:30:35) (0:34:54) (0:31:55) (0:32:55) (0:33:09) (0:34:35) (0:36:27) (0:36:32) (0:36:36) (0:38:10)
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Episode 47: Lexapro and Cons
08/10/2025
Episode 47: Lexapro and Cons
After nearly 40 years of white-knuckling life with anxiety, Jay has finally joined Team Psych Meds™. Meredith and Ty — seasoned pros in the world of pharmaceutical mood maintenance — welcome the rookie to the roster. From side effects to life upgrades, the gang kicks back on the imaginary shrink’s couch and swaps war stories about mental health, meds, and the weird, wonderful ways our brains respond to modern chemistry. Side effects of this episode may include headaches, diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction. Consult with your doctor before listening. (0:00:00) - Intro (spooky season is upon us, Ma'am vs. Miss, SOTW book club) (0:22:37) - Sounds of the Week: (0:47:35) - Psych Meds Songs: "Mother's Little Helper" by The Rolling Stones "Meds" by Placebo (feat. Alison Mosshart) "I Wanna Be Sedated" by Ramones Notes: (0:12:52) (0:23:07) (0:23:30) (0:26:39) (0:29:00) (0:30:00) (030:13) (0:31:25) (0:32:52) (0:40:55) (0:40:55) (0:42:20) (0:42:24) (0:59:30)
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Episode 46: Pedo Files
07/27/2025
Episode 46: Pedo Files
Donald J. Trump is flexing unprecedented power, backed by a Republican-led Congress and a conservative-supermajority Supreme Court. But could the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein be his unexpected undoing? This week, the gang unpacks the explosive controversy surrounding the Epstein files—exploring whether the most notorious pedophile in history is posthumously challenging the most powerful man in America. (0:00:00) - Intro (Meredith's trip to Omaha, famous pedophiles, Jay's first time on meds) (0:22:23) - Sounds of the Week: (0:40:56) - The Epstein files Songs: "Seventeen" by Winger "Edge of the World" by Faith No More "Expose Yourself to Kids" by GG Allin Notes: (0:05:20) (0:07:45) (0:07:54) (0:27:35) (0:31:11) (0:31:40) (0:32:40) (0:34:24) (0:34:53) (0:41:37) (0:41:48) (0:42:05) (0:42:20) (0:42:31) (0:43:05) (0:43:36) (0:43:50) (0:44:08) (0:44:14) (0:44:28) (0:45:00) (0:45:53) (0:46:54) (0:47:26) (0:47:42) (0:47:55) (0:48:17) (0:48:27) (0:48:48) (0:49:03) (0:49:11) (0:49:21) (0:50:20) (0:52:14) (0:54:33) (0:54:45) (0:55:05) (0:55:12) (0:55:15) (0:55:23) (1:02:17) (1:06:31) (1:06:43) (1:06:55) (1:08:20)
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Episode 45: Media Culpa
07/13/2025
Episode 45: Media Culpa
Journalism's having a moment—and not in a good way. We're only halfway through the year, and mainstream media's already managed to trip over its own feet... again. Truth is, it's been a slow-motion train wreck for years, and a lot of the damage is self-inflicted. This week, the gang digs into how legacy outlets keep botching the basics, what they're getting wrong, and whether there's any hope of turning things around. (0:00:00) - Intro (Meredith's Colorado porch pirate, hotels suck, immigration update) (0:26:08) - Sounds of the Week: (0:48:58) - Roles and responsibilities of mainstream media Songs: "A Letter to the New York Post" by Public Enemy "Trouble Every Day" by Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention "Dirty Laundry" by Don Henley Notes: (0:06:27) (0:07:04) (0:16:57) (0:17:25) (0:17:38) (0:17:55) (0:18:14) (0:20:00) (0:20:25) (0:20:50) (0:21:49) (0:31:12) (0:34:10) (0:34:10) (0:34:22) (0:37:51) (038:11) (0:39:20) (0:41:58) The actual report could not be found, so the claim cannot be confirmed. (0:58:53) (0:59:55) (1:01:07) (1:17:04) (1:17:29) (1:22:14)
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Episode 44: No Kings
06/29/2025
Episode 44: No Kings
It's the Fourth of July Episode! What's more patriotic than liberal protests railing against the government and right-wing glorification of the military? This week, the gang talks about the nationwide No Kings protests and President Donald Trump's military parade. The discussion turns into a critique of the mainstream media and how they are dropping the ball in a big way. (0:00:00) - Intro (protest traffic, Ty's conflicting feelings about a manchild Royals fan) (0:20:28) - Sounds of the Week: (0:41:40) - No Kings protests and military parade Songs: "Kill the King" by Megadeth "King Nothing" by Metallica "Kings and Queens" by Aerosmith Notes: (0:02:15) (0:02:30) (0:02:57) (0:15:14) (0:20:35) (0:20:35) (0:20:35) (0:20:35) (0:25:27) Dishwalla is not a Christian rock band. Although the song "Counting Blue Cars" is about God, it depicts God as a female. Ty was thinking about Jars of Clay and their hit song "Flood." (0:27:05) (0:27:34) (0:28:50) (0:31:11) (033:10) (0:34:39) (0:35:33) (0:43:25) (0:48:31) (0:49:50) (0:49:50) (0:49:50) (0:49:50) (0:50:07) (0:51:09) (0:51:29) (0:55:00) (0:56:05) (0:56:16) (0:57:55) (1:02:38) (1:09:22) (1:12:00) (1:13:22) (1:18:28) (New York Times references on pages 37, 42, 44, 47, 50 and 51) (1:18:47)
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Episode 43: Pride and Killjoy
06/15/2025
Episode 43: Pride and Killjoy
Ty is out this week, but the show must go on, so Jay and Meredith take the helm and bring in special guest Chad (). It's June, so the gang discusses Pride Month, including some of the many challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. This time, someone with direct knowledge and experience speaks about the main topic. (0:00:00) - Intro (Ty is dead, SOTW welcomes Chad, Meredith and Chad are prepping for protests) (0:17:20) - Sounds of the Week: Me Too is back! ICE protest in Los Angeles (0:38:58) - Pride and other monthly observances Songs: "Ever Fallen in Love" by Buzzcocks "Nancy Boy" by Placebo "Be Aggressive" by Faith No More Notes: (0:06:40) (0:21:55)
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Episode 42: SOTW Travel Guide
05/25/2025
Episode 42: SOTW Travel Guide
It's Memorial Day Weekend! Like other summer holidays, people are hitting the roads and the skies to enjoy the three-day weekend away from home. Other people, like Meredith, are afraid to travel and staying home. This week, the gang discusses their traveling fears, including money, stressful itineraries, and dying. Air traffic controllers getting DOGEed isn't helping. (0:00:00) - Intro (news update, Meredith totally doesn't have COVID, in memoriam car window decals, Tesla is the new BMW) (0:26:29) - Sounds of the Week: (0:41:09) - Traveling Songs: "The Passenger" by Iggy Pop "I've Been Everywhere" by Johnny Cash "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC Notes: (0:05:35) (0:05:53) (0:06:22) (0:07:24) (0:08:03) (0:8:55) (0:09:50) (0:10:03) (0:11:00) (0:11:15) (0:12:24) (0:12:55) (030:15) (0:33:01) (0: 47:56) (0:48:33) (0:50:25) (0:51:42) (1:08:45)
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Episode 41: Third Places
05/10/2025
Episode 41: Third Places
Third places are neutral public spaces outside the home (first place) and work (second place) where people can gather and interact, e.g. churches, coffee shops, bars, parks, malls, movie theaters, clubs, etc. Since at least the 1990s, third places have been disappearing, leaving people nowhere to go. This week, the gang explores why third spaces are going away, what the consequences are and what can be done to get back to a world where people just simply hang out. (0:00:00) - Intro (Jay's mouth got probed, to go or not to go to the doctor, news update) (0:26:00) - Sounds of the Week: (0:49:20) - Third places Songs: "In the Mall" by Weezer "Hanging Around" by The Stranglers "Longview" by Green Day Notes: (0:15:05) (0:16:30) (0:17:37) (0:18:06) (0:18:35) (0:19:30) (0:19:40) (0:31:55) (0:32:05) (0:32:23) (0:35:50) (0:35:50) (0:50:45) (0:59:40) (1:00:10) (1:01:55) (1:02:45) (1:04:10) (1:11:36) (1:17:30) (1:18:00)
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Episode 40: Undue Process
04/27/2025
Episode 40: Undue Process
Keeping good on his promise to purge the country of dangerous, illegal immigrants, President Donald Trump has executed a massive deportation campaign. However, Trump's immigration crusade may have gone too far, resulting in a constitutional crisis that has put potentially thousands of innocent people in the crosshairs, many of whom are U.S. citizens. This week, the gang breaks down the federal government's immigration crackdown and why every American should be concerned. (0:00:00) - Intro (Artificial intelligence in Little League baseball, the workplace and Soundtrack of the Week) (0:23:58) - Sounds of the Week: (0:49:54) - Trump's deportation policy Songs: "Eye of the Beholder" by Metallica "Run Like Hell" by Pink Floyd "Aginst Th' Law" by Billy Bragg and Wilco Notes: (0:13:15) (0:16:25) (0:26:30) (0:26:54) It was Big 10, not SEC, universities that signed a (0:28:30) (0:29:25) (0:39:48) (0:42:15) (0:44:05) (0:52:05) (0:53:19) (0:53:34) (0:53:47) (0:54:02) (0:54:45) (0:55:05) (1:05:33) (1:08:49) (1:10:35) (1:12:03) (1:13:12) (1:15:40)
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Episode 39: Doth Protest Too Much
04/13/2025
Episode 39: Doth Protest Too Much
Democracy is on the line, so the left is doing the only thing they know to do: Protest! From the recent "Hands Off" movement to people demonstrating outside Tesla dealerships (and some setting Cybertrucks on fire), people are hitting the streets to express their disapproval of the current president. But are they affecting change? This week, the gang discusses the merits of protesting in the United States and what needs to be done to see action on Capitol Hill Intro (white people love casserole, Metallica road trip, Jay's dentophobia, news update) Sounds of the Week: Songs: "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy "Killing in the Name" by Rage Against the Machine "This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie Notes: (0:12:35) (0:13:13) (0:13:30) (0:22:45) (0:22:45) (0:23:23) (0:34:10) (0:34:40) (0:34:50) (0:43:30) (0:48:28) (0:51:03) (0:52:56) (0:52:56) (0:53:55) (0:54:30) (0:55:25) (0:56:33) (0:57:14) (1:03:55)
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Episode 38: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
03/30/2025
Episode 38: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Jay and Ty recently discovered they have a half brother that no one knew about for more than 30 years. How did they find out? Ty submitted a 23&Me. Ty sees nothing wrong with obtaining this information, Jay is vehemently against a corporation collecting DNA data and flipping families upside down, and Meredith tries to rein the two in. This week, the gang discusses the topic of data privacy, including how much data they are willing to give up and at what price. 0:00:00 - Intro (Harlem Globetrotters, Ukrainian ballet, Ty finally took time off work, super spicy food is dumb, feeding a cat a pill is a nightmare) 0:25:18 - Sounds of the Week: 0:44:37 - Data privacy Songs: "Inhuman Creation Station" by CKY "I Think I'm a Clone Now" by "Weird Al" Yankovic "Clones (We're All)" by Alice Cooper Notes: (0:38:40) (1:05:24) (1:06:45) (1:07:10) (1:07:50) (1:09:13)
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Special Episode: A Blast from the Past
03/16/2025
Special Episode: A Blast from the Past
The gang is taking a break this week. Instead of leaving you hanging, Ty reached deep into the archives and resurrected an episode of the first edition of SOTW. Listen to Episode 147, where Ty, Jay and Meredith talk about the state of the nation ... in 2013! Needless to say, a few things have changed since then. Strap in for this one. The gang recorded for more than three hours every week back in the day! 0:00:00 - Intro 0:03:34 - Episode 147: You Say You Want a Revolution (Part I) 1:31:03 - Episode 147: You Say You Want a Revolution (Part II) Songs: "Sunday Bloody Sunday" by U2 "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan "Glad to be Gay" by Tom Robinson Band "Problems" by Sex Pistols "WInd of Change" by Scorpions
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Episode 37: Cult of Personality Disorder
03/02/2025
Episode 37: Cult of Personality Disorder
Heaven's Gate. The Branch Davidians. Children of God. The Republican party? Liberals and conservatives have been accusing each other of being in a cult since forever, but neither has exhibited all of the classic characteristics and traits ... until now. This week, the gang discusses the idea that Republicans are beginning to cross the line from party cohesiveness and loyalty to straight-up cult status. 0:00:00 - Intro (Meredith and Jay can't deal with winter, 23&Me disrupted Ty and Jay's family) 0:25:15 - Sounds of the Week: 0:51:17 - Cults Songs: "Hypnotize" by System of a Down "I Burn" by Toadies "Brainwashed" by The Kinks Notes: (0:09:40) (0:17:40) (0:17:55) (0:18:00) (0:18:10) (0:19:20) (0:42:51) (0:43:55) (0:56:10) (0:56:10) (0:56:10) (1:04:45) (1:11:37)
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Episode 36: Ameritocracy
02/16/2025
Episode 36: Ameritocracy
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies are under attack by the federal government in an attempt to restore meritocracy in both the public and private sectors. There's only one problem: Meritocracy is a myth. This week, the gang discusses how the lack of a merit-based system renders policies like DEI necessary to ensure everyone is on a level playing field by circumventing our implicit biases. (0:00:00) - Intro (Super Bowl halftime show, Democratic party implosion continues) (0:24:30) - Sounds of the Week: UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell's pro-Hitler hot take (0:40:33) - Meritocracy Songs: "Country Heroes" by Hank Williams III "Shot You Down" by Audio Bullys and Nancy Sinatra "One Headlight" by The Wallflowers Notes: (0:04:10) (0:07:05) (0:09:40) (0:09:40) (0:12:00) (0:13:30) (0:14:00) (0:18:37) (0:19:03) (0:19:09) (0:19:45) (0:20:04) (0:20:10) (0:32:00) (0:36:30) (0:36:30) (0:36:53) (0:42:42) (0:43:26) (0:45:20) (0:45:40)
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Episode 35: Dem's the Breaks
02/02/2025
Episode 35: Dem's the Breaks
In a special edition of the show, Ty, Jay and Meredith are joined by Geoff Gerling, a Missouri Democratic party officer and former SOTW co-host. Geoff returns to the show to discuss where Democrats went wrong heading into Election Day and how the party can bounce back. The gang gets deep into the weeds, including political messaging, who will lead the Democratic party and why the show "The West Wing" led to second term for Donald Trump. 0:00:00 - Short intro and straight into what happened with the Dems 0:27:58 - Role of communications/messaging in politics and the Democratic party 0:55:38 - Democrats' path forward Songs: "Loser" by Beck "Oops!... I Did It Again" by Britney Spears "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who Notes: (0:15:00) (0:18:40) (0:21:45) (0:29:40) (0:29:40) (0:29:40) (0:29:40) (0:37:58) (0:42:37) (0:45:20) (0:45:20) revealed that Republicans love "The Walking Dead" WAY more than Democrats (0:45:53) (0:46:30) (0:46:30) The quote Ty was referring to was "Mass movements can rise and spread without belief in a god, but never without a belief in a devil" by Eric Hoffer, philosopher and social critic (0:47:30) (0:55:55) Arkansas . Recreational marijuana is still illegal in the state. (0:59:37) (0:59:39) in the 2024 Missouri governor race (1:00:25) (1:10:50)
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Episode 34: Vigilante Justice
01/19/2025
Episode 34: Vigilante Justice
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was assassinated in broad daylight in the middle of New York City. Rather than decry a cold-blooded killing, Americans seemed to be indifferent at minimum, with many publicly praising the murderer, Luigi Mangione. Meanwhile, Daniel Penny, a man acquitted of killing an unarmed homeless man acting crazy on a New York City subway, was invited to watch the Army-Navy football game with President-elect Donald Trump. Aside from the obvious question of "WTF is going on in NYC?" the other question to ask is "If or when is vigilante justice okay?" This week, the gang gets into a heated exchange as not everyone agrees that taking matters into your own hands is a good thing. (0:00:00) - Intro (Chick-fil-A sucks - Chinese food good, Snowmageddon 2025) (0:23:55) - Sounds of the Week: (0:39:38) - Vigilante justice Songs: "I Hope You Die" by Bloodhound Gang "Everything About You" by Ugly Kid Joe "Head Like a Hole" by Nine Inch Nails Notes: (0:04:15) (0:19:30) (0:27:45) (0:28:25) (0:28:50) (0:29:33) (0:29:33) (0:29:33) (0:29:33) (0:29:40) (0:40:45) (0:40:45) (0:41:35) (0:41:53) (0:46:05) (0:53:20) (0:59:17) (1:00:00)
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Episode 33: SOTW Project 2025
01/05/2025
Episode 33: SOTW Project 2025
It's the first episode of 2025, which means it's time to set some goals! Inspired by the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 manifesto that President-elect Donald Trump totally, unequivocally, in no way knows anything about, the gang has created their personal Project 2025 (sans an authoritarian overthrowing of the government to force far Christian-right ideals). It's like a New Year's resolution, but way deeper. (0:00:00) Intro (Jay and Ty are sabotaging Meredith's relationship, finding a new home, news updates) (0:20:10) Sounds of the Week: (0:40:50) Project 2025: SOTW version Songs: "This Will Be My Year" by Semisonic "New Year's Day" by U2 "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" by R.E.M. Notes: (0:06:45) Per Jay's request, here's the link (0:10:55) (0:11:25) (0:12:50) (0:13:00) (0:14:00) (0:14:35) (0:22:30) (0:24:48) (0:25:00) (0:26:10) (0:26:32) (0:28:00) (0:32:35) (0:35:13)
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Episode 32: The Gift That Keeps On Giving
12/22/2024
Episode 32: The Gift That Keeps On Giving
It's the Christmas Episode! The gang closes out 2024 by giving each other symbolic gifts. Since no one is actually getting any of these gifts, there's no limit to what the gift can be. In typical SOTW fashion, things get weird and awkward quickly, with a Shyamalan twist at the end. Happy holidays! We'll see you next year! (0:00:00) - Intro (School district boundaries make no sense, return-to-work policies are dumb, endoscopies are no big deal, news updates) (0:22:50) - Sounds of the Week: (0:44:04) - SOTW gift exchange Songs: "Run Rudolph Run" by Lemmy Kilmister, Billy F. Gibbons and Dave Grohl "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" by Ramones "Christmastime" by The Smashing Pumpkins Notes: (0:11:55) (0:12:30) (0:17:00) (0:18:00) (0:29:00) (0:31:00) The insurance middlemen Ty was referring to are called "pharmacy benefit managers" (0:31:10) (0:35:10) (0:35:15)
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Episode 31: Sexy Time
12/08/2024
Episode 31: Sexy Time
A porn star professor. Links to porn sites on kids' toy boxes. Someone got their own costume line at Spirit Halloween for spittin' on that thang. There were some sexy headlines this year. Is America getting out of its Puritan phase of sex and embracing its sexuality? This week, the gang talks about their relationship with sex and whether or not Americans' attitudes on the topic are becoming more liberated. (0:00:00) - Intro (Meredith is fasting, Jay is a Trekkie now, the gang can't handle marijuana, updates) (0:28:22) - Sounds of the Week: (0:48:10) - Let's talk about sex Songs: "A.D.I.D.A.S." by Korn "Fuck Her Gently" by Tenacious D "Fuck the Pain Away" by Peaches Notes: (0:12:20) (0:12:20) (0:14:05) (0:15:25) (0:16:50) (0:17:50) (0:19:00) (0:21:30) (0:23:09) (0:28:30) (0:33:45) (0:34:50) (0:35:30) (0:48:40) (0:48:55) (0:49:35) The top 10 countries with the most are Grenada, England/Wales, Pakistan, Botswana, Lesotho, Sweden, Panama, Eswatini, South Africa and Iceland. The United States is pretty high up there, while India is ranked relatively low. It's worth noting that these statistics are based on reported rapes, which can vary greatly from one country to another. (0:53:50) (1:08:45)
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Episode 30: Thanks for Nothing
11/24/2024
Episode 30: Thanks for Nothing
It's Thanksgiving week! While Americans stuff their faces with an offensive amount of food and trample over each other to get 20% off a 75-inch 4K ultra-high-def TV, it is also a time to reflect on what we are thankful for. That is exactly what the gang does this week. Ty, Jay and Meredith take a break from their default mode of resigned cynicism (well, kind of) and dig deep to find things in their life for which they are thankful. (0:00:00) - Intro (Trump cabinet/staff nominees, Twitter vs. Bluesky) (0:22:46) - Sounds of the Week: (0:39:10) - Giving thanks Songs: "Cherry Pie" by Warrant "Custard Pie" by Led Zeppelin "Pecan Pie" by Golden Smog Notes: (0:02:30) (0:03:00) (0:03:30) (0:03:30) (0:03:45) (0:03:55) (0:04:10) (0:04:20) (0:04:25) (0:04:37) (0:04:55) (0:05:27) (0:05:50) (0:07:20) (0:07:43) (0:08:47) (0:09:45) (0:09:45) (0:09:56) (0:10:00) (0:10:24) (0:12:40) (0:12:40) (0:22:55) (0:24:50) (0:28:55) (0:30:00) (0:32:15) (0:40:50) (0:46:35) (0:50:15)
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Episode 29: Election Day 2024
11/10/2024
Episode 29: Election Day 2024
What was supposed to be a tight race ended up being a total massacre of the Democratic party, with Donald Trump winning a second term as president and Republicans taking control of the House and the Senate. Voters dismissed Democrats' claims of fascism, including the party's own base. This week, the gang discusses how we got here and what to do next. (0:00:00) - Intro (Nosferatu vs. Batman, Ron Reagan vs. Ronald Reagan, business conferences are for getting drunk, Ty is the world's first Grandpa Ty) (0:22:28) - Sounds of the Week: (0:36:55) - Election Day 2024 Songs: "Youth Against Fascism" by Sonic Youth "All You Fascists" by Billy Bragg & Wilco "Nazi Punks Fuck Off (In God We Trust, Inc)" by Dead Kennedys Notes: (0:15:00) (0:25:30) The name of the old country singer Ty was talking about is Lee Greenwood, known for the song "God Bless the U.S.A." (0:27:35) (0:29:40) (0:38:04) (0:38:50) (0:40:30) (0:41:45) (0:44:30) (0:46:25) (0:55:25) (0:55:33) (0:55:33) (1:05:25) (1:05:25) (1:06:30)
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Episode 28: Fear Factor
10/27/2024
Episode 28: Fear Factor
It's the Halloween episode! Fear is always a hot topic this time of year, so Ty, Meredith and Jay will tackle it head-on. This year, the gang will bring in the spooky season by talking about what they are afraid of now that they are all middle-aged. Conversely, they will also discuss what they feared in their early adult years but no longer bothers them today. Fear is always in us, but changes over time. (0:00:00) Intro (News update, the gang goes to the symphony, "history" of Nosferatu, Jay is going to Florida) (0:19:07) Sounds of the Week: (0:44:04) Fear Songs: "Lost Boys" by The 69 Eyes "Nosferatu" by Blue Oyster Cult "Night of the Vampire" by Roky Erickson Notes: (0:03:40) (0:07:45) (0:07:45) (0:07:45) (0:07:45) (0:10:30) (0:11:55) (0:23:30) (0:24:00) Holy shit! He's actually an honorary director of the foundation. (0:26:00) (0:27:00) (0:35:15) (0:44:44)
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Episode 27: Living in the Past
10/13/2024
Episode 27: Living in the Past
Barring any major trauma, most people have fond memories of their childhood up to early adulthood. We look back at those years through rose-colored glasses, often ignoring the negative aspects of the past. Nostalgia can be a healthy way to cope with the present, but at what point does it cross the line into escapism, denialism or history revisionism? Ty, Meredith and Jay reminisce about being young in the 90s while trying to keep their feet firmly planted in 2024. (0:00:00) - Intro (Meredith: KC socialite, October baseball is exhausting, news updates about TikTok, AI and sports gambling) (0:16:38) - Sounds of the Week: (0:35:26) - Nostalgia Songs: "I Just Want You" by Ozzy Osbourne "Trigger Happy Jack" by Poe "Zoot Suit Riot" by Cherry Poppin' Daddies Notes: (0:06:02) (0:07:34) (0:08:15) (0:08:35) (0:09:45) (0:21:50) (0:21:50) (0:22:35) (0:22:45) (0:23:20) Marjorie Taylore Greene tweets about the government controlling , then , and in the following days. (0:24:03) (0:38:19) (0:38:19) (0:50:15) (0:52:50)
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