Ep. 3 - My job is to get a man on the moon

Links

• Mel Blanc car accident (Wikipedia)
• Slapstick (Wikipedia)
• Hold My Beer (Know Your Meme)
• Jackass - Meat stuffed underwear over alligators (YouTube)
• Black Knight (Monty Python) (Wikipedia)
• Tab Benoit
• Jake Kershaw
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (film) (Wikipedia)
• Christina Hammock Koch NASA Astronaut (NASA)
• Neoclassical Architecture (Wikipedia)
• The Quarrymen (Wikipedia)
• Dinah Washington (Wikipedia)
• Wildflowers (Tom Petty album) (Wikipedia)
• Morra (game) (Wikipedia)

Summary

• 00:00:00 In this section, the hosts discuss a recent trip to a Warner Brothers theme park in Madrid. They note that while Warner Brothers owns iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Scooby-Doo, many kids today are unfamiliar with them due to Disney’s dominance. This made the theme park experience less enjoyable for the hosts’ children, who didn’t recognize the characters. The hosts also mention the presence of man-sized animal characters and rollercoaster rides at the park.
• 00:05:00 In this section, the narrator describes their experience at a theme park owned by Warner Brothers and expresses their disappointment with the execution of the attractions. They highlight the Scooby-Doo Mystery Hut as an example, where they had to wait in multiple rooms with long lines and minimal entertainment. The actual ride lasted only 2 minutes and 15 seconds, leaving them feeling unsatisfied. The narrator criticizes the lack of interesting elements in each room and mentions that even a short Wiley Coyote cartoon on a TV was more entertaining.
• 00:10:00 In this section, the conversation shifts to discussing the comedic genius behind classic cartoons like Looney Tunes and the dynamic between characters like Bugs Bunny and Wile E. Coyote. The hosts talk about how watching the failures and mishaps of others can be entertaining and even comforting, as it reminds people of their own imperfections. They mention the psychology behind humor, noting that laughter often comes from a release of fear or tension. The discussion also touches on the popularity of slapstick humor and shows like Jackass, where people intentionally put themselves in silly and dangerous situations for the amusement of others.
• 00:15:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the entertainment value of watching dangerous stunts on shows like Jackass and compares it to the comedic skits of Monty Python. They also mention a recent Brexit analogy made by a government official and the humorous practical effects used in old movies. The conversation then shifts to a music concert they attended and the impressive guitar skills of a young prodigy. They briefly touch on a strange romantic encounter between an older woman and a younger man. The speaker shares their thoughts on various topics like superpowers and the movie Moonstruck, and playfully threatens their friend about not having watched it yet.
• 00:20:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the awe and admiration they have for an astronaut who is currently in space. They talk about the astronaut’s impressive background, including rock climbing and working at the Jet Propulsion labs. The speaker reflects on the competitive nature of becoming an astronaut and the total commitment and belief in science that it requires. They also discuss the importance of camaraderie and trust within the NASA team, with a mention of dark humor in such high-stakes situations. Overall, the speaker views being an astronaut as an incredible and spiritually fulfilling job.
• 00:25:00 In this section, the conversation revolves around the observation of the narrator about the interconnectedness and bureaucracy of government systems. They discuss the layers of bureaucracy that exist in government, with money being moved around by various institutions and individuals, ultimately reaching those who are actually helping people. The narrator questions the need for so many layers of bureaucracy and suggests cutting through them to give the money directly to the people who need it. The discussion then takes a humorous turn as they talk about the idea of a “space force” and mock President Trump’s decisions and physical appearance. The conversation ends with a mention of the importance of not letting sex or personal biases play a role in politics.
• 00:30:00 In this section, the conversation jumps around topics from discussing a movie to the origin of The Beatles’ name. They mention Tom Waits’ outstanding performance in a film and discuss a plot twist involving a blind character. The discussion then shifts to selling luxury apartments and making jokes, before transitioning into reminiscing about listening to The Beatles’ music and sharing personal anecdotes.
• 00:35:00 In this section, the speaker reminisces about their early experience with CDs and the impact of music on their life. They recall the excitement of listening to albums like the White Album by The Beatles and how music played a significant role in their upbringing. They mention how songs from iconic bands like King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Tom Petty shaped their memories and accompanied various moments in their life, even during downtime and parties. The speaker also reflects on the power of music to transport them back to specific memories and the way it connects people on a spiritual level. They emphasize that music is the equalizer that evokes feelings of excitement and energy, bringing people together in a shared experience.
• 00:40:00 In this section, the conversation revolves around the universal love for music and the different tastes between generations. The speaker discusses how he wants his daughter to appreciate the music he likes, but also acknowledges that appreciation may come later in life. They also address the phenomenon of each generation criticizing the next, claiming that their own generation was superior. However, the speaker disagrees with this mindset and emphasizes their eclectic taste in music and their ability to enjoy their kids’ music as well. They note that other parents often complain about how things have changed since their own childhood, wishing that their children’s lives could be like their own.
• 00:45:00 In this section, the speaker shares nostalgic stories of their youth, including growing up in a neighborhood where they would engage in playful banter and “roll the eights” with their friends. They also reminisce about their drinking habits, such as drinking beer by the case and participating in competitions to guzzle split-sized bottles of beer. They mention a bar they would frequent, where they would compete to see who could drink the most bottles or cans in one sitting. These activities sometimes ended in fistfights, but overall, it was a fun and memorable time in their youth.
• 00:50:00 In this section, the conversation revolves around the concept of bar hopping and the differences in drinking culture between various countries. The speakers discuss the tradition of ordering small beers in Spain and how it allows for a longer, more enjoyable drinking experience without getting too drunk. They contrast this with the experience in England, where larger pints can lead to quicker intoxication. The conversation segues into reminiscing about a similar bar hopping event in the speaker’s hometown, where they visited numerous bars in a single night and documented their journey on a toga with the names of each bar written on it.
• 00:55:00 In this section, the speaker talks about their experiences going to bars and clubs in the past. They mention how houses would have makeshift bars set up and each neighborhood would have their own bar. They also discuss the journey between bars and how sometimes it was a dangerous drive. The speaker humorously mentions that their “one true love” found them in the gutter and it became a metaphor for their life. The segment concludes with information on how to support the podcast.