The hosts discuss Erik's recent hiatus, his son's birthday, and the PlayStation game 'The Last of Us'. They delve into episodes from the TV series and their views on certain scenes and characters. Erik shares his experience playing the game, highlighting its cinematography and storytelling. The conversation shifts to Erik's trip to Rome for a conference, where he explores local cuisine, including the famed fettuccine Alfredo, artichokes in the Jewish quarter, and visits landmarks like the Vatican and the Colosseum. They also talk about encountering JD Vance and heightened security in Rome. Erik shares his recent dental ordeal involving a painful tooth extraction and subsequent recovery. The episode ends with Dennis discussing a challenging home painting project, a nostalgic mention of a favorite song by The Band, and plans for post-surgery recovery.