Difficult to Please: Recent Episodes
JV & ERWIN
Difficult to Please is two creative collaborators having a conversation on being 30, pop culture, subculture, politics and everything between and intersected. Basically, two friends saying 'eff it, press record'.
In this episode we talk:
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Momofuku's attempt to trade mark Chili Crunch
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Gundam: Hathaway's Flash
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Boston Dynamic's retirement of Atlas
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All Birds + Sneakers
Geeking out. Studio Ghibli, Boy and the Heron, Kusama v Basquiat v Haring, Wtf Marvel...Bob Iger? Stay up
Yay, the episode works. News is a bit outdated due to recording and posting. We talk about all the crazy weeks with X formerly known as Twitter. Alien's Exist by Blink 182. Non-spoiler take on Nolan's Oppenheimer.
Things we hyped on: 8bit Duo's mechanical Keyboard, Virgil Abloh's Mickey Mouse, and Korean girl pop group New Jeans.
(Outdated since this recorded at the beginning of the month)
Double feature because I was too salty with losing another video file. A lot of the news information is a bit outdated but we do talk about AX, Cons, and the step up in nerdism and counter-culture collecting.
Unfortunately no video due to technical difficulties.
We talk about the new the return of Yeezys and Adidas' smart decision, Messi's great deal, Apple AR/VR headset, dumb health problems, and games.. specifically Final Fantasy 7 and 16.
In this week's episode, we're chatting about some major corporate drama. We'll discuss the wild stuff happening with Don Lemon at CNN, Tucker Carlson at Fox, and the Adidas-Kanye West partnership.
Plus, we'll talk about BuzzFeed and Vice News closing their doors and rant about AI-generated art's lack of soul.
Grab a drink, kick back, and join us for a laid-back convo on these fascinating topics!
Erwin and JV talk about Tik-Tok ban becoming a potential Patriot Act PT. II, AI topics: Spotify DJ fail & auto power points, E3 Cancelled & more cancelled cons., and Oscar and movie tangents.
A sequel to our 2/11/19 episode.
We look at where we are now since we talked about AI and automation back in 2019.
In this episode Erwin and JV talk about alternative pop celebrities, social media alternatives and content creator plans, can't defend Ye anymore, and Disney's nerd problem.
Erwin and JV catch up on adulting, stress, and life changes. A return to virtual 3rd spaces, the future of work, 1.2x view speeds, and how priorities change in the different chapters in your life.
AI written description: The advancement of artificial intelligence has caused a large amount of concern (and support) around the world. It's a hot-button issue for most people, in that it can implement positive changes - or become like Skynet and destroy us all in a fiery explosion. An extremely broad topic. But what's less broad is what AI can actually do, especially when harnessed by the right people at the right time. Today, we'll discuss the evolution of AI, Google and OpenAI's experiments with art, and how they're using artificial intelligence to bolster human creativity and innovation.
Me: AI keeps changing yo. AI is starting getting better at generating art, rewriting for tone in sentences, and even to composing music. We talk about the possibilities that AI can help creativity.
In this episode Erwin and JV talk about big companies selling itself to bigger companies for bulking up, Nike's 50 years anniversary and lack of mention of E-sports, and vanity gadgets.
Big name companies are trying to find homes in other big companies. JV thinks when markets look grim, big companies are the place to go. When markets are great, a plethora of companies helps with keeping markets competitive. Why aren't more companies suiting up e-sports? They just need some cool jerseys, man. We know there is a coming recession... or at least planning for it, but we still like consumer gadgets and other vanity items so we are going to keep buying it!
There are too many damn streaming services! What you mean, Bitcoin is not supposed to be used as an alternative token for exchanging goods like what they are doing in El Salvador? Are people doing NFTs right yet?
I also hope Elon doesn't plan to turn Twitter into a free-speech 4chan.
Enter the psychological mind of Erwin's Buzz Thoughts.
Along with JV discussing future Call of Duty Modern Warfare game story plots, why asylum seeking brown and black people are getting treated differently at the boarder, head of Amazon Games studio stepping down, the potentials of Epic Games adding Band Camp under their belt, the CEO of Goldman Sachs DJing at Lollapalooza, and a $57,000 Charizard jailing.
Articles Mentioned
Biden admin to lift Title 42 Covid restriction on border in May, officials say
Ukrainians (and Russians) meet US Border Patrol
Amazon Games boss Mike Frazzini is stepping down
Man sentenced to 3 years in federal prison over Pokémon card
Goldman Sachs CEO Will Perform At Lollapalooza (Yes, Really)
Bandcamp is Joining Epic Games
Erwin and JV talk about the power of brands. What does it mean to consolidate various big names into the space? Anti-trust laws are getting a moment right now not because of the pricing power concerns but abuse of power regarding those who control the distribution. We also dive into streetwear and how luxury street brands are hitting the luxury fashion scene.
Show Notes
Why Do iPhone Users Judge People With Green Text Bubbles
Nigo becomes creative director of KENZO
Streetwear is dead
I feel like it's just been one long year of 2020, and it's time to try to move forward with the new normal. Many people have achieved great things throughout the years, and some have just been stagnant. Either way, it's time to build upon our successes or move on from our slumps. So, here's to a positive look and cheers to 2022. This episode is about looking back in the past year and looking forward to what is to come.
Things Referenced
Justin Getting Daigo'd
Kings of Leon NFT
Erwin and JV talk about Meta, formerly known as Facebook, and their dream for the metaverse. They attempt to connect everything: What does it mean for digital assets, NFTs, Cryptocurrencies, MMORPGs, multiple metaverses, and Artificial Intelligence. Are we pretty much headed to a Sword Art Online slash Ghost in the Shell slash Matrix kind of world? Or our future going forward is just a fully AR integration?
EMO MUSIC IS BACK YA'LL. This episode talks about cycling trends from relaxed fit clothing, Squid Game being Battle Royale 2.0, and Olivia Rodrigo's music. We dip back into wearable technology again, and Erwin asks JV about future trends to be aware of soon.
Erwin and JV talk about wearable technology, rich people beef, and JV's hope for the next generation.
In this episode Erwin and JV talk the Olympics, the world in the cloud, and thoughts of the creative economy.
Stay safe everyone.
In this episode, Erwin and JV dive back into the rhythm of culture. We go into drinking habits formed during the pandemic, lessons about risk mitigation and prevention we learned from the pandemic, big Disney moves, the future of conventions, hot tub streamers?? and the future of creative digital culture.
Erwin and JV return to normalcy, mask-free podcasting about pop culture. We discuss Lil Nas X's strange controversy over his Nike shoe, Chillhop Girl, Video games, the Streaming Multiverse and finally... where does street fashion go from here?
Reach out to us at admin@difficulttoplease.com
We would love to hear from you.
Erwin and JV try to break down an NFT in understandable terms and look at higher education. One of the questions we address is. "What is higher ed for?" With new certifications and big companies (such as Tesla recruiting and training people out of high school), are there alternatives to upward mobility? JV thinks the "free college" recruit should go to child care, free Pre-K, and improving public schools.
Enjoy the episode
(This was recorded before the Super Bowl)
We follow up on the last episode regarding stonks. What went wrong, what did we find out? And essentially... does it really even matter? We touch a bit on the next round of stimulus, and finally... we get back into culture.
We catch up on conspiracy theories, the changing of sports, and Erwin and JV talk money... again. But this time, it's about how they invest (speak to an actual finance advisor, please). We probably should go to Wu-Tang Finances and taking some GZA advice on diversifying our bonds.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Can we ctrl-z 2020? But it wasn't all that bad though. I think 2020 was a year people's perspective and priorities switch. Forward to 2021.
It's Hot COVID Summer Time. Are we tired of hearing "the new normal" yet?
Erwin and JV talk about the change in flex culture and the full integration of digital spaces into our daily lives... unless you have lived on the internet like JV. We debate if Home Snaps are a thing or we going to forever run the top half zoom fashion culture. JV thinks Disney+ and the Mulan rental might be on to something...
Well... We just went through two big economic depressions. What does this mean going forward? Are the systems and norms going to change going forward? Or is the return to normalcy the way to go? Spoiler alert.. 'going back' is not the answer.
First off, there are many vital voices that demand your attention and awareness. Educate and inform yourself about what is going on during this time of civil frustration and unrest.
This episode recorded before the riots started, and if you wanted to take a break from the chaos, Erwin and JV hope that this episode can help you step away from what's going on for a small period of time. We thank you for listening, stay alive, and most importantly, stay healthy.
Remember that there is a virus still out there that does not care about what's going on.
THE COVID19 AKA CORONACATION AKA CORONACOMY AKA BLAME IT ON THE COVID AKA "JV AND ERWIN DON'T GO OUTSIDE" EPISODE
Final Fantasy 7 Remake is coming on April 10, 2020. JV and Erwin both grew up playing the game with JV remembering way too many details. They discuss the overall themes of the game, and Erwin asks whether or not FF7 was just a messy story plot?
ALERT. There will be FF7 Spoilers just in case you never played the 1997 version.
Erwin and I discuss the state of conventions. Are there too many? Conventionally, the more competition of cons, the better it'll be. But what does that mean for consumers? Going to cons isn't cheap, and if you have a variety of interests, it can put a pretty good dent on the wallet pocket.
So at this point, is consolidation a net positive?
We also bring back our segment, "What we hyped for?"
Thanks for listening
Reading Articles
Is Comic-Con’s Era of Dominance Coming to an End? - Matt Singer
Wizard World and Greenlit Bringing Esports to More Conventions in 2020 - Special to Gin
Comic-Con 2019: Where Have All the Major Movie Studios Gone? - Chris Lee
Happy New Year! Erwin was in San Diego for the holidays, so he met up with JV to do a bonus? episode. Erwin and JV talk about ten things that shaped the last decade from technology, TV shows, and music. Happy New Year! Erwin was in San Diego for the holidays, so he met up with JV to do a bonus? Episode. Erwin and JV talk about ten things that shaped the last decade from technology, TV shows, and music.
We go in on China. Erwin and JV banter about China's influence on the global world both from an economic perspective and a cultural one. They talk about a myriad of topics from the NBA, to tech companies, to fucking Blizzard's President's non-apologetic apology.
In the end, do people care? China delivers on what others don't want to do or can't afford to do. Instead of demonizing the country and their politics, perhaps there is something that the U.S. needs to change to combat China's economic rise (You know... like create affordable standards of living, etc. so outsourcing labor doesn't always need to be foreign...)
Show Notes
The raging controversy over the NBA, China, and the Hong Kong protests, explained by Matthew Yglesias
Blizzard bans player for supporting Hong Kong protests: all the latest updates by The Verge
Blizzard's President's statement at BlizzCon 2019
JV and Erwin talk about Mindful Consumption. Sometimes the things that are good for us cost a lot more. This is not saying that the more expensive something is, the "better" it is for you... cause it's not. Instead, your choices and purchases are a reflection of your morals and ethics. It's wrong to put down those who eat organic vs. conventional food or gas cars vs. electric cars. Just cause you do "nicer" things doesn't make you a good person.
Our first remote podcast! SAN x PDX but we still on the same coast... This episode JV asks Erwin about his move to Portland, re-socializing at 30, and what are the right signs to get up and dip out into a new area.
HEEEEREEEE WE GO FAMS. EP20. DIFFICULT TO PLEASE. TEAM ALL CAPS. TANGENTS. IMAGE YOU ARE AT YOUR HIPSTER COFFEE JOINT AND YOU OVER HERE ERWIN AND JV GOING ON TANGENTS. Shout out to Olibata. Shout out to Anchor.
JV and Erwin talk about being "too woke" and what does that mean? Is it being too educated or does it mean something entirely different? Or does JV just need to go to sleep and stop worrying about it. We have some more book recommendations for and OVER/UNDER IS BACK Y'ALL. Shout out to the Intro/Outro by Olibata.
S2E8! JV and Erwin piss off the hip-hop heads. Hip-hop is pop and pop is youth culture. The youths have have taken hip-hop on a different path, and no one gives a fuck about what the culture is now. Sorry purists. Erwin talks about how pop culture drives up the price of Supreme bogos and JV talks about streetwear's lost vibe. It’s economics fam. Intro/Outro by Olibata
S2E7! JV and Erwin talk about Alex Jones and gay trees— er gay frogs? The topic at hand is the responsibility of internet companies to their communities’ safety and access to freedom of speech. Erwin brings up Alex Jones’ dumb conspiracy theories, and JV talks about how Zucks and company need to grow up.
S2E6! JV and Erwin talk about being on Spotify and flex on the podcast. LOL. Their main topic is sports fandom, and the investment into it. Erwin brings up the ROI of being a fan, and JV talks about how fandom seeks into e-sports. THE ULTIMATE TIE-IN TO OUR E-SPORTS EP. Also sucks to be a San Diego fan. No over/under this time. Maybe we killed it?
Articles mentioned:
- UC Berkeley: Cost of Being a Sports Fan
- Seth Godin: Why Do We Care About Football? (Being a part of a tribe)
Difficult to Please Season 2, Episode 5! We talk about the life post-Rhonawin wedding and then get into artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Erwin brings up AI because computers can beat humans in StarCraft, therefore robot takeover. They mention Kai-Fu Lee, the man pushing AI in China. JV breaks down what that means for the future like autonomous cars, universal basic income, and whack-ass Google glass (yeah erwin said it again). Also we shit on Supreme, as usual. Fucking bots.
🔥TAKES THIS EP: * AI is coming for your jobs, except for CEOs and creatives. * AI already helps doctors, but it has to be cutesy to be a robot. * Google glass wanted to be the Dragon Ball scouter, but looked lame AF. * TONY ROMO IS OVERRATED AF AS AN ANALYST
POST-SHOW LINKS & INFORMATION: * AI vs Team Liquid Starcraft Gameplay * Elon Musk’s AI on DOTA * “How AI Can Save Humanity” Kai-Fu Lee TEDx Talk on AI
Difficult to Please Season 2, EP 4! We talk about the world of e-sports and how folks are making money of playing video games. Erwin is really confused and conflicted on how e-sports makes so much money. JV knows wassup and helps break it down for him. E-Sports is the future.
🔥Takes This Ep:
- E-sports will be mainstream and take over physical sports.
- E-sports athletes will never make NFL money.
Difficult to Please Season 2, EP 3! We address BTS, the K-POP group, because BTS is youth culture. We can’t hide their influence on youth culture, even if we don’t know what is going on in their videos or why BTS is super poppin. We don’t discuss K-POP as a genre besides Erwin’s washed rants about the K-POP video countdown on international channel back in 1999. It’s really about BTS’ hold on youth culture. Heads up, we sound old here y’all.
🔥Takes This Ep:
- BTS IS THE CULTURE
- Traveling is overrated
- DOWNLOAD YOUR MUSIC BEFORE THEY SNATCH IT.
Difficult to Please Season 2, EP 2! We back...again. When you think you're going to get 4 episodes in a 2 month period, YOU GET ONE. JV and Erwin talk about the elephant in the room...the creative process and why we didn't record for two months. They also bring you a new segment named Over/Underrated.
Hot Takes🔥 This Ep:* The little things matter throughout the creative process * You a creative? Be better at marketing. * READ MOAR BO
Difficult to Please Season 2! We back. The boys catch up after 6 months without an episode. The main topic at hand this episode are trade offs aka sacrifices in your 30s. Sacrifices in our 20s? what's that mean?
Hot Takes🔥 This Ep:* Time, money, energy. Pick 2 * JV hasn't been traveling * We're going to make money off t-shirts again 😂
Intro/Outro by
Difficult to Please Episode 10, the season finale! After 6 months of bi-weekly episodes the first season of Difficult to Please comes to an end. The boys reflect about their first year into their thirties and their venture into the Difficult to Please podcast.
Difficult to Please Episode 9! This is the SOLD OUT episode. Erwin and JV talk about Complexcon and JV's rant about resellers and how the consumer culture changed streetwear. Erwin talks about going to see Blackstar and how JV should embrace the Marie Kondo method.
Hot Takes This Ep: - Instagram changed streetwear in 10 years - Resell clothes to get your money up and your time back - Marie Kondo says to get rid of books. NOPE.
Intro/Outro by Olibata
[Give us a review while you are here]
Difficult to Please Episode 7.5! or is Episode 8? This is the TL;DR (too long; did not read) episode. Erwin and JV talk about episode that never happened (because of technical difficulties), fake news, and ending October with concerts.
Hot Takes This Ep: - Education and gun control reform are hard af - Fake news = chain letters, but that's the point of memes - Blackstar > N.E.R.D
Difficult to Please Episode 6! Erwin and JV talk about JV's Indonesian adventure (not the same place as Malaysia), filtering friendships in your 30s, and going analog aka unplugging. JV finishes off the summer in another country with a 'friend.' They both talk about how hard it is to maintain friendships in your 30s. Then how hard it is to commit to going analog aka unplugging?
Difficult to Please Episode 5! A lot of shouting! Erwin and JV catch up since Ep4 and talk about the solar eclipse, the events in Charlottesville, and the Los Angeles Chargers. Interesting enough, JV connects the dots between the eclipse and the amount of weird stuff happening at the hospital. There's also the topic of what happened in Charlottesville and principle of free speech. Did the white supremacists and Neo-Nazis have the right to assemble? Also, fuck the Chargers.
In episode 4, the JV and Erwin get kinda serious this time. The talk about how tough it is in California to afford a home and get out from under your parents' roof. On the subject of bills they tackle the issue of how Net Neutrality would make life hell for streaming. They also talk about Erwin's European vacation and how we shouldn't wear the same clothing as a 24 year-old.
In episode 3, the Difficult to Please boys talk about how does one define a millennial. Erwin says 9/11 is integral to being old millennial while JV says knowing what life is like without a smartphone. The core truth about millennials: they're entitled because they don't understand the struggle of downloading media files from KaZaA with a 56k modem. They also talk music from a decade ago and giving new artists like Rich Chigga a listen.
In episode 2, JV and Erwin talk about a millennial's worst nightmare-- budgeting. What happens to your paycheck at the end of the month? Is it enough to buy domestic airfare though? Join your hosts JV and Erwin as they venture into how to budget for travel and the good things in life like an adult.
JV and Erwin step up to the mics in the their first episode which covers a variety of topics like transitioning into being a 30 year old (How does one do it???), the Scarlett Johansson-led Ghost in the Shell and the original 1995 Anime film, and how Virgin America delivers a dope experience (RIP).