Pros and Cons: Recent Episodes
CessPool
A show that looks at both sides of different topics, weighing the good and the bad. Covering things like pop culture, sports, childhood, and anything else you can think of. Hosted by Kevin De Los Santos and Jack Sommer.
Pros & Cons is changing up the release schedule for now. There will be somewhat of a hiatus, as there won’t be bi-weekly episodes with new topics releasing as normal. However, there were still be new music episodes of The Rotation series every few months or so. Kev and Jack give some more details around this new shift that will be ongoing for the indefinite future.
A.I. is a field of technology that has had rapid growth in recent years. Platforms can generate data like information, visuals, and sounds based on prompts of varying complexity. The accuracy and ability is growing fast, based on its computer learning, and the ways it can be applied is endless. Jack and Kev talk about some of the potential cases in creative fields, jobs overall, and if the positives outweigh the negatives.
Long Beach’s own Vince Staples, known primarily as a rapper, just released a new Netflix series that stars himself. ‘The Vince Staples Show’ is loosely based on his own life growing up in the Southern California area and everything that can go down on any given day. Kev and Jack talk about some brief background on Vince’s personality and sense of humor before talking about the new show. (No spoilers until the 18 min mark)
Especially as kids, we often look up to other people as examples for who or what we want to be. But who should be considered role models – like artists or athletes – and what standards should they be held to? What responsibilities do they have? Jack and Kev talk about what goes into considering if someone is a good role model, how that changes as you get older, and where do we all draw the lines on certain actions.
A staple in music culture over the past few decades, Pitchfork started in 1996 and became known for its opinionated album reviews. The most defining feature grew to be the rating scale, going from 0-10 with a decimal point for extra precision. From the end of the music magazine run to the blog era and social media current environment, Pitchfork has continued to stay alive. Last month, it was announced that Condé Nast (who acquired it in 2015) was laying off a large group of employees and shifting the brand under GQ – leaving an unclear future ahead. Kev and Jack talk about their experience with the site, the rating system, and how it compares to YouTube reviewers like Anthony Fantano.
After initially launching in October of 2010 and being bought by Facebook for $1 billion in 2012, the app of Instagram has gone through significant changes over the past decade. Jack and Kev talk about how it went from a mobile photography community to a broader platform for everyone, including with features like IG Stories being added. Plus: In this moment, the way it’s being used to share info about Gaza and hear from Palestinian voices on the ground.
For some, the start of the calendar year is a marker to try out new routines – like with eating or exercise. But no matter when you start, it can be a tricky balance when integrating that into your lifestyle. And while physical health is a big part of it, the mental side is crucial too. Kev and Jack talk about some of their experiences and changes over time in viewing the importance of certain elements.
After a jam-packed year of music, it's time to pick the Top 5 biggest highlights and disappointments of albums. Jack and Kev look back on 2023 by choosing their personal Top 5's for both sides.
Top songs of the year playlists are also linked below:
Jack - music.apple.com/us/playlist/js-2023-top-tier/pl.u-V9D73zpT1pejkL
Kev - music.apple.com/us/playlist/2023-joints/pl.u-oZyl3XWT0q8Xo0
As a profession that has significantly changed in past decades, journalism is at a crossroads for the future. With the rise of social media, as well as A.I. technology, there’s a lot of questioning about sources of truth and information. Kev and Jack discuss where it stands right now, including examples ranging from sports to the Palestinian journalists on the ground in Gaza.
There were a lot of new albums released since the last music episode in early August, so it was only right to cover a bunch before the annual music awards that will close the year. Jack and Kev cover 21 albums in 36 mins, with some bonus shoutouts at the end. This edition features smaller and bigger artists including Jorja Smith, Andre 3000, Olivia Rodrigo, Sampha, Drake, Bakar, MIKE, Teezo Touchdown, Bad Bunny, Earl Sweatshirt, Cleo Sol, PinkPantheress, Brent Fayaiz, and more.
Connected post with links to the music projects mentioned:
https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/the-rotation-vol-3
For the annual Pros & Cons gift guide, this time the focus is on items in an affordable range – with the limit set to no more than $50 to spend. Kev and Jack each select some recommendations that fit the bill as pros, including several ideas for the home.
The World Series is playing out to determine the last team standing between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks to conclude another eventful MLB season. Jack and Kev go around the league and pick out some individual players or specific teams to talk about their year, with both new positive surprises and some brutal disappointments. Including the Dodgers and Braves getting bounced early after amazing seasons, the Yankees doing nothing outside of Judge and Cole, and exciting young star players giving a show.
In the second edition of this series around things to watch, a variety of series and movies are discussed from Barbenheimer to The Last Of Us. Kev and Jack run through some they’ve each seen so far this year and the verdicts on if they delivered. Including other examples like Bottoms, The Idol, Past Lives, The Bear, Spiderverse, Swarm, AIR, Theater Camp, How To with John Wilson, Asteroid City, Showing Up, and more.
From music to restaurants to movies, there are a variety of types of merch to rep something you like. Or, for some, just to rock because they enjoy the design on its own. Jack and Kev talk about seeing the shift of quality in different fields, how bad it can go in the wrong hands, and how it could evolve in the future.
Check out the Pros and Cons merch collection and lookbook:
https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-lookbook
Fresh off the latest US Open tournament in New York – where 19-year-old Coco Gauff won the Women's Championship and 36-year-old Novak Djokovic won on the Men's side – tennis is having a notable moment around a new generation. Kev and Jack discuss their experience with both playing the sport and watching it, how accessibility factors into it, the scoring, the fashion, and more around the culture of it.
Originally started in 2005, and bought by Google the year after, YouTube has established itself as the home for videos. There are other more social-focused platforms like TikTok that are challenging it now, which they've implemented YouTube Shorts to counteract, but those are just a dent in the billions of active users and hours watched each day on the site/app. It can be a place for people to create their own channels, make and share their own videos, and for people to find things connected to their interests. Jack and Kev talk about their experience using it over the years, what could be improved, and why it's unique to any streaming network or social app.
While it’s a sport or activity, skateboarding also has ties to a lot of other areas like clothing and music. It's also a lifestyle that's very DIY, very creative, and takes a lot of getting back up after falling down. Kev and Jack break down some of their experience with it, how it's changed over the years, and the impact of skating on things like sneakers and hip hop.
Since the first installment of this music series in the Spring, there have been a lot of artists dropping new songs. Jack and Kev discuss projects from the past few months – covering 24 albums in 33 mins. This edition features smaller and bigger artists including including Arlo Parks, Daniel Ceaser, Kaytraminé, Tori Kelly, Uzi, King Krule, Peso Pluma, Summer Walker, Dominic Fike, Jessie Ware, Travis Scott, Disclosure, and more.
Connected post with links to the music projects mentioned:
https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/the-rotation-vol-2
With the launch of Threads this past month, Meta is trying to give competition to Twitter as Elon Musk is sinking the ship. Was it successful so far? Or is it just another copycat feature effort like has been the case with Reels to TikTok or Stories to Snapchat with their IG integrations. Kev and Jack talk about initial thoughts on Threads and how Meta is doing overall with their other properties (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).
It might seem like a simple question, but what makes something a summer movie? Is it just that it has to take place in the summer? Is it just that it has to be set in a location that looks like it's warm and nice out? Is it the wardrobe of the characters? Does summer have to be tied to the idea of the story? With different elements to factor in, Jack and Kev talk about their perspective and go through a mix of movie possibilities to make sense of which are and aren't.
As the borough at the top of the city, geographically and in many other ways, The Bronx has been home to a lot of greatness. From the music (birthplace of hip hop) to the sports (Yankees) and much more, there’s no shortage of impact from BX legends. Of course, there are some downsides too – from one of the lesser beaches in NYC to it being not the best for cross-borough transportation. Kev and Jack talk about their experience in The Bronx while growing up, some favorite spots, and part of what makes the borough truly one-of-a-kind.
From a deck of cards to birthday cards to sports cards, there are many different purposes that those rectangular little objects can have. Jack and Kev talk about experiences and thoughts on examples such as playing cards with poker, business cards in a digital age, activity-based and more social modern card games, traditional greeting cards you find at the local pharmacy, character-based fictional ones like Pokémon, sports editions with athletes, and a mix of others.
One of the top streaming services made a name and content pivot this past week. HBO Max is now just "Max" on its own, as part of their merger with Discovery under WarnerMedia, HBO’s parent company. The switch has already led to a lot of push back, confusion, and light controversy. Kev and Jack talk about what the different changes are, how this impacts the HBO brand going forward, and if Max will be as good or not anymore.
As a sometimes annoying but ultimately beneficial part of life, people have different relationships to how much they exercise, which they do, and where they do it all. Jack and Kev talk about some of the variations – from the classic parts of a routine like push ups or crunches, to more cardio-based activities like running or swimming. Which are fun, which look dumb? Which are beneficial, which feel pointless?
An artist of many talents, Tyler is one of the most prolific and extensive people making things today. While he's most known for his music, he's also created lanes in areas like clothing, TV, a festival, and more. In celebration of the 200th episode of this show, Kev and Jack talk about T and seeing his evolution over the past 15 years, the stages of his discography, and how he's been an inspiration.
In a new series of breaking down the latest music releases, Jack and Kev discuss projects that have dropped this year so far. Covering 20 albums in 34 mins, this edition features smaller and bigger artists including Dreamville, Navy Blue, Kali Uchis, 6LACK, Jordan Ward, Lil Yachty, Tennis, Karol G, boygenius, Lana Del Rey, and more.
Connected post with links to the different albums mentioned:
https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/the-rotation-vol-1
Depending on the traditions you have or what your interests are, festivals can take a mix of forms. Kev and Jack talk about what they associate with the term, what are the limits of when the format fits or not, and explore more modern examples. Including discussing music festivals (Coachella, Lollapalooza, etc), film festivals (Sundance, Cannes, etc), those that combine a mix (SXSW), and even a bigger outlier of sports events (Super Bowl, World Cup, etc). However you interpret it, one thing that can be agreed on is festivals are meant to be a celebration. That being said, that doesn't mean they don't have their downsides.
The New York Yankees haven't won a championship since 2009, almost a decade and a half at this point. Following up on Aaron Judge's 62-homer spectacular run, the team re-signed him back to a major contract. They also made a couple of additions (like Carlos Rodon, one of the top pitching free agents of the offseason). However, the team is mostly similar to before. Can this be the year they turn it around and get by the Astros in the playoffs? Jack and Kev talk about where the team stands going into the season, from the lineup to the pitching arms.
As a very practical item, there are many different styles and forms that bags can be. Kev and Jack break down some of the different types – from the school days (backpacks, string bags, rolling bags) to the travel bags (duffle bags, luggage situations) to the everyday bags (plastic back in the day to now, reusable, tote bags, IKEA's classic blue bag) to Kev's take on one that's been teased since the teaser of this show (fanny packs).
In this new series around things to watch at home, anything might be explored from shows to movies to YouTube to sports and anything else. In the first edition, Jack and Kev discuss some of the things they saw over the past year – and some that they're deciding whether or not to watch still. Including series like Euphoria, Atlanta, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and more. Or movies like Top Gun, Avatar, Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Menu, Bones & All, The Fabelmans, All Quiet on the Western Front, and more. Or sports events like the recent Super Bowl LVII and '23 Australian Open.
While it can be glorified or dramatized excessively in movies, rain is usually more of an inconvenience than anything else. You have to be more careful about what clothes/shoes you wear, carry an umbrella around if you want to stay dry, and it can limit your choice of options for the day ahead. That all being said, rain can sometimes have its advantages as well. Kev and Jack talk about the different sides and the recent nonstop rain that just hit California for almost a month.
A decade ago, one of the best selling and most beloved video games – The Last of Us – was released to the world. Now, its new adaptation airing on HBO is following up on that success. Just like the game, it's breaking records like being HBO's second-most watched series premiere in more than a decade and the viewers are only continuing to grow each week. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic U.S. and has a mass infection, though it pre-dates our own pandemic. Jack and Kev talk about both the game itself and if the adaptation is successful so far.
Choosing a symbol, typeface, figure, or shape to represent what you or your company stands for is not an easy decision. Besides the name in itself, a logo can be a major part of how a brand/company or individual presents themselves to the world. Kev and Jack talk about what can make a logo successful or not before looking at examples in areas including sports, food, cars, video games, movies/TV, and clothes.
Now an annual tradition, it’s that time of the year to pick out the biggest highlight and disappointment albums of the year. Jack and Kev break down their personal Top 5 cons and Top 5 pros that came out in 2022.
For personal Top Songs playlists, see below:
Jack - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/js-2022-top-tier/pl.u-76oNGdyuNXoq7b
Kev - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/2022-joints/pl.u-kv9lbZDtW4BpeW
As the biggest international sport, the World Cup is always a highly-watched event. Plus, since it only happens every four years, it makes the stakes even more intense and makes winning it that much more difficult and special. With legends like Messi and Ronaldo taking on their last ever tournament this year, but with newcomers trying to disrupt history, it's an even further elevated competition. Kev and Jack talk about the futbol/soccer debate, experience with the sport to play or watch, how the World Cup has evolved, and this year's 2022 tournament in Qatar.
With the takeover of digital and online culture, magazines have taken a bit of a back seat. But, they're not fully dead yet. From some of the bigger names still out there to small indie niche publications, there's issues being circulated. Some are just the low quality tabloid ones, but others hold it down with real art book level quality. Jack and Kev talk about their experience with magazines growing up, creating their own photo mag (Ludique), where they see the state of the industry now, and kick around some ideas.
After the first Pros and Cons edition of the Gift Guide last year, this time there are some new limitations: only items that are too expensive for what they should be worth. But even though that's an auto-con, Kev and Jack each pick out some clothes and accessories that fit the bill as pros – outside of the price – from kicks to sweaters to things for the home.
To view the images of what's mentioned: www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/overpriced-gift-guide-2023
Since the last episode at the end of August, there were two main things that happened. One was the homestretch of the home run chase of Aaron Judge, who eventually broke Roger Maris’ record of 61 for both the AL and franchise records. The other was the playoffs, which after an initial bye-round came a win in the division series and then a brutal loss (as a sweep) in the championship series. Jack and Kev talk about the highs and lows of it all, how the season was in general, and a glimpse into the offseason with Judge becoming a free agent.
Especially in big cities with millions of people, most rely completely on public transport to get around. From buses to trains, it’ll (sometimes) bring you where you need to go, and at what can be a more affordable price. But, at what cost to your time/journey? Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with it in places such as NYC, LA, DR, SF, and across the world.
From the GameCube and Wii on the console side to the Game Boy and Switch on the handheld end, Nintendo has made their mark in the video game world over the years. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences with different systems, which have been some of the best and worst, and how Nintendo compares to other gaming companies like PlayStation or XBOX.
While a lot of people fly or drive somewhere to go on vacation, there are some who decide to hit the sea instead. Cruises are a popular way to have a different type of experience while sailing around, even stopping at different places while on the go. But the question is: are they fun or lame? Kev and Jack talk about a recent experience Kev had on one, all the options there are to keep you entertained, some of the hidden downsides, and how that made an impact on the final verdict.
In a new installment of breaking down new music, Jack and Kev look at a selection of albums and EPs released from May through mid August 2022. Selects from bigger artists, like Drake & Beyonce’s dance albums, to up-and-coming musicians who should be on your radar.
The second check-in episode of the season unfortunately happens as the Yankees are going through an extended rough stretch, following an incredible start to the year initially. Kev and Jack talk about everything that’s been going wrong, how the trade deadline went, what could be changed, and vent about the state of the team overall. Plus, a brief look around the league (including Tatis, Pujols, Julio) and some early predictions for the playoffs and World Series ahead.
It’s constantly around us, but we don’t always think about the designs of the buildings and other structures that impact our environments. Jack and Kev talk about their entry-level interest in architecture, observations on different cities usage, specific pro/con buildings, the few “names” in the field, and how it impacted other people like Virgil Abloh in his work.
After having success for a while as the OG leader of the streaming era, Netflix now is losing tons of subscribers and not having as many hits as they used to. With the release of the latest season of Stranger Things, and that show coming to an end soon, the future is arguably more unclear than ever. Kev and Jack talk about the red envelope days, it being as a platform for other network shows, the creation and development of Netflix Originals over time, and how everything has changed in recent years.
The way you decide to take photos can go many ways. Of course, most people just casually use their phones. And to be fair, the quality (especially iPhones) has really gone up to a high level in recent years. But if you’re not looking for something too clean, too digital, you might be someone who’s interested in shooting film. The format has continued to grow in popularity in recent years again and is having a resurgence. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences with it as part of their photography. It has many cons, but shooting film also brings out something special and different.
*(As a reminder, the show is now running bi-weekly going forward)
As the show transitions to a bi-weekly schedule now, it was only fitting to talk about the idea of summer vacation. Mainly focusing on the time as a kid and throughout the time in-between the school years, Kev and Jack discuss their experiences over the years. Whether it be camp, summer school, traveling, going to baseball games, being hot in the NYC subway, and some other warm weather activities.
See you every other week, from now on, for new P&C episodes!
Full ep’s of past topics from the archive mentioned:
Summer School: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-school/id1450368529?i=1000480955275
Camp: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/camp/id1450368529?i=1000446883086
Summer Desserts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-desserts/id1450368529?i=1000487173787
Fireworks: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fireworks/id1450368529?i=1000483489811
As a style of clothing that started in the ‘90s and became more and more popular over time, streetwear brings in all sorts of elements from skateboarding to hip hop. Jack and Kev talk about their experience getting into it when younger, SoHo as a central location to see different stores, and how it’s now evolved over time – especially following the efforts of (RIP) Virgil Abloh in pushing it to a more luxury and high end space in more recent years. From brands like Stüssy to Aimé Leon Dore, it's not only t-shirt graphics anymore that make it up.
In the fourth installment of the Mystery Box ongoing series, Kev and Jack pick out a few assorted mini topics to combine. Think of a set of now-outdated forms of media and communication, including one that might show up to your doorstep and one that you might display on your wall.
As a company with a lot of projects, apps, and hardware – it can be hard to even keep up with all Google does. Jack and Kev break down a bunch of the elements: Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Photos, Google Drive/Docs, Google Calendar, Google Meet, Google Chrome, Google Flights – the list goes on. Does Google do a good job, or do they try to do too much?
Some call it the most important meal of the day, some don't care for it at all. Whether you eat it or not, breakfast can set the tone for the day. Kev and Jack talk about different types of options such as cereal, pastries, bagels, more traditional choices (eggs, pancakes, etc), and some of the other random routes you can go.
As die-hard Yankees fans who grew up right near the stadium in The BX, it’s only right to start an occasional check-in on how the season is going for the Bronx Bombers. In this first edition, Jack and Kev talk about their thoughts on how the team has looked so far with their great start and what still needs to improve. From the pitching to going around the diamond and looking at the hitters, how’s the 2022 version of the Yanks looking after the first month and a half?
(*Episode recorded before the few new injury/covid updates)
Primarily in the sneaker world, but even extending to fashion in general or things like concert tickets, people buying things just to flip and resell them is a problem that has only gotten worse with time. While it was around before, the digitization and the use of bots has taken things to an extreme. It leaves everyday people, the ones actually interested in whatever it is, without a fair shot often to simply buy what they want to buy. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences, touch on the Nike vs. StockX situation, and more on how this issue has evolved over time.
They can take many forms but parks are typically thought of as havens for nature, activities, relaxing, eating, and almost anything else you can think of. However, there are also plenty of other types beyond the basic idea – such as amusement parks, ballparks, national parks, and more. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences with parks in NY/LA, as well as their brief thoughts running through other format styles.
As a hit show that originally aired in the 90s but had another life after in syndication, Fresh Prince was an important show in many ways. Not in the least for being the star vehicle for Will Smith to skyrocket his career. Now, with a new Bel-Air "re-imagination" show airing on streaming based on the original story, the show is in conversation today in a different way. Kev and Jack discuss elements of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air such as the cast, fashion, and episode topic variety.
In a new installment of breaking down new music, Jack and Kev look at a selection of albums and EPs released from January through mid-April 2022. From bigger artists to smaller ones you may not know about yet, and everyone in-between.
From school at a young age to your job when you get older, schedules can be an important part of our lives. Some we're forced into following, some we choose ourselves. But how much you want to take advantage of it or not is up to you. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences from growing up to now and how their feelings on mapping things out have changed over time.
Whether in business or in sports, rivalries can be a big deal for two sides pushing each other to be better than the other. It might be Nike vs. Adidas or it might be the Yankees vs. Red Sox, but either way they're competing against one another to come out on top. Kev and Jack talk about some examples on both sides and mini pros/cons on each.
It was not the typical offseason for baseball with a lockout that seemed like it was never going to end, a crazy class of free agents, and a handful of impactful trades. From Carlos Correa going to the Twins to Freddie Freeman going to the Dodgers and Matt Olson replacing him on the Braves, a lot of moves went down. With Opening Day starting tomorrow, Jack and Kev break down each of the different divisions in the AL and NL to look at where teams stand going into the start of the '22 season.
(*Recorded before final trades with Kimbrel, Manaea, etc.)
Instead of reacting to the Oscars itself as in past years, it's time for a different format with the "Pros & Cons (P&C) Oscars" edition. Kev and Jack look at movies from the past year and chop it up – Which were good/bad? Which are interesting enough to consider watching even just on streaming? What sounds like a waste of time? Films include a mix of indie/auteur, blockbusters, and more.
Most people tend to think of temperatures first in relation to the weather, but there are also other key parts of everyday life it’s tied to. From swimming to eating/drinking and more, Jack and Kev talk about their preferences on each end. Plus, they compare weather inside and out between SoCal and NYC.
You'll be hard-pressed to find any artist more polarizing than Kanye West, one of the biggest musicians of the 21st century. Now, there's a new Netflix documentary 'jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy' which focuses mainly on the early come up years with tons of unseen archival footage. It takes place as he's trying to sign to the Roc and be taken seriously as a rapper, not just a producer who makes beats, and is pushing to put out his debut solo album. Kev and Jack talk about their personal history with Ye and then get into how the doc changed, if at all, their perspectives on him.
While mostly used nowadays just in school, notebooks still serve other functions at times. But at what points do they still make sense when there are similar digital equivalents (for better or worse)? Jack and Kev talk about different types of school notebooks, drawing in sketchbooks vs. on an iPad, as well as the place of a journal or diary in this time of social media.
For those who witnessed Shaun White's snowboarding runs in the Olympics and X Games at the turn of the millenium, it was sentimental to see the end of an era as he competed in his last ever Olympics competition. And after the Summer Olympics had gotten pushed back a year in the pandemic, the 2022 Winter Olympics stuck to their usual schedule with China's "zero covid" policy in place. Kev and Jack talk about Shaun White, a curler making sneakerhead history, and more about the state of the event.
Even when we’re not awake, dreams and nightmares can say a lot about what’s going on in our lives. Or can they? Jack and Kev discuss their experiences with the two variations and if they just simply fall into a Pro and Con or if they’re more grey than that seems to be.
Los Angeles and the new SoFi Stadium was the home of the 56th annual Super Bowl, the biggest annual sports event of the year (at least for the U.S). The road leading to it had crazy matchups and upsets: Josh Allen vs Patrick Mahomes, the defeat of Aaron Rodgers, another wild comeback by Tom Brady before announcing his retirement, and more. But it all came down to the hometown Rams vs the young scrappy Cincinnati Bengals and their QB, Joe Burrow, in a battle that went to the final minute. Kev and Jack talk about the playoffs, the big game, commercials, and the hip hop halftime show.
As one of the biggest social media platforms out there, Twitter has faced plenty of controversy. However, for over a decade it's still found its own digital lane. Jack and Kev talk about their experience with it, how the site/app has changed over the years, and the different aspects that really make it what it is.
In the third installment of the Mystery Box ongoing series, Kev and Jack picked out a few random mini topics to combine. Think of a game focused around letters, think of a specific food chain around chicken, and think of what's arguably the most valuable online resource for information.
We all get our food somewhere. And when you’re getting groceries, if you have a bigger supermarket by you then you’ll probably find yourself there to get most or all of what you need in one consistent spot. But what makes a grocery store good or bad? Jack and Kev talk about their experiences, some specific examples in NY/LA, and the past/present/future of the format.
From style to functionality, glasses can serve a combination of roles. From a regular pair to sunglasses, they can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. But which are the best and worst? Kev and Jack talk about their experience wearing them, any preferences, and where things may be headed.
While streaming for TV/movies has taken over the game over the past decade, and especially the past few years, cable has managed to stick around. This is partially due to certain aspects that work better live, such as sports/news, but how long can it survive on those? Jack and Kev talk about their experiences growing up with cable, the benefits and downsides of streaming coming into play, and preferences between the two.
As one of the sports that anyone can really play, as well as one of the limited indoor options for winter, bowling is still alive and rolling. While most people would probably view it as an old school sport, it's also been turning over the years into more of a party-focused activity. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with it and the different aspects of the game – from the shoes/shirts to food/drinks and more.
After recapping a second year of quarantine music through various episodes, now it's time to narrow down to the top pros/cons. Jack and Kev look at the albums that came out in 2021 from the artists or bands they like - and discuss the ones that most delivered or disappointed.
No place on earth says Christmas like California, right? Between the palm trees and no sign of a snow day in sight, it's certainly not what you usually see in a movie (and from the place that makes movies, that is). Kev and Jack talk about how it feels like in the greater Los Angeles area (including O.C), how it compares to NYC, and what else could possibly be done.
There's certain staples when it comes to toys, such as action figures. But with technology growing more dominant by the decade, the status of toys isn't the same as it used to be. Even in the late '90s and turn of the century, while it may not have been the peak of it, there still was a lot of fun and interesting toys being made. Whether that be Hot Wheels, Tamagotchi, Mighty Beanz, Tech Decks, and more – they had their own style and feel. Jack and Kev talk about some of the specific ones they remember, some overall types, and how they view the evolution.
Arguably the most impactful designer in the last decade, Virgil Abloh was able to bridge the gap between high fashion and streetwear. Between his own popular brand, Off White, to becoming the art director and more of Louis Vuitton's menswear, he had plenty of success in fashion. More than that, Virgil was a fixture in the culture. Especially music, with his creative work for Kanye and separately DJ'ing around the world. His collabs also included IKEA furniture and dozens of hyped Nike sneakers. Unfortunately, recently he passed away from a rare cancer on Nov 28th at only 41 years old, a total surprise to the public. Kev and Jack talk about watching Virgil's rise, the impact he had on the younger generation, and how much he accomplished while he was here.
With being fresh off Thanksgiving meals and steering into the holiday season, it’s a perfect time to talk about one of the most classic desserts for all ages: cookies. Jack and Kev give their Top 5 Pros and Top 5 Cons for the different types out there, with everything from gingerbread to chocolate chip to fortune cookies.
In a new installment of breaking down music put out during the pandemic, Kev and Jack look at a selection of albums and EPs released between late September and mid/late November 2021 across a mix of genres. From pop stars to smaller upcoming artists you may not know about yet, and everyone in-between (including the new Adele and Silk Sonic albums, to name a couple).
With the holidays coming up fast, and all the “supply chain” delays, we’re already in the midst of shopping season. Jack and Kev present the first annual P&C Gift Guide episode with a handful of pros ideas and some cons to consider as well. It’s a mix of practical, just for fun, and varying budget levels.
With the recent announcement of a name facelift to Meta, it marks (no pun) a pinpoint in time for Facebook’s history. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with the platform in its early years, how the company has evolved, and the name shift. Plus, other related topics such as The Social Network movie.
For the baseball grand finale, the Atlanta Braves took on the Houston Astros in the World Series this year. ATL finally broke their citywide sports curse, and did it against arguably the most hated team out there. Jack and Kev talk about how the playoffs led to that matchup, including a loss from their beloved Yankees early, and how satisfied they were with the rounds overall.
Shoutout to Trevor Plouffe the prophet!
It’s that time of the year again with Halloween coming up this weekend. To celebrate, why not look at the evil characters in stories either connected or adjacent to the holiday. Are they scary? Are they cool? How are they as costumes? Kev and Jack talk about 10 of the most well-known specific characters and some other general kinds you see.
As one of the most critically-acclaimed TV shows of all time, The Sopranos ran for around a decade from 1999-2007. Its impact is still being felt today, and it’s had a resurgence during the pandemic of people watching it – in particular, a younger crowd who didn’t watch it as it released in real time. Now, there’s also a new “prequel” movie, Many Saints of Newark, that just came out on HBO Max at the beginning of October. Jack and Kev discuss the show, the new film, and where it stands among the TV show rankings.
(No spoilers until 39 min mark)
With October being the spooky month around Halloween, there's several eerie superstitions that start to come into play. It's not all bad, though, there's good luck ones as well. Kev and Jack talk about if they're ever believed in them, which common ones they heard growing up, and which make the most sense.
With a full 162 game baseball regular season completing on Sunday after a shortened 60 game covid one last year, the sport is back in full swing (no pun intended). Jack and Kev look back on the 2021 MLB season with big moments like the sticky substances for pitchers and the crazy trade deadline. Then, they give their picks for who they think will win in each round of the playoffs that are starting tonight.
- Episode a day early because of the timing for the Wild Card
LET'S GO YANKEES!
In a new edition of breaking down music put out during the pandemic, Kev and Jack look at a selection of albums and EPs released between mid/late June and early/mid September of 2021 across a mix of genres. From pop stars to smaller upcoming artists you may not know about yet, and everyone in-between.
As one of the biggest cities not just in California but in the whole country, San Francisco is well known across the world with the Golden Gate Bridge and its other appearances in movies and TV shows like Full House. With Kev fresh off a short trip up the coast from LA, and Jack having visited SF in the past, they discuss their experiences with the city. From the hills to the cable cars to the weather, how does it fall on the pros and cons scale?
It’s back-to-school time of year again, with NYC catching up to the rest of the country who has already gone back. As a result, Kev and Jack discuss one of the most crucial parts of that process: teachers. They break down personal memories and stereotypes from the different levels of school and the different subjects.
While AirPods are the latest sensation, there’s a long trail of headphones that have come before it. Even in the past couple of decades, there’s been some notable changes. Jack and Kev talk about which they’ve had from growing up to now, their opinions vs in-ear or over-ear, the Apple wired or wireless decision, and more audio ear matters.
From the doctor to the dentist, and the other kinds in-between, scheduling and going to appointments can be a hassle. Whether it's the going and waiting or the specific task you're going for, there's usually something that is not ideal. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences and which types they think of when talking about the term.
While becoming one of the biggest fashion retail outlets around the globe, Uniqlo is still in the process of expanding their American presence. The Japanese company is well established in New York City with multiple locations, but are slowly opening more stores across LA and other big cities. If you’re not aware, it’s basically a store for your essentials of clothing. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences from having the stores around in NYC and their thoughts on the products.
Over the past month or so, the latest version of the Summer Olympics took place in Japan after being delayed a year from covid. Kev and Jack talk about their feelings on “Tokyo 2020” (aka actually 2021), as well as the summer version of the international games overall. Plus, how it compares to the Winter Olympics that were discussed earlier in the year in the Winter Sports episode.
While soda was a discussion topic not long ago, it’s now time for another drink episode of a sibling option: juice (which still can rival in sugar). Jack and Kev talk about types from different fruit, specific brands, and other related drinks in the same arena that might straddle the line.
In the second installment of a new occasional series, Mystery Box, Kev and Jack picked out a few mini summer topics to combine. The topics are a surprise, but think of beaches and the 90’s… think of childhood/teenage games… and think of a certain type of refreshing dessert.
While a lot of people still stick to rockin their regular shoes in the summer, if you want to have some more breathability and utilize the weather then you might find yourself with some sandals. Whether it be flip flops, slides, crocs, birkenstocks, or one of the long list of women’s options – your feet will be breathing in the warm air. Unless you wear them with socks, of course. Jack and Kev debate the variety of choices and which do or don’t work well.
During the hot summer months, people cool off in different ways. There’s bodies of water – like a pool, beach, or lake – are the most common. But for those feeling more adventurous, and who have a car, then their choice may be a water park. From slides and other rides to pools and games, they can give you a lot of options. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences going to them when they were younger and how they’re feeling about them now.
Comedy comes in a lot of forms. One of the ways is typically with stand up at a club or theater, which the best of are taped and released for later viewing. But in recent years, those comedy specials have started to evolve beyond just a person on stage with a mic telling jokes. Certain comedians are pushing the boundaries of what that can look like, what the jokes can take the form of, and how to present it all to the world. Jack and Kev talk about this overall and also focus on Bo Burnham’s new special “Inside” that was written, recorded, and edited completely by Bo himself in one space during the pandemic.
One of the biggest parts of our lives nowadays is, of course, our phones. But it’s been a while now since a phone meant just calling someone. It’s of course become the blanket term for the device that can do everything. Kev and Jack talk about experiences of their first phones when younger, right when smartphones were initially breaking through, to now when they’re fully established the norm.
With July 4th upon us, what better time to take an in-depth look at one of the most simple but timeless foods around: hot dogs. They are heavily associated with baseball in particular (a favorite sport of the show) so the boys are somewhat biased, but Jack and Kev talk about what they do and don’t like about the hot dog overall, different types of it, and some of the spots in NY & LA.
For the latest edition of reviewing music put out during the pandemic, Kev and Jack look at a selection of albums and EPs released between January and mid June of 2021 across a mix of genres. From pop stars to smaller upcoming artists you may not know about yet, and everyone in-between.
One thing most of us can agree on from being a kid is that getting a break at lunch to go outside and play was one of the best parts of your day, if not the highlight. Jack and Kev talk about the idea of “recess” (and that as the term for it), what kind of activities are best/worst, how your environment impacts it, and the change of it over time.
While they’ve officially been around for nearly 80 years, the Swedish furniture and home goods company didn’t rise to the top until the past decade. From 2008 on, IKEA has since remained the world's largest furniture retailer with their trademark blue and yellow branding. Kev and Jack discuss their experiences with the products, the stores, and the controversial assembly process.
It’s sometimes taken for granted how much color plays a role in every part of our lives and how we communicate, whether that's a natural part of the world (like a fruit) or a human-made conscious decision (like a red stop sign). Jack and Kev discuss a variety of examples of colors in our society, how well that system works, and their Top 3 Pros/Cons choices.
In the first installment of a new occasional series, Kev and Jack pick a few random smaller topics and combine them together in a mixed grab bag episode. What will be in it? Each time will be a surprise. But in this edition, there may be some themes of nostalgia, technology, and more...
A fixture of the skateboarding community for decades, Vans has also come to establish itself as one of the most popular shoe brands overall. They're an undeniable part of pop culture, and it looks like they're here to stick around a while with their consistent and classic pieces. Jack and Kev discuss their history with the brand and what they think of the kicks, fits, and more.
Along with eating pizza, one of the holy grails as a kid is drinking soda. Pull up to the birthday party and there it is, waiting for you as a source of liquid heaven. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with it from a younger age to now, each of their Top 5 Pros and Top 5 Cons, and the best ways to consume it.
If there had been no Tiger Woods, golf wouldn’t be as popular as it is today. But while Tiger himself could be electric to watch, what about the game overall as entertainment on TV? And then on the flip side - while some may thinks it looks easy to just hit a ball into a hole, doing it yourself is a challenge. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences with the sport on both sides.
It's been a weird year for movies, and the Oscars followed suit with an untraditional ceremony. Kev and Jack talk about whether they felt like it worked for better or worse, outcomes of bigger awards categories, and suggestions for changing it up. Plus, the act of watching movies during the pandemic and thoughts on going back to theaters again soon.
Letters are the pillars of our communication and language systems, and they all come together under the umbrella of an alphabet. Different cultures and locations use different versions, but the English alphabet is filled with 26 of ‘em. Is that too many? Too little? Jack and Kev go through in ~alphabetical~ order, A to Z, debating the elements of each and figuring out if they’re necessary or interesting.
The Suez Canal took over the headlines recently with a giant ship blocking a key pathway in it for a week. But aside from transport vessels, what are the best and worst boats out there? There’s no shortage of types (cruises, sailboats, kayaks, submarines, yachts - just to name a few) and they fill different needs or desires. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with boats overall and sail through the mix of styles to pro and con them along the waves.
An overlap of two separate holidays went down this past week, and they are actually more connected than you might realize. Not just in terms of scheduling either, although it’s not unusual for Christians and Jews to be celebrating at the same time. Jack and Kev discuss the Venn diagram of Easter and Passover, figuring out which one deserves the "Spring Religious Holiday" crown.
With Opening Day kicking off on April 1st (not a prank), baseball is back and going 162 again following last year's shortened season. Kev and Jack briefly go through the divisions of the AL and NL to give a pro and con team for each and discuss any noteworthy offseason moves that were made. Is the league in a more exciting place than where it left off after last October?
Jordans are probably what first comes to mind for a lot of people when they think of Nike sneakers. But the Air Max have remained a big powerhouse of its own for them ever since Tinker Hatfield brought the vision for the first AM1 to life over three decades ago. In honor of Air Max Day this week on Friday March 26th, Jack and Kev talk about their thoughts on the different models and rank their Top 5 Pros/Cons.
As an important holiday in countries beyond just its home of Ireland and its green hills, St. Patrick’s Day has grown to become a popular time of celebration. Especially if you like to drink, this is a day probably circled on your calendar. Kev and Jack talk about their experience growing up around it in NYC, what they think of the different traditions, and a mix of other themed aspects connected to it like TV episodes or fashion.
As the true OG and pioneer in the era of social media, Myspace was the king of the ring in the mid to late 2000s. The profile pages had some memorable features, including the infamous Top 8 spots for your friends, and the overall customizable nature even birthed a whole generation of coders. Jack and Kev talk about their experience on it, how the different aspects might hold up on today’s social networks, and more around Tom’s legacy.
When Toy Story dropped in 1995 as the first computer-animated feature film, there was no turning back. A new animation world was born, and Pixar was to thank. Since then, they have built a reputation for having the most well-crafted and thoughtful animation films. Kev and Jack discuss the impact of Steve Jobs at the company, their latest ‘Soul’ release, a Top 5 Pros/Cons, and an entire ranking of Pixar's filmography.
The Calendar year is filled with plenty of criteria for each month: What's the weather like where you live? What holidays are there? What's going on in sports or pop culture? How does it get along with the months before or after it? Jack and Kev go through January to December, in chronological order, and evaluate each month before giving their Top 6 Pros/Cons to split it up.
Whether it's as the primary sweatshirt in Spring and Fall or layering up during the Winter (or even still as the main layer if in a warmer climate), hoodies and crewnecks are two of the most popular outerwear choices. And what could be looked at as just a simple difference between having a hood or not actually goes deeper than that. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with each, how society looks at or stereotypes each one, and their ultimate favorite between the two.
It was a matchup for the ages (literally) in Tom Brady vs Pat Mahomes for this year's big football final battle. Jack and Kev talk about the championship game, the season and playoffs that led up to it, as well as the other parts of the Super Bowl like the Halftime show performance of The Weeknd and the commercials.
Taking many different flavors and forms, chocolate is one of the most popular type of sweets out there. It can be consumed as candy bars, liquid beverages, or more. For this episode, Kev and Jack narrow it down to their Top 5 pros and Top 5 cons to debate them.
If you ask someone to name a card game, the first thing that would probably jump to their mind is something traditional like Poker (or even Blackjack / 21). However, while those are big in Vegas or for Dads on TV, most everyday people are likely to be more experienced with another one that’s either establishing itself as arguably a classic: UNO. All ages can enjoy and it’s perfect for family, friends, or whoever is down to play the simple but entertaining competitive activity. Jack and Kev talk about their history with it, where it ranks in card games, and some of the different ways to play.
While it might get a weird or dark reputation sometimes, Reddit can actually be a place of community and entertainment. Kev and Jack talk about their experience with forums in general and with Reddit specifically, how the platform works, what are its advantages and disadvantages, and how it fits in the social media landscape as well.
You may not think of the freezing weather as the usual time for sports, but there are plenty of them out there. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, hockey, football in the snow, curling, and even others. Jack and Kev talk about the different approaches, Winter Olympics, and more around the snow and icy conditions.
El Dia de los Reyes, aka Three Kings Day, is essentially a later version of Christmas. The tradition is celebrated in Spain, Latin America, the Caribbean, and other countries – going down on January 6th (including starting the night before). Kev and Jack talk about the different aspects of the holiday, what it was like for Kev to grow up with it in DR, and how to make it more popular in the future.
For the 100th episode and last of the year, Jack and Kev look at the albums and EP’s that came out in 2020 from the artists or bands they like - and discuss whether they delivered or disappointed. The boys use an Awards show type of system to pick out both nominations and winners / losers.
People argue about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not. At the end of the day, it depends what you consider necessary for something to be one. KEVIN! and Jack discuss their opinions on what they feel like determines it. The boys also give their Top 5 choices on both the Pros and Cons side of the films that qualify.
At least for tourists, the number one spot to go for the winter holidays in New York City is Rockefeller Center in Manhattan with the big, famous Christmas tree. It’s always a popular spot and many people around the world have at least heard of it. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences with it as NYC natives, as well as holiday decorations around the city in general each year.
With Hanukkah starting this week, it was a good time to discuss one of the most iconic Jewish pop culture figures of all time: Adam Sandler, the one and only. Kev and Jack talk about the wide range of hits and misses he has, the mix between comedies and occasional dramas with acclaimed directors, his notable Uncut Gems performance from last year, and his future with an ongoing Netflix deal.
The holidays are coming up so the time for gift giving is arriving. There’s different strategies for what type of a present you get someone, or what you receive yourself. One of those can be loved or hated: gift cards. Jack and Kev talk about what they think of getting and giving them, their Top 5 / Worst 5 places for cards to be tied to, and more around the somewhat-controversial holiday option.
Last year was the general Thanksgiving episode, so this time Kev and Jack talk about the alternate holiday of Friendsgiving that people sometimes do. Is it better than the regular version? What makes one good or bad? Plus other details like the name itself, movies/TV around it, what you might bring from NY/LA, and more.
In honor of Alex Trebek (R.I.P), the longtime host and face of arguably the biggest and most important game show of all time, Jack and Kev talk about their experience with Jeopardy! Obviously it's been successful enough to last all these decades (dating all the way back to 1964), but what works and what doesn’t? The boys discuss everything from the rules and setup to the contestants and possible hosts to try to fill Trebek's impossible shoes.
It used to be that if you wanted to get your hands on a pair of limited edition shoes, you’d have to either campout overnight or go to select stores early in the morning (or, if you were lucky enough to have a plug). But nowadays, it’s pretty much all online. And Nike has their own app, SNKRS, that is a platform specifically for releasing limited edition and special kicks. For sneaker heads everywhere, however, they know the pain of it being almost impossible to have success getting the well-known “Got Em” notice. Kev and Jack discuss how it compares to camping out, what the app can improve and what it’s already perfect with, and experiences using it.
Coming in all different sizes, types, and shapes – puzzles aren't just jigsaws... or are they? Jack and Kev talk about what even fits the idea of a "puzzle" exactly and give their takes on the different possibilities.
After a shortened 60-game covid season, baseball entered its usual playoff run of October right on time. It was a little different of a format this year, though, with more teams included and a crazy first round setup. There were heroes, there were villains, and plenty of controversy. And, unfortunately for Jack and Kev, the Yankees only made it so far. Regardless, they discuss how it all went down and how the Dodgers came out on top in the World Series.
- Episode released later this week because of the timing for the WS
For the latest edition of reviewing music released during quarantine, Jack and Kev look at a selection of albums and EPs released between mid July and mid October of 2020 across a mix of genres. From pop stars to smaller upcoming artists you may not know about yet, and everyone in-between.
The real, actual true “bubble” in sports was started and perfected by the NBA this year. On the health side, there were zero positive covid cases over several months and nearly 200 games down in Disneyland. And those playoff games, it turned out, were pretty entertaining – even with only virtual fans. Kev and Jack talk about how the bubble felt over time, how the playoffs evolved with big performances like from Jimmy Butler, and how it was to see the Lakers and LeBron win the Championship after Kobe's death earlier in 2020.
* Episode released earlier this week since it's a timely subject
A collaboration happened over this past month between one of the most successful fast food restaurants of all time and one of the most popular rappers right now (arguably at the top for each). With it brought a combo meal to get, plenty of memes and viral videos, many drops of merch, a new single with “Franchise” as its title, a nationally televised commercial, and more. Jack and Kev discuss their thoughts on the rollout and how the collab was overall.
With the baseball regular season coming to an end this past Sunday and the playoffs just starting up now, Kev and Jack review how this shortened experimental covid season was (including new rule changes) and lay out their picks for who will win in each round of the 2020 postseason.
A popular food to have as an appetizer at a bar or during watching a football game, to name a couple examples, is chicken wings. Jack and Kev give their opinions on where to eat them, how to eat them, when to eat them, and even how they’ve impacted pop culture with things like the Hot Ones show. You may not want to listen to this on an empty stomach.
Although it’s not as big as it used to be, there’s still some Best Buy stores hanging around here and there like an endangered retail species. Kev and Jack look back on going to the store when they were younger, how much they use it or the website now, and where it stands in today’s world of competitors.
Not only is it the most popular new platform of the year, but Zoom is also something that everyone of all ages might be using. Whether it be kids for school, adults at work, family and friends communicating, or different shows utilizing it – the uses are endless. Jack and Kev discuss when it works and when it doesn’t.
Despite a name that doesn’t at all make you think of movies, Letterboxd is an app / website around films. Whether it be logging films you’ve watched, keeping track of ones you want to see in the future, or writing reviews. It can be a social media platform, depending how you use it, and you can follow people and they can follow you. How public or private you want to be active on it is up to you, but there’s multiple uses you can find regardless. Jack and Kev discuss its design, community, format, and more.
Growing up in The Bronx, it was unavoidable to see people rockin Uptown’s – aka Nike Air Force 1’s (usually in all white, sometimes all black). But the shoe is arguably just as popular, or at the very least staying fairly relevant in today's sneaker world. Kev and Jack discuss their experiences with AF1’s in middle and high school, some of the notable colorways or collabs outside of the main two staples, and more.
When you think of sports in the summer, what comes to mind? For most people, or at least those in certain locations, that would be surfing. While it's not as popular as its cousin (skateboarding) and doesn't have a popular figure for the sport like it (shoutout Tony Hawk), there's still a mythology to it. Jack and Kev discuss their point of view on the sport, the culture around it, and more.
It'd be hard to argue that there's a more famous (or infamous) city in Florida. Miami has a mixed reputation, but there's always plenty going on. Whether it be the beaches, LeBron and The Big Three's era, partying/nightlife, Art Basel, or whatever else. Kev and Jack discuss their experiences visiting before, what kind of place the city has in pop culture, and obviously the most important: Cuban sandwiches.
Hot weather in the summer means people try to find ways to cool off. And while not everyone has pools or beaches, you can usually find some type of cold treat around you. Whether that be ice cream, ice pops, ices, slushies, shakes, you name it. Jack and Kev discuss which are the best and worst, from their opinion as always, dating back from childhood to now.
After the MLB came back last week, now it's the NBA's turn. Baseball was starting a new season, but basketball has to finish theirs – with just a few regular season games before a playoff run. While the MLB is traveling around, the NBA has adopted a bubble model. They're doing this down in Disney World in Orlando (Florida), which is a big corona case state. But so far, it seems to be working. Kev and Jack discuss what they think of The Bubble idea, if it’ll work, how the games are compared to normal, vlogs from players showing how it is inside, and more around the whole setup.
Matisse Thybulle's vlogs from inside The Bubble - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMICLletO8dDwQaGpipv8Z9t_UVIG3Pn9
It's been a complicated process for sports to come back during coronavirus. But now there are two major leagues coming back a week apart. First up this week is MLB, which has a limited season and plenty of new rules tied to trying to make the game as safe as possible. Jack and Kev discuss these changes, if they're good or bad for the game, and how they feel about this bizarre season of their favorite sport: baseball.
Next week, the NBA comes back, and there will be an episode on that as well. Stay tuned!
With the second edition of reviewing music released during quarantine, Kev and Jack look at a selection of albums and EP’s released between May and early July of 2020 across a mix of genres.
R.I.P. JUICE WRLD + R.I.P. POP SMOKE
If you didn’t hear it before, you can listen to Vol 1 of the Quarantine Music series below from the end of April:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quarantine-music-vol-1/id1450368529?i=1000473010906
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iNZcjDKh4g9kRL8xrlNIT?si=ksbffu1aSTKEhKVKDtCkxg
While usually reserved for Fourth of July and New Years, there have been active fireworks as part of our pandemic lives ever since lockdown began. Jack and Kev talk about how that's been, what it was like for them with fireworks growing up, comparisons between NYC and LA, and more.
If you didn't hear the general Fourth of July episode from last year, you can find that at the links below:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fourth-of-july/id1450368529?i=1000443522962
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2FhR6h62VdbQjWRoyQ86Ni?si=LvwfOksUSRmpBvi2aNZogQ
At least for New York City, this is right around the time when the regular school has ended and the summer school sessions are about to shortly begin. Kev and Jack talk about their thoughts and experiences with it in the NYC Public School system.
(Sidenote: The movie named Summer School is briefly mentioned in this episode and the day after recording, the director of that movie - Carl Reiner - passed away. R.I.P to a comedy legend!)
It's the start of summer and for many people that means it's the season of taking road trips. But what even defines what a road trip is exactly? And what makes one good or bad? Jack and Kev look at their experiences, how to keep entertained, what snacks / drinks to have, and their dreams of future trips to take.
With the new PS5 being unveiled this past week, we decided to give our initial reactions to it after we go through our history with PlayStation overall and experiences with each of the consoles leading up to now. And is PlayStation a better system than XBOX? Or Nintendo even? Kev and Jack break it down.
While many film releases were put on hold for coronavirus, one that got moved up for that very reason was the Michael Jordan documentary series that was going to originally be released in June (of this year). Instead, ESPN and Netflix pushed it up and released it over five weeks during April and May with two episodes a week. It got a lot of hype on social media in that time, but did it live up to it? And is a documentary of arguably the greatest basketball player, and potentially even greatest athlete all time, ever going to be good enough for its subject? Jack and Kev discuss what it did right, and what it did wrong, of what they wanted to see from it.
After talking about Monopoly a while ago, the next board game up for discussion is the well-known Connect Four. The boys discuss its simple design, what you could expect when playing, and if it's stood the test of time.
Two of the biggest stores around may have some similarities, but they also have plenty of differences. What makes one better or worse than the other? And who comes out on top? Kev and Jack compare the two through different categories.
In connection with Jack's birthday today and Kev's happening last month, the boys talk about their history with the annual age-changing tradition. From being a kid to now, they break down how their feelings on how birthdays for them have changed over time.
Looking back on the years of elementary through high school, how good or bad was the school lunch food? Kev and Jack look back on their experience with NYC Public Schools and the best and worst choices that were served. Plus, getting to go out for food later on in school and more.
Arguably the most popular video game in the world right now, Fortnite is an original video game that came out of the shadows in July 2017 and quickly rose to prominence with its free cost and new gameplay approach. It only kept soaring in users, including when Drake and Travis Scott hopped on to play with Ninja one random night in March 2018. Does it still hold the crown for the top game? Kev and Jack discuss their thoughts on it.
With extra time spent indoors nowadays, that means even more time to listen to music. And luckily during this period, there's still been a lot of artists and bands who have released their albums (even though some others have passed theirs back). Kev and Jack look over a variety of projects across different genres and sort through what's been the best and worst released so far from the people on their radar.
The only season we haven't done an episode on yet is the one we're currently in the midst of. While technically Spring began a month ago, right now is when it's really supposed to be hitting its stride and the start of warmer weather. Jack and Kev talk about where it ranks among the seasons, what happens within the months, and if it's something they look forward to or not.
When the everyday person has gone to get a new pair of shoes in the past couple decades, there's a likely chance that Foot Locker has been their destination. Sometimes on purpose, sometimes when they're just walking around the mall. The retail spot has been holding its crown (or whistle) strong for years. With its classic black-and-white striped shirts for workers uniforms and it's wide selection of general shoes, it's a popular spot. It even has different branches and owns other shoe stores. Kev and Jack break down their experience and thoughts with it.
Given that it's a Quarantine type of scenario, it felt appropriate to do a movie episode on the '80s staple The Breakfast Club - which also is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. The teenage movie of five high schoolers spending a Saturday in detention is a very simple plot but has a lot of ways it can go. Jack and Kev go through different categories to evaluate its strength and weaknesses, decide where it ranks in John Hughes' filmography, and whether or not it's a classic.
For the time-honored traditional holiday, the boys have a serious and informational look at April Fools' Day - such as it's illustrious history over the centuries, their personal history with it, and different examples that brands/companies have pulled in the past. Nothing but facts only.
In honor of his new music project releasing, the boys go through the work (primarily the music side) of Donald Glover - who has gone by Childish Gambino as his music name. Jack and Kev talk about his discography and their initial reactions to his new "3.15.20" body of work. Episode released earlier in week to be fresh for the release, which hit streaming on Sunday the 22nd.
With so much that happened since the release on Wednesday morning of the last episode, a part two was necessary to cover what happened from then (the 11th) through the end of Sunday (the 15th) with the coronavirus situation - now a global pandemic. From the raise in severity and spread of the virus itself to how much more intense the reaction became around it, Kev and Jack look at the different aspects.
The topic infecting the world right now is none other than COVID-19 aka the latest coronavirus. It's all over and is causing issues both directly and with its ripple effects. What are the pros to it? And are the cons as bad as they seem? Jack and Kev give their own opinions.
Having conversations online with a bunch of people is obviously different than just messaging someone one-on-one. But is it better? Or worse? Kev and Jack discuss when it sometimes can be advantage, and when it can also sometimes get annoying.
One of the most popular accessories that you'll often see people wearing is a hat of some kind. Most often, that's probably a baseball-style cap - but there's many other kinds. Some have lasted throughout history, and some are more recent. Some purely functional, some just for style, some for religion, and others that just seem to exist in their own world. Jack and Kev talk about different iterations and do a rapid fire of their thoughts on each.
A food item that's so simple and part of our lives that it's almost slept on for being one of the best options at any given time. Plus, it has arguably the most possibilities and variations of anything you can eat. This is, of course, the sandwich. Kev and Jack go for a rapid fire series through the main staples of both types of sandwiches and also different places you can eat them. Just make sure you're not too hungry before you listen.
Exactly a week after the Super Bowl, the Oscars arrived earlier than usual this year. Jack and Kev talk about a mix of elements to the awards show - including the ceremony, the big awards, and Parasite taking home the crown this year. What did The Academy get right, and what did they get wrong?
The Kansas City Chiefs played the San Francisco 49ers in this year's NFL championship, aka the 54th annual Super Bowl. In a game that came down to the end, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs took the trophy with a comeback victory. Kev and Jack discuss their thoughts of the season/playoffs leading up to it and the game itself. Plus everything else around it with the commercials and the halftime show of JLo and Shakira (along with Bad Bunny and J Balvin).
In the wake of the terribly sad and horrible death of the legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant (and his daughter, Gianna), this episode focuses on his life and career. Jack and Kev look at personal experiences with him growing up, Kobe's time in the NBA, his other side endeavors outside of basketball, and the possible ways to remember him moving forward.
The big sports news as of late is in baseball, even though it's the offseason. It was officially confirmed that the Houston Astros cheated during the 2017 season/playoffs, and potentially beyond. This past week, along with the MLB report about it, came the punishments from the league as well. Kev and Jack talk about whether it was enough and the other elements of this scandal.
IT'S EPISODE 50!!! - Jack and Kev decided to tackle all 50 states in 50 minutes. Like always, speaking from personal perspective only. Hopefully one day both the boys can see more of the country, but for now they speak from what they know.
One of the most common New Year's resolutions for people is to start hitting the gym. Usually they lose money and give up fast, but for true regulars it's something they usually do multiple times a week. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with it and whether it's worth it.
Every year comes to a close eventually, and this one happens to also be the end of a decade. The boys go down the rabbit hole of everything from Y2K to Times Square to whether resolutions ever work out or not. Welcome to the first episode of 2020!
It's the most popular holiday of all, the most widely celebrated, and the one that's a genre in itself for pop culture. From the tree and decorations to the presents to Home Alone, there's so much to like about the Christmas time of year. And that's not just the day itself, or the Eve either, but the whole months leading up to it. Does it even have any cons? The boys look at it and figure it out.
No matter how you spell it, Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is referred to by some as the "Jewish version of Christmas" for both the timing and for being another festival of lights. It lasts for over a week and is filled with games, food, presents, and more. Since Jack grew up with a Jewish background, he shares some insight with Kev as they discuss the elements of the holiday.
Streaming wars continue with the new competitors of Apple and Disney entering the fields in the past month. While Apple is still figuring out who they are, Disney has a better idea of it already. We talk about all they have to offer - including the properties of Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20th Century Fox, and of course their own Walt Disney Studios material. The boys talk about their experience with it so far and how much they (and millennials in general) care about it or not.
If you're into music, there are always going to be albums you anticipate each year. Some meet your expectations head on, but many either disappoint or rise above your hopes. Or some just came out of nowhere, without anticipation, and surprise you. Kev and Jack look at which albums made their Best/Worst lists from that for 2019 drops.
The holidays are a popular time of year for shopping, but no time is that more active than on Black Friday (for those who don't know - it's the day after Thanksgiving, where stores have big deals). In more recent years, Cyber Monday, the digital version that comes right after, has been giving it a run for its money. But which is better?
Arguably the biggest food day of the year, this (American) holiday is a blend of mainly family and eating. Kev talks about his experiences with it after coming over from DR and Jack talks about growing up with it since he can remember. They also talk about things like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, if the Lions and Cowboys should keep playing every year or not, and a mix of elements around the holiday.
In just a few years, StockX has become one of the top online marketplaces for buying and selling anything from sneakers to clothes - to even things as random as baseball cards. Mostly, they're known for being the main online hot spot for coppin or droppin your kicks (only if they're DS though, in new condition). Kev and Jack talk about if it's a pro or con for them as people interested in sneakers, the experience of actually ordering shoes from it, how good or bad their app is, and more around the company.
In a series of the underdogs vs. the villains, we got a baseball championship for the ages. The Nationals took the crown against the Astros, surprising the expectations. But how did they get there? Jack and Kev look through the Nats rise during the playoffs on the NL side, and the Astros in the AL, and how they ended up in a do-or-die Game 7 that was close until the end for determining the ultimate winner.
A video game that's one of the most well-known and most-played of all time, Call of Duty has built a franchise and legacy for itself. With the release of its latest edition (COD: Modern Warfare 2019), Jack asks Kev about his experience with the new game and about his history with it overall.
It's that time of year. The biggest holiday stretch is among us and of course that starts off with Halloween coming in October building throughout the month until the end main finale. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences from being a kid to now with it. Everything from the basics costumes and candy, trick or treating, as well as other elements like decorating, movies, tv shows, parties, and more.
One of the most basic but most essential pieces of your outfit and wardrobe is your socks (unless you're someone who just doesn't wear any.. which, we'll leave at that). Do you go low? Or high? Do you stick with plain, or go more custom and creative? Do you only wear certain pairs on specific occasions or in a given environment? Kev and Jack take you on a mile in their shoes - or, at least what's underneath them.
Relatively cheap to buy, air beds used to be made out of cheap quality as well. Currently, while they're still not top of the line, they've had a noticeable improvement in the past decade. But what can they still improve on? When are they good to have, and when not? What are useful iterations and offshoots of it besides the norm? Jack and Kev discuss whether an air bed (or air mattress, if you prefer) is worth it.
Alcohol may be considered by some as the most addictive drink in popular society today. But you could also easily say that it's coffee. A large majority of people love it and drink it every day. Is it actually as good as the hype? Better? Worse? Kev and Jack share their experiences with it, look at its variations, and the different elements of the culture around it.
The biggest new social media platform to rise up in years, arguably the most notable since Snapchat, is an app for creating and sharing DIY relatable videos. TikTok has shot up in popularity over the past year and a half and is only going forward right now, passing the 1 billion user mark recently. If you know Vine, a previous social media video app, you'll quickly get a sense for what it's like. But even if you don't, it's one of the simplest apps to jump in on. Is it worth downloading? Will it become and stay one of the top social media outlets? Jack and Kev talk about its different angles.
With the Fall Equinox happening next Monday, the U.S. will officially be switching seasons. The battle of the episode is whether that's a better time to be in or not. Kev and Jack compare the two periods and focus mainly on the Northeast where Fall is more of a distinct and prominent time of year.
With her new album (NFR!) fresh off its release, it was time to look at the music staple of Lana Del Rey and her discography. For those who don't know, she's well-known for bringing in the spirit of vintage America into her work, as well as embodying California overall, but does so in a tasteful way and also makes it modern at the same time. Jack and Kev talk about her music, personality, videos, and overall style.
Arguably the most controversial sport, we decided it was the right time to tackle football since the new season is about to kickoff tomorrow. Jumping around, we cover: its different levels (of high school, college, NFL), actually playing it yourself with friends, Fantasy Football, its use in video games and pop culture, and more topics around the game.
It's that time of the year. For some kids it's already happened in the past few weeks, and for others it's about to start after this upcoming Labor Day weekend. Summer is over and it's back to school. Jack and Kev look back specifically on that feeling during Elementary through High School years and what it was like.
Michael Jordan is a basketball legend, but he is also very well-known and respected for his legendary sneaker line "Air Jordan" that has been successful for decades now, even after his departure from the NBA as a player. The brand has a good amount of hits and misses, but the question is: How many fall onto each side of that, and which outweighs the other? Jack and Kev look at Air Jordans over time, a brand and history that they have a special connection to with it being a major brand in their high school years especially.
When you think of summer as a kid, there are plenty of people who have summer camp rush to mind. Being out in nature, jumping in lakes, playing sports... for some, it doesn't get any better. But, it's also definitely not for everyone. Jack and Kev each had their own experiences with it at different points in their lives.
During the heat of the summer right now, it's the perfect time to cool off by taking a dip. Whether that's at the pool, the beach, the lake, or wherever you like to go - swimming is one of the best activities and traditions of the season. Jack and Kev go over the map talking about their times swimming in certain different spots, how it is overall, and even a Speed Round at the end of related things like the Dominican tradition of taking spaghetti to the beach to eat after you swim.
In honor of the release of Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (no spoilers), we looked at the career of legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and our personal experiences with him and his work. From his style overall to our top pros and cons of his filmography to his next steps going forward.
For some people, it's a summer tradition to hit up their area's fair or carnival. There's rides, games, plenty of food. You can go with your friends, your family, your boo. It's filled with possibilities. Jack and Kev talk about what they do and don't like about 'em, as well as what the difference even is between a fair and a carnival itself.
Traveling overall is an experience. But what about just the plane ride specifically? There's a lot of good and bad sides to it (although some people just hate it entirely). Kev and Jack have a pretty balanced view of looking at the two ends though, which they breakdown in this episode.
To curse or not to curse? Jack and Kev talk about when it's appropriate or not, how it impacts comfortability, what it says about you, how it impacts what you're consuming, and more.
It's that time of year. America's main holiday, July 4th aka Independence Day, is a summer staple. Kev and Jack talk about some of their past experiences and where it ranks among other holidays. Amurrr-icans, enjoy the 4th tomorrow!
One of the simplest but most effective foods out there, most donuts you're gonna have will be pretty good. But where's the best place to go? What's the best flavors? Jack and Kev discuss the different ideas, as well as mentioning it's use in pop culture in cases like Odd Future and The Simpsons.
Since the last episode, the Toronto Raptors finished off the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals and the overall season came to a close. Drake took home MVP -- err, Kawhi that is. The chip didn't come with the dip, but it does come with an asterisk (since KD, and later Klay, were burdened with injuries). Also with the season overall, LeBron didn't make the playoffs/finals for the first time in a really long time this year. That notable failure played into the big AD trade that happened over the weekend, which Jack and Kev think is really exciting for Zion and the Pelicans. They break it all down in the episode.
Another busy month of music releases. From Tyler The Creator and Steve Lacy to Vampire Weekend and Raveena, there was plenty to keep up with. Jack and Kev give their impressions so far on both sides of the P&C spectrum.
Playlist of the albums discussed in the episode on Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/may-2019-pros-and-cons/pl.u-jV890dWuD758VY5
Or Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6mldnEpkwwp3rxVUfKQpI9
With one their biggest events every year, Apple held their annual WWDC conference - or as Kev likes to call it: The "Apple's New Shit" event. Basically, they unveil new updates to the software for the iPhone, iPad, iMacs / Macbooks, Apple Watch, and so forth. Plus, a new physical Macbook computer that looks like a cheese grater. Seriously. Jack and Kev talk about different elements that caught their eye, for better or worse.
Kicking off a new ongoing series of looking at a "classic" or famous movie and breaking it down, the first on the table is The Matrix (1999). Jack and Kev look at the film and how it's held up after 20 years.
As teens who got into photography and still shoot, Kev and Jack have been through different cameras at various points of their lives. They break down the good and bad of different types from their own experience from point and shoot to DSLR to film. Plus, at the end of the episode, they talk about the Game Of Thrones finale and the last season with the show overall.
For two kids who grew up eating a lot of New York City pizza, the "most popular food in the world" is a hot topic for debate. Jack and Kev talk about different styles, their favorite and least favorite spots, and more. Plus, at the end of the episode, they debut a new additional segment. (P.S. Wednesday is the new day of the week for episode drops!)
The second half of looking into music releases from April.
Playlist of the albums discussed in the episode on Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/april-2019-pros-and-cons/pl.u-GgA5klRUo3NArqN
Or on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3d4Alpwq9WT0vccp9Eka3t
There were a bunch of good music projects released last month. After digesting it all a little bit, the boys give their initial impressions and opinions of the pros/cons on some of the notable releases. This is part one of two.
Playlist of the albums discussed in the episode on Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/april-2019-pros-and-cons/pl.u-GgA5klRUo3NArqN
Or on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3d4Alpwq9WT0vccp9Eka3t
You don't have to be Alex Honnold in Free Solo to go hiking. It can be a pretty chill activity to do and get you out the house and off technology. But, of course, there's a chance that like anything it can have its potential cons as well (even with the weather being too hot). Meanwhile, the most famous board game may take a while to play, but Monopoly is also a fun and consuming game. Jack and Kev talk about both topics.
In honor of the new season of the current most popular TV show starting up again, Kev and Jack talk about Game of Thrones. Afterwards, they talk about Burger King and then do a Speed Round of related topics. This show is part of CessPool, a new podcast network.
In society, uniforms serve a variety of purposes and functions. Kev and Jack look at the different angles of those within the context of school uniforms, all sorts of job uniforms, team (sports) uniforms, and more. Plus, at the end, a Speed Round segment on "Old Town Road" and The Check-In segment on the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament.
Taking it back to the 90's with a Nickelodeon episode celebrating their 40th anniversary launching the TV network. We look at both the classic cartoons (Hey Arnold!) and the live action duds (Zoey 101), as well as the re-run beauty of Nick At Nite's programming. It all factors into play as we break down each side of the good and the bad.
Driving around can be all fun and games, but it can also be expensive and a pain. On the other hand, public transportation can be great, but it also can take longer. There's many sides to both. And how does it differ between New York City and Los Angeles? Jack and Kev look at the different elements. Plus, they talk about a new kind of arcade for The Check-In segment.
The crazy sports time of the year is here with the NCAA Tournament aka "March Madness" time. The boys talk about the tourney and also experiment with some more new segments where topics include the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood poster, the new Tame Impala song, Ichiro officially retiring from baseball in his last game, and more.
Would you sign a deal for a mil? Did Cuco make the right call, or should he have stayed independent? Either way, back up the brinks truck for the boy. Also, Olivia Wilde's directorial debut "Booksmart" gets a trailer after its SXSW premiere, with Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever in the lead roles. Does it make you want to see the movie? Jack and Kev break it all down, plus there may or may not be a new hidden segment at some point in the episode. This show is part of CessPool, a new podcast network.
With this Sunday being the switch of the clocks, Kev and Jack talk about the ups and downs of each version of the hour reversal that happens during the year. They also talk about cereal for the official holiday of #NationalCerealDay. This show is part of CessPool, a new podcast network.
Alfonso Cuarón got some respect! But also, Green Book won Best Picture... Jack and Kev talk about the good and the bad of the main Oscars categories, the ceremony itself (and their own solution), and their thoughts on the movies from 2018 overall. They also go into the world of baseball and talk about the new Bryce Harper surprising announcement of his deal with the Phillies, as well as how it compares to Manny Machado's decision from last week to sign with the Padres, and how the two big superstars deals compare as the two young free agents who have been keeping the MLB on edge all offseason.
The past and the present collide. Kev and Jack tackle classic arcades as one topic (skee ball anyone?). After they look at the return of Desus & Mero to TV, how the pilot episode was, and how the new version of their show compares to the previous one so far. BX!
Switching it up this week with a triple topic episode. Who wins out in the debate about dogs vs cats? Was MoviePass actually a good thing or a bad thing? Do the pros of tacos outweigh the cons? Kev and Jack discuss the balance of these topics in this episode. This show is part of CessPool, a new podcast network.
The boys talk about the ups and downs of winter, speaking especially from their experiences going through it while growing up in New York City. This show is part of CessPool, a new podcast network.
Kev and Jack give a brief introduction to the show. Pros and Cons is part of CessPool, a new podcast network.