Smart Drivel: Recent Episodes
Smart Drivel Media LLC
Smart Drivel is the definitive podcast for ambiguous topics. In this ongoing podcast, join Kurt Schneider and Jon Ellenthal as we probe the wonders of, er, um, well we don't really probe anything or answer any burning questions or get to the bottom of things. More like two guys with a mic exploring different topics. Twenty-ish minutes of a conversation you will want to be a part of. We promise the drivel, we hope for the smart.
Anapodoton is a rhetorical device where the main clause of a sentence is omitted, and its meaning is implied by a subordinate clause that is provided, most commonly in well-known proverbs or phrases. The implied information is easily understood and mentally supplied by the listener or reader, such as saying "When in Rome..." and expecting the listener to complete the phrase with "do as the Romans do". “If the shoe fits...” “If you can’t beat ‘em...”, etc. The listener understands the complete thought because the full phrase is familiar. Of course, Jon and Kurt thought this would make an excellent topic for an episode of Smart Drivel. “We hope for the smart..."
Jon and Kurt decide to scratch their history itch by having a conversation about some of the world’s greatest unsolved history mysteries. Of course, this being Jon and Kurt, they meander a bit off topic, but do manage to come back each time to probe and theorize what the hell happened.
Money. We love it. We hate it. We crave it. We spend it. Money, in all its forms, has been an integral part of all societies. Whether it was huge stones, salt, emu feathers, or trillion dollar bills, it has always had dominion over civilization. In this episode, Jon and Kurt look into the history, the absurdity, the logic, and the just plain funny of money throughout time.
It all started with a simple question: why are manhole covers round? And then it grew from there…why are eggs always sold in a dozen? Why do pigeons bob their heads when they walk? Why do round pizzas come in a square box? And an episode was born. Come listen to Jon and Kurt ask each other these enigmatic questions and have some fun along the way.
Jon and Kurt decide to look at famous hats throughout history and fiction. That’s right. Hats. What started as a random thought turned into a fertile patch of fun, interesting, and previously unknown stories about hats in legend, historical fact, pop culture, and literature. Slip off your chapeaux and take a listen.
No matter how smart or talented you think your kids are, there are those among us who are just special. Amazing. Mind blowing. These are the child prodigies. The ones in history who are so talented they were doing incredible things at such a young age. Like Mozart. Like the kid who was giving public lectures at 4. Like Joan of Arc who led the French army as a teenager. These kind of special child prodigies. Jon and Kurt take a look at some of the known and lost to history child prodigies who did accomplish incredible things at a very tender age. Still think that pinch pot clay bowl you made your Mom in third grade was that great?
Jon and Kurt have a little forum about the most amazing couples ever. Those from fiction. From wars. From the bible. From the arts. From politics. From legend. Forged in love or in greed, these couples all have a fascinating story to tell.
Did you know Time magazine was actually an acronym? In this episode, Jon and Kurt have fun with explaining, finding, and debating fun acronyms that are used in every day conversation. Please RSVP...if you want to be redundant.
Gin & Tonic. Salt & Pepper. Fish & Chips. Done & Dusted. Bread & Butter. Sonny & Cher. Earth Wind & Fire. Lock Stock & Barrel. Signed Sealed & Delivered. All of these examples are what are called Irreversible Binomials & Trinomials. The cute phrases or names that ALWAYS appear in the same order. That sound really stupid if switched–”Jelly and peanut butter anyone?” Jon and Kurt, feeling this is truly excellent smart drivel, delve into the world of irreversible binomials and trinomials. Some they think have it wrong, others they agree are culturally accepted, while still others just seem right to our co-hosts. Yet, as always, they also disagree on a few. Ladies and gentlemen there is no rhyme or reason why you shouldn’t listen to this episode hook, line, and sinker. Rock and roll….
We all did it. We all went to school with open minds, excited to learn new things. We, here in the U.S., learned a lot about our country’s history. Interestingly, with the lens of current knowledge, we now know that a lot of what we learned was not exactly correct. In this episode, Jon and Kurt unearth some of these discrepancies and attempt to set the record straight.
Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. We do it all the time…giving inanimate objects human-like characteristics. Well, in this episode, Jon and Kurt turn that on its head and decide to give humans the qualities of inanimate objects. In this case, the boys pick famous people and present a case to support which cocktail they think that person would be. Who is a martini? A hurricane? A Negroni? You get the idea.
Ben Franklin is deeply embedded in the American ethos. He was a Founding Father, an inventor, a printer, an author, a diplomat, a man about town, to name just a few of his talents. He was prolific to say the least and was a true Renaissance man. In this episode, Jon and Kurt marvel at his successes and share some of his lesser known accomplishments.
Just because you are an incredible inventor, politician, musician, actor, artist, etc. it doesn’t mean you aren’t without your quirks. In this episode, Jon and Kurt reveal some of the, ahem, “odd” traits/behaviors/obsessions of famous folk. Guess it makes us feel better for always wrapping our microphones in baloney before each episode.
In searching for answers to quell fears or explain life’s quirks, humans have oft come up with some pretty bizarre beliefs. Tomatoes are poison? Witches steal a particular male body part and keep them for pets? Baths are dangerous? Photographs steal your soul? Ya, pretty funny yet weird stuff in which we used to believe. Jon and Kurt use this episode to recount and wonder at some of the strangest of these.
Jon and Kurt return to a theme from the early days of Smart Drivel as they give examples and discuss sayings that just make no sense. Some, like “on cloud 9” confuse one and not the other while others, such as “the exception proves the rule” require much thought. They agree on some, bring up some classics like “pick the low hanging fruit” and try not to have a “near miss.” Near miss? Um, we think you meant “near hit.”
We always worry about the large looming events that change history. Yet, often, history’s pages are changed not by some titanic event (pun intended), but by small, seemingly inconsequential occurrences. A wrong turn, a different kind of rivet, a misplaced comma, a cuppa tea, a laziness in rushing out on vacation, etc. all led to seismic changes in history. Sadly more for the tragic than the benevolent, but these small things punched way above their historical weight. Jon and Kurt point out a few to get your dinner conversations started.
Jon and Kurt wonder at the pervasive use of animal idioms in everyday conversation. Why do we call someone a Black Sheep? Or accuse someone of crying Crocodile Tears? What is a Paper Tiger and who famously made it into an insult to his enemies? Get the Albatross From Around Your Neck or the Monkey Off Your Back and have a listen. This episode is The Cat’s Pajamas.
No, dear listener, this episode is not about everything that can go wrong in a podcast episode will go wrong. It is, however, a quick dive into Named Laws of nature or corporate life or technology or etc. Jon and Kurt share and discuss “laws” that are named after people. Where did they come from? Why were they so named? What did they seek to memorialize as a law? Remember Cheop’s Law (he who built the Great Pyramid): “Nothing ever gets built on time or under budget.” Not even a podcast.
There is an actual “Museum of Failures” which memorializes products that were massive failures. Classics like “neon green Heinz Ketchup” and “Spray on Condoms” (yes, you read that correctly) are on exhibit as are countless others that, while born out of innovation, just never made it. Jon and Kurt highlight a few of the juiciest failures and have fun speculating as to why they never caught on.
Kurt and Jon explore the disorienting land defined by the Urban Dictionary and learn more than they bargained for. As it turns out, Kurt is equally at home with hors d'oeuvres as well as store d'oeuvres. One is consumed in a friend's living room. The other at Costco. If you don't know what it means to be a body booker, say, "Damn, Gina," or engage in the fine art of chipmunking, then this episode is for you. All we know is that Kurt and Jon are cheugies, and you probably are too. Bye, Felicia.
Did you know that the words written on Twitter every single day would fill a book of ten million pages? Did you know that “buttload” is an actual measurement? Jon and Kurt have fun in this episode doling out seemingly ridiculous statements that are actually true. They sound faker than Kurt’s french accent, but are 100% correct.
It started innocently enough when Kurt drove by a parking lot full of fire trucks, lights flashing, but no fire. And it got them thinking, what % of a firefighters day is actually spent fighting fires? (Answer given in the episode.) From there, Jon and Kurt decided it would make a fun game show to ask each other to guess what the % answer was to interesting questions….like what % of people pee in the shower? What % of people say they always read the Terms & Conditions (90%), what % of people send their pets Valentine’s Day gifts? Well, you get the idea. What % of listeners will enjoy this episode (100%)?
The boys decide to give in to their genetic hard-coding and spend an episode exploring what makes the male human do so many idiotic things. Throughout the ages, it seems that those with the Y chromosome have simply not evolved. The “why women outlive men” trend on social media has it right. Tragically funny and infinitely ludicrous, Jon and Kurt discuss this phenomenon that seems to have sidestepped around half of the population.
The boys are back sharing their feelings. They emote about peeves…yes, all those peeves, be they macro or micro, that get under their skin. But this time, they don’t just dwell on the negative, the bothersome, the nuisances, as they add a new category…pet pleasures. What are those things/experiences/feelings that conjure up releases of dopamine and create a happy place.
Having too much fun with the topic, the boys add on to last week’s list and come up with even more new names for ordinary feelings we all have (like when you have an eyelash stuck in your eye).
Jon and Kurt pick up the scent from an earlier episode where they discovered John Koenig’s “The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.” Basically, he made up words to fit common feelings that deserve and need to be named. Never missing a chance to make up words (in the hopes of one day making it into the OED), Jon and Kurt hope they aren’t thrust into “joculimbo” when they try to entertain by making up words to describe the feeling of actually cutting the bagel in two equal parts or the feeling of getting into crisp clean sheets…and many others. After listening, you may have a feeling of “euphicity” (but you’d need a beer for that).
Ever wanted to know what the difference is between alligators and crocodiles? Dolphins and porpoises? Further and farther? Whiskey and whisky? Plantains and bananas? You get the gist...this episode has Jon and Kurt exploring and explaining these hugely important differences.
What does a Pepsi navy have to do with telling time, reading books, or popes dying? Don’t have a proverbial pot to piss in as you think of the answer? Well, we are sure there is a cool new word that sums up your feelings. And, in this episode, Jon and Kurt bring all of this together to enlighten, enrichen, and possibly entertain.
Jon and Kurt can’t get enough of sharing things that makes the other say, “I didn’t know that!” They once again use the construct of each relating three little known morsels to one another. From the heights of Mt. Everest to the lows of World War I and lots in between, they give accounts of historical eerie coincidences and puzzling math party tricks and more. Set your watch to utc +1 (why? Who knows–seems you can just make it up) and give it a listen.
The boys are back at it. They are committed to teaching/relating/sharing with each other unique and oddball things previously unknown. In this episode they talk about exploding whales, dropped bombs, the oldest professions in the world, and the aforementioned weird etymology of the word “testify.” Grab a thing or two and have a listen….
Jon and Kurt recently learned of a fascinating human dynamic: there are many instances where large groups of people all swear they know a fact that is indisputable. Yet they are wrong. Their "fact" is completely made up. It is a wild manifestation of being human–certainly AI wouldn’t fall prey to a social current that sweeps up many in its errant tide. In this episode, our completely human co-hosts explore many different examples of The Mandela Effect. It’s true. I swear it. I saw it myself.
Jon and Kurt continue with the format of sharing fascinating, entertaining, fun things the other didn’t know. Yes, there was an Emu war. And Ikea sells a gazillion meatballs. There is a species that regenerates. Oh, and we get to hear the two oldest jokes in the world. Pull up a metaphoric stool and hear all about these and others.
Jon and Kurt seek to educate, enlighten, and entertain each other with information previously unknown–be it of the historical, technological, or linguistic bent. What happened in 1752 that no one remembers? From what common sense practical usage did everyday words come from? And what the hell do you call this cool way of cursing: $@&*#!. Come get some fun learning on….
Throughout history, dating as far back as humankind can go, there is an indomitable spirit in people that drives innovation and invention…to make our lives easier and more efficient. This manifested in a way that we kept creating new “technologies” from the umbrella to the printing press to electricity to the automobile to the internet, well you get the idea. And as great as we can say these have made our lives, when they first started there were many nay-sayers. Many who predicted their demise or calamities that would befall users of said technology. Jon and Kurt dive into a few of the most notable of these and share things like the chairman of IBM saying in 1943, “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” Don’t be afraid, take a listen.
Jon and Kurt were intrigued by the history, impact, and power of seemingly innocuous everyday items. In this episode they try to make the cast that the utilitarian fork isn’t just about eating, it is representative of the history of humanity. And then they discuss chewing gum and its role in society. You’ll never grab a utensil or chew the same way again…
You might think the common brew/brewski/suds/etc. is just a proletariat beverage more suited to frat brothers than aristocracy. But you would be wrong. Beer has been revered for over 10,000 years as both a nutritious drink and a social elixir. Jon and Kurt follow beer’s impact over the centuries from ancient Egypt to Medieval Europe to the landing of the Mayflower. Grab a cold one and have a listen.
Jon and Kurt seek to answer that age-old question: why are things shaped as they are? Is it for practical purposes? Design aesthetics? Efficiency in production? All of the above? Ok, enough questions, how about some answers. In this episode, our two hosts expound on certain well known objects and explain why they are shaped as they are. Traffic cones, champagne glasses, hockey pucks, wing nuts, etc. Shape up and take a listen.
Proving once again that you can take the men out of boyhood but can’t take the boy out of the men (or something like that), Jon and Kurt crack themselves up by sharing a bunch of words that sound really dirty (like clatterfart) but are actually quite innocuous on the word spectrum. So don’t be pusillanimous, put on your headphones, and listen. You might find it to be quite a tittynope.
We all go through life blithely using everyday products without knowing why they are what they are or why they have certain qualities. We just accept them for their utility value, not bothering to ask why. Well, phew, thankfully Jon and Kurt have decided to ask the question and this episode brings their answers. Why do winter hats have that pom pon on top? Why are doorknobs made of brass? Why do wine bottles have an indention in the bottom? And so many more….Tune in and never look at an everyday product the same again.
Humanity has long searched beyond the corporeal to find answers to life’s big questions. As part of this, there has always been a place for “gods” in all civilizations. From the omnipotent Zeus to Thor the Thunder God to current "big religions’ gods" to the top pagan deities, gods have played a huge role in creating/guiding/forming life’s overall path. Yet, yet, there are also many gods who have far narrower remits. The goddess of sewers. The god of intoxication. The god of excuses. Etc. These gods punch way above their weight levels and turn obscure roles into major parts of people’s lives. Jon and Kurt examine a few of these gods and opine on their influences. Are you there God? It’s me Margaret….
Jon went into the fictional phone book to make a list of home addresses where TV/film/literary characters lived. And then he decided to test Kurt’s knowledge of said addresses, giving him three questions to ask to try and identify who, what, and where lived there. The big question is: can you do better than Kurt did?
Humans love their monuments…the pyramids, the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower, the coliseum, etc. But what do we know of them except what we learn from a hard to hear guide on crowded tour when you just want to get to the restaurant for dinner or a wikipedia page that seems to jump centuries like a schoolkid jumping puddles or saying “huh, I didn’t know that” to a trivia question answer in a beer soaked bar? In other words, they are cool, but what are really intriguing secrets and little known facts about these well known monuments? Well, thankfully, Jon and Kurt spend time sharing bon mots of monument knowledge with us.
Jon and Kurt find amusement (they are easily amused) in discussing words and phrases that were once popular but have now gone out of style. Of course, this is just a launching point for some meandering musings.
Humans make mistakes. They also change their mind. Or think they can improve something. In all these cases, when written, these same humans are grateful for the invention of the eraser. Yes, the eraser. That wonderful piece of technology that gives you a “do-over,” that enables you to take chances, to go outside of your comfort zone knowing you can always take it back with a flourish of your eraser. Jon and Kurt go from discussing the history of the eraser into the much more esoteric discussion of the eraser’s metaphoric and existential role in society as a whole. Oh, it’s a wild ride. If only they could have taken it all back….
Jon and Kurt take a deep dive into the history of the pedestrian, utilitarian, humble yet mighty toothpick. From its practical origins to its stint as a status symbol to its reign as the arbiter of cool to its “usage drift,” the toothpick has been a marker of humanity itself. Chomp on a toothpick and do your best James Dean impression and give the episode a listen. You’ll be amazed at the outsized legacy the simple toothpick has forged over the millennia.
Join Jon and Kurt for a rollicking, delicious, jaunt through the history of donuts and their role in pop culture. Find out why they (ok, just one of them) call donuts "the Truman Doctrine of Pastries", what Clark Gable and Washington Irving had to say about them, and how the hole came to be. Expect to get a big hankering for a donut...
The lads are back with another fun episode of interesting, random, silly facts (like the aforementioned one about Saudi Arabia). How many brains does a leech have? How many words for snow does Scotland have? And how close, via DNA, are we to our fellow humans? What about Bananas?
Do you know that the longest word in the English language without a true vowel is “Rhythms”? Well, this got Jon and Kurt thinking about other really fun facts that can be used to dazzle friends and confuse enemies. What animal is really good at math? What country is the most densely populated? Whose poops are cube shaped? And why? Join the boys as they dip into a favorite Smart Drivel topic and give us more fun, interesting, and even smart facts.
Hitting a classic Smart Drivel theme or genre or topic (ok ok ok, we get it). Jon and Kurt spend this episode giving the back stories to some of the most classic terms from sports or games. These are expressions we use in everyday life, yet they came from sport, and we get to learn their provenance. Does this seem to be out of left field? Would you rather we shoot point blank? Well, checkmate then, you got us. Have a listen, learn some new dinner conversation fodder, impress your friends!
Jon and Kurt decide to be topical (that is funny in so many ways with these two) for once and have an entire episode dedicated to bizarre, funny, and interesting stories around elections. With the U.S. election just a few weeks away, they look back at memorable moments in campaigning, curious balloting from around the world, funny nicknames for presidents, and, of course, get caught up in succotash.
The boys are back with a new episode dedicated to all those little tasks that take no time off the clock but take a lot of time off our souls. We all have them…tiny things to do that trigger big resistance. Transferring the plates into the dishwasher? Putting on a new roll of toilet paper? You get the idea. Typing liner notes? Oh my….
Ah, the wonder of comforting childhood rhymes–such sweet innocent word play to amuse, soothe, and educate young children. At least that is what we all thought until Jon and Kurt did some digging, some intensive research, some literary forensic analysis. What they found is unsettling to say the least. Turns out, some of our most beloved nursery rhymes have morbid, lascivious, and/or creepy origins. Leave all your peaceful childhood memories behind, and join the boys as they dig into the true history of some iconic rhymes.
Finding humor, joy, and moral intrigue in select words, Jon and Kurt play a little game. One of the co-hosts comes up with a favorite or interesting word and explains the reasoning behind his choice. The other co-host then has to come up with a compelling entry of his own – but it has to start with the last letter of the other’s word. Of course, this being Smart Drivel, they seldom stay on task or on topic. The conversation that ensues is entertaining, if nothing else.
Jon and Kurt decide to get patriotic, historic, and caloric–ok, not caloric, but it did fit the rhyme scheme–as they share unique, surprising stories about our 46 U.S. Presidents. From the scientifically interesting (which is the only President to hold a patent) to the physically interesting (who was the shortest President) to the curiously interesting (who was the only President to kill someone in a duel) and onwards, they unearth some pretty cool facts about those who hold our highest office.
The first go round with fun phrases was such a hit, Jon and Kurt decided to give it another whirl. Not wanting to "Let the Cat Out of the Bag," but proving to not be a "Flash in the Pan," they wanted to see if they could do it again. Enjoy their presentation of more fun phrases and from whence they came.
Jon and Kurt dig deep to bring you little nuggets you can use to dazzle your friends at your next dinner party. What words in the English language don’t have a rhyme? Who is the model for the NBA logo? Where did the word suede come from? Why do we have Gin & Tonics? And many more truly relevant facts.
The fanny pack. Spray on hair. Corsets. Beanie Babies. Eating placentas. Polyester leisure suits. Yes, in this episode, Jon and Kurt explore fads and trends of the past that have, thankfully, passed us by.
You are probably asking yourself right now, “solo synchronized swimming…Isn’t that an oxymoron?” And while you would be correct, it didn’t stop it from being a honest-to-god true Olympic sport in not one, but three, Olympic Games: 1984, 1988, 1992. We guess that by 1992 a dictionary or thesaurus ended up at the IOC headquarters and they quietly got rid of it. All of which leads Jon and Kurt to have fur this episode sharing absolute true stranger than fiction legitimate crazy (getting the idea) Olympic sports. Like chorus singing (1912-1948), live pigeon shooting (1900), hot air ballooning (1900), etc. Nothing needs to be embellished here…the authenticity of these events generates the humor. Take a listen and be amazed at what humans can come up with to compete for medals. Olympic bobbing for apples anyone?
Part of the explanation of what makes humans on top of the food chain is our ability to govern ourselves and make communal laws. However, like all things humans touch, invariably things get out of control. In this episode, Jon and Kurt talk about some of the most ludicrous, head-scratching, obscure laws that are still on the books in cities across the globe. Whatever you do, do not have an ice cream cone in you back pocket on a Sunday in Georgia.
What? That is toads, not rhinos, that give you warts. Well, actually, that’s not true either. For centuries, we have blindly (not like a bat) given myths to animals that we hold to be true. But here is the kicker, they are patently false. Jon and Kurt go on a debunking mission and spread the truth gospel about many cherished animal legends (spoiler alert…ostriches don’t bury their heads in the sand and goldfish can remember things for well more than 3 seconds). There goes our little water cooler bon mots. Damn.
Jon and Kurt decide to check the veracity of time-honored and venerated sayings/proverbs/idioms by applying science, math, logic to the idioms. Can lightning really not strike the same location twice? Can a walnut remove scratches in the floor? Can you really teach an old dog new tricks? Tune in, have a listen, and don’t take any wooden nickels.
Join Jon and Kurt in the greatest, funniest, smartest, drivelest episode ever. Yes, indeed, they reveal the biggest, oldest, smelliest, farthest “ests” of all time. Oldest piece of art? Highest IQ? Strongest animal on earth? Shortest novel ever written? Smallest country? Geeze, this is just the best.
If you knew that the etymology of the word “decide” killed off all other choices, then you might be apt to decide for yourself to listen to this latest episode. Jon and Kurt decide to continue their discussion on words in the English language–where they come from, why they exist, and some crazy fun facts about them thrown in for good measure. We’re not being sarcastic (spoiler alert), we do think you will want to figure out all the words that have e before i. Give it a listen, ya?
Bowing to popular demand, Jon and Kurt are back with a whole new episode dedicated to words. Revisiting a favorite topic – fun facts about words–our two co-hosts provide a bevy of tidbits, etymologies, backstories, and really cool information about some of the most used and interesting words. Where did “mentor” the word originate and why? What word has the most definitions? Well, you get the idea. Consider yourself armed for your next dinner party conversation.
Join the fun as Jon and Kurt take turns asking each other provocative questions that, as you would expect, span the smart and the drivel. Find out who they would switch lives with for just one day, what they loved doing when they were eight, and if they would choose being the rock or the hard place. Of course, while each co-host gets to ask, they also have to answer the questions themselves. Makes you wonder, how would you answer these questions?
Join the fun as Jon and Kurt take turns asking each other provocative questions that, as you would expect, span the smart and the drivel. Find out who they would switch lives with for just one day, what they loved doing when they were eight, and if they would choose being the rock or the hard place. Of course, while each co-host gets to ask, they also have to answer the questions themselves. Makes you wonder, how would you answer these questions?
It was time. Our curmudgeonly co-hosts had held out from getting annoyed by people, things, society, etc. for just so long that they couldn’t hold it in anymore. Ergo, we get another “Pet Peeves” episode with all new nuisances, annoyances, and things that just piss off Jon and Kurt. Take this test: listen and try to see how many you agree with or not. Then you could say listening to Smart Drivel is a pet peeve. Ha.
In part 2 of a two-part mini-series (the boys are influenced by all the streamers), Jon and Kurt continue to opine on and proffer their submissions for certain country’s best gifts to the world. They randomly chose ten countries and make a case for that nation’s greatest contribution to humankind. As you might expect, some of their suggestions are heavy with societal impact, others are delicious, and others are pure drivel. Tune in and see if you agree with either of them or have a better candidate yourself.
In this two-part mini-series (the boys are influenced by all the streamers), Jon and Kurt opine on and proffer their submissions for certain country’s best gifts to the world. They randomly chose ten countries and make a case for that nation’s greatest contribution to humankind. As you might expect, some of their suggestions are heavy with societal impact, others are delicious, and others are pure drivel. Tune in and see if you agree with either of them or have a better candidate yourself.
Ever wonder what it would be like to live as a dog? To sleep most of the day, get your tummy rubbed, and give away all your emotions with a simple wag of your tail? Jon and Kurt channel their inner canines and ponder life as a dog and all things doggy. It’s a howling good time.
Jon and Kurt finally dig into today’s topic after a bit of verbal disagreements and wandering around. The discussion was a debate about U-Turns and their pros and cons. Each co-host had to choose a side: Kurt went for the con and, going against type, he gets a bit worked up and emotional in his scathing criticism of the crutch that is the U-turn. Whereas Jon passionately defends the latitude and forgiveness of said U-Turn. See which side you end agree with more and then either keep going forward or turn back and try again.
Jon and Kurt explore the root words that we all know and use often in their “negative” or “reverse” meaning. Where did these words come from? If “disgruntled” is a word, then shouldn’t “gruntled” be a word? And, if so, what does it meant? Is “kempt” the true opposite of “unkempt” or can we be “sheveled” if we are also often called “disheveled”? You get the idea. The boys try to be “ane” in their conversation–Lord knows, they have often enough been called “inane”.
What is a contronym you ask? The definition is “a word with two opposite meanings.” Huh? You mean to tell me that you can use a word, feeling good about it, and then all of a sudden that same exact word can be taken as the complete opposite? Holy cow, this is confusing. So, Jon and Kurt decide to dive into it head on and–buckle up–you need to fasten your seat belt, er, um or will you unfasten and–buckle at the knees? Damn. Well, they try to give some examples so we can spot one when we see one. Aloha. Darn, there's another one...
The Smart Drivel lads, Jon and Kurt, decide to revisit a favorite topic in this week’s all new episode…famous phrases and their origins. Previously, they have told us the backstory of “one for the road”, “turn a blind eye”, “chairman of the board” and, of course, the wildly popular “freeze the balls off a brass monkey”, and many others. Well, stop sitting on the fence and shake off the fact you woke up on the wrong side of the bed and take a listen.
Whether you call them urban legends, urban myths or old wive’s tales, there are certain stories that enter the zeitgeist. Some start with “I swear this is true” and others as “did you hear about…?” Whatever the provenance, these stories zip around pop culture faster than the Road Runner sprints to Wile E. Coyote’s attempted traps. In this episode, Jon and Kurt present some of the most bizarre, believable, and beloved legends and promise these all happened to a friend’s cousin’s buddy.
Harkening back to episode #1, The History of Pi vs Pie, the boys are at it again with looking at waffle the food vs waffle the verb. Trying to connect the two is quintessential drivel that has Kurt espousing wild theories and Jon in utter disbelief. Don’t waffle, put in those air pods and give it a listen.
“Hang up the phone.” “Roll up your window.” To a Gen Z-er, these expressions make no sense. In their lifetime, they have rarely or never been exposed to a physical phone to actually hang up or a car window that needed to be cranked up and down. So this got Jon and Kurt thinking–what other common sayings do we use that are rooted in a real element that no longer exists today? And, tangentially, what are we saying now based on our current lifestyle components that will have no meaning in the future? Tune in…er, guess you can’t do that anymore.
Are you sick of hearing people tell you “to be honest, we should circle back to the parking lot so we can think outside the box and undergo a paradigm shift.” Well, Jon and Kurt sure are and, in this episode, they submit their recommendations for expressions that should be eradicated from all conversations.
As Americans, we tend to be ethnocentric when we travel. We expect, stereotypically and categorically, that things “over there” will be what they are back in the States. We seem to be shocked and/or humored by their lack of ice cubes, to go cups, and shorts. Well, the opposite is also true…the Europeans find some of what we do quite bizarre. From our over reliance on air conditioning to Big Gulps, they think we are just plain weird about some things. Well, Jon and Kurt decide to identify some of these things we do that stick in the craw of our European neighbors.
Holidays used to be the domain of religions, banks, or governments. Recently, however, there is a new phenomenon in nationwide–global even–celebrations as certain days on the calendar become elevated above others. There is Pi day–3-14, May the 4th, etc. These are new, they are fun, and they are irreverent. But mostly, they represent the zeitgeist of pop culture. Jon and Kurt have fun listing and discussing a few of the more catchy ones.
In this episode, Jon and Kurt turn their attention to the room in the house where we spend a good chunk of our waking hours–the bathroom. How did this space–borne out of necessary cleaning of our bodies and expunging of our bodily waste–morph into the sanctuary that it has become? Why? What is its history and how do people use it today? Of many interesting things to note, you will learn how many years over a lifetime people average in the bathroom. So pull up a stool and take a listen…
Jon and Kurt explore everyday products that got their start in the military. How did something originally developed for the battlefield end up in our everyday life? From the practical to the hysterical, the co-hosts examine a few prime examples.
Humankind loves to guess, predict, and wonder at what the future holds. Countless sci fi books and movies have taken a shot at imagining what the years ahead will look like and there has been no shortage of pundits claiming to know what daily life will entail many years from now. Jon and Kurt decided to go back a hundred years or thereabouts and see what folks thought life would be like now. They share the misses and the bullseyes and then they take a stab at predicting what life will be like a hundred years from now. Maybe Twinkies will really be good for us in the future?
With the advent of globe spanning media technology and distribution platforms in the early 20th century, millions of people have been exposed to singular events–some tragic, some horrific, and some inspiring–that have been captured in a “call” or a broadcast or a press conference. Jon and Kurt choose a few key illustrative examples of these and discuss the surrounding events that led to the iconic statements. Take a giant leap for mankind and have a listen.
Two people are thrown together into the annals of history by a singular event. This one moment forever links them and they cease to exist as their individual selves, instead they are always referred to as a tandem. Jon and Kurt proffer up a few interesting examples of these “linked duos” from politics, sports, literature, religion, and business worlds. Take a listen and hopefully this spawns some good dinner conversation.
The Vegas odds-makers lost their shirts on the over/under of number of Smart Drivel episodes. In fact, after hearing just the first fourteen episodes, they put their money on the under…well, guess what, dear listeners, Jon and Kurt made it to #200. Sit back and hear an all new episode celebrates the past while adding new entries for the future into some oldie but goodie categories. Thanks for being a part of the journey (so far).
Anyone who has spent any time at a Thanksgiving dinner knows the angst and joy that comes with seeing siblings interact. In this episode, Jon and Kurt discuss some intriguing, successful, dysfunctional, and world changing siblings. From Cain and Abel to the Jackson 5 and the Bronte sisters and all sorts in between, our co-hosts explore some amazing sisters and brothers.
Stretching their word retrieval abilities, Jon and Kurt have fun in this episode by coming up with words that have ‘art’ embedded within them. Art means one thing on its own (the beautiful category of expressionism–be it paintings, sculptures, poetry, novels, music, dance, etc.), but take that word and stuff it into another, and it takes on a whole new life.
Stones. They are a big part of history (Blarney, Rosetta), fiction (Philosopher’s), music (Sly and the Family), people (Emma, Sharon), etc. Well, if stones really do have that big an impact across all of humanity, then they must be a great episode for Smart Drivel. Join Jon and Kurt as they discuss all things “stone”...and they aren’t even stoned while doing it.
Jon and Kurt decide to put their differences aside for a moment and delve into the world of famous rivalries. They find emblematic rivals in different categories: history, politics, fiction, business, sports, music, etc. Sometimes the foes just want to best the other no matter what and, other times, the world benefits from the output generated by the competition (e.g., “Let it Be” is a gazillion times better than “Silly Love Songs”). So, lay down your sword, respect your opponent, and take a listen.
Adam & Eve. Romulus & Remus. Gin & Tonic. Bert & Ernie. Oscar & Felix. Jon and Kurt identify, laugh, and survey just a few of the many famous pairs throughout history. It is a rollicking, fast, fun adventure.
The civilization of Ancient Greece emerged into the light of history in the 8th century BC. Normally it is regarded as coming to an end when Greece fell to the Romans, in 146 BC. What is amazing is that this long gone civilization has had an enduring impact on life throughout the centuries. Jon and Kurt investigate how the ancient Greeks still permeate our society. They discuss how we name our cars, household cleaners, fancy scarves, sports teams, sneakers and more after Greek gods despite having no connection to a long-gone dynasty. Heck, even condoms carry proud Greek heritage.
Jon and Kurt have a hankering for a conversation about that most popular, delectable, and oft imbibed elixir—beer. They discuss and are surprised at who drinks the most beer, what beer is the most popular, and then they get all confused about how the case of beer they grew up with somehow magically grew from 24 beers to 30. Pop open a cold one and have a listen.
Jon and Kurt hurt their brains in this episode as they attempt to make sense of the world of paradoxes. How can something that seems so contradictory end up being true? Youth is wasted on the young? This is the beginning of the end? The only constant is change? And then they discuss some of the classic paradox hypotheticals that have given philosophers throughout the ages the excuse to pull on their beards, opine endlessly, and feel justified that they are just hanging around the old marble city fountain all day. “All I know is that I know nothing.” Whoa. Buckle up.
The boys are at it again…they each invite four guests for the ultimate dinner party. All will be invited to partake in the conversation, but Jon and Kurt need to first provide the bona fides of their recommendations. Jon veers towards unknown people involved in iconic parts of history. Kurt goes with historical figures who refused to be stereotyped and put into a box. It makes for a very esoteric and fascinating guest list.
We all go through life blithely using everyday products without knowing why they are what they are or why they have certain qualities. We just accept them for their utility value, not bothering to ask why. Well, phew, thankfully Jon and Kurt have decided to ask the question and this episode brings their answers. Why do winter hats have that pom pon on top? Why are doorknobs made of brass? Why do wine bottles have an indention in the bottom? And so many more….Tune in and never look at an everyday product the same again.
Who was “The Minister of Defense”? Which President was called “His Accidency”? Can you guess what Tolstoy’s nickname was? Jon and Kurt jump into the world of nicknames and unearth some absolute gems...like Grover Cleveland’s.
Jon and Kurt return to a theme from the early days of Smart Drivel as they give examples and discuss sayings that just make no sense. Some, like “on cloud 9” confuse one and not the other while others, such as “the exception proves the rule” require much thought. They agree on some, bring up some classics like “pick the low hanging fruit” and try not to have a “near miss.” Near miss? Um, we think you meant “near hit.”
Jon and Kurt have a ripsnorting time in this episode as they discuss and showcase slang terms from the 1930s. Sometimes they are a bit off the cob, but not enough to ever necessitate putting them in a Chicago Overcoat. They have fun dissecting the sometimes esoteric and sometimes perfectly accurate terms that the hep cats threw around 90 years ago. You shred it, wheat!
Jon and Kurt decide, in this episode, to ask each other some life changing, soul crushing, deep as the deepest depths of Mordor, questions. Like, “if you were a vegetable, what would you be?” And others of equal gravitas. Take a listen, hear their answers, laugh at them (with them?) and try to answer the questions yourself. If you had to sell your soul to the devil, what would you get in return?
While both countries share a common language, the words don’t always mean the same thing in England as they do in America. Jon and Kurt dig into this and expose some of the potentially embarrassing situations that can arise...such as a Brit in America asking a co-worker for a rubber or a Yank in England not knowing his chips from his crisps from his aubergine.
With all our technology and AI and larger frontal cortices these days, you would think that we could solve some of history’s greatest mysteries. And, it is fair to say, many previous wonders and complete bafflements have recently been explained. But, there are still some out there for which we have no answers. For example, what happened to the Neanderthals? Where is Alexander the Great’s tomb? What happened to Tony Soprano at the end of the last episode? Join Jon and Kurt as they deign to wander into some of history’s greatest mysteries and attempt to put forward their own theories.
Bell bottoms, high heels, cod pieces, popped collars, dickies...yup, once upon a time all of these, and other like-minded trends, were all the rage. Jon and Kurt try to unravel the history of these odd bursts of fashion to better understand what the hell people were thinking when they wore these oddities.
Mustaches are having their moment. Previously the signature look of creepy dudes and ‘70s porn stars, the mustache is back, popular, and oh so au courant. Hipster millennials finally are shaving their beards leaving just the beauty on the upper lip, the ‘stache, in homage to the incredible heroes, artists, conquerors, movie stars, and bad asses of the past. Join Jon and Kurt in this episode as they discuss the merits and demerits of said upper lip worm. You won’t be surprised that they differ on its “coolness factor”. So wax up and take a listen.
The lads, Jon and Kurt, have a good ol’ chinwag discussing obnoxious passengers on airplanes, crazy words like apricity, Queen Victoria’s family squabbles that played out across a global stage and, at some point, they even discuss Marie Antoinette and Twinkies. Smart Drivel at its finest.
Shakespeare wrote at least 38 plays and 154 sonnets, and the official count is 884,647 words and 118,406 lines. Within this prodigious output, he invented over 1,700 new words and countless phrases that we use every day. Jon and Kurt decide to share some of the most surprising and interesting of these words and phrases in this episode–it may not be fashionable (ding ding) or neither here nor there (ding ding), but for goodness sake (ding ding), have a listen.
Jon and Kurt have a little forum about the most amazing couples ever. Those from fiction. From wars. From the bible. From the arts. From politics. From legend. Forged in love or in greed, these couples all have a fascinating story to tell.
We’ve all been there: you are having a really good time at the party and imbibe just a wee bit too much. Enough too much that the following morning you feel like crap. So you try all sorts of things to mitigate the pain. To no avail. The hangover persists. Humankind has been searching for a solution to this for 10,000 years–ever since that first accidental beer was brewed. In this episode, join Jon and Kurt as they discuss some of the more creative, oldest, and just plain odd hangover remedies. It is almost enough to make you want to have a drink (or four).
The English language is filled with color idioms. White lies, red handed, blue moon, green with envy, paint the town red are just a few examples that Kurt and Jon dig into in this episode. Many of these terms have a literal origin that were long ago forgotten. Press play and enjoy our very own mashup of history, the dictionary, and a bag of skittles.
Celebrities always seem to have really cool names. Names that sound great when spoken and that conjure up a feeling of glamor or strength or sophistication. Interestingly, most of these names were not the names they were given at birth. These new monikers were adopted to appeal to an audience. Doesn’t Marilyn Monroe sound more beautiful than Norma Jean Baker? Isn’t John Wayne much more strong sounding than Marion Morrison? You get the idea. In this episode, Jon and Kurt have fun trying to guess the “stage name” of famous people given only their birth names and a few hints. So who was born Albert Einstein that wasn’t the famed physicist? And, certainly, we cannot forget Issur Danielovitch.
Humans, as a species, are a very funny animal classification. Not content to buy just those products that they need for daily survival, their money burns a hole in their pocket to such a degree that they end up spending it on absolutely ridiculous things. From the Pet Rock to Dehydrated Water to the Comfort Wipe and oh so many others, it is amazing what people will go out of their way to buy. Jon and Kurt highlight just a few of these mind-scratching purchases.
In its quest to be remembered by car rental customers, Avis once proudly proclaimed, "We're #2. We Try Harder." It was a brilliant campaign that highlights the challenges of being second. No one remembers you. Kurt and Jon are both second children so they've been dealing with this challenge forever. (Some people even start a podcast to overcompensate.) So Jon and Kurt set out to make sure the silver medalists from history and pop culture get their due. Come learn about Michael Wilding, Twice a Prince, Samuel Tilden, and so many others who just missed out on immortality and why. Jon and...what's the other guy's name? The guy who's second in the Smart Drivel title? Ah, it's on the tip of my tongue. Anyway, enjoy the episode.
Kurt and Jon explore the disorienting land defined by the Urban Dictionary and learn more than they bargained for. As it turns out, Kurt is equally at home with hors d'oeuvres as well as store d'oeuvres. One is consumed in a friend's living room. The other at Costco. If you don't know what it means to be a body booker, say, "Damn, Gina," or engage in the fine art of chipmunking, then this episode is for you. All we know is that Kurt and Jon are cheugies, and you probably are too. Bye, Felicia.
There are certain entries in every category that are just perfect. They may not be the best or the greatest or the deepest or the funniest or the quintessence, but they are perfect. These entrants tick off all the boxes and stand as the perfect representaion of thier ilk. Perfect movie. Perfect cocktail. Perfect meal. You get the idea. Jon and Kurt weigh in with their thoughts…controversy abounds.
It’s happened to all of us, too many times to mention. We see something or hear of something or want to do something that seems just fantastic…until it is too late and you realize that it was actually a really bad idea. Jon and Kurt have fun discussing prime examples of regretful choices that just seemed so damn good at the time.
The boys are back at it with a third episode dedicated to fun phrases and their origins. This time, we learn where “pull out all the stops” and “put a sock in it” and “rule of thumb” come from, among others. We also learn the provenance of “best man” and “honeymoon”. And, we learn the correct way to spell pom-poms er pom-pons.
Jon and Kurt have fun guessing famous slogans that were funny, had double meanings, or were just blatantly bad. From the disaster of the Chevy Nova in foreign markets to the hilarity of a Sega print ad to explaining the beauty that is Guinness, the two hosts share, laugh, and marvel at some of advertising's most interesting attempts at selling products.
Throughout recorded time, certain foods have been elixirs and medicinal remedies for multiple ailments. As Hipocrates famously said, “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” In this episode, Jon and Kurt dig up some really cool uses for every day foods that cure ailments. So the next time you are sick or hurting, don’t run to your drugstore, listen to this episode and open your refrigerator.
Ever wonder where products got their names? Why so many with numbers–409, 57, 40, 7? On top of that, how did companies come up with their names? Was Amazon always “Amazon” right out of the gate? What was Pepsi first called? Where did the name Lego come from? All of these wonderments baffled Jon and Kurt…at first. But then they leaned into the topic and created an episode dedicated to discussing and educating on the very subject. So, grab some Orville Redenbacher popcorn and have a listen.
We have all had them…these knee buckling, mind boggling big questions that we try to make sense of. Like “why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?” or “how is it possible to have a ‘civil’ war?” or “have you ever imagined a world where there are no hypothetical situations?” Jon and Kurt ponder a whole bunch of questions like these working their minds into a pretzel of logic.
With the Surgeon General of the United States officially warning of the harmful effects social media can have on children and teens Jon and Kurt thought it was time to re-air one of their first episodes. Taking on a popular issue facing society today, Jon and Kurt attempt to lay out the pros and cons of social media while waxing poetic about the moment the first fish walked out of the ocean.
Conspiracy theories may seem like they're running rampant right now – and they are – but it's nothing new. Thousands of years ago, well before social media amplified non-stop nonsense, our ancestors looked up at the night sky and came up with some pretty crazy stuff to explain what they saw. This tradition has been well maintained throughout history. The boys dig into and debate some of the all-time great conspiracy theories. Did Lee Harvey Oswald act alone? Did we actually land on the moon or was the whole thing fabricated on a sound stage somewhere? Did Paul McCartney really die in a violent car crash in 1966? Who shot JR? Well, we know the answer to that one so never mind.
The Darwin Awards are catnip to any Smart Driveler. They “recognize individuals who have supposedly contributed to human evolution by selecting themselves out of the gene pool by dying or becoming sterilized via their own actions.” What an incredible, fertile bank of content from which to draw. Let’s be frank–these are colossally stupid people who have found the most humorous and ridiculous ways to get themselves out of procreation…and thus saving future generations from having to deal with their genetic offspring. Jon and Kurt have a lot of fun selecting a select few award winners from the past years.
Jon and Kurt have each found certain parts of the human existence that they feel are out of place, unwarranted, just plain wrong. They chalk these up to being some of the (very) few mistakes made by God. In their first episode of this topic, #41, the lads mentioned some things they found to be out of whack, like first rows in movie theaters or oceans of water we can’t drink. Well, they are at it again, this time though they seem to disagree with one another over whether some things are truly mistakes or not. Take a listen and weigh in for yourselves.
Upon a recommendation from a loyal listener, Jon and Kurt record another episode of fun facts with which to amaze, tantalize, and hypnotize your friends. They run the gamut from expanding landmarks to lacking the body odor gene to the first recorded “your Mama joke” in history. Be ready to write some of these down so you can memorize and then show off your cool, esoteric knowledge.
Jon and Kurt recently learned of a fascinating human dynamic: there are many instances where large groups of people all swear they know a fact that is indisputable. Yet they are wrong. Their "fact" is completely made up. It is a wild manifestation of being human–certainly AI wouldn’t fall prey to a social current that sweeps up many in its errant tide. In this episode, our completely human co-hosts explore many different examples of The Mandela Effect. It’s true. I swear it. I saw it myself.
Jon and Kurt had so much fun discovering the greatest April Fool’s pranks that they dove in even deeper and found more incredible hoaxes. Marketers take it as manna from heaven and have had a lot of fun ginning up interest in their products around great April Fool’s initiatives (“Left handed Whopper” anyone?) as have governments (Norway’s “free wine” stunt) and celebrities (Walt Frazier). The hosts had fun with this one as they hope you do…and make sure you don’t fall for any wooden nickels.
Jon and Kurt decided to capitalize on the fact that they recorded this episode the day after April First and put out a topical discussion about pranks. They found historical jokes centuries old that fooled many middle agers (not someone in their 50s, but someone who lived centuries ago) and some that got the masses hook line and sinker in the 20th century. And lots in between. Give a listen and get inspired for the next April Fools Day. Maybe you will find one worth repeating (but we advise against trotting out “War of the Worlds” again).
Ever want to hang with Sam I Am and try to eat Green Eggs and Ham? Or chill with Captain Nemo as he heads 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? Maybe you want to have tea with Emma in one of the gorgeous English manor houses or chow down some spinach with Popeye and go after Bluto? Well, Jon and Kurt thought it sounded pretty cool, so in this episode they discuss which fictional characters they would like to travel with. The options are endless and quite fun. Who would you travel with and where would you go? (Hint: maybe don’t hang out with Juliet or Romeo at night.)
Like it or not, the AI revolution is coming. Heck, it is here already. Jon and Kurt wondered how unique they were and if ChatGPT had the ability to add drivel to smart. So, for this episode, they requested ChatGPT “to create a dialogue for two hosts of a podcast called Smart Drivel where the goal is to deliver interesting facts about history, food, words, trivia, life, etc. but in a funny way. The hosts are named Kurt and Jon. Need 10 minutes of dialogue.” Listen in as Jon and Kurt read what ChatGPT generated and then discuss its merits and challenges. Judge for yourself who does it better. Humanity forever….
When Jon and Kurt were sharing befuddlement (something they often do) about the fact that a banana duct taped to a wall sold for $120,000 at auction a year ago, they decided to explore it more. In so doing, they found some bizarre items that have caused raucous bidding wars– as in people fought to pay more for them: a piece of cake from Queen Elizabeth's and Philip's wedding, Elvis Presley’s hair, John Lennon’s toilet, half eaten French toast, etc. It certainly warranted a Smart Drivel discussion. Going once, going twice, going three times…sold.
Ah, the wonder of comforting childhood rhymes–such sweet innocent word play to amuse, soothe, and educate young children. At least that is what we all thought until Jon and Kurt did some digging, some intensive research, some literary forensic analysis. What they found is unsettling to say the least. Turns out, some of our most beloved nursery rhymes have morbid, lascivious, and/or creepy origins. Leave all your peaceful childhood memories behind, and join the boys as they dig into the true history of some iconic rhymes.
People have used their final words, before passing onto the next adventure in the sky, to truly make a statement. Funny, emotional, insulting, self-deprecating, you name it. With the chance for one final opportunity to communicate without any pushback, there have been some amazing quips and insights that have lasted through the years. Jon and Kurt take a look at some of the most endearing, satirical, honest, and interesting “last words” and share some of their favorites. “Et tu Brute?”
Jon and Kurt decide to get patriotic, historic, and caloric–ok, not caloric, but it did fit the rhyme scheme–as they share unique, surprising stories about our 46 U.S. Presidents. From the scientifically interesting (which is the only President to hold a patent) to the physically interesting (who was the shortest President) to the curiously interesting (who was the only President to kill someone in a duel) and onwards, they unearth some pretty cool facts about those who hold our highest office.
Kurt and Jon celebrate their milestone 150th episode by trying to spit out the the word sesquicentennial with mixed results. With that out of the way, the boys take a look back at...and then build on...some of their favorite topics from previous podcasts. In this episode, they pay homage and add new entries to their lists of fun phrases, God's Mistakes, misunderstood song lyrics, and much, much more. With the 175th episode just 6 months away, work is already underway to pronounce demisemiseptcentennial.
We have emerged out of a precedent-setting pandemic where all bets were off as to how we behaved, presented ourselves, and interacted with others. Add to this dynamic that there is now a new generation in the workspace, there is new technology to harness, and there are a ton of new ways to behave. Thankfully, the fine folks at New York Magazine have developed a list of the new rules governing today’s way to act. Jon and Kurt dive into the list and discuss the merits of these new rules while also commenting on their own ability to comply with these new rules. Spoiler alert…they both continuously flout many of them such as “don’t correct someone who mispronounces a word if you get the gist.”
Our homes are veritable Swiss army knives of contraptions, inventions, and solutions. Everyday household items found in drawers, cabinets, and refrigerators can be used for solving many common issues. Jon and Kurt get in on the current “hack” game and share some great hacks to help you unstick a zipper, fill holes in walls, replace a lost earring back, pull out a splinter without needling into your skin…well, you get the idea. Pull up a listen, you will be amazed what you can do with stuff you already own.
Jon and Kurt each found some random questions they wanted to ask each other to try and establish a trivia knowledge hierarchy in the Smart Drivel organization. Of course, this being Smart Drivel, the answers are never straight-forward nor are they on topic. Test yourself versus the hosts and see what you know. Maybe you will qualify to be a guest host one of these days.
Ever get that sneaking suspicion that there is something out there to be afraid of? In other words, do you have a phobia about phobias? Well, there is a name for that: Phobophobia is a fear of being afraid. If there is a phobia about phobias, then there must be some doozies out there. Jon and Kurt spooked themselves by uncovering lots of different phobias, what they are, and what they are called. Put it this way, there truly is a phobia for everything. This episode boldly goes right into the eye of the phobia…
Jon and Kurt take a look through history at great business inventions. They apply their own filters as to what makes a great invention and bring in personal experiences in the business world to list, debate, admire, and laugh at these innovations. You will be surprised at what makes their list...
Every great movie has an iconic line that, when uttered, immediately generates a response from those in your conversation pod. “It’s all ball bearings these days.” “Play it, Sam.” “We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.” Jon and Kurt choose a few of the most iconic, funny, classic, and misunderstood of them all and discuss. “Badges? Badges? We don’t need any stinkin’ badges.”
In every category, there always seems to be one product, one event, one person, one object that defines the list, that comes out on the very top and is the first listed. This element is the example of the topic of discussion..it reflects, resembles, and reinforces the characteristics of the category. In this episode of Smart Drivel, Jon and Kurt discuss the quintessential cocktail, road trip song, candy, world leader, 70s disaster movie, sunglasses, cookie...well, you get the idea. Come along for the ride and make sure your opinion is addressed and heard.
Jon and Kurt invite you to peek in on their conversation about Homophones which will hopefully pique your interest and make you think they have reached the peak of podcasting. You guessed it, you are the guest of the episode. So contemplate your navel or run off and engage in naval warfare, this discussion won't be a bore if you listen while eating some boar.
We have all been there…you are on the couch flipping channels and you come across a movie that stops you in your tracks. No matter how many times you have seen it, you HAVE to watch it again. The same is true for songs on the radio. Passed hors d'oeuvres. Fast Food restaurants. TV shows. Well, you get the idea. We all have those favorites that just suck us into their vortex. Jon and Kurt explore the topic and share their unpassables…
Ever get confused when you are watching an Auburn football game and they are referred to as the Tigers but then their fans all cheer for the War Eagles? Or want the backstory on the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs? Then you go down the mascot rabbit hole and try to figure out why Alabama is called the Crimson Tide yet their mascot is an Elephant? Ya. Well, so did Jon and Kurt. They take a crack at trying to explain or demystify the crazy, nonsensical world of college nicknames and mascots. Rah rah Anteaters!
The 1970s saw the advent of bell bottoms, the rise of Donny Osmond, and the proliferation of new chain restaurants across the country. The affordability of these new “casual dining” experiences coupled with some of their themes and hooks, got the American family to venture out of the home kitchen more often. Sadly, these iconic restaurants of our youth–the Hojos, the Bennigans, the Pizza & Brews, to name just a few–are now gone. Relics of the past. Jon and Kurt enjoy discussing, reminiscing, and conjuring up what it was like to patronize these places. Bring your own peanuts and sawdust…
Most folks know by now that Viagra was not originally intended to solve a sexual issue, but they’d be amazed how Lysol was first marketed. In this episode, Jon and Kurt investigate products that became accidental commercial successes in different ways than initially contemplated. Listerine was supposed to cure gonorrhea? Oh boy.
The boys were in a conversation the other day when they both started using common phrases in a nerdy “one-upsmanship” kind of way. It started innocently enough with Jon mentioning something about being “called on the carpet” and then Kurt mentioning how excited he was for the upcoming slate of “white elephant” parties. And it ended with them thinking it would make a good episode to dig into the origin stories of phrases such as these. They are hoping you think this episode “passes with flying colors”.
Did you know that the words written on Twitter every single day would fill a book of ten million pages? Did you know that “buttload” is an actual measurement? Jon and Kurt have fun in this episode doling out seemingly ridiculous statements that are actually true. They sound faker than Kurt’s french accent, but are 100% correct.
In an episode that quickly diverted from the chosen topic--really stupid questions people ask-- and never returned to it (luckily, this is a weekly podcast so there is always another opportunity), Kurt discusses how he can immediately spot someone not to be trusted. Jon, sometimes incredulously, tries to understand Kurt’s logic. Apparently, according to Kurt, there are three traits that, if possessed by someone, immediately tip off Kurt that the person is not to be trusted. It all makes for an intriguing window into what makes the boys tick.
What is a contronym you ask? The definition is “a word with two opposite meanings.” Huh? You mean to tell me that you can use a word, feeling good about it, and then all of a sudden that same exact word can be taken as the complete opposite? Holy cow, this is confusing. So, Jon and Kurt decide to dive into it head on and–buckle up–you need to fasten your seat belt, er, um or will you unfasten and–buckle at the knees? Damn. Well, they try to give some examples so we can spot one when we see one. Aloha. Darn, there's another one...
It happens all the time–at least to Kurt it does–there you are, sitting at a dinner regaling everyone with curious and interesting facts. Like where f.u.c.# comes from. Or the length of Twinkies half-life. Or the toilet was invented by Thomas Crapper. You know, the great stories that people love to hear. The problem is, what happens all the time is some kill joy of a person decides to tell the crowd how these facts are just not true. And then they prove it. Social fun balloon now popped. Well, Kurt and Jon in this episode aim to get all these “false fun facts” out in the open all at once, so the others you hear at the next party will for sure have to be true.
We’ve all been there: you are having a really good time at the party and imbibe just a wee bit too much. Enough too much that the following morning you feel like crap. So you try all sorts of things to mitigate the pain. To no avail. The hangover persists. Humankind has been searching for a solution to this for 10,000 years–ever since that first accidental beer was brewed. In this episode, join Jon and Kurt as they discuss some of the more creative, oldest, and just plain odd hangover remedies. It is almost enough to make you want to have a drink (or four).
Episode 131: The Mirror is Wrong
Jon and Kurt delve back into words in this episode. Seems they are super nerds about words. Here they look at word couples that look the same, yet have different meanings. Like insensible and nonsensical. Or disused vs unused. Or, oral arguments vs. Orel Hershiser’s pitching stats. Ok, that last one doesn’t fit, but they boys do discuss it in classic Smart Drivel form.
As a companion to last week’s episode on new words being added to the dictionary, this week Jon and Kurt explore the word’s that get kicked out. Yup, with new words being added, there are those few who get the boot. Deemed no longer up to snuff (maybe snuff will be out next year), these words are dictionary-worthy no longer. The boys brabble a bit, but they do agree on the need to bring back aerodrome.
So, the dictionary people get together on an annual basis and vote/decide on new words to formally enter into their reference books. Jon and Kurt have a great time dissecting and laughing at these new entries. The episode? It’s adorkable.
In this episode, Jon and Kurt have fun explaining, finding, and debating interesting acronyms that are used in everyday conversation. Redux.
The boys just needed to get some stuff off their chests. They have had some new pet peeves building up and the desire to share these with their listeners was too strong to ignore any longer. From sidewalk walking etiquette to the whipping of cream cheese to cheap toilet paper to tip screens and many more, Jon and Kurt unburden their souls of their latest pet peeves.
Kleenex. Scotch Tape. Liquid Paper. Xerox. There are many products where the marketing folks did such a great job that the brand names they built came to represent the entire category. A consumer can ask for the product by the brand name and end up buying a version made by a different company. From brand glory to generic. Jon and Kurt dig into this topic and surprise each other with cool examples. You will be shocked to learn some products you use everyday were once trademarked as brands.
It is the “city that never sleeps” and the biggest metropolis in America. We all think we know New York, but there are a lot of really interesting stories and facts about the Big Apple that most people don’t know. In this episode, Jon and Kurt unearth some of the fun and cool and interesting and unique facts about the city “so big they had to name it twice.”
We get some amazing words from actual, real people. That’s right, real humans’ names gave us some of our most common or descriptive words as a result of their actions, sayings, or rituals. Sadism? Boycott? Saxophone? Shrapnel? Yup, all were derived from specific people doing extraordinary things, inventing innovative products, or acting in certain ways. Come find out where some of the words come from that you use daily. It's good drivel for sure.
Under the safety net of “it’s not real”, Jon and Kurt discuss famous, classic, and great fictional deaths. In movies, books, fables, (not podcasts), etc., there have been no shortage of momentous passings. Some we cheer on, others we weep over, and others we laugh at. Come join the conversation and see if you agree with our hosts.
There is an actual “Museum of Failures” which memorializes products that were massive failures. Classics like “neon green Heinz Ketchup” and “Spray on Condoms” (yes, you read that correctly) are on exhibit as are countless others that, while born out of innovation, just never made it. Jon and Kurt highlight a few of the juiciest failures and have fun speculating as to why they never caught on.
In this episode, Jon and Kurt test each other and themselves on their knowledge of esoteric facts. They take actual Final Jeopardy questions that all contestants on the show got wrong and attempt to see if their Smart Drivel expertise can lead them to the right answers. What is ‘let’s stump Jon and Kurt’?
Ever wonder what the odds are in finding a 4 leaf clover? Or dying by a shark attack? Bowling a perfect game? Being illiterate? Well, Jon and Kurt wondered the same thing and decided to dedicate an episode to a few of the more interesting odds for things to happen. Odds are 1 in 17 that you will love this episode…
Humans have “borrowed” from both nature and our animal friends to create some of our best technological innovations; from animals to nature, the biomimicry is widespread. From airplanes to velcro to submarines, we can thank our surroundings for the inspiration. Jon and Kurt share some of the obvious and not so obvious examples of this biomimicry and have a little fun along the way deviating into some other topics.
Jon and Kurt have a little forum about the most amazing couples ever. Those from fiction. From wars. From the bible. From the arts. From politics. From legend. Forged in love or in greed, these couples all have a fascinating story to tell.
Ever go into a doctor’s office and get treated for the wrong thing? Or have an embarrassing moment in front of your doctor because of your ailment, the procedure done, or the drugs that were administered? Jon and Kurt recall a few of these while also meandering into discussions on acting, travel, and life as we know it. In other words, some stereotypical Smart Drivel.
The earth, it’s inhabitants, and it’s natural resources are pretty amazing. Beautiful. Practical. Functional. And then there are the mistakes; things that are just not right...limburger cheese, oceans filled with water you can’t drink, first rows in movie theaters, Q-tips that you aren’t supposed to put in your ear. Well, you get the idea. This episode showcases some of these “God’s Mistakes” in all their un-wonderment.
Jon and Kurt decide to throw another “dinner party for the ages''. This time it is to celebrate the podcast's 50th episode. So take a(nother) listen to see how they create the ultimate guest list for this exclusive affair. The party is limited to ten guests chosen from anywhere and anytime in history. The nominated diners can be living, dead, famous, unknown, or figures from fiction...the only restriction is whether they will contribute to making it a truly memorable meal.
We all know these people. The ones who sing along with the radio at the top of their lungs, yet completely botch the lyrics. Jon and Kurt laugh at some classic misunderstood lyrics. Really...how can people blow the words that are in the title of the song? Crazy. But funny.
There are a lot of wonderful, poignant sayings that have, rightfully, gained fame over the years and have passed into everyday lore. Then there are others--like “here’s mud in your eye” or “slept like a baby”--that are completely inane and nonsensical. Jon and Kurt seek to uncover a bunch of these everyday sayings and expose them for the impostors they are.
Ahhh, cocktails. The beacon of light at the end of the day. The social equivalent of a group hug. We love our cocktails, but do we know their provenance? Ever wonder where the Bloody Mary was first concocted? How the martini gots its name? The story behind the Tom Collins? Why we call it a Negroni? What the difference is between a Boilermaker and an Irish Car Bomb? Well, Jon and Kurt are here to help in this episode as they provide the details, the stories, the backstories of your favorite cocktails.
The world has gone crazy for wordle. People set their alarms just to get up early enough to solve the wordle before their friends. There is a “sharing” er “competing” culture of proving one’s intelligence by getting the word in fewer guesses than others. And, with the boom, it has spawned quordle, octurdle, worldle, hurdle, nerdle, etc. Jon and Kurt delve into this phenomenon and try to explain or dissect it in their own smart drivel way.
Following up on last week's "Underrated Inventions Part 1" comes the expected "part 2". In this classic episode, Jon and Kurt continue waxing poetic about seemingly mundane inventions that have had outsized impact on society. Some you would expect, some are interesting interpretations by our opinionated co-hosts.
Dipping into the vast repository of Smart Drivel content, Jon and Kurt offer up a classic two part series. From toilet paper to Neil Diamond and lots in between, they discuss the advances in civilization we can’t live without. They may not get the headlines as say the wheel or penicillin, but these underrated inventions punch way above their weight.
Tune in to another classic episode as Jon and Kurt spend a full episode discussing fun phrases and how they came to be. “Mind your Bees Wax,” “One for the road”, and “Freezing the balls off a brass monkey” are just a few sayings they take on, masticate over, and share.
Enjoy a classic Smart Drivel episode as Jon and Kurt set out to find the truth behind certain “givens” that we have always been told: is it safe to swim right after eating? Is the earth round? Did Vikings have horns on their helmets? Was there an apple in the Garden of Eden? Were the pyramids of Egypt built by slaves? Is Everest the tallest mountain on earth? And what the hell does Chuck Yeager have to do with all of this?
Stretching their word retrieval abilities, Jon and Kurt have fun in this episode by coming up with words that have ‘art’ embedded within them. Art means one thing on its own (the beautiful category of expressionism–be it paintings, sculptures, poetry, novels, music, dance, etc.), but take that word and stuff it into another, and it takes on a whole new life.
Finding humor, joy, and moral intrigue in select words, Jon and Kurt play a little game. One of the co-hosts comes up with a favorite or interesting word and explains the reasoning behind his choice. The other co-host then has to come up with a compelling entry of his own – but it has to start with the last letter of the other’s word. Of course, this being Smart Drivel, they seldom stay on task or on topic. The conversation that ensues is entertaining, if nothing else.
Jonathan Ellenthal:
I like it!
You are moving to a foreign country. You don’t know where. You don’t know for how long. All you are told is that you can bring 5 things with you. Jon and Kurt share what they would take along as they go far afield from home. Not surprisingly, they have quite different answers and rationales for their choices. Which leads to some fun back and forth. What would you bring?
Jon and Kurt re-release an all-time favorite as they wax poetic about places they would love to visit for vacation. However, the twist is that they can go anywhere in any time in history. They discuss being in ancient Greece for the invention of the shower, ancient Alexandria for the books, England during King Arthur’s reign, seeing Jackie Robinson score his first MLB run, and other smart-drivelly places.
Throughout history, humankind’s competitive spirit has led to inventing and mastering a wide array of sports. Basketball, Soccer, Football, Baseball, Hockey, Tennis, etc. get all the air time and all the headlines, but what about the outrageous and bizarre sports? The ones like toe wrestling or bog snorkeling or eel peeling or….yup, Jon & Kurt in their 101st episode explore some of the more ridiculous sports that have attracted committed athletes over the years. We’ll see you in the dung spitting competition next year.
That’s right, a milestone in smart drivelry has been attained…Jon and Kurt have recorded their 100th episode. That means they have given listeners over 40 hours of content over which to laugh, yell, sneer, learn, and, mostly, shake their heads at the ridiculous conversation they are hearing. The two hosts use the centennial episode to give us new thoughts on previous topics: they celebrate their 100th with a new origin of a fun phrase, more pet peeves, a new God’s mistake, a cool oxymoron, another thing we can live without…well you get it. Listen, laugh, learn, enjoy.
The boys are at it for a second week in a row…they just can’t get enough of trying to stump one another with esoteric, tantalizing, and thought provoking facts. If you ever find yourself in the midst of boring folks with nothing to say, you will be happy you listened to this episode to give you conversation starters. You are welcome; we hope.
In this episode, Jon and Kurt try to stump one another with arcane, bizarre, weirdly fascinating trivia questions. Some are down right funny while others are great fodder for your next dinner conversation. Listen, remember, and then be seen as an icon of knowledge.
We all did it. We all went to school with open minds, excited to learn new things. We, here in the U.S., learned a lot about our country’s history. Interestingly, with the lens of current knowledge, we now know that a lot of what we learned was not exactly correct. In this episode, Jon and Kurt unearth some of these discrepancies and attempt to set the record straight.
Office life has changed so much in the last thirty years–we saw the coming and going of the fax machine, the thumb drive, the inter-office memo, to name just a few–and now, with remote working, the office doesn’t even have people. In this episode, Jon and Kurt take a look at how the office has changed and they even wax poetic about some of the lost objects (name plates) and lost traditions (the office prank).
Ben Franklin is deeply embedded in the American ethos. He was a Founding Father, an inventor, a printer, an author, a diplomat, a man about town, to name just a few of his talents. He was prolific to say the least and was a true Renaissance man. In this episode, Jon and Kurt marvel at his successes and share some of his lesser known accomplishments.
Medicine and medical treatments have, thankfully, evolved over the years as these procedures and cures always aim to stay on the cutting edge. WIth the luxury of being able to look backwards in time, we can safely laugh at some of the more questionable healing practices of the past. From looking to tame the wandering womb to blistering the skull to farting in a jar and many others, Jon and Kurt open the metaphoric medical textbook and share some of the craziest ways we tried to heal people.
In the development of the English language, we have created some words that are just plain funny. A word, when heard, elicits snickers, laughter, and general bemusement. Jon and Kurt can’t contain themselves from their childish glee as they share some of the words they find most humorous. Most times, of course, these words are far more benign than they sound. But, oh man, there are many that will tickle and amuse. Like winklepicker, for example. Gardyloo!
We’ve all been there: you are having a really good time at the party and imbibe just a wee bit too much. Enough too much that the following morning you feel like crap. So you try all sorts of things to mitigate the pain. To no avail. The hangover persists. Humankind has been searching for a solution to this for 10,000 years–ever since that first accidental beer was brewed. In this episode, join Jon and Kurt as they discuss some of the more creative, oldest, and just plain odd hangover remedies. It is almost enough to make you want to have a drink (or four).
If you think your job is a little bizarre sometimes, think again. There are people out there who have incredibly unique professions--human dog food taster, professional cuddler, worm collector, train pusher–-to name just a few. Jon and Kurt have fun unearthing some of the most bizarre of these jobs and sharing them with their listeners.
Over time, words take on new meanings. Interestingly, often the new definition is the exact opposite of where the word started off. This somewhat boggling phenomenon is the subject of this week’s Smart Drivel episode. Jon and Kurt share the current and then the original meanings of words and wonder at the journey these words have taken. It can be said that this episode is truly awful.
Ever have this happen to you…you are sitting at a beautiful table in a nice restaurant, you peruse the menu, you see something that sounds delicious even though you haven’t had it before, you feel bold, and you order it. Only to find that it is made of and tastes nothing at all like what it sounds? This happens way more than you would think. Leaving folks stunned, frustrated, and a bit queasy sometimes. In this episode, Jon and Kurt identify a bunch of these menu items and unveil them for the impostors they are. Head Cheeses and SweetBreads will deceive no more!
You are on a great vacation. One you have saved up for and planned for years. You leave the friendly confines of the U.S. and head overseas. While in the MidEast, you wish to show your appreciation for good service and, since you don’t know the language, you give a hearty thumbs up to your waiter. Who promptly spits in your soup because you just gave him, what amounts to in his country, the middle finger. This horror scenario happens more than you would think as different countries have different customs and offense is taken without intention. Clear your plate in the U.S.--you loved the meal. Clean your plate in Asia--you offended them. In this episode, Jon and Kurt give a few fun examples of this dynamic in the hopes your foreign travels go smoothly.
The last 60 years have brought an onslaught of evolutionary and technological advances that have drastically re-shaped humanity. And speaking of re-shaping, boy these last six decades have had a huge impact on the shape of things--as in the body. In this episode, Jon and Kurt look at how the average American has changed since 1960. Height. Weight (spoiler alert--it’s not a pretty stat). Connubial patterns. Average age. College educated. Etc. It is a shockingly fun episode to see the changes and debate if they are for the better or not.
Sayings have made their way into the vernacular that are just plain wrong. There are many common phrases that we mix up and mess up. When we proudly declare “that was a bold faced lie” or “it’s a doggy dog world” or “card shark” and many, many others, we are in fact saying them all wrong. In this episode, Jon and Kurt uncover many of these erroneous expressions and provide the actual correct versions. So “hone in” and take a listen.
The civilization of Ancient Greece emerged into the light of history in the 8th century BC. Normally it is regarded as coming to an end when Greece fell to the Romans, in 146 BC. What is amazing is that this long gone civilization has had an enduring impact on life throughout the centuries. Jon and Kurt investigate how the ancient Greeks still permeate our society. They discuss how we name our cars, household cleaners, fancy scarves, sports teams, sneakers and more after Greek gods and heroes despite having no connection to a long-gone dynasty. Heck, even condoms carry proud Greek heritage.
Curses. Jinxes. Hexes. Call them what you want, it all boils down to the same thing...life is unpredictable at best, and worse when your fate is altered by forces out of your control. In this episode, Jon and Kurt look at the stories behind some famous curses in history. Spooky. Ain’t it?
Bell bottoms, high heels, cod pieces, popped collars, dickies...yup, once upon a time all of these, and other like-minded trends, were all the rage. Jon and Kurt try to unravel the history of these odd bursts of fashion to better understand what the hell people were thinking when they wore these oddities.
If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you do? From the existential to the mundane, Jon and Kurt examine different careers and adventures that they would try--knowing they were safe from failure.
The expensive, large purchases we make--like houses, cars, jewelry--get all the attention, but it is the little things that actually make the biggest differences. In this episode, Jon and Kurt pay tribute to those small purchases with outsized impact.
Smells can put you in a great mood, can be offensive to your innards, can be meditative, and can conjure up nostalgia. How is it that this one sense impacts so much of our psyche and emotional well being? Well, Jon and Kurt chat about the good, the bad, and the just plain ol’ smelly aromas out there. Take a whiff for yourself.
The boys struck out on a path this episode to talk about board games. The classic games found in most homes that engendered laughter, cheating, family bonding, family arguing, and all around great memories. Come have a listen and pull up a chair at the Smart Drivel kitchen table as we set out to play some Monopoly, Clue, Life, Stratego, Chess...well, you get the idea.
Tired of beating the curmudgeon drum, Jon and Kurt decide to focus on some of their favorite things. There are no pet peeves in this episode, no discussion of the problems in society these days, and no conversations about things they can live without. Instead, this is an unabashed traipse through fields sprouting with their favorite stuff.
Every once in a while, Jon and Kurt like to venture out of their comfort zones and try new things. In this episode, the Smart Drivel gents are guests on The After 30 Podcast and have a fun and interesting discussion with hosts Tabitha and Anis centering on advice they would give to their 40 year old selves. Two mid-fifties guys talking careers and life with two 30-something women is a mash-up conversation worth a listen.
Ever look at something and you realize that you can easily, and happily, live without it? Seems society is hell bent on creating more more more...yet is it all necessary? Jon and Kurt have a funny and spirited conversation about things they can live without. It is sure to create a desire in you to make a list of your own.
Join Jon and Kurt for a rollicking, delicious, jaunt through the history of donuts and their role in pop culture. Find out why they (ok, just one of them) call donuts "the Truman Doctrine of Pastries", what Clark Gable and Washington Irving had to say about them, and how the hole came to be. Expect to get a big hankering for a donut...
The boys are back after a brief break to restock their drivel stores. And they certainly seemed to have stocked up for this new episode. Here they delve into the origins of expressions attached to the body. They cover idioms that include body parts, like “jump down your throat”, “drink like you have a wooden leg”, and of course, “blowing smoke up your ass.”
Ah, the 1970s. A beacon of home decor dazzlement...from shag carpets to egg chairs to wood-paneled walls, it was truly a decade to now make fun of. In this episode, Jon and Kurt are invited to a dinner party in the 1970s and they take us along for the ride.
Jon and Kurt decide to scratch their history itch by having a conversation about some of the world’s greatest unsolved history mysteries. Of course, this being Jon and Kurt, they meander a bit off topic, but do manage to come back each time to probe and theorize what the hell happened.
In this conversation, Jon and Kurt share with each other (and the world) some really interesting pieces of information. Not the kind that will get you a raise or a promotion, mind you, but the kind that will cause the person reaching for their 4th canapé on a tray with only 5 left to say, “hmmm, that is a really cool thing to learn. I like this person very much. They are super cool and smart.”
For their 70th episode, Jon and Kurt explore everyday products that got their start in the military. How did something originally developed for the battlefield end up in our everyday life? From the practical to the hysterical, the co-hosts examine a few prime examples.
Ever wonder how certain cities got their nicknames? How did Paris get so lucky to be “the city of light” or why, actually, is Denver “the mile high city” (ok, it’s because it is a mile above sea level). Jon and Kurt take a trip around the world digging into the provenance of nicknames for some best loved metropolis’.
We all know these people. The ones who sing along with the radio at the top of their lungs, yet completely botch the lyrics. Jon and Kurt laugh at some classic misunderstood lyrics. Really...how can people blow the words that are in the title of the song? Crazy. But funny.
Channeling the joys of sitting in a pub in England over a few pints of Guinness, the boys sit back and meander down a conversation river. From discussion the kosher-ness of miso soup to the rationale of naming young Humperdinck, Englebert, it is quite the chinwag.
As a public service, Jon and Kurt have decided to impart some key tactics to ensure you survive life-threatening occurrences and will be around long enough to regale friends and enemies with your tales of heroism. The boys will give you tips on how to get through falling from the sky without a parachute, coming into contact with a shark, needing to find water to drink, or any other of a variety of experiences that can kill you. Clearly, it is a grace to know you will have survival by drivel.
There are times when you hear something and it just rocks your world...little facts that seem too unbelievable to be true. Well, Jon and Kurt love these little tidbits and they have unearthed a bunch to share in this latest episode. Be prepared to learn something with which to bedazzle your next dinner guests.
Whether you call them urban legends, urban myths or old wive’s tales, there are certain stories that enter the zeitgeist. Some start with “I swear this is true” and others as “did you hear about…?” Whatever the provenance, these stories zip around pop culture faster than the Road Runner sprints to Wile E. Coyote’s attempted traps. In this episode, Jon and Kurt present some of the most bizarre, believable, and beloved legends and promise these all happened to a friend’s cousin’s buddy.
The human body is a scientific marvel and a wonder of fantastical super powers. In this episode, Jon and Kurt delve into what makes the human body so amazing. The boys go at it with weird facts and truly incredible information about what people are made of and can do. Who knew we could do that?
We often enjoy epicurean feasts that feature dishes with unique names like Eggs Benedict or Chateaubriand or the ever popular Pizza Margherita. Yet do we ever take time in between mouthfuls to wonder how they got these names? Jon and Kurt sure do, and in this episode they give you the provenance of some of our favorite things to eat.
Ever wonder how certain words came to be? How did we come to define something by this word? In this episode, Jon and Kurt dig into the cool etymology of some common words--like mortgage and whisky--and also give the strange but true backstory of other words--such as fudd (as in Elmer) and quiz. No need for a dictionary when you have Smart Drivel to provide the definitions.
The boys are at it again...complaining, whining, wringing their hands. All over little things that other people do that drive them crazy. Adding onto Episode #2 over a year ago (Pet Peeves), they share more burrs under their saddles (metaphorically speaking, of course).
Sick of quarantining and locking down, Jon and Kurt take the ultimate American road trip. Climb in, grab your sunglasses, favorite bag of chips, an old 8-track classic, and see the country with your Smart Drivel co-hosts and co-pilots.
Airing for only one season, in 1962, the Jetsons animated TV show attempted to predict what life would be like in the future. From video calling to doggie treadmills, Jon and Kurt take a look at what the writers of the Jetsons accurately foreshadowed, and what they missed on. Come...meet the Jetsons...and have a conversation about technology's positive and negative impact on society.
Ever wonder what it would be like to live as a dog? To sleep most of the day, get your tummy rubbed, and give away all your emotions with a simple wag of your tail? Jon and Kurt channel their inner canines and ponder life as a dog and all things doggy. It’s a howling good time.
There are a lot of wonderful, poignant sayings that have, rightfully, gained fame over the years and have passed into everyday lore. Then there are others – like “here’s mud in your eye” or “slept like a baby" – that are completely inane and nonsensical. Jon and Kurt seek to uncover a bunch of these everyday sayings and expose them for the impostors they are.
Some amazing products, once thought indispensable and invaluable to our lives, sadly get thrown to the brand rubbish heap by progress and the evolution of modern tastes. From toys to snacks to cars and technology, Jon and Kurt wonder at the brands and products that no longer exist.
Throughout history, there have been amazing achievements and actions and innovations all made by people unknown to the masses. Somehow, these incredible men and women have fallen through the cracks of fame and others have gotten the accolades. In this episode, Jon and Kurt share the stories of just a few of these “unsung heroes” and praise their accomplishments.
In an effort to arm listeners with cool, interesting, and esoteric facts that will amaze friends at cocktail parties and co-workers at the virtual water cooler, Jon and Kurt share fun little tidbits. These are guaranteed to to make your family/friend/colleague/enemy say “No way that’s true!” Pull out a notepad and give this episode a listen, then go wow the world with your knowledge.
We, as humans, have some awfully strange customs and rituals. In America, we have a bunch that get foreigners to shake their heads in disbelief at best, and guffaw at us at worst. The idea of a doggie bag at a restaurant? Groundhog Day? Pardoning a turkey? Join Jon and Kurt as they take a deeper look at some of these “traditions” and try to deconstruct them.
You might think the common brew/brewski/suds/etc. is just a proletariat beverage more suited to frat brothers than aristocracy. But you would be wrong. Beer has been revered for over 10,000 years as both a nutritious drink and a social elixir. Jon and Kurt follow beer’s impact over the centuries from Ancient Egypt to Medieval Europe to the landing of the Mayflower. Grab a cold one, or two, and have a listen.
For their milestone 50th episode, Jon and Kurt decide to throw another dinner party for the ages. As before, the party is limited to ten guests chosen from anywhere and anytime in history. The nominated diners can be living, dead, famous, unknown, or figures from fiction...the only restriction is whether they will contribute to making it a truly memorable meal. Our co-hosts will make their cases for whom they would each like to attend, hoping to ensure a seat at the table for their chosen guests.
With the possibility of offending some listeners’ epicurean tastes, Jon and Kurt opine and whine about how certain people absolutely ruin delicious dishes by insisting on adding something that shouldn’t be. Like ketchup on a hot dog. Or pineapple on pizza. Come get your inner-curmudgeon on and yuk some people’s yums.
Ever wonder what it would have been like if you had chosen a different career path? Instead of being a finance juggler, what if you had been a circus juggler? Eschewed accounting for acting, teaching for truck driving, selling for surgery? Jon and Kurt look at their own career what-ifs and ponder the missed (or future) possibilities.
In every category, there always seems to be one product, one event, one person, one object that defines the list, that comes out on the very top, and is the first listed. This element is the example of the topic of discussion..it reflects, resembles, and reinforces the characteristics of the category. In this episode of Smart Drivel, Jon and Kurt discuss the quintessential cocktail, road trip song, candy, world leader, 70s disaster movie, sunglasses, cookie...well, you get the idea. Come along for the ride and make sure your opinion is addressed and heard.
Innovations, modernization, and advances in technology have rendered obsolete some old jobs that used to be critical. The “knocker upper”, the “groom of the stool”, the “herb strewer”, the “pin setters”, the “soda jerk” etc., at one time were very important but now are no longer. Jon and Kurt discuss many of these old-time professions while also trying to predict which jobs of today will go the way of the milkman in the future.
The Beatles or the Rolling Stones? Being too short or too tall? Stuck at age 18 or 50? Text or call? You get the idea...Jon and Kurt return to a favorite topic and throw hypotheticals at each other to debate, debase, and debauch.
Jon and Kurt try their hand at challenging each other to spot the lie within three purportedly factual statements. Join in the fun: attempt to guess the right answers, audibly laugh at where Jon and Kurt mess up, and keep score to see if you can earn the title “Top Driveler”.
Human nature is such that we crave what we can’t have, even if the object of our desire is flawed. No wonder we are all missing the joys of getting on a plane and flying off somewhere...anywhere. Jon and Kurt reminisce and discuss what they love about flying. From the genius of the little button hole in the napkin to talking to strangers to the sheer wonder of looking down on earth from 34,000 feet in the air. Come fly away with us.
Ever wanted to know what the difference is between alligators and crocodiles? Dolphins and porpoises? Further and farther? Whiskey and whisky? Plantains and bananas? You get the gist...this episode has Jon and Kurt exploring and explaining these hugely important differences.
The earth, it’s inhabitants, and it’s natural resources are pretty amazing. Beautiful. Practical. Functional. And then there are the mistakes; things that are just not right...limburger cheese, oceans filled with water you can’t drink, first rows in movie theaters, morning breath. Well, you get the idea. This episode showcases some of these “God’s Mistakes” in all their un-wonderment.
Stubbing your toe, ice cream headache, hangnail, nose pimple, biting your tongue...well, you get the picture. There are certain small injuries--if they can even be called that--that render outsized pain. Jon and Kurt put on their metaphorical body armor and get into the arena with all these big little pains...what are they and why do they hurt so much?
Did you know Time magazine was actually an acronym? In this episode, Jon and Kurt have fun with explaining, finding, and debating fun acronyms that are used in every day conversation. Please RSVP...if you want to be redundant.
Most folks know by now that Viagra was not originally intended to solve a sexual issue, but they’d be amazed how Lysol was first marketed. In this episode, Jon and Kurt investigate products that became accidental commercial successes in different ways than initially contemplated. Listerine was supposed to cure gonorrhea? Oh boy.
In this episode, Jon and Kurt ponder “what ifs” that will undoubtedly spark good discussions among listeners wondering about the same questions. If you could...be a sports hero, reverse anthropomorphize into a car, time travel, be a famous movie character, paint like an old master or a surrealist, have a superpower, etc....what would you choose? And why?
Join Jon and Kurt in the greatest, funniest, smartest, drivelest episode ever. Yes, indeed, they reveal the biggest, oldest, smelliest, highest, “ests” of all time. Oldest piece of art? Highest IQ? Strongest animal on earth? Shortest novel ever written? Smallest country? Geeze, this is just the best.
The boys are back at it with a third episode dedicated to fun phrases and their origins. This time, we learn where “pull out all the stops” and “put a sock in it” and “rule of thumb” come from, among others. We also learn the provenance of “best man” and “honeymoon”. And, we learn the correct way to spell pom-poms er pom-pons.
Jon and Kurt set out to find the truth behind certain “givens” that we have always been told: is it safe to swim right after eating? Is the earth round? Did Vikings have horns on their helmets? Was there an apple in the Garden of Eden? Were the pyramids of Egypt built by slaves? Is Everest the tallest mountain on earth? And what the hell does Chuck Yeager have to do with all of this?
Who was “The Minister of Defense”? Which President was called “His Accidency”? Can you guess what Tolstoy’s nickname was? Jon and Kurt jump into the world of nicknames and unearth some absolute gems...like Grover Cleveland’s.
Jon and Kurt have fun guessing famous slogans that were funny, had double meanings, or were just blatantly bad. From the disaster of the Chevy Nova in foreign markets to the hilarity of a Sega print ad to explaining the beauty that is Guinness, the two hosts share, laugh, and marvel at some of advertising's most interesting attempts at selling products.
Are you sick of hearing people tell you “to be honest, we should circle back to the parking lot so we can think outside the box and undergo a paradigm shift.” Well, Jon and Kurt sure are and, in this episode, they submit their recommendations for expressions that should be eradicated from all conversations.
While both countries share a common language, the words don’t always mean the same thing in England as they do in America. Jon and Kurt dig into this and expose some of the potentially embarrassing situations that can arise...such as a Brit in America asking a co-worker for a rubber or a Yank in England not knowing his chips from his crisps from his aubergine.
Jon and Kurt fantasize about the type of stores and establishments they would love to have lining their ideal main street. From a dive bar to an old time movie theatre to a newly created James Bond Experience to a Cajan food stand, they propose favorites and give rationale...albeit not very convincingly.
Jon and Kurt dive deep into the shallows of many different types of oxymorons. Trying not to be buttheads, they hope this episode doesn’t meet with deafening silence. It’s even odds that after listening, you might make Smart Drivel a new tradition.
Ever wonder where the Bloody Mary was first concocted? How the martini gots its name? The story behind the Tom Collins? Why we call it a Negroni? What the difference is between a Boilermaker and an Irish Car Bomb? Well, Jon and Kurt are here to help in this episode as they provide the dirt, the anecdotes, and the backstories of your favorite cocktails.
Hamburgers or hot dogs? Rap or Disco? Mountains or Beach? Manual or Automatic transmission? Jon and Kurt give impassioned pleas for their choices in a rollicking debate of all things important in life.
Brandy. Mandy. Roxanne. Rosalita. Chantilly Lace. Eleanor Rigby. Yes, there have been so many songs with women’s names as the title. So, Jon and Kurt decided to dig in and share the backstories, the motivations, the urban legends behind them. Oh, and they also take a side on the whole sweet vs. savory crepe debate.
Jon and Kurt wax poetic about places they would love to visit for vacation. However, the twist is that they can go anywhere in any time in history. They discuss being in ancient Greece for the invention of the shower, ancient Alexandria for the books, England during King Arthur’s reign, seeing Jackie Robinson score his first MLB run, and other smart-drivelly places.
Having washed ashore a deserted island, Jon and Kurt have the good fortune to be granted things to help them to survive: one book, one music album, one food selection, one household item, and a 3rd person to join them. Now they just have to agree on their choices.
Jon and Kurt invite you to peek in on their conversation about Homophones which will hopefully pique your interest and make you think they have reached the peak of podcasting. You guessed it, you are the guest of the episode. So contemplate your navel or run off and engage in naval warfare, this discussion won't be a bore if you listen while eating some boar.
Trying not to be schmucks or to make it too kitschy, Jon and Kurt have carte blanche in this episode to act like prima donnas and take their figurative mopeds for a spin as they point out some great words we use everyday that come from abroad.
The first go round with fun phrases was such a hit, Jon and Kurt decided to give it another whirl. Not wanting to "Let the Cat Out of the Bag," but proving to not be a "Flash in the Pan," they wanted to see if they could do it again. Enjoy their presentation of more fun phrases and from whence they came.
Jon and Kurt dig deep to bring you little nuggets you can use to dazzle your friends at your next dinner party. What words in the English language don’t have a rhyme? Who is the model for the NBA logo? Where did the word suede come from? Why do we have Gin & Tonics? And many more truly relevant facts.
From Animal House to Shawshank Redemption and everything in between, Jon and Kurt put forth and debate the attributes of their favorite movies: the ones that scare them the most, make them laugh out loud, or truly have an impact on their lives.
Jon and Kurt spend a full episode discussing fun phrases and how they came to be. “Mind your Bees Wax,” “One for the road”, and “Freezing the balls off a brass monkey” are just a few sayings they take on, masticate over, and share.
From toilet paper to Neil Diamond, Jon and Kurt discuss the advances in civilization we can’t live without that, while popular, are not seen as being worthy of the Mt. Olympus of inventions.
From toilet paper to Neil Diamond, Jon and Kurt discuss the advances in civilization we can’t live without that, while popular, are not seen as being worthy of the Mt. Olympus of inventions. This is the first part of a two part episode.
In this episode, Jon and Kurt opine on which human rituals and customs will get laughed at the most by aliens. Plus they take a shot at projecting which human traditions are most likely to be assimilated by our extra-terrestrial neighbors.
Jon and Kurt are faced with answering a beguiling hypothetical question: would they rather spend 10 minutes on the moon or a year in Europe traveling in high class all-expenses-paid luxury.
The fanny pack. Spray on hair. Corsets. Beanie Babies. Eating placentas. Polyester leisure suits. Yes, in this episode, Jon and Kurt explore fads and trends of the past that have, thankfully, passed us by.
In this episode, Jon and Kurt go about curating their ideal dinner party guest list. From famous historical icons to unknown trailblazers to fictional characters, both hosts have to make a case for who they want to get a seat at the table.
Adam & Eve. Romulus & Remus. Gin & Tonic. Bert & Ernie. Oscar & Felix. Jon and Kurt identify, laugh, and survey just a few of the many famous pairs throughout history. It is a rollicking, fast, fun adventure.
Jon and Kurt start out waxing poetic about fun pastimes but then quickly turn the episode into a debate over which should rightfully be America’s Pastime: Baseball or Football. The arguments get made while taking a detour into the reason some people are called Skip.
Taking on a popular issue facing society today, Jon and Kurt attempt to lay out the pros and cons of social media while waxing poetic about the moment the first fish walked out of the ocean.
Jon and Kurt venture back in time to discuss, argue, and make a case for which decades they feel were the best to live in...and why. From the roaring 1220s to the greedy 1980s with many stops along the way, they ponder the highs and lows of living in certain places at certain times.
Jon and Kurt return to the early 1970s and try to recall all the great TV shows that were either live or in re-runs. What they remember, and why, is the meat of this episode as they seem to have jumbled the facts a bit.
Jon and Kurt find amusement (they are easily amused) in discussing words and phrases that were once popular but have now gone out of style. Of course, this is just a launching point for some meandering musings.
Jon and Kurt opine on all sorts of states that they feel don't get their just due. They give reasons (some even are factual) and try to make the case for states like South Dakota and the one right below Nirvana.
Jon and Kurt take a bite out of America's favorite lunch order: sandwiches. They debate the definition of what exactly a sandwich is and reminisce about favorite childhood sandwiches while weaving in a little history as well.
Jon and Kurt get all curmudgeonly and go on tirades about what irks them. Whether it is people cutting toenails on airplanes, parking in handicap spots, or driving 50 mph in the left lane, they really gripe about that which bothers them.
Jon and Kurt explore the world of Pie and of Pi. From ancient savory pies to American Pie by Don McClean to the invention of the Frisbee and Archimedes, they dig into pies and pi of all nature.