Brackets

Hey listeners! Brackets is taking a mid-season break and will be back with the rest of season two starting September 7th, 2022. See ya then!

This week we are thrilled to be made relevant by two cast members of Chicago comedy show Missed Call, and TikTok comedy duo of their own right - @jak_and_ham - Jake Prizant and Hannah Moser! It's a good thing that they agree on most things, because when they don't the results are cataclysmic... you'll see what we mean. 'A Mouth Full of Mulch' vs 'Are You Afraid of The Shark' 'Plenty N' Good' vs 'Marbles' 'Using Emojis on Venmo' vs 'Taking Your Boss to The Zoo' Featuring: Hannah Moser, Jake Prizant, and Zach Decker Host, Mixer, and Editor: Adam Decker

There's a real MAGIC energy in the room for this episode, due to the fact that we're joined by two members of comedy group Magic! Glisten up, people! You're about to get some hot takes on bridges, some confusion about Frankenstien's wife, and the realization that 'Boy Meet Big' may be the one all emcompassing story format. 'Going Banannas' vs 'Immortal Combat' 'The Spicy Girls' vs 'Husband Bait' 'Rome Improvement' vs 'Trouser Vision' Featuring: Zach Hacker, Sage Huston, and Zach Decker Host: Jared Smith Mixer and Editor: Adam Decker

Join us in welcoming not one, but two Brackets newcomers into the fray. Chicago comedians Mark Brennan and Jeff Hack join Zach and Jared to really dig deep into what a pirate based reality dating show would look like. Also, a whole lot about detachable legs and if stickiness is a gift of a curse. 'Digital Mayor' vs 'Shoe Ballet' 'Install Me' vs 'Leg Scam' Dr. Winnebago' vs 'A Smooth Cactus' Featuring: Mark Brennan, Jeff Hack, and Zach Decker Host: Jared Smith Mixer and Editor: Adam Decker

Continuing our all-star second season lineup, we're bringing two Brackets favorites back into the fold. Join us in welcoming back Maddy Lanning and Sara Dirks, comedians who make up the group Barbie's Dreamhouse, and lovers of making wild sounds into microphones on podcasts. #PeeleyMeeley 'Buster Makes Me Feel Good' vs 'Jam-Fisted' 'Civilian Rub' vs 'Two-Think Minimum' 'Corn Episode' vs 'Tiny Tiny Boy' Featuring: Sara Dirks, Maddy Lanning, and Zach Decker Host: Hared Smith Mixer and Editor: Adam Decker

Welcome back to Brackets! We're kicking off our second season with one Brackets newcomer and one old pro. Join us with guests Adam De La Fuente and Sam Otter as we ring in our new season with discussions about pooping in public, the worst kind of vans, and a whole lot more basketball than anyone expected. 'Guess the Baby' vs 'Lazy Dares' 'Lick Test Dummy' vs 'Thick Palms' 'True Pudding' vs 'Bathroom Agent' Featuring: Adam De La Fuente, Sam Otter, and Zach Decker Host: Jared Smith Mixer and Editor: Adam Decker

As promised, here is the second part of our walk down memory lane highlighting some of our favorite moments from Brackets Season 1. Also with this bonus episode, we can announce that the first episode of Season 2 will be released on Wednesday April 27th! That give you just enough time to catch back up on existing episodes and prepare for the return of Brackets!

What year is it?! How long has it been?! We honestly aren't really sure, but what we do know is we are finally returning from our (slightly longer than planned) hiatus. Check out this bonus episode to hear some of our favorite moments from season one. Think of it as a teaser - since SEASON TWO is coming next month! Welcome back to Brackets!

Due to work related travel and conflicting schedules, Brackets is going to be on a hiatus until March 2020. Check back in around then for new episodes!

With two brand new Bracketologists, we have a sampling of both local and cross country as Melanie McNulty and Kevin Renn jump into the madness. Join the fun as we discuss the dangers of being barefoot in the city, whether or not it's ok to describe skin as "creamy," and the bygone era of wondering how we got ourselves into our current situation. 'Fabulous Dracula' vs 'Trader Daddies' 'Popeyes Chicken Sandwich' vs 'Baby Yoda Memes' 'Wooden Teeth' vs 'Nice N' Creamy' Featuring: Kevin Renn and Melanie McNulty Host/Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

We know that baby's-breath is a flower, there are plenty of other options to explore. For instance, what about literal baby's breath and its physical capabilities? What if it was just the name of a cocktail? These questions and more are answered as veteran Bracketologist Sam Otter returns to discuss the merit of decorative vases, fighting with a shrunken version of The Rock, and how easy it is (for some people) to confuse mega church pastors. 'Briefcase Showdown' vs 'A Bag O' Birds' 'Slack N Cheese' vs 'Medieval Grimes' 'Running Away From Ants' vs 'Jock-Tober Fest' Featuring: Sam Otter Host/Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

You never know when you might learn something new. Like for instance, every so often we have new Bracketologists on the show, one of which is able to explain existential optimism to us, and the other of which is an expert in bizarre Australian popsicles. Join us for this episode where we discuss the possibility of too much corn, the severity of an "over chomp," and the importance of showing kindness to your kitchen appliances. 'Hocus Mocus' vs 'Tube Juice' 'A Sensible Area Rug' vs 'A Witch's Nephew' 'Snuggle Snake' vs 'Keepin' It Dumplin'' Featuring: Mike Brown and Jim Walrod Host: Jared Smith Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

The spooky season is here! To celebrate, Brackets is going out to the suggestion graveyard and digging up a few that were gone too soon in order to give them a second chance. That's right, every contender in this episode's bracket is a suggestion that didn't make it out of the FIRST ROUND of its original bracket. Join Zach, Jared, and Adam as they give dead suggestions new life and try to find humor in those that were previously determined not good enough to win even once. Spooky. 'Anal Coffee' vs 'Pie of the Storm' 'Baby Body Builder' vs 'Pop-Whiz' 'Nips and Dip' vs 'Cursing Is Mandatory' Featuring: Zach Decker, Jared Smith, and Adam Decker Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

Brackets veterans David Vornholt and Alex Goodman return to the show as this week's guests, and with them they are bringing their wild ideas about off season Ice Road Truckers, things that aren't corn, and the eventual downfall of humanity. 'Roomba Boys' vs 'The Bee Gee's Knees' 'The Boo Man Group' vs '8 Gourds a Peepin'' 'Truck Divers' vs 'Moss Baby' Featuring: David Vornholt and Alex Goodman Host/Mixer: Jared Smith Editor: Adam Decker

This week we are joined by knight in training, Nathan Kohlmeier: expert in Tinder and enemy to eggs. Listen as we give fish a platform at the Oscars, make escape rooms much sexier, and figure out how Jimmy Stewart would react when he becomes a donkey. These topics and more are handled indelicately in this episode of Brackets! 'Corn Off A Cob' vs 'Summer Jock Theater' 'A Sticky Leather Couch' vs '3000 Calories Per Serving' 'PBS I Love You' vs 'Super Liking Your Gym Teacher' Featuring: Nathan Kohlmeier Host/Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

Members of the twoprov group Barbie's Dreamhouse join us on the show this week for discussion about a Lost/Bachelor crossover, the personality traits of a man named Chip, and just how long Shania Twain has actually been around. Also, one of our Bracketologists confuses macaroons and macadamias for the first 50 minutes. Bonus points if you can figure out which one before the reveal! 'Dryer Balls' vs 'A Gold Star For Heroism' 'Lukewarm Milk' vs 'Sweaty Glass' 'Macaroon Salad' vs 'More Knives Than Forks' Featuring: Maddy Lanning and Sara Dirks Host/Editor: Adam Decker Mixer: Jared Smith

We've got two, count em', TWO brand new faces added to the Brackets roster on this episode. Join us in welcoming Reid and Lily as we force them to air out their thoughts on censorship of nudity in famous art, the upper limits of mango consumption, and the sort of dark secrets that could be found in a field of wheat. 'The Emperor's New Juul' vs 'Wheat Secrets' 'Skirts for Rocks' vs ' Al Dente Rice' '7 Consecutive Mangoes' vs 'Pie of the Storm' Featuring: Reid Henry and Lily Lalios Host: Zach Decker Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

As we continue forward with our new Brackets format, we welcome a newcomer to the fray! The self proclaimed Awkward Uncle of our podcasting family, Heston Charres, joins the debate as we discuss the limits of party snacks, personifying bathroom appliances, and real life consequences for board games. 'Pop-Whiz' vs 'Mashed Potato Volcano' 'The Barter System' vs 'Scream Cheese' 'Shaking Your Booty' vs 'Criss-Cross Applesauce' Featuring: Heston Charres Host/Mixer: Jared Smith Editor: Adam Decker

Maybe you've heard of Professional Contestants before? Ya know, it's the other podcast we produce. Well if you never got around to listening to it then open up those ears because your favorite Bracketologists are bringing it right to you! Welcome to the crossover of our two shows, serving up the quality ranting of ProCo in the semi-organized format of Brackets. 'Avocado Ghost' vs 'An Oxford Holla' 'Pringle Bells' vs 'Passive Aggressive Plant Names' 'A Really Successful Bake Sale' vs 'OLD Brew' Featuring: Zach Decker, Jared Smith, and Adam Decker Editor: Adam Decker

As season one of Brackets comes to an end, it is time we take a look back at our favorite winners of previous Brackets and honor those suggestions. We do this by dragging them back out and making them fight one last time in one mega Bracket! Only one can enter the Ultimate Brackets Hall of Fame as the winner of our first Tournament of Champions. 'Horse Tinder' vs 'He Needs Some Milk' 'Cremated Blue Man' vs 'A Really Looooong Spoon' 'Fronch Vanilla' vs 'A Binch With Box Wine' Featuring: Sam Otter, Caroline Hale, Kristi Durkin, Stephen Mackey, and Zach Decker Host/Editor: Adam Decker Mixer: Jared Smith

What happens when you bring together a group of people who don’t know the difference between jello and jelly, dolphins and porpoises, or Bowser and Professor Utonium? Most certainly the answer is, this episode of Brackets. Listen as we dream up brand new sitcoms involving landlocked sea creatures and ponder the possible replacement of Powerpuff Girl Bubbles with Princess Peach. ‘A Little Cuppa’ Somethin” vs ‘ A Scaredove’ ‘Nips And Dip’ vs ‘Moving With Porpoise’ ‘To Whom It May Concern’ vs ‘Five Dollar Credit Card Minimum’ Featuring: Alex Goodman, David Vornholt, Corinne Florentino, Jenny McPherson, and Zach Decker Host: Jared Smith Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

As Brackets draws near to the first Tournament of Champions, we take a look back at some of our favorite contenders that made up our first fifteen brackets. Some we loved and were gone too soon. Some we hated, and weren’t gone soon enough. All led us to this point, so listen in and take a nostalgic journey with us. Featuring: The Bracketologists Editor: Adam Decker

Have you ever wondered which ancient philosopher was the sexiest, whether you should brag about that time you fell down, or how weird is too weird when passing down an heirloom? The panel of Bracketologists becomes divided as they take on these issues and put the practicality of puns on trial in episode 15 of Brackets! ‘An Old Wooden Dildo’ vs ‘Double-Bubba’ ‘Fly Ball, Ladies’ vs. ‘ Toes That Are Too Long’ ‘A Jellyfish With Bones’ vs. ‘Giraffes With Short Necks’ Featuring: Elizabeth Allen, Audie Deinlein, Kevin Tognetti, Jared Smith, and Zach Decker Host/Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

Everyone knows the iconic foursome that changed music forever. You know, the British invasion guys. They were all bald and painted blue and they played the drums and caught marshmallows in their mouths. We’re thinking of the same group, right? Regardless, these blue guys are important, and their genetic makeup is discussed, along with socialist dogs, sexual communication, and fresh footwear in this episode of Brackets. ‘Bark for Socialism’ vs ‘Baby Body Builder’ ‘Shark of the Covenant’ vs ‘Formal Crocs’ ‘Home School Mascot’ vs ‘Air Horn’ Featuring: Kyle Tomlin, Nate Odenkirk, Kristi Durkin, Kerry Stevens, and Zach Decker Host: Jared Smith Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

We think highly of our Bracketologists. We wouldn’t bring them into the studio to make these important decisions without the utmost confidence in their competency and intelligence. That being said, we can’t explain how these five people can’t piece together the plot of Beetlejuice! Regardless, grannies are idolized, syphilis is encouraged, and the role of pork is disputed in episode 13 of Brackets! ‘More Like The GRAPE Gatsby’ vs ‘Wham, Bam, Thank You Ham’ ‘Syphil-YAS!’ vs ‘April Tools’ ‘Alge-bruh’ vs ‘A Fuzzy Remote’ Featuring: Megan Gray, Liam Collier, Adam Levonian, Corinne Hastings, and Zach Decker Host: Jared Smith Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

Did you ever wonder what it would sound like when five people argue about how they picture an eating utensil in five vastly different ways? Well now your dreams can come true! When adding two brand new Bracketologists to the mix, gophers are adopted, sex positions are created, and beef is most certainly NOT reheated in this hot, no holds barred episode of Brackets. ‘April Juuls Day’ vs ‘Gopher Trophies’ ‘Bro-ing Out of the Closet’ vs ‘Cold Beef’ ‘I’ll Take “Popular Prisons” for 600’ vs ‘Toucan Samuel’ Featuring: Sam Otter, KJ Snyder, Sara Dirks, Stephen Mackey, and Zach Decker Host/Editor: Adam Decker Mixer: Jared Smith

This may be our most in sync group of Bracketologists to date, but that doesn’t exempt the episode from Brackets’ signature twists and turns. We are still doing the important work of answering questions like “How do gophers fit into the economy?”, “What might compose a lime’s one man show?”, and “Why would Biddies even want titties?” Make way for this large and in charge episode of Brackets! ‘Bananagram Split’ vs ‘Gophers? In This Economy?’ ‘Llama Lia’ vs ‘A Slutty Orange’ ‘Lulu Lemoncello’ vs ‘Make Way For The Meat Wagon!’ Featuring: Jake Rosko, Jenny McPherson, Caroline Hale, Adam Decker, and Zach Decker Host/Mixer: Jared Smith Editor: Adam Decker

Brackets is back at you with not only two brand new Bracketologists, but also a new format! Because we continually want to optimize the way in which we alienate Catholicism make weed jokes about environmental proposals. ‘The High Foot Five’ vs ‘The Way She Goes’ ‘CT-AAAAYYYY’ vs ‘That One Toenail’ ‘Hella Burnt Espresso’ vs ‘40 Days of Lent-il Soup’ Featuring: Audie Deinlein, Kylie Bruteman, Jared Smith, Corinne Florentino, and Zach Decker Host/Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

With a combination of brand new Bracketologists with ones who have been with us from the start, a whole lot of hot takes are getting thrown around. For example, the term “Comic Sans” could have about five different interpretations. Also, if there is no risk of dying while playing laser tag then there’s no point. Oh. and for the love of God! Look me in the eyes when you come… into rooms that I am in! ‘Teaching an Old Frog New Tricks’ vs ‘Alan’s Beef’ ‘Paula Abdul-Jabbar’ vs ‘The Dragon from Neverending Story’ ‘Fornication Station’ vs ‘Parmesan Sheep’ Featuring: Miles Potter, Tim Lewis, Kevin Tognetti, Alex Goodman, and Zach Decker Host/Editor: Adam Decker Mixer: Jared Smith

Something we can all agree on; when there is a bat in your walls, the only logical next step is to seduce it. But when deciding on what form a reptilian Supreme Court Justice will take, our Bracketologists may never come to a consensus. ‘Kinda True Crime Stories’ vs ‘Little Richard’s Little Richard’’ ‘Fronch Vanilla’ vs ‘An Ass Full of Coffee’ ‘Ruth “Gator” Ginsberg’ vs ‘No Chestnuts Here, I’m Afraid’ Featuring: Sam Otter, Jenny McPherson, Kristi Durkin, Stephen Mackey, and Zach Decker Host: Jared Smith Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

We’re all just looking for love in this crazy world, right? So it doesn’t matter if you’re a pigeon, a grandma, or the Son of Poseidon, the important thing to remember is that we need to work together to determine whether or not Frankie Muniz is better than a bunch of cherry tomatoes. ‘This Tuba Is Too Big For My Son’ vs ‘Cream Of The Crop’ ‘Peppa Pig’s Surprise’ vs ‘Alien Life In A Hot Tub’ ‘Sneezing In A Halloween Mask’ vs ‘Rum In A Can Of Baked Beans’ Featuring: Caroline Hale, Jenny McPherson, Kristi Durkin, Lilly Bolduc, and Zach Decker Host/Editor: Adam Decker Mixer: Jared Smith

Happy Holidays to you and yours! You thought you had already received your last present? Wrong! Brackets is coming at you with a Holiday Special and a Bracket specifically filled with Winter themed suggestions. ‘Tim Allen’s Magic Beard in the Santa Clause’ vs ‘Ho Ho Hop On BB’ ‘Frosted Tip Snowmen’ vs ‘The Grinch Who Stole My Heart’ ‘Just Some Socks’ vs ‘Santa Buddy’ Featuring: Alex Goodman, Jenny McPherson, Kevin Tognetti, Kylie Bruteman, and Zach Decker Host: Jared Smith Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

Is a deep deep cup of coffee plausible to drink from? Will the real Disney Slut please stand up? Can someone PLEASE just picture us all as dogs? Strong feelings about geese, vests, walnuts, and Cotton Eye Joe emerge with the clash of comedians in this weeks episode of Brackets! ‘The Goose is Cooked’ vs ‘A Menagerie of Ass’ ‘Dogs Being Friends’ vs ‘Full Head Gear Braces’ ‘Rent! The Movie’ vs ‘Kids Age 7-14’ Featuring: Sam Otter, Kristi Durkin, Stephen Mackey, Tim Lewis, and Zach Decker Host/Editor: Adam Decker Mixer: Jared Smith

How looooong is the spoon is question? Is A Sexy Earthquake worth the risk? Will Piglet ever stop growing? These questions and more are hotly debated in this special (somewhat Thanksgiving themed) episode, featuring some of Brackets’ original players. ‘Sour Cream Shaving Cream’ vs ‘A Dancing Zombie’ ‘An Actual Hand Turkey’ vs ‘An Ecstatic Mummy’ ‘A Happy Hedgehog’ vs ‘Piglet, But Really Tall’ Featuring: Andrew Stewart, Daniel “Windmill” Miller, Abby Zielinski, David Vornholt, and Zach Decker Host: Jared Smith Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

Real life monsters? Dark secrets in childrens’ television programming? A surprise wedding?!? With a new episode of Brackets always comes high tension and difficult decisions, and this episode is no different. Through the conflict, however, emerges fresh film ideas, love for our mothers, and a new power couple for the ages. ‘Jalapeno Puppets’ vs. ‘My Mother at 28’ ‘Putting the Poo in Poodle’ vs. ‘Bobbing for Lobsters’ ‘Timidly Dabbing’ vs. ‘Tetris, But Gay’ Featuring: Alex Goodman, Kristen Alesia, Margaret Howe, Will Cruitt, and Zach Decker Host: Jared Smith Mixer/Editor: Adam Decker

Ruh-Roh: Brackets is BACK! While this episode isn’t necessarily Halloween-themed, it’s spooky in alllllllllll the right ways. Betrayal! Boxed Wine! An incredible impression of Norville “Shaggy” Rogers! So buckle up Binches, and brace yourself for the 2nd episode of Brackets! Old Ladies vs. Party Clowns. Lotion vs. A Topless Bug. Oprah’s Book Club vs. Highlights: A Magazine for Kids. Featuring: Eve Hickey, Alex Goodman, Will Cruitt, Kevin Tognetti, Zach Decker Host: Adam Decker Edited/Mixed by: Jared Smith

Welcome to Brackets: A comedy debate podcast that only seems sports related so we can attract that demographic. A 32-seed bracket is filled with nonsensical ideas, and a group of 5 comedians must fight against each other to decide which one is best. A Poison Boot vs. a Hostess Cupcake? A Gourd against a Tight, Tight Hat? There’s no logical way of deciding which one is better, but blood, tears, and booze will be spilt in order to decide a winner. So tune in, and find out which piece of nonsense wins the inaugural episode of Brackets! Featuring: Kevin Togenetti, Alex Goodman, Jenny McPhearson, Zach Decker, Jared Smith Host: Adam Decker