Difficult to Please is two creative collaborators having a conversation on being 30, pop culture, subculture, politics and everything between and intersected. Basically, two friends saying 'eff it, press record'.
JV and Erwin lowkey wrap up 2024, it's not that serious tho. 2024 game of the year? not Call of Duty Capcom revival? Dino Crisis or Megaman pls 2025 motto? get money or naaaa WHAT YOU HYPE ON? --- Difficult to Please is two creative collaborators having a conversation on AI, pop culture, subculture, politics and everything between and intersected. Basically, your two informed homies saying 'fuck it, we're doing a pod'.---
JV and Erwin lowkey wrap up 2024, it's not that serious tho. 2024 game of the year? not Call of Duty Capcom revival? Dino Crisis or Megaman pls 2025 motto? get money or naaaa WHAT YOU HYPE ON? --- Difficult to Please is two creative collaborators having a conversation on AI, pop culture, subculture, politics and everything between and intersected. Basically, your two informed homies saying 'fuck it, we're doing a pod'.---
JV and Erwin don't really talk politics post election. RIP democracy and gg project 2025 tho. But also talk about other random BS like - Dino Crisis and Parasite Eve - Apple hype and gripes - How Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom in the MCU - Country music...whaaaa - Do we really need AI in everything? WHAT YOU HYPE ON?
In this episode we talk: 1. Momofuku's attempt to trade mark Chili Crunch 2. Gundam: Hathaway's Flash 3. Boston Dynamic's retirement of Atlas 4. All Birds + Sneakers
Off script, we talk about retail things... and Evangelion Crawfish collabs...
Yay, the episode works. News is a bit outdated due to recording and posting. We talk about all the crazy weeks with X formerly known as Twitter. Alien's Exist by Blink 182. Non-spoiler take on Nolan's Oppenheimer. Things we hyped on: 8bit Duo's mechanical Keyboard, Virgil Abloh's Mickey Mouse, and Korean girl pop group New Jeans.
(Outdated since this recorded at the beginning of the month) Double feature because I was too salty with losing another video file. A lot of the news information is a bit outdated but we do talk about AX, Cons, and the step up in nerdism and counter-culture collecting.
Unfortunately no video due to technical difficulties. We talk about the new the return of Yeezys and Adidas' smart decision, Messi's great deal, Apple AR/VR headset, dumb health problems, and games.. specifically Final Fantasy 7 and 16.
In this week's episode, we're chatting about some major corporate drama. We'll discuss the wild stuff happening with Don Lemon at CNN, Tucker Carlson at Fox, and the Adidas-Kanye West partnership. Plus, we'll talk about BuzzFeed and Vice News closing their doors and rant about AI-generated art's lack of soul. Grab a drink, kick back, and join us for a laid-back convo on these fascinating topics!
Erwin and JV talk about Tik-Tok ban becoming a potential Patriot Act PT. II, AI topics: Spotify DJ fail & auto power points, E3 Cancelled & more cancelled cons., and Oscar and movie tangents.
A sequel to our 2/11/19 episode. We look at where we are now since we talked about AI and automation back in 2019.
In this episode Erwin and JV talk about alternative pop celebrities, social media alternatives and content creator plans, can't defend Ye anymore, and Disney's nerd problem.
Erwin and JV catch up on adulting, stress, and life changes. A return to virtual 3rd spaces, the future of work, 1.2x view speeds, and how priorities change in the different chapters in your life.
Cons, AI, and Public Sports Teams. Why would gaming teams go public...?
AI written description: The advancement of artificial intelligence has caused a large amount of concern (and support) around the world. It's a hot-button issue for most people, in that it can implement positive changes - or become like Skynet and destroy us all in a fiery explosion. An extremely broad topic. But what's less broad is what AI can actually do, especially when harnessed by the right people at the right time. Today, we'll discuss the evolution of AI, Google and OpenAI's experiments with art, and how they're using artificial intelligence to bolster human creativity and innovation. Me: AI keeps changing yo. AI is starting getting better at generating art, rewriting for tone in sentences, and even to composing music. We talk about the possibilities that AI can help creativity.
In this episode Erwin and JV talk about big companies selling itself to bigger companies for bulking up, Nike's 50 years anniversary and lack of mention of E-sports, and vanity gadgets. Big name companies are trying to find homes in other big companies. JV thinks when markets look grim, big companies are the place to go. When markets are great, a plethora of companies helps with keeping markets competitive. Why aren't more companies suiting up e-sports? They just need some cool jerseys, man. We know there is a coming recession... or at least planning for it, but we still like consumer gadgets and other vanity items so we are going to keep buying it!
There are too many damn streaming services! What you mean, Bitcoin is not supposed to be used as an alternative token for exchanging goods like what they are doing in El Salvador? Are people doing NFTs right yet? I also hope Elon doesn't plan to turn Twitter into a free-speech 4chan.
Enter the psychological mind of Erwin's Buzz Thoughts. Along with JV discussing future Call of Duty Modern Warfare game story plots, why asylum seeking brown and black people are getting treated differently at the boarder, head of Amazon Games studio stepping down, the potentials of Epic Games adding Band Camp under their belt, the CEO of Goldman Sachs DJing at Lollapalooza, and a $57,000 Charizard jailing. Articles Mentioned Biden admin to lift Title 42 Covid restriction on border in May, officials say Ukrainians (and Russians) meet US Border Patrol Amazon Games boss Mike Frazzini is stepping down Man sentenced to 3 years in federal prison over Pokémon card Goldman Sachs CEO Will Perform At Lollapalooza (Yes, Really) Bandcamp is Joining Epic Games
Erwin and JV talk about the power of brands. What does it mean to consolidate various big names into the space? Anti-trust laws are getting a moment right now not because of the pricing power concerns but abuse of power regarding those who control the distribution. We also dive into streetwear and how luxury street brands are hitting the luxury fashion scene. Show Notes Why Do iPhone Users Judge People With Green Text Bubbles Nigo becomes creative director of KENZO Streetwear is dead
I feel like it's just been one long year of 2020, and it's time to try to move forward with the new normal. Many people have achieved great things throughout the years, and some have just been stagnant. Either way, it's time to build upon our successes or move on from our slumps. So, here's to a positive look and cheers to 2022. This episode is about looking back in the past year and looking forward to what is to come. Things Referenced Justin Getting Daigo'd Kings of Leon NFT
Erwin and JV talk about Meta, formerly known as Facebook, and their dream for the metaverse. They attempt to connect everything: What does it mean for digital assets, NFTs, Cryptocurrencies, MMORPGs, multiple metaverses, and Artificial Intelligence. Are we pretty much headed to a Sword Art Online slash Ghost in the Shell slash Matrix kind of world? Or our future going forward is just a fully AR integration?
EMO MUSIC IS BACK YA'LL. This episode talks about cycling trends from relaxed fit clothing, Squid Game being Battle Royale 2.0, and Olivia Rodrigo's music. We dip back into wearable technology again, and Erwin asks JV about future trends to be aware of soon.
Erwin and JV talk about wearable technology, rich people beef, and JV's hope for the next generation.
In this episode Erwin and JV talk the Olympics, the world in the cloud, and thoughts of the creative economy. Stay safe everyone.
In this episode, Erwin and JV dive back into the rhythm of culture. We go into drinking habits formed during the pandemic, lessons about risk mitigation and prevention we learned from the pandemic, big Disney moves, the future of conventions, hot tub streamers?? and the future of creative digital culture.
Erwin and JV return to normalcy, mask-free podcasting about pop culture. We discuss Lil Nas X's strange controversy over his Nike shoe, Chillhop Girl, Video games, the Streaming Multiverse and finally... where does street fashion go from here? Reach out to us at admin@difficulttoplease.com We would love to hear from you.
Erwin and JV try to break down an NFT in understandable terms and look at higher education. One of the questions we address is. "What is higher ed for?" With new certifications and big companies (such as Tesla recruiting and training people out of high school), are there alternatives to upward mobility? JV thinks the "free college" recruit should go to child care, free Pre-K, and improving public schools. Enjoy the episode
(This was recorded before the Super Bowl) We follow up on the last episode regarding stonks. What went wrong, what did we find out? And essentially... does it really even matter? We touch a bit on the next round of stimulus, and finally... we get back into culture.
We catch up on conspiracy theories, the changing of sports, and Erwin and JV talk money... again. But this time, it's about how they invest (speak to an actual finance advisor, please). We probably should go to Wu-Tang Finances and taking some GZA advice on diversifying our bonds.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Can we ctrl-z 2020? But it wasn't all that bad though. I think 2020 was a year people's perspective and priorities switch. Forward to 2021.
It's Hot COVID Summer Time. Are we tired of hearing "the new normal" yet? Erwin and JV talk about the change in flex culture and the full integration of digital spaces into our daily lives... unless you have lived on the internet like JV. We debate if Home Snaps are a thing or we going to forever run the top half zoom fashion culture. JV thinks Disney+ and the Mulan rental might be on to something...
Well... We just went through two big economic depressions. What does this mean going forward? Are the systems and norms going to change going forward? Or is the return to normalcy the way to go? Spoiler alert.. 'going back' is not the answer.
First off, there are many vital voices that demand your attention and awareness. Educate and inform yourself about what is going on during this time of civil frustration and unrest. This episode recorded before the riots started, and if you wanted to take a break from the chaos, Erwin and JV hope that this episode can help you step away from what's going on for a small period of time. We thank you for listening, stay alive, and most importantly, stay healthy. Remember that there is a virus still out there that does not care about what's going on.
THE COVID19 AKA CORONACATION AKA CORONACOMY AKA BLAME IT ON THE COVID AKA "JV AND ERWIN DON'T GO OUTSIDE" EPISODE
Final Fantasy 7 Remake is coming on April 10, 2020. JV and Erwin both grew up playing the game with JV remembering way too many details. They discuss the overall themes of the game, and Erwin asks whether or not FF7 was just a messy story plot? ALERT. There will be FF7 Spoilers just in case you never played the 1997 version.
Erwin and I discuss the state of conventions. Are there too many? Conventionally, the more competition of cons, the better it'll be. But what does that mean for consumers? Going to cons isn't cheap, and if you have a variety of interests, it can put a pretty good dent on the wallet pocket. So at this point, is consolidation a net positive? We also bring back our segment, "What we hyped for?" Thanks for listening Reading Articles Is Comic-Con’s Era of Dominance Coming to an End? - Matt Singer Wizard World and Greenlit Bringing Esports to More Conventions in 2020 - Special to Gin Comic-Con 2019: Where Have All the Major Movie Studios Gone? - Chris Lee
Happy New Year! Erwin was in San Diego for the holidays, so he met up with JV to do a bonus? episode. Erwin and JV talk about ten things that shaped the last decade from technology, TV shows, and music. Happy New Year! Erwin was in San Diego for the holidays, so he met up with JV to do a bonus? Episode. Erwin and JV talk about ten things that shaped the last decade from technology, TV shows, and music.
We go in on China. Erwin and JV banter about China's influence on the global world both from an economic perspective and a cultural one. They talk about a myriad of topics from the NBA, to tech companies, to fucking Blizzard's President's non-apologetic apology. In the end, do people care? China delivers on what others don't want to do or can't afford to do. Instead of demonizing the country and their politics, perhaps there is something that the U.S. needs to change to combat China's economic rise (You know... like create affordable standards of living, etc. so outsourcing labor doesn't always need to be foreign...) Show Notes The raging controversy over the NBA, China, and the Hong Kong protests, explained by Matthew Yglesias Blizzard bans player for supporting Hong Kong protests: all the latest updates by The Verge Blizzard's President's statement at BlizzCon 2019
JV and Erwin talk about Mindful Consumption. Sometimes the things that are good for us cost a lot more. This is not saying that the more expensive something is, the "better" it is for you... cause it's not. Instead, your choices and purchases are a reflection of your morals and ethics. It's wrong to put down those who eat organic vs. conventional food or gas cars vs. electric cars. Just cause you do "nicer" things doesn't make you a good person.
Our first remote podcast! SAN x PDX but we still on the same coast... This episode JV asks Erwin about his move to Portland, re-socializing at 30, and what are the right signs to get up and dip out into a new area.
HEEEEREEEE WE GO FAMS. EP20. DIFFICULT TO PLEASE. TEAM ALL CAPS. TANGENTS. IMAGE YOU ARE AT YOUR HIPSTER COFFEE JOINT AND YOU OVER HERE ERWIN AND JV GOING ON TANGENTS. Shout out to Olibata. Shout out to Anchor.
JV and Erwin talk about being "too woke" and what does that mean? Is it being too educated or does it mean something entirely different? Or does JV just need to go to sleep and stop worrying about it. We have some more book recommendations for and OVER/UNDER IS BACK Y'ALL. Shout out to the Intro/Outro by Olibata.
S2E8! JV and Erwin piss off the hip-hop heads. Hip-hop is pop and pop is youth culture. The youths have have taken hip-hop on a different path, and no one gives a fuck about what the culture is now. Sorry purists. Erwin talks about how pop culture drives up the price of Supreme bogos and JV talks about streetwear's lost vibe. It’s economics fam. Intro/Outro by Olibata
S2E7! JV and Erwin talk about Alex Jones and gay trees— er gay frogs? The topic at hand is the responsibility of internet companies to their communities’ safety and access to freedom of speech. Erwin brings up Alex Jones’ dumb conspiracy theories, and JV talks about how Zucks and company need to grow up.
S2E6! JV and Erwin talk about being on Spotify and flex on the podcast. LOL. Their main topic is sports fandom, and the investment into it. Erwin brings up the ROI of being a fan, and JV talks about how fandom seeks into e-sports. THE ULTIMATE TIE-IN TO OUR E-SPORTS EP. Also sucks to be a San Diego fan. No over/under this time. Maybe we killed it? Articles mentioned: UC Berkeley: Cost of Being a Sports Fan Seth Godin: Why Do We Care About Football? (Being a part of a tribe)
Difficult to Please Season 2, Episode 5! We talk about the life post-Rhonawin wedding and then get into artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Erwin brings up AI because computers can beat humans in StarCraft, therefore robot takeover. They mention Kai-Fu Lee, the man pushing AI in China. JV breaks down what that means for the future like autonomous cars, universal basic income, and whack-ass Google glass (yeah erwin said it again). Also we shit on Supreme, as usual. Fucking bots.
Difficult to Please Season 2, EP 4! We talk about the world of e-sports and how folks are making money of playing video games. Erwin is really confused and conflicted on how e-sports makes so much money. JV knows wassup and helps break it down for him. E-Sports is the future.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
