Matchett and the Other Guy

Episode fifty-two of fifty-two; as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, even fave podcasts… The past twelve months have been quite the broadcasting adventure, and we're thankful for all our gentle listeners for sharing the oddity of the journey with us; joining us on the porch, along with assorted local (and vocal) wildlife, each and every week. With varied perspectives from both sides of the pond, we've touched on a truly diverse array of topics: music, first cars, television, movies, first jobs, vacations, museums, and much more - even a couple of daring episodes recorded in a smoke-filled kitchen. So, from Steve, Kevin, and John, we bid you farewell... for now. True, the podcast has completed its intended journey [albeit via an exceedingly rambling road - Ed] but, who knows, perhaps Matchett and the Other Guy will resurface in another dimension? And... on that wildly emotional cliffhanger, we say "stay tuned and stay well." Bye!   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Many films are well received by cinema audiences; some movies garner top honors at the Oscars. Then there are those sporadic offerings that appear destined to achieve cult status. True, some of these will never be considered cinematic masterpieces - indeed, several leave the masses scratching their heads in befuddled confusion - but all have struck a chord with a select collective whose ferver for them remains insatiable. Whether it's a weekly midnight showing, complete with a cast of costumed characters and assorted props, or but a single fan about to cue up their 100th viewing of a firm favorite, these are the enthusiasts who know every scene: every set, location, costume, and line of dialogue... every nuance from start to finish. Let's join Steve and Kevin as they delve into some of these not-as-well-known gems, in this the penultimate episode of Matchett and the Other Guy. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

The comics… the comic strips… the funnies… the funny papers… no matter what we call them, for generations they've been an entertaining part of morning coffee and leisurely Sunday afternoons. While many characters have come and gone, some have stayed to become legendary: a lasagna-loving cat; a penguin living amongst precocious elementary age lads; a cap-wearing chap headed to the pub; or a cast of childhood characters (and the world's most famous beagle) from the mind of Charles “Sparky” Schulz. Let's join Steve and Kevin as our two hosts open up the papers and see what's going on in their favorite strips. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

The unknown: the eternal foundation of our irrational fears... What could be lurking under the bed, listening to our every move? What could be hiding within the confines of the bedroom closet, silently watching, waiting in the darkness? For decades Movie Monsters have sent chills creeping up our spines. In bygone years, Universal provided us the iconic imagery of Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Then there are the truly larger-than-life cinematic monsters… King Kong stomping through the panicked gridlock of New York; Godzilla screaming and smashing through the high-rises of Tokyo. An oddity of the human condition: We are frightened by monsters and yet we love them in equal measure. And no matter your favorite, all are welcomed friends, as we sit in the dark, nibbling popcorn, peering out from behind the security of a blanket, eyes unavoidably drawn to the glowing screen. Time now to join Steve and Kevin as they discuss this week's topic, our hosts sitting amid the growing twilight on the banks of an eerily still lake… a slowly darkening setting in which hardly anything could possibly go wrong.    If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Commercials, they've become as much a part of our lives as our favorite television shows... indeed, some of them are better produced and more memorable than the very programs they're supporting. Who could ever forget growing up with Charmin's Mr. Whipple; the Tootsie Pop wise owl; and Mikey, with his bowl of Life cereal? Some ads have become special yearly events, only aired during football's annual extravaganza: Huge budgets, top-shelf talent, and remarkable writing all combine and vie for their share of this truly massive viewership. Technology moves on, but it seems the ads will always be with us - endless companies weaving endless messages, all working to get our attention… and our dollars. Time now to join Steve and Kevin as we review some of these small vignettes that have been such a big part of daily life. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Dads, pops, patriarchs... no matter the moniker, all fathers have unique styles of raising their offspring. While Ward Cleaver and Mike Brady set some interesting standards, few of us actually grew up with life's inevitable hurdles being instantly cleared with nothing but sage advice from a father figure, and with everything put to rights in under thirty minutes - the world of TV magic. Looking back, to days before fatherhood, many of our dads led remarkably interesting lives of their own, taking part in countless adventures before eventually settling down to family life. So, with all of this in mind, it's time to trade our painful wingtips for comfortable slippers, don our warmest cardigan, and push back into the most worn armchair as Steve and Kevin discuss growing up with their own dads, each based on opposite sides of the vast stretching waters of the Atlantic ocean.  If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

“Live from New York, it's Saturday night!” Seven words that have ushered in a weekly staple for over 45 years; and what began as a ragtag team affectionately known as “The Not Ready For Prime-Time Players” has continually evolved over the decades, growing to become an ever changing cast of hundreds of performers, each giving their all every Saturday night at 11:30pm sharp. Not only is the show an ongoing reflection of our evolving society, it has also created some of our most enduring pop culture icons, and while some cast members have come and gone quietly, others have shot to superstardom on the big screen and beyond. So, try to stay up late, as Kevin and Steve delve into this week's topic!  If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

It's a bird... it's a plane... no, it's this week's topic! Whether a brooding billionaire with a haunted past; an insecure teen with amazing powers, yet still having to cope with the swings of adolescent life; or a goodhearted alien living amongst us, superheroes have been a part of our culture for generations. The vast majority of these derring-do characters dwell within two distinct universes, the action-packed realms of DC and Marvel. While almost all began their careers as drawings on the pages of dime store comics, more and more of them have moved from 2D to 3D, now living large in blockbuster movies, Hollywood's superhero superstars. Quick! Into that telephone booth, to swiftly change into your alter-ego, as Steve and Kevin take on this larger-than-life page-turning subject.   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!  

Bond, James Bond... Nearly seventy years ago, writer Ian Fleming introduced the world to his most famous, iconic action hero. A decade later, Sean Connery portrayed the derring-do secret agent on the silver screen; with actors Lazenby, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan, and Craig taking on the challenge throughout the following years. Bond's extensive skillset and gritty determination notwithstanding, his numerous world-saving missions could only be successful with the unflagging assistance of M, Q, Miss Moneypenny, and his American connection, CIA agent Felix Leiter. And then there are the gadgets, oh those remarkable gadgets! So, glimpsing the specter of this week's high-energy topic, we urge you not to engage the ejector seat rockets just yet... rather, mix a martini (shaken, not stirred), and sit back with Steve and Kevin as two our hosts discuss the most universally known fictional spy in the game of international espionage.   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

"I want my MTV!" It was the mantra of the young generation in the early '80s... change was on the horizon but no one could have predicted the impact it would have on all of us. Soon the collective voices were heard, and the likes of Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Bow Wow Wow, David Bowie, and an ever-growing list of others were joining us in our living rooms twenty-four hours a day. At the helm of this voyage were the five original VJs -  Mark, Martha, J.J., Nina, and Alan. Let's join them once again as we look back on this ambitious upstart channel that forever altered the landscape of music-video entertainment.   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

DIY: three little letters that instill feelings of  hope, excitement, and inspiration in some - an overwhelming sense of fear and trepidation in others. In either case, people tackling their own do-it-yourself projects have never been more popular. Ranging from a simple turn of the flat-blade screwdriver, to full scale, multi-step jobs, many folks are finding their initial inspiration on home improvement television shows; these thrilling ideas followed up with how-to instructional videos via YouTube. Well, be it a good idea or a bad idea, it's time to tighten our tool belts, don our safety glasses, and give this week's rather unstable topic a solid swing of the mighty sledgehammer. After all, with our two hosts Kevin and Steve in control of the work area, what could possibly go wrong?   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Museums... Reflections of society; the repositories of our collective culture - be them the vastness of the Smithsonian's endless archives, or but a tiny collection housed within a single room, they all represent carefully curated centers of our varied interests and passions. No matter the chosen subject - somewhere on this tiny spinning blue marble of ours - there is housed a museum dedicated to it. As visitors to these intriguing halls of learning, we can always count on leaving with more knowledgeable than when we entered. And, with this as our loose subject of exploration, it's now time to open the front doors and venture [with more than a little trepidation - Ed] into the rather dusty halls and galleries that serve as our two hosts' museum of unreliable memory recall.   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!  

The coming together of nations in the spirit of competition. What started in Olympia, Greece later became the organized modern games we know today 125 years ago. Many of sporting's greatest moments have come from these gatherings throughout the world. What are your favorites? Which have awed and inspired? Lets ignite the cauldron on this topic as Steve and Kevin look back on the games, athletes, and experiences that have stayed with us over the decades. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Marco Polo… Sharks & Minnows… Kick the Can… all games evoking summer memories of local pools, backyard lawns and fresh cut grass, all while keeping ourselves hydrated from the nearest garden hose. It was summer activities like these (whether traditional games or simple invented fun) that kept us entertained - and we needed to be entertained for endless hours because Mom had no intention of allowing us back inside until dinnertime arrived. This summer sun bonding with the kids in our “hood” cemented many of our friendships of youth - and talking of friendships, let's get this week's discussion with Steve and Kevin underway, before the street lights begin to flicker alive, and we need to be heading back home, if we know what's good for us! If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Clack!… clack!… clack!... that telltale mechanical sound beneath our feet that stirs the butterflies of excitement deep inside. Not that we're given long to dwell on things; already the front of the coaster is over the peak and we're whipping down this next terrifying descent at warp speed! Amusement parks: those fabricated fantasy lands where we willingly exchange our hard earned cash to be spun, twirled, flipped, and thrown about like rag dolls. And that's the fun part, often achieved only after shuffling through endless switchback lines, seemingly waiting for hours on end, with everyone in our group quite certain that folks must be cutting in ahead of us, just around the next bend. Well, amused by them or not, these ever growing theme parks remain a top destination for young and old alike. And so, as we near the start of this week's thrilling ride of podcast excellence, it's time to gulp down the last of our giant pretzels and frozen lemonade, as we prepare ourselves to brave this soaring [though extremely rickety - Ed] ride all the way to the top! If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!  

Quite possibly the two most glorious words of the entire school year: Field trip! Really, was there anything better than rolling off campus knowing we were going to be away from the classroom... all day? Staple destinations of these thrilling ventures were often local zoos, museums, and planetariums but, once in a blue moon, there were other truly special outings, events leaving warm memories to last a lifetime. And with these reflections in mind, it's time to pack a brown bag lunch (complete with your name scribbled in black marker), load up the busses, and join Kevin and Steve, as together the class of 'Matchett and the Other Guy' head out into the wild blue yonder. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

The lights go down... the curtain rises... the show is about to begin. There is something simply magical in attending a live performance, a revered play or a modern musical. From ghostly hauntings on remote moorland islands; to the song-filled prisons of the roaring twenties; from renowned ballet troupes, whose dancers float with unequalled grace across the stage; to powerful opera arias, where strong voices carry passion and emotion to every corner of the theater - any of these stage performances promises to carry us away, to different times and faraway lands. These talented professionals have given their all to their chosen art, have ceaselessly honed their craft... and are gracious enough to share their talent with us; a bond with their awed audience. So, before the lights come back up, returning us to the starkness of reality, let's take a few minutes to enjoy our hosts' [clearly less than - Ed.] Shakespearian storytelling abilities in this week's discussion on the grand majesty of the live stage. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!  

Flora and Fauna... well fauna anyway. Whether home is urban or rural, a rough hewn cabin or a well-appointed apartment, our friends from the animal kingdom are always popping by to visit. Some of these uninvited guests are genuinely endearing, and we warmly welcome their scampering antics as they search for food and water; others not so much… and many generations have strived to perfect methods of keeping these various garden nibblers and hole diggers at bay. Be them cute or conniving, however, we have no option but to share our world with these near innumerable “critters” (as the Clampetts might say). And so, as we once again find ourselves sitting on the porch, pondering life, lets join Steve and Kevin - and more than a few grumpy geese - as our hosts discuss some of our furry/feathered friends. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

When perusing the pages of the family photo album - looking back at our emerging youth - the often heard plaintive cry is: "What on earth was I wearing!" For better or worse these funny, cringe-worthy moments are forever frozen in time for our future generations to enjoy… Grown-ups dressed our very early days, then, fortunately, we gained identity, personality and opinions; even given limited freedom to influence our own wardrobe choices. A brave new world. Inevitably there were some coveted must-have items: expensive brands, outfits and accessories which our parents had absolutely no intention of indulging. That said, even given these inevitable budget limitations, the reality of living in the real world, we still found a way to forge our individual styles. Sure, with the benefit of hindsight, some of our early style choices left much to be desired - but at the time we remained thoroughly convinced that we were staying sharp, looking good. Time now to join our podcast's very own aspiring fashion gurus, Steve and Kevin, as our two [definitely not so well-dressed - Ed.] hosts venture to the deepest depths of their own closets, where they might just unearth things infinitely more terrifying than mere undressed skeletons. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

It's often suggested that laughter is the best medicine... well, if that's the case, then comedians must be our go-to healers. With their first stand-up routines limited to dingy small clubs, a select few talented performers have perfected their craft, swiftly ascending the career ladder with endless acclaimed tours in sold-out arenas. An even smaller number have managed the move from stage to screen: central figures in their own television shows or Hollywood films. At any level of personal success, their aim is to make us chuckle, to create laughter even in the most dire of times. And so, in this week's episode, let's leave our troubles at the comedy club door and join Kevin and Steve as we explore something of these curious entertainers - those misfit troupers set on turning our slight smiles into full-on belly laughs.   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Sometimes, it’s those pleasant surprises we couldn’t see coming that help to keep life interesting. What makes them extra sweet, however, is their unexpected nature. Often they begin as something we have no interest in, something we don't want to do, something we don't want to attend, something we don't want to have any part of… but, in the end, the unknowable forces of fate and fortune unite to make them fond memories we cherish forever. Maybe it was a “Hey, I’ve got an extra ticket,” moment; an unscheduled last minute change in plans; or perhaps it was being assigned a task that initially filled us with dread and trepidation. We start out under brooding skies only for the weather to change for the better. Time now to join our two hosts, Kevin and Steve on the banks of Lake Wylie as they ponder some of these curious events, reminiscing on times when the initial outlook wasn’t so bright, but the sunshine came through to save the day. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

As the saying goes... All good things must come to an end. Alas, this is true for even our most beloved shows. Some have run their course, others may fall victim to the network suits, and a few just no longer have the staying power they one enjoyed. Often, the pressure’s on when producing that final episode... how will it wrap up the character’s stories? How will the viewer come away? Will the possibility of a return be possible? Through the decades, some have become the stuff of TV legend, with one still retaining the largest viewership on record. Another gritty drama series may continue to divide fans on the validity of it’s very final moment. Let’s grab the remote, tune in, and start at a very unusual point... the end. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

The gleeful ring of the last bell… of the last period… on the last day of the school year… School's out for summer! The much longed for vacation time has arrived: those precious few weeks away from the halls of academia; warm days stretching deep into the late twilight of dusky nights. Some folks spent their afternoons staying cool, splashing and swimming in lakes or local pools. For others, it was a time away from home, adventures spent fighting through mosquitos and poison ivy at sleep-away summer camps. Another alternative endured by many: the annual family road trip, an automotive outing complete with all the potential mishaps guaranteed to make even the Griswolds cringe. Then there were the more industrious amongst us, those precocious entrepreneurs who covered endless straight-line miles pushing a lawn mower ever closer towards a financial goal. No matter how we spent our summer breaks they were all important to us, mostly lodged in memory as good times. So, with this topic as our starting point, it's time to turn in your books, empty out your locker, and let Steve and Kevin carry us back to those coveted carefree days of youth. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

For many, our love of books goes back further than we care to remember… little fingers turning the thick pages of The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Harry the Dirty Dog, a hundred other fun-filled titles; as inquisitive toddlers we likely held these books upside down, mostly. Perhaps, in later life, our reading choices were based on our growing interests, or volumes from a list of enduring classics assigned by our English teacher. Whatever our reason for reading: pleasure, education, or pure escape from reality, our literary journeys guide us, they help to form our wider awareness of the world. Our chosen genres are near limitless: some of us are engrossed in historical writings, biographies of the good and the great; others prefer fiction, some enjoying the chilling thrill of fictional mystery, while others long to be held tenderly by the yielding pages of a loving romance. Time now to settle in and join Steve and Kevin as they open the book on this week's topic. Oh, and as this is an audio adventure, there's no reading glasses required.   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Although we are extremely diverse in the scale of our various languages, as a species we all manage to communicate with one another. It is a complex business, no question, for all languages are awash with a multitude of minute inflections, varying accents and regional dialects. Indeed, things can be confusing even when two folks are speaking in the same tongue; as the quotation widely attributed to George Bernard Shaw has it: “England and America, two countries separated by a common language!” And, as we sit back with our two talkative hosts to delve into this week's fascinating topic, you might be enjoying a cool soda... or is that a bottle of pop? Perhaps you're snacking on a bag of chips... or are those crisps? In all events, let's do our best to find common ground as Kevin and Steve attempt to convey their often not-so-complicated ideas with us, and we patiently attempt to translate their words into cohesive thoughts.   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

None of us want 'em, but we all have 'em… injuries that is. We've all had our fair share of oopsie-daisy moments: an unavoidable facet of growing up and living in the real world. Perhaps they're the result of mere innocent accidents or, possibly, [infinitely more likely? - Ed] they're the inevitable conclusion of ill-conceived endeavors initiated with the clear clarion call of “hey, watch this!” The majority of our cuts, bruises and gravel rashes will eventually fade - the healing property of time - but the stories of how we won our lasting battle scars, these tend to stay colorfully fresh, vivid in memory; be them proud tales of bravado and derring-do or quiet recollections of wounded pride and regret. And, although it may well be tempting fate to do so, it's now time to join our fearless duo as they ponder their past, recalling those moments when sensible decision making may not have been at top level. Fingers crossed...   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

They were the opening steps of our own musical journeys... whether rock, country, folk, or any other genre, those first albums played a significant role in forging our unique interests; taking us further down our desired roads of exploration. Technology moves on, of course, and in many ways these fragile vinyl records are now part of a bygone era - well-thumbed curios of antique store boxes - but who can ever forget the experience of hearing those thrilling chords for the first time, listening to fave tracks over and over again while perusing every detail of the album's cover art, reading and rereading the liner notes; perhaps discovering other hidden treasures slipped inside an LP's protective sleeve? So, let’s set the speed of this discussion to 33 1/3 rpm, drop the needle, and listen in as Steve and Kevin carry us off and away down this particularly melodious memory lane. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Whether enjoying the ripple-free surface of a tranquil lake or the undulating chop of a windy ocean, a boat is surely handy when venturing from dry land. There are numerous ways to enjoy the water with the benefit of buoyancy. Some enjoy a leisurely cruise and a suntan; others are steely focused, intent on catching a string of fish for the campfire skillet. Then there are the adrenaline junkies, the skiers and wakeboarders, the fans of extreme water sports. With this as our point of departure, let’s cast off the lines, give our hosts a push in the right direction, and head away from the dock for this week's discussion... and hope that no bailing is required. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Dating back to the earliest of times, myriad cultures have labored over the delicate craft of brewing, fermenting, distilling and aging. Whether a simple frothy beer or a robust ale; a complex wine from the finest, nurtured vines; or a heady shot from a litany of diverse spirits, all these alcoholic drinks have their devoted connoisseurs. Often it’s not the pour itself that matters, but rather the fellowship shared between those who have gathered to enjoy the experience: A simple meet-up at the local pub; a group of friends in a small backyard; perhaps a grand wedding or any other festive occasion. The reason for this week's celebration matters not - we are here, gathered together, and that is all that really matters - so grab a glass of your favorite tipple and join our two hosts for a discussion which will, hopefully, mature like a case of fine, carefully cellared Bordeaux. Cheers! If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Following rave reviews for their groundbreaking "Makin' Soup" episode, our two permanently optimistic hosts return to their overly indulgent kitchen for more back-by-popular-demand cooking exploits. This time around our brace of aspiring chefs turn their attention to meatloaf; a timeless icon of the American dinner table. So, come along and join in the fun - albeit from a suitably safe distance - as Steve and Kevin gather together both wits and ingredients and, once again, chop, dice, mix, glaze and bake their way to what promises to be yet more unheralded mealtime glory. After all, with these two in charge, what could possibly go wrong? If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Hobbies and pastimes: activities and interests to which we willingly devote our free time, energy, and resources. Often in contrast to our daily tasks, our regular nine-to-five work assignments, the diverse array of hobbies we all explore promise more than a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, they also offer the tantalizing allure of inner calm; a time of peaceful relaxation. Outdoor pursuits, indoor pursuits; whether with an impassioned cry of “the hunt is on!” from an avid collector of rare stamps, or the whispered brushstrokes of a watercolor artist; whether we choose to carve wood, or simply walk in the woods, our hobbies and pastimes are precious to us all. So, with that as our starting point for conversation, let's join Kevin and Steve to see where our recreational proclivities may take us...   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

They sparkle on both the silver screen and the television screen; some have entertained us from our earliest days, others are more recent arrivals in our lives. Throughout the decades, the glittering star power of actors and actresses have brought gripping stories, iconic characters to life. Granted, not all of these dutiful troupers are A-list celebrities, nor were they born to be, their individual careers built on playing endless supporting roles… but a select few have grown in box office worth and body of work to become true Hollywood legends. Time now to join Steve and Kevin - our two hosts sitting in their canvas backed directors' chairs perched on the banks of lake Wylie - as we all take a short break from the pressures of our day to ponder something of movie making's eye catching above-the-line employees. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

When a road trip simply won't do: either the distance between departure and destination is enormous, or because a vast expanse of water stands unabashed before us. Cue the airport… and another rite of passage, the first time we thunder down a runway before soaring upwards into the wild blue yonder. The joys of the airplane, and while some of us take but the occasional flight of pleasure, others must endure the endless soul-destroying slog of business travel, often crouched in the wrong end of the plane. Another option: a sail on the high seas. Not as fast as air transport, no question, but there is an undeniable element of romance and mystique aboard a transatlantic liner; a more stately alternative where the pleasure of a lengthy crossing often outweighs the importance of the eventual destination. As the old saying has it: sometimes it is better to journey than to arrive. And so, gentle listener, time now to join our two hosts as they sit contentedly (and for the most part stationary) on Steve's lakeside porch, the pair of them discussing unique travel experiences... the good trips, the bad trips, and, naturally, the many, many ugly trips.   If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Science Fiction… arguably the most popular of all entertainment genres - an unstoppable force, one with fervent legions of dedicated enthusiasts around the globe (and maybe countless worlds beyond). Which books, television shows, and movies have sparked your interest? Which series have you followed with meticulous attention throughout your life? Our two hosts will try their hardest not to ignite the decades old powder keg debate of “Star Trek vs. Star Wars”, but a lively discussion on all that's had a lasting impact on their fertile imaginations is a guarantee… after all, we cannot alter the laws of physics (or those of Steve and Kevin's podcasts), so sit back, strap in, set phasers to entertain, and let this light-speed journey amongst the stars transport you far, far away. [Editor's note: No puns were harmed in the making of this synopsis.]  If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

School days, school days, dear old Golden Rule days.... Ah, those precious childhood memories of elementary classrooms, gymnasiums, cafeterias, and playgrounds. A relatively brief period of our lives but one in which many of our first (and sometimes longest lasting) friendships began. Later, it was Friday night football games, dances, summer breaks, and walking across the stage in cap and gown. At least, that was Kevin's experience of early education, growing up in the US. Meanwhile, Steve's own schooldays in England… hmmm, not so much. In any event, regardless of which side of the Atlantic you attended class, it's time to spend some quiet study time with our two genial hosts, so grab your books, borrow an eraser, and find your seat before the late-bell rings. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

When all goes right, a Formula 1 pit stop is a symphony of perfection, with its beats measured in milliseconds; a synergy of tasks coming together with a singular focus… to return the car and its driver back to the track faster than the competition. What happens when even the smallest element of this orchestrated ballet goes awry, one tiny misstep upsetting the rehearsed flow? Pull up a chair and join us at the lake as Steve offers firsthand accounts of his experiences - the good, the bad, and the ugly - including his vivid, intense descriptions of what is arguably the most dramatic pit lane accident in Grand Prix history: Benetton's explosive 1994 fuel fire, in Hockenheim, Germany.If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

A teenage rite of passage... a foray into true independence... a reflection of the times. Whether it be a tire-blistering muscle car, a foreign econobox, a raised 4x4, or maybe even grandma’s passed-down land yacht, we will never forget our first rides. All of them are as unique, as diverse as ourselves. So, with freshly laminated license in hand, let’s turn the key - hope for the motor to bark (or yelp) a response - snick the lever into “D”... and hit the road on this fun journey down memory lane!If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

You weave... you wobble... but you're doing it, you're riding without the training wheels! From that first exhilarating moment, the ability to explore your world has now been vastly expanded. Bicycles allow us that first taste of true freedom... to ride with friends, learn basic mechanical techniques, and reach new exciting destinations (well, within our parent's limits anyway). Later, we may employ them for leisure, commuting, sport, and health. In any case, our bikes are often a great part of growing up and beyond.If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

They share our homes... they share our time... they share our families. Whether furry, feathered, scaly, or other, pets certainly can be an important part of our lives both past and present. While we surely won’t resolve the ongoing “cat people vs. dog people” debate, we can reflect on personal experiences with our own four-legged companions. So let’s don a jacket, grab the leash, and go for a walkie down this lane of conversation.If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Join Steve and Kevin in previously uncharted territory... the kitchen... as our two hosts attempt to make a homemade chicken soup from scratch. Inspired by Steve's beloved neighbor in France, Madame Fauconnet, this staple of warming comfort foods is simply perfect for these cold wintry days - assuming, of course, they can pull it off. Fingers crossed. So, lets grab an apron, start the pot boiling, chop the ingredients, and see exactly where this curious culinary journey takes us! If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

A right of passage of which we all have stories to tell. Was it flipping burgers at a huge national chain? Lugging boxes in a sweltering warehouse over the summer break? Maybe tearing tickets at the local mutli-plex? As diverse as they can be, all of our first jobs are ingrained in our memories and may have even led directly to where we are now. So, let’s put on our name tags, punch the time clock, and jump right in.If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at contact@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Join us at the lake, as Steve reminisces on his unique childhood experiences of growing up in a remote English country house; a rambling (near empty) manor home set amid vast acres of green woodland. As a young boy given unlimited run of this magical Narnia-esque landscape - the formal grounds and manicured lawns of the manor house itself, with its walled Victorian gardens and vast greenhouses; the carriage houses and courtyard stables; an oak paneled library, shelved floor-to-ceiling with precious leather-bound volumes; unending miles of creaking dusty attics filled with boxed treasures - all these truly incredible playgrounds of Steve's childhood helped to fuel and develop a wonderfully creative imagination. Precious young years leading to a lifelong appreciation of classic literature. Mystical days seeding his own future: a career of best-selling achievements with pen and paper; his lifelong delight in creating his own highly atmospheric series of stories. It all started right here...If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at admin@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Who doesn’t love the thrill of a discovery? Perhaps it was something unique, found off the beaten track with no idea of how it got there? Maybe it was that quirky one-of-a-kind item quietly tucked away on the dusty top shelf of a thrift store; or a true treasure found hiding at the bottom of a defeated cardboard box amid a garage sale? Sometimes these chance discoveries will (quite literally) cross our path: a wayward banknote, perhaps, found by our looking down at the perfect opportune moment; a dropped dollar bill longing to be rescued from a rainy sidewalk. Whether we are seasoned hunters of the antique trade, or those of us merely graced with favorable luck, these occasional unexpected finds always excite us, never failing to keep life interesting! If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at admin@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Whether the staple dish Mom made for you regularly as a child, or a culinary delight from your favorite restaurant, food unites all of us worldwide; yet the diversity of these different dishes is near immeasurable. Food is indeed an essential element of life, and dining is something we all take part in daily: anything from a simple sandwich on the fly, to the lavish banquet of a spectacular celebration. And so, with this tasty topic in mind, let’s grab our knife and fork, unfold a napkin, and dig in with our two hungry hosts, Kevin and Steve!If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at admin@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

‘Tis the season... that wonderful time of the year when the halls are decked, a multitude of lights shine and twinkle, and we drag a part of the forest directly into our living room and cover it base to tip with baubles and tinsel. Take a break from the hustle and bustle, sit back with a warm gingerbread cookie, sip some egg nog, and join Steve and Kevin as they reflect on Christmas traditions both here in America and across the pond.If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at admin@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

The theaters of international motorsport: Whether a state-of-the-art technical track built in the far east, or one knocked together with weaving public streets, tucked within the tight confines of a “small fishing village” - albeit one standing adjacent the glittering Cote d'Azure waters of the Mediterranean - each has its own unique set of challenges, its own defining characteristics, its own truly diverse array of passionate race fans. Let's join Kevin and Steve as they compare and contrast their own experiences at some of these wonderfully compelling locations - and, who knows, sometimes their engaging, entirely unscripted conversation may even stay on track... If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at admin@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

Those dependable staples of childhood: toys that reflected the culture of the times; playthings which carried us away to fantastic adventures in faraway lands of the imagination - along the way making memories to last us a lifetime. Was it that wonderful present that Santa miraculously made appear beneath the tree on Christmas morning? Perhaps it was that wide-eyed moment of surprise, when we ripped away the wrapping paper of an unexpected birthday gift? Possibly it was a longed-for treasure, one for which we had scrimped and saved every penny to obtain. Whichever the case, the toys of our childhood earned a special place in our hearts; they are a part of our past, and a very precious chosen few of them have stayed with us, steadfastly remaining to secure a special position of honor on our collector shelves. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at admin@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

 Whether actively participating, or coaching from the comfort of the recliner, it’s undeniable that sports are a big part of society worldwide. When playing with a team, is it the crack of the bat; the arc of the kick; or the swish of the net, the scored goal that so inspires us? Maybe our personal sporting indulgence is something more independent: landing the long jump; the achievement of a personal best time; the perfect swing and sweet-spot contact of the golf club? One thing is certain, throughout the past ages and far into the future, sports have formed - and will continue to form - an intrinsic part of our collective identity. Pull up a chair, and let's join Steve and Kevin as they “kick off” this passionate discussion.If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at admin@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

This is truly an age in which the world has grown much smaller, with multiple avenues of online communication allowing us to stay in touch with family and friends. In this era of electronic arts, has the simple act of putting pen to paper, scripting a handwritten letter, now faded to become something of a lost art? Do you remember a time when a long-distance telephone call was not merely an exciting event, it was an unabashed luxury experience? And with increasingly more vacation plans involving air travel, what has become of the famed family road trip? Let’s join Steve and Kevin on the tranquil banks of Lake Wylie, as they ponder all of this and much more besides.If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at admin@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!

A defining moment of youth: that first time you watched a band or singer perform in concert. The excitement, the electricity of the crowd, that magical moment when the lights went down and the music soared upwards. Whether it was an event starring one of your favorites bands - or possibly an evening when you found yourself dragged along by your parents, as they relived their own era -  either way, it was, most likely, the launching point to a long line of great live musical experiences... and many priceless memories. If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at admin@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app! 

Which evergreen TV shows transport you back to those early Saturday mornings of childhood; those precious weekday hours between being dropped off by the school bus and the inevitable call to the dinner table? Pull on your favorite character pajamas, pour yourself a big bowl of sugary cereal, plonk down on the couch, and join Steve and Kevin as they delve back into those golden memories of bygone days.If you would like to leave feedback, please email us at admin@matchettandtheotherguy.com or rate our episode on your favorite podcasting app!