Men in Gorilla Suits

The Gorillamen asked ChatGPT to write the intro to this episode about artificial intelligence... "Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the field of computer science and engineering that deals with creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. AI involves the development of algorithms and computer programs that can learn from data and experiences, and adapt and improve their performance over time. AI techniques include machine learning, natural language processing, deep learning, computer vision, and robotics, among others. AI has the potential to revolutionize many areas of our lives, including healthcare, education, transportation, and entertainment, among others. However, as with any technology, AI also raises ethical and societal concerns, such as job displacement, bias, privacy, and safety." To find out where we stand, give this episode a listen! What is your first memory of artificial intelligence? Have you used any AI technology? Do you have any qualms or reservations about AI technology? If so, what? What's your opinion on AI programs that generate fiction and art? Would you ever appreciate AI art (visual art, books, movies, or other things) in the same way you appreciate what humans make? What's the coolest use for AI technology you've heard about? Do you think people are overhyping AI technology or being overly critical of it? In what ways do you think AI will change the way we live? Do you trust AI technology? How long do you think it will be before we see AI replacing white-collar workers? If you could create an AI, what would it be and why? What is the future of artificial intelligence?

We've discussed control before, but it's fun revisiting a topic (and throwing in some new points of discussion). Here's what was discussed: What is the first time you realized someone was trying to exert control over you? Have you ever tried to control anyone else? Why do people feel the need to control others? What systems of control are obvious? Which ones are less obvious? Who has control over you? To what extent? How do we free ourselves of outside control? Can we even do that? What's the most insidious system of control? What is the future of control?

Pull up a stump and gather round, for I will speak to you now about the Gorillamen... Some say they escaped...wherever it is they once were. Sightings are frequent: in the beginning, weekly. In time, they were seen and heard every other week. Now, they sometimes have a couple sightings a month, but at times we all wonder if they will ever come back. They always do... Somewhere it is written that the Gorillamen met while working for a large finance company, two apes-made-good writing mortgage procedures to [hopefully] prevent unfair practices. It is not likely their work changed much, but it was clearly meant to be...because on February 7, 2013, they crowded around a microphone not-at-all suited for podcasting and...they started a podcast anyway! Now, ten years later, they are still on the run; still being sighted; and sometimes...even heard spreading their own ape-branded philosophy and humor at least they find funny. To say they are another two-guys-with-microphones podcast is true, but it is also false. Over the years, sure...they have wandered off topic, but they are apes speaking with purpose, too. They have talked about some of the dumbest things during the last decade, but they have talked about important things, too. Sometimes they get things wrong, and maybe that's the beauty of the show: they have talked enough that you can see they are on the right side of history -- never afraid of admitting when one of their takes on an issue was off. Apes striving to be better... If nothing else, they did what they set out to do: start a podcast when no one else they knew was willing to give it a go. And if you listen to the wind just right, you'll hear their frequency echo like a voice whispering, "Chill the fuck out...and make the damn thing..." Here's what they talk about this time around... What's your first memory of Men in Gorilla Suits? Aside from starting Men in Gorilla Suits, what else was going on in your life ten years ago? Has Men in Gorilla Suits opened any doors for you in the last ten years? What's the best thing that happened in your last ten years? What's the worst thing that happened in your last ten years? What are you most proud of doing in the last ten years? What do you wish you had done differently in the last ten years? Let's not keep focusing on the past ten years: what do you feel was the most formidable decade in your life? What was your favorite decade in your life? What was the worst decade in your life? If you could live through any point in history for 10 years (with a guarantee you'd survive), what would it be? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Pew Pew Pew!!! "You'll never take mah gunz, Mistah Gov'mint!!!" Pew Pew Pew!!! Other gun owners aren't that ridiculous. This time around, we talk about them both as...we talk about guns. Specifically: What was your first experience with guns? Have you ever fired a gun?  Do you own a gun? Why or why not? Have you ever, or would you ever? Under what circumstances? Is America obsessed with guns? What's the worst gun-culture thing you've seen? Is American gun policy good? Does it do enough? Do you think people should be able to own guns? What the future of guns?

If you've ever been around sports, loved an entertainment franchise, or been on the Internet, you've likely seen toxic fans. This time around, the Gorillamen talk about toxic fandom -- specifically: When did you first become aware of toxic fandom? Fans of things have always been opinionated—some, even toxic. What do you think has contributed to the rise in toxic fandom? Why do you think some fans of things are toxic? Have you ever been a toxic fan of something? What do you think is the most toxic of all fandoms? What are some of your own experiences of dealing with toxic fandom? Has toxic fandom taken the edge off of something you've enjoyed? We're mostly talking about pop culture, but what are some other things where you see toxic fans? What affect (if any) do you feel toxic fandom has had on industries…or even society? How do you avoid toxic fans of things? What is the future of toxic fandom?

So...it's been a while... Months in fact... But we're back! If you want to find out what we did during our hiatus, here's a peek at what's discussed on this, our return episode! * * * The last "normal" episode we put out was May 21. What was going on in your life in late spring/early summer? What bad things happened on our break? This is the first time we've put the show on hiatus. What were your feelings around that? What good things happened for you during our break? Did you learn anything new or cool? What new obsessions have you developed (books, films, etc)? Do you feel like you changed at all in the four or so months we didn't record? What's the future of Men in Gorilla Suits?

So...finally...the lost episode. Gorilla Christopher apologizes for losing his side of the original recording and then...all the wackiness that followed. But...he re-recorded his side of the show and pieced it all together. It's more to the point because to match up cross-talk would have taken a lot of time. So it's pretty much, "Hey: here's a question!" and then Gorilla Shawn's answer and then Gorilla Christopher. Here's what was discussed: When did you first start contemplating things? (And what did you contemplate?) How important is contemplation to you? (And why?) How important do you feel contemplation is to a society? (And why?) What is the last bigger thing you contemplated? How has contemplation made your life better? Is there a downside to being contemplative? Are we very contemplative in the U.S.? Is it better to be contemplative or active? What's the strangest thing you've contemplated? For someone wanting to be more contemplative, what advice would you give them? What is the future of contemplation?

So...it's been a while. We're still alive and still doing our things...we just haven't been recording Men in Gorilla Suits. The quick version is: Chris lost his side of a recording, we both got sick, and this summer in Texas has really sucked. But if you want to know more, you can listen to Gorilla Christopher's husky COVID voice for five minutes as he catches listeners up on the Gorilla Men's whereabouts... * * * Gorilla Photo: Valentin Jorel.

So...uhm...Gorilla Christopher was all set up to record, but...he didn't set up his MacBook audio settings to look for his audio interface and microphone. So...the laptop mic picked up sound, meaning...Christopher's sound is pretty shoddy this episode. But...it's kinda fitting. As the older Gen-X member of the GorillaMen, just pretend he's recording this episode from the late 80s/early 90s, totally hosed and sitting on the floor of a friends' apartment where he often crashed. That said, this is what is discussed: When's the first time you heard of Generation X? Do you consider yourself Gen X? What is the range for Gen X? What are the stereotypes about Gen X? Are they accurate? Is Gen X “the forgotten generation?” What's the best part about Gen X? What's the worst part? What concerns you as Generation X ages closer to retirement? What was the great potential of Generation X? Did they fulfill it? What should Gen x's role be in society? What's the future of Generation X?

    This time around, the Gorillamen talk about...breakfast. Specifically: What is the first breakfast you specifically remember eating? Do you regularly eat breakfast? Do you believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Why or why not? What is your favorite breakfast? Do you have a daily go-to breakfast? What is your all- time favorite breakfast experience? What's your favorite breakfast spot? What do you feel is the appeal to going out for breakfast or brunch? Did you (or do you) have a favorite breakfast cereal? What is the weirdest breakfast you (or someone you know) has eaten? What is the last breakfast you've eaten? What is the future of breakfast?

We've talked about death and other things surrounding this topic, but never focused solely on the afterlife. Now we have...specifically, these points: When was the first time you were introduced to the concept of the afterlife? Which afterlife was it? Do you believe in the afterlife? Why or why not? Why do you think people take comfort in the idea of life after death? Do you think that idea is comforting? Have you ever had a near-death experience? Which would be the best (fictional or religious, which you could argue are in the same category) afterlife? The worst? What do you think will happen after you die? What's the future of the afterlife? And a shameless plug for a story Chris mentions in this episode: A Deathly Mistake.

This time around, the Gorillamen discuss these finer points about processed foods: What is the first processed food you remember eating? What is the last processed food you've eaten? What, to you, constitutes a processed food? How easy is it to avoid processed foods? Is there a time in your life when you noticed a boom in process foods? If so, what caused it? How often do you eat processed foods? What is your favorite processed food? What is your least favorite processed food? Are processed foods inherently unhealthy? There seems to be a campaign where vegan processed food is concerned that it's unnatural and unhealthy. What are your thoughts on vegan processed foods? What are some benefits of processed foods? What is the future of processed foods?

This time, it's all about U.S. drug policy: When were you first exposed to the concept of illegal drugs? How soon after that were you exposed to anti-drug messaging? Was the War on Drugs a success in any way? What do you think of America's current policy dealing with illegal drugs? Do you think employers should be able to drug test? Should marijuana be legal? What about “harder” drugs like meth or heroin? What's the ideal drug policy? What's the future of legal/illegal drugs? * * * Photo: GRAS GRÜN

Jim Croce wrote one of the best lines about the human struggle against time: "But there never seems to be enough time To do the things you want to do once you find them." This time around, the Gorillamen talk about making time for the things they love...and how they deal with time spent doing things they'd rather not do. Specifically, these points: When did you first encounter the concept of taking time with something? In any given week, how hurried do you feel? How important is taking time/claiming time to you (whether it's in the work you do or just chilling)? What are your favorite things to do with the time you have? In general, do you think people in the U.S. use their time well? What role does work and technology play in how people in how we spend our time? Is the concept of having free time a thing of the past? Is having time a privilege? What things would you add to your life if you had more time? What media (songs, books, movies, TV, whatever) are good examples of taking one's time with something. What is the future of taking time with things?

Come along if you dare as the Gorillamen go deep into a journey to the center of their minds... They ponder these things: When's the first time you remember thinking about thinking? When's the first time you had a conversation with yourself? What was the first thing you realized you needed to change based on introspection? How much time do you spend in your own head? Do you consider yourself to be an introspective person? Do you ever take a deep dive into your own mind? How often do you self-check? Do you think we live in an introspective society? What's the future of introspection?

From somber documentaries about the struggles of the wilds to, "Crikey! We're gonna wind up some animals for your viewing amusement, mate! Why's this cobra so mad...all I'm doing is dragging it around by its tail!" -- nature documentaries and programs are a viewing staple. This time, the Gorillamen talk about them...specifically: What's the first nature program you remember seeing? How did--or even has--nature programing affected your life? How important do you think nature programming is? What are some of your favorite nature shows or movies (or books...whatever)? Who is your favorite person involved in nature programming? What's one nature show that doesn't exist that you'd love to see? Have you encountered nature programming that skewed things in its favor to force a point? What was it? How has the Internet affected nature programming? All right...the Internet thing is a gimme. So, how has cable affected nature programming? Have you ever signed up for a channel or service for its nature programming? If Men in Gorilla Suits were to dedicate an episode to an animal or cause, what would you choose? What is the future of nature programming?

There is no better episode of Men in Gorilla Suits than this one! This is the perfect episode... We could stop now and call it quits... But we are imperfect Gorillamen still chasing a thing that can never be captured. And so...we talk about these things this time around... What's the first thing you heard described as perfect? What was your first concept of perfection? Did you ever strive for perfection when you were younger? How about now? Is there anything you do perfectly? Anything you wish you could do perfectly? Is our culture obsessed with perfection? Do you believe perfection can be achieved? Does anything in your life need to be perfect? What the future of perfection?

Busy week for the Gorillamen, so we'll get right to it. This time around, we talk about self teaching...specifically: When did you first learn about self-teaching? What's the first thing you taught yourself? What are a few self-taught things you feel you do well? Most self taught things are still shaped by books and other things. Is there something you've done that you truly taught yourself? (i.e. You did something new with no idea at all of how to do it?) What are the advantages of being self-taught? What are disadvantages of being self-taught? Who are some of the coolest self-taught people you know? How has the Internet changed being self-taught? Is there still something to be said for traditional learning vs. self-taught learning? Do you think the confidence that comes with being self-taught can lead to over confidence and not actually learning as much as someone who is taught more traditionally? What would you tell someone who thinks they need to learn traditionally or who lacks the discipline to teach themselves something new? What's the future of being self-taught?

It's been a nutty couple years, and many people the Gorillamen have bumped into have had a rough time coping. Hell, even the Gorillamen have had their moments. And that's why, this time around, the discussion turns to...coping. * * * What's the first time you heard what coping was? What's the first thing you had to cope with? Are you good at coping? What's your coping strategy? Do you think the world is harder to cope with than it used to be? What's the most efficient coping strategy you've seen? The least? What helps you cope with uncertain situations? What's the future of coping?

One of the many cries of Gen-X: "Remember when MTV used to play videos?" Music videos were made for Gen-X, and for years, cable stations (and even some network shows) catered to playing music videos. Videos changed the face of music in the 80s, but to hear some people talk, you'd think they are a long-gone thing. With YouTube and other ways of sharing content, clearly that's not true. We can now watch the videos we remember with a simple Google search, and new videos pop up every day. (Hell, you can now make your own videos and put them out there as easy as a podcast...) So...the Gorillamen finally sat down to talk about music videos...specifically: What was the first music video you remember seeing? What impression did that video have? Did you watch a lot of music videos growing up? Do you watch a lot of them now? What was your first impression of MTV? Of VH1? What was the most non-mainstream way you watched music videos? (public access, late-night TV, etc) What's the best music video of all time? The worst? The most insane? How important were music videos to you when you were younger? If you had to make a music video for any song, which song, and what would the video concept be? Do you think music videos are important to the kids now? What's the future of music videos?

The Gorillamen have talked about movies, but this time around, it's all about movie theaters. Specifically: What is your first memory in a movie theater? What was your best movie theater experience? What was your worst movie theater experience? What do you love about movie theaters? What do you hate about movie theaters? Do you prefer going to a movie theater or watching things at home? I once heard someone say upscale movie theaters are ridiculous. What do you think about movie theaters where you can get food and drinks while kicked back in a massive chair? What's the last movie you've seen in a theater? What's your favorite movie theater concession? Are you eager to return to watching movies in theaters after COVID hit, or are you done with theaters? What other things do you think movie theaters can do to stay relevant in a time when many prefer their home theaters? What is the future of movie theaters?

A busy week after last week's busy week, but...the Gorillamen recorded a new episode. This time around, it's all about vintage things... What was the first thing you heard described as vintage? What's the first vintage thing you ever owned? Do you like vintage stuff? Why/why not? Why are people — especially younger people — obsessed with vintage stuff? What's the coolest vintage thing you've seen? What's the lamest vintage thing you've seen? Coolest vintage thing you own? Cool vintage thing you wish you owned? What things from today will be the vintage obsessions of future generations?

Lots of life happened this week, so the new episode will come out next week. It's about vintage things, and it should be a lot of fun.

Do you follow recipes, or wing it and see what happens? Maybe you just love the look of cookbooks, with all those great photos. Some recipes are passed down for generations; others seem to come out of nowhere like a one-hit wonder and fade away. But it's clear that humans enjoy food...and the recipes that can make it even better... The Gorillamen didn't even turn this one dark! Here's what's discussed: What's the first recipe you remember seeing? How well do you follow recipes? What's the best recipe you've ever followed? What's the worst recipe you've ever followed? What's the strangest recipe you've ever made? Have you ever made your own recipes? If so: what? What's the last recipe you followed? Do you have any cherished family recipes? Cookbooks…are you a fan? (If so, how many do you have?) How has the Internet changed the ways we look at recipes and cookbooks? What do you think about the blog story recipe, where someone goes on (and sometimes on and on) with a story before sharing the recipe? What's the future of recipes?

It's funny how you can record a thing and, a week later, it's maybe not obsolete, but definitely shows how quickly things can change. Granted, we discussed the likelihood of what is happening again--climbing COVID-19 rates brought on by [mostly] unvaccinated people and the Delta variant--but we didn't expect that prediction to be so timely. With many people getting out and about, though, we Gorillamen sat down and talked about how our lives have changed since being vaccinated and able to venture out not as concerned as we were before vaccinations. This is what we discussed: When did you get vaccinated? What was that experience? What's the first thing you wanted to do when you were fully vaccinated? What's the first thing you actually did? What have you noticed is different in the world now than pre-COVID-vaccination? Do you feel like we've turned a corner on the pandemic? What's something you were sure you were going to do when vaccinated that you haven't? How has your social interaction been compared with pre-COVID? Have you noticed any problems or issues re-engaging with the world? What's the future of the pandemic?

Sometimes, life happens. That's a rather ridiculous statement when you think about it. Life is always happening. If you're asleep, things are still happening that affect your life. So let's start over. Because Gorilla Shawn was recently traveling and is currently feeling a little under the weather...and because Gorilla Christopher is redoing his office right now, we're skipping the scheduled episode of Men in Gorilla Suits this week. It will likely be released next week. (At the latest, in two weeks on the usual schedule.) Until then, we hope you're all chilling the fuck out...and making the damn thing!

A busy week, and Gorilla Shawn is traveling, so we'll get right to the talking points of this episode about YouTube: When did you first become aware of YouTube--and how did you stumble upon it? What are some of the earliest things you remember seeing on YouTube? What are some of the funniest things you've seen on YouTube. What are some of the coolest things you've learned on YouTube. Do you subscribe to any YouTube Channels? (If so, what are some of your favorite channels?) Do YOU have a YouTube channel? (What's it like?) What role do you think YouTube plays in politics (good, bad, or otherwise)? Are there aspects of YouTube you find problematic? If so, what? What do you think about YouTube when it comes to copyright? (i.e. movie clips, albums, and other things shared on the platform.) What do you think about "YouTube Celebrities" and how much money some people make on the platform? Do you think they are comparable to other celebrities? If there's one thing you could change or add to YouTube, what would it be? What is the future of YouTube?

We're back...and happy. Sure, much of the country seems to be in a blast furnace, but...after skipping a release week, we're sure you're happy to have a new episode of Men in Gorilla Suits in your earholes. This time around, it's one of those subjects we can't believe we've not already discussed: happiness! Specifically: What's your first memory of something that made you happy? What's your happiest memory? Do you think we actually have the right to the pursuit of happiness? What does your pursuit of happiness look like? Are you a happy person? What's something that keeps you from being happy? What's the happiest time in your life? Do you think America is a happy country? What's the happiest place on earth? What's the future of happiness?

It was a crazy-busy week for Gorilla Shawn. His dad turned 70 this weekend, so Shawn went to Florida to surprise him. On top of that, he had to double up on his radio show, Metal DNA -- as well as taking care of some work stuff and a sick dog. Instead of stressing about it, we decided to just skip an episode release week and catch back up on June 9...when the topic for discussion is happiness!

It is rather funny that, despite having this episode about memories edited and ready to go, Gorilla Christopher forgot to get it online yesterday. And since he is prepping for a long weekend in East Texas, this is all he's typing. Well, this...and what we talk about this episode: What's your first memory? Do you have a good memory? How reliable is human memory? What tricks or methods do you use to assist your memory? What's your favorite memory from your life? What memories of your own do you doubt? What memories are you absolutely sure of? What's the last thing you forgot? (If you remember that you forgot it) What's the most mundane thing you remember? Weirdest random thing lurking in your memory? What's the future of memories?

After 319 episodes, we have made the decision to...keep going with the podcast! Okay, so we didn't decide a thing...we do the show almost automatically, now. But since the episode is about quitting things (habits, jobs, and so much more), we of course must make the joke that it's all over. It's not. This is what we talk about this time around: What’s one of the earliest things you remember quitting? Have you ever quit a job suddenly? Why, and what happened? Do you think people should quit their job and pursue their passions? What is the biggest thing you quit? At least in the United States, we seem to love quotes like, “Winners are not people who never fail. Winners are people who never quit!” Why do you think we sell the story that quitting is bad? Is there anything you’ve quit that you regret quitting? When is quitting a good idea? Is there anything in your life you feel you should quit? If so, what and why? Why do you think it’s so hard for people to quit certain things? Do you think most people give up too easily? Is there anything you believe you’ll never quit? What’s the next thing you think you’ll quit?

The hands of time creep forward and the pages of calendars turn. Along the way, microbes become creatures that leave the water and eventually walk upright. In time, the Progenies of Time create societies, the Internet, and so many other things. Progress marches on, so...this time around, that's what the Gorillamen discuss. Specifically: When is the first time you were aware of progress (societal, technological, other).  How much societal progress would you say you’ve seen through your lifetime? Technological? What thing would mid-80s Christopher (or mid-90s) Shawn be most surprised by existing today? What would each of those people be most disappointed had not progressed? What’s your favorite example of societal/technological process from your lifetime? What is the worst example of progress from your lifetime? What would you like to see progress faster? What’s the future of progress?

Once upon a time, there were two little gorillas who worked together in the mortgage branch of a very large bank. They liked each other enough that they stayed in touch, even after leaving that job and going their separate ways. They talked about starting a new thing: a podcast. They jumped into that new thing, and the only thing that ever stopped them in a release week was the recent Texas winterpocalypse that wiped out power and Internet connectivity for most of a week. The Gorillamen often talk about things they are up to, so...it seemed time to dedicate an entire episode to trying new things. Here's what Gorilla Shawn and Gorilla Christopher chat about this time: What is the first new thing you remember trying? How easy is it to try something new? How open are you to trying new things? What is the coolest new thing you've ever done? Has a new thing ever changed your life? What was it, and how did it change things? Why do you think some people are apprehensive about trying new things? What's a new thing you tried that you quickly stopped doing? (And why?) What's the last [vaguely major] new thing you've tried? How has the Internet factored into people trying new things? What's a new thing you have always wanted to do, but haven't? Why? Do you think a person can do too many new things? What is the future of trying new things?

This is not the government writing this intro to tell you that Gorilla Shawn, recently receiving his first COVID-19 vaccine dose, is now under the control of Bill Gates. And Gorilla Christopher recently didn't eat fake Texas snow, and is not now a HAARP zombie! Nope...nothing to see, here...move on... This time around, while still rebounding from the big Texas winter storm, the Gorillamen are taking on modern conspiracy theories. (Yes, they talked about conspiracy theories way back in Episode 3, but this time, it's more recent things...and the damage they're doing to the U.S. and beyond...) What is discussed? How 'bout this: What’s the first time in the last few years you noticed an upturn in conspiracy thought? What’s the first modern conspiracy you saw? Why do you think conspiracy theories have come back into the mainstream lately? What kind of people are most susceptible to believing in conspiracies? What’s the dumbest conspiracy theory you’ve heard lately? What’s the most believable? How do conspiracies start, and why? Who benefits from the latest rash of conspiracy thought? Who is damaged by it? What’s the immediate future of conspiracy theories?

A quick update... For the first time in over 315 episodes (eight years), it looks like we won't get an episode out during its scheduled week. Because of the unprecedented storm that hit Texas this week, Gorilla Shawn has been without power, and Gorilla Christopher spent much of the week without Internet. Not sure if we will release the new episode next week, or wait for the next scheduled week. Just wanted to let everyone know what's up! Hope you're well...we're starting to crawl out of things down here in the Lone Star State...

It's time to change that avocado-colored kitchen you've looked at daily since buying that 60s ranch house in the 'burbs. But how? Do you hire contractors, do it yourself, or find the right combination of both options? More people than ever are giving it their own go. If you live in the suburbs, you are likely just a few miles from a large home improvement store. Many cities offer grants to improve where we live. Access to industry knowledge and materials is commonplace, and the result is more homes being updated than ever. That's what the Gorillamen are talking about this time around...specifically: When did you first become aware of home improvement? Growing up, what home improvements did you see done? (Could be your family, or others.) Functionality used to be enough, but now we love luxury and design. Why do you think home improvement is such a big thing? Why do you think Do It Yourself home tasks have become more popular than ever? What is your favorite home improvement show? Have you ever worked in a job centered around home improvement? (Or, if not…do you ever have the urge?) How has the Internet changed home improvement? What's the most involved home improvement task you've done? How do you learn how to update things around your home? What's one home improvement task you need to do or have done? What is THE home improvement task you want to do or have done? What is the future of home improvement?

You will listen to Men in Gorilla Suits... You will spread the good news about Men in Gorilla Suits... You will listen to Men in Gorilla Suits... You will spread the good news about Men in Gorilla Suits... You will listen to Men in Gorilla Suits... You will spread the good news about Men in Gorilla Suits... This time around, we're talking about brainwashing...specifically, these points: When was the first time you heard of the concept of brainwashing? Who's the first person you ever saw brainwashed or radicalized in any way? What is brainwashing, in your opinion? How long has brainwashing been a part of the American experience? Have you ever been brainwashed? What's the most benign example of brainwashing you've seen? What's the scariest? Does the internet make it easier to brainwash people? Why are some people more suggestible to brainwashing? Can brainwashing ever be used for good? How do we combat brainwashing, or try to help those who have been radicalized? What's the future of brainwashing in America?

So...uhm...how 'bout that attempted United States coup attempt, eh? It's been a bit of a nutty week (to say the least), but we have yet to miss posting an episode by Friday of the scheduled week for 313 episodes and counting... This time, we talk about hypochondria; specifically: When did you first hear about hypochondria? Who was the first hypochondriac you knew? Are you a hypochondriac…or do you have any tendencies toward illness anxiety disorder? How does one become a hypochondriac? Do you feel hypochondria is a valid phobia? How does illness anxiety disorder affect one’s life? Have you ever lived with a hypochondriac? What’s that like? Do you think doctors are quick to dispel valid medical concerns as being all in one’s head? Has a doctor ever told you there was nothing wrong with you and then…it turned out there was? What role do you think the Internet plays in those with illness anxiety disorder? Can someone overcome hypochondria? What advice would you give someone with illness anxiety disorder?

Fuck 2020! (Amirite?) In so many ways, it was a horrible year. But...were there any good moments? The mighty Gorillamen cannot speak for all humankind, but...we considered all that was horrible this year, while still trying to be cheery. Specifically, this is what we talked about: How did you start 2020? When was the first time you suspected the year might not be going well? What were some of the early (pre-pandemic) bright spots of 2020 for you? What were some of the pre-pandemic bad parts of the year? When the pandemic hit, how long did you think it was going to last? What was your first "it can't possibly get any worse"… but then it got worse moment? What were some bright spots in the last 3/4 of 2020? What was your favorite new TV show of this year? Movie? Album/Song? (as always, feel free to come up with a list) What was the best thing about 2020? The worst? The silver lining? What's the future of 2021?

Somebody once told me the world was gonna roll me...so I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel. Now, don't you tell me to smile, 'cause nothing lasts forever -- even cold November rain. And I know it's up for me if you steal my sunshine because nothing compares (nothing compares) to you. So load up on guns and bring your friends; 'cause after all, you're my wonderwall... Yep, we're talking about 90s music! What's discussed this time around: What's the first 90s tune you remember hearing? While radio was still big in the 90s, what other things drove the rise of 90s music? What new style of music that came along in the 90s surprised you? What style of 90s music is your favorite? Why do you think alternative music took hold in the 90s? What is your favorite 90s tune? (Or hell, a list if need be...) Least favorite tune of the 90s? Do you have a favorite concert of the 90s? What 90s tunes do you still go back to? Right at the end of the 90s, Napster came along. How big was peer-to-peer shared music in your life? This probably leans more into the early 2000s, but did peer-to-peer sharing cause you to stop buying music or buy more music? This may seem weird since it's over, but what is the future of 90s music?

'Murica!!! This time around, we're talking about American Exceptionalism. Specifically these points: When were you first introduced to the idea of American exceptionalism? Do you believe in American exceptionalism? The concept traces back to the mid-1800s. Was America exceptional then? What’s the current state of America? What’s the current state of American exceptionalism? Can exceptionalism be dangerous? What’s actually exceptional about America, if anything? Has American exceptionalism damaged what is actually exceptional about this country? How could we change the idea of exceptionalism for the better? What’s the future of American exceptionalism?

You catch the gorilla's eye and he quickly looks away. But fuzzy face be damned, you swear his cheeks turn a bit red. You look away, and he glances back and smiles. You go your separate ways, but you cannot stop thinking about that gorilla and maybe, just maybe, you imagine he's probably thinking about you... This time around, the Gorillamen talk all about...crushes: When did you first become aware of crushes? Who, or even what, was your first crush? How do you define a crush? Who are some of your early crushes? Any fictional crushes? Did you ever have a crush on a teacher? Why? Who is your man crush...or even crushes? Besides the guys we just listed, any other current harmless crushes? Why do you think humans develop crushes? Are crushes an issue, or are they harmless? If your spouse has any crushes, are you jealous about them? Do you think crushes can become something more...even delving into the realm of becoming a problem? What is the future of the human crush on others? * * * "I Have a Crush on You" Photo: Leonardo Sanches.

We Gorillamen have collected 308 episodes of this show. So it seemed fitting that we talk about collections...specifically... When did you first notice someone collecting something? What was the first thing you collected? Why do we as humans like to collect things? What’s the coolest collectible you’ve seen? What’s the coolest collection? The weirdest? Do you collect anything now? If you could have a world-class collection of anything, what would it be? What’s the worst gift you’ve gotten because someone thought you collected something? Is collecting just another sneaky form of capitalism? What’s the future of collections/collecting?

Hello, and welcome to the Men in Gorilla Suits community. Membership has its privileges: no message forums, membership cards, or expectations other than, "We're not the bosses of you...do whatever you want!" But there are podcasts, organizations, and so many other things around which communities are built. In fact, that's the topic of this episode. Some of what we talk about: What is your first memory of community? How important is a sense of community to a person's development? What are some communities you have been a part of...or currently still take part in? The online world makes it possible for anyone to try establishing communities. What are some online communities that have impressed you...and why? What are some examples of online communities having a negative effect on society? Have you ever established or managed a community? Do you feel we have a community based around this show...and what is your opinion of it? Do you ever feel like we should do more to create a sense of community based around Men in Gorilla Suits? What's the weirdest community you know of? Is there any community you're not a part of that you'd like to join? Why? What do you think about people very into something who are not part of any community for that thing? What is the future for communities?

Does this podcast really exist? Do you really exist? Does anything actually exist? (Other than the simulation in which we are all trapped.) This time around, we get all deep and talk about our very existence...specifically: When was the first time you realized that you, as a person, actually exist? When was the first time you worried you might not exist? Is it possible that none of us exist? How often do you ponder your existence? The meaning behind it? Do you think people ponder the meaning of their existence enough? What do you do to find purpose? Why are we here? Does how we came into existence matter? (Religious idea vs scientific, etc.) What is, in your opinion, the meaning of life? What is the end of existence?

We got through this entire episode without making an instrument = penis joke. Apparently, after 300 episodes, we have become complacent. For that, the Gorillamen apologize. So...this week we talk about hard wood(en) instruments and playing flutes. (But not skin flutes...another opportunity squandered...) It's all about musical instruments. Specifically, here's what we discuss: What's your first memory of someone playing a musical instrument? Do you play any instruments? (What...and how long have you played?) Did you ever take any kind of musical training? How do you teach yourself new musical skills? Have you ever played live music for an audience? Who is the best musician you personally know (and what do they play)? If you could snap your fingers and play any instrument very well, what would you choose? Is there an instrument you feel you'll never play that you still think is very cool? What is it? (And why?) Do you believe playing a musical instrument benefits the person playing? If so, how? How has social media and YouTube changed the way people play music? Would you ever want to build an instrument from scratch? If sci-fi has taught us nothing else, it's that musical instruments will evolve. So...What is the future of musical instruments?

Gorilla Christopher almost totally forgot to load this! Sad thing: he got a jump on the episode, but didn't get to this part on Wednesday. Were he to justify things, he'd say, "Well, technically, our release date is Friday...Wednesdays just happened along the way..." Or he could have said something about a busy work-week or that things got lost in the excitement of an approaching long weekend in the U.S. But nah, he just totally forgot! Still...this time around, it's all about how people justify things...specifically: When’s the first time you heard someone try to justify something? Do you feel the need to justify your actions/decisions much these days? What’s the worst thing you’ve ever had to justify? What are the little things we all justify every day? How do people justify the actions taken by our government lately? The racism, the violence against our own people, the fascism? Is use of force ever justified for private citizens? How about for law enforcement? What’s the most unjust thing you’ve ever done? The most just? What’s the future of justification?

"Remember the time that I spilled the cup / Of apple juice in the hall / Please tell mom this is not her fault…" Blink-182 - "Adam's Song" This time around, we're talking about shame… Specifically, this: When did you first become aware of shame? Do you find shame a problematic thing? What's the most shame you've ever felt? What is something society (or even a large group of people) seem ashamed of that doesn't bother you at all? Have you ever shamed others? Do you think shame is used to control people? How damaging do you think shame is for those on the receiving end? We've all heard the saying, "Have you no shame?" Why do you think some people fixate on shame? Do you think shame can ever play a good role in society? What role does shame play in politics? Do you think we'll ever move beyond body shaming people? What's the future of shame?

You wouldn't know it by looking at us, but we have always been popular. The smartest and fittest -- Homecoming Kings...all-state quarterbacks. As adults, we've turned down film roles, eschewed playing in popular bands...even refusing roles as heads of state. Instead, we Gorillamen have chosen to channel all our popularity into a podcast that gets 250-500 listens a month! (Top those numbers, This American Life!!!) Okay, so this week, two unpopular geeks talk about popular things. Specifically, this: When was the first time you heard of a person or thing being popular? When you were a kid, were you concerned with popularity? Was your school/schools when you were young popularity contests? As a (supposed) adult, are you concerned with popularity at all? What’s the most popular thing you’ve done? What are some popular things you like? What are some popular things you hate? Are presidential elections just popularity contests? What’s the future of popularity?