So Close To Greatness

Player 2 is back on the program to talk about what we've seen so far this NFL season, what we'll see in the upcoming playoffs, and we also make a pretty insane bet. GO COWBOYS! SCTG Online! Youtube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PwL1w3 IG: @soclosetogreatness IdiotSyncratic https://bit.ly/2RoR3my Based On A True Podcast https://bit.ly/2zHbpgf "Drawing Board" theme courtesy of Pseudo Future. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2pPzmgL Facebook: https://bit.ly/2pONCpN IG: @pseudofuture

OOOOOOOOOOHH man. This should have been posted on Monday, hence all the references to Christmas Eve. I gotta tell you, we recorded this a couple weeks ago, there was a production error with another episode, blah blah blah, yada yada yad, and here we are: episodes out of order, references you might not get, and jokes that should never be told outside the rest of us. Please welcome the Idiotsyncratic boys back to the show! SCTG Online! Youtube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PwL1w3 IG: @soclosetogreatness IdiotSyncratic https://bit.ly/2RoR3my Based On A True Podcast https://bit.ly/2zHbpgf "Drawing Board" theme courtesy of Pseudo Future. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2pPzmgL Facebook: https://bit.ly/2pONCpN IG: @pseudofuture

Svenny Baby! is an amazing band from the DFW area. In an effort to combine a Las Vegas showcase, punk rock, and a session with your counselor, these guys have composed one of the most original sounding records in recent memory. Discussed: channeling depression into something creative, a Neil DeGrasse Tyson quote, working with a full orchestra, the importance of a producer, the process of composition, very few arguments, and a cardio regimen. SVENNY BABY! online Facebook: https://bit.ly/2TPyuXi IG: @svenny_baby Youtube: https://bit.ly/2FIhrmT Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2QLVE1V iTunes: https://apple.co/2QMJcPi SCTG Online! Youtube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PwL1w3 IG: @soclosetogreatness Based On A True Podcast https://bit.ly/2zHbpgf IdiotSyncratic https://bit.ly/2SNyM0a "Drawing Board" theme courtesy of Pseudo Future. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2pPzmgL Facebook: https://bit.ly/2pONCpN IG: @pseudofuture

You know it's a serious topic when there's no intro music. Back on the show, so graciously and as brave as can be, is Amy Keller. If you follow the show, you'll remember Amy from the third episode of season 1, "Cancer Sucks & We Must Lift Each Other Up". Back then she was declared cancer free. Now...well, you need to listen. Discussed: You'll have to stream to find out. AMY'S last episode: https://bit.ly/2rezkj6 SCTG Online! Youtube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PwL1w3 IG: @soclosetogreatness Based On A True Podcast https://bit.ly/2zHbpgf IdiotSyncratic https://bit.ly/2SNyM0a "Drawing Board" theme courtesy of Pseudo Future. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2pPzmgL Facebook: https://bit.ly/2pONCpN IG: @pseudofuture

Another installment of the "people I haven't seen or spoken to in a long while" series, my good friend Chandon "Big Tyme" Sanders grabbed the mic to freestyle on what it means to be an up and coming recording artist, the ups and downs, the temptation of being on the road, finding stability, and indulging in new passions. Discussed: why it's so hard for a recording artist to make money, the importance of saving money, unnecessary beefs that make the other person look stupid, the rock and roll lifestyle in the hip hop world, why Big Tyme would never do it again but wouldn't change a thing. SCTG Online! Youtube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PwL1w3 IG: @soclosetogreatness Find Big Tyme Online: IG: @bigtymedvine Based On A True Podcast https://bit.ly/2zHbpgf IdiotSyncratic https://bit.ly/2SNyM0a "Drawing Board" theme courtesy of Pseudo Future. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2pPzmgL Facebook: https://bit.ly/2pONCpN IG: @pseudofuture

It's been a week. RIP Stan Lee, one of the greatest creators to ever live. I can't tell you how broken hearted I was when I first heard of his passing. In a completely unplanned episode, I gathered a group of friends at the last minute to express their gratitude for the work legacy of Stan Lee, our generation's Shakespeare. Discussed: Our JFK moment, how Stan met his wife, DCEU vs MCU, Stan's permanent finger print on modern comics, the impact he's had on us, how the hell Black Manta could look better than Cyborg, the humanity of Marvel heroes, and how one push from a significant other can completely refine someone's life and passion. SCTG Online! Youtube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PwL1w3 IG: @soclosetogreatness Big Cliff! IG & TWT: @bigclifftx Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigCliffFTX/ Mallie-G! IG & TWT: @malliegs, @weareweirdoesglobal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malliegs/ https://www.shopweirdoes.com Based On A True Podcast https://bit.ly/2zHbpgf IdiotSyncratic https://bit.ly/2SNyM0a "Drawing Board" theme courtesy of Pseudo Future. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2pPzmgL Facebook: https://bit.ly/2pONCpN IG: @pseudofuture

I have two rules on the show: 1) No religion. 2) Absolutely no politics. I'm far more lenient on the first one because sometimes it's less about preaching and more about who someone is as a person. So when someone like Venus Monique, star of the Amazon Prime Original Series VINDICATION, agrees to come on the show, you basically let her talk about whatever she wants. In this case, the conversation turned toward her faith and her personal convictions rather quickly. I throw the word "blindsided" around a couple of times, and it couldn't be more true. But Venus is an absolute delight, and she shines brightly on the microphone. Discussed: How Venus got into acting twice, scams, coffee, Venus' personal rules in her career, the guiding light that is her faith, me claiming I'd kiss a dude if the role called for it, and a whole lot more. SCTG Online! Youtube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PwL1w3 IG: @soclosetogreatness Venus' blog https://bit.ly/2T5J8bJ Based On A True Podcast https://bit.ly/2zHbpgf IdiotSyncratic https://bit.ly/2SNyM0a "Drawing Board" theme courtesy of Pseudo Future. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2pPzmgL Facebook: https://bit.ly/2pONCpN IG: @pseudofuture

This one's shorter than average (let's be mature about this), but when your host has to make it to a paid meeting you can't really insist that he talks about baseball for free any longer than is actually necessary. Player 2 joins us for his second episode of the season to talk about the World Series. Discussed: Altuve's response to the shit ass home run call, the new manager for the Texas Rangers, the importance of voting, firing Jason Garrett, how the Mavericks are the NFL's Browns of the NBA, why the Red Sox are superior to the Yankees SCTG Online! Youtube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PwL1w3 IG: @soclosetogreatness Check out Based On A True Podcast https://bit.ly/2zHbpgf Check out IdiotSyncratic https://bit.ly/2SNyM0a "Drawing Board" theme courtesy of Pseudo Future. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2pPzmgL Facebook: https://bit.ly/2pONCpN IG: @pseudofuture

Your hosts for this week are Kay and Susanne, the owners, operators and champions of the Eterna Healthfood Store in Mansfield, Texas. Discussed: How to follow an idea you had randomly on a Sunday, why self care and doctors go hand in hand, why people are more than transactions, how supportive the health food community is, how I was the unhealthiest person in the store that day, the feistiest older woman you've ever heard of. SCTG Online! Youtube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PwL1w3 IG: @soclosetogreatness Find Eterna on Facebook! https://bit.ly/2OUkmND "Drawing Board" theme courtesy of Pseudo Future. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2pPzmgL Facebook: https://bit.ly/2pONCpN IG: @pseudofuture

Season 2 rolls on with two very talented and kind individuals: Todd & Anna Terry. Discussed: What kind of voiceovers women are being hired for these days, how acting can change your life, why we wish we got more feedback from auditions, how you know you're in the right industry, and what you need to do to keep working. SCTG Online! Youtube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PwL1w3 IG: @soclosetogreatness "Drawing Board" theme courtesy of Pseudo Future. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2pPzmgL Facebook: https://bit.ly/2pONCpN IG: @pseudofuture

We're back for more. The start of the new NBA season ushers in a new season of So Close To Greatness. Joining me for the season premiere is your favorite anonymous individual who we all know and love to be Player 2. Discussed: The upcoming NBA season, Lebron in LA, Jimmy Butler's meltdown, the future of the Dallas Mavericks, post-dirk and post-harassment investigation, Kawhi in Toronto, and predictions for the season. LISTEN TO SOME NBA WORD PORN!! SCTG Online! Youtube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PwL1w3 IG: @soclosetogreatness New Theme "Drawing Board" courtesy of Pseudo Future. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2pPzmgL Facebook: https://bit.ly/2pONCpN IG: @pseudofuture

An old friend of mine, one Mister Eduardo Tobias, came up to my apartment from Austin to record this episode with me. How cool is that? The answer is "very", seeing as how he drove 3 and a half hours just to get behind the mic and tell me his story. Eddie's a fun guy, a multi-faceted individual with passion that can only be described as healthily manic. An aspiring filmmaker turned wrestling junkie, he talks about taking time to focus on one thing at a time and eventually weaving most of his passions together to make a vibrant, patchy quilt of a profession. The day didn't get away from this as we filmed a 4 Questions segment, took a video tour of my "studio" and talked about my passion for the MCU. Links below, suckahfish. SCTG online! IG: @soclosetogreatness http://www.facebook.com/soclosetogreatness http://www.patreon.com/sctg YouTube: https://bit.ly/2D0EN5S Eddie online! IG: @eddienomadic YouTube: https://bit.ly/2D1iU6x MCU Chat: Part I - https://bit.ly/2pgGti5 Part II -https://bit.ly/2NJJqoX

Don't slide into the 2018 NFL regular season until you've gotten nice a lubed up by the conversation Player 2 and I had about that very subject. We talk about trades, injuries, releases, possible championship teams...it's all right here. For the sixth time in SCTG history, I beckon you to enter the game with Player 2. SCTG Online! IG: @soclosetogreatness http://www.facebook.com/sctg

On this fresh ass installment of So Close To Greatness, I'm joined by yet another old friend who goes by the name of Jennifer Iler. For almost a decade, Jennifer has been styling, cutting, washing, coloring and studying hair, and her work seems as if it's about to pay off. What do I mean by that? Well you'll just have to treat your ears to a buffet of warm, podcasty goodness to hear stories about what it means to get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to be better than you were yesterday. Find Jennifer online! IG: @jennifer_iler https://www.facebook.com/moxiestudiossalon Find SCTG online! IG: @soclosetogreatness http://facebook.com/soclosetogreatness

Joining me from Tulsa, Oklahoma, through the magic of modern technology and via Skype, is an old friend from college that I legitimately have no seen or talked to in a decade. Kersten Nagle, owner and operator of Kersten's Antiques, is here to usher in a new era of appraisals, and she's on a mission to authenticate that the antiques business is absolutely where a younger generation can flourish and leave their mark. After all, 'antique' is not a dirty word, it's just sometimes dirty stuff. (My words, not hers) [Editor's Note: At some point in the episode, she mentions being in the process of publishing some papers, but I misunderstood and made it sound like she was already published. She wanted to make sure she didn't misrepresent herself, and I wanted to let you know that it was my mistake and not hers. I think that's mighty professional of her, and I constantly wonder why I'm allowed to host a podcast.] Find her online: http://www.kerstensantiques.com http://www.facebook.com/kerstensantiques Find SCTG online: http://www.patreon.com/sctg http://www.facebook.com/soclosetogreatness

On a journey back to Division Brewing in Arlington, Texas, I meet again with Wade and his brew master Sean. We quickly go through the history of humanity's favorite drink, why it's important, how the beer dark ages haled progress, and where we are now. If you care to learn on accident, this is probably the place to do it. www.divisionbrewing.com patreon.com/sctg soundcloud.com/sctg IG: soclosetogreatness TWT: SCTG_podcast

After 2 months, we're finally back. I understand there's been a podcast sized hole in your heart that only SCTG can fill. Fear not, loyal listener. We're here for you. And joining me in being here for you is my dear friend Player 2. Discussed are the NBA finals, the barren wasteland that is the Eastern Conference, Kawhi being a polly prissy pants, Lebron moving to the West, why Jurassic World sucked, why South Park's Satan is the best version of that particular asshole, and why we always seem to fall down a rabbit hole. Eat it with your ear mouths, Great Ones! P.S. I'm calling all my listeners Great Ones. If you're listening to this, you're a Great One. Twitter: @SCTG_podcast Instagram: @soclosetogreatness www.patreon.com/sctg www.soundcloud.com/sctg

Joining me this week are the thinker uppers of the Big Texas Beer Fest, an annual event held at Fair Park in Dallas for beer enthusiasts and those who consider sampling a metric butt load of beer a hobby (because I do). Learn more about the Big Texas Beer Fest at www.bigtexasbeerfest.com Find more of the event at: Big Texas Beer Fest (Facebook) @bigtxbeerfest (Instagram & Twitter) Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, find SCTG on Instagram (@soclosetogreatness) and Twitter (@sctgpodcast). The more you like us, the more we can keep these badass guests coming. Photo credit: Big Texas Beer Fest

Guys, I've been waiting for this movie for 10 years. Officially 4 years since it was announced in 2014. So we give you reasons why you should go see it for the first half hour, and then the hour and a half after that (it's a long ass episode) we completely spoil the damn thing. We'll give our thought on the film as a whole, the characters we love, and how it really ties the MCU together while giving it an unclear yet definite future. Speculation at every turn, disbelief clenches our breasts, and...well, listening is easier than me trying to describe the palpable tense created by the discussion of this film. We also lear the *true* definition of what a protagonist is, and it might change the way you watch Infinity War in the future (because you know you'll see it at least thrice more).

This is far and away the most different episode I've done on the show, and for good reason. Grief, like sadness or depression, has a stigma surrounding it that suggests if you feel it, there's something wrong with you. Joining me on this episode is Doctor Patrick O'Malley, a grief counselor and compassionate individual, who dispels that myth, and instead lets us know that you are, in fact, experiencing one of the most basic human emotions. As he says, grief is the loss of love, and love takes many forms. So if you want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about grief and dealing with loss...then take a second to hear what Doctor O' Malley has to say on the subject. You might just feel better about these feelings when they come at you. Please enjoy this very special episode of So Close To Greatness.

The story behind me and my guest this week is a weird one. Brandon and I were once regular contributors on another podcast. Shit went sour, as you'll hear in this episode because we talk about it way too much, but he and I haven't spoken out loud to each other over a year. This episode is barely edited. Only the super long, pace killing pauses were edited out. Other than that, this is a play by play of two old friends who haven't been in the same room for over 365 days, rebuilding a bridge, and trying to find their groove because when the dust settles and the sour taste leaves your mouth, why would you not try to reconnect and figure out where you fit in each others' lives? This hour and some odd minute episode is us finding our footing and getting to know each other again. It was a lot of fun. All I can say about Brandon Karlis is that he's a very intelligent guy with an overflowing knowledge of movies and the film industry. He knows a lot about other shit too, but the conversation always seems to veer toward visual media. If you want to hear an awkward conversation between two bros who are remembering the past and trying to forge a future (that's a super intimate thing to say, but shut up), this guy sure as shit delivers. Please welcome the newest member of SCTG...Brandon Karlis. There is a LOT of language, and even the episode title is a little off color, but I don't care. This was an episode waiting to happen.

First things first...I know Bautista getting clocked in the face happened a couple years ago. However, as a Rangers fan, it never gets old, and it remains one of the most satisfying things I've ever seen in my life. Also, it applies to part of our discussion today. Lastly, it's pretty fuckin' hilarious. Second...unbunch your panties, because the title has nothing to do with us hating on America's past time (I'm pretty sure I know how the internet thinks). There's a pureness about the sport, and while I'm no expert, I certainly enjoy the game. "A Multitude Of Suck" is a direct quote from Player2 regarding the bottom feeders of the NL East as well as the strange and uneventful offseason the MLB has had. Take a breath, sip your gatorade, and don't worry. We're excited. And while we're getting into Player2's head, here are his predictions for leaders of every division this season. AL East: Yankees AL Central: Indians AL West: Astros NL East: Nationals NL Central: Cubs NL West: Dodgers AL Wild Card: Red Sox, Angels NL Wild Card: Cardinals, Rockies/Brewers And because it's fun to make fun of last place when you're sitting comfy behind a computer screen, here are Player2's predictions on the losers of each division. AL East: Blue Jays AL Central: White Sox AL West: Rangers NL East: Marlins NL Central: Pirates NL West: Padres Yankees take the AL, Dodgers take the NL Yankees win the whole damn things because they haven't already won enough. MORE PREDICTIONS!! MVP: AL - Mike Trout. NL - Bryce Harper Cy Young: AL - Chris Sail. NL - Clayton Kershaw or Max Scherzer

Kat and Tommy are back for the fifth installment of Hollywood Hype. It's a lengthy episode, but that's only because we get distracted and have too much to say and then we lose our train of thought and get a little long winded. But it's fun! We discuss 7 new trailers, and if you can't tell what they are based on the icon...I can't help you. BUT! We can help you burn an hour and a half of your time on the way to work or while you're in your cubicle. That's why we're here. Duh.

The second episode we recorded on Saint Patrick's day. Hence the change in the intro and outro music. Umm...basically between the title and our gushing into the mic about how fantastic Game Night is, I don't have much to say in this description. Sean's been promoted to permanent movie guy, so he's back to tell you why he agrees with me that Game Night is a fantastic, fresh take on modern comedy. So listen, dammit.

Sean has become my official movie guy, and he's back to help me tear this movie a new one. I'm personally a huge fan of the original, and it's such a shame that this film is...this film. You could play Horror Film Bingo with this, and black the damn thing out. So...hear us talk some mad smack about a film I was super excited for and Sean had no interest in seeing. We're more entertaining than the movie, and if you don't believe, then...you're, like, wrong. Or whatever. Thanks for listening, planet Earth.

I've wanted this guy on the show before there was a show and I met him last March. James Gregg is the owner, CEO, head craftsman and general badass of Gregg Guitars. This guy has an ear and eye for detail, and he discusses the process of building a guitar from step one to step done. And the fact that he does it all out of a house in Benbrook, Texas is more than amazing. No studio, no space...just the will and a trailer out back, James wants to bring you the best electric guitars anyone has to offer.

Oh my god, I don't even know. We went into this episode blind as hell. My good friend Justyn hosts the Idiotsyncratic podcast, and wanted this to be part one of a crossover event, with part two being me following their format of "interests discussed". Since I have no real format, we talked. About absolutely nothing. And everything. But dammit if we're not funny dudes. I think there are some profound thoughts tucked away in there somewhere.

No Funny Title, Just A Review Of Black Panther by Robbie Clark

Is It Football Season Yet? by Robbie Clark

Playin' Dress Up by Robbie Clark

Hollywood Hype Pt IV by Robbie Clark

Thank You For Calling LoveLine by Robbie Clark

Fresh Faced Off The Bus From Dallas by Robbie Clark

Illuminati Confirmed: Do Your Research by Robbie Clark

United We Stand, Division We Drink by Robbie Clark

How We Met & Too Much T-Pain by Robbie Clark

Hollywood Hype Pt III by Robbie Clark

My brother-in-law and all around good guy, Tony Rutigliano, is opening the first coffee+wine bar in Arlington, Texas in late December. I'm not gonna say anymore about it because he talks with much more zest and passion than I could ever type. He'll tell you everything you need to know.

Player 2 is back with a brief recap of the 2017 World Series, the future of Houston & LA, and his thoughts on Yu Darvish. We finish it up by admitting that we were wrong about everything in the NBA tip off episode. We're adults. We can admit it.

It's a review of the Justice League movie. That being said: We have a lot of fun on the show, judging films we had no hand in making and talking about superheroes that will more than likely never exist.  But in between the laughs, life sometimes rears its ugly head. In March 2017, Zack Snyder's daughter committed suicide.  As I say a couple times on this episode, no parent should ever have to bury their child.  Please don't ever give up.  And don't ever feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help. The world is better with you in it.  Should you find yourself in too dark a place, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Everyone here at SCTG loves you!  Now listen to us talk about what may or may not have been a decent but maybe kind of crappy movie, and try to laugh along with us.

We saw Thor: Ragnarok yesterday at the Alamo Drafthouse in New Braunfels, TX. While we loved it, we're not entirely sure it lived up to the title of "best Marvel movie to date". Official SCTG rating: 4 Stars.

We got a little long winded on the last episode, so we has to split up our trailer review into two parts. This time around we ponder on Justice League, Black Panther, and Thor: Ragnarok. Go nuts.

Joining me for the first time are my coworker Kat and her fiancee Tommy, as we discuss a newly dropped batch of trailers. We went through the trailers for The New Mutants, Jigsaw and Star Wars as thoroughly as we can before the wheels come completely off. And I know there are some stories about growing up that we like to tell as if we're badasses (we're not), but I want you to know that we do not condone underage drinking. We made mistakes we can laugh about, but we know not everyone is so lucky. Please drink responsibly.

The humanity, honesty, hilarity, and relate-ability (if that's a word) of NBC's Parks & Recreation. My good friend Jess stopped by to discuss a show that keeps popping up in each others Snap Chats from time to time.

My good and dear friend Amy stopped by my studio to discuss her diagnosis, fight against, and eventual triumph over Cancer. I have two basic rules on this podcast: No Politics, No Religion. I let the latter rule slide when Amy was talking, because, well...it made sense to let her get as deep into it as she wanted. If you or someone you know is battling cancer or anything equally terrible or maybe even worse, Please keep your head up and keep fighting. We're here for you. **Full disclosure, I've had an RSS feed with FeedBurner since I started this podcast back in September. Been having problems with it, and now I'm transferring all my episodes over to this bad boy. It'll take me a hot minute.

Enter The Game With Player 2! One of my very dear friends (who has a real job and has to be referred to by the moniker Player 2) is a sports guru, and the conversation can go so many places, but we mainly stick with sports. This episode is (was) just in time for the NBA tip off for the 2017-2018 season. Go ahead and holla atcha boi. **Full disclosure, I've had an RSS feed with FeedBurner since I started this podcast back in September. Been having problems with it, and now I'm transferring all my episodes over to this bad boy. It'll take me a hot minute.

Special Guests: The first episode of So Close To Greatness. And you can tell it's the first episode too. We have no idea what we're doing, the levels are poor, and we had a hell of a time. **Full disclosure, I've had an RSS feed with FeedBurner since I started this podcast back in September. Been having problems with it, and now I'm transferring all my episodes over to this bad boy. It'll take me a hot minute.