Tech gadget reviews and the frustrations that sometimes drive us crazy!
Darren questions why Rafi isn't sitting on his lap for Father's Day. Rafi changes the subject and questions what happened to Whiskers (Jen's new pet name). Darren compliments Rafi's work on "The Cookie Jar" and suggests they widen the dimension and do the show live at some point. Darren and Rafi encourage Jen to bring her house guests on (so we can dig for dirt). Darren analyzes why Monotone Mark is following Rafi everywhere (is this love)? Rafi talks about another one his beautiful 3 hour shit shows, playing a DJ, and also the Governor's balls.... err, Ball (music festival). Rafi getting hit on again by girls (blah). Darren reminisces about their previous 3-week host Joe and his wife the Producer (gone). Darren wants to be the next Broadway director for Dear Evan Hansen. Rafi mentions Matilda is coming out as a musical for Netflix (Rafi didn't mention auditioning?). Stranger Things may be over-done for Darren but Rafi's getting married to the show. Darren wants to know why Rafi keeps finding reasons why he isn't into someone. And the subject changes to time sucking TikTok. Darren recommends Breaking Bad on Netflix. Bryan Cranston is now starring in "Jerry and Marge Go Large". Rafi thinks Hempstead is far - try traveling to Texas. Darren wants to sniff Rafi's stink. Darren wants to know how Rafi "does it" and supports himself. The duo compare notes on Yoga and holding positions for a long time (wait isn't Rafi a mannequin expert)? Darren tried Max Challenge and Rafi thinks he's talking about devil acceptance with an ice bucket, and Darren's partner Pat wants his own gym time. Darren talks about the cute straight boy he met to ride at Six Flags. Darren talks more serious about his 82 year old father-in-law breaking his neck but survived. And the show closes with more about smelling Rafi.
The trio is back to talk about Hair (in the ears, nose, eyebrows) and Nails (dirty black nails at the salon, matte polish pedicures for men). Rafi catches us up with his "Cutting Room" live show, and soon you can catch Rafi in an orgy scene... "Narcissist of New York City"... where nothing happens - be looking for that hit on Amazon VOD/Prime. Darren is headed back to Dallas and San Antonio at the end of August. Earlier tonight Rafi had a nice Italian dinner at a DNR meetup with Rick the Pig, Xtena/Edwin, Wayward Tom, What is Happening Jason & Dan... while Jen and Darren wonder if their invitations got lost. Rafi's headed out for more fun (and gummies?) with the DNR gang somewhere in midtown tonight. Jen and Darren are too lazy to leave the couch, blaming it on work tomorrow. Rafi had a date (or... a meet-up) with monotone Mark in Hoboken where the fireworks were hot and Rafi stripped his shirt off post gummy. Would Darren or Rafi be cool dating a FTM post-op? Darren yes, Rafi... err. The trio need an education on proper trans* terminology post Rocky Horror Picture show. Darren confuses vaping and dabbing/wax. Jen tries to explain the difference. Next week, the DnRnS show?
Darren N Rafi return for another duo episode of DNR 3.0, while Jen is partying in Guadalajara. Rafi apparently won't be hitching a ride on the Alaska cruise at the moment due to a misunderstanding of who was potentially paying for the stateroom. Rafi needs to find an older sugar daddy or mommy... Nah that's not Rafi. He really wants old fashioned romance and love. And it's been over a month since Rafi has had any physical attention. Any volunteers? You must like bathroom discos! Rafi talks about his expensive stolen gym shoe, that Bean Bag Boy is back (at least on the job) and Rafi's now ushering at Rugby games. Darren brings up a possible idea to fund Rafi's trip on the DNR European cruise - by auctioning off his used jockstrap. Or each piece of his sweaty gym outfit. Rafi tells us of his new friend he met, a designer for mens lace; both Rafi and Darren pass on any interest - no offense to those who are turned on by lace. Rafi promotes "Pair of Thieves" underwear available at Target - now that's sexy. Rafi talks Bermuda, Charity Walks, and not catching up with the DNR cruisers. Darren talks about his lack of attention while out at the gay bars in Dallas. Darren asks how the Cookie JAR Podcast got started and Rafi sends his kudos to those who encouraged him.
Jen suggests stuffing our next pet and figuring out the best position. Darren serves drinks next to his pet's bones. Rafi's skin gets fried in Miami Beach before his double appearance on Enamorándonos. Look for it on https://www.youtube.com/c/UnimasOficial (not sure if its posted yet) but Rafi gets short-changed with only one option for a date. Rafi didn't know what his potential date looked like until the Producer gives Rafi his Instagram, oh and he's a photographer. Rafi thought he was attractive but he was more attracted to his models. But then discovered he was looking at the wrong date. But what happened to the date? Instead, Rafi falls for a gorgeous cuban Spanish speaking boi, a younger man, 21, at the airport who was giving Rafi his do-me eyes. Who is the Daddy now, Rafi!? Jen wants to know what the gay signals are, when you want someone. Darren switches to his Dolphin Dick history. Jen tells us about her all-night Saturday partying in Miami (minus Rafi!) and her experiences at the Sexy Fish and Fountain Blue where a DJ gets her an Uber ride that's a night club on wheels - disco lights, lasers, surround sound. Next stop at 3am is the political end of the DJ business. The partying went on till Jen and Manuel get to bed at 9am Sunday morning. Darren feels old as his quiet Saturday was spent seeing the Tina Turner musical on broadway with Pat at 2pm then 6pm was Jacobs Pickles with a small pre-cruise DNR dinner group. Rafi ends the show with promo for his new Cookie Jar Show every Friday - see: https://www.facebook.com/CookieJARshow/ - stay tuned for Snicker Doodles!
Jen Aczualdez (JA) and Rafi Fuentes (RF) (aka: JARF show) reminisce about their latest NYC party gathering with entertainers at La Pulperia in Hells Kitchen, where Jen discovered Rafi's voice as he serenaded the group. Darren is jealous. Rafi talks about being in Miami getting ready to be a contestant (instead of a translator) on a real life/live TV show: Enamorándonos by Univision! Will Rafi find Love and a new date for his disco bathroom? Or will it end in bean bag disaster? Jen will be in Miami next week! Will JARF meet up in Miami with Rafi showing Jen his dance moves? Jen tells us what it was like to be a guest at a Jewish Seder with not so delicious Kosher Manischewitz wine, which "needs improvement" (more alcohol, less sugar). Darren is home, preparing to leave for Dallas, ready to cruise the bars in Oak Lawn TX, he'll try Rafi's double-look behind. Will there be escalators at the bars? Will Darren get lost and find himself at the closed Electric Lizard? Rafi doesn't know how to open a Tesla. Darren doesn't know who Ja Rule is. Ahh the generation gap. Jen contemplates her next world travels post-miami. And will the three be getting stoned at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford NJ in the future? But Jen has mall-PTSD so probably not. Or now that pot is legal in New Jersey with dispensaries opening soon, maybe she'll have more at her disposal, to calm her down. Recorded on Saturday April 16th due to Rafi & Darren traveling on Sunday.
Darren N Rafi (DNR) thought it was going to be just the two of them, but then Jen pops into the episode before Rafi does! Rafi catches us up about his delicious dinner date at the Astoria New York Diner - the Omonia Cafe - complete with pubic hair in his water. Jen tell us about the fingernail that was found in a Wendy's burger when she was flipping burgers at age 17. Rafi invents a new word: "Tigre" = Tired and hungry. Darren is traveling to Dallas and will be staying closer to Oak Lawn, and Jen gives her best advice on other areas of the city to consider: Deep Vellum or Uptown. Darren was on hold with JetBlue chat for over 2 hours, and the treo compare notes about flight shopping sites priceline.com kayak.com skiplag.com (hidden city). Rafi tells us of his new gig - a print ad for Manhattan West (next to Hudson Yard) - a 10 hour job. Then Rafi proceeds to complain about not getting paid for his last gig. The "little guy" is even suing. We learn something else new about Rafi, he has oily eyelids. Superstar Rafi will be signing autographs at the DNR open house on Saturday April 30th before the Bermuda cruise leaves. Is there a listener out there somewhere who will let Rafi stay in your cabin? Darren and Pat are having dinner with a group of 20 on Saturday the 29th at Jacob's Pickles.
Darrens niece Heather calls in to report on Darrens hair fire this weekend during the BBQ. Whiskers (Jen) is stuck in traffic so dials into the show. Jen shares her hair story - using her hair as dental floss. Darren shares his post surgery glue peeling in his belly button. Rafi gives us an update on his sexy shirtless videos that did not happen. Then what are we reporting on, says Darren? Rafi shares what his last actual serious show was - A Christmas Carol performed in Lancaster PA at Junction Center. Fast forward to today, Rafi appears as one of the sexy wait staff on Billions Season 6 Episode 10. Jen tells us she likes nut milk and that pineapples make it more swallowable. Jen and Rafi recommended that milk lovers like Darren should try Macadamia milk or Califia's Coconut Almond Milk or Aloha Oat Milk - but with any brand be careful of too much sugar or gross sugar replacements like Stevia. Jen shares what its like to lick a stevia leaf. Darren shares what it's like to down Bai coconut water pumped out of the polluted rivers of Trenton NJ. And Rafi shares his love of baked Pirates Booty. April 19th 10pm ET - prerecording interview with Elisa Hebert - article on Don't say Gay Law and the huge response (see https://bit.ly/elisaflorida)
Rafi catches us up with his latest casting offer - to be a corpse. Jen reads the email notification from the director; Rafi tries but fails to re-enact his emotions while reading the email. Is Rafi now typecast to only play mannequins and corpses? Time will tell. But his Shoeshiner music video shoot shows promise. As do Rafis new boyfriends. Darren is still alive after being cut open with the Da Vinci Xi robot, for his laparoscopic surgery to remove his gallbladder. And Jen talks about how she does not want to use a catfish picture from when she was 30, as her promotional images for Asylum. We also learn where Jens new nickname Whiskers came from. Last, we get a bit political, mentioning the LinkedIn post by Elisa Hebert (see https://bit.ly/elisaflorida) about the Dont Say Gay law. If you want to read the law yourself, see https://bit.ly/dontsaygaylaw
The trio returns after a long break of mixed vacations and business travel. Darren and Jen start the show with Jen remote on her cell phone, and Rafi connecting soon after via Zoom. Darren shares details of getting to the Maldives on his expensive vacation to the overwater bungalows. Travel times, business class travel on Qatar Airways, international airport experiences, Kuderu resort details, and more! Rafi fills us in on coming SO CLOSE to getting the Jose Cuervo gig - but no cigar. But several other cool jobs are headed Rafi's way... including Rafi as a Doc for Erectile Dysfunction promos! Oh we can't wait. Darren volunteered to be the dad patient in the promos. Jen listens in and interjects where she could, when she could! Tune in to hear more!
It's the DnR 3.0 show again with Darren and Rafi, as Jen is too hung over to get to the microphone. Poor Jen. Hear about their trip to West Orange on Friday with all three hosts, to a presumed Haunted House (where two kids were murdered). Nobody really felt anything odd other than Darren was spooked on the third floor in what looked like a large walk-in closet. Rafi talks about getting killed in his past life and the other dimension of life after death. Darren shares his Long Island medium story (no, not Theresa from TV). The new FDA approved anal condom is discussed but then rawly forgotten. Rafi shares his virtual audition details for a social campaign for Jose Cuervo. And super-Rafi-fan Monotone Marc calls in to talk musicals.
Darren and Rafi's first show without Jen! Oh that makes us DNR (3.0?). Rafi tells us about his first two weed foods: his first was a gummy - joyful and laughable. His second was a weed brownie - which resulted in paranoia. Darren's first experience with pot was sitting in a hearse with about 4 other friends, 25 some years ago. Rafi's wildest psychedelic experience was mushrooms. Darren gave a hard pass on the hallucinogenics. But neither Rafi or Darren would rule out ayahuasca retreat. Rafi gives us more details about his first date with Bean Bag Boy and even shows us pictures on Rafi's cell (https://bit.ly/asylumlive). Oh and there's Rafi's latest attempt to pick up a San Fran visitor man in a NYC crosswalk. But no reply back to Rafi (daaaaang). Rafi tells us he's not a gold star gay, because he came out of his mothers canal. On that note! See you next week!
Jen give us an update on her resignation from Company A and how they would welcome her back, if Company B doesn't work out. Darren has many questions for Rafi about what we learned from his DnR appearance last Thursday Feb 3rd (It Takes Two). Rafi graciously said that he and straight (but swishy) AJ are good looking in their own ways. Darren apologizes to Rafi for spilling the beans on Rafi's hidden resume talent, being a mannequin (or corpse, as AJ put it). Darren also suggested that even if it takes Rafi till mid 30's to become famous, some actors such as Lisa Emery (70 year old Darlene on Ozarks) didn't get real acting gigs with speaking roles until their mid 30's. Rafi gives us an update on his shoot for Dazzling Cleaning. And Darren suggests he'd pay Rafi $90 for ... Darren then tries to hook up Rafi with a speaking role as a real bartender for Jen. Rafi starts to take off his clothes, giving us some shoulder on https://bit.ly/asylumlive. We then trail off into Rafi's disco and selfie shirtless bathroom habits with men that he dates.
Jen shares her resignation experience from Company A, while she prepares to move to Company B (VMWare) - and Darren tries to summarize (and clobbers) what VMWare Tanzu is all about. Jen tries to resign from the Asylum but Darren won't let go and shifts the Asylum schedule to accommodate the real talent (Jen). But here comes Rafi our guest host to add some new zest. We learn about Rafi's mannequin skills, his "Romancing the Bathroom Nightclub" experience, and his dating skills on "how to catch a catfish" online. Speaking of skills, Rafi shares his manly hair growth skills and shaving (not waxing) habits. Romaine, how does that chest feel?
Jen has returned from her 3 week trip to Spain, Germany, Rome, and more! She shares her experiences trying to find a distiller partner for their Gin, ACZU GIN (see www.drinkgoodgin.com) - plus their vacation in Rome. Then Darren gets to the core Topic: why and how he Cut the Cord - cancelling his $200 Comcast Cable bill, switching to just plain Internet, YouTube TV, Netflix (via his iPhone account) and Amazon Prime. Instead of paying $400 for two locations, he's now paying about $200 for both. Jen compares notes about what she's heard about Sling, Hulu and Spectrum. Listen in to hear our experiences!
Derek Hartley and Romaine Patterson spent the evening with hosts Darren and Jen from "A Night In The ASYLUM". Listen in as they discuss tequila, cruising, gay bars and a few holiday traditions.
Derek Hartley joins the ASYLUM while Jen is missing in action! Darren and Derek talk about their recent experiences cruising during COVID and how the cruise lines are trying to keep everyone safe(r) when traveling aboard a mini-city - and how that compares in safety to something like shopping, theatre-watching and dining in NYC (where vaccination or proof of being COVID negative, isn't a requirement). Next up: Darren asks the expert (IDarrensHO), Derek, if we should be concerned about Trump loyalists trying to place their own Secretary of State picks into those powerful positions in swing states. This could allow another option for these politicians to overturn the will of the people and appoint Trump loyalists, should another candidate win in future elections. Would The People stand for it? Also hear Derek's opinion about stacking the US Supreme Court, Term Limits - and will Trump run and win in 2024?
Derek and Romaine listeners know of Rafi as one of the DNRstudios.com interns. Rafi joins the show today to give us the background on how he became involved in the arts, his hopes, dreams, and the fact that he loves being in front of camera - though he can also write, produce, direct, edit and distribute his own shows. One of Rafi's dreams is to be in a major broadway musical. However for now, he has been happy doing off-broadway shows and modeling. Listen in and learn more about Rafi and his upcoming projects! Shout out to my partner Pat for being my Board Op, while I'm in Texas! The Boy Who Sings EP is now available for pre-order on iTunes and Google Play iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-boy-who-sings-ep/1448044048 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Rafi_Fuentes_The_Boy_Who_Sings_EP?id=Bohjwjwwmt7dv7jjjuselq3a4ja&hl=en Website: www.rafifuentes.com Music: soundcloud.com/rafifuentesnyc Spotify: Rafi Fuentes Instagram: rafi_fuentes TikTok: rafi_fuentes Twitter: @rafifuentes
Jen and Darren have been traveling for the past month, for work and business. Their travels started in Texas, when Jen went to see her dad during her birthday, and Darren was in Texas for work - both in the Dallas area only about 15 minutes from each other - but they didn't manage to see each other. Jen's next 17 day trip was a mix of pleasure and Aldez Tequila related, with Manuel. Her stops included Dominican Republic's Punta Cana, Cancún Mexico (at Secrets with lots of turquoise water) and finally Oaxaca Mexico (using amrcollection.com). Darren and Pat's next trip was with derekandromaine.com fans - 2 days in Disney then a 7 day Norwegian Mexican Riviera cruise to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas. The two compare notes about COVID and mask policies, comfort levels and overall experiences.
Jen shares her trip details to "Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week" at Rough Point, Newport RI, where she and Manuel were invited to host a bar area for their brands Aczu Gin (aczugin.com) and Aldez Tequila (aldeztequila.com). Afterwards they headed to Boston where they visited the Cheers Bar and SeaPort, and they also took a Duck Tour via boat, where they learned the real facts about Paul Revere's Midnight Ride. Darren talks about his experiences pissing blood and getting a cystoscopy (a thick tube and instruments up his dick). He also gives us an update on his participation as a Guinea Pig for the latest Pfizer COVID Booster Study. He was unblinded last Friday and WAS given the real shot, and his side effects were fatigue for two days. Darren also spoke about what an Annual Flight Review was like, to keep current with his pilots license. And last, in preparation for his trip to the Maldives next year, Darren researched Travel Vaccine requirements. Jen also recommends Darren read the "Phoenix Project".
Darren opens the show with an update about his brother-in-law, then talks of his trip with Pat to the Assembly Bar in Philly, while Jen was also in the Dominican Republic with her Thrupple: Manuel and their hunky assistant; partly for business development and as a reward. Darren tips his hat to Jen for her mention in Forbes. Jen tips her hat at Darren for starting Orange Theory. And the duo compare notes about Memory Foam mattresses: NovaForm, Casper and Purple 3. Jen gives a glowing review of the latter and her purchase process and decision. Their recent movie/show recommendations: The Package, Sex Education, Squid Game. And last but not least, Darren takes his mom to plan his parents funeral.
Darren talks about his vision of Jen on a Stripper Pole, but only because she said she was going to a strip club. Thoughts from Darren about the New Coke Zero flavor update. Jen and Darren compare IDA Flooding notes. And the duo talk about their Axed Ghost Tour of the West Orange NJ home, due to fast real estate sales. Darren gives a gay review of Amazon's new, updated, Cinderella musical. Jen talks about her vacation to the Dominican Republic next week, and Darren gives an update to his cruise plans, or possible cancellations. Last but not least, Darren has booked tickets to see the Hollywood Medium, Tyler Henry.
Jen talks about her journey that lead her to try medical marijuana. And the best part, all of us could qualify! Well, probably. Darren talks about his father-in-law's horrible leg and back pain, and how CBD helped him get a full night's sleep. Apparently due to the anti-inflammatory properties. The duo talk about experiences with CBD and THC/marijuana. Jen even gives her dog CBD for hip pain. Darren talks about the lower cost of entering the recreational market and Jen talks about the politics of it. Darren gives an update on his beagle Josie. Darren talks about his experience selling his Park Model RV this past weekend, and Darren and Pat's new home purchase in PA. Darren and Jen talk about their retirement goals, speakeasy magic and Jen's first boring gay bar.
Jen and Darren talk about their busy jobs, COVID scares and tests, and how to get COVID confirmation tests a couple days before travel. They also recommend bringing a copy of your COVID vaccination card with you, especially when traveling. CLEAR has an app that may become a leader for digital COVID vaccination confirmations. Jen talks about Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett's Farewell Concert at Radio City. Darren wasn't invited! Jen also shares her experience touring the interactive Van Gough exhibit. Darren tells the story of his former beagle Rosie and how he came to have his new beagle Josie, and how Josie's had surgery to repair her ACL. And Jen and Darren agree Cuomo needs to go.
Jen explains how to smoke a cigar. The duo talks return of masks and the Resistance. Then Jen gives intimate details of the cock rocket built by Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. Or was it a Blue Organ? And their first human space flight. Will Darren ever be able to afford the $28 million ticket? Speaking of millions, or lack of them, they wind down the show talking about the biggest Jeopardy loser ever!
Sindy joins the ASYLUM and tells us about her divorce and the wild sex party trip she had planned to Mexico with her friends - but what turned out to be a filled with unbearable smelly seaweed - and then after a resort relocation it became a calm trip about life reflections. Also hear what she has to say about the latest mobile sex toys!
Katie Castellano visits the ASYLUM, sharing her new experiences in Miami and the hot spots to visit on your next trip south (maybe before a future DNR Cruise?). Prior to Katie joining us, Darren talks of his tech mishap, formatting his MacBook Pro without a full backup, and the Apple authentication steps that caused his iPhone to erase itself!
Darren tells Jen about his first two Chromebooks. The Samsung he used for 2 days then returned, and the Acer Spin 713 2-in-1 that he has on order. One key element to look for in a Chromebook: Android App compatibility! Next up is Darren's plans for a trip to the Maldives with Pat and another couple they know.
Darren & Jen move on - without Joe! Tonight, the duo give you the highlights of the B.S. that is happening in Arizona, which is a sham "recount" of Maricopa County, requested by the Republican controlled Arizona Senate. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors now states the recount and the process used is "craziness". Part of the process, including visually looking for bamboo paper, presumably created by the Chinese to create fake ballots sent into Arizona, was created by a popular Trump supporter and conspiracy theorist Jovan Pulitzer. And the company hired to do the sham recount is “Cyber Ninjas,” whose CEO has claimed the election may have been manipulated by a firm with ties to the former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez (who is dead). The entire process is apparently created to cause miscounts, that will make it look like Biden should have lost to Trump. This will likely lead to other Republican controlled swing states, hiring the same company, for the same purpose. See the article at: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/05/arizona-audit-recount-claiming-trump-won.html
The trio returns: Darren, Jen and Joe - only to wish audua to Joe, who finally got a full-time job and can't make our 7:30pm start time! He'll be back! Our guest tonight is Len Carmichael of Landmine Studios based in Ewing NJ. He's a Music Producer/Engineer/Mixer. He likes making loud noises... and quiet ones too! He's a Certified Amp Nerd and MMA Aficionado who will talk to us about how he makes the magic happen. Other topic's: Joe's upside-down hanging crunches (wow sexy) and fall ... from grace (ouch - not so sexy). Joe getting Fact-Checked on Facebook, and his thoughts on the new CDC mask guidelines. In other words, the second half of our show is all about our dearly departing Joe!
Darren and Jen return from their recent travel - including their first plane rides since the pandemic began. Darren was in California and Jen & Manuel in Mexico. Both were surprised at the lack of seriousness taken by the airlines. Is this the beginning of the end of the pandemic? After a year of not having to go to work, Joe shares that he finally has a new job - a great position with a great company. Darren finally tells the creepy story of how Joe reminded Darren of his deceased best friend Michael. Darren described the visit he and Michael's partner Brad took to a reputable medium and how spot-on medium Shelly Peck was!
What started out to be a conversation about each of our Guilty Pleasures, turned out to be pleasures that we didn't feel so guilty about. Darren's favorite pass-times: American Idol and The Voice. Jen and Joe's: aliens and sappy movies that make men cry. But Joe isn't interested in watching Darren's recommendation (Brokeback Mountain). Jen really enjoyed the Netflix Thunder Force while Darren post-show, thought it was the worst movie ever. All three of us are interested in life after death and space travel. Energize!
On our last episode, Asylum.Radio welcomed two guests who recently visited different Ayahuasca retreats. One Andrew went to rythmia.com in Costa Rica, and another Jenni went to a Shaman in the Amazon in Peru. But we had so many questions, we asked Jenni to come back, to go into more detail about her Amazon Ayahuasca experience.
Asylum.Radio welcomed two guests who recently visited different Ayahuasca retreats. One Andrew went to rythmia.com in Costa Rica, and another Jenni went to a Shaman in the Amazon in Peru. Popularity of Ayahuasca Retreats is on the rise. Most reviews are positive and many say they have life changing experiences while participating in nightly rituals using this hallucinogenic tea. From improvements of depression, anxiety and addiction - to simply becoming enlightened and discovering your inner peace and purpose. Listen in to hear their experiences.
Joe leads the banter regarding how COVID affected relationships. Which brought us to: murdering your husband without a trace (what!?) - Fast forward to the next topic: Pet Peeves! Peeves that make relationships better and some that are just plain silly or annoying! And the ultimate question - what would be the best parts of dating yourself? Ewe! Then we skip to strange personal habits including the finer details of Joe getting his pedicures, Jen's mini pinky, Darren's big pinky, and Kelly's mini hands. Oh my! NEXT WEEK Asylum has two guests talking about their experience at Ayahuasca Retreats in the Amazon and Costa Rica!
Joe welcomed his friend Brian Hartmann into The ASYLUM. Brian's a Certified Financial Planner and partner at granitebridgewealth.com. He spoke about how he helps his clients do an in-depth view of their finances, to deliver direction and holistic planning to meet short and long-term financial goals. Brian shared his advice on some of the common considerations that everyone should make, to grow their nest egg. If you're considering making a new investment strategy, this may be a good starting point for you to listen in.
Darren, Jen and Joe invited Noam Meppen into the ASYLUM! Noam's the Franchise Owner of Expedia Cruises in Scottsdale, AZ. Noam spoke to us about how he and his team of 20 Vacation Consultants, can help anyone plan both cruises and all inclusive leisure resorts - not just Arizona residents! Noam just returned from Cancun, after checking out several new resorts, and shared his thoughts on them. He also spoke about changes in the travel industry this year, how those in the travel industry are working to keep us safe, and what you can expect in any future trips this summer into fall and winter!
The conversation started out with this topic, with Mrs Butterworth, Aunt Jemima, Dr Seuss and more. But as we discovered the brand issue strongly relates to the political climate of our times (Black Lives Matter, discrimination against minorities and women, etc) - we took a tangent first to gender bias and transgender issues, and then to politics and white men having an unfair advantage over women and minorities. Oy Vey!
Darren, Jen & Joe share their stories about blocking Facebook friends. Joe Jordan blocked his own Asylum co-founder Darren - yet Joe said he doesn't remember why. Darren thinks it was due to his political views on Trump. Darren discovered the block when trying to find pics of Joe on his Facebook page, for promotional reasons. How could this happen? WHY? Tune in. See if your experiences are similar to ours. Oh the drama! Hear this and other stories, including religion and abortion views - and a new segment - Dad's Jokes.
Darren invites Romaine Patterson into the ASYLUM, and Joe Jordan returns again. And of course Jen is with us. Romaine shares her DNR show headaches (Mark from MN) and how they have helped people (Mark from MN) and one of her most embarrassing DNR moments (Glory Holes). Darren shares his most embarrassing DNR moment (forgetting Romaine's parents were gone). The trio ask Romaine for her advice to succeed, and Hooker Hotline history, as the ASYLUM listens to their first Hotline call from Wayward Tom (as Romaine tells the story of how he got his nickname). And the group answer a theoretical question about whether they would attend a Spring party in NJ post-vaccine and what the rules of attendance could be. Tune in to a great show! Or watch us at https://bit.ly/asylumlive.
Asylum has their welcomes back Joe Jordan back for a second run - and Jen leads the discussion, summarizing her in-person gym and exercise history and research into home fitness solutions including The Mirror, Tonal and Tempo. She decided on Tempo at $2200 plus $39 per month. Joe tells us about his desire to work out at gyms, and his thoughts on his condo clubhouse gym versus Planet Fitness, and his best results have been using weights. Darren mentions his experience with a personal trainer at a gym for several months, and also the group exercise program Max Challenge.
ASYLUM welcomes a new host, Joe Jordan, who shares his experiences Cutting His Own Cord (is that a thing?). He tried Sling, Hulu, and researched others. Darren has also researched YouTube TV. But the general consensus is for the Asylum gang, maybe it's too soon to cut, due to imperfections with streaming. Tune in to hear more! Oh, and look for our YouTube Livestream next week at https://bit.ly/asylumlive - please subscribe to our channel!
Sitting in for Jen is our guest host and fellow DNR listener Michael Pyle. Darren talks about his latest Sonos audio system connected to his new LG 65" OLED TV, and Michael compares SIZES including his 65", connected to his Yamaha receiver. Michael also explains the difference between 5.1 and 7.1 sound systems, and what exactly Dolby "Atmos" means. Next up, brief advice on how to find COVID Vaccine locations, congressional traitors and Trump's latest "Perfect Phone Call" with Brad Raffensperger. Last but not least, Michael advises why you might consider a Spa Cabin on your next Cruise. If we ever get back on board!
Continuing on from last weeks conversation about OLED vs QLED TV's, Darren and Jen summarize SONOS audio products and why they are awesome, and how you can integrate them with Alexa for voice commands. Darren takes a tangent and asks Jen about her childhood in Iran and versus the USA and discrimination she faced. Then circling back to the topic, Jen talks about her quiet Christmas plans, inviting a friend who was going to be alone for the holidays. And Darren takes an opposite approach - he is renting an AMC theatre for 20 of his family members, to see WonderWoman 84! They will stay socially distant in the theatre instead of having 35 people in one house at a Christmas party.
Darren and Jen welcome back guest Kevin Vandenberg who tells us all about his new Virtual Reality gaming setup including the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 VR, which he paired with the latest Oculus Quest 2 All-In-One VR Headset. Kevin describes in detail his path to high tech gaming including playing one of the most popular VR games, Beat Saber. Beam Me Up Scotty (BTW he never said that)!
LG OLED CX vs Samsung QLED models and which is best in different lighting, what to look for in a new high-end TV if you want to play PlayStation, XBox Series X or the latest PC video games. Features to seek include support for 4K, HDR with G-Sync @ 120Hz and HDMI 2.1 supporting 48Gbps. And AirPlay is a notable plus. Jen talks about her hairless cats learning to work doorknobs to get into her ergonomic home office/recording studio. Darren tells the story of a tour he gave of his house, forgetting that the sling was hanging in the basement. And Darren takes his fourth COVID test. Ugh. Jen also stands up for her health as it pertains to her clients and employer asking her to be on-site.
Darren and Jen celebrate Biden's electorial win - while also discussing Trumps continuous attempts at overriding the will of the people, to become the USA's first Dictator. We predict his final attempt will be Jan 6th when congress convenes to ratify the results. Trump will have some of his Republican buddies object to at least the swing states and hope that he can have some Democrats in the house, vote to reject the state electorial votes and thus hand the election to Trump. NOT going to happen! In other news, Darren mention's that he's on the Pfizer COVID Vaccine placebo. And Jen has a new exercise device on order.
Oh what sad tale Darren weaves - from his mother-in-law getting knee replacement surgery in one hospital and his father-in-law the same day in a different hospital for being winded, and then Darren being in the hospital for chest pains. My what a Thanksgiving Week he's had. Darren made notes of what he observed during his overnight hospital stay during a pandemic. From gas to shots in the stomach and double masks, to murders by a nurse, he saw and heard it all. Meanwhile, Jen shares her medical pandemic experiences at the dentist, and while getting electrolysis for hair removal. Thank God Jen still has her youth :)
Jen and Darren speak to the DNR tech men Arafat and Kevin. Arafat tells us about his experience creating the DNR App and what you can expect, in addition to what's up in his life. Kevin also shares what he's up to with the phone system and show specific numbers. Darren also shares his experience as a guinea pig thus far for Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine Trial, being part of the second 14,000 Phase 3 group.
A few days ago, Darren shared on his Facebook Post, that he's in Pfizer's Phase 3 Covid-19 Vaccine Trial. And on this episode, he shares his experience while Jen ponders if this will lead to Darren growing horns, black wings, or just kicking the bucket early. Also joining The Asylum is guest Sahel Chen who is on the Moderna Vaccine Trial Fear not, peoples, both Darren and Sahel are alive and well! FYI our new live call-in and message number: 855-366-9653!