The Mugly Truth Podcast

Today we talk about movies that are part of the great "Is it a Christmas movie or not?" debate, the likes of which include Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Gremlins, Better Off Dead, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Ref and so many more. If you're not ready for Elf, A Christmas Story or Miracle on 34th Street, you can get primed for the holidays in a less traditional way with these classic unChristmas movies. And, yeah, we talk about our must-watch full-blown Christmas movies too.

We don't even know what happened with the topic for this episode because when we sat down to record, an organic conversation of our feelings about Disney's current shenanigans, gas prices, the state of healthcare and then more about Disney sort of spewed out. If you're looking for warm fuzzy fun, check out our previous episodes. If you want to commiserate about the state of this planet grab a stiff drink, pull up a chair and let's gripe! This is the most ungrateful November episode we've ever done.

Viewing real estate websites is the stuff of daydreams: sneaky peeks of spacious open floorplans with a killer view, whether you're just wishing, or actually looking to buy. And anyone who's been on a site like Zillow or Redfin, has likely seen at least one house that truly made them go "hmmmmm". So today we're talking about some of those weird properties and really, we just have one request: clean your damned house before taking pictures. It's not that hard, really. Cmon.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! We're dropping early to discuss the Salem Witch Trials with a twist: one of us has a great, great, great, great, etc., somebody or other in her family tree who was a major player in the trials. You have a 50% chance to guess the right host...if you win treat yourself to a caffeinated libation! Listen, then go check out our blog with links to all the things at themuglytruth.com!  Intro/outro music "Clever as a Fox" by Espresso, Inc. Outtake music "At the Fair" by The Green Orbs

Everyone knows the big names of cinematic villain history, there's a whole universe of them out there that rock our spooky world. Rather than talk a little about a bunch, we decided to delve deep into the creepy closet to dig up the skeletons of two of our favorites: The Invisible Man and Oogie Boogie. Turn off the lights, don't be afraid...someone is watching you...

Hey there! Knock knock. Pssst. It's OCTOBER! The time of our people has arrived. Hallowthanksmas has begun! In this episode there are lots of ideas for killer costumes, spooky decorations and some seriously creepy destinations to satisfy your ghost hunter ambitions. Come, fellow Fall fiends...join us on the dark-ish side. (((We have pumpkins.)))

Today's conversation is quite organic. We discuss our ongoing concerns about the pandemic, pay homage to some celebrities who have recently passed (some from Covid), and then talk about 9/11 and Columbine and how mass trauma has a massive ripple effect. We reference two podcasts: 9/12 and Confronting Columbine, both of which both have provided a whole new perspective on both tragedies. 

Grab your coffee, sit down and enjoy today's talk about Disney's Magic Keys pricing system, the Disney+ show "Behind the Attraction," and other Disney fun facts before the subject turns to how merely commenting on the internet can get you fired, freedom of speech, and the power of "just keep scrolling." Oh, and bonus points if anyone knows how many times we've talked about how much we hate summer and want Autumn to begin. 

"This word you keep saying...I don't think it means what you think it means." Yep, here's words again, but this time we not only use the incorrect one to categorize the words we talk about BUT we also give you a bucketload of words and phrases that mean something to someone else somewhere else on the planet. So grab your soda/pop/cola, kick off your sneakers/tennis shoes/trainers, and relax into the fun mess of detours and words, which, if you think about it, are the hallmarks of this podcast.

...How it's going now. Ahh, getting old. Nobody told us what to expect, or, if they did we didn't listen. Likely we just thought, "Who cares. That's a hundred years from now." Oh, lovely naive youth, lesson one is: time warps exist. Before you know it your knees squish, you can't sit on the floor, you pee when you laugh, groan to help yourself get out of a chair, and acne and hormones have come out of retirement just for YOU. Grab your cane and let's go. Outtake music, "At The Fair" by The Green Orbs 

We all know the moment we're born we begin to die. Some fear death, others do not. Where do we go after death? Do we really go to heaven? Do our souls exist outside of our bodies? Do loves ones really send us signs from beyond? Join us as we talk about coping with the death of loved ones, and the truth about our own mortality. It's a deep topic that we tread lightly with a cat meow or two thrown in to remind us to not take life (or death) too seriously.

Just like Ross and Rachel...WE WERE ON A BREAK! But now we're back! And just in time to talk about America's Independence Day, what Netflix, YouTube and Prime shows we're hooked on (Bridgerton, The Nevers, Christine McConnell anyone?) as well as a bit of state of the nation opining. It wouldn't be The Mugly Truth if we didn't have trivia, coffee-fueled opinions, detours...oh, you guys. We missed you. 

In this topic-less episode, our organic conversation takes on a bit of the traumatic as we discuss the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, deadly fires in the western United States, and first-hand horror of witnessing dogs attacking neighbors. Is it 2021 yet?

Our discussion turns to viral social media trends we'll be glad to never see again, including using explosive devices used for gender-reveals. If you use social media to any degree, you're sure to have seen some of the viral challenges on videos. If not, you might not believe your ears, but rest assured they're all real...some with deadly consequences.

NSFW and trigger warning: The content in this episode is for mature audiences only and is not appropriate for the workplace or children. The first 30 minutes of the episode discusses sexual fetishes. Examples are mentioned which contain sensitive topics so if you feel you could be triggered by the sexual content or the description of some bodily functions, we suggest fast-forwarding through the first 31 minutes to where we begin discussing fascinating psychological disorders. 

Everybody knows September brings us the wonder of Fall Equinox, PSL, and Voter Registration. But did you know you can celebrate beer, hoagies, pizza, elephants, punctuation. wives and man's best friend? YAH! Even better, we tell you about two of the BEST days to celebrate in September. Amongst the many national and international days one can observe, The Mugly Truth brings you the adventures of Chicken Boy and Bacon! 

Today we take 2020 on by sharing some pretty fun (and, admittedly, some very silly) life hacks that people are using to make life in these very surreal and challenging times a little easier. Take THAT 2020!! 

We revisit Disneyland...virtually of course...in this most auspicious episode 101. This is not like episode 33 where apparently we were very annoyed with the park. Today we fondly talk all things Disneyland, including some of our favorite memories of the park, which opening day attractions are still in use, world-wide Disney parks, and what it's like to venture into Downtown Disney, which is as close to Disneyland as you're going to be able to get until further notice. 

Today we dive right into the frenzy of Shark Week, which started August 9 on Discovery Channel! We discuss the more interesting sounding episodes, facts about Shark Week, and sharks in general. Just to soften things up we venture into the softer side of the ocean with some highly interesting facts about seahorse that will blow you out of the water. Oh, and...yeah...it's our 100th Episode!

We're back with a brand new episode, talking about some of the most, ah, interesting days of August. Did you know there's a Secretly Put A Zucchini on Your Neighbors Porch Day? Like your Great Uncle Waldo, we don't talk about it, but it's still there against all odds. We do talk about Mustard, Mahjong, Disneyland, Frankenstein, Vesuvius, Perseids Meteors, and ever so lightly graze over nuts, hangovers, underwear, and bad poetry. 

We come back this week with more questions. We are still learning, still absorbing, still reflecting, still talking. We're hoping 2020 won't be the year to "be cancelled", but the year that - in hindsight - we can see actually changed the world. 

We had a light and airy podcast planned but could not continue to keep quiet about what is happening in our country today. We both felt when we met up to record there was no way we could record our "normal" episode without first talking about George Floyd, racism in our country and how we can be allies lending our voice to the millions who have cried out for generations for equality and justice. It ended up being our full episode recording. Speak up, stand up. And yes, this one is full of cussing. 

It's a favorite game kids play, hence it's something we enjoyed immensely...and let's face it, this is a fun way to break the ice at any party, social(ly distant still) gathering, or zoom work meeting (choose those questions wisely friends). What are we talking about? WOULD YOU RATHER of course! Grab your pen and paper and see how you closely aligned you are with Kym and Kris as they figure out what they'd rather....

Well, we NEVER! Or...have we? Today we sit on a boat in a marina on a lovely Southern California day playing the classic Never Have I Ever Game because we don't want to talk about V Who Must Not Be Named anymore. So come along, grab a pencil and a piece of paper and play along. Let's see just how wild and goof we all are. I mean, there's a reason we're all here for the Mugly Truth, right? 

Yeah we still talk about CV19, lockdown life as we know it, and the TikTok rabbit hole, but then we get into the real meat and potatoes of the show...despite the hedge-trimmer in the neighbor's yard. So join us as we throw out a quick list of awesome music that has been lifting our spirits, moving our souls, and maybe even caused some car dancing recently. 

Today we practice social distancing for a much needed outdoors friendly chat. There's no main topic, just two friends catching up, and, yeah, dropping some f-bombs about the stupidity of some things happening in this world (don't drink bleach people). But we also talk about fun stuff like Tiger King, Leslie Jordan, TikTok, and Leslie Jordan ON Tiktok. 

Are you bored in the house? Are you in the house bored? Need a new hobby on the cheap? Want a fresh perspective on that old box of Chutes and Ladders? Today Kym drops some clues on inexpensive hobbies and Kris has trivia about board-games, jigsaw and crossword puzzles. Because singing a song about useless game knowledge on your guitar you just learned to play goes a long way with breaking the ice at your next Zoom par-tay! WHOOP WHOOP! BOARD IN THE HOUSE!

Unless you're a baker, a chef, or Food Network denizen, you might not know things like chips and bacon can be frozen, or flour doesn't last forever. These days we ALL need food schooling since every trip to the grocery store should come with hazard pay. Kym shares some cool (#seewhatwedidthere) tips about the best way to prepare food to be frozen, because you don't just throw any old thing into the freezer willy nilly. Come on now.

We bring you some good news from the goodnewsnetwork.org because this entire world needs some good stories right now. We also talk a little more about some fun days to celebrate this fine, lovely second week of April. And Kym talks about sifting through owl poop and finding rat teeth and other bones. Read all those sentences again. Vurrrrry slowly. One is not like the others. It's what we do.

The time's they are a-reelin' and we're trying to adjust to this temporary "new normal" along with everyone else. Today's episode is a little different as Kym was unable to record, so Kris' daughter Hayley hopped on and they have a candid discussion about life in quarantine. Oh, and like, there are, like, a LOT of, you know, likes in this episode.

We're back! And we are dropping the C-word all over the place (we actually drop both C-words...SHHHHHH don't tell our moms). But because we believe there's more to life these days than V Who Must Not Be Named, we also bring you all the ridiculous (and some pretty heavy) international days to observe over the next week. Now you just need to decide if you're gonna celebrate in your living room, kitchen, or bedroom. If the latter, please practice safe sex, since any offspring from such sheltering shenanigans will be known as a Coronial so don't say you weren't warned.

This week we talk about humanity, trolls, knee-jerk reactions, panic purchasing, hand-washing, drinking bleach, and wonder deeply about two things: how is toilet paper going to save mankind, and how on earth is it possible to not touch your face *rests chin on fist, contemplating*  Oh, and happy Full Moon and Friday the 13th. Yep. We're in trouble.

We are at Chapman University campus in Orange, CA, where the aMAYZing archives of broadcaster Huell Howser are exhibited. If you don't recall the name, you may remember Huell's distinct Nashville accent which brought his human interest stories straight into our homes and hearts for over 30 years. He may be most famous for his hidden gems PBS show, "California's Gold." This is an audio-only episode. If your player supports enhanced podcasts, please listen to the enhanced version of this episode!

We are at Chapman University campus in Orange, CA, where the aMAYZing archives of broadcaster Huell Howser are exhibited. If you don't recall the name, you may remember Huell's distinct Nashville accent which brought his human interest stories straight into our homes and hearts for over 30 years. He may be most famous for his hidden gems PBS show, "California's Gold." If your podcast provider supports enhanced episodes, you'll be able to see photos of most of the things Kris and Kym talk about today.

Hey we don't know if we're gonna be around the podsphere in four years, so we've gotta talk about Leap Year NOW. This is the episode. Almost everything you want to know about Leap Year is right here at the touch of your play button. So jump...leap right in for all the mathy facts behind this very odd day. But first, spiders. And streaming shows. 

We've recorded outside in a stationary setup and we've taken walking tours using our digital recorder. But today...we really just intended to record some extra material as we took a morning stroll and we ended up with a rather ASMR0like, "come walk with us" experience that's new for us. Today is a virtual stroll through a lovely neighborhood, replete with birds, cars, horses (and of course us) right up to the keys opening the door of Kym's house signaling the end to our nature hike.

Today we give hope to those who forgot Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Thanks to Buzzfeed, we have a nice list of possible gifts you can Amazon-prime in time, though we're pretty sure a heartlfelt love note, a nice dinner, and a bunch of flowers from the local grocer would be a lovely move too (wink). 

We've been reminded of how fragile life is this week, so we're talking about the importance of letting those we love KNOW we love them...but there's also that fine line of not everyone who has a pivotal role in your life is automatically owed love or respect...and that's OK. Of course, we lighten the topic with a harrowing tale from the eight-legged heebie-jeebie vault: spiders in your pants. Shiver. 

Today we talk about the myths and benefits of meditation. You don't have to sit cross legged, atop a peaceful, grassy knoll, detaching in transcendental bliss for hours at a time. Just a few minutes a day can bring you a connection to your true self, decrease anxiety and stress, and improve overall health. If Deepak Chopra says it's true, we believe him.

PSST! Don't look behind you but...yeah...January is still there. Lurking, glowering, chilly. Not Christmasy. Why is January the longest month of the year and is Post-Hoiday Blues really a thing? We're pretty sure they are. If you're feeling any of this, then today's episode is all for you!

Today we reflect on the first couple weeks of January and 2020 and then discuss the Best Days list from Old Farmer's Almanac (not to be confused with The Farmer's Almanac). The list chronicles the best days to begin activities, some of which are pretty germane to farming but others may just surprise you. 

2020 starts with a zenbang! We're talking about all kinds of chill, zen practices and beliefs like letting go, control is an illusion, and signs of maturity, all with our typical goofy style, including some colorful language, guffaws, and detours. 

If you're anything like us, you didn't even think about a full decade ending tonight...we've been so focused on the year that was 2019, we kind of derailed when we realized nope, not just one, but TEN whole years are coming to a close. So today isn's a retrospective on 2019, but for 2010 through this year. And like all pre-teens and teenagers, it was a decade of ups, downs, emotions, growth, frustrations and celebrations. Hello Roaring 20's, we're ready for you!

Today is just a short and fun episode playing catchup with each other with a bit of innuendo, holiday cheer, music and most of all good wishes for all who celebrate Christmas!

Today we talk about some of our favorite things: Food, food, and ah...food. Christmas food to be exact – from all over the world! From panettone to baklava to saffron buns to whale blubber...you might just find a new dish to add to your holiday menu!

We had so much fun testing your knowledge about all things Thanksgiving, we decided to continue testing you with all things Christmas! So yet again grab your pens and paper, or just think along, and see how much you thing you know about Christmas.

Today's episode is rated I for IMMATURE. Maybe even II for IMMENSELY IMMATURE. But smattered in and around the 5th grade level "jokes" (it's possible this is even NSFW) there's actually a fun and potentially interactive quiz you can play along and try to beat all your friends, family, kids, or the guy in the car next to you at. So. If you think you know Thanksgiving (and even a bit of Christmas), get ready to be stumped with these crazy and possibly slightly inaccurate trivia questions!

ALLLLLLLABOOOOOOOOARDDDDD! Since it's still November we're still talking about Gratitude but this time it's wrapped up in cozy goodnewsnetwork.org stories! So...GRATITUDE and GOOD NEWS is today's destination, because we need more of that in the world. Why are you still here? GO! Get on board because the G-Train is taking off for a wild ride! 

Today in our continued celebration of the spirit of gratitude for November, we highlight two very important foundations: The Second Harvest Food Bank and Patriotic Service Dog Foundation. If your provider supports enhanced podcasts, keep an eye out for some images we've included. 

It's November, so discussion turns to gratitude, obviously. Today we cover 30 days of thankfulness topics in under an hour. The prompts range from people, places, aromas, and experiences to shoes, restaurants, and clothes. As usual, we found it pretty difficult to come up with some answers whilst under pressure, but the good news is we have coined a new species: Snowmanimal. 

We needed to take a recording hiatus for the month of October, but we're back with lots of talk about what it's like to go through a spiritual awakening. Think it's all butterflies and rainbows? Nah, it's more like chaos and insanity – like Mario Brothers jumping to the next level through a tear in the fabric of the Universe. Too heavy? Ok we also talk about other stuff, like Karl the goldendoodle being the best part of our 5K Pumpkin Run in Fullerton, California. This is conversations over coffee you know.