They Need a Hobby

My friend Elena returns! We talk about our love of the Owl House and cross representation for so many people. HOOT HOOT!

This shit really happened

Second part of going to Japan! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

I went to Japan! things are switched up this episode with my buddy Andrew interviewing me. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

My friend who I call "Riker" comes by and talks about his passion for BoardGames. Specifically why he likes them and how they have completely changed in the past 10 years. BoardGameGeek https://boardgamegeek.com/ No Rolls Barred https://norollsbarred.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5UQPZe-8v4_UP1uxi4Mv6A His Top 5 games FOR beginning players (mentioned on the episode): Cockroach Skull Azul Cascadia Camel-Up His personal top 10 games: Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/321608/hegemony-lead-your-class-victory Wonderland's War https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/227935/wonderlands-war Bohnanza https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/11/bohnanza Wingspan https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/266192/wingspan Terrorscape https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/371433/terrorscape 7 Wonders Duel https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/173346/7-wonders-duel Skull https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/92415/skull The Estates https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/249381/estates Cosmic Encounter https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/39463/cosmic-encounter Klask https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/165722/klask --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Lance comes back! We pay homage to the late Akira Toriyama and share our fond memories of Dragon Ball (and subsequent series). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

My history major buddy Patrick joins me! We talk about a legendary anime called Fist of the North Star and it's lasting effects on anime today. Basically imagine if Bruce Lee was trained in an assassination art of exploding people while wandering the desert. Here is the link in terms of sales beating other big names like "Cars"== https://www.titlemax.com/discovery-center/money-finance/the-25-highest-grossing-media-franchises-of-all-time/ All of the FOTNS video games: https://youtu.be/GP7ifmMdZkI?si=eRw2EN1nAXu4QzGm You Wa Shock: https://youtu.be/JKk6hHU0iUs?si=oetNJwFhy7J3DPMa --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Sammi and Elena return to talk about The Legend of Korra and why it is so underrated and worth a watch. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Every had a friend and wanted to ask them a question about their race but didn't wanna get canceled? Or beat the fuck up? For Black and Indian we got ya covered LMAO --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

My wonderful friends Sammie and Elena come over and talk about why we love Avatar the Last Airbender! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

On this episode I'm joined by Maddie a good friend of mine. They work with a company that uses AI and were willing to come on and answer some burning questions we all have about it. They don't like Tears of the Kingdom but greatly do love Kirby and King Boo. There was a lot of distracting traffic going on at the time, please forgive that. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Anna Confer is a friend of mine, one who intersects a few different areas of my life in a similar way: being a person of color, queer, and a martial artist. She is a wonderful friend with an analytic mind and fucking loves plushies. We talk about our experiences in martial arts and the trials that come for people like us. She also fucking loves plushies like a LOT. Subjects Mentioned: Daniel Inosanto https://youtu.be/4tHbGdb9nos Daniel Lonero https://youtu.be/xD0j1HYYEms --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

I really feel the world is drowning in cynicism, and that the "good ol days are gone" mentality has reigned quite heavily lately. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot going on that is not helping speak against that sentiment. However I really feel here is where fiction and such should step in, at least partially, as a goal to reach for. Specifically a utopia we can reach for. My good friend Sidney stops by again, and we talk about how the best example of a utopia came from Star Trek the Next Generation. The genesis of this podcast also came from a very goofy setup of Michael Dorn performing some athletics in the first season--the 80s were a wild time

Did a great episode with Bobby Seppi over #emotions, #masculinity and very important purchases to make at #Target. Special bonus for both us of sharing famous family stories. #jessiejames #freddiemercury Take care brother :) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

This episode I bring back a friend Andrew Diaz. Here we talk about The Last of Us live action adaptation and how he convinced me to watch it! Major Spoilers warning for the video game series and tv show. We talk about strengths and weaknesses and our thoughts overall. I'm so glad he convinced me to watch it! As I mention in the beginning we both had things come up mid recording but that actually worked in our favor because we got to see the last episode and splice the recordings together. Daddy is a state of mind. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Just a short audio clip on my thoughts from the past few months and such concerning the Hogwarts Legacy game and representation in a bigger sense for what it means for me. I get vulnerable on this one, it re-recorded it a few times. Lmk what you think. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

*Massive spoilers for God of War Ragnarok.* My friend Aditya came back on the podcast and we talk about the game God of War Ragnarok. Specifically its entire theme on redemption and mental health. Enjoy :) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

We start the new year off with my buddy Aditya. Since the last episode was kind of heavy we decided to keep it light and off the cuff. Fuck Tarantino, at least that's me. Watch Vincenzo. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

A longtime and good friend of mine Joe Kercher and I talk about one of our favorite voice actors Kevin Conroy. He passed only a month ago but left an indelible mark on both of us. We share our appreciation for his performance and a heartwarming anecdote of us meeting him back in 2017. Thank you for listening. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Sid comes back and we talk about G4 rising and falling...twice. Moral of the story dont let boomers do technology. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

The Assassin returns! ***SPOILERS for Ms. Marvel if you haven't seen it****We talk Ms. Marvel and I finally get to talk about my culture and the partition between India and Pakistan. It's a ride, strap in lol --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

I invited a jack of many trades to the pod today. My friend Kim Kruse. We talk about snipers, karaoke, India, Scotland, caring for animals, and of course anime and all things nerd. (At times my side of the audio was turned too loud to record, sorry about that folks). A fun episode and take on what life can offer with the right mindset. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Ever had a hard time making friends in a new city? Ever thought about starting a Meetup? Ever seen people go down the "Reddit Red Pill" path?---My friend Andrew Diaz and I did lol It's a wild true story on how two people became friends...and left a group to go to a different group. We talk about this story and all things nerd. Was recorded over zoom so we did our best with the audio.   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

This was an off the cuff episode where I interviewed Gloria aka GLO, a former partner of our old co-host Lance, podcast listener and overall wonderful human being. Apologies for the audio, we were tight on scheduling and did this over zoom where one of us was outside. Grab some coffee and enjoy some nerds just shoot the breeze.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Had my friend Chris Banotai (@chrisbanotai--Insta; @Sea__Cow--Twitter) on an episode where we talked about, Biology, conservation, sustainability, the state of the world and most of all Chris's love of animals. He's been a good cynical friend for 8 years. He runs his own podcast called the "Bio-Breakdown Podcast" and also enjoys hockey. We mention a Spotify specific podcast called the "Wizard and the Bruiser" when we reminisced about Zoids (Toonami days of course) go check em out too! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

This one was a special treat. Finally got to record with my friends Sid and Faybra (with backup vocals with their son Shaadi). This one is off the cuff. Sid is a youtuber, nerd, and twitch and video game enthusiast (@dabuffnerdgamer and @dabuffnerd). Faybra is a social activist, nerd, Kpop and K-Drama stan who runs her own podcast KwerkTartzPodcast @kwerktartz. We talk about the war in Ukraine (we recorded directly after the invasion). K-Pop, Bollywood, Nollywood, the recent Joe Rogan incident, many more things and our thoughts on all of it and even end things with martial arts. Its a wacky one, and I loved every minute of doing it, we laugh a lot XD. Minor spoilers in the K-Dramedy "Vincenzo." Also Park Seo-joon was not in Vincenzo #mybad lol --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Both the hosts are on a new path. Lance's last episode as a podcast host. We talk about Shang Chi, Spiderman and....even race relations in the same breath lol --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

This is the first of Kunaal Bytes or K-Bytes. Short stories that you can enjoy. Have a great holiday season. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Lance, Kunaal and an old friend Ahmad Comer @ahahmad talk about sneakers.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

This episode was almost two different episodes. We talk about the stress of being a POC nerd and the love hate relationship with SuperHero movies/tv shows. In particular it's current saturation. What would we change? How have we felt? Will the craze fade away? If so how will it all end? It felt great to talk about our feelings and experiences that both of us have with being people of color who enjoy comic book/nerd-dom media. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Lance and I talk about a group called 87Eleven. You've seen them work for the past 15-20 years, now get to know them. Note: I mis-spoke about the Snake Eyes reference, not 100% sure they worked with them. "87 Eleven Action Design Artists Behind the Action" is the podcast I got most of the info from. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

We reached a year long in our podcast journey and wanted to give you a behind the scenes candid conversation on what happened this past year. Enjoy! Credits for Josh Katz JAK @ningjing999 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

I interview Lance over his experience working in Asset Protection. It's a fun one :)  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Lance does a deep dive into Kunaal's life and journey as a martial artist. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

We start off the new year of 2021 by recording an episode with just the two of us, after what seems like an eternity. This one was done with a stream of consciousness we didn't prepare, "we got on the mic and spat it" (and quickly cloroxed it away). We discuss: Kunaal's presentation for the History of Martial Arts in the Military (and possible future projects), the anime Demon Slayer and Michael Jackson, New Years Resolutions, Godzilla vs King Kong, Trump, Cameos (we'd love to do this for yall on the podcast!! for only $5), Yakuza 7 (in case you were worried), Schitts Creek. We have a really nice conversation over understanding/interacting different cultures and how we are "wiser and weaker" and what "cancel culture" has devolved into. We talk about identity and what stereotypes are. OF COURSE we talk about the Jan 6th Capitol Riot and what we found significant about it. We talked all over the place and would love to hear your thoughts on what you would like to hear, going forward. Please slide into our DMs, we have the time...really we do lol Kunaal's project: https://youtu.be/YjHzZXywIoE --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Wow. This one was beautiful, vulnerable, and deep. We interviewed a third-year med student, listener of the podcast, and a friend, Aditya Nellore. He answers our questions on COVID. More importantly he talks about his story and struggles with mental health, the stigmas that surround it specifically in the medical and Indian community. Thanks man :) Social: @adityanellore  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

This episode the boys team up with George Collins a comedian by night, and citizen by day. He runs his own podcast called The WHOMST Podcast. We talk about what was the best about 2020 (yeah I know...) and what was the worst (it's all perspective). We discuss how our mental health was effected by this year. The recent boxing match with one of the Paul brothers and the possibility of Mayweather stepping up for a follow up. Kunaal apparently had a hidden Mike Tyson impression and George and Lance try to convince him to take it for all the $$$. Lance and I also wanted to say thank you all for listening and please stay tuned for more guests and topics for Season 2! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Kunaal interviews (our first celebrity!) Nimesh Patel, an East Coast comedian. Nimesh co-created Zooidiots, a hilarious animated show about what happens to a zoo after the human caretakers mysteriously disappear. It is a passion project that he and his co-creator Mookie Thompson have done with other comedian collogues. He voices a Siberian tiger --Fang Diesel. It's fuckin hilarious, and has too many one-liners. Meryl Streep, Kill Bill, 2020's idiocy and and much more is referenced. Go watch it! We also discuss comics that influenced him, and how he is constantly working on his craft day-by-day. Nimesh shares a kind story writing for SNL on the Weekend Update team: "LaVar Ball on Lonzo's Year" and meeting Kenan Thompson. Thank you Nimesh :) Check it out Zooidiots here : https://youtu.be/72MQx4Qol5M SNL Weekend Update Sketch: https://youtu.be/LJZYoD4vXLo Social: @mookiethompson @findingnimesh --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

The boys interview their old physical trainer Ben Sojka. Ben talks about his path from chronic illness and depression to achieving health and strength and helping others reach their goals. Nutritional mindset, journey, and fitness goals are discussed. The story of how Ben, Lance, and Kunaal became swole is told here. Instagram: @bigmac_health_and_fitness --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Lance and Kunaal talk to Grain4Grain Co-founder and engineer Yoni Medhin. It is a company that is able to make flour from the leftover of barley from the brewers. This flour is unique since it contains no carbohydrates but is full of protein and fiber. This interview we discuss Yoni's journey from birth to Grain4Grain and definitely share experiences as an immigrant, person of color with him. Don't worry there is most definitely some nerdy portions and honestly was one of the most fun and honest recordings to date. Links:  https://www.grain4grain.com/ Instagram: @yonimedhin @grain4grain --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

This episode Kunaal interviews Lance on his time as a reporter and sports writer. He wrote for Webster and UMSL and even was able to interview comedy legend Artie Lange here is some of his articles: https://www.stlmag.com/topics/lance-jordan-1/ The boys also mention that Presidential "Debate." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Lance interviews Kunaal on his improvisational comedy years. This was memorable interview for Kunaal, since it brings up many memories both good and bad, that were formative for him in his ("eh kinda funny") comedy skills. There is a significant moment in the interview that we kept, wherein Kunaal pulls his shields down and truly becomes a bit more vulnerable and speaks volumes to what his experience with improv was for him both in college and afterwards. (Lance is a good interviewer!) Kunaal tells a story where he met SNL actress Kate McKinnon and the hilariously awkwardness that ensued. Correction--the Broad City Actress' name was Nicole Drespel not "Fetcho." Wanted to give a huge Shout out to the Improv Shop in St. Louis and all the respective teachers: Melanie Penn, Andy Sloey,  John Langen, Katie Nunn, and Kevin McKernan. Also if you are at SLU check out the League of Laughter or LOL. Oh and dont worry, Yakuza is mentioned. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

This episode the Hobby Guys talk about a graphic novel "The Court of Owls" after the announcement of Gotham Knights which has a quiet reference to the novel in its trailer.  We summarize it, discuss our favorite parts and compare it to the animated Batman vs Robin movie that came out in 2015. Kunaal points out some systemic racism and eerie similarities to our life. Lance shares his distaste for MaTi the oddest planeteer in the Captain Planet show. Most importantly we pay our respects to Chadwick Boseman who was an inspiration for both of us and many more.  We will miss you and carry on your legacy. Wakanda Forever. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

This episode we have some flashbacks from 15 years ago about Ninja Warrior and more since G4 has teased its return. In preparing for this episode we could not neglect addressing the social progress movements that took place this summer, largely due to the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. It directly mirrors what is going on in our topic for this episode, the graphic novel "Civil War" (Marvel Comic). In this episode we flesh out the comic and how it relates with today. We don't necessarily intend this to become a political podcast but we will not shy away from our beliefs. We encourage you to keep a conversation going with your friends and family and if one feels inclined to share thoughts via email: theyneedahobby@gmail.com. Also a side note: no shade intended to those who compete in America Ninja Warrior, the Japanese show it was based upon had it's own challenges and so does its current iteration. Both require talent and determination, and do have distinct differences. Stay well out there :) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

NOW FOR THE MAIN EVENT: Part 2 of the Wrasslin in the 90s (ft. Curran) who all put up their top "faces" and "heels" of Pro-Wrestling. Enjoy! Special Intro and Outro done by AmithaAudio. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

The boys bring the SMACKDOWN! Special guest Curran Bajwa (Kunaal's brother) and Lance are interviewed by Kunaal about Professional Wrestling. Topics range from memorable moments, earliest moments, how it has changed since it's inception and what they could improve on. This is part 1 of a two-part episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

This episode Lance finds a list of the fights from the CW show Arrow and chooses his favorite scenes. Kunaal has had some martial arts background and breaks it down for the crowd. Blankets were involved. Forgot to say that Caity Lotz (Sarah Lance) is a badass actress and stunt performer. Also a correction: 'umbrella' technique is not a 'redondo.' Credit must be given to my friend Alejandro Campos for introducing me to the show Arrow, gracias amigo :) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

The guys talk about pivotal DC animated shows: Batman the Animated Series, Superman the Animated Series, Justice League, Static Shock. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support

Our first recording (that was successful). May 15th, it was quarantine, it was rough. I was able to sit down and do a video chat with Lance "The Assassin" Jordan to take a break from the world and talk about happier nostalgic times. For us it was the Toonami broadcast. In this episode we talk about Dragon Ball Z and its overall effect on subsequent anime. (As well as an impromptu intro on OnePunchMan lol) I sound a bit echo-like because I was new to the format, thank you to AmithaAudio for being a kickass producer and for cleaning up my recording. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/they-need-a-hobby/support