Time to Lean...And Here's a Song!

The ramp-up to our hundredth episode continues! John is drinking Larceny Barrel Proof We say adieu to Skype. A brief chat about early music videos and 80s HBO. We remember the voice actor, George Lowe from Space Ghost Coast to Coast Part 2 of Phil's award-winning segment:  “Things I Didn't Know”! John does another “Old Tech” segment about the golden age of cable television, aka “Cable TV”.  BONUS: A bit of 80s KWGN Denver talk. John talks about “Severance”, “The Righteous Gemstones”, and rewatching the Lord of the Rings trilogy.   Song Title: “Tool of Choice”

We get a rough start but find our way and thank listener Curtis P!  If you'd like to support the show, check out https://buymeacoffee.com/timetolean John gets the drinking part out of the way by making a Wisconsin-style Old Fashioned. He got it slightly wrong with the types, which are described (accurately) here:  here. Phil reveals that he doesn't like brandy. More talk about what we've been watching: Bad Sisters, Silo (John); Sakamoto Days, Joker (2019) (Phil) A left turn into the world of Phil Collins - Phil Collins: Drummer First, Wicked, John is rewatching Lord of the Rings,    Song: “Cracker Barrel Nutcracker”

Episode 97 begins with the usual mayhem and we discuss raking leaves.  A mercifully minimal amount of post-election blather. Thanksgiving and other updates. We watched the movie, ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor! and discussed our scant history with this iconic place. The episode wraps up with our report from seeing “BEAT” in concert. The Song:  “A Wonderful Thanksgiving”

Episode 96 shambles along with the following topics:   We talk briefly about Dean Phillips and his family's booze company.  We remember the late Kris Kristofferson.  John talks about pot stilling and a potential bust in the whiskey market after reading this article.  It's election season… We both watched the cult classic movie, “Carnival of Souls”  Phil's watching another set of “classic” movies:  The Omen films. John talks about a recent music gig that was not exactly ideal.   The Song:  “We're Both Sidekicks”

We open with a slightly higher than usual amount of what passes for banter.  Phil has a kombucha and graduates to some Wild Turkey 101 bourbon.  John has a dram of Minneapolis-made, Brother Justus American Single Malt. Phil and John visited this distillery recently and have some observations. The 1992 movie, Bob Roberts comes up. John bought an electric vehicle and Phil has many questions. We don't know how informative this topic was but we sure said a lot! The Song:  “Spicy Fly”

Today, we're joined by returning Special Guest, Shawn Cassity!  (not Shaun Cassidy, but if you know him, we'll have him on too)   Shawn is having a Keeper's Heart, Phil a Tusker Lager and John is drinking Dewar's 15 year scotch. After we get the usual junk out of the way, we have a brief chat about podcast player apps. Phil has an update on his other podcast activities.  John randomly mentions BBC's The Shipping Forecast. And remembers the old NPR show, Music From the Hearts of Space and MST3K.  Phil recalls a technique he was taught to memorize Spanish vocabulary and wonders if MST3K ever lampooned the movie Tourist Trap (1979). With Shawn on deck, we have a long-ish chat about our least-favorite Beatles songs.  (favourite)   Song: “The Cats Will Eat Tonight”

Today is sponsored by the letter “Green”.  John is drinking a Johnnie Walker Island Green and describes how it's made, travel retail and the differences between it and Johnnie Walker Green.  Phil starts with green tea, then moves over to Old Forester. Airport security Phil's trip to New Mexico.  The second installment of John's Old Tech features the LaserDisc!  And the first installment of Phil's new segment!   The Song:  “Old Roy”

We open episode 92 with another round of booze where we talk a bit about Old Grand Dad bourbon and the Bottled in Bond thing. Phil went to a whiskey tasting. John also does a taste comparison between two different High West ryes.  A mercifully brief post-Super Tuesday chat. Celebrity crushes. Phil had a salt bath. Kitchen equipment. More talk about what shows we watch and John is making some “Goulash”.  Kenny of All Trades and BBQ With Franklin   The Song:  “Furtherer and Fewer in Between”

We open Episode 91 with just your two hosts; a simpler time.  Phil and John took several weeks off of booze and sure, why not talk about it?  John went on another cruise. Fortunately for all of you, he doesn't spend too much time talking about it. After our beverage choices (Phil has FUYU Japanese Whiskey and John has Johnnie Walker Double Black , we get into a segment about stuff we've been watching. Also mentioned: Herbst Eatery & Farm Stand The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime) Silo (Apple TV+) Pluto (Netflix) Invincible (Amazon Prime) And the 2018 film, The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then The Bigfoot   The Song:  “Dancing and Having Soup”

Episode 90 is a free-wheelin' doozy of a season finale of Season 9, for those following along at home. With Special Guest Mr. King! Monsieur King (Monsieur is French for Mister) is a friend of Phil, friend of the show and the friendly creator of the World-Famous podcast, Sleep Baseball!  King is drinking a Coors, John Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and Phil tries a Shanky's Whip. We talk about King's show and his upper-Midwest inspiration. Driving through parts of Michigan and various parts of the McDonald's menu. We discuss adding “ways to support the show” and the old Jerry Lewis Telethons. Somehow we accidentally kill Henry Kissinger. If you find yourself enjoying the show and want to support us, you can buy us a "coffee"! The Song:  “Henry Kissinger”

Episode 89 retreats back to Phil and John talking about even less important things. “Space Poop” episode download stats update. We reflect on Episode 87. More-than-is-warranted talk about the State Fair and cookies. John went on an Alaska cruise and blabs about it. Phil and John recap the Peter Gabriel concert they recently attended. The Song:  “Josh Rogaine”

For Time to Lean's Halloween Special, aka Episode 88, we were joined by special guest, Randy Grimley! Randy and Phil go way back to SDSU theater days and Randy shares “highlights” from his illustrious past.  Randy was an all-star newspaper carrier.  Randy talks about his time serving on his local school board. We ponder which 5 cent coffee is better, Wall Drug or Al's Oasis? We all discuss spooky movies. The Song:  “TTL Halloween (2023 Remix)”

Episode 87 is a Very Special Episode featuring Phil and John's recent visit to Rapid City where they got to tour the construction site of South Middle School. A new building is going up and we're joined on the call by Rob, Elizabeth, Meghan, and Jennifer K who all talk about their experiences there. Phil reads some comments he gathered from other former South students John did not attend South but assured everyone that his Jr. High experience was just as crappy as everyone else's.  The Song:  “Rebels” (Featuring Michael Johnson)

Episode 86 features a return appearance of Bruce K! John samples some new-to-him Thomson single malt whisky. Bruce feels that Jim Beam tastes like walnuts and doesn't like Canadian rye. The Dick Van Dyke show episode John mentioned.  John and Phil talk about the Scotch tasting they attended where they met the head distiller of Lochlea.  Phil doesn't comment much because he left his mic temporarily muted. Sad! Bruce has retired from public school orchestra teaching. Many long-winded stories follow, mostly about international trips and rotting food in instruments. The Song:  “There You Have It, There You Go”

Episode 85 wheezes to life with some talk about the number of high schools in Rapid City and the action at the Minnesota Legislature. We make excuses for not getting more episodes out. Phil is enjoying Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond and John pontificates about Compass Box Orchard House blended malt. Phil talks about his recent choir concert (The Apollo Club men's choir) and John recaps his recent Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra concert. We discuss the remake of the “classic” Bob Reel Beer jingle. We're almost ready to discuss Star Trek Picard. We attempt to launch a new segment:  “John's Old Tech”.  Part One:  The Betamax! Wikipedia article The first machine we had access to. This guy explains the VCR formats better than John did. Phil's been watching all the “Friday the 13th” movies. The Song:  “Bob Reel Beer ‘23”

After a rough start, Phil and John get into episode 84 with some free-association.  Beverages: Phil - Pendleton 1910 Whisky 1910, John - The Real Stuff  John is somehow reminded of the 1958 Coasters song, Charlie Brown, which  is NOT about the Peanuts character, so ignore what John says.  Phil talks about some new booze he's tried and his OTHER podcast, “Sleep Baseball”.  John made another trip to Rapid City. Phil joined a choir in the Twin Cities. Maybe they could do this song. Phil reports about another concert he attended. John talks about a new Rapid City whiskey bar in Rapid City, Windsor Block but lamely didn't get there when it was open. Sad.  Brief chat about old physical media, old tube TVs, and our time working at Best Buy. Big Joe Phil recommends the Netflix series How to Change Your Mind John talks about the series, The Last of Us and Shrinking.  The Song:  “The Ghost of a Cat”

In our first episode of 2023, we welcome back Special Guest, Lee Howard! Naps and surviving the month of January. We make a lame attempt at summarizing the previous year. Lee's writing projects and his love of “The Divine Comedy” We remember one of our old comedy sketches.  Our Top 3 lists. Phil does some recruiting for the AARP.   The Song:  “My Top 3”

Episode 82 finds Phil and John on the weekend before Christmas so why not do another TTL Holiday Special! John drinks a cocktail called The Premier made with Norseman Pineapple Chipotle Gin. John mentions that The Talk Show podcast mentioned the Sleep Baseball podcast Phil is part of and the local's pre-holiday Festivus-like party. Phil joins the AARP. John talks about the TV show, “Abbott Elementary” Phil is watching the show, “Ultimate Survival WW2”, reminisces about Survivorman, and tries a beer from Uganda. The weather. John talks about his wife's work holiday party that was held at Paisley Park. We reflect on the passing of Sesame Street's Bob McGrath. Phil has some…different ways of pronouncing things. Happy Holidaze Everyone!   The Song:  “Christmas (In the Star of the West)”

Episode 81 covers John's recent birthday (don't get too excited) and post-election talk. Navigating before the age of the smartphone. Phil's wife is off having an adventure in Uganda. John talks about his recent Canada cruise and has a birthday surprise.  (hint:  It's not a stripper) Chili.  The Song: “Old Saint John” (with lyrics by Rob K.!)

Episode 80 (!) The Season 8 Finale finds the guys recording in person in John's backyard where they taste a few whiskies and talk about things like…  We reflect on our older episodes and John reports on his most recent trip to good ‘ol Rapid City.  Another Media Consumption segment:  Phil finally tried “Severance”. John has been neglecting TV and playing “Horizon Forbidden West” on the PS5. John also endorses the movie, “Joe Vs. The Volcano” (written/directed by John Patrick Shanley), Talk Talk's song: “Talk Talk” circa 1982.  Phil's grandpa Phil's nephew Ray Hunter. Inventory management in video games. Phil plays the iPad game, “Shop Hero Legends”. Phil and John break out a box of the NYC's favorite cookie, Mallomars    Phil's anime update: Dorohedoro, etc.   The Song:  Time to Lean '22 Reminder:  All the “Time to Lean and Here's a Song” songs are available on Bandcamp!

Episode 79 features Special Guest, David Daniels!   David and Phil go way back but that's nothing compared to how far back David's interesting experiences go! David talks about all of the places he's lived, the people he's known, his political activities, and the various artistic projects he's created and been involved with. See this Facebook page for some of David's work: https://www.facebook.com/rootswriterdaviddaniels, including Annie Jones w/Charlie Parr backing. “Scenes From a Reggae Western” (youtube link here), feat. friend of the show Shawn C.! Phil is further pressured to watch “Better Call Saul” and asks a very serious question about Carol Burnett.    The Song: “Unusual Life”

Episode 78 begins with the amazing news that Phil has 2 weeks off from work.  Phil doesn't quite seem able to tell Steely Dan and Supertramp apart this evening.  After the booze introductions, we move onto talking about Star Trek Picard along with other stuff we've been watching, including Phil's new find: Glen and Friends Cooking.   Phil reports on the happenin' scene on West 7th St. [Tori, Emerald Lounge, etc.] and on his night out at an Adrian Belew concert.  John's Iowa Travel Tips™ John is having trouble deciding whether or not to buy a PS5.    The Song:  “Creepin' Down”  

We have another guest for Episode 77:  Kerry Johnson!   Kerry is a musician friend of John's from somewhat way back and we dragged him on to talk about all sorts of stuff including his wide-ranging background from his childhood in New York to his wild and crazy times in California. We have our beverages and talk somehow comes around to John's memories going to family picnics. Yeah, this is a good one. We mourn the passing of a Minnesota German restaurant.  More talk about our musical experiences and opinions.  One Hit Wonders, etc. The Menard's Man and mail-in rebates. We talk about the great Jerry O'Hagan, whom Kerry and I used to play for. Jerry's 80s guitar company is profiled in this article. Kerry tells a Dad joke and John has forgotten his music theory.  Kerry talks about his interest in Revolutionary War reenactments and his crush on Haley Mills.   The Song:  “God Created Reverb”

Episode 76 is a wee one.    We remember the donut chain, Mister Donut   It's Phil's 26th wedding anniversary so he celebrates it by recording a podcast. John reports back from his latest trip to Rapid City, South Dakota  (shout out to the music teachers of Rapid City! Esp. Deb K.!)  We do another round of “what we're watching”. We talk about cocktail YouTube videos and our preferences for the Manhattan. Like this one     The Song:  “Talking to My Mom”

Episode 75!  Since Phil is cranky and John is tired, they talk about…the weather and Phil's large cactus. The Narrator gets a better job. We talk (unfortunately) about current events. We talk a bit about a YouTube video where two people try to follow Winston Churchill's daily booze diet:  We try to match Churchill drink for drink… send help. We remember (re-remember) the glory days of Denver's Channel 2 KWGN and “Blinky's Fun Club” with his Cha Cha Happy Birthday song: (by Russell Scott!) - “chil-UH-dren”.  Other TV clowns, real or fictitious, may be discussed. Phil is watching the “Evil Dead” movies and Star Trek Picard. John has been watching the series, “Severance”.     The Song:  “Old Man Legs”

On Episode 74, Phil and John sample 3 old school blended scotches that John's Dad used to drink:  “Dad's Dailies” (with a Surprise Guest). John's New Projects: “Infinity Bottles”. Ralfy's Video Writing notes about songs he's randomly listened to: “Songs I Didn't Skip” (blog link) Phil talks about “Darkest Hour”, “Becoming Bond” and some follow up from Episode 73. John talks about orchestra “warhorses” and “Edge of Darkness”.  Random entertainment discussion plus Phil talks about the show, “Painting With John”. There might also be a quiz in there somewhere.  The Song:  “Interesting Eyebrows”

We recorded Episode 73 on National Golden Retriever Day so why not talk about…James Bond?!   Special Guest Paul S. joins us for our revels and surprisingly, they have a beverage (each, not one drink with three straws).  John has a vodka martini (shaken, not stirred), Paul S. has a Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Rye, and Phil has a Summit Frostline Rye.  And  Bex P.'s New Zealand soda recommendation L&P is also discussed.   But mostly James Bond movies.     The Song:  “The Henchmen's Retirement Home”

Episode 72 features your hosts getting caught up, while somehow falling behind. Movies, games, and TV, oh my!  (Including Peter Jackson's “Get Back”, “Being The Ricardos”, Spider-Man: No Way Home, West Side Story, Townscaper, and Phil's new tabletop puzzle organizer!).  We hope you can handle it!    Phil has a Samuel Adams Amber Lager and John drinks two different whiskeys:    Phil plugs another podcast he's worked on: Northwoods Baseball Sleep Radio.  He did some ads for it, including one featuring our very own narrator, Ed Unclehat!   We talk about James Bond movies (more to come on this in a later episode), and brainstorm possible new 007 movie titles.    The series of Bond reviews by “Film Crit Hulk”:  https://birthmoviesdeath.com/2014/07/14/hulk-vs.-james-bond-staring-into-the-id-of-a-boner-incarnate   The Song:  “I'm Just Kidding” (from the archives featuring Shawn!)

Episode 71 continues our dubious tradition of releasing a holiday themed show well after the holiday has passed. For this installment, we invite back John's “two-headed brother”, Rob K! Rob is late in joining us (shocking, we know) so John and Phil talk about some random things. John finally convinced Phil to watch the classic, “It's a Wonderful Life” and the three have a deep dive (off a bridge?) discussion of the movie. The IAWL review:  https://trailersfromhell.com/its-a-wonderful-life-75th-anniversary/ John referenced. “Film Blanc” https://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s58filmblanc.html   The Song: “Pottersville Forever”

Episode 70 is upon us.    Phil tries a Doctor Kombucha. John accidentally pairs a single malt scotch with Costco pumpkin pie and tries a new and interesting gin from Minneapolis' Norseman Distillery. Phil and John talk about Thanksgiving, which they seem to do for some reason. Dot's North Dakota pretzels, but the honey mustard kind. PSLs John finally got to play a live orchestra concert. Phil is doing some ad reads for something called “sleep baseball”. John went to a charcuterie class at 45th Parallel Distillery. Phil talks about an interesting experience at a bar, or at least he hopes so. John rants about iPhone buttons. What Phil and John have been been watching:  Kath and Kim John talks about seeing a Patton Oswalt standup show.   The Song:  “I'm a Cliché” 

For our 69th episode, we invited former guests for a free-for-all session of randomness featuring Glenda M, Eric S and Charlotte E, Matt and Bex P, David D, Greg K, Heather K, and Bruce K! *We did this over Zoom so please excuse the audio “quality”.*   After the usual “what are you drinking”, somehow we talk about S&H Green Stamps. Charlotte and Eric's upcoming Podcast, “The Relatives” is log-rolled. Somehow, we talk about sports. The Thunder Round!  (a tad too slow to be lightning). We name our favorite bands and talk about high school proms. Stripper names and stew recipes. The Song:  “It Isn't My Fault”

We booked another guest for Episode 68. You'll have to listen to find out who they are or if they show up.  The guest is late arriving, or not, so Phil and John talk about our listener stats and picking up dog poo. We briefly talk about the Korean show, “Squid Game” which we haven't seen. Useful, no? Phil talks about eating/drinking places he's been recently, including Keg and Case and the Clutch Brewing Co. within.  Phil drinks Oppidan Smoke + Sea and John has some Smooth Ambler. We talk about who and what we watch on YouTube. Ralfy Reviews Rick Beato Whiskey Vault Living Big in a Tiny House Alex On Autos MKBHD Scotty Kilmer America's Test Kitchen John finally wraps up his survey of Titanic movies. Go read up on Violet Jessop iffen you're so inclined.  The ocean liner movie John was trying to remember is The Last Voyage.  Are there liner liner notes? William Shatner goes to space.  Shits pants. The Song:  “Poop Patrol”

Episode 67 begins with John introducing his new puppy and all the fascinating detail that brings.   Kirkland blended 12 year old scotch and Millstream Brewing Co.'s Oktoberfest are drink/drank/drunk. We briefly commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  Phil treated himself to Handsome Hog. We talk more about media we've been consuming, including the new show, “Reservation Dogs”, Ted Lasso SE02, White Lotus. We talk about movies we return to; “comfort watches”. John talks about how long TV show title sequences used to be.   The Song:  “A Tense of Paste”

Episode 66 gets the full Star Wars treatment with our All-Star (Wars) panel!  Phil and John are joined by Matthew P. and Paul S.! We begin by talking about diet soda. Why? Who knows.  Also, Mandalorian is discussed.  And Paul's latest visit to Disney World and their Star Wars thingy. Beverages Consumed: Phil: Old Tub (on the rocks), Paul S.: Gonna Be Trouble IPA: Lost Cabin Beer Co. (see also Ales for ALS!), Matt P.: via Great Lakes Distillery - Pirate Roaring Dan's ‘Roaring Stormy', John: Kayio.  Zero Coke Zeros. The Song:  “Space Herpes”

Welcome (back?) to Episode 65!   Phil shares some news (old by now) about Casa Bonita. We talk about the new documentary, “Roadrunner”, that neither of us have seen. Fat Tire and Stranahan's are consumed/discussed. Also discussed: the upcoming “Dune” film, Pasties:  The classic summer food!™, as well as other foods. John reports back on the 1943 Nazi “Titanic” film. Phil talks about his “viewing habits” We discuss the new Paul McCartney interview series. The Song:  “Yuppie From The Yoopie”

A slow start gets the guys talking about what they've been doing this Summer.   John brings up the various Johnnie Walker Game of Thrones releases and the latest Nick Offerman Lagavulin Scotch. Phil tried some non-alcoholic “whiskey”: Ritual Zero Proof. Andy “Quiz Master” R. got a new puppy so we talk about dogs. John made another trip to Rapid City. John's latest movie-watching project:  5 different Titanic films. Titanic (1943) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic_(1943_film) Titanic (1953) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic_(1953_film) A Night To Remember (1958) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Night_to_Remember_(1958_film) S.O.S. Titanic (1979) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S.O.S._Titanic Titanic (1997) Phil talks about Danny Elfman's latest:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Mess_(Danny_Elfman_album) John revisited “Midnight Run” (1988). We talk about “Unearthed”, a special release of early Jonathan Winters standup.   The Song:  “Jimbo Zero” (which is a parody and should be considered Fair Use under USA copyright law)

Episode 63 features the same old dudes. We explain (try to make excuses for) our slowdown of new episodes and “behind the scenes” with Time to Lean!  John finished his movie Westerns watching project and noticed 4 different actors in the 1969 “True Grit” who appeared on random episodes of Star Trek. The book John's been talking about:  Sixguns and Society. John is drinking a Tattersall Old Fashioned. Have we talked about the McRib before? Too bad, we are NOW! We talk about what we've been cooking.  John gives up on pizza stones.  Then he tries a baking steel. We watched and liked the Netflix show, “Ugly Delicious”, and Phil highly recommends “High on the Hog” (also Netflix). John talks about “Decision Before Dawn” and has some upcoming pet news. Phil talks about finally going to a live concert. Phil “recommends” an 800x slower Radiohead version of Pyramid Song. We have a contest to see who has the worst Yogi Bear imitation, then a special surprise “Time to Taste” field recording!   The Song: “The Little People Show Up”

Good Evening! In Episode 62, we are joined by Special Guest, Scott T!   In a pre-show segment (aka, farting around before we get going), we talk about the weather and broken McDonald's ice cream machines. It's really as good as you think it will be. Scott talks about how he knows John and Phil, some Taco John's culinary adventures, and living in Colorado. Somehow, the Couch Story comes up again.  Colorado booze. Scott gives an extended elevator speech about his past. Scott talks about his music and movie tastes. Star Wars and Phil's initial reaction to Baby Yoda.   The Song:  “Yucca Mountain”

Hey look, we're back from hiatus! However, the Narrator wasn't ready to return from his undisclosed location so we had to make do.   Episode 61 doesn't have an entertaining guest but it does feature John eating on-mic. It's the little things.   Old weather and news announcers. Nuts. Celebrity booze and other products. Vaccines. We talk about the 1957 film, A Face In The Crowd. And Orson Welles Sketchbook (1955) Phil's been watching the Midnight Diner and Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories. John talks about the CNN show, Searching For Italy and the movie, Nomadland (South Dakota connection!)   The Song:  “Hashbrown Betty”

Season 6 draws to a close with Episode 60. The guys kvetch about winter weather and the Texas power grid. For some reason, Rush Limbaugh comes up again; hopefully for the last time. Suntory Whisky Toki®   and a Naked Grouse Rob Roy (on the rocks) are dranken. The 60th episode prompts discussion of the most popular episodes, according to download stats. Phil's Shoes, and a Puzzle Update! John talks about the TV show, “The Boys” and plays a game of “Which Urban?”.  Phil mentions Street Food: Asia.   The Song:  Texas Power Grid

We sink to some new lows for episode 59 (actually recorded before 58?) where we open the show talking about our tech issues (OK, John's) and “evolve” into bad jokes surrounding a subject that men never cease to enjoy talking about. We add an infinitesimal amount to the overall discourse surrounding the 1/6/21 Capitol attack and the (then) pending inauguration of Joe Biden.  Cabin Still (again?!) Wild Turkey 101  More talk about what we've been watching and some video game talk. Katamari Damacy Phil started a puzzle. Rivals: Music's Greatest Feuds is mentioned when John mentions that Paul S. mentioned it. John has an issue with the word, “awesome” and Phil recommends Feels Good Man. The Song:  “Distracted By Myself”

For Episode 58, we have our first-ever Valentine's Day episode!   Joining us for the revelry is returning guest Glenda M! Whiskies mentioned: Saint Paul Straight Bourbon — Panther Distillery Barrell Craft Spirits Rieger's Kansas City Whiskey Mutant Bernie Sanders Meme Crochet Doll Glenda asks Phil and John about their wives which is about as intriguing as you would expect. We invent the cocktail version of “soda freestyle” called the Time to Lean Machine Nordeast restaurants (Northeast Mpls.) The Black Hills area has other places to eat than Taco John's. Yacht's Club Birch Beer from Blue Sun Soda Shop   The Song: “After Our Shots” (lyrics co-written by Glenda M.)

Our Special Guest for Episode 57 is Chris H!   Chris has some Rivers-Marie 2018 Herb Lamb single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon  Chris tells us about his musical experiences. We do a long stretch talking about whiskey. (A deep dive into the Whiskey River) Knob Creek single barrel comparisons, Makers Mark staves, Chris recommends the book, “Pappyland” Phil invites himself over to Chris' house. Chris tells some wedding band stories. We somehow manage to work in some Rapid City nostalgia. The Song:  “This Particular Disease”

The Special Guest for Episode 56 is Meghan K!   Topics, such as they are: Trump makeup secrets. Meghan reflects on growing up a middle child in the K family. The return of the Taco John's enchiladas is featured in a TTL Taco John's update (TTL-TJU). Meghan talks about her time in the UK and violin teaching. Meghan's kids make an appearance.  And Bob S.!  Casa Bonita (again?!) John and Meghan's grandma and the editorial cartoon   The Song: “Meghan Reagan Poopy Pagan” (an update of a song Phil wrote for Meghan in the 90s)

Episode 55 has the dubious honor of being our 2020 Holiday Spectacular!   John gets some pre-packaged food.   Phil finally got around to seeing the most recent Star Wars movie and we talk about it.   We talk about various holiday TV specials and movies.   The idea for updating the movie, “Love Actually” which John did a crap job of explaining:  https://twitter.com/davidplotz/status/1329924490311163904   We discuss the 1995 film, “Nixon” (nothing like Tricky Dick to get you in the holiday mood).   A brief talk about holiday music.   The Song: “Christmas Time in Hell”

Episode 54 finds Phil and John on the other side of the 2020 Election   We ponder another impending Minnesota winter. Watching cable news and mentions of Pappy Van Winkle. Phil tries Wild Turkey “Longbranch” bourbon and John samples a truly special beverage. John talks more about Johnnie Walker scotch. Cleaning out the fridge. The infamous Fart-Absorbing Couch. The last Bonanza restaurant in South Dakota and also fake meat (no direct connection...?). John tries the “Jane Walker” Scotch. We talk about the late Sean Connery.  “The Hill” (165) is discussed. Phil watched the movie, “The Last Man On Earth” (1964).   The Song:  “Aluminum Piss”

Episode 53 begins with Phil using the wrong mic and we talk about blended Scotch.   John enjoys a Talisker 10 year single malt Snowstorms in October. We talk about movies, again:  “The Jesus Rolls” (2019), “Whisky Galore” (1949), “Cheyenne Autumn” (1964), and “Night of the Living Dead” (1968). We talk about the classic Pink Floyd album, “Animals” where we read people's comments and the album reminds Phil about how guilty he feels about skipping Sunday School.  The solo work of Roger Waters is discussed some as well. Yard Waste, again. The Song:  “I Am In Charge Of The Cricks”

Episode 52 is just Phil and John but for once we recorded in the same place! The struggles of recording in the same location which is also outdoors. John self-promotes his recent musical gigs, including his annual trip to Mackinac Island and a gig at the Dakota!  We try Pipe Dream Whiskey: https://redwoodempirewhiskey.com/whiskey/pipe-dream-bourbon/ and we compare two different single barrel Knob Creek rye whiskies. John talks about the 2019 TV adaptation of “High Fidelity”.    The Song:  “The Leaf Baggers”

Episode 51 features Special Guest Andy R!   Andy talks about his background, including his extensive study of the famous Paddlefish and his olde Rapid City area upbringing.   Andy is indeed a Big Fan of Science.   John had a dream about an unreleased TTL episode.   We speculate about the gin produced by the still on the TV show MASH and a possible lost MASH episode.  Also Alan Alda's work communicating about science.   Phil talks about his TV news viewing and his strange fascination with David Brooks.   Andy talks about his family's old campground in the Black Hills.   Andy holds a brief quiz show.   The value of software and indie developers.   Phil says he never swam naked with a trout.   The Song:  “Naked Tram”

It's our 50th Episode Spectacular!   While we weren't special enough to make a clip show to celebrate, we did somehow find things to discuss, 50 episodes in. Mail-in rebates and the odd selection of food available at Menard's, such as John's preferred unfrosted Pop Tarts. John reports back from his trip to the Minnesota State Fair Food Parade. John and Co.'s Star Trek Podcast is discussed a bit. Phil reviews a Pearson's Salted Nut Roll flavoured beer. Phil and John have gigs! John revisits a few 1980s movies, prompted by the new “Bill & Ted” installment. Phil talks about Wynton Marsalis' latest album, “The Ever Fonky Lowdown”. Suzuki violin teaching and Cracker Jacks.   The Song:  “Seasons”

Episode 49!   After a rough start, John talks about his new wifi router which is about as exciting as you might imagine.   Work talk. John tries “The Wee Beastie” after all.Phil talks about frozen pizza injuries.  We talk about the 1961 Western, “One Eyed Jacks” and the Westerns book, “Sixguns and Society” Orson Wells interviewed in French!  https://www.cinematheque.fr/henri/film/125173-orson-welles-a-la-cinematheque-francaise-pierre-andre-boutang-guy-seligmann-1983/ Phil thinks he knows someone who dated Val Kilmer. Pet names. The 2020 political conventions. Metaphors for taking a pee.   The Song:  “The Cowboy Code”