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Dear Pennies and Pallers, In today’s episode, our friend Allison Dore confessed to us that she still sleeps with a blankie and asks if adults should give up their security blankets? We also talk about Spring Break, skiing, Michael Jordan, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel PS - Send us your letters! thepenpalspod@gmail.com, or 5419 Hollywood Blvd, Ste C #121, Los Angeles, CA 90027 –––––––––––––––––– Episode released 01.29.25 –––––––––––––––––– Pen Pals is produced by Clara Madenwald and our recording engineer is Aaron Brungardt. Our artwork was created by Geoffrey Tice and Kaela Weeks, and our theme music is by Patrick Keenan of The Winter Sounds. You can follow Pen Pals on Instagram and Tiktok @thepenpalspod - you can see all of that content thanks to Katelyn Bordini, who runs our social media. This show wouldn’t be possible without the support we get from you, our Patreon subscribers - thank you! And remember to tell everyone about your two favorite cackling idiots. #growtheshow –––––––––––––––––– Get your PALSTRONG wristbands at https://thepenpalspod.bigcartel.com/ Get exclusive podcasts and VIP perks for Hub City shows for only $5 a month - join the DVK Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/danielvankirk!
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Today's episode is all about movies! We discuss our experiences acting professionally as a comedian, what makes a movie a “Christmas Movie” (*cough cough* Die Hard), Stanley Kubrick, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel PS - Send us your letters! thepenpalspod@gmail.com, or 5419 Hollywood Blvd, Ste C #121, Los Angeles, CA 90027 –––––––––––––––––– Pen Pals is produced by Clara Madenwald and our recording engineer is Aaron Brungardt. Our artwork was created by Geoffrey Tice and Kaela Weeks, and our theme music is by Patrick Keenan of The Winter Sounds. You can follow Pen Pals on Instagram and Tiktok @thepenpalspod - you can see all of that content thanks to Katelyn Bordini, who runs our social media. This show wouldn’t be possible without the support we get from you, our Patreon subscribers - thank you! And remember to tell everyone about your two favorite cackling idiots. #growtheshow
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Allison shared how her breast cancer diagnosis ended up being the best thing ask us if we've ever gone though something negative that ended up being a positive. We also talk biting toenails, Christmas cards, and more We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel
It's a new Pen Pals episode! We're still keeping the mailbox open and hope you join us for new weekly episodes on the Paitch! But for all the Pennies and Pallers that haven't or can't make the switch we want to still reach out from time to time and talk about 69ing. We wish you well! Sincerely, Rory and Daniel! Thank you to Clara Madenwald and Lissa Rubin for producing this episode. Aaron Brungardt for production support, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, The Winter Sounds for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Jen writes us back with updates to her letter about being a "Diner Regular." In letter two, Diana asks us, did our younger selves ever pick out a future career? We also talk about Inside Out 2, Lissa's hatred of Italian food…again, “Honey, I Shrunk The Kids,” and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel P.S. - Miss your pals? We miss you too! Come hang in our Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/penpals
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Chris sent us some photos of our doppelgängers and asked us if there is anyone who we get told we look like. In letter two, Alex asks us if it's okay to take bereavement leave when you aren't very close with the person who passed. We also talk about donuts, wheel of fortune, corporate America, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel P.S. - Miss your pals? We miss you too! Come hang in our Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/penpals
Dear Pennies and Pallers,Daniel Van Kirk here! You may remember that Rory and I talked about a new project of mine that would be living right here on this feed. Well this is a quick announcement about what that project is! Plus from time to time we will be releasing new Pen Pals eps from the Paitch right here as well! Thank you in advance for listening and I hope you continue to stick around! We wish you well, sincerely,Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel
Dear Pennies and Pallers,Daniel Van Kirk here! You may remember that Rory and I talked about a new project of mine that would be living right here on this feed. Well this is a quick announcement about what that project is! Plus from time to time we will be releasing new Pen Pals eps from the Paitch right here as well! Thank you in advance for listening and I hope you continue to stick around! We wish you well, sincerely,Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Jeff asks us how we would reinvent ourselves with a new identity within 24 hours. Letter two comes from Luke, who asks us about if we have a favorite show or movie where you root for the bad guy. We also talk about sunglasses, drug dealers, breaking bad, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Ryan asks us if there is a purpose for creating art even if it doesn't reach anybody. Letter two comes from Samantha, who asks us if any crazy world events have dictated where we are today. We also talk about negative reviews, vibrato, pet nicknames, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Todd Glass! Letter one comes from Derek, a Paller who asks us about our daily rituals. In letter two, Kristin asks us, what is something that you absolutely love to do or experience, but if you did it all day everyday forever and ever, it would slowly turn into a torturous hellscape? We also talk about peeing in the pool at the pool bar, washing your legs in the shower, TombStone pizzas...again..., and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Letter one comes from Tony who wants to talk video games! In letter two, Anna & Nat ask for our Christmas light preference. We also talk about Daniel's special Rose Gold, out today! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, If you haven't had a chance to listen to the Plugs & Hugs section of last week's episode, I wanted to get you up to speed on a big Pen Pals update...have a listen! I wish you well, sincerely, Producer LissaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Tom wants to know our favorite books to give as gifts. Letter two is from Alex, who asks for our favorite album. We also talk The Simpsons, Lissa's book club snafu, a huge update about this show, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Letter one is from Lulu, who is struggling with how to treat her neighbor who has been accused of a heinous crime (content warning - this letter and our responses address sexual abuse - if you need to you can skip ahead to 39:30). In letter two, Kristin regales us her four-year old's curiosities. We also talk Disneyland food, not resolving songs, we wish happy birthdays to loved ones, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Andrew Youngblood! Letter one comes from Emma, who insists she doesn't have any body odor and wonders, is showering every nine days enough? In letter two, Cesar asks us about our favorite cheat meals. We also talk about phallic molds, how Andrew hasn't watched our show, pheromones, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Letter one is from Stuart, who runs a saltwater taffy stand at the Iowa State Fair. In letter two, Chris hits us with some mind-blowing stats about shuffling decks of cards. We also talk holding our breath, jeans, magic tricks and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Jen tells us about becoming a regular at a diner with an overbearing server. Letter two comes from Steve, who asks us about how to navigate working at a faith based company. We also talk about Blade Runner, Rory's favorite video game "Conduct Together," our new Tik Tok page (@thepenpalspod), and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Luke Null! Letter one comes from a listener who asks for advice about a long-term relationship. In letter two, Dan, who recently visited Finland, asks us what's the coldest we've ever been? We also talk about CLEAR, being an away team fan at a game, eagle scouts, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies & Pallers, We are coming to you live from SF Sketchfest, with our friend Thomas Lennon! In letter one, Ryan asks us if he should get his wife an anniversary gift even though they said they wouldn't. Letter two is from Andy, who wants to know if he can sing. We also talk Oh Henry, sell you on a timeshare in Punta Cana, Dave Matthews Band, Thomas runs some laps, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Shannon writes to us asking what our predictions for the future of small town America are. Letter two comes from a paller who asks for advice as they face a separation and are looking to reimagine their midlife. We also discuss capitalism, artificial intelligence, parrots that mimic people, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Pat asks for advice about reclaiming their birthday after a traumatic event has tarnished it (Content Warning: this letter involves a tragic death - if you need to you can skip ahead to 25:00). Letter two comes from a master cheesemaker who wonders how we overcome procrastination. We also talk about an LCD Soundsystem concert Daniel and Lissa attended, fancy cheese, the perfect nachos, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Taylor Ortega! Letter one comes from a listener who just got her first speeding ticket and wants to know how many tickets we've gotten. In letter two, Rusty asks us how to navigate a relationship with an estranged loved one who is an alcoholic. We also talk about Daniel and Taylor's movie Wine Club, full frontal nudity, Kylie Jenner's Lasik Doctor, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Langston Kerman! In letter one, Kate asks if we could shoot a different liquid out of each finger, what would we choose? Letter two comes M, who asks for advice about confronting her unhelpful husband. We also talk about Langston running his mother-in-law's Hinge account, the possibility of the apocalypse, mac-n-cheese, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Letter one comes from Chris, who overreacted to someone picking apples from someone's tree. In letter two, Woody poses some interesting questions about Biff Tanner and his family tree. We also talk writing new material, Rory finds his Australian accent, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Dave Holmes! In letter one, Coble asks us how to navigate loss. Letter two comes from Nōn, a deckhand on a commercial fishing boat, who wonders if we could handle the job. We also talk Dave's recent run in the NYC marathon, airport massages, horseback riding, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Letter one comes from Chelsea who asks for thoughts on having kids that require different parenting styles. In letter two, Andrew wants to know our go-to karaoke songs. We also talk movies for kids, sing Whitney Houston, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are rejoined by our friend Dierdre Friel! In letter one, Bdubs asks us what we would do if we could go back in time and start over. Letter two comes from Casey, who wants to know if women have stealthy ways of communicating. We also talk public singing stories, finally talk Physical, bad improv, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Letter one comes from The Tempted Father, who has never used Hamburger Helper but yearns for the ease of meal prep. In letter two, Claire wants to know how we feel about body hair. We also set our New Year's resolutions, talk LCD Soundsystem, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are rejoined by our friend Chris Sullivan! In letter one, Amanda asks us about our favorite holiday dishes. Letter two comes from Shannon, who asks what we would save from our house if it was on fire. We also talk festive drinks, improv, Pepsi making a move, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Letter one comes from Caleb, who writes to us from Burning Man! In letter two, Greg loves reffing and wants to know what we've tried that has exceeded our expectations. We also talk the 12 Days of Christmas, pickles and bacon, Taylor University, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Erin shares their near-death experience from childhood. Letter two comes from John, who got in trouble for his love of free food at the office. We also talk about Christmas morning, lingerie catalogs (which derails us into sex talk), and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Tiffany Haddish! Letter one comes from Adam, who loves magic but has experienced some bad magic that soured him on it. In letter two, Jar-Bear asks us the difference between trips and vacations. We also talk about D&D, falling asleep mid-bj, learning languages, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Luke asked for a recap of Daniel's first Tool show. Letter two comes from Ryan, who bet his friend Ben that he couldn't get from LA to Cuba for under $500. We also talk Cotton Candy, T Swift, our recent specials we just filmed, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Letter one comes from a pal who is conflicted about the idea of having a big wedding ceremony. In letter two, the Gaggle Gals (Bordini sisters) are procrastinators, and want to know our stance on showing up late. We also talk girl math vs. guy math, airport tips, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Chelsea shares a story with us about a magical encounter she had in nature. Letter two is from Kelly, who asks us about any meaningful interactions we had with strangers. We also do a LOT of movie talk, and hear about Daniel's hitchhiking daydream! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Eric André! Letter one comes from a Hulk Hogan fan, who wants to know how long it would take for people to realize we've turned into Hulk Hogan. In letter two, Adam asks us how to navigate this new world of legal cannabis. We also talk about plays, Eric's wild birthdays, drugs, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Kumail Nanjiani! Letter one comes from Emily, who tells us all about Stoneman Willie, a legend from her hometown of Reading, PA. In letter two, Nick shares a story about an embarrassingly aggressive interaction during a rec league softball game. We also talk Kumail's video game characters, Field of Dreams plot holes, hair growth, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Anton asks us how we'll feel when we age. Letter two comes from Marley, who went on a work trip and drove through Daniel's hometown, Rochelle! We also talk Scooby Doo, unappealing recipes, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Letter one comes from Rob, who gives us our very first reverse Patreon letter and provides more details on his circumcision as an older kid. In letter two, Junk tells us about a tough breakup where his ex ghosted him during a difficult time. We also talk background singing, RTHS football, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel PS - join our Patreon for bonus eps! https://www.patreon.com/penpalsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Laura Peek! In letter one, Noah wants to talk all things laundry! Letter two is from Amanda, who asks us what we would tell our past selves if we had the chance. We also talk about garbage, Ben Affleck, farts, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Ify Nwadiwe! Letter one is from J, who asks about ways to publicly deal with stress. In letter two, Carly wants to know if we've ever lied in interviews. We also talk public farting, board games, temp jobs, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel PS - Get your PALSTRONG wristbands HERE!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Scott shares his experience moving out of the country as a kid. Letter two is from Kendall, who asks about a “would you rather” from her family. We also talk summer movies, drum lines, death & the afterlife, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Zach sent us a letter about his complicated family dynamics, and wonders if his kids should have a relationship with his estranged father. In letter two, Missy tells us all about her life at her gym, and asks us if there are ways we ever surprise ourselves. We also talk about Daniel meeting James Taylor, tabletop games, letter-writing feedback, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel PS - Get your PALSTRONG wristbands at https://thepenpalspod.bigcartel.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Ben Roy! In letter one, Chelsea asks us if there is any gross task that we get satisfaction from completing. Letter two comes from John, who asks us who we would not want to fight. We also talk Spring Break, ASMR, J-ing O, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel PS - Get your PALSTRONG wristbands at https://thepenpalspod.bigcartel.com/! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Joe Nicchi! Letter one is from Scott, who has turned buffet strategy into a science. In letter two, Matty talks about his time bartending and a recent experience he had with someone mistreating a server. We also talk breakfast burritos, Chinese food, CVT Soft Serve, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel PS - you can check out CVT Soft Serve at www.cvtsoftserve.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Sophia feels distance between her and her roommate, and wants to know when to let the friendship go. Letter two is from Mike, who is drawn to stories about historical devastation. We also share some artwork, talk restaurants from the past, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel PS - Get your PALSTRONG wristbands HERE!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, Letter one comes from Rachel, who is friends with a couple that constantly bickers. In letter two, Adam asks us if animal life or human life is more precious. We also talk favorite comedy specials, The Snowman, our new mailbox, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, In letter one, Patronie Daniel asks about getting homesickness on the road. Letter two comes from Sean, who discusses the difference between cottagecore and cabincore. We also talk skipping rocks, getting older, soda fountains, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear Pennies and Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Sarah Silverman! Letter one comes from B.L. Bogues, who cares strongly about compatibility in musical taste (he's baffled by Rory's love for the Counting Crows), and wants to know about any dealbreakers we have. In letter two, E fills us in on her feud with her neighbor. We also talk Taylor Swift, writing new material, Rory Albanese, and more! We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk and Rory ScovelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.