Why do we still go to Popeyes? Michael walks in craving spicy chicken and walks out with a bigger question: why do we tolerate broken systems when the payoff is only sometimes worth it? The story starts with missing tea, long waits, and that infamous “we’re out of chicken” at peak time.

From there, the timeline rewinds to a moment that shaped a generation—watching 9/11 unfold on a store TV while holding a new Jay-Z CD. That memory doesn’t just linger; it reframes everything. We talk about drifting through restaurant jobs, stacking small promotions, and realizing momentum isn’t the same as direction. The recruiting office gauntlet brings humor and humility, but the Air Force pitch lands with two demands: quit smoking and start running. What follows is the unglamorous truth of building capacity—walk-run intervals, a competitive training partner who keeps you honest, and the first quiet pride of hitting distances you once hated.

The MEPS sequence strips ego and replaces it with checklists and early mornings. It’s awkward, it’s funny, and it’s clarifying. We cover picking a job path, getting medically cleared, and fighting doubts over a perfect cafeteria burger. Life off-base pushes back too—on-again love, rent due, and a ring pop proposal that adds purpose to the chaos. Then the pivot: a ticket in hand, a plane to San Antonio, the bus rolling through Lackland’s gate, and the shock of Week Zero as the jokes die and the training begins.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between comfort and calling, this story is a blueprint for choosing the harder road with your eyes open. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review with the moment that made you change course—we’ll read our favorites next time.

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A perfect Ohio finish and a messy national picture collide as we break down Olentangy Orange’s 15–0 march to the Division I championship, Hamilton High’s gritty season with real upside, and a college football playoff field that has fans shaking their heads. We start on the home front—how the Pioneers closed with authority and why Hamilton’s narrow losses, improved QB flashes, and coaching stability hint at a breakout. Then we pivot to Columbus, unpacking Ohio State’s 13–10 stumble against Indiana and the simple truth it exposes: when you have an elite defense, you can win small if you take the points and manage the margins.

From there, we go straight at the playoff controversy. Why does a three-loss Alabama get a berth over two-loss contenders like Notre Dame or a battle-tested BYU? Why do conference champions such as JMU and Tulane get treated like afterthoughts? We make the case for underdog legitimacy with the receipts—Boise State over Oklahoma, Appalachian State in the Big House—and argue that expanding access is how you bring back the sport’s magic. The fixes are simple and overdue: restore regional conferences with round-robin schedules and automatic bids, follow the FCS blueprint with a 24-team playoff and byes for champions, require true home-and-home series, move bowl games to August as marquee season openers, release rankings after we have data, and stop giving seeding credit for FBS vs FCS tune-ups.

If you care about competitive balance, Cinderella stories, and meaningful conference titles, this one will hit home. You’ll get clear solutions, bold predictions for Oklahoma vs Alabama, and a roadmap to make every Saturday matter again. Listen, subscribe, and leave a review to tell us your ideal playoff format—and which underdog you’re riding with next.

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A hundred episodes later, the mic feels different—steadier, sharper, and a lot more honest. We look back at the spark that started during lockdown, then walk through the five episodes that shaped WDYM. It’s a reel of the show’s heart: music, everyday chaos, and the lessons that come with saying what you really mean.

We open up about what the first hundred taught us—consistency moves numbers, specificity drives engagement, and honesty builds trust even when it stings. From there, we set a clear roadmap for the next chapter: a tighter cadence, more “nerdy” deep dives.

If you’ve been riding with us from day one—or just found us at episode 100—this is your invite to help shape what comes next. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves a bold take, and tell us what segment you want to hear more of. Your feedback steers the next 100.

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A vacation can change your taste, but Vegas changed our soundtrack. What started as an anniversary trip and a Backstreet Boys treat for Destini turned into a full-scale conversion at the Sphere—20,000 people in white, a Millennium theme reimagined for today, and a screen so vast it pulls you inside the music. We trace the whole arc, from Hamilton to the Strip’s heat, from a humble In‑N‑Out reentry to Venetian maze-wandering, from missing Mellow Yellow to magic with Mat Franco that made “how did he do that?” a running joke for the rest of the trip.

Before the main event, we hack a perfect morning at the Wynn Buffet: arrive early, walk the floor before committing, mark your dessert targets, and let the carvery brisket and crepe station justify every step. Then it’s merch chasing at the Sphere and the switch flips. The countdown hits, Larger Than Life rips the room open, and a casual spouse becomes a believer. The show is all the reasons people travel for music: precision, playfulness, and a community that sings every word without irony. We talk about why this residency keeps expanding, how nostalgia can feel new in the right venue, and what the Sphere adds that a normal arena can’t.

We also get honest about the Boys then vs now. Kevin’s quiet storm gone full-on presence. Howie stepping up with a stronger voice in the mix. Brian’s grit and timing, supported by bandmates who read him in a heartbeat. AJ still extra in all the right ways. And Nick, transformed from understudy to undeniable center.

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The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk has ripped open America's deepest wounds, exposing the raw nerve endings of our political divisions and raising urgent questions about violence, responsibility, and our shared future. What happens when political rhetoric crosses from passionate debate into dangerous territory? And why do we respond to tragedy by pointing fingers instead of finding common ground?

This episode dives unflinchingly into the aftermath of Kirk's killing, examining the immediate political blame game that erupted before the shooter was even identified. Politicians like Nancy Mace instantly condemned Democrats collectively while refusing to acknowledge similar violence against Democratic figures. Meanwhile, the Utah governor's troubling comment hoping the shooter "wouldn't be one of us" revealed how deeply partisan thinking has infected our response to human tragedy.

While condemning the violence in the strongest possible terms, we also explore the uncomfortable reality that public figures bear responsibility for their words. Kirk's controversial statements about civil rights, Martin Luther King Jr., and other sensitive topics didn't justify violence against him, but they remind us that inflammatory rhetoric carries consequences in an already divided society. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction – a principle that applies not just to physics but to our social dynamics as well.

America's gun violence epidemic forms the backdrop of this tragedy, raising questions about why school shootings receive mere "thoughts and prayers" while political assassinations spark talk of civil war. The ease with which Americans access deadly weapons remains a significant factor in political violence, yet meaningful discussions about solutions consistently fall victim to partisan entrenchment.

As we witness Erica Kirk's raw grief transform into militant language about continuing her husband's mission, we're left wondering: Can America ever move from the divisive language of "they" to the unifying concept of "we"? This episode challenges listeners to recognize our shared humanity and acknowledge that political violence damages the very foundation of democratic governance, regardless of who the victim might be.

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Ohio high school football kicked off last week with the seventh meeting between Hamilton and Badin, a crosstown rivalry that has become a showcase for our city. Despite Hamilton's talent and momentum from last year's win, Badin secured their fifth victory in the series with a 38-20 final score.

• The energy seemed off from the start with Hamilton
• Badin returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, immediately shifting momentum
• Hamilton led 14-10 at halftime but couldn't maintain their advantage
• Coach Nick Yordy's second-half adjustments proved too much for Hamilton to overcome
• Hamilton's talented roster includes a poised quarterback and explosive skill players
• The Greater Miami Conference (GMC) title remains within reach despite this setback
• Players should "eat this loss" and use it as motivation for next week against Sycamore
• A Talawanda running back made national headlines with 423 rushing yards in Week 1

Next year game is at Matandy SportPlex, creating another chapter in this evolving rivalry. Go Big Blue!

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Ever wonder what happens when podcast opportunity knocks but uses the wrong doorbell? Michael Gillespie opens this episode with a cautionary tale about business opportunities that don't follow proper channels. Despite tempting collaboration offers landing in his personal inbox, Michael's military background taught him to question why these potential partners bypassed his clearly posted business email. His thoughtful analysis reminds creators that legitimate opportunities typically respect established protocols.

The heart of the episode dives into Michael's experiences managing "YPs" (Young People) in the workplace, painting a nuanced portrait that defies generational stereotypes. We meet an exceptional young employee balancing her day job with entrepreneurial side hustles and film appearances, whose brutal honesty about Michael's music choices earned his deepest respect.

The episode reaches its comedic peak with Michael's introduction of "Thug 1" and "Thug 2" – particularly the latter, whose 4'4" frame houses an intimidating presence that has Michael genuinely scared despite their significant height difference. When she threatens to "put someone on a shirt" (referring to memorial t-shirts), Michael's entertaining fear perfectly captures the surprising dynamics that can emerge in workplace relationships. Through laughter and reflection, this episode offers valuable insights about authenticity, proper communication channels, and managing diverse personalities in professional environments.

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Have you ever wondered what really happens at senior facilities? In this raw and uncensored episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the bizarre, hilarious, and sometimes disturbing realities of working in senior healthcare.

From my archives comes a collection of unforgettable tales that perfectly capture the stranger side of caring for elderly patients. There's the diabetic who demanded 60 ounces of regular Coca-Cola daily despite having already lost part of his leg, and the woman who transformed her room into an 80s time capsule complete with vintage perfumes that made her space smell "exactly like the Golden Girls' house" – all while insisting I call her "Delicious" (which I absolutely refused).

The healthcare system itself comes under scrutiny as I reveal the shockingly simple "BIMS test" used to determine a resident's mental competence – remember three words and know approximately what year it is, and you're deemed capable of making all your decisions. I discuss paradox where patients refuse to practice essential skills like coming down to the dining room, then complain when their food arrives cold to their rooms.

Most memorably (though you might wish you could forget), I share my encounters with what staff called "doodoo men" Hope you enjoy!

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