John, Deuce, and Joe reunite after a summer hiatus to deliver a spirited, no-holds-barred chat covering everything from Italian pizza blasphemies to the state of public education in New Jersey.

The episode opens with the gang catching up, diving straight into a debate about unconventional pizza toppings. Fruit on pizza? The group draws the line—unless it's a tomato. The conversation quickly shifts to the intricacies and occasional absurdities of the lottery system, as Deuce shares his extensive experience running a workplace lottery pool and dishes out stories from his years as a lottery agent. The hosts break down lottery odds, debunk myths, and recount the biggest (and smallest) wins they’ve witnessed, underscoring that playing is key—since you can’t win if you don’t enter.

As the banter continues, the crew vents about soaring energy bills in New Jersey, lambasting failed green initiatives and questioning the whereabouts of a billion-dollar investment in wind farms that yielded zero windmills. They don’t shy away from sharper social commentary, either, taking on topics such as DEI initiatives, the challenges of homeschooling, administrative bloat in public schools, vaccine mandates, and the ever-expanding presence of identity politics. John, Deuce, and Joe aren’t afraid to get controversial, dissecting the culture wars, questioning media narratives, and reflecting on societal changes since their own school days.

Through it all, the hosts maintain an irreverent and comedic tone, punctuating heavier discussions with tales from their youth, food detours, and friendly ribbing. The episode wraps up with some nostalgic reminiscing and the promise of more spirited debate in episodes to come.

• Opening catch-up and summer break recap
• Heated debate about fruit and unconventional toppings on pizza
• Lottery stories, running workplace pools, and debunking lottery myths
• Frustration over high energy bills and failed wind farm projects in New Jersey
• Rant on public school inefficiency, administrative bloat, and rising property taxes
• Issues with DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) in schools and homeschooling legislation
• Vaccine mandates and skepticism about pandemic-era CDC guidance
• Commentary on gender identity, pronouns, and LGBTQ curriculum in schools
• Critique of political correctness, identity politics, and media bias
• Reflections on societal and cultural changes since their youth
• Lighthearted discussions on food, nostalgia, and personal anecdotes

In this vintage episode of the Brand X Podcast, John Jamingo and Deuce celebrate Independence Day with a nostalgic look back at 4th of July traditions and the mischief of their youth. The hosts recount small-town celebrations, explosive fireworks memories, and the changes in how holidays are observed today. They also dive into current events, including controversies surrounding patriotic displays and laugh-out-loud workplace blunders. The episode shines a humorous light on everything from childhood bomb-making escapades to the evolution of American holidays and pop culture icons. Listeners will enjoy a ride through classic memories, sharp commentary, and the next round of their beloved "Hot Babe Brackets."

• Small-town 4th of July memories: fireworks, parades, and childhood chaos
• Mishaps with editing, technology, and podcasting behind the scenes
• Debating modern controversies over American flag displays and "God Bless America"
• Workplace disasters, viral receipts, and the pitfalls of political correctness
• Advancing into the Sweet 16 round of the Hot Babe Brackets and a look at the rise of sex robots in pop culture.

On this vintage episode of the Brand X Podcast, John Jamingo and Deuce take a nostalgic walk down memory lane, diving headfirst into the stories, debates, and cultural touchstones that shaped their youth. Kicking things off with a special March Madness-style "bracket game," the hosts pit iconic TV women from the 1960s and 1970s against each other to determine who reigns supreme in pop culture crushes. Along the way, they offer witty banter, personal anecdotes, and sharp opinions about what made these decades—and the women on their screens—so unforgettable. The conversation takes a sharp turn to a heated rant about New Jersey's controversial gas tax hike, sparking a broader discussion about taxation, state politics, and the everyday woes of living in the Garden State. Whether you're a fan of classic sitcoms or looking for a bit of cathartic commiseration over taxes, this episode has something for everyone.

In this episode, Jamingo and Deuce discuss:

• The ultimate bracket showdown of classic TV women from the '60s and '70s
• Why men love debating pop culture icons—and whether women care what men talk about
• Personal favorites (Marcia Brady, Janet from Three’s Company, Catwoman vs. Batgirl) and what made them irresistible
• The impact and fallout of New Jersey’s notorious gas tax hike, plus a full-on rant about state mismanagement and taxes
• Stories from growing up, working local jobs, and how daily life has changed from free roadmaps to price hikes at the pump

In this vintage episode of the Brand X Podcast, John Jamingo and Deuce return with plenty of laughs, reflections, and candid conversation. They recap their Father’s Day celebrations, trade stories about their dads, and riff on the lost art of not being easily offended. The duo dives into their favorite podcasts, shares how they got started with the medium, and offers listeners recommendations for new shows to check out. They also discuss recent news stories, including the handling of controversial statements in the press, the Harambe incident at the zoo, and oddball YouTube search histories. Throughout, their trademark chemistry and nostalgia-laden banter make for a lively and entertaining discussion.

In this episode, John and Deuce discuss:

• The evolution of their podcast-listening habits and recommendations for discovering new shows
• Favorite Father’s Day memories and family stories filled with humor, mishaps, and lessons learned
• Whether people today are too easily offended, and the impact of “outrage culture” on comedy and free speech
• The Harambe incident, Disney’s alligator tragedy, and responses to high-profile accidents in public places
• YouTube rabbit holes, including zit-popping videos, superhero animations, and heated debates about what’s worth watching online

This is a brand new episode!

John, Deuce, Joe, and The Duchess dive deep into their love-hate relationships with technology, swapping tales of AI adventures, smart home debacles, and the joys and perils of paying bills the old-fashioned way.

Cannolis are devoured, generational gaps are explored, and no one is safe from a good-natured roasting.

The gang even gets philosophical about the future of AI, tech dependency, and whether a podcast cohosted by a chatbot is a sign of progress or just the latest in John's “shiny object” pursuits. Add in digressions on sex robots, drag queens, their enduring Philly/South Jersey accents, and you’ve got vintage Brand X.

• Embracing (and fighting with) smart tech: from Alexa to AI assistants, and getting “locked out” by your own devices.
• The endless debate: online bill paying convenience vs. the analog joy of stamps, checks, and control
• Why generational differences are overrated—and how they bring the crew together (or not)
• Can a chatbot be a podcast cohost, and why is John considering a whole show with “Denise” the AI?
• Sex robots, wild AI prompts, and the TV/film moments that traumatized (and bonded) this crew forever

In this emotional episode of the Brand X Podcast, John Jamingo and Deuce step away from their usual comedic banter to tackle the tragic events surrounding the Orlando nightclub shooting. With heavy hearts, they dive into the media’s response, gun control debates, and the broader issues of hate and national security. The hosts share personal perspectives on the Second Amendment, explore ideological conflicts, and discuss how leadership and policy shape America’s conversation on tragedy. They challenge both the political left and right, urging listeners to consider the deeper causes behind such violence. This episode is a passionate, unfiltered conversation about current events, the limits of legislation, and what it means to seek real solutions.

In this episode, John and Deuce discuss:

• The media’s rush to frame narratives after mass shootings and its impact on public perception
• Heated debates over gun control, the Second Amendment, and the reality of “gun-free” zones
• The root causes of hate and extremism, including ideological and historical perspectives
• The difference between strong and passive leadership responses to terrorism
• Grassroots political action, the possibility of congressional reform, and the role of local communities in driving change

On this vintage episode of the Brand X Podcast, John Jamingo and Deuce bring their signature humor to everyday oddities and international headlines. From beer pipelines in Belgium to bizarre supermarket incidents and heated debates about parking etiquette, no topic is too strange or trivial for the duo. They tackle outrageous news stories, riff on modern annoyances like self-checkout machines, and even dive into hard-hitting political developments in the Philippines. Buckle up for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts irreverent, insightful, and uproarious. This is classic Brand X—honest, unfiltered, and a little bit unpredictable.

In this episode, Jamingo and Deuce discuss:

• Belgium’s wild plan to pump beer through underground city pipelines for thirsty investors.
• The notorious supermarket “mad shitter” and the pitfalls of self-checkout technology.
• One man’s lifetime ban from Starbucks for defending handicapped parking spaces and the broader debate about accessibility.
• Hacked electronic roadway signs and the most creative (and inappropriate) messages we’d love to see.
• The Philippines’ controversial new president and his shocking directive to encourage civilians to confront and even kill drug dealers.

In this vintage episode of the Brand X Podcast, originally broadcast on May 31, 2016, hosts John Jamingo and Deuce kick things off with light-hearted banter about classic summer foods like grilled hot dogs, potato salad, and especially the beloved Jersey tomato. The duo fondly reminisce about summertime produce and recount funny stories from their youth and experiences working in local food shops, highlighting Jersey tomatoes' messiness—yet unmistakable deliciousness.

The main topic shifts to the highly publicized Harambe incident at the Cincinnati Zoo, where a gorilla was shot after a child fell into its enclosure. John and Deuce passionately debate the ethical considerations of the event, firmly supporting the zoo’s decision to protect the child despite public backlash. They criticize what they see as an overzealous tendency to anthropomorphize animals and challenge the notion that tranquilizing the gorilla would have been a safer or more effective option. The conversation also touches on reactions from political figures and zookeepers, and humor is injected as John suggests stuffing Harambe as a zoo reminder.

The episode also features amusing anecdotes about quirky news stories, such as a man attempting to secure a loan to buy methamphetamines and the outdated use of fax machines. Rounding out the show, John and Deuce discuss a controversial study linking cell phone radiation to cancer, ultimately expressing skepticism and framing it as a cash grab for research funding. They close with their trademark irreverence and calls for listener engagement on social media.

• [00:00:05] Episode introduction and vintage Brand X banter
• [00:01:11] Listener appreciation and early show milestones
• [00:02:01] Memorial Day food traditions and Jersey tomato appreciation
• [00:08:03] Discussion of the Harambe gorilla incident at Cincinnati Zoo
• [00:23:13] Social media reactions and teachable moments from Harambe event
• [00:29:26] Quirky news: Man tries to get a loan to buy meth & fax machine humor
• [00:40:33] Cell phone radiation study linking usage to cancer and skepticism
• [00:55:40] Show wrap-up, listener engagement, and episode sign off