It's funny how you can record a thing and, a week later, it's maybe not obsolete, but definitely shows how quickly things can change. Granted, we discussed the likelihood of what is happening again--climbing COVID-19 rates brought on by [mostly] unvaccinated people and the Delta variant--but we didn't expect that prediction to be so timely.

With many people getting out and about, though, we Gorillamen sat down and talked about how our lives have changed since being vaccinated and able to venture out not as concerned as we were before vaccinations.

This is what we discussed:

• When did you get vaccinated?
• What was that experience?
• What’s the first thing you wanted to do when you were fully vaccinated?
• What’s the first thing you actually did?
• What have you noticed is different in the world now than pre-COVID-vaccination?
• Do you feel like we’ve turned a corner on the pandemic?
• What’s something you were sure you were going to do when vaccinated that you haven’t?
• How has your social interaction been compared with pre-COVID?
• Have you noticed any problems or issues re-engaging with the world?
• What’s the future of the pandemic?

Fuck 2020! (Amirite?)

In so many ways, it was a horrible year. But...were there any good moments?

The mighty Gorillamen cannot speak for all humankind, but...we considered all that was horrible this year, while still trying to be cheery.

Specifically, this is what we talked about:

• How did you start 2020?
• When was the first time you suspected the year might not be going well?
• What were some of the early (pre-pandemic) bright spots of 2020 for you?
• What were some of the pre-pandemic bad parts of the year?
• When the pandemic hit, how long did you think it was going to last?
• What was your first "it can't possibly get any worse"… but then it got worse moment?
• What were some bright spots in the last 3/4 of 2020?
• What was your favorite new TV show of this year?
• Movie?
• Album/Song? (as always, feel free to come up with a list)
• What was the best thing about 2020?
• The worst?
• The silver lining?
• What's the future of 2021?

Somebody once told me the world was gonna roll me...so I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel. Now, don't you tell me to smile, 'cause nothing lasts forever -- even cold November rain.

And I know it's up for me if you steal my sunshine because nothing compares (nothing compares) to you. So load up on guns and bring your friends; 'cause after all, you're my wonderwall...

Yep, we're talking about 90s music!

What's discussed this time around:

• What's the first 90s tune you remember hearing?
• While radio was still big in the 90s, what other things drove the rise of 90s music?
• What new style of music that came along in the 90s surprised you?
• What style of 90s music is your favorite?
• Why do you think alternative music took hold in the 90s?
• What is your favorite 90s tune? (Or hell, a list if need be...)
• Least favorite tune of the 90s?
• Do you have a favorite concert of the 90s?
• What 90s tunes do you still go back to?
• Right at the end of the 90s, Napster came along. How big was peer-to-peer shared music in your life?
• This probably leans more into the early 2000s, but did peer-to-peer sharing cause you to stop buying music or buy more music?
• This may seem weird since it's over, but what is the future of 90s music?

'Murica!!!

This time around, we're talking about American Exceptionalism. Specifically these points:

• When were you first introduced to the idea of American exceptionalism?
• Do you believe in American exceptionalism?
• The concept traces back to the mid-1800s. Was America exceptional then?
• What’s the current state of America?
• What’s the current state of American exceptionalism?
• Can exceptionalism be dangerous?
• What’s actually exceptional about America, if anything?
• Has American exceptionalism damaged what is actually exceptional about this country?
• How could we change the idea of exceptionalism for the better?
• What’s the future of American exceptionalism?

"Remember the time that I spilled the cup / Of apple juice in the hall / Please tell mom this is not her fault…"

Blink-182 - "Adam's Song"

This time around, we're talking about shame…

Specifically, this:

• When did you first become aware of shame?
• Do you find shame a problematic thing?
• What's the most shame you've ever felt?
• What is something society (or even a large group of people) seem ashamed of that doesn't bother you at all?
• Have you ever shamed others?
• Do you think shame is used to control people?
• How damaging do you think shame is for those on the receiving end?
• We've all heard the saying, "Have you no shame?" Why do you think some people fixate on shame?
• Do you think shame can ever play a good role in society?
• What role does shame play in politics?
• Do you think we'll ever move beyond body shaming people?
• What's the future of shame?

In Gorilla Christopher's efforts to not talk about that thing everyone is talking about, this week we talk about...PIZZA!!!

Here's a peek at the points:

• When did you first become aware of pizza?
• When’s the last time you ate pizza?
• What, to you, makes a pizza great?
• Why do you think pizza is so popular?
• Worst pizza you ever had?
• Your all-time favorite pizza?
• Have you ever worked in the pizza industry in any way?
• What are your favorite pizza toppings?
• Where do you stand on what’s deemed as untraditional toppings...things like pineapple or weird fusiony things?
• What is your favorite untraditional topping or full pizza?
• If you had to pick a side in the thin pizza vs. deep dish battle, who’s side are you on?
• What is the future of pizza?

Friday, February 7, marks the completion of Year Seven of Men in Gorilla Suits!

While we've never taken the Two-Guys-Talking-About-Random-Things podcast genre by storm, we'd be lying if we said seeing the growth we've had over the years didn't mean anything to us.

So, to all who listen...THANK YOU!!!

Okay, and now on to the latest episode, which is all about...unemployment!

Here's what's discussed:

• Who is the first working person you remember who ended up facing unemployment?
• When was the last time you were unemployed?
• What is the longest you've ever been unemployed?
• Why do you think some people absolutely freak out when they are faced with unemployment?
• How is unemployment damaging?
• We've touted strong employment rates for close to a decade in the U.S. Do you think things are as strong as politicians claim?
• Do you think companies prey on people they know are unemployed or underemployed?
• Have you ever been unemployed by design (i.e. quit and not had another job lined up)?
• What do you dislike most about the times you've been unemployed?
• Is there anything you like about being unemployed?
• Do you ever worry there may be a time you're not able to find employment?
• What is the future of unemployment?

Because Gorilla Christopher is determined to get some writing in during his lunch break, here's what we chat about this week:

• When did you first become aware of determination?
• Are you a very determined person?
• What is the best thing, to you, about determination?
• What is the worst thing, to you, about determination?
• Who is the most determined person you know?
• Do you think there's anything wrong with not being a determined person?
• Can one be determined without being ambitious?
• As a society, do you think we place too much importance on being determined?
• Is there anything you are determined to do before you die?
• What's something you were once determined to do that you aren't anymore?
• What advice would you give to someone who wants to be more determined to do the things they want to do in life?
• We usually end by talking about the future. As we stare climate change in the face, do you think humanity is determined to actually do something about it?

Radiohead once sang about optimism.

It went a little like this:

Flies are buzzing 'round my head
Vultures circling the dead
Picking up every last crumb
The big fish eat the little ones
The big fish eat the little ones
Not my problem, give me some

We're a bit more optimistic than that, but about certain issues...probably not by much.

This week we will fill your hearts with hope as we talk about...optimism...

* * *

We begin by discussing our own optimism...and when we were first introduced to the concept. Then we talk about the most optimistic people we knew growing up -- and who claims the title today.

We chat a bit about if it's easier or harder to maintain optimism as we age...and then devote some time to whether or not we're optimistic about the United States.

Find out where our optimism ends -- and what we try [and sometimes fail] to be optimistic about.

We answer these questions: Can relentless optimism be damaging? Or annoying? And then we offer our advice for someone who is not naturally optimistic.

And, of course, we wrap it all up talking about the future of optimism.

* * *

Umbrella Woman Photo: Edu Lauton

You'll just have to trust us that this episode is good...

* * *

We kick it off with our first memories of trusting someone, and then talk about how important trust is to one's existence. Find out who we trust most today...and what role trust plays in this podcast.

Next, we chat about how much we trust institutions like religion, corporations, and governments. After that, find out if our trust has ever been betrayed by someone...and if we have ever betrayed someone's trust.

We discuss why betrayed trust hurts some people so much, and devote a little time to processes we trust. From there, it's on to talking about if we trust ourselves to make good decisions and then wrapping it all up with the future of trust.