Men in Gorilla Suits
Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 204: Last Seen…Telling the Truth

Torn "Truth" poster - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 204: Last Seen…Telling the TruthIt's easy to say, "Nobody's honest anymore!" but were we ever honest to begin with? Or has, perhaps, the ability to research fact from fiction made us more honest?

Why people tell the truth -- or lie -- is this week's topic.

* * *

We begin back in the past, when we first became aware of truth and lies. Find out if we were honest or liars as children...and how we fare as adults. We also devote some time to whether or not the people we know (or whom we're even close to) tell the truth.

Truth in media has become a hot topic of many conversations. Does truth in media exist anymore? Also: has truth always been nebulous, or is that a recent development?

Then we get a bit deeper and talk about whether it's even possible to know the truth about anything at all.

Do people in power sometimes have to lie? We devote some time to that before moving on to whether or not there is a Real Ultimate Truth™ in the universe.

And we wrap it up by discussing if there will ever be a time humans are truthful...or if some form of lying will always be with us...

Direct download: migs204.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 2:28pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 203: Last Seen…Talking about Speculative Fiction

Man & Woman in Purple Spacesuits Pointing to Rocketships - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 203: Last Seen…Talking about Speculative FictionIn the year 2000, flying cars will take us to work and robots will babysit our children and walk our dogs. We will vacation on the moon and Mars; all our needs will be taken care of. Our only fear is an attack from Galagaxian-7...or maybe a portal opening from a fantasy realm and dragons loose in the streets. Lines blur between Macondo, City of Mirrors and our world; somewhere in northern Wisconsin, an English bulldog controls the forces of gravity.

Speculative fiction is often viewed as the genre of pulps, but so many classics we're used to are speculative works -- even though we do not see them as such.

This week, we devote an episode to speculative fiction...

* * *

We begin by defining what speculative fiction is to us, and then talk about the first speculative work we fell in love with. After that, it's on to why people love speculative fiction so much...while others hate it.

Find out if we have ever written speculative fiction...and if we think there's room for speculating in literary novels (or if here are already speculative literary novels out there).

Next, we discuss the differences (or similarities) of speculative fiction and magical realism...and whether or not we should consider all fiction speculative fiction.

We run through some of our favorite works of speculative fiction before chatting about what speculative fiction does that other forms of fiction can't.

Finally, after devoting a bit of time to things we've not seen done with speculative fiction that we'd like to see, we speculate about what the future of speculative fiction looks like.

Feel free to speculate all you want in the comments below...

Direct download: migs203.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 12:57am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 202: Last Seen…At the Mall

Inside a mall - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 202: Last Seen…At the Mall"Duuuuuuuuude! Where'd you get that gnarly shirt?"

"Chess King!"

"Excellent!"

"Where you headed?"

"Gonna get me an Orange Julius and then wander Spencer's Gifts..."

"Awesome. I'll catch up with you after I pick up the new Van Halen album at Camelot Music..."

This week, we're talking about malls!

* * *

We kick it off with our first trips to mall and our impression of the places as kids. After that, we talk about our main memories of 80s mall culture.

Find out if we were those kids who hung out at the mall (spoiler: we were!) and which malls we considered our home bases for rampant consumerism.

We chat about the best places to hang out in malls...as well as some of the more ridiculous mall stores we've encountered.

Malls come and go; in honor of that, we devote a little time to chatting about dying malls and what it's like to be inside an abandoned mall. After that, we talk about some of the reasons why malls shut down.

But there are places where malls are still a thing. We discuss why that is before moving on to out favorite malls ever.

If you listen to the show regularly, you know that Shawn volunteers quite a bit this time of year...and sometimes, his volunteering takes him to malls. We chat about how often we find ourselves in malls before wrapping it all up with the future of the shopping mall.

Direct download: migs202.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 1:35pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 201: Last Seen…Being Immediately Patient

A woman relaxing in a kayak - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 201: Last Seen…Being Immediately PatientWe live in hurried times. Text messages, email, and many other things vie for our attention. At work, managers ask, "How's that coming along?" sometimes just hours after you've given them an update about a task.

It would seem to many that patience is a thing of the past. But is it really?

People still wait for things. Granted, in many instances, we've figured out ways to make those waits shorter, but if you are human, you've probably waited for something this week. And even if you turned to your smartphone or some other distraction...really, that's another form of patience. (You've still accepted the wait.)

But then there are those weird people like Christopher, who still take pleasure in simply sitting and waiting. He'd argue, though, that there's not much difference between the thoughts in his head and someone going to their phone to pass the time. Some might say, "Well, he's patiently waiting and thinking about story ideas, instead of wasting time on his phone," but Shawn has written multiple novels on his phone.

This is all getting a bit off topic...

This week, we talk about patience (and the need for immediacy).

* * *

We begin by talking about the first thing we remember "needing" right away...and whether or not we were patient kids. Also, we discuss whether or not we are patient adults.

Has the Internet affected patience and people's need for immediacy? We chat about that before moving on to how patience and immediacy have affected trends in productivity.

Next, we talk about how patience and immediacy factor into the work most people do. After that, find out if we prefer a slower or faster pace of life.

We often talk about Millennials on the show. Many older people say Millennials lack patience, but is that lack of patience truly real; and if so, is it truly the domain of that generation...or has the urge for immediacy affected other generations as well?

We discuss whether or not patience and immediacy are mutually exclusive ideas, and whether immediacy ever has its place and if patience isn't always such a virtue.

And we wrap it all up in the future: will we find more ways to do all the things right now, or will we become more patient for some reason?

Direct download: migs201.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 11:43am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 200: Last Seen…Turning 200

Space station - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 200: Last Seen…Turning 200On February 7, 2013, two of the greatest [and humblest] minds mankind has ever known sat down in front of a Zoom H2n portable digital recorder and...talked.

About acting grown up.

It is the one event in history more impressive than putting an American flag on the moon.

Two hundred episodes later, the Men in Gorilla Suits are still going strong...

* * *

Instead of the usual single topic being the focus of the episode, we take a look back, seeing how our feelings have changed regarding older topics...

From Episode 3, we discuss how conspiracy theories have not only gone more mainstream than ever...but how they are, at least in part, responsible for the current President-Elect of the United States of America.

Then it's a step back to the first episode, in which we not only discuss how our perceptions about being adult geeks have changed...but whether or not we are happier with our adult lives.

Episode 89 found us chatting about patriotism, which ended up being largely about nationalism. We look back and see how much has changed in that regard in just two years. (Hell, even in the last two weeks!)

In episode 54, we talked about entitlement. Find out if we think it's a bigger (or smaller) problem than it used to be. (Really, we didn't mean for this episode to be largely about the 2016 US Presidential Election!)

We discussed podcasting in episode 105, and we do so again today by devoting a bit of time to how much podcasting has changed in the past couple years.

Episode 108 was [largely] a celebration of apathy. Find out if we've been able to continue practicing focused apathy to better our lives since recording the episode.

We devoted Episode 168 to motivation. We chat about whether or not our drive for things has changed much since then...and if we've seen others more or less motivated to do the things they want to do in life.

Episode 153 was all about being American (and what it means to be American). We talk about what that means to us -- and the world -- has changed recently.

What we didn't tell you is that this entire episode was recorded 200 years in the future. Which is convenient because we also like to talk about Star Trek. According to the Trek timeline, last year (2215) saw the Drema Quadrant mapped for the first time...and we're just years away from making first contact with the Klingon Empire. Find out how accurate Star Trek was in predicting the universe in which we now live, in 2216.

Also: we hate to break it to you all, but Earth is long gone. We wrap up Episode 200 discussing whether or not we're better off without that little rock and leaving the solar system in which we were born long behind us.

* * *

Last week was Thanksgiving in the United States. Whether you've listened to just part of one episode of Men in Gorilla Suits or allowed us to steal away roughly 235 hours of your life (almost 10 entire days!), thank you so much!

(We probably shouldn't have put it in that way...now that you know how much time you've lost listening to us babble, we'd fully understand if you never listened again...)

Robot Chris in 200 years...
Christopher in 2216 (Bite his shiny metal ass!)
Shawn is Master Control in 2216...
Shawn is a disembodied computer program in 2216...
Direct download: migs200.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:44am CDT

Food selfies - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 199: Last Seen…Following Fads and TrendsThe frantic nature of the Harlem Shake may have given us the Mannequin Challenge. Others choose to express themselves by trying to eat a spoonful of cinnamon without choking...or they throw it in Mom's face and jump off bridges because all their friends are:

Humans love doing stupid things because others are doing them. And sometimes those things aren't so stupid and catch on. We incorporate them into life so they become trends.

Fads and trends is the topic this week on Men in Gorilla Suits.

* * *

We kick it off with the first fad we remember seeing...and then the first fad we took part in. After that, we establish the difference between a fad and a trend.

Find out if we ever kept up with trends -- and if we do so now (and why). After that, we talk about the last time we considered ourselves trendy.

Shawn once started a fad in his school. (Trust us, you'll want to find out what it was!)

We devote some time to the dumbest -- and coolest -- fads we've ever seen. After that, we talk about what we'd like to see become a fad or trend.

And we wrap it all up with the future of fads and trends.

Direct download: migs199.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:02pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 198: Last Seen…Being Disappointed

A disappointed person - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 198: Last Seen…Being DisappointedSo...that election. You know, the one that said, "Hey, you might not claim to be a bigot or racist, but if you voted for the doughy orange one, you're at least okay with bigotry of sorts." At the very least, in the words of Hasan Minhaj:

You personally may not be a racist, sexist xenophobe, but that comes with the package. So if you take that deal, what you're telling me is, 'Hey, man, I don't hate you. I just don't care about you.'

Because the Gorillamen are disappointed that people voted -- at least in part -- for these things, disappointment seemed like a fitting topic this week.

# # #

We kick off the week's talk with the first time we remember being disappointed, and then jump to whether or not we were often disappointed as children...and even today, as adults.

Find out our biggest disappointments in life and the most recent thing to disappoint us.

After that, we talk about how we deal with disappointment -- and why some people seem to deal well with disappointment, while it destroys the lives of others.

We chat about how expectations and reality factor into disappointment before discussing whether or not we agree with quotes about disappointment like, "Disappointment just means something better is around the corner."

Is it possible to do everything right in one's approach to an endeavor and still see nothing come from it? We devote some time to that thought, and then talk about how often we're disappointed in other people.

And we wrap it all up with advice we'd give someone who is often disappointed.

Feel free to share any of your thoughts about this week's topic in the comments below.

Direct download: migs198.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:05am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 197: Last Seen…Talking about Time

A Clock - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 197: Last Seen…Talking about TimeIt's funny that this week's show is about time. Shawn's recently been busy, so we didn't record on our usual night. Then Christopher had an early day in the office on Tuesday, so Monday night recording was a no-go. Tuesday night in America was election night. (You might have heard a thing or two about that...)

So, it's funny that we're talking about time when this is the third week in a row with little commentary and Christopher just cutting and pasting our talking points for the episode below.

Tick...tock... Tick...tock...

# # #

  • When did you first become aware of the nature of time?
  • What's the weirdest time schism you've experienced?
  • When did/does time pass the slowest for you? The fastest?
  • Do you believe time is a thing that must be kept guarded, safe from waste?
  • Are you time-obsessed?
  • Do you believe humans can manipulate time?
  • Do you think time moves forward in a linear fashion?
  • As you get older, do you notice any changes in the passage of time?
  • What do you spend the most time doing, generally?
  • What would you like to spend more time doing?
  • What's the most annoying thing to you about time?
Direct download: migs197.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 4:00pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 196: Last Seen…Being Annoyed

The Most Annoying Sound in the World - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 196: Last Seen…Being AnnoyedWe recorded way later than usual this week, and to top that off, game seven of the World Series went into extra innings...so Christopher didn't get to put the episode together after recording. But here it is, all shiny and chrome the morning after the Chicago Fuckin' Cubs won the Motherfuckin' World Fuckin' Series!

# # #

Just the list, again, since the show is going up a bit later and there's a bit of a rush this week with other things...

  • What is the first thing you remember annoying you?
  • What is the thing that annoys you today?
  • Are you easily annoyed these days?
  • How do you handle annoying people?
  • Have you ever been accused of being annoying? (And was the accusation accurate)?
  • What is the last thing that annoyed you?
  • People say technology is the greatest thing…when it’s working correctly. Do you think technology has added to our annoyances? (If so, how?)
  • Do you think people look for reasons to be annoyed? (If so, why?)
  • “First world problems” has become a rallying cry by those who are annoyed by people who are annoyed over little things. But…are there annoyances (even those deemed “first world problems”) that are justified? (If yes, what are some of those things?)
  • Most of us have seen a news story about people who reached a certain point where something minor was the last straw for them snapping. How bad are accumulated annoyances?
  • For those who are easily annoyed, what are some things you’d suggest for letting some of that stress go?
  • In the coming years, do you think humanity will become more annoyed by things, less annoyed by things, or just stay the same level we’re at now?
Direct download: migs196.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 9:10am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 195: Last Seen…Having Phobias

Person on the edge of a cliff - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 195: Last Seen…Having PhobiasIt's a really busy week, so no commentary -- just our talking points in a nice, neat list:

  • How old were you when you first experienced irrational fear?
  • What was your first phobia?
  • Have you ever had a debilitating phobia?
  • Have you known anyone who had a debilitating phobia?
  • Who has the strangest phobia that you know?
  • Have you ever gotten over a phobia? How?
  • Are you currently phobic about anything?
  • Are phobias something we're born with, or something we're taught?
  • Can phobias serve any useful purpose?
  • Has a phobia ever stopped you from doing something?
  • If you had to take on a severe, incurable phobia, which one would you choose? Why?
Direct download: migs195.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:36pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 194: Last Seen…Being Outdoors-y

Tent in the woods - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 194: Last Seen…Being Outdoors-ySome of us love the call of the wild and sleeping beneath the stars; some of us live for take-out and convenience.

This week, we dedicate an hour and change to the great outdoors...

* * *

We begin as we often do: back in the past. We talk about the first kind of outdoor recreation we remember doing, and then leap to our favorite things to do outside as kids...and now, as adults.

Find out if we think outdoor activities are important to the development of kids...and our favorite things to do outside today. Also, we discuss whether or not we feel being outside is important beyond levels of simple personal satisfaction...and then we share some of our favorite outdoor memories.

We chat about outdoor activities and trips we'd love to do, including what we'd do if money and time were no object.

We live in a fast-paced world where we hear some people even listen to podcasts at 2X speed to take more in. Find out if we think we lose anything by living such hurried lives often away from nature. Sticking to that idea, also listen to us talk about the role the Internet and technology play in how we interact with the natural world.

And, as always, we wrap it up in the future; this time, chatting about what the future holds for outdoor recreation.

Direct download: migs194.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:51pm CDT

Cartman from South Park as a cop - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 193: Last Seen…Talking about AuthorityYou will do as we say. If you do not do as we say, there will be consequences.

For many, that's what authority is -- someone with perceived power ruling over others.

But authority is also just being the person who has the authority to sign off on documents...things like that.

Really, though...we stick more with the first example of authority this episode...

* * *

We begin by talking about the first authority we recognized in life...and then whether or not our parents were seen as authority figures when we were growing up. We stick to that a bit more and discuss how our parents compared to friends' parent where authority was concerned.

Find out if we have a problem with authority [yes, we do] and when the problem started for each of us. We also chat about why we think authority can make us bristle a bit.

We devote some time to current authority figures in our lives, and whose authority we refuse to recognize -- as well as who we will listen to.

Many people say we must have authority for a society to survive, but is that true? We devote some time to that before talking about whether we follow authority more or less than others we know. And find out what gives someone enough authority that we will actually follow them.

We wrap it all up with the future of humanity's relationship to authority.

Now...respect our authority and leave a comment below!

Direct download: migs193.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 6:49am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 192: Last Seen…Being Pretentious

Pretentious fashion models - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 192: Last Seen…Being PretentiousReally, podcasting is beneath us -- we only do this to be ironic. Our true fans listen to us on vinyl while drinking craft beer you've never heard of in exclusive bars meant to look like dives, even though they aren't. All your thoughts are provincial; you simply don't have what it takes to run with us.

We're sooooooo over The Decemberists, Grizzly Bear, and Bon Iver -- you know, the bands you're just now discovering. Our background music is a single note from Velvet Underground's "Lady Godiva's Operation" extended for hours while an Icelandic band only three people know of sings about the plight of being so misunderstood.

It's not that we're better than you, but...we're simply better than you!

If that makes us pretentious, well, then...call us pretentious. We're not so pretentious that we refuse to do a podcast about the subject...

* * *

We begin by talking about the first time we became aware of this thing called pretension, and then jump to how pretentious we are on a scale of 1-10. Find out what does bring out certain pretensions in us -- and why we think hipsters are so pretentious.

Then we chat about what is wrong about being pretentious...and whether or not anything good can come from pretension.

After a discussion about why we think pretensions are important to people, we devote some time to whether or not becoming more pretentious as a society comes with being civilized.

Find out if we think being pretentious lends itself to also becoming a bully -- and who stands as the most pretentious group or person we know.

We devote a little bit of time talking about if it even matters to us to put pretentious people in their places...and what we do in those rare instances.

And we wrap it up pondering whether or not Americans will grow more pretentious in the future -- as well as the rest of the world.

If you like bands no one's ever heard of, or feel you're better than others simply for what or who you know, leave a comment below!

Direct download: migs192.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:09am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 191: Last Seen…Talking about Class Systems

Wealthy man looking down on a kid selling newspapers - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 191: Last Seen…Talking about Class SystemsMen in Gorilla Suits consists of two middle class guys doing a thing they enjoy doing. Sometimes we talk about serious issues. The class system in America affects many people, and that's what we're talking about this week...

* * *

We kick the week off by talking about which class we consider ourselves to be -- as well as chatting about the class or classes we've lived in over the course of our lives.

We discuss whether or not a class divide exists in America, and what other factors (besides money) contribute to class hierarchy.

We devote some time to how we've seen different classes treated in the towns where we live...and if we have ever treated people differently based on the class they are in.

There's much talk in this political season about the erosion of the middle class, so we talk about that a bit -- and then we move to whether or not it's possible to move up or sideways in a class structure.

Much of the heart of this week's episode resides in this discussion point: In America, do you think that a lot of what some people do is to avoid moving down in the class structure? Or is it to try to move up?

Find out how we'd solve the class problem in America...and what we feel the future holds for class systems.

Direct download: migs191.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 3:41pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 190: Last Seen…Traveling for Business

Arrivals/Departures Board - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 190: Last Seen…Traveling for BusinessThe Gorillamen have been on the road in the last month. Right now, so many people who live in one place are working in other places. Even with technology that brings us together, we still travel for business...a lot!

Some people hate it, while others not only like it -- they seem to live for it.

It's time to catch your flight and listen to this week's Men in Gorilla Suits episode all about...business travel!

* * *

We begin by talking about whether or not our parents traveled much with work...and then move on to our first business trips, including our longest time away from home for work.

Find out how much we travel for work today, including our most recent business trip.

Many people have trips lined up -- find out if we are those kinds of people.

Then we discuss if business trips are even necessary, given recent advances in technology that allow us to work with others remotely.

After that, we chat about our best -- and worst -- business trip memories.

There are people out there who live for business travel. We talk about why we think some people prefer business travel to being around home, and then chat about our favorite -- and least favorite -- things about traveling for work.

And we wrap it all up with a discussion about the future of business travel.

Direct download: migs190.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 2:18pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 189: Last Seen…Culturally Accelerating

Star field hyperdrive - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 189: Last Seen…Culturally AcceleratingWasn't there just an Avengers or Captain America movie? What music is popular this month? You've seen Stranger Things, right? Oh yeah, can I get a cheer for FOOTBALL SEASON?! Geeks have finally won the good fight, to the point that even geeks can't keep up with the very thing they are.

Pop culture has always moved along with speed. For years, top 40 music lists changed on a weekly basis. TV shows came and went. Movies were once only there for a week or two before moving on.

But with craving comes ways to get more. Music got more diverse, cable and the Internet changed the ways we thought about television, and now theaters have 25+ screens to keep up with demand.

Wrap it all up in hundred dollar bills, and people will churn out as much as Americans (and the rest of the world) can consume. (Because if we're good at one thing in America, it's consumption!)

Today, you so much as blink and you missed 20 trends. Add to it Internet memes, YouTube videos, and so many other things, and it seems like we're all traveling near the speed of light and still being passed by pop culture.

Cultural acceleration is the topic of this week's Men in Gorilla Suits!

* * *

We begin with something not-at-all about this episode: talking about the fastest we've ever traveled in a motor vehicle. Then we get into this week's actual topic, kicking it off with whether or not culture seems to have sped up.

We jump to a cultural trend we found out about after it had it's time in the spotlight...and chat about whether or not missing it made us feel old.

Find out when we last felt we were on the cutting edge of culture -- and the first thing to happen culture-wise that we just didn't get, or that even made us feel irrelevant.

We then discuss whether or not we think there's an age when one naturally fades from the cutting-edge of pop culture. After that, we talk not only about if there are pop culture standbys that always remain relevant...and what those things might be. Find out why we think some things will always work on a cultural level.

Because we're middle aged, we devote time to discussing if we think people in their late 30s - 50s have always felt that culture speeds up relative to their age -- or if culture really is accelerating.

And we wrap it all up with this: what's the next big pop culture thing?

We know it's so early 2000s to leave a comment on a blog, but if you are so inclined, have your say!

Direct download: migs189.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 6:15pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 188: Last Seen…Being Atheists

Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 188: Last Seen…Being AtheistsGod damned atheists! Always being all up in our faces with, "There is no God!" while vaping and brushing dandruff off their trilbies (or is it trilbys?)...another reason to hate those neck-bearded mouthbreathers!

Amazing Atheist
Is This Really The Best We Can Do?!
(We pray to the gods we don't believe in to give us something better...)

Here's the thing: atheists are all assholes...at least it seems that way if you go online to look for them, where -- sadly -- many people are first exposed to atheism. (And where, if we're being honest, even good people of all types often come across as assholes.)

It's almost akin to being introduced to Christianity by a hell-and-brimstone, neo-conservative Baptist shit-storm of a church.

Why...it's almost like NO group of zealots have a lock on absolute asshat-ery!

But here's the real thing: atheists aren't all assholes. Religious people aren't all bad guys (even those hated Muslims, although it can be hard to convince Christian and atheist zealots of that...it's almost like they do have something in common after all!). Sure, the Gorillamen may not get how otherwise rational individuals can believe in absolute constructs, but we're not willing to say all religious people are ignorant assholes wandering the world fueled by little more than their brain stems.

This week, a life-long atheist and his buddy talk about...ATHEISM!!!

* * *

We kick it off talking about when we first became aware of these things called atheists. Then we jump to the following:

  • Do you consider yourself an atheist?
  • What is an atheist to you?

After that, we leap to the new atheist stereotype: neck-bearded, trilby-wearing, vaping mouth-breathers (with a dash of misogyny). Is that accurate or not?

Find out what effect the Internet has had on atheism...as well as if the Internet meme linking atheists to Hitler, Stalin, and Mao bears any weight.

Without religious rules to guide them, how can atheists have morals?

Then we chat about the downsides of being an atheist.

Lately, there's been a rise in people identifying as non-believers -- and even out-right atheists. Find out what we think has contributed to that rise (aside from the Internet), and then find out who are favorite famous atheists are.

We go a little deeper and discuss whether or not one can find beauty in existence through atheism (and how)...and we wrap it all up by talking about the future of atheism.

At least one of us has been pinned down and assaulted for not believing in any gods, so do any damage you please in the comments below.

Direct download: migs188.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:04pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 187: Last Seen…Talking about Murder

Blood spatter - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 187: Last Seen…Talking about MurderBy the time you listen to this episode, somewhere in the United States one person will be murdered.

Not killed in an accident, and no suicide...straight up muthafuckin' murdered!

Someone taking the life of another!

We're fascinated by murder in America. We've raised Hannibal Lecter to hero status, and we will never be lacking in true crime television, movies, and books.

One-eight-seven is police code for murder, and what episode is this?

Keep an eye behind you and listen to us talk about murder for awhile, all the while remembering that statistically, a real person will be murdered somewhere in America before you're done...

* * *

Oh, sure...we're goofy up front and ask if either one of us have been murdered, but then Christopher ruins it all by asking Shawn if he knows anybody who's been murdered.

Find out if anyone has ever attempted to kill us and whether or not we were ever afraid we would be murdered.

Confession time: have we ever murdered anybody? Okay, so more realistically, find out if we ever thought about murdering someone.

After that, we discuss whether or not we are fascinated by murder. We keep that line of thought and talk about whether or not we think murder is a big part of America...and if the United States has more problems with murder than other parts of the world.

Then, finally, we get down to talking about the murders Americans seem to love: serial killers. Do we have a bigger problem with serial killers in America than other parts of the world? And what's the scariest murder we've ever heard of.

We devote some time to the unsolved murders that fascinate us most -- as well as our favorite TV or movie murder.

If you watch the news (or listen to a certain politician whose hair looks like it survived a gangland stabbing), you'd think the murder rate was skyrocketing. But it's not. We chat about what we've done right in reducing the number of murders in America...and then wrap it all up talking about the future of murder.

So grab a butcher knife and make a bloody wreck the comments...or just stop by and say hi.

Direct download: migs187.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:15pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 186: Last Seen…Talking about Cleanliness

Person doing laundry - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 186: Last Seen…Talking about CleanlinessEverything...in its right place...

Cleanliness is next to Godliness...

Cleanliness has its place. It keeps us healthy, until it makes us sick if we take things too far.

Need something fast, organization and cleanliness gets you there quickly. Electronically or physically, there's no denying that cleanliness has its place.

So...we are keeping this description tidy and letting you all know this week's topic is all about cleanliness!

* * *

We kick it off by talking about the first time we realized there was this thing people did called "cleaning." After that, we talk about our cleanliness factors in the following times:

  • Childhood
  • Teen Years
  • Current Days

Find out where we place ourselves on a scale of 1 - 10 (with 10 being obsessively clean) when it comes to personal hygiene. Also find out if we are so clean that we deliberately avoid situations that can leave us muddy, dusty, or sweaty.

Ever lied awake at night thinking, "I wonder the longest the Gorillamen have gone without properly bathing?" We give you that answer...and then talk about how clean (or dirty) we keep our vehicles.

We then discuss whether or not Americans are obsessively clean (they are, at least where showering is involved).

There are conceptual phases of cleanliness. Find out if we have dirty minds...or if we keep clean processes when it comes to writing and other things in our lives.

And we close out this week's show with this: Have become clean to the point that we've made bacteria stronger? What role will cleanliness play in the future?

Let us know how clean (or not-so-clean) you are in the comments below...

Direct download: migs186.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:24pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 185: Last Seen…Talking about War

Girl standing in bomb wreckage - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 185: Last Seen…Talking about WarThat wacky war, all good for the economy and giving nationalistic asshat Americans tiny hard-ons!

But is it all that bad? Have there been justified wars? Or is it all just proof that humans are a waste of carbon?

We talk all about war on this week's episode of Men in Gorilla Suits.

* * *

We begin this week's show on a happy note: talking about when we first became aware of war. (Fortunately, it was not in the same manner so many children have learned about war...by actually being in the middle of a friggin' war! WTF, adults?!) Then we discuss our reactions upon learning that we could die by enemy gunfire or a burst in the sky.

We then jump to whether or not we think any of America's [recent] wars have been justified...or any of our wars at all!

Things get even sadder when we chat about what has shaped history more: war or peace? Then it's on to family members who went to war, died in war, and what those who returned from war were like.

Find out if either of us have ever worked for the military-industrial complex, and then listen to us prattle on about whether or not war is good for the economy...and whether or not the American economy could survive without wars.

What's the next war we think we'll see America step into or start? We talk about that. And then we almost laugh (and cry) when answering this: do we think we'll see an end to war in our lifetime?

We wrap it all up on this happy note: is war ever necessary?

Hit the trenches, and leave a comment below if you are so inclined.

Direct download: migs185.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 9:43pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 184: Last Seen…Taking Photos

Old camera - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 184: Last Seen…Taking PhotosWe don't know how many photos were taken worldwide in the time it took to write this sentence, but we're guessing it was a ridiculous amount.

With all the professional cameras, amateur cameras, security cameras, and smartphones, the number of photos taken in a day [even in small towns] must be high -- let alone, all around the world.

Camera technology changes quickly; the ability to take quality photos from things we carry in our pockets is beyond imagination to those who once looked at Fotomat kiosks as the epitome of convenience.

Oh, snap: the topic this week -- obviously -- is photography!

* * *

We begin by going back in time to talk about the first photos we remember affecting us...and then jump to whether or not we took many photos when we were younger. Find out what our first decent cameras were...and also if we've ever made money with photography. There's no denying times have changed when it comes to photography...we discuss whether or not shooting (and processing) film is somehow more "real" than shooting digital images.

We chat about why we think photography is such a popular form of art, and even devote time to whether or not we think photography is generally on par with painting, music, and writing. Sticking to that kind of thinking, we talk about whether or not photography gear matters in capturing good images.

It seems you can't go more than 10 minutes without seeing a selfie. We discuss whether or not the ability to share images through social media has made us vain...and how having cameras with us at all times (smartphones) has changed photography.

Find out how important photos are in our lives...as well as some of our all-time favorite photographs.

And we wrap it all up in the future...chatting about what photography will be like in the years to come.

Direct download: migs184.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:48pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 183: Last Seen…Appropriating Cultures
Guy in a cheap green St. Patrick costume - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 183: Last Seen…Appropriating Cultures
Image: Mike King - https://www.flickr.com/photos/95243741@N00

Few things say "cultural appropriation" like a thin, white model -- barely dressed -- and wearing a warbonnet on her head. At the same time, there are so many things from other cultures people don't think twice about in America. Some will argue that appropriation of any kind is terrible; others claim it's bound to happen in a place where many people come together...that it can even help others come to understand what they may have once feared.

Cultural Appropriation is the topic of this week's episode of Men in Gorilla Suits.

* * *

We begin with whether or not we identify as white -- and what it means to be a white guy in America. After that, we talk about whether or not we identify as American -- and what that means to us. Next, we chat about whether or not we fit wholly within what most consider a white, male American...or if we've borrowed traits and ideas from other races and cultures.

We discuss the first thing we remember admiring about a different culture -- and whether or not we attempted to appropriate what we admired into our lives.

We've all appropriated something from other races and cultures...find out what we've brought into our lives and why we chose to focus on those things. (As always, it's mostly about all kinds of food with us!)

Using a scale of 1 - 100, we talk about how much we think we've personally been influenced by other cultures...as well as how much Americans in general have been influenced by others.

For some, cultural appropriation is much more than simply cooking a meal originating elsewhere in the world. We chat about extreme example of cultural appropriation, and then jump to the best -- and silliest -- uses of cultural appropriation we've seen.

Near the end of the episode, we discuss the one idea or concept from another culture we would like to see adopted in America, and then wrap it all up with this: In the future, do we think cultures will borrow from each other more or less?

Direct download: migs183.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:32am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 182: Last Seen…Playing Board Games

"Men In Gorilla Suits" spelled out on Scrabble tiles - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 182: Last Seen…Playing Board GamesThere are many things in life where strategy and luck come together, but few things living up to that description are as loved as board games.

In ancient times all the way up to right now; played in the dirt or on special tables made for board games -- humans love board games...and the Gorillamen are no different. In fact, this is one of those episodes that made us think, "It took us this long to get to this topic?"

* * *

We begin by going back in time and kicking it all off talking about the first board games we remember. After that, we discuss our favorite board games back then -- and if we still play board games with any regularity today.

Find out what the last board game we've each played was...and why we think board games have such a huge appeal.

We run through lists of our favorite board games, and then dedicate a bit of time to what a Men in Gorilla Suits board game might be like.

Is there a certain kind of mind that's most appealed to playing -- and even making -- board games? And do we see a difference between board games, war games, and table top role playing games - or are they all the same to us?

We chat about our favorite board game memories (Christopher made a grown man cry) and how technology has influenced modern board games...before wrapping it all up by talking about the future of board games.

Do not pass go or collect $200 until leaving a comment about your favorite board games below.

Direct download: migs182.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 1:13pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 181: Last Seen…Reveling in Chaos
astro photo by Tom Wideman - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 181: Last Seen…Embracing in Chaos
Photo by the mighty Tom Wideman! https://www.flickr.com/photos/tomwideman

Ask most people if their life is chaotic, and they will say "Oh hell yes!"

There's rushing about for work, taking the kids to 20 different kinds of practices, errands, working around the house, and hours of Candy Crush while watching a myriad TV shows. Teenagers will talk about how much school work they have (and they do!)...as well as the pressure to pick their life path before even experiencing what will become most of their lives. Millennials will talk about how busy they are trying to balance work and life. And we two Gorillamen will talk about chaos in a much different manner.

For us, chaos is an unpredictable system in which certain patterns often emerge. It is not something to be feared, but surfed!

So this week, we talk about all facets of chaos: how for many it's a hectic thing, how it can destroy us all, and even how it's beautiful when viewed a certain way...

* * *

We kick it all off discussing if the universe tends toward chaos or order -- and then jump to which we tend toward in our own lives.

Life can be chaotic. We talk about whether or not it bothers us when our lives are chaotic...and who we know who has the most chaotic life -- and the most ordered.

We get all trippy for a moment and ask if reality is subjective or objective. Sticking to that kind of thinking, we move on to whether or not one's mental attitude can affect the world around them.

Getting back to ourselves, we reveal if we can alter our perceptions and points of view easily. After that, we ask if it's possible to modify reality.

Then we devote some time to the big point of the episode: is there order in chaos? Also: whether or not chaos can be a good thing.

And we wrap it all up talking about the most chaotic our lives have ever been.

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts about this week's topic in the comments.

Direct download: migs181.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:45am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 180: Last Seen…Talking about Millennials

A Millennial on her phone - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 180: Last Seen…Talking about MillennialsEverywhere you turn, lazy Millennials are taking their parents to job interviews, watching their YouTubes, mainlining text messages like junkies, and using slang the rest of us don't understand.

How could such a self-centered, good-for-nothing generation come into existence when their Baby Boomer grandparents and Gen-X parents are so damn flawless?

Or...is that all bullshit? Could Millennials be doing well, all things considered, with what they're being handed? Could it be they are more likely to not care if a black guy is dating a white girl or -- GASP -- if two guys want to marry? Could it be that much of their negative press isn't wholly true; that maybe they write articles about themselves in defense of Gramps in a Crosby, Stills, and Nash t-shirt shaking his cane on his front lawn while his Nirvana-wearing T-shirt son (Bleach t-shirt, at that; you know, to prove they were fans before Nevermind, even though they weren't) throws Pabst Blue Ribbon cans of irony at a 24-year-old passer-by just wanting to pay off her student loans?

Or...could it be something somewhere in between (but probably skewed toward bitter Boomers and jealous Gen-Xers just being grumpy before their time)?

Step into your safe place and listen to this week's episode of Men in Gorilla Suits!

* * *

We cut right to it at the start and talk about how many Baby Boomers (and Gen Xers to a degree), say Millennials are lazy and financially irresponsible. But is there truth to that? After that we discuss our personal experiences -- good and bad -- with Millennials at work.

We devote some time to the traits we believe Millennials have over those before them...and also where they may be a bit lacking than previous generations.

But one thing is certain: Millennials are cowards compared to Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers, right? We destroy that bit of stupid before jumping to why we think Boomers and Gen-Xers have such an issue with Millennials.

Some evidence points to Millennials not being as entrepreneurial as the generations before them. Find out if we think that's true and, if we do, why we think that might be. (And maybe point out that many Boomers and Gen-Xers don't quite get that ways of making money on one's own no longer relies solely on starting a traditional company.)

Next, we get a bit specific, talking about our generation (Gen-X). Are we just jealous that Millennials got more attention and opportunities in their early 20s, while we were handed nothing much at all? (And, if so, doesn't that make us the whinier generation complaining about the generation we spawned?)

You can probably guess by reading this far that we don't have issues with Millennials...you might even say we like them. But...would we want to be a Millennial -- or continue clutching our Dinosaur Jr. CDs and remain Gen-X? (Somewhere in a dark bar outside of Seattle, two 45-year olds are drinking Rainier Beer while arguing about who's better: Mudhoney or Tad! They leave when an old guy drinking a Busch shouts, "I'm sleeping with the ghost of Janis Joplin!" and poops his Depends.)

As positive as we are about Millennials, we do wonder how they will react when Generation Z comes into their own and gets the limelight. We talk about that a bit before moving on to whether or not the so-called "Millennial [distracted] Mind" is real or not. (Hint: Christopher knows 70-year-olds who can't get through an in-person conversation without playing Words With Friends.)

And we close it all out with this: will there be a day a Millennial in a Lorde t-shirt shakes her fist at a GenZer while shouting, "Get off my lawn, ya punk!" (i.e. that Millennials will one day become critical and bitter)?

(If so, we'd still call that progress over sad old men getting riled up about things that really don't matter...)

Be like an old person and leave a comment, 'cause we're afraid of the Snapchats and the Bemes.

Direct download: migs180.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:46pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 179: Last Seen…Being Responsible

Man tightening his tie - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 179: Last Seen…Being ResponsibleFor many of us it came with chores. Others, with school. Later, it carried over to our first jobs...and then when we found ourselves out on our own.

Responsibilities.

What is seen as responsible to some is seen as taking on too much for others. In turn, some people look at a person making riches surfing or skateboarding and claim that person isn't responsible...because they aren't in an office job with standing. (Perhaps that's just jealousy that someone figured out a way to make millions doing what they love, while most people are stuck in jobs they'd not do were they independently wealthy.)

What constitutes responsibility is an interesting thing, so that's the topic for this week's episode of Men in Gorilla Suits.

* * *

We begin by talking about our first responsibilities and then move on to when we actually became aware of this thing called responsibility.

Find out if we actively seek out responsibilities today...and if we consider ourselves responsible people. After that, we chat about whether or not we currently have a lot of responsibilities.

We devote some time to discussing the times in our lives when we were the least responsible -- and the most! Sticking to that thought, we get more specific and talk about the least responsible thing we've ever done...as well as the most.

Perception can be a strange thing. We wrap up this episode discussing whether we think people see us as responsible adults or overgrown children...and whether or not those two things are mutually exclusive.

Feel free to do the responsible thing and leave a comment about this episode.

Direct download: migs179.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:41pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 178: Last Seen…Performing

Cheesy Photoshop art of Christopher and Shawn dancing - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 178: Last Seen…PerformingIf we say, "What do you think of when you think about performers?" you probably think of an actor, musicians, or maybe even [God forbid] a clown or mime. But chances are you spent your day around performers: people holding back what they really want to say or that guy at work who honestly thinks his desperate attempts to suck up to managers isn't recognized as the corporate version of jazz hands that it is!

We all perform...whether it's looking out over the audience from a stage and overacting in the hope that your father will see in what you do the same thing you do, or saying to your kids, "This breakfast you made is yummy," when it tastes like Play-Doh and cat urine. (Hint: you probably just ate Play-Doh and cat urine.)

Performing of all sorts is the topic this week, so step into the spotlight and claim your 15 minutes!

* * *

We kick it off talking about the first performance we remember actually impressing us, and then talk about performing before others we've done.

Find out if we believe live performances are better than other kinds of performances -- as well as the worst performances we've ever seen. After that, we chat about the last thing we did that we consider performing.

Enough theater and movies -- we jump to talking about work...specifically, what role performing plays when we're at our day jobs. From there, we move on to the role performing plays on social media.

While it's evident that many people take up performing as a desperate attempt at getting attention, are all performers inherently seeking acceptance and attention? And does performing (as entertainment or even at work) inherently mean one is being fake?

We list some of our favorite performers and then chat about how the Internet has changed performing in recent years.

We wrap it all up by talking about what the future holds for performing.

For an encore: wave those jazz hands loud and proud and leave an interpretive dance in the comments.

Direct download: migs178.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 9:33pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 177: Last Seen…Being Manly

Axe in a log - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 177: Last Seen…Being Manly"I remember it as though it were yesterday: the first time I wiped my butt with a log. It was after I beat up 12 men in a drunken brawl and zipped off with a bunch of strippers in the old Pontiac GTO I restored with my bare hands. Did I ever tell you about that time I punched a moose so hard in the head that it went mad and destroyed a lumber camp? Those bark-skinned pussies didn't know what hit them! But it was out in those woods, living off the land, when a log was all I had at my disposal. You know what it's like when you eat nothing buy protein 'cause yer in the gym all day, pumpin' iron and getting all swole for your next big fight. You may as well be shitting steel girders! Or maybe you don't know, 'cause yer not a real man like me..."

What it is to be "manly" varies over the years and depends who you ask. Some would say there's not even a need for manliness in modern society. It's an interesting enough topic -- what it is to be "manly" -- that we decided to dedicate this week's episode to "manliness."

* * *

We kick it off by defining what manliness means to us -- and then talk about when the concept of "being a man" was introduced to us.

We chat about the most stereotypical manly things we've ever done...as well as the least manly things.

Most males are taught by their fathers what it is to be masculine. Find out if manliness was important to our fathers when we were kids...for themselves (and for us).

Also find out if we consider ourselves manly...and what someone wanting to be more manly would have to do to achieve our version of the concept.

After that, we discuss whether or not the concept of manliness is old fashioned...and if it should become obsolete.

We also talk about if traditionally defined manliness is useful...or if it's actually damaging.

And we wrap it all up with what it will mean in the future to be "manly."

So grit your teeth and let us know what you think about manliness in the comments.

Direct download: migs177.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:16am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 176: Last Seen…In Restaurants

Man behind the counter in a restaurant - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 176: Last Seen…In RestaurantsMore Americans than not ate at a restaurant this week; in some cases, multiple times.

People begin their day with a stop for coffee and a bite to eat. At lunch, we head out with coworkers to get away from work (and often, depending on the group, talk about work while eating...for the record, we hate those kinds of lunches). Dinners out with family and friends -- it's easier than cooking, after all...or at least it feels that way at the end of a long day when you don't want yet another list of tasks to contend with.

It's just not Americans -- all around the world, from cities to even rural areas, people make a living cooking for others. Because we're fans of restaurants (and have even worked in them), we decided to chat about eating away from home on this week's show.

* * *

We begin with the very first restaurant we remember and then move on to how frequently we went out to eat with family when young -- and today.

We talk about working in restaurants, and then share our favorite local restaurants -- as well as our favorite restaurants anywhere.

Celebrity chefs are big draws, and their restaurants further bolster their coffers. Find out what we think about them. And while on the subject of chefs, there was a time when culinary school was almost deemed just one mere step above prison, but now it's seen as an admirable pursuit. We talk about why we think views have changed over the years.

We share whether or not we prefer fancy restaurants to dives -- and why. Also find out the most expensive meal we've paid for (and even the most expensive meal on someone else's dime).

We close out this week's show chatting about why there are so many restaurants -- and if there's a limit to how many places we can build in honor of food.

We'd love to hear your thoughts about this week's show in the comments.

Direct download: migs176.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 12:14am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 175: Last Seen…Talking about Holidays

Pumpkin - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 175: Last Seen…Talking about HolidaysChristopher is currently sick, so all you get this week is a notice that he's sick and our runsheet. (Cheerier show notes next week.)

* * *

What is the first holiday you remember celebrating?

What was the "big" holiday in your household growing up?

What's your favorite holiday now?

What was your favorite holiday as a kid?

What's the stupidest federally recognized holiday?

What's the stupidest non-recognized holiday?

What isn't a holiday that should be?

Why do you think there are so many holidays?

What holiday do you think Americans should co-opt from another country/culture?

Whose birth or death should be a national holiday?

What do you like most about holidays?

What do you dislike?

Direct download: migs175.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:32pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 174: Last Seen…In Trouble

Trouble button - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 174: Last Seen…In TroubleOn Memorial Day, Christopher saw a couple cop cars behind a truck with a couple kayaks in the back. Christopher was going to buy beer, a substance that has led to more than a few fights in the drink's history. On the way back, the cops were searching the vehicle.

It's not right to stereotype people, but Christopher guessed that maybe they had a little marijuana on them...a substance that has not contributed to nearly as much violence over the years as alcohol.

And yet, the dudes with the kayaks were in trouble from the looks of things. (This point made very well with this video by The Streets)

Trouble is a strange concept to us, so we decided to devote an episode to it. We hope you like it, but if you don't -- worry not because...you're not in any trouble...

* * *

We begin by discussing the first trouble we remember getting into, and move quickly to the last bit of trouble that came our way (as well as the worst trouble we've ever been in).

Next, we get a bit more philosophical and ask if getting in trouble can ever serve a purpose. We also chat about the appeal of getting in trouble.

Find out the who the biggest troublemakers we've ever known are -- and what activity right now gets people in trouble that we don't think should be a big deal. (Hint: If legalized, we'd still not smoke it.)

We discuss whether or not rules and laws prevent trouble...and whether or not society deals with troublemakers well (or generally treat them terribly).

What is it about troublemakers some people are attracted to -- and at what point do troublemakers cross the line for us? Find out right before we end this week's show by asking if we think people will get into more or less trouble in the future.

You won't get in trouble for not leaving a comment, but we'll definitely be happy if you choose to share your thoughts about trouble or this episode.

Direct download: migs174.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:11pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 173: Last Seen…In Pain

Man in pain - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 173: Last Seen…In PainBumping your head into cabinets or stubbing toes; chainsaw accidents and car wrecks; mauled by wild animals: All painful things.

But pain goes beyond physical injuries. Emotional pain can lead to physical pain.

Hell, many people believe life is pain.

Whether it's a chronic illness or feelings that cannot be shaken away, part of being human is experiencing pain. So that's the topic for this week's show.

* * *

We begin by talking about the first time we remember being in severe physical pain, and then get even happier by jumping to the first emotional pain we remember experiencing. Then we leap to the present day and discuss the last thing that caused us pain.

We're both getting older (this episode is being loaded the day before Christopher turns 47, and Shawn trails Christopher by 9 years), so we wondered: do we believe we experience more or less pain than most men our ages?

After that, we chat about the worst pain we've ever experienced -- as well as how we deal with pain and reduce its effect on us.

Some say that modern life is an attempt at the avoidance of pain. Find out if we believe there's any truth to that...and if we'd want to live a painless existence.

We wrap it all up by wondering if there is value in pain.

Leaving a comment doesn't hurt; if you are so inclined, have your say about pain!

Direct download: migs173.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 3:21pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 172: Last Seen…Being Corporate

An empty conference room - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 172: Last Seen…Being CorporateWhen we aren't recording podcasts, writing, or doing the other things we do on our own, we're busy working corporate jobs. Corporate America gets a bad rap by many, but it affords us enough security to approach episode 175 of a weekly podcast without an end in sight (or ever missing a week). It has provided us with a higher income than we made at more menial jobs. Some places we've worked have even offered some great perks we'd never have imagined when we first started working in offices.

But we've also seen more than our fair share of layoffs. We've worked long hours to cover the mismanagement of tasks and other things. We've had to hear people complain and gossip about jobs that -- for us -- are a far cry from the days in corn fields, on warehouse floors, and in restaurants being yelled at as an entire team by irate managers. We've seen work/life balance blur in an always-connected society.

We've lived the life for years, so it seemed time to devote an episode to corporations.

* * *

We begin by talking about when we first became aware of these things called corporations (and the jobs that came with them). We then move on to our first corporate jobs; as well as our best -- and worst -- corporate day gigs.

Many people view corporations as inherently evil things, but...is that true? Are they better, worse, or the same as "Mom and Pop Shops"?

There is no denying the reach of corporate interest into politics and the power big companies wield over nations. We discuss Citizen's United (i.e. the corporation as person), and move on to whether or not corporate tax havens and loopholes should be stopped.

Whew...got serious there for a moment! After that, we chat about a movie that seems like a documentary: Office Space. Hear some of our funniest and saddest corporate stories.

We did an entire episode about buzzwords and buss phrases early on; we revisit that when we talk about "corporate speak" leading to a potential problem with communication as a whole...and then we ask if corporate America is getting worse?

And we wrap it all up by discussing the future of corporations.

Fill out your TPS Report and drop it in the comments to have your say!

Direct download: migs172.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:38am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 171: Last Seen…Consuming Stuff

Store display window - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 171: Last Seen…Consuming StuffChances are, you were bombarded by advertising today -- you probably didn't even realize it. Many of you probably bought stuff today as well. Looking around your home, it's probably full of stuff.

Marketers do what they can to get you to buy, while others tell us all to be appalled by consumerism.

This week, we chat about buying stuff!

* * *

We begin by talking about the first things we bought on a regular basis -- and what we spend the most on today.

We make it clear from the start that yes, we consume stuff; in fact, we chat about how often we go into stores for one thing and come our with a dozen things...and what we do if a store is out of the thing we are there to buy. What then? (And where do we go to buy our stuff?)

If you ever lost sleep thinking, "I wonder how often Shawn and Christopher shop for groceries, clothes, and other things?" then this is your lucky day! We also discuss whether or not we've gone out to purchase something in a major metropolitan area like the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and failed at the task. (i.e. Is the Metroplex full of all one can hope to buy?)

We chat about people who stockpile purchased items -- and whether or not there's ever a reason to stockpile goods. Are we members of warehouse clubs, or do we feel there's simply no need for them? Find out!

We come right out and answer this question: Do we consider ourselves consumers? (And then we talk about what we consume most.)

Find out what brands we would gladly promote...before we wrap it all up with this question: What is the future of consumerism?

It costs nothing to leave a comment, and the joy you will receive in doing so far exceeds that of buying a gold-plated pony! (So have at it!)

Direct download: migs171.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 6:39pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 170: Last Seen…Scheduling Things

Pages from a calendar - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 170: Last Seen…Making SchedulesNothing happens to us if we don't get this show out weekly, but we told ourselves from the start that we would get episodes online by Thursday of every week. 170 episodes in, we've never missed a deadline; in fact, it's not uncommon to post episodes early.

We usually record episodes on Sundays. If recording in person, it's an 11:00 a.m. start time. If we don't meet in person, it's 9:00 p.m. Sunday night on Skype.

While one could argues these are deadlines more than schedules, we both schedule things to various degrees (erring quite heavily toward the side of no real schedules -- just hitting deadlines and remembering the bodies of work we have created to drive us to create even more). Others schedule things down to the seconds (which helps if, say...you're launching a rocket into space -- but it's probably not necessary for daily life).

This week we are on schedule and...talking all about schedules.

* * *

We kick off this week's show talking about the first schedules we remember. Oh, wait...Christopher had his runsheet out of order, so we really begin in the middle, talking about whether or not we prefer schedule things by time or by necessity to complete the thing. After that, we leap to how important schedules are to completing our creative endeavors -- and how important schedules are in our lives.

We devote some time to discussing how we schedule things in our lives (if we use any apps, planners, or other things), and what kinds of schedules work best for us.

Many people swear by books like Getting Things Done and productivity blogs. Find out if any of those things have ever helped us with scheduling; then we chat about whether or not people can go too overboard with their schedules. And sticking to that topic, we talk about whether or not people generally give their kids too much to do.

We've all had to deal with someone not only heavily into scheduling, but also wanting others to follow their methods for scheduling things. We discuss how we deal with those people, and then move on to some commonly scheduled things that could use a revamp. (Okay, so we mostly hammer on the 40-hour work week.)

Finally, we wrap it all up by talking about what advice we'd give people where scheduling is involved.

And right on schedule...we ask that you leave a comment if you are so inclined to discuss this topic further.

Direct download: migs170.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 6:49pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 169: Last Seen…Being Bored

A bored individual - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 169: Last Seen…Being BoredBy Christopher's own admission, loading this episode will be one of the most boring tasks he completes this week. (Right up there with speaking of himself in third person!) From day jobs, to the times following them, people look to myriad things to alleviate boredom, succeeding to various degrees.

You could say boredom is our shadow, but is there a way to fight it?

Ho hum...this week, we talk about boredom...

* * *

We kick it off talking about the first time we remember experiencing boredom -- as well as our most recent moments of boredom.

Find out what we did to alleviate boredom when young...and today.

We chat about how often we're bored today -- and whether or not it's more (or less) than when we were younger.

We also discuss whether or not one can be bored when they have a lot going on -- and also what always bores us...and what we find boring right now.

We know many bored people. Find out what advice we have for the bored masses in an effort to combat those feelings, as well as the most -- and least -- boring things we do in our lives.

We wrap it all up with this: does boredom ever lead to any good in people's lives?

If you're bored, we have a remedy for that: leave a comment and chat with us!

Direct download: migs169.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:21pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 168: Last Seen…Being Motivated

Person on a mountain top - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 168: Last Seen…Being MotivatedDo sayings like this motivate you?

If you dream it, you can achieve it...

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.

Or does it take something more, like a mentor constantly checking on your progress?

Maybe you hate someone and are like, "I'll be damned if that son of a bitch is successful before me!"

Or perhaps you simply enjoy doing something, so you do it.

There are many reasons people seek out motivation; probably as many as there are to be motivated. That's our topic for this week's episode...

* * *

We begin back in the past, talking about the things that naturally motivated us as children -- and the things for which we needed motivation in order to do.

Find out what motivates us today -- and what we need motivation in order to do even as adults.

After that, we discuss how we feel about motivation as an industry, and why we think many people will pay good money to be motivated by another person.

Clearly, some people are naturally motivated, while others need assistance to do their things. We chat about why that might be before we move on to whether or not people have ever come to us to be motivated.

We talk about groups that are meant to motivate each other (writers groups, meetups, etc.), and then discuss how we stay motivated while working from home.

Is using anger a good or bad way to motivate oneself? (e.g. "That guy will not make it before me, and I will succeed before him if it's the last thing I do!")

And we wrap it all up with this: is there a point at which motivation can be bad?

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Direct download: migs168.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:44am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 167: Last Seen…Talking about Paranormal Things

Are those ghosts...or people (A: PEOPLE!!!) - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 167: Last Seen…Talking about Paranormal ThingsGhoooooooooooooooooooooosts!!!

SpooooOOOOOOoooOOoOOOooooOOoooooky things!

The OTHER side...

The truth is out there...and...it's not what they want you to believe.

This is the episode in which you will hear Christopher almost come unhinged. This is the episode you will see (and hear) the Gorillamen fly the "No Ghosts" banner -- but they are not Ghostbusters...

And yet...they have experienced "paranormal things."

That's the topic of this week's episode.

(You might even walk away from it being like, "Okay, I do NOT want to push that Christopher button...holy hell - I can't believe he said that about one of his favorite people of all time!)

* * *

We kick it all off by talking about the first time we were introduced to...THE PARANORMAL!!!

Find out if we believed in ghosts when we were kids, and what -- if we believed -- those ghosts were (are).

Déjà vu. We've all experienced it, but does it mean we're psychic? What is that feeling that we've not only been here before, but that we can predict...the FUUUUUUUUTURE (at least for 5-15 seconds -- but rarely longer)?

Find out if we have ever experienced precognition...and also: if we believe any psychic powers exist (and if so, which ones).

If you know us, you know this is not a favorable episode if you believe in paranormal things. Find out what we think are the silliest paranormal things to us (this is where Christopher may have crossed a line and angered someone very dear to him), and also: if we know of any paranormal claims that defy explanation.

We wrap it all up with what we'd need in order to actually believe a paranormal claim.

Feel free to leave a comment...while it's probably clear we lean toward the side of skepticism -- as long as you don't insist our experiences are "something more," we won't bite...

And in honor of this episode, the best "ghost" thing Christopher has ever seen...posted by Shawn on social media...

GHOST PEE!!!

Viktor Ghost Pee

Oh yeah...that sound in the background near the end of the episode? Not ghosts -- but a snoring Boston terrier!

Direct download: migs167.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:51pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 166: Last Seen…Swearing

Guy on a cliff saying "F#ck!" - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 166: Last Seen…SwearingOi, ya c@unts -- we f&cking did it! We went an entire f@cking episode of our sh$tty podcast without any G!d-d%mned swearing! That's cooler than sh*t -- especially because the motherf%cking episode is about f#cking SWEARING!!!

And it wasn't easy because our f#cking signoff is "Chill the f*ck out, and make the d@mn thing!" No s%it -- look at that motherf@cking image up top!

We're badass b%stards for not dropping so much as a b%tch, @ss, or other sh%tty word that's okay of f!cking television...let alone f&ck and c@nt and other words that make people cringe like sh$t-monkeys!

So open your f@cking earholes and listen to our only "clean" f&cking episode to date!

* * *

We kick it all off with our first memory of swearing -- and then talk about the first time we swore (and if we got in trouble).

After that, it's on to places we don't swear (if they even exist) -- or people around whom we refuse to swear.

This whole episode came to be after reading that Adam Carolla is doing a couple "clean" shows to attract big advertisers. Some podcasters say swearing limits audience size. We discuss our thoughts on that, and then chat about whether we have (or would) not swear in order to get a specific deal.

We discuss if certain words cross the line (fuck and cunt vs. shit and damn) -- and whether or not that makes any sense to us.

By the time we get to it, we've established things, but we talk about when we were "allowed" to swear at home...and if we dare swear around our parents today.

Some say that swearing is a sign of low intelligence...but is that shit fucking true? Hell, there are even advantages to swearing -- and we talk about that shit!

Is a corporate environment elevated to the point that swearing is wrong, there, or is it as okay to speak in an office as though you're on a factory floor?

Bleeping words we all know or writing F#ck instead of Fuck. Is that shit goofy, or does it make sense -- even though we know what's being written or said?

We close out this episode by talking about how violence is far more accepted by many people who will storm out of a movie in which someone says fuck. Is there a certain hypocrisy to that, or is watching a hero put down 30 bad guys more acceptable than someone stubbing their toe and saying shit?

Leave a fucking comment if you want. Or don't if you're like, "Screw those @ssholes and their f&cking potty mouths!"

Direct download: migs166.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 12:04pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 165: Last Seen…Being Secure

A Padlock - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 165: Last Seen…Being SecureIt seems one can't watch the news without hearing that ISIS, their neighbors, or even the weather is out to get them. While we're at work, criminals are stealing our stuff. No one has money; we're all facing a Mad Max future...and it's all the fault of politicians and the people who follow them.

There's a lot of money in making people secure (or feeling secure after you've scared them). This week, we're all about security.

* * *

We kick it off talking about if we feel more or less secure than we once did, and then step back to the first thing that made us feel secure...and the thing that shattered our sense of security.

After that, we discuss the least secure times in our lives -- as well as the most secure time.

Security and stability are the most important things in some people's lives. Find out how important it is to us -- as well as the thing we're most worried about upsetting our security. We chat about what we feel would make us more secure, and whether or not there's too much emphasis today on safety and security.

Find out our plan for an active-shooter scenario at work...or if we even have one. We also devote some time to whether or not closing the borders would make America more secure.

And we wrap it all up with what we think security will look like in the future.

Feel free to leave a comment, or gaze below at the horror that is Shawn with Nick Jonas's fake nipples over Shawn's eyes. (It makes sense if you listen to the episode. Okay, not really...)

Behold, the terror!

Direct download: migs165.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:20pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 164: Last Seen…Listening to Prog Rock

Surreal clouds - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 164: Last Seen…Listening to Prog RockCombine the elitism of the staunchest fan of classical music with desperation and a Hammond keyboard or synthesizer and what do you get?

Progressive rock!

Ah, prog rock, you wacky thing. The musical equivalent of an awkward night of Dungeons and Dragons with a table full of mouth-breathing cretins; the music of "nice guys" and straight up assholes who thought the best way to win over the opposite sex was by telling them how wrong they were in their musical choices -- and to prove it, put on Yes' Tales from Topographic Oceans or Relayer (or worse for the unsuspecting woman: both albums back to back!).

We are not beyond seeing the weakness and ridiculousness in the things we held [or still hold] dear to us. But come on...entire albums dedicated to a concept was going to win over only a handful of people, regardless of gender. But for those of us who "got it" new worlds opened to us. Prog rock -- largely -- was the realm of desperate men who thought, "If I can't beat the crap out of the jocks, I can at least show off how intellectually superior I am to EVERYONE by my choices in music." (Or maybe you just liked the music -- it's possible.)

If it sounds like we're going to dedicate the next hour to slamming on prog rock and its fans, you're wrong. Cut us, and we bleed musical synthesizer backing layers in weird time signatures, wrapped in fantasy lyrics (and so much more).

We will defend how hokey what we love was [IS!!!] until our last breath.

Yes (<--- see what we did there?)...this is our tribute to the very music that kept us alive through our teen years and into adulthood (and hell, a blood that still flows through us today): prog rock!

* * *

We kick off this episode Living in the Past, when we talk about the very first bit of prog rock we remember listening to. Then we move on to how we define prog rock...and even show our hand and reveal whether or not we find prog rock just a bit hokey or not (and why).

MUTHAFUCKIN' SYNTHESIZERS, Y'ALL!!!

Can prog rock exist without synthesizers? Or, at the very least, we discuss just how important synthesizers are to progressive rock. Closely on the heels of the synthesizer is the concept album in its importance. We discuss not just the appeal of the concept album, but share what we feel is the ultimate concept album. (We match up on this one!)

Prog rock existed in a very tight time in popular culture -- and we'd be remiss to not address the link between prog rock and the many other things that came to light during that time. So we devote time to that.

And while we define what we feel makes up prog rock, there are bands that many don't put on their lists of progressive rock bands. We chat about those bands before coming out and telling you all what are our favorite progressive rock bands.

Face it: prog rock is trippy. We talk about the importance of drug use on the music, and then jump to whether progressive rock is largely the domain of guys -- or if it crosses genders. (But come on...largely, at least, it's a sausage fest!)

In the homestretch we discuss what we deem the ultimate prog rock album -- and wrap it all up with the influence of prog rock on modern music...and even music in the future. (Because we must have waited our whole lives for this moment (X6!).)

Feel free to share your favorite prog rock moments, bands, or anything else in the comments (because if you like prog rock, we know there are few things in life more important than establishing who you are by the bands you still love...and should you feel that's a poke at you, prog rocker-man (face it: odds are, you probably have a penis -- with an exception or two of female regulars to the show!), the person writing this is listening the Jethro Tull's "Jack in the Green" while typing this...and while [Christopher] will admit that there is a bigtime hokey factor on Songs from the Wood, he will stab you in the eye with a holly branch as he draws his last breath in defense that the album is one of the best homage's to nature ever written..)

So yeah, pass the Cup of Crimson Wonder...and let your hair blow in the breeze!

* * *

One more thing: in the episode, we tease a fellow podcaster named Mitch Todd about a prog rock tune he was once part of. We say "tease," but if you replace "tease" with "secretly admire," it's probably more accurate. So we give you the best thing to EVER come out of the God-forsaken state, Oklahoma: Zyrian doing "Winds of BAAG." (Down to the featured Wendy's cup, everything about this is GLORIOUS!!!)

And if you want to hear an interview with Shawn on Mitch's podcast, go here.

And to hear Christopher and Mitch come up with a monster on the fly, go here.

Direct download: migs164.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:51pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 163: Last Seen…Being Authentic

"Authentic stamp" - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 163: Last Seen…Being AuthenticChristopher just read a Facebook post about a podcast that just hit 163 episodes. They have 1 millions downloads (and good for them). To put that in perspective, this is our 163rd episode, and we’re at 8,815 total downloads.

Here’s the thing: we could look at our biggest episodes ever and be like, “All we should talk about are movies, TV, music, the 80s, and…poop! (Oh, and religion.) Seriously, those are the topics of our big episodes. But…if that’s all we talked about, the people who love that we talk about such a wide range of things would be like, “Uhm…if I wanted movie talk every week, there are better sources.”

This much we know: people appreciate that we’re just us. Granted, we could pretend to be what we’re not (and probably get more downloads), but this is the show we want to do.

It goes against everything people say in conferences and meetups, but the show exists for us, and if you like it, cool. If you don’t, well…that’s also cool.

We can only be what we are, and if we are nothing else, we are…authentic. And that matters to some, as we chat about this week on Men in Gorilla Suits.

* * *

 We kick it all off talking about the first time we heard something was “authentic.” Then we move on to right now and people’s obsession with things having to be “authentic.”

It’s probably clear just by reading this that we believe “authentic” is up for debate. So we devote some time to whether or not we have a preference between authentic and less-than-authentic (manufactured, modified, etc) experiences.

If you listen to us, you know we believe wars could be stopped if people gathered at a table and shared a good meal. Food is a great way to learn about others. We discuss the most authentic Mexican food weve ever had — as well as the least!

But we’re not down on unauthentic stuff; in fact, we chat about whether or not there’s something to be said for inauthentic stuff (cuisines, experiences, music, entertainment, etc.). And then we get political.

Find out if we believe “authenticity” is part of the appeal of candidates like Trump and Sanders — and if we believe either are truly authentic.

Also find out if there are things we feel are important to be authentic…as well as what we let slide.

We close out this week’s episode with the least — and most — authentic experiences we’ve ever had.

Feel free to leave an authentic reply in the comments. We’ll even give you an authentic reply.

Direct download: migs163.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:30pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 162: Last Seen…Being Imaginative

Blurred carnival rides at night - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 162: Last Seen…Being ImaginativeOne day, several years ago, we imagined having a podcast. (A podcast made out of rainbows and songs and wind all wrapped up in the remnants of a mummy and steeped in a gallon jug of Prohibition-era bathtub gin.)

It's the only way we can imagine to describe what we do.

Or maybe we're very serious individuals lacking foresight and vision, unable to scour the depths of our minds to summon this thing called imagination.

So to remedy all that, we decided to create an episode dedicated to cotton candy memories and envisioning all the things that go bump in the night. This week, we talk about...imagination.

(If you can imagine that!)

* * *

We begin back as wee laddies, talking about the first time we were aware of this thing called imagination. After that, find out if we consider ourselves very imaginative...as well as how important imagination is to our lives.

As you know, we like chatting about society...so we chat about whether or not imagination benefits society, and whether or not there's actually room in office jobs for "outside-the-box thinking" -- or if many people using the phrase would even recognize good ideas if others handed them over.

Most people have met a person who think life is all about expression and imagination with no limits. We discuss if imagination all on its own without structure or limitations is overrated -- and whether or not imagination is inherent or something that can be learned. (It should be no surprise that we think imagination can be learned and refined, so we dedicate some time to how people can become more imaginative.)

We talk about the most imaginative creators we look up to -- and then about the most imaginative person we personally know.

Many people seem to believe that with so many distractions in life that we've all lost our attention spans and imaginations. But is that truly the case?

And we wrap up this week's show discussing what the future holds for imagination.

We like imagining everyone who listens will leave a comment. Feel free -- we're pretty harmless (except when hopped up on 1920s bathtub gin).

Direct download: migs162.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 9:59pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 161: Last Seen…Being New Age

Person meditating before a colorful backdrop - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 161: Last Seen…Being New AgeClose your eyes, and align your chakras -- we're getting all New Age up in here! Okay, so if you listen to us regularly, you know that's unlikely, but...we do try to see the good in things we [largely] don't believe. (Unless, you know, you believe in being racist, homophobic, or just generally full of hate.) We even admit that there are some things many attach to New Age beliefs that work -- including sme things we think are ridiculous.

Was the Age of Aquarius was monetized so we could all become Reiki masters, or is there something more to it all?

That's the subject of this week's episode.

* * *

We begin by talking about when we were first introduced to new age ideas, and then move on to the most useful things we've learned from the philosophies. (See, we're not totally out to discredit it all -- just, you know, most of it...like the notion that a human being contains enough energy to power a city!) We also chat about the dumbest things we've seen.

After that, we discuss whether or not we think we'll ever see a case where a new age cure trumps a scientific/medical cure. Sticking with that train of thought, we ask if there are some things that new age practitioners have right that science has wrong or yet to prove.

It's probably evident where we stand when taking sides, but we clarify it with this question: do we identify more with new age philosophies, or scientific facts?

But we really do try being fair, going as far as talking about what parts of the new age movement are misunderstood or misrepresented.

But let's be honest, when you can make any claim you want, and all you need for success is convincing a small group of people that it's a thing, it's a system that could easily be prone to fraud. So...is that the case? Also, find out the scariest advice we've ever seen given from a new age perspective (as well as the best advice).

We also discuss how we draw the line from something useful in the new age movement to something fraudulent or dangerous...and wrap up this episode chatting about what we think is the future of new age type movements.

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Direct download: migs161.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:05pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 160: Last Seen…Having Regrets

Warning sign showing person falling in a pit - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 160: Last Seen…Having RegretsWe'll get right to it: you want to know our greatest regrets -- the things we are most ashamed of -- it's all right here! (Okay, and Christopher, at Shawn's request, talks about the time he found his father in the basement doing surgery on himself.

Seriously!

Ralph Bertil Gronlund may have been a man wrought with regrets, but he did shit his own way...

* * *

We kick it off by talking all about the first time we became aware there was this thing in the world called regret. After that, we define regret...and chat about whether or not it's possible to live a life without regrets.

Want to know what we regret in life? We talk about that shit...and then we discuss people [not by name -- we're not assholes] we know who are torn apart with regrets to the point that life is hard for them. (And, sadly, a lot of people are like, "Get over it!" to them. Ah, were it that easy for those people...)

Sticking to that, we chat about why some people have a tougher time with regrets, while people like us are like, "Ah well, there was a time in the past when we were stupid...and even did horrible things..."

We step back to the "Get over it!" advice, talking about whether or not that's a realistic bit of advice when dealing with people who carry regret. (By now, it's probably clear that we are not heartless bastards and feel for those around us.)

We love technology on this show, so...we devote time to how technology affects people's regrets...as well as how simply being an American (and what we "stand for") can play into regrets.

If we had a time machine, find out the one thing we'd go back to in our own lives and change. But let's be honest: the present is where it's at. We talk about if there's anything we're doing right now that we might one day regret -- and what we can do today to prevent that from ever happening.

And while we were scheduled to talk about what advice we'd give to a person torn up by regrets, we had such a great time with this episode that Shawn thought Christopher was setting him up for our end catch phrase. But it's probably fair to say we'd each have said something like, "Get professional help, and realize we all make mistakes. Find a way to love yourself and see your good, no matter what terrible things you did in your past. They're probably not as bad as you imagine them to be." (Seriously, Christopher really did something shitty to a kid in his neighborhood, but the past is the past...)

And don't regret not sharing your greatest regrets in the comments.

Direct download: migs160.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:29pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 159: Last Seen…Volunteering

Statue of two people helping each other - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 159: Last Seen…VolunteeringSome people feel it's a huge obligation to help others, while others are mostly interested in helping themselves and a few people close to them. Is one view of society right and the other wrong? What about those who volunteer more to boast about all they do, rather than actually helping causes? Can a person be like, "Fuck it -- I look out for Numero Uno," and still be decent...or must we all give more of ourselves than we have to give? (And at what point is giving convenient and actually a personal sacrifice?)

In short, is there a proper way to volunteer one's time?

That's what we're talking about on this week's episode of Men in Gorilla Suits.

* * *

We kick it all off by talking about how often we volunteer our time, and quickly jump to the last time we volunteered. On that topic, we discuss what we last did to help others -- and why we volunteered our time and energy.

Want to know if we've ever volunteered to get something in return? Well, listen in 'cause we talk about that. And also find out our ideal volunteering scenarios.

After that, we chat about whether or not we've been forced by loved ones or even the state to volunteer our time...and then we move on to our worst -- and best -- volunteering experiences.

Are we so ingrained with volunteering that others volunteered their time for something we organized? And is there a societal obligation to volunteer?

We close it all out by talking about how often we've volunteered for things no one else wanted to do.

Feel free to volunteer a little bit of your time and leave a comment about this week's episode.

Direct download: migs159.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:31pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 158: Last Seen…Taking Risks

A woman standing on the edge of a cliff - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 158: Last Seen…Taking RisksThere was a time when men were men and took great risks. (And the world was even more sexist than it still is.)

Today, it's not hard to find some middle-aged guy talking about the "Pussification of today's youth," when they rarely did anything to merit any real degree of boasting. But to hear them tell the story, we were all hanging from hot air balloons from threads of dental floss while today's younger people are living in a world of cushions and hugs.

The thing is, that's all bullshit. Men and women have always taken risks to various degrees, and still do today. That's the topic this week -- not the board game, Risk, but actual risky behavior and how it's shaped humanity.

* * *

We kick off this episode talking about the first time in our lives when we realized there was this thing out there called risk. After that, we discuss whether or not we were risk-takers when younger...and whether or not we are today.

We chat about the greatest risks we've taken...as well as the funniest.

Is physical risk the pinnacle of risk, or are there other kinds of risks that eclipse even the kinds of things that can kill us? Also: find out what we've learned about ourselves by taking risks.

Risk has become a bit of a buzzword. Go to a conference of many sorts, and you'll hear people saying that even things as normal as blogging and podcasting are "risks." Are those actual risks -- and is "Take more risks!" good advice, or just a platitude?

After that, we talk about if what constitutes risk has changed over the years or remained the same. We also discuss the point at which taking risks is unwise.

We weren't kidding in our intro about hearing middle-aged men talking about today's youth being "pussies." But is there any truth to the notion that millennials don't take risks?

Then we drag out our imaginations and pretend we have kids. Find out how we'd deal with having kids who are thrilled by taking great risks.

And we wrap it all up with a look to the future -- and whether or not humans will reach a point of maximum risk achieved...or if we will always find new risks to take.

Take a risk and leave a comment if you'd like...we'd love to hear about some of the risks you've taken in life.

Direct download: migs158.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 9:43pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 157: Last Seen…Being Strong

Statue of a Strongman - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 157: Last Seen…Being StrongWhen thinking about strength, most people seem to think about physical strength. We've all seen circus strongmen, female body builders, and even wiry-looking people who can seemingly dead-lift a Yugo.

But strength goes well beyond just physical strength. We've all heard tales of people lost in extreme conditions who only survived because they were mentally strong. Emotional strength is craved as much as physical strength by others.

This weak is all about strength! (<------ See what we did, there? "Weak." That's some STRONG comedy right there. Or maybe lack of sleep...)

* * *

We begin with the first time we ever looked at someone and thought, "Damn, they're strong!" Find out if it was physical, emotional, or mental strength we first witnessed. Then we talk about what comes to mind when someone mentions strength. Next, we discuss what we feel is the most important kind of strength: physical, mental, or emotional. (And we even define what the difference between mental and emotional strength is to us.) Also: Is physical strength even relevant these days?

After all that, we talk about strong people: the strongest person we know (physically), as well as the most mentally and emotionally strong person we know. (Even all-around strength of da human supérieur!)

Find out if we consider ourselves to be strong, and hear how we'd hold up under interrogation, "enhanced" interrogation, and out-and-out torture.

In the homestretch, we chat about our greatest feats of strength in life, and close it all out with the most important kind of strength in today's society.

Feel free to flex your commenting muscles if you desire, and leave your thoughts about strength.

Direct download: migs157.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 9:36pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 156: Last Seen…Finding Heroes

Metl statue of a superhero-looking guy bending steel - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 156: Last Seen…Finding HeroesFrom a young age, we're conditioned to look at certain people and things in a larger-than-life way.

These are the people we hope to become. Some are driven to succeed because of the people they looked up to, while many more fall short of their dreams. Sometimes heroes themselves "fail us."

Is it even realistic for an adult to have a hero, or is it something that should be reserved for youth?

Heroes are the topic of this week's episode of Men in Gorilla Suits.

* * *

We begin by chatting about who our earliest heroes were, and then jump to whether or not parents or other relatives ever held hero status in our lives. After that, we talk about how important heroes were to us when we were younger -- and why that was.

We list off our heroes from childhood before discussing whether or not heroes are important to us today. Maybe we no longer have heroes -- just people we admire on some levels. We talk about that, and then move on to why the deaths of people we may have never met, but still admire, can affect us as though we were close to them. Also: find out if we'd ever want to be somebody's hero.

Sometimes heroes "fail us." We discuss why some people are stung when they see a flaw in someone they looked up to, and why some people will go to great lengths to defend the actions of a hero-done-wrong.

The "real life hero" (police, soldiers, firefighters, etc.) are often positioned as having more merit than imaginary heroes. We chat about why that might be, and wrap it all up with how our views of heroes has changed over the years...and how new generations will define what constitutes a hero.

If there's anybody you look up to (or even dislike who's liked by many), feel free to talk about it in the comments.

Direct download: migs156.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 11:06am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 155: Last Seen…In High School

Dark stairs in a high school - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 155: Last Seen…In High SchoolIt's probably evident by the photo we used to represent high school that we weren't big fans of those four years. Still, they were not without their moments.

For some, they are the best days of their lives, while others could have easily done without them. Football games, parties, and fun; dodging bullies, isolation, and despair.

Being somewhere in the middle of it all, we decided to devote this episode to high school days...

* * *

We begin by sounding off: when did we graduate high school. After that, we talk about where we went to high school...and whether or not it was a good experience for us.

Find out if we agree with those who say high school is the best time of one's life as well as what we remember most about those years.

For many, extracurricular activities are what high school is all about. We discuss what we took part in -- and then chat about how many people from high school we're still in touch with.

High school is supposed to serve a purpose: preparing students for college. Was that the case for us? Did it even vaguely prepare us for the adult world?

As we often do, we hop into our imaginary time machines to go back to our high school selves. We have 30 seconds to offer advice about the time and life ahead. Find out what we would tell our younger selves.

Because we're old enough to have had high school reunions, we chat about if we attended any...or plan to in the future.

And we wrap it all up by discussing what we'd do to improve high school as it currently exists.

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts about this week's topic in the comments if you are so inclined.

Direct download: migs155.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 9:37pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 154: Last Seen…Conforming

Bunch of same-looking buildings - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 154: Last Seen…ConformingDo as we say, and all will be wonderful...

Fuck the system -- Tear it all down!

You make it easier on yourself if you're just like us...

Do you really want to be just like them?!

It's for your own good...

Only you know what's right for you!

It's an old battle: to conform or not to conform? Some (including us) argue that by not conforming...you're probably still conforming.

So...is resistance futile?

This week's episode is all about conformity (and non-conformity). Whether you're on the side of the popular jocks and cheerleaders...

...On the side of the deliberate non-conformists (who, remarkably, all look and act the same as each other, in much the same way as the jocks and cheerleaders)...

...Or if you're the geek totally out there on your own...

...This is an episode for you!

* * *

We kick is all off by talking about our first memories of conformity, and then jump to the benefits -- and drawbacks -- of conforming. After that, we discuss how important conforming is to society...and to us.

There are those who take incredible offense with those not like them. We talk about why that is before chatting about how much our environments influence us and our views.

Trends. Ah, wacky trends. We cover some of the trends we've followed, and then jump to whether conforming (or not conforming) has ever had a negative effect on us.

Our teens years are the most awkward years in our lives. It's a time when conformity is almost vital, even if you claim to not conform to anything at all. We chat about why that is, and then move on to whether people see us as conformists or non-conformists...and if those views are even accurate.

We wrap it all up by discussing the future, and whether or not conformity will be more -- or less -- important in the coming years.

Conform to the ways of all the cool kids and let us know your feelings about conformity in the comments. (To not comment is still conforming to an even bigger group, so sit at the "cool table" for a bit and have your say!)

Or just watch this:

(Is it sad that Christopher, at least, kinda envied Tom Hanks at the end of Mazes and Monsters...and still has days he kinda still does...?)

Direct download: migs154.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:33pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 153: Last Seen…Being American

Painting of an American flag - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 153: Last Seen…Being American

Painting of an American flag - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 153: Last Seen…Being AmericanWhile we talk about a wide variety of things on Men in Gorilla Suits, there's no denying that much of what we talk about comes from an American perspective. (At least what we consider American.)

Some consider a group of men with guns holed up in a small Federal building they decided to occupy American.

People from other places might view Americans as loud and fat; others may say we're friendly. Some might even say we invaded their land and made a big mess of things.

America is a funny place. We can get away with things that would get us killed in some countries. At the same time, many think we're the only country with such freedoms...when that's far from the truth.

This week, we talk about what it is to be American (whatever the hell being an American is).

* * *

We begin by talking about how far back we have to go to find non-American citizens in our families. After that, we jump to whether or not people from other countries assume we're Americans when they meet us (and why we think that is how we're viewed). Next, we discuss what we love about being Americans...and what we're not so keen about.

People make assumptions about Americans. We chat about the assumptions we think people from other countries make about us because we're Americans, and even touch on the assumptions we make about our place in America.

American citizenship can be a heated topic -- so of course we devote some time to that. We chat about what we believe should be the process of becoming an American; what parameters (if any) should one lose their American citizenship; what we think about dual citizenship (and if we're eligible); if those who carry dual citizenship are any less American than single citizenship citizens; and what countries we would gladly share citizenship with if we could choose another. We also pretend we're exiled from America -- find out which countries we'd hope would take us.

Also find out what duties and responsibilities -- if any -- we believe we have as Americans (at home and while abroad).

And we wrap it all up with what we think America will be like in the future.

If you're an American, we'd love to hear your thoughts about all this in the comments...and if you're from another country, we'd love to know how we're viewed where you are from.

Direct download: migs153.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 6:21pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 152: Last Seen…On Vacation

A woman splashed by ocean waves - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 152: Last Seen…On VacationNo, the title of this episode doesn't mean the Gorillamen have bolted into the trees to take a vacation hiatus from the podcast (although Christopher is taking his last vacation day of the year as this week's episode is being put together). With so many people taking time off at the end of the year, we decided to dedicate an episode to taking vacations.

* * *

We begin with our earliest memories of vacations and where we went (and what we did), and then we define what constitutes a vacation in our minds. After that, we discuss our best -- and worst -- vacations.

When people think "vacation," they often think of exotic locations that cost a bit of money for the trip. But can you take a vacation when you don't have much money?

We are connected more than ever, and that can mean an issue when announcing you are taking a vacation in certain areas. People you may know, there, want to see you, but all you want is to get away from it all and spend time alone, with your significant other, or your family. How do we deal with this situation? Find out!

Some people love taking vacations with family and friends, while others like keeping it to a significant other or immediate family. Find out if we like vacations with a group of friends and family, or just with our wives. Also find out where we like to go on vacation: beaches, exotic locations, cities, or the middle of nowhere.

Solo travel can be a wonderful thing. We chat about whether or not we've taken a vacation with nobody else...and then we talk about a growing issue with vacation: being constantly connected. With it being the end of the year, many workaholics are using up the vacation time they didn't take during the year. We know people planning to work at least a little bit over their vacations or, at the very least, keeping up with email daily. (How that isn't work is beyond us.) Is the actual getaway vacation a thing of the past when living in an always-connected society?

Traveling can be expensive, and sometimes when you finally get a break from work or the busy pace of life, the last thing you want to do is manage an itinerary and still have a schedule shoved in your face. Many people opt for a "staycation" when they have time off work. Is the staycation a valid vacation and, if so, do we like them?

The world is a big, wonderful place, but there are still dangerous places out there. Find out if there are places we'd love to see, but are afraid to visit -- and then find out what our dream vacations are.

We wrap up this week's episode by discussing our next planned vacations.

Have you had a wonderful vacation you'd love to chat about (or a tale of a vacation gone wrong)? Tell us about it in the comments!

Direct download: migs152.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:51am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 151: Last Seen…Using Social Media

Various social media icons - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 151: Last Seen…Using Social MediaIf stats for Men in Gorilla Suits tell us anything, it's that many of you are reminded about new episodes through social media.

Chances are, your parents and even grandparents are on Facebook. Once "the next big thing hits," and is proclaimed the killer of the previous network or app, something new comes along to take its place.

Our desire to communicate in short bits of information seems to know no boundaries. Social media now drives revolutions and political campaigns. It's a way to stay in touch with people all over the world or sell the things you make. What was once seen as a risk by companies is now an asset.

But it's not all a wonderful thing. Some studies show that social media makes many people feel bad. Despite being connected in ways we never imagined, it leaves many feeling more lonely than ever. But is that the fault of the social networks, or the person using them?

It's a topic that interests us enough that when Shawn pitched this show, Christopher thought, "We've done that one already..."

But we haven't (we just talk about social media a lot). So, finally, it's a show dedicated to social media.

* * *

We kick it off talking about the first social media platforms we ever used -- going as far as why we joined the particular site. Then we chat about Facebook: when and why we joined.

Many people use social media to stay in touch with friends. We chat about which friends we stay in touch with through social media, and then talk about whether or not we have friends who refuse to use social networks.

It seems with each new network that a lot of hype surrounds the launch of new things. Does social media live up to its hype?

There are people (like Christopher) who tire of it all and take breaks. We discuss how often we take social media breaks, going as far as covering if there are some networks we avoid more than others. But even those taking breaks return: we talk about why that is.

Like it or not, social media is part of life. We chat about how life would be different without it, and then jump to the goofiest -- and best -- uses for social media we've seen. We also talk about the most annoying, tone-deaf use for social media.

We wrap it all up as we often do, talking about the future -- this time, the future of social media.

Comments are just another form of social media, and we'd love to hear what you think about it all in the comments for this episode.

Direct download: migs151.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:38am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 150: Last Seen…Creating a Body of Work

Pile of cut logs - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 150: Last Seen…Creating a Body of WorkWhen we look at something big, our minds are conditioned to say, "Damn, that's big!" Many people will never look at something big and see all the tiny pieces that make up the big thing. Because of that, it seems some people think creating substantial things is beyond them. For every thousand people who say, "Someday I'll finally write the best selling novel I know I have in me," is a person who probably actually does have it in them, but believes it's simply beyond them for a variety of reasons.

  • "I don't know how to start..."
  • "I don't have that kind of luck..."
  • And the biggie: "I don't have the time..."

There are busy writers people look up to who shoot for 250 words a day. Over the course of a year, they have a novel. Inside a couple years, they have a body of work.

But not everything takes as long as a novel. A handful of paintings for a gallery show can be a body of work. Sure, we may not see all the paintings and sketches that got the artist to that point in what they do, but even those sketches in a pile compose a body of work.

With podcasting, one might hear that 7 is a magic number -- that if someone hit 7 shows, they will probably hit 20 or 25. Some shows have an arc that ends, and some are open. Some people have recorded thousands of episodes. We've recorded 150 episodes, which is enough that we decided -- in celebration -- to make our 150th episode all about what goes into a body of work.

* * *

We kick off the episode talking about the first body of work we ever created and quickly jump to what we think is the most impressive body of work ever created. Next, we discuss which body of work we've created that is our favorite -- and our favorite body of work produced by another person. What makes up a body of work -- how big does something have to be? We chat about that, as well as the benefits of producing a body of work.

The world is full of people who want to make things, but don't. We devote some time to why we think some people have a hard time creating a body of work -- and offer advice about how to get started.

Recurring elements appear in most bodies of work. We talk about how important consistency of theme is in creating a lasting body of work, and then chat about the strangest body of work we've ever seen.

After that, we hop into our imaginary time machines to discuss who we'd go back in time to watch work if we could, and we wrap it all up by discussing the next bodies of work we plan on making.

We'd love to hear about what you've made in the comments. (Feel free to link to stuff -- we love seeing what others are up to.)

Direct download: migs150.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 2:52pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 149: Last Seen…Being Collegiate

College footbal team from early 1900s - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 149: Last Seen…Being CollegiateFrom a young age, many of us are primed to believe that college is a thing that will happen after high school. Despite the staggering debt many carry after graduating college, you are more likely to earn more over your lifetime with a college degree. At the same time, many of the wealthiest people out there have dropped out of college or never attended at all. Some have such fond memories of college that they have a hard time leaving it behind, going to their graves die-hard fans of their old school's sports teams and towns; others have no problem leaving it all behind.

We've spent our time in colleges, so we decided to dedicate this week's show to college.

* * *

We begin by talking about where we went to college and when we started. After that, we discuss the major social movements at the colleges we attended.

Find out if we ever lived on campus and how much what jobs we held while attending college. Also find out how many different colleges we attended.

We then chat about all our different majors and why we chose them (and changed them). Next, we talk about how long we attended college -- and whether or not we graduated.

A college degree is the thing many of us are told, from a young age, is the only thing that can lead to success. But is that really true? We then devote some time to whether or not our degree/lack of degree has helped or harmed out careers and also talk about whether or not college is even a necessity?

Before wrapping the episode up, we cover our best -- and worst -- college memories. Finally, find out what we'd do differently if we had our college years to do all over again.

Whether you've been to college or not, feel free to chime in in the comments.

Direct download: migs149.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 4:00pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 148: Last Seen…Changing Lives

A person standing on a mountaintop - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 148: Last Seen…Changing LivesFor some, it comes as an epiphany: just like that, their lives are changed forever. For others, it can be triggered by a place or event. For most of us, it comes slowly, but it happens to all of us at some point.

Our lives change.

We hope it's from something wonderful, like in the movies. In a flash, everything is wonderful and makes sense forever. It's long been the stuff of entertainment, the promise that we matter and that life is wonderful. But for most of us, it comes through harder things: a life-threatening illness, or the sudden loss of a loved one.

Life changes, and that's what we're talking about this week.

* * *

We begin by talking about the first time we felt like we experienced a life-changing event, and then we jump to the age we feel most people experience the most change in life. After that we discuss whether or not we stop having life-changing events by the time we reach adulthood, or if that's when we're most likely to have them.

Next, we chat about the biggest life-changing events in our lives and the effect they had on us. Find out if we've ever changed somebody else's life, and which books, movies, or other things have affected us deeply. Then we get specific and talk about some other bigger life-changing events in our lives.

We devote some time to whether or not the relative safety of suburban existence creates more or fewer life-changing events, and then talk about bucket lists: are they all they're cracked up to be?

Some people fear the changes we go through as we age. We discuss whether or not we fear the future, and if we believe that life changes when we reach milestone ages in life.

We close it all out with the life-changing events we haven't experienced that we hope to experience sometime in the future.

How has your life changed? Feel free to discuss it in the comments.

Direct download: migs148.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 4:32am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 147: Last Seen…Procrastinating

Lazt view of feet while lying down in a park - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 147: Last Seen…ProcrastinatingWhen we started Men in Gorilla Suits, we made an agreement to post episodes on Thursdays. It works out that we usually post on Wednesdays, though...with the rare Thursday posting.

With a holiday week in the states, we're posting on a Tuesday. It is not wasted on us that there's a certain humor in us posting an episode about procrastination two days early.

* * *

We begin this episode talking about if we are (or have ever been) procrastinators. After that [spoiler alert] we discuss the reasons we procrastinate -- going as far as chatting about the worst thing we've put off for later.

If you listen that far into the episode, you'll know we see strength in proper procrastination. We devote some time to when procrastination has been the best course of action in our lives before talking about the last thing we put off.

If you've ever wondered, "Who is the worst procrastinator the Gorilla Men know?" -- we answer that question. We also answer this one: "Why do humans procrastinate?"

We close out the episode discussing whether or not procrastination is generally a good or bad thing.

As always, the comments section awaits your feedback; you know, whenever you get around to it...

Direct download: migs147.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 3:32pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 146: Last Seen…Being Powerful

The power we wield because of this podcast is staggering. We stand like two gods above the masses, our voices swaying your every thought!

Okay, so not really to any of that. We're just two guys with a podcast. (No one's ever done that before!) Some might say the listeners hold power over us; that if you didn't listen, we would have nothing. (Of course, if you listen regularly, you know we'd do this even if no one showed up. This podcast is simply about a good friendship, which -- to us -- is one of the most powerful things out there. We're like My Little Pony, without all the colors and cutie marks...although we both have tattoos (Shawn far outnumbering Christopher...we might even talk about that in this episode...we record often enough that it all kind of runs together. Sometime, recently, we talked about tattoos.))

Anyway...this week is the power-talk mashup. We talk about power as a thing many crave, but we also talk about power as physical strength and even pure energy. You even get to hear tales of minor (and not so minor) electrocutions. (Self inflicted, at that! We never claimed the power of intelligence, but where the power of curiosity lies, we are thunder!)

Christopher loved that damn game...

* * *

We begin this episode with our first memories of something powerful...and then go right into whether or not we crave power. After that, we talk about how we deal with powerful people.

Then we hop into time machines and discuss what act of power in history we would love to go back to witness. Want to find out the most powerful things we've ever done? We cover that before sharing stories of our [stupid] encounters with electricity. (If nothing else, our heads seem fairly impervious to electric shocks. But not really. And those shocks so close to our brains might explain a thing or two about the show.)

Find out not only what super powers we'd love to have, but why we'd choose them. And then we throw out another random power topic: what's the most powerful animal? We also share when we feel our most powerful.

We get a little serious and talk about how much a problem the abuse of power is in society...and the best ways to prevent those abuses. And we wrap it all up with how power of all sorts will change in the future.

You have power of your own in the comments if you so choose to make that power known...

 

Direct download: migs146.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:55pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 145: Last Seen…Being Philosophical

How do you know you're really reading this right now? (We mean, other than you are sitting there reading and comprehending it.) So scratch that opening -- that kind of thing is not what we're into when talking about more philosophical things. We understand that at some point, many of those kinds of questions needed to be asked, but...that's not the kind of philosophy we're chatting about this week.

Every week, we drag philosophy into the show...even when dedicating an hour [and a special added interview with Christopher's mom] about poop! But it's not philosophy in the way you remember it in high school or college. Chances are, you have been philosophical about something today. And you will be tomorrow. So...we decided to finally dedicate an entire show to philosophy!

* * *

We begin by talking about the first time we were aware that there were different schools of thought in life, and then we jump right to what "philosophy" means to us. After that, we discuss the major school of philosophy we most -- and least -- identify with.

Some people consider religion and philosophy separate things (funny thing, semantics). Find out if we believe that, or if we think religions are just other philosophies. Then we chat about whether or not a philosophy can become a religion (and how it happens).

We tackle whether or not philosophy is a scalable thing (or if it's meant to be personal), before moving on to what personal codes we live by. Next, we talk about which or our core tenets have changed as we've moved through life...and which have remained the same.

As we near the end of the episode, we discuss whether or not we've taken any formal philosophy classes (and if they helped in some aspect of our lives), and then we wrap it all up with this question: "Is philosophy still relevant in today's society?"

We'd love to hear your philosophical thoughts in the comments.

Direct download: migs145.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 9:05am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 144: Last Seen…Talking about Tools

These are just some of the tools we use to create an episode of Men in Gorilla Suits:

  • Our brains
  • Smartphones
  • Web-based email
  • Cars
  • 2 Audio Technica ATR-2100 microphones
  • 2 Gator Frameworks tabletop boom mic stands
  • Zoom H6 digital recorder
  • Computers
  • The World Wide Web
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • morguefile.com or unsplash.com (for images)
  • Skype (on occasion -- like this episode)
  • Audacity
  • Auphonic
  • This website
  • Libsyn

Tools can be as complex as the International Space Station or as simple as a stick used to dig holes or defend yourself. What some deem as tools, others claim are something else. (Are our brains really tools?) But there's not a person alive who won't use a tool of some sort today. So...we decided to dedicate an entire episode to the things that make life a little better.

* * *

We begin this week's episode talking about the first tool we remember seeing, and then...the first tool we ever used that helped define who we are.

After that, we discuss a tool we regularly use that many might not consider a tool. Next, it's back to school, where we ask if the use of traditional tools was taught to us at any point during our educations.

Most people associate tools with work. We dedicate some time to talking about working jobs where we've used what most would consider traditional tools, and then we jump to the one tool we cannot live without.

We constantly find new ways of doing things, and that usually involves new tools. We talk about some recent tools we've incorporated into our lives in recent years before chatting about the most badass, tough tool we've ever used.

It's not uncommon to use tools to make new tools to fit one's needs. Find out if we've ever invented or repurposed tools for other things, and also listen to us discuss out favorite tools of the trade. After that, it's on to the one tool we do not own that we'd love to have in our possession.

We close out this week's episode talking about the future. (Big surprise, huh?) Find out if we think humans will use more tools -- or fewer tools -- in the future.

And please consider the comments section your tool for telling us what you think about this episode.

Direct download: migs144.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:14am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 143: Last Seen…Talking about Pets

We can't think of one person we know who didn't grow up with a pet of some kind. Whether a dog or a cat, fish, or something exotic, some of our earliest friendships are with animals. For many of us, we learned about the pain of death from losing a pet. Some of you are probably reading this with a pet in the room -- maybe even on your lap.

Scroll down on our About page and you'll see photos of Shawn's dogs -- we consider them part of the podcast crew.

It's about time we finally talked about pets!

* * *

We begin by talking about the first pets we remember having, and then jump to the first pet that was considered our own. Next, we discuss not only how many pets we've had, but we devote some time to the first pet we had that died.

We chat about our last/current pets before talking about whether we prefer dogs, cats, or something else entirely.

It's no secret that Shawn has a tiny Wolfpack living in his home while Christopher currently has no pets. We discuss why we have/don't have pets before talking about which we find easiest to relate to: pets or people?

We round out this episode sharing our favorite story about one of our pets and what kind of pet we'd have if we could have any kind of animal we wanted.

Definitely feel free to share a favorite pet story in the comments...hell, even links to photos!

Direct download: migs143.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 6:36am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 142: Last Seen…Listening to Live Music

ARE YOU READY TO ROCK AND ROLL?!?! (Or maybe just listen to something nice and soothing in person?)

We've been listening to live music ever since people began humming tunes and banging out a beat on whatever they found available. Music has been said to fill the soul, and live music can transcend what it is to be human. So of course we had to eventually get around to an entire show about listening to music in person!

* * *

We begin by talking about the first live music event we remember attending. After that, we discuss why live music has the appeal it has.

From there, we move on to the best -- and worst -- concerts we've ever attended...and why we feel that way. After that, find out if we prefer live music to listening to music at home, in the car, or while working.

We then talk about how often we hear live music these days and why we think we used to attend more live shows than we do today.

If you've ever lied awake at night thinking, "I wonder if Christopher or Shawn have ever been part of a live music show of some sort?" you finally get your answer. You'll also find out what we consider our favorite live music experiences.

Next, we wonder if one kind of music lends itself to a better live experience than others...and what music does it for us.

Near the end of the show, we discuss which live music experience we wish we could travel back in time and see -- and then we wrap up this week's episode talking about the future of live music.

What's the best concert you've ever attended? Let us know in the comments.

Direct download: migs142.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:41am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 141: Last Seen…Talking about Conflict

Political season in America has started. (It seems to start earlier and earlier each election cycle.) A peek into the world of the Internet reveals -- surprise, surprise! -- that people are out there arguing about politics.

Conflict might be our national pastime, so conflict is the topic for this week's show!

* * *

We begin by talking about the first time we became aware that people sometimes didn't get along. After that, we chat about the first conflict we remember having with someone.

Find out if we're the kinds of people who gravitate toward conflict, or if we avoid it whenever possible. We share our tricks for avoiding interpersonal conflicts with acquaintances -- and even those close to us. But sometimes conflict is unavoidable. We devote some time to talking about how we handle conflicts we can't avoid.

We also share the worst conflict we've ever had with another person; then we chat about whether or not we find ourselves running up against the same kinds of conflict over and over.

Want to find out if we've ever been able to resolve a long-standing conflict? We talk about that. Have we ever said or done something that conflicted with our beliefs to avoid or end a conflict? We chat about that, too.

We close it all out with this question: why do humans -- who have had many thousands of years to learn how to deal with each other -- keep having conflicts?

We'd love to hear about how you handle conflict in the comments!

Direct download: migs141.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 11:57am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 140: Last Seen…Talking about Star Wars

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Okay, not so long ago (1977) and not so far away (Earth) a little movie called Star Wars came out. And it's safe to say it changed movies as we know them.

It was a franchise that spawned sequels, a ridiculous amount of merchandise, and even this:

We've talked about Star Trek many times on the show, but this week it's all about Star Wars!

* * *

We begin by talking about how old we were when we first saw a Star Wars movie...and what the experience was like. After that, we move on to how important Star Wars was in our lives when we were younger. Now that we're adults, do the movies carry the same weight?

Did you know there are grown friggin' men who fume about the Star Wars prequels, going so far to say the prequels ruined the original trilogy for them even more than Ewoks in Return of the Jedi? (Ewoks are worse than Jar-Jar Binks, people!) Find out what we think about those who let other things ruin the movies they love. (Although it's probably more than evident with these lines...and if you've listened to the show enough, you know our answers already.)

Another thing people say destroyed the franchise was George Lucas constantly tinkering with the original trilogy. Find out our thoughts about a world full of computer-generated effects juxtaposed with people in rubber masks!

Next, we discuss our favorite -- and least favorite -- Star Wars characters. (Hint: Shawn's entire back is covered in a giant Jar-Jar Binks tattoo and Christopher has Watto tattooed on his chest!)

When talking about the structure of the original trilogy, one can't claim it's a very complex thing. Based on the Hero's Journey concept culled from Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces, we talk about whether or not the structure of the original trilogy works for us.

We get a new Star Wars movie in December. We talk about the teaser trailers for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and whether or not we're looking forward to the next Star Wars movie.

In between the movies, fans have read Star Wars books, played video games based on the movies, and watched Star Wars cartoons. Find out how much of the Star Wars expanded universe we've consumed. (And laugh as Shawn introduces Christopher to this:)

Near the end of the episode, we get geeky and talk about which one Star Wars character we'd be if we could...and why.

And like so many episodes, we wrap it up by talking about the future -- this time, the future of the Star Wars franchise.

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts about Star Wars in the comments.

 

Direct download: migs140.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:23am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 139: Last Seen…Talking about Criminal Justice

Depending on who you ask, the American justice system is the best in the world, or it has a long way to go to clean up its problems. Probably no surprise that we lean toward, "We have a lot to fix, but it could be worse."

Friggin' optimists!

But we're not Pollyannas because we probably spend more time this episode talking about what is wrong with justice in America than what's right.

* * *

We kick it off with a couple questions: Have you ever had an experience with the American criminal justice system? If so, what was the first?

America loves court-room dramas, so we jump on the bandwagon and talk about whether or not we've ever been to court as a plaintiff or defendant. (Since we've posted Shawn's mugshot before, you at least have a good guess with one of the Gorillamen...)

Shawn Kupfer's Mugshot
Shawn shot a man in Reno...just to watch him die. That, or he might have just had a traffic warrant he got hauled in on. (Or he led a suicide cult to the grand comet in the ether...listen and find out the truth!)

Then we jump to whether or not we have turned to the American justice system for any sort of legal recourse.

We talk about our impression of the American criminal justice system before devoting some time to whether or not our courts work...and what might work better?

Americans like to think we are fair, but do we really practice what we preach? (Innocent until proven guilty, reasonable doubt, etc.?) Also, do we think most people found guilty of crimes actually committed them?

We devote some time to whether or not mandatory sentences are good things, before talking about if we sentence people too harshly, too light, or all-out inconsistently.

Americans are often all, "USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!" but is it merited for the U.S. having the best justice system on the planet, or do other countries put us to shame? (Like...maybe at least a dozen or so?)

Finally, we wrap it up with how we'd change the current system.

We'd love to hear about any run-ins with the legal system (or just what you'd do if you were in charge) you've had in the comments.

Direct download: migs139.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:12pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 138: Last Seen…Playing Role Playing Games

You hold in your hand a rectangular device with a smooth glass screen.

Are there any buttons on it?

There appear to be, yes.

I press one.

The screen lights up with a passcode message.

I make a hacking roll.

[The Game Master mutters to self: Okay, unfamiliar device modifier -1, but universal hacking kit (electronic) +2. Simple code +1...]

Okay, you need a 13 or less.

[Player rolls 3 6-sided dice. A 9.]

You make it past the passcode block. On the screen before you are rows of icons.

I look for one that says Podcast.

You find it.

I tap the icon and subscribe to Men in Gorilla Suits.

Wise choice. Give yourself a million experience points!

Ah, role playing games. Most people, even if they've never played one, have heard of Dungeons and Dragons. But D&D only scratches the surface of the world of role playing games (RPGs). We take our dice bags from our belts and roll a critical hit on this episode of Men in Gorilla Suits.

* * *

We begin with the first role playing game (RPG) we ever played...and how old we were when we first played it. After that, we discuss the effect RPGs have had on us.

We knock out our favorite -- and least favorite -- RPGs...and why we made our choices. Want to find out the most obscure RPG we've played? We share that as well.

After talking about the one RPG we'd love to see that hasn't been made yet, we talk about how RPGs have helped us as writers. On the subject of writing, find out if we've ever thought about writing for RPGs.

Also find out if we've crossed the threshold into Live Action Role Playing Games (and what we think about them). Then we go online and talk about World of Warcraft and other massively multiplayer role playing games (MMORPGs). Find out if we've played any...and if so, which ones. Before stepping back to our paper character sheets, we talk about how MMORPGs compare to tabletop RPGs.

And we wrap it all up talking about what the future holds for role playing games. (Somehow, Christopher totally forgot to mention Storium in this episode!)

Feel free to share your favorite RPG moments in the comments...and may all your rolls be 3s or 20s, depending what game you're playing...

Direct download: migs138.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:45am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 137: Last Seen…Talking about Marriage and Relationships

Marriage is one of those things we're conditioned to accept as our future from a young age.

We can both remember relatives talking about, "When you're older and get married..." for almost as long as we've been able to retain bits of the past in our brainmeats! It's a thing we're just supposed to do as humans.

This leads to all kinds of wackiness: people spending more on weddings and honeymoons than they can afford; people judging how much a person loves another by the size of an engagement ring. Some people say, "What's wrong with them?" about people who aren't married, as though marriage is the only thing that defines us in adulthood. Hell, some people (even those married multiple times who can't seem to get it right), fume that same-sex couples who have been together for decades and had to hide their love for many reasons are now able to [FINALLY!] legally marry. (So far, the damage to my marriage -- and all my heterosexual friends -- that was promised if same-sex marriage were legalized hasn't happened. Funny how that worked out...almost like love is stronger than ignorance and those into fear mongering.)

But marriage can also be wonderful. Since we're optimistic guys, we tend to lean that way, and decided to make marriage (and relationships) the topic of this week's episode.


* * *

We begin by trumpeting our massive dating prowess. Or...we would have if we had any actual moves in the past. Really, we open up this episode amazed we're not steeping in our own waste and wondering how we ended up with intelligent, awesome women in our lives. But before marriage, there were dates. We discuss out first dates before chatting about how good we are at dating (based on a scale of 1-10).

If you listen to the show regularly, you know we're both married. Find out how long we've been "officially" married in society's eyes; then find out how long we've been with our wives.

Some movies portray love as this pure thing where there is just a one and only, but [unless you're Christopher, who almost peed himself at the mere thought of talking to a girl, let alone actually doing so] most people have had a boyfriend/girlfriend (or two) before meeting the person they married. Also, find out if we were ever convinced we'd marry someone other than our spouses.

Running with the idea that we're conditioned to have views about marriage from a young age, find out if marriage is what we imagined when we were younger -- or if it's much different than we were led to believe. We then talk about whether or not we feel we are in good marriages.

People love to give unsolicited advice and opinions. We talk about the best -- and worst -- pieces of marriage advice we've been given. After that, we talk about the best -- and worst -- things about being married.

We wrap up this episode by looking toward the future and asking, "If you were to be single at some point in the future, would you date/marry again?"

We'd love to hear funny/sad/wonderful relationship and marriage stories in the comments -- including some of the best (and worst) bits of advice you've ever been given.

Direct download: migs137.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 3:51pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 136: Last Seen...Watching Online Video

Chances are, if you've taken a peek at any social network or news site, you've seen an online video today. Chances are good that it began playing all by itself. Maybe you have things you subscribe to on YouTube. Or perhaps your thing is the Netflix binge-watch.

Online video has not only changed the way we watch news, entertain ourselves, or even take part in production -- there are still so many horizons to be crossed as technology improves.

This week, it's an audio show about online video.

* * *

We kick it all off back in the days of extreme buffering issues and downloading things from Usenet as we talk about the first online videos we ever saw. After that, we leap to the present and share how often we watch videos online.

Next, we move on to the appeal of online video and how online content has changed the way stories are told with video cameras. We share some of our favorite online videos...stuff like this:

And this:

Made by Hand / No 2 The Knife Maker from Made by Hand on Vimeo.

And hell, even this:

Turns from Breakwater Studios Ltd. on Vimeo.

Oh, and why not this (Not Safe for Work):

Or this (We are not classy individuals):

After sharing some of our favorite online videos, we talk about videos we've made for online viewing.

While we've made videos and put them online, we are far from famous. Some people, though, have turned online video into very lucrative careers. We talk about the phenomenon of YouTube superstars and discuss if they are real celebrities...or something else entirely. We also chat about our feelings about something that seems to bother a lot of people: those who seem to constantly document their lives with video.

For some, online video is really about marketing. Online video changed content marketing; we discuss whether or not it's ever worked on us.

It seems there is always some new way of sharing video online. Find out if we think apps like Meercat (you remember that, right?), Periscope, Blab, and others will eventually give YouTube a challenge.

Online video has been around long enough that it has become a media staple. Now that it's been around a while, can it become as important as film or television? (Has it already reached that point, or even passed it?)

We end this episode as we typically do -- looking toward the future. What is the future of online video?

We'd love to hear your feelings about online video in the comments...and even see videos you've made or appeared in.

Direct download: migs136.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:05am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 135: Last Watching True Crime TV

Earlier today, old-school wrestling legend, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka was arrested for the 1983 death of his girlfriend. (Figured if we're providing a link about the story, it may as well be a TMZ link!) Soon, the story will be a thing on a variety of true-crime television shows.

True crime TV is so big, entire cable networks are dedicated to the stories behind the murders and capers. It doesn't matter if it's unknown people in a no-name town or a huge celebrity trial after a low-speed chase in a white Ford Bronco -- the viewing population has a hunger for crime stories.

So we decided to talk about it on this week's episode of Men in Gorilla Suits.

* * *

We begin by talking about the first true crime TV shows (or "Murder Shows," as Shawn likes to call them), we remember watching. After that, we talk about the most recent murder show we've watched. (And it will become apparent why Shawn pitched this topic.)

Everybody needs a favorite murder show, right? We talk about our faves, and then we discuss if it's a problem that there are so many of these shows that an entire network can run them 24/7.

Then we get a little more specific and chat about the following crimes we've seen on these shows:

  • The most interesting murder tale.
  • The saddest murder tale.
  • The goofiest murder tale.
  • The biggest murder tale.

If you watch enough of these shows, patterns emerge. One such pattern is that more than a handful of Eagle Scouts have gone on to commit murders. We talk about why that might be -- and then move on to revealing if we've ever worried that our spouses might have thought about killing us for insurance money.

We wrap up the weeks episode talking about the show we wish would just go away.

Do you watch true crime television shows? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Direct download: migs135.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 3:41pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 134: Last Seen…Moving

It was Christopher's turn to come up with the week's show idea. He had plenty to choose from, but as he's been helping his mom move to a new place, the idea came:

We've all moved, so...why not do a show about moving?

And so it came to pass that this week's show came to life.

And it was good...

(Except all the singing in this episode. Our [vague] apologies...)

* * *

We begin this week's show talking about the first time we ever moved...and the first time we actually remember moving. After that, it's on to how many times we've moved in our lifetimes.

After that, find out the best -- and worst -- places we've ever lived. Then we discuss where in America -- and the world -- we'd move to if we could. Since the places in America Christopher considers comes from places he's visited while working, we then talk about whether or not we've ever moved for a job.

Moving is a mundane act. Box after box is packed, moved, and eventually unloaded. Along the way, though, sometimes interesting things happen. We share some moving stories before moving on to our favorite -- and least favorite -- things about moving someplace new.

As many times as we've moved, we talk about where we might move to next...and then we wrap up the week's episode talking about the future of moving. Will people move more (or less) in the future?

We'd love to hear your favorite places and moving stories in the comments.

Direct download: migs134.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 2:25pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 133: Last Seen…In Space

Pillars of Creation - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 133: Last Seen…In Space[We apologize in advance for all the links to songs and videos. (But not really)]

* * *

"We're on a space race, baby..."

Space...it's been called the final frontier...

"Open the pod bay doors, HAL..."

It's kind of hard to believe we've gone 132 episodes without dedicating an episode to space.

Oh, sure, we talked about space in our first episode (and so many episodes since that time), but have yet to do a show completely about space.

* * *

We begin this episode talking about the first time we were aware that the earth was nothing more than just another planet in space. In this part of the show, you get to hear Christopher sign some of this. His voice will not go high. It is a terrible moment. He apologizes for the auditory agony inflicted on you. (Come on, that song is like being subjected to the music from the Hobbit cartoon over and over and over. It's not a pretty thing...)

Next, we talk about when we first became interested in space...and when Americans, as a whole, seemed to stop caring about space.

Space exploration has given us things we first only imagined in movies and on television. We chat about the coolest things space exploration has brought to Earth and...the coolest development in space technology in our opinions. But we stick with the "important" theme and talk about the best space-related event in our lifetimes/memories...as well as discuss the next most important thing we should do in space.

Mars Science Lab Landing
Christopher and his wife monitor the landing of the Curiosity science lab (all while live-texting Shawn).

But dumb things have happened in space...and we talk about some faves before devoting some time to the weirdest space-program story we've heard.

So many of us came to love space through movies. We wrap up this episode with our favorite movies about space (Star Trek and Star Wars excluded), and go deeper into the void as we talk about the future of space exploration.

We know there are space-loving geeks out there who would just love to leave a comment, so...have at it, cosmonauts!

And always...ALWAYS remember this:

Direct download: migs133.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:55pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 132: Last Seen…Talking about the Aughts

Ah, the aughts. Full of flagpole sitters and work riots. The assassination of President McKinley and man's first powered flight.

Such times...such times...

Wait, not the early 1900s...

We all got a taste of the future in...the year 2000!

Things were much different in the year 2000...

* * *

We begin this episode (the last in our series about decades we've lived in) by talking about our best — and worst — memories from the aughts. After that, we discuss some favorite things from the time: music, movies, and television in particular.

What did we think were the big news stories about the 00s? It's pretty obvious, so we instead talk about where we were when we heard about the attack on that Tuesday morning in September, 2001. Then we discuss what we consider the technological events of the decade.

After that, we imagine we have a time machine and the power to change the world. Find out what we would do if we could go back to the aughts and make one change about the decade. Then we talk about our greatest accomplishments in the 00s.

We devote some time to the best and worst things to come out of the aughts, and then we wrap up the episode talking about the one word we’d use to describe the decade.

We know we have an audience spanning many decades; we’d love to hear your thoughts about the aughts in the comments.

Direct download: migs132.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:25am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 131: Last Seen…Talking about the 90s

We were going to write a dope intro, here, but we're too apathetic.

Meh...

Some band in the 90s said it best:

Here we are now, entertain us...

Meh...

* * *

We begin this episode by talking about our best — and worst — memories from the 90s. After that, we discuss some favorite things from the time: music, movies, and television in particular.

What did we think were the big news stories about the 90s? Find out before we discuss what we consider the technological events of the decade.

Then we imagine we have a time machine and the power to change the world. Find out what we would do if we could go back to the 90s and make one change about the decade. After that, we talk about our greatest accomplishments in the 90s.

We devote some time to the best and worst things to come out of the 90s, and then we wrap up the episode talking about the one word we’d use to describe the decade.

We know we have an audience spanning many decades; we’d love to hear your thoughts about the 90s in the comments.

Direct download: migs131.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 4:03pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 130: Last Seen…Talking about the 80s

Twist away the gates of steel and step into the future...by taking a walk back to the 1980s. (The last decade Gen X was ever happy!)

Burn out your retinas on all that neon!

Hear synthesizers and drum machines in your sleep.

Remember how cool hanging out at the mall was? (We wonder what happened to that guy who mastered Dragon's Lair at the mall arcade -- what is he doing today?)

Oh yeah, don't forget the shadow of complete planetary annihilation hanging over us all ("Damn, commies!")  during what many consider the happiest times America has ever seen...

We begin this episode by talking about our best -- and worst -- memories from the 80s. After that, we discuss some favorite things from the time: music, movies, and television in particular.

What did we think were the big news stories about the 80s? Find out before we discuss what we consider the technological events of the decade.

Then we imagine we have a time machine and the power to change the world. Find out what we would do if we could go back to the 80s and make one change about the decade. After that, we talk about our greatest accomplishments in the 80s.

We devote some time to the best and worst things to come out of the 80s, and then we wrap up the episode talking about the one word we'd use to describe the decade.

We know we have an audience spanning many decades; we'd love to hear your thoughts about the 80s in the comments.

Direct download: migs130.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:44am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 129: Last Seen…Talking about the 70s

Disco!

That's what many people think about (or remember) when asked to recall anything about the 70s.

Others think about long, blocky cars and gritty movies. Obviously, Nixon and Watergate drop into the minds of others. Vietnam was still going on, and soon those long, blocky cars would be in winding lines waiting for gasoline.

The 70s were an interesting time -- in a way, it was a decade that had a great affect on the decades that followed. (We were driving head-first into some big issues and didn't turn or hit the brakes; some might even say we stepped on the gas and are reaping much of what we sowed in a decade that defined America.)

We begin this episode by talking about our best -- and worst -- memories from the 70s. After that, we discuss some favorite things from the time: music, movies, and television in particular.

For many, the big news story of the 70s was the end of the Vietnam War and Nixon's impeachment following the Watergate scandal. But for us, other news stories bubbled up.

Near the end of the 70s was the beginning of a technological boom that would change the world forever. Find out what we consider the technological events of the decade.

Then we imagine we have a time machine and the power to change the world. Find out what we would do if we could go back to the 70s and make one change about the decade. (Don't worry disco fans, we would not get rid of the music...) After that, we talk about our greatest accomplishments in the 70s. (Which is kind of funny, considering Shawn was born mid-way through 1978!)

We devote some time to the best and worst things to come out of the 70s, and then we wrap up the episode talking about the one word we'd use to describe the decade.

We know we have an audience spanning many decades; we'd love to hear your thoughts about the 70s in the comments.

(We'll now return you to the funk...)

Direct download: migs129.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 6:50pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 128: Last Seen…Reading Children's Literature

Most of us have memories of the earliest stories read to us...or stories we read on our own. We often carry lessons from those stories into adulthood. Children's literature kickstarts imagination, and reminds the adults reading to children that maybe they'd do well to slow down a little and let their imaginations run wild.

This week's show is all about children's literature.

We begin by talking about the first book we remember from childhood. Was it a work of children's literature, or something else? After that, we move on to the first book we remember reading on our own. We wrap up the intro to the show listing some of our favorite children's books. (Shawn just might win, were it a competition!)

At some point, books move on from pictures and simple tales to something more complex. We discuss what transitional books affected us when we were younger.

While we rarely plug our own books on the podcast, it's not a big secret that we both write. Find out if we've ever had a desire to write children's literature.

Fantasy worlds are often used in children's literature. We discuss why we think that's so common before we talk about our favorite -- and least favorite -- things about children's literature.

Good stories feature good characters. Find out who our favorite characters are from children's literature...and whether or not either of us have bought children's literature or picture books as adults.

We close out this week's show by talking about how children's literature has affected us as adults -- and what the future of children's literature is in a digital age.

We'd love to hear what your favorite works from childhood are...chat away in the comments!

Direct download: migs128.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 4:55pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 127: Last Seen…Talking about Work/Life Balance

The people of Dothan, Alabama are no-good slackers! But first...

At least in the United States of 'Murica, many of us had a long weekend last weekend because of the 4th of July holiday. Oh, sure...many didn't, but if they wanted it badly enough, they'd WORK for it, 'cause that's what we do in America, right?! (Obviously, that's sarcasm...but not so obvious, since we felt the need to call that out as sarcasm...)

Anyway...last weekend was a holiday for so many, a rare time when people who work hard got a little bit of a break.

America is full of people eating at their desks and answering email at 11:00 p.m. If you work in a warehouse or factory, you probably work weekends.

Work/Life balance is askew for many, so we decided to devote an entire episode to such an important thing...

We begin by talking about the first time we heard the term "work/life balance." After that, we discuss our early years...specifically, when we were introduced to someone, how often was a job the first thing they mentioned about themselves? Find out how often that occurs now -- and, when we introduce ourselves, how soon we bring up our day jobs.

Find out how much time we work each week, sleep each week, and have time to ourselves each week. (The answer to that last one might have some CEOs wishing they could pay us for free time.)

Also, find out how fluid our work schedules are before we discuss how available we make ourselves to coworkers outside of working hours. (Christopher is a right asshole, but he does not mind. Shawn is the coworker you want.)

After that, we talk about whether or not our work/life balance is in harmony, or if it is more weighed toward work or slack. Also find out, among people we know, if their work/life balances are healthy.

We wrap it all up with the future of work and life...and how they will balance...or fly apart.

We'd love to hear your thoughts about this important topic in the comments. And...we'd love to hear how you feel about Dothan, Alabama...

(Really, we LOVE Dothan, Alabama...)

Direct download: migs127.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:37pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 126: Last Seen…Talking about Change

Last week was a week of change in America. The Affordable Healthcare Act stood up (again) in the Supreme Court, and marriage equality is now a thing in all 50 states. Some people are elated; others feel like the very foundation of all they know is crumbling down around them. No matter where you stand on any issue, it's pretty clear that -- given enough time -- things change. So we decided to devote this week's show to changes of all kinds...

We begin this week's episode talking about how we feel about the Supreme Court of the United States overturning the ban on same-sex marriage. (It's probably evident where we stand on this if you've listened to any of our past shows about social justice.) Some people, however, are anything but pleased that two people of the same sex now -- finally -- have the same legal protection that Shawn and Christopher have with their wives. We devote a bit of time discussing how people can change the hearts of those standing on the precipice of being buried by history.

Almost everybody has heard the saying, "The more that things change, the more they stay the same." Find out if we think that's true -- and then hear us talk about the first big change we remember in our lives. After that, we chat about the proudest change made in our lives...and the one thing we still intend to change. Also, find out what we'd change about this podcast.

While summer in Texas seems to run from Cinco de Mayo to Halloween, seasons do occur, here. We not only discuss our favorite seasons, but why they are our favorites.

Tastes change over time; we talk about some personal changes in tastes before getting back to something more serious: how to deal with advances in technology affecting human industry and population.

Were the "good ol' days" really better than things are today? How do we think the world will change in the next 50 years? And, if we could change one thing about the world, what would that be? Find out in the final part of this week's show.

And the final final question of this week's episode: if you had a time machine and could go back and make one change in our lives, find out what those changes would be...?

Direct download: migs126.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:22am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 125: Last Seen…Talking about [Gender] Equality

Hey, we hit episode 125! In honor of that, we'll get right to it: this week, we're talking about gender equality!

We begin by talking about how old we were when we first realized that men and women were treated differently. After that, we move on to the event that made us think, "This imbalance in equality just isn't right." Next, we talk about why women generally make less than men at work.

We don't cut ourselves slack in this episode -- find out if either of us have ever made what could be deemed a sexist statement (and what those statements were). The flip-side of that: find out what feminist statements we've made. (Hell, Christopher once wrote this.)

We devote some time to whether or not anyone's ever given us grief for our stances on gender equality before discussing the most enlightened -- and unenlightened -- people we know when it comes to gender issues.

We wrap up the episode as we often do: talking about the future of the week's topic. In this case, we close with what we believe will be the solution to gender equality.

We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Direct download: migs125.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:48am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 124: Last Seen…Setting Boundaries

In honor of this episode, when Shawn went to Christopher's place to record, the gate at the apartment complex where Christopher lives was closed.

Shawn could not get in... (The horror!!!)

He faced...a boundary...that lasted all of a moment when another vehicle came in, opened the gate, and Shawn followed them in...where he then parked in Christopher's spot under a carport.

That spot belongs to Christopher and his wife. Anyone not supposed to be parking there can be towed at their command...although Christopher and his wife have never exerted that power.

Boundaries are strange things. Some people require a 10-foot invisible bubble of personal space, while others are fine packed together tightly with strangers. Some people hide who they are deep down inside, while others are open to the point of some finding those people uncomfortable. (If you listen to this podcast, we're guessing you're fine with open people because we will talk about anything...even devoting an hour, once, to talking about poo.) Some people think it's money well spent to build a wall between America and Mexico, while others (i.e. not racist douchenozzles) can think of a bazillion better uses for that much money.

This week, we're all about boundaries...

We begin by talking about the first boundary in life we each remember, and then...we drop a [philosophy] bomb on y'all by talking about what seems more limiting to us: physical or mental boundaries. (While Christopher often writes these show notes in third person, he has never used "y'all" in an entry. That he knows of. After almost 125 episodes -- and some aging -- it all gets hazy...)

Personal space. Barring those with dragon breath, we discuss whether or not we have problems with people getting all up in our personal space. Next, we leap to how important boundaries are in our lives...and also: how important national boundaries are to us. (i.e. how utterly fucking stupid is the proposed wall with Mexico? Which probably gives away our answer...and might stir up the bile of some neo-cons, which -- let's be honest -- is not difficult at all. Shit, they are really more sensitive and easily offended as extreme liberals...which is really saying something. But we [Christopher] digress...)

Then we get all techie...and talk about digital rights management, software keycodes, and boundaries like that. Then...we talk not only about boundaries we are comfortable breaking, but we also share our favorite trespassing stories (where you learn that Shawn was a good boy in that regard, and Christopher really was a little shit-monkey! Like a bonafide bolt-cutter trespasser...)

Find out what we feel is the worst breach of a boundary, and then find out what boundary we would eradicate from the world if we had the power. (Another bit leaning more toward the philosophical, rather than some stupid, physical thing in the world.)

But let's pretend we're in Colorado and totally toasty and talking about space and time...which is funny, 'cause even if a life like this were legal, neither Christopher or Shawn would partake in the herb...even though we are all for legalization.

Anyway...assuming we colonize other planets, how will boundaries factor in to human development in space?

And then we close it out with this question: as we move forward as a species, do you think boundaries will become more or less important...or the same as it ever was? (Same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...)

ANYWAY...feel free to break down that boundary of the Internet and have your say in the comments. And, as always, thanks for taking time out of all you could have done with this hour of your life and listening to us instead of myriad other things. We really do appreciate it.

Direct download: migs124.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:58pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 123: Last Seen…Aging

As you read this sentence, you're getting older. Now you're even older than when you started reading this entry. You can step away and turn your head, hoping to not be reminded that you are aging, but time marches on.

Forward...

Always...

This week, we're talking about aging!

We begin by talking about the first time we realized that childhood was temporary -- that one day we would become adults. But aging is not all bad...we discuss the first time we were aware of our bodies aging in positive ways. After that, though, we talk about some negative things we're felt or experienced as we've aged. We also talk about age-related problems we've noticed...and age-related problems that scare us.

Hundreds of years ago, we'd probably be dead by now. We devote some time to the positive and negative effects of longer lifespans in modern times -- and then talk about how old we want to live to be.

We also chat about some benefits of getting older and whether we consider ourselves old, middle aged, young, or something else entirely.

We wrap up this episode on the front lawn (chasing off those damn kids!) to discuss whether or not we are, indeed, getting "too old for this shit!"

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts about aging in the comments.

Direct download: migs123.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:43am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 122: Last Seen…Hacking Things

Last week, friend of the Gorillamen, Rick Coste, had his site for the Evolution Talk podcast hacked. Rick half-joked that an upcoming episode of Men in Gorilla Suits should be about hacking and hackers, so...here it is!

We begin the episode by talking about the first instance of hacking -- whether real or fictional -- that we remember seeing. After that, it's confession time: find out if we've ever hacked anything (or known people who have).

There's a lot behind hackers and the reasons they do what they do. We take some time to discuss what makes someone become a hacker, and then devote time to chatting about why even people who despise hackers are often fascinated by stories about hacking things. Next, we ask if there's ever a good reason to hack something.

"Hack" has become a word applied to many other things. Find out what we think about lifehacking and other so-called types of hacks.

We've talked about technology at length before, and we return to tech talk for a moment when we talk about whether or not we're concerned about hacking as we begin creating computer-controlled implants, like some pacemakers. How secure is a controlled heartbeat in the big city? Keeping in the spirit of things very big to people that can be hacked, we know voting machines can be hacked -- we talk about whether or not we think we'll see a major election stolen from hacking...or if it's happened already.

Groups like Anonymous are sometimes praised and often scorned for their efforts. Find out where we stand on groups like that. Also find out if we've ever been hacked or had personal data compromised.

With so much national infrastructure relying on technology, how has hacking become a weapon for some nations? (Find out how we feel about this.)

There's no denying that technology will only get more complex, and that people will figure out ways to compromise the integrity of systems and items. Find out if we think we'll ever stop hackers.

As always, we'd love to know how you feel about anything from this week's episode on the comments section.

Direct download: migs122.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:34am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 121: Last Seen…Joining Cults

Oh, cults...you all so wacky! With your indoctrinating and control and all those other culty things. Which makes one wonder...where is the line drawn when it comes to cults?

With Josh Duggar in the news, recently , one must even question if even Christianity can have cultish sects. (Seen people defending him and molestation -- gah, people...what the fuck is wrong with you?! And should you be like, "It's liberals picking on conservatives!" instead of, "Holy shit, that's wrong," -- at least Christopher (and he's guessing, Shawn) would like to go on record as saying Roman Polanski (and those who'd work with him -- [probably] mostly liberals), [probably] Woody Allen, Jimmy Page, and a whole lotta other famous people are also vile and cannot be defended, so stop trying to defend a child molester, neo-cons! And also: we don't give atheists a free ride in this episode, so chill if you think we're picking on Christians. People in clusters can be the most awesome thing on the planet...and the scariest!)

The point: cults are probably much more common than many of us like to consider. So...it seemed a worthy topic for the week.

We begin by talking about the first time we ever heard of a cult, and then move on to why humans seem so fascinated by cults. After that, we discuss the most disturbing cult story we remember hearing or seeing. But it's not all doomsday and craziness -- we also talk about the silliest cults we've heard about.

But it's mostly doomsday and craziness because cults are dangerous things. We chat about the most dangerous cults we know of, and then talk about groups that aren't technically cults, but that we'd consider very cult-like. (If not full-blown cults in their own rights.)

The big question is what makes someone join a cult? We talk about that before talking about if we've ever known anyone who's actually been in a cult.

Is there a cult either of us even partially kind of agree with? And if we had to join a cult, find out which one we'd join.

We close out this episode talking about what kind of cult we'd start (what we'd call it, what the basic tenets would be...all kinds of nifty things like that) if we had to form a cult of our own devising.

If you're so inclined, join the Cult of a Divine Gorilla Suit by leaving a comment about this episode. We promise a ride on a comet, or something as equally far-fetched. (Although humans have landed a spacecraft on a comet, so maybe one day we can all don Nike space boots and one-up the Heaven's Gate cult with a groovy comet ride that doesn't kill us. Unless, you know...space mishap!)

Direct download: migs121.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:15pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 120: Last Seen…Being Narcissistic

The problem with an audio podcast is you can't lay your mortal eyes on just how damn good looking we are! That might be to our advantage; we're such stunners that you all would do nothing but think about us all the time if you had to actually watch us speak. Really, just letting you hear our golden voices is a gift you should cherish.

Okay, so we're average looking guys with average voices, but for some people, the self-love-fest is in constant effect! From Narcissus admiring his reflection in a pool of water to Kim Kardashian releasing a book of carefully composed selfies, narcissists are around us all. It's a fascinating topic, so...we of course decided to make it the topic of this week's episode.

We begin by talking about when we first became aware of narcissism -- and quickly move on to what causes some people to become narcissists. After that, we discuss whether of not we consider ourselves narcissistic...and if others might.

Most of us at least have one feature or thing about ourselves that we love. We talk about the closest we lean toward narcissism before talking about why some are so quick to label others narcissists.

There's no denying that social media can feed into a narcissistic routine. We discuss how social media has affected narcissism and even devote some time to discussing the rise of the selfie.

If you've ever been around a truly narcissistic person, you know it can be tough dealing with the constant self-love-fest. We talk about the hardest aspect of narcissism to deal with, and then devote some time to chatting about the most narcissistic person we know.

Narcissists can make great characters. We talk about our favorite narcissists from film, television, or literature for a bit. After that, we discuss if there are any benefits to being a narcissist.

We wrap up this week's episode pondering this: will there always be narcissism in the world?

If you can tear yourself free from the looking glass long enough, we'd love to hear your thoughts about this week's episode in the comments below.

Direct download: migs120.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 4:02pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 119: Last Seen…Being Disciplined

What do you think of when you hear the word discipline? Here at Men in Gorilla Suits, we hope it makes you think of mental and physical focus -- not spankings and other forms of control. While that would make for an interesting show (and possibly a sad one, evoking memories from Christopher about a messed-up woman he once worked with who seriously once said, "I miss Daddy and the days when he brought out the brush or belt..."), this week, we're talking about the kind of discipline that drives people to do bigger things.

We begin by discussing what we think of when we hear the word discipline. After that, we talk about how old we were when the concept of mental or physical discipline was introduced to us...and which kind of discipline we first experienced.

If you've ever wondered what the hardest things we've trained our minds to do, we talk about that -- and then move on to the hardest things we've ever trained our bodies to do. Next, we talk about the areas in our lives where we are most disciplined...and the least disciplined.

Find out how we feel we compare to the average person when it comes to being disciplined (hint: Christopher will have this episode online before he begins his work day (with time to spare), and we've never missed a week of Men in Gorilla Suits in 119 weeks so far); and then find out who are the most disciplined people we know.

We wrap up this week's show by talking about the one thing we wish we had trained ourselves to do and then discuss if discipline is going away or still in abundance in modern society.

As always, free to chime in with your thoughts about discipline in the comments below.

Direct download: migs119.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:09am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 118: Last Seen…Being Quotable

Odds are, if you've looked at Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media platform in the past week, you've seen a quote of some kind. People seem to love quotes over pretty photos even more than they once loved books containing quotes before the Internet was really much of a thing. There was a time when it was hard to not see a motivational quote on a middle manager's wall meant to inspire all those who entered, no matter the reason. Some people even quote themselves.

So...we decided to do an episode about quotes.
- Christopher and Shawn

We begin with the first quote we remember reading or seeing, and then talk about whether or not we're fans of quotes.

Most quotes are attributed to famous people, but must that always be the case? And speaking of managers with the dreaded Successories motivational poster in a frame on the wall, how does business speak differ from quotes...if they even differ at all?

No matter where you stand on the quote fandom spectrum, at some point, quotes can become little more than platitudes. We discuss where that point occurs before discussing the worst platitude we've experienced or seen. We take it even further and discuss whether or not motivational quotes can be damaging.

After that, we talk about social media's affect on the popularity of quotes; then: are people who dislike motivational quotes inherently negative people? And...who decides that a quote is worthy of sticking around?

We close out this week's show with the funniest quotes we've ever heard and our all-time favorite quotes.

Feel free to quote yourself and reply about this episode in the comments below.

Direct download: migs118.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 9:17pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 117: Last Seen…Showing Respect

Respect means different things to people. For some, it is something to be demanded; others respect everyone until they are given reasons not to. Some people respect others so much that they have a hard time respecting themselves, while megalomaniacs often respect only the person they see in the mirror. It's a fascinating thing, respect -- so much so that it's the topic for this week's episode.

We begin talking about when we first became aware of this thing called respect. After that, we discuss what people need to do to earn our respect...if anything at all.

Next, we dedicate a bit of time to talking about whether or not we have self-respect before talking about how important respect is to a functioning society.

If you've ever wondered what we most respect about ourselves, we cover that...and then move on to why we think so many people have a hard time respecting themselves.

Find out if we've ever found ourselves in situations of conflicting respect before we get all sappy and share what we respect most about each other.

If there's one truth in the world, it's that "kids these days" have no respect...or is that something unfairly put upon them by disrespectful older people?

Find out who we've respected most -- and least -- in our lives before we wrap it all up by asking if respect for those around us is on the decline, the rise, or the same as it's always been.

Show some respect (or even disrespect) in the comments below.

Direct download: migs117.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:17pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 116: Last Seen…Becoming Obsolete

The 5 1/4" floppy disk. Holding just over 1 megabyte of information, they were the proverbial shit. Until 3.5" floppies became all the rage! Somewhere in a closet, Christopher has an old tape drive...and even better: a Zip Drive.

Yes, there was a time when you could hold 100 megabytes of information on single disk!

Of course, all those storage methods are now obsolete. We can now access well over 100 gigabytes on a micro SD card that's a choking hazard to a two-year-old kid. (The past was such a safe place...never had to worry about a child choking on a copy of Zork!)

This week, we talk all about obsolete things. We really had a great time with this episode!

We begin by talking about the first thing we owned that ever went obsolete. After that, we jump to things that were around when we were younger -- that doesn't exist anymore...but we wish did.

Consumer products come and go (and a few lucky ones stick around a long time). We discuss our favorite failed consumer products, as well as those we wish succeeded...and those we were glad to see become obsolete and go away. Also: we talk about the consumer product we wish had failed, but still lingers on.

But it's not just things that become obsolete over time. We talk about places we went to when we were younger that no longer exist. After that, we talk about people you don't see anymore -- and the type of person we wish would fade away.

There are more things made today than any other time in history. We discuss whether new things have a shorter life span today, or if it's still about the same as it's always been. After that, we talk about the "next big thing" we were surprised to see fail.

Things are becoming obsolete right now. We talk about recent memories of things fading into obscurity and wrap up this episode discussing the next things to vanish from our lives.

There might be a day when comment sections on blogs are obsolete, but as of today, they are still a thing. We'd love to hear your thoughts about obsolete things in the comments below.

Direct download: migs116.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 9:13am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 115: Last Seen…Watching Series Television

Binge-watch.

A few years ago, it meant nothing. Now, for many, it's a way of life: streaming television shows -- episode after episode. Last weekend, by lunch time, Christopher had watched all 13 episodes of Netflix's Daredevil. Shawn has watched time pass by in episodes of House of Cards. We both go back to different Star Trek series.

Technology has changed the way people watch television, and with that, television itself has changed...and even changed us. Ongoing storylines hook people, bringing them back and keeping them talking about TV more than ever. That's what we're talking about this week.

We begin by talking about the first series television shows we remember seeing, and then we jump to the biggest draw of ongoing storylines. After that, we talk about what kinds of stories seem more suited for series TV than others.

Sometimes, shows move along great and then...fall apart. We talk about some of the problems series shows can face, and then we talk not only about our all-time favorite (and current favorite) series shows, but why we like them so much. After that, we discuss how cable TV and Netflix/Amazon have changed series television.

Salman Rushdie has praised series TV. Other big writers are just as hooked. Some of these writers have stated that if they were starting out writing now, they've go straight to series television. We talk about how series television has affected novels, and then talk about the effect series TV has had on other media.

Being the geeks that we are, we devote some time to talking about things we'd love to see turned into ongoing television shows -- and then we talk about things we've written that we'd like to see as a series. (We even share loglines and the dreaded "It's Weekend at Bernies meets On Golden Pond" mash-up line we'd use to describe our show.)

We close out the episode talking about the future of series television...and how we'll view shows in the coming years.

As always, feel free to share your feelings about this week's topic in the comments below...

Direct download: migs115.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 12:02pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 114: Last Seen…Being Political

Vote Kupfer and Gronlund sign - Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 114: Last Seen…Being PoliticalIt's still a long way off until the next American Presidential election, and already, wooden [and balls-out stupid] people [at least one from Texas] are standing up and proclaiming their intentions to run for office.

Politics!

We're told politics and religion are things we shouldn't discuss, but why is that? Why not discuss very broken things in the open, for all to see? That's what we're doing on this week's episode!

We begin by talking about the first time we became aware of politics, followed by what political party -- if any -- we align ourselves with.

Find out the first election we voted in...and who we voted for. After that, we discuss whether or not we've ever volunteered to work for a political campaign (and if we've ever given money to any campaigns).

For many, political views are first formed by one's parents. Find out if we followed our parents' political views...and how we decide to vote for a candidate (if we decide to vote at all).

After that, we talk about the current political system in America (the Electoral College, campaigning, and all that other good stuff). Find out if we think it works, or if it can stand some improvements. (And, because we're muthafuckin' Americans and it's our prerogative: what we'd do to improve American politics.)

Have we ever not voted in an election...and, if so: why? Find out! After that, we talk about how involved with politics we are compared to our younger selves. And we wrap it all up talking about the future of politics in America.

So step into the comments' booth and be heard below!

Direct download: migs114.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:35pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 113: Last Seen…Pooping

While it is April first (at least somewhere in the world at the time of posting), this is no joke. We have speculated that we can talk about anything for an hour: even an hour dedicated to poop! We recently mentioned that ability again and got challenged to finally prove that we can keep a talk about feces interesting for an hour.

We have accepted that challenge!

In fact, we not only talk about poop for an hour...at 1:05:09 into this week's show, Christopher interviews his mom about pooping when he was a baby...and many other things. Yep, for the first time ever, there is another person featured on Men in Gorilla Suits -- the person who brought Gorilla Christopher into the world! (It's one of Christopher's favorite moments in any podcast he's ever done.)

But before the chat with Christopher's mom, we begin with this important question: when is the last time you shit yourself?

With one half of the podcast solidly into middle age and another climbing that direction, we chat about whether or not we're more concerned with regularity than we've been in the past.

But we never make a show all about us...

There's no classy way to address the turd in the urinal seen by most men in a restroom while on a road trip. It's one of life's greatest mysteries -- and we devote some time to talking about how and why this phenomenon exists! After that, we stick around public restrooms and talk about whether or not we are people who fear pooping in public. (Also, whether we're fond of the courtesy flush when pooping.) Then it's all about the worst public restrooms we've ever seen. (And a tale of an open cesspit in Canada into which campers were expected to defecate.)

Poop has smeared its way into pop culture; we spend a bit of time discussing our favorite songs about poop before talking about our favorite poop scenes in television and film. After that, we take a wild guess at how many words we've read in our lifetimes while pooping.

Find out why we think poop is used so often in humor...as well as naming our favorite euphemisms for pooping.

We all have favorite poop stories, right? Well, even if you don't, we do...and we're not afraid to share them.

We wrap it all up by having what might be the only serious moment in this week's show...when we talk about...THE FUTURE OF POOP!!!

We almost fear saying, "Share your best poop stories in the comments below," but if you make it through this episode (and the interview with Christopher's mom after the usual outro music), you've earned the right to write on our online bathroom stall wall...

Direct download: migs113.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 1:27pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 112: Last Seen…Talking about Self-Image

How do you feel about who you are? Are you pleased with the person you've become, or do you think there's so much room for improvement that it affects the way you look at yourself? How do others view you -- and how do those you meet shape who you are and how you look at yourself? There are just a few things we're talking about this week on Men in Gorilla Suits.

We begin by talking about how the concept of self-image was introduced to us. (Shawn shares a particular devastating story, here.) After that, we discuss how accurate our perceptions of ourselves are.

Next, we talk about how we arrived at our current self-images.

Others shape who we are in so many ways. We chat about others making observations about us that, while true, went against the way we looked at ourselves. After that, we talk about who has the most accurate image of us: ourselves or our wives.

Find out if we ever project images of ourselves that is different in any way of what we feel are our "true" selves. Then we move onto other people: if we polled those closest to us, would their images of us match the way we look at ourselves? Would it be more positive, negative, or a bit of both?

Then we talk about other people. Find out if those we know view themselves better (or worse) than the people we see. After that, it's back to us. Do we have a positive or negative (or even aggrandized) image of ourselves?

We wrap it up with two questions:

  • If you had to describe yourself -- your personality, your actions, your character -- in one word, what would you choose?
  • What one word do you think others would choose?

Tell us who you are in the comments below...

Direct download: migs112.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:11pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 111: Last Seen...Talking about White Privilege

Why did two white guys from the suburbs decide to talk about white privilege for an hour? You'll have to listen to find out.

Maybe you want a hint about what we talked about? Fair enough...

We begin by talking about when we first heard the term white privilege. From there, we move on to discussing if either of us have been accused of being privileged in any way...and how we reacted to it.

After that, we chat about if anyone's actually leveled the term "white privilege" at us...of if we've ever been told to check our privilege in any way.

Then, the question that made Shawn think about this episode: does the idea of white privilege hold any weight for us?

Next, we talk about where the idea of white privilege originated, before moving on to the last two questions:

  • Do we think we are guilty of any sort of privilege?
  • Is "white privilege" a subtle (or not-so-subtle) form of racism?

If you're a regular listener, you've probably noticed this episode contains about half the usual talking points we shoot for. It's a much more conversational episode, and we hope you like it and take a moment to comment about the episode below...

Direct download: migs111.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 9:03pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 110: Last Seen…Talking about Rap and Hip Hop

"Four and three and two and one, and when I'm on the mic, the suckas run..."

Hip hop and rap -- styles of music that seem to be either loved or hated. We're on the love side, and it's entirely possible that if you're on the hate side, we might win you over by the end of this episode.

We kick it off talking about the first rap or hip hop we remember hearing. After that, we move on to what we say to those who tell us they can't stand rap and hip hop (even going as far as saying it's inferior to all other music). Want to know what songs we play for those who say they hate all rap and hip hop? We tell ya!

Rap gets a bad...rap for being sexist and homophobic. While it's not something exclusive to the style of music, it's definitely prevalent enough that we spend a little bit of time to talk about that. And while we're on that roll, we discuss the use of "nigger" and "nigga" in rap and hip hop. (Hint about our feelings: just typing that seems sooooooo wrong. This part of the show devolved into talking about the awkwardness and desperation of Quentin Tarantino.)

Rap and hip hop have been influential enough to have offshoots like nerdcore and trip hop. We discuss that for a bit before jumping to how rap and hip hop have influenced music in general.

We take a little detour and talk about the best live rap or hip hop shows we've seen, and then it's on to a one-minute lightning round where we rattle off all the rap and hip hop we like as fast as we can.

We'll be the first to admit that not all rap and hip hop is good. We devote some time to the worst tunes before wrapping it all up by discussing what the future holds for rap and hip hop.

We'd love to know how you feel about the music; feel free to comment below.

Direct download: migs110.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 10:24pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 109: Last Seen…Committing Crimes

As you read this, we're stealing your wallet or purse. Now...we're breaking into your car. Shawn just might assault you for the sheer joy of committing a crime. Christopher just stole your identity...

Okay, so we're not criminals, but crime is a fascinating topic to us; we're surprised it took us 109 weeks to finally get to it.

We begin the episode talking about the first time we remember hearing about crime; then we jump to whether or not we've been victims of violent crimes or any property crimes.

We couldn't do a show about crime without coming clean and talking about anything we've done that can be deemed criminal activity...or things we've done that -- without a doubt -- were criminal. After that, we talk about the worst crimes we've committed (at least, according to the law).

It's easy to jump online and convince yourself that you will be a victim of crime on any given day, but...is crime more or less of a problem today than when we were young? And what do we think contributes to the perception that crime is running rampant right now?

Criminals can be stupid and, sometimes, outright hilarious. We discuss the craziest crime stories we've heard and then put on our poorly-made super hero outfits and talk about if we've ever had a desire to fight crime. (Oddly enough, it wasn't, "Oh, yes...I always wanted to be a cop." Nope, we go straight to vigilantism.)

Crime in America is on the downswing, and has been for quite some time. We talk about what we believe has led to the overall decrease, and then we discuss where we believe the most crime-ridden places in the first world are when it comes to violent crime.

We wrap up the episode -- as always -- looking toward the future. Will humanity ever wipe out crime, or is it something that will always be around?

As always, confess any of your criminal activities, or share your thoughts on crime, in the comments below.

Direct download: migs109.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 7:45am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 108: Last Seen…Being Apathetic

Meh...

Yawn...

We almost didn't do this episode because we just didn't care...

We were feeling rather...apathetic.

But then we remembered that apathy sometimes gets a bad rap, so we decided to stand tall and defend it.

Sort of...

We begin by discussing what we think the average person thinks of when you ask them what apathy is. After that, we talk about the first things we remember being apathetic about.

Why do some people become apathetic in the first place? We chat about that before asking if we've seen people use apathy as a defense.

If you listen to the show, you know there's a facet of apathy we embrace. We talk about the power of controlled apathy a bit, and then move on to when apathy can become a problem. Find out if we've ever seen apathy damage someone.

Another popular form of apathy is voter apathy. Are people who don't vote because they don't care part of the problem, or are there reasons some people don't vote that go beyond simply not wanting to go through the motions?

Next, we talk about how to overcome damaging apathy...and what we think can make one person obsessive while others become apathetic. Along the same thought, we discuss if a person can be apathetic in some aspects of their life while being very active in others.

We wrap it all up wondering if humans will always be apathetic.

If you care enough about this episode, please leave a comment below. If you don't, we get...it's cool...

Direct download: migs108.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:37pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 107: Last Seen…Being Corrupt

It seems everywhere you turn -- government, corporations, religion, education -- there's corruption. So much so that many people seem to think that honesty is a thing of the past. (These people often forget that the past was full of just as much corruption...maybe even more.) Are we all doomed to live in a world where the little guy is crushed beneath the boots of those cheating their way to the top, or is that view of the world not really justified? That's what we're talking about on this week's episode of Men in Gorilla Suits.

We begin the episode talking about the first example of corruption we can remember (hint: Christopher was born in Chicago and raised in the area). After that, we discuss the first time we were on either side of something corrupt (as the victim or the one actually being corrupt).

We get a little bogged down in semantics when we talk about whether or not absolute power corrupts absolutely -- and then we talk about how big a problem corruption is where we live.

When most people think about corruption, they think about government. We talk about how big we think corruption is on a federal level, and then jump to corporations (including if we've ever seen corruption at any of the places we've worked).

We step away from the idea that corruption is reserved solely for the powerful and talk about other forms of corruption worthy of concern. Next, we discuss the most corrupt organizations we've heard about.

It seems like every week (or several times a week) there's a new video of corrupt police activity. We talk about whether or not police departments are more corrupt today than they were in the past, and then...we jump to the National Football League. (Because why not?! Actually, it was a talk about the NFL that triggered this episode for Gorilla Shawn.) If we were made commissioner of the NFL, find out if we'd give in to corruption...and how long it would take either of us to become corrupt.

We wrap up the episode talking about what we can do in the future to slow down or even stop corruption...or if it's just something we'll always live with.

Leave a comment below and we'll be sure that if either of us are ever made President of the United States, we'll give you the cabinet position of your choice!

Direct download: migs107.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 1:53pm CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 106: Last Seen…Talking about Family

If you're reading this -- whether you like it or not -- you have [at some point in your life] been part of a family. Chances are you're still part of a family. (We have met very few loners in life who have eschewed or lost all family.) It's something we all have in common, but what constitutes a family can be very different depending on who you ask. That's what we're talking about on this week's episode of Men in Gorilla Suits.

We begin by talking about our earliest family memories and then jump to how large our immediate families were (and are).

There are those who say, "My friends are family!" Does that hold true to us, or can only actual relatives be family?

The Brady Bunch introduced many people to step families at a time when it wasn't as common as it is today. We discuss our experiences with step families -- and then talk about in-laws...are they as bad as sitcoms and movies make them out to be?

Find out if family is the most important thing in our lives; then we talk about our best -- and worst -- family memories.

Families are not perfect things, and sometimes there are relatives who are just very hard to deal with. Find out if either of us have ever written off a family member.

With more people having children later in life (or not at all), "fur-kids" has become a term many use to describe their pets. We some time to talking about how important pets are to family.

It seems even the most Leave-it-to-Beaver families have some degree of dysfunction going on. We ask if there even are any normal families out there, or if it's all an ideal that can never exist.

Finally, what constitutes a family has changed over the years. We talk about the future of the family and the challenges faced (and -- hopefully -- the acceptance that family is really what we make of it...).

If you feel compelled to join in the conversation, have your say in the comments below...

Direct download: migs106.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:28am CDT

Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 105: Last Seen…Podcasting about Podcasting

This coming Saturday marks a fairly big day for the Men in Gorilla Suits podcast. On February 7, 2013, we loaded our first episode. Over a hundred episodes later, we're still going strong.

What better way to celebrate this milestone by podcasting...about podcasting!

We begin with the first podcasts we remember listening to and then jump to how we describe podcasts to those not familiar with them.

Most people into podcasts are familiar with Serial. It's one of the only podcasts we can think of that people at work talk about, but has it really gone mainstream (as many podcasters claim)?

Regardless of Serial's standing, there's no doubt that it has opened people's eyes to podcasting and influenced people. Find out how we feel the success of Serial has influenced podcasts.

Find out if either of us did any podcasting before Men in Gorilla Suits -- as well as what made us want to podcast.

Within podcasting, some argue that content is the most important thing while others say production matters so much that they will not listen to even a great show if it doesn't sound like it was produced in a studio. Obviously, a mix of both things is ideal, but if we could choose only one thing, find out what matters more to us: content or production quality.

Beyond that, find out what we feel is the most important thing when doing a podcast -- and also, find out how podcasting has changed our lives.

Clearly, we like podcasts. We talk about some of our favorite shows, including particular episodes that stand out as our all-time faves.

Finally, as we usually do, we look toward the future -- this time speculating what the future holds for podcasting.

Whether you've been there since the start of Men in Gorilla Suits, or if this is the first episode you've listened to, we thank you so much for letting us into your ear holes! We'd love to hear what some of your favorite podcasts are in the comments below...

Direct download: migs105.mp3
Category:Pop Culture -- posted at: 8:28pm CDT