Episodes

What happens when a presidential candidate becomes the target of an assassination attempt during a public speech? On the Mick and Pat show, we dissect the shocking attack in Pennsylvania and the immediate fallout that ensued. We reflect on the gravity of this unprecedented event and its broader implications for American political discourse, emphasizing the dire need to tone down the vitriolic rhetoric between political parties. Our discussion broadens to explore the impact of social isolation o...

Could you save the world from a nuclear disaster with just ten minutes on the clock? This episode thrusts you into the heart-pounding tension of the Cold War with "Coldline," an immersive game that challenges us to step into the shoes of Chairman Zarkov and his aide, Comrade Pavel. We race against time to stop a nuclear warhead mistakenly aimed at New York City by navigating an intricate phone menu system and frantically communicating with the U.S. President. Feel the pressure and urgency as eve...

What happens when childhood memories and personal encounters with rules shape our understanding of a literary masterpiece? Join us in part three of the Dog Ear Dialogues series on John Steinbeck's "East of Eden" as we share our unique experiences revisiting this iconic novel. Mickey's enthusiasm contrasts with Billie Jean's more subdued reaction, highlighting how different life stages influence our connection to the story. Themes of trauma, morality, and legacy come to the forefront as we reflec...

We delve into John Steinbeck's "East of Eden," focusing on Part Two. Through the lens of "Dog-eared Dialogues" and the serene backdrop of Space Banjo’s ambient music, we dissect the novel’s intricate structure, focusing on the Trask and Hamilton families and their biblical allegories. Lee, the enigmatic Chinese-American house servant, takes center stage in our character analysis. Initially depicted through a problematic Orientalist lens, Lee soon emerges as a sophisticated, philosophical figure ...

What if classic literature wasn't as dull as you remember? In this episode of Dog Ear Dialogues, we challenge the preconceived notions surrounding John Steinbeck's "East of Eden." We begin our four-part series by exploring the multifaceted characters and themes that make this novel so captivating. We discuss Cyrus Trask's complex relationships with his sons, Adam and Charles, and the ambitious nature that propels him into an influential figure despite his questionable past. The Cain and Abel-lik...

Send us a Text Message. Join us as we laugh through our sweaty recording session in the Mick and Pat World Headquarters, with no air conditioning, and delve into Joe Rogan's extreme lifestyle choices like ice baths and hot yoga. We reflect on how significant life changes, like parenthood or running a business, can fundamentally shift our perspectives. Ever wondered how classic literature can turn the mundane into the profound? We challenge the conventional narrative structures taught in schools...

Send us a Text Message. Could you survive a bear attack while watching TV, or face the chaos of modern warfare from behind a screen? Tune in as we navigate the fascinating world of patience and practical engagement through fishing and shooting. We explore how the right equipment and location matter, but ultimately, success demands active participation. With humor and wisdom, we draw parallels between these pursuits, emphasizing practice over passive visualization and questioning the everyday nec...

Crack open the nostalgia with us, Mick and Pat, as we swish around the berry-infused buzz of Jones Soda's Cola Quantum on our tongues and unpack the Fallout TV show's debut season. Sip along and see if you agree with our taste-test verdict, where childhood reminiscences clash with the adult reality of a post-apocalyptic thirst-quencher. We're not just talking bubbles and fizz here; we're exploring the deeper fizzics of what makes the Fallout universe a cultural juggernaut, from the smoke and mir...

Strap in, folks, because Mick and I are at it again, swigging craft beers and waxing poetic about the desert sands of 'Dune, Part 2'. This episode's a wild ride through the hoppy embrace of Trve Brewery's Nazareth, a double IPA that's storming the craft beer scene with its creamy whispers and smooth vibes. And just when you thought your taste buds were the only things on an adventure, we transport you straight to Arrakis, dissecting the intricate dance of cast dynamics, Bene Gesserit schemes, an...

Ever wondered why Cuban cigars are shrouded in such mystique, or what drives our fascination with the forbidden, from exclusive tobacco to high-stakes firearms? We also even take a playful shot at the art of dry firing, perfecting aim without a bang, and muse over the quirk of human nature that covets what might soon be out of reach. Strap in as we navigate the complex skies of global conflict, with a lens on the Middle East's shadow dance of covert ops and overt military might. From the Bay of...

Cracking open Wiseacre Brewing's Tiny Bomb was just the beginning of a journey that took us from the refreshing zing of an American Pilsner to the bleak yet fascinating landscapes of a post-apocalyptic culture. Mick and I, your trusty guides through this taste and tale exploration, couldn't resist sharing the laugh-out-loud backstory of Wiseacre's founders as we sipped and dissected the flavor notes dancing on our palates. But it wasn't all about the beer; we traversed the radioactive deserts of...

Have you ever found yourself pondering the depth of your friendships, or how the notion of a 'best friend' stacks up against a close-knit group? Pat and Mick share a hearty exchange on this topic, challenging the traditional singular soulmate concept in both friendships and romantic relationships. We consider the idea that perhaps life's richness comes from the collective love and support of many special people, and muse on the authenticity of such bonds in today's fast-paced world. Our convers...

Ever found yourself in a situation where letting one rip could lead to a world of embarrassment? Well, you're not alone. I kick things off with my own mortifying tale of the 'fear of farting syndrome' (FOFs) and how a simple bodily function can become a high-stakes gamble. We navigate through the laughter and the risks, inviting you to weigh in with tales of your own FOFs triumphs or tragedies. But it's not all giggles and gas; we also delve into the serious side of preparedness, from camo ponch...

Grab a beer and buckle up as Mick and Pat take you on a wild ride through the hoppy highs and sci-fi skies in our latest podcast escapade! We're sipping on Launchpady's Strawberry Moon beer – a brew whose aroma packs a punch as potent as a photon torpedo. But it's not just about the suds; our love for the craft is as deep as space itself, and we don't shy away from the tough talk. We dissect the essence of branding in the beer universe, and with our "push through your teeth" tasting test, we unc...

Ever wondered if Josh Brolin's punk skater background could set him on the path to becoming a generational icon? Strap in as Mick and Pat take you on a rollercoaster ride through the unpredictable landscape of cultural trends, from the forgotten fad of Beanie Babies to the modern-day gold rush of crypto and NFTs. Join us as we venture into the more sobering realms of YouTube's 'gun-tuber' community and the deep respect for veterans shaping responsible gun ownership narratives. The plot thickens...

Picture Dean, decked out as Christian Bale from American Psycho, sans glasses and piercings—just one highlight from our discussion on the stark reality of today's political scene. We're not shy about drawing parallels with "The Emperor's New Clothes," touching the raw nerve of media bias and the troubling haze over our political discourse. We share tales and unravel the complexities behind gun control, mental health, and the deeply ingrained American tradition of bearing arms. This episode isn'...

Picture Dean, decked out as Christian Bale from American Psycho, sans glasses and piercings—just one highlight from our discussion on the stark reality of today's political scene. We're not shy about drawing parallels with "The Emperor's New Clothes," touching the raw nerve of media bias and the troubling haze over our political discourse. We share tales and unravel the complexities behind gun control, mental health, and the deeply ingrained American tradition of bearing arms. This episode isn'...

This week's auditory journey promises a blend of laughter, reflection, and deep-dive discussions that will have your mental gears turning. We kick things off with the fascinating dichotomy of Shane Gillis's SNL appearance, spinning a yarn from controversy to spotlight and everything in between. As we dissect his monologue and the audience's response, we're not just chuckling at his jokes; we're peeking behind the curtain of comedy's impact on society and marketing strategies. Plus, a heartfelt n...

Pop a tab and pull up a seat, because Mick and Pat are pouring out the latest suds and insights – and trust me, you'll want to hear this. As we dissect True Detective's Night Country and swig on the distinct tang of Trve Brewing's Buried Sun, we're not just quenching thirsts; we're cracking cases and flavor profiles wide open. Mick's journey to the Trve Brewing taproom left him with more than a few Belgian brews; it gave us trucker hats teetering on the edge of brewery flair and metalhead cred, ...

Explore the depths of Trve Brewing's Bloodaxe with us, Mick and I, as we dissect the Nordic style ale's heavy metal notes infused with grains of paradise and a zest of orange peel. As we sip and savor, the conversation bleeds into a critical analysis of "True Detective Night Country," where Part 5 of Season 4 lays out a rich tapestry of plot and character development. Our rallying cry "Release the Kraken" weaves through the dialogue, a testament to our passion for exceptional brews and the dark ...

Remember the time when Dean popped into our podcast totally unprepared and we all had a good laugh? Well, Mick and Pat are flying solo this time in Brews and Reviews, and boy, do we have some tales to tell. We're sharing our candid thoughts over TRVE Brewing's Tunnel of Trees IPA, and whether the eerie brew can match the chilling vibes of True Detective's latest season. Our podcast room may be lacking Dean's presence and brewery swag, but it's bursting with our takes on storytelling, childhood g...

Ever wondered why your nostalgic love for childhood pizza still battles against the convenience of modern-day pies? Get ready to sink your teeth into our delicious debate over everything from the cheese-filled crusts of yesteryear to the efficiency of Domino's app technology. We'll take you through a gastronomic journey dabbling into the unforeseen connection between pizza preferences and the contentious subject of non-pasteurized milk. It's a flavorful fusion of culinary critique and dairy deba...

Crack open a cold one and settle in as we bring back the ever-entertaining Dean to our latest episode, where hops meet homicide in a tantalizing blend of craft beer reviews and "True Detective" intrigue. As we sip on the hoppy delight of Trve Brewing's Star Crusher IPA and Weld Works' Juicy Bits, we analyze what it takes for an IPA to break through the crowded market. All the while, we dissect the latest from "True Detective Season 4, Night Country," including the chilling aesthetic connections ...

Imagine standing before the complex web of COVID-19 debates, a tapestry woven with threads of science, politics, and personal health choices. We pull on those threads in today's episode, unraveling the myths and realities of vaccines, the efficacy of masks, and the perplexing six-foot social distancing rule. Entangled in this discourse is a sobering look at how politicization shapes our views, with a special spotlight on statistical data that challenges the concrete benefits of mask mandates. S...