SmartDrivel

Latest Episodes:

Ep.158: Hoax me? Hoax You! Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

Jon and Kurt had so much fun discovering the greatest April Fool’s pranks that they dove in even deeper and found more incredible hoaxes. Marketers take it as manna from heaven and have had a lot of fun ginning up interest in their products around great April Fool’s initiatives (“Left handed Whopper” anyone?) as have governments (Norway’s “free wine” stunt) and celebrities (Walt Frazier). The hosts had fun with this one as they hope you do…and make sure you don’t fall for any wooden nickels.

Ep.157: Greatest April Fool’s Pranks Apr 10, 2023

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Jon and Kurt decided to capitalize on the fact that they recorded this episode the day after April First and put out a topical discussion about pranks. They found historical jokes centuries old that fooled many middle agers (not someone in their 50s, but someone who lived centuries ago) and some that got the masses hook line and sinker in the 20th century. And lots in between. Give a listen and get inspired for the next April Fools Day. Maybe you will find one worth repeating (but we advise against trotting out “War of the Worlds” again).

Ep.156: Fictional Travel Companions Apr 03, 2023

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Ever want to hang with Sam I Am and try to eat Green Eggs and Ham? Or chill with Captain Nemo as he heads 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? Maybe you want to have tea with Emma in one of the gorgeous English manor houses or chow down some spinach with Popeye and go after Bluto? Well, Jon and Kurt thought it sounded pretty cool, so in this episode they discuss which fictional characters they would like to travel with. The options are endless and quite fun. Who would you travel with and where would you go? (Hint: maybe don’t hang out with Juliet or Romeo at night.)

Ep.155: ChatGPT Takes Over Mar 27, 2023

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Like it or not, the AI revolution is coming. Heck, it is here already. Jon and Kurt wondered how unique they were and if ChatGPT had the ability to add drivel to smart. So, for this episode, they requested ChatGPT “to create a dialogue for two hosts of a podcast called Smart Drivel where the goal is to deliver interesting facts about history, food, words, trivia, life, etc. but in a funny way. The hosts are named Kurt and Jon. Need 10 minutes of dialogue.” Listen in as Jon and Kurt read what ChatGPT generated and then discuss its merits and challenges. Judge for yourself who does it better. Humanity forever….

Ep.154: Auction Lunacy Mar 20, 2023

Show notes

When Jon and Kurt were sharing befuddlement (something they often do) about the fact that a banana duct taped to a wall sold for $120,000 at auction a year ago, they decided to explore it more. In so doing, they found some bizarre items that have caused raucous bidding wars– as in people fought to pay more for them: a piece of cake from Queen Elizabeth's and Philip's wedding, Elvis Presley’s hair, John Lennon’s toilet, half eaten French toast, etc. It certainly warranted a Smart Drivel discussion. Going once, going twice, going three times…sold.

Ep.153: Creepy Nursery Rhymes Mar 13, 2023

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Ah, the wonder of comforting childhood rhymes–such sweet innocent word play to amuse, soothe, and educate young children. At least that is what we all thought until Jon and Kurt did some digging, some intensive research, some literary forensic analysis. What they found is unsettling to say the least. Turns out, some of our most beloved nursery rhymes have morbid, lascivious, and/or creepy origins. Leave all your peaceful childhood memories behind, and join the boys as they dig into the true history of some iconic rhymes.

Ep.152: Famous Last Words Mar 06, 2023

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People have used their final words, before passing onto the next adventure in the sky, to truly make a statement. Funny, emotional, insulting, self-deprecating, you name it. With the chance for one final opportunity to communicate without any pushback, there have been some amazing quips and insights that have lasted through the years. Jon and Kurt take a look at some of the most endearing, satirical, honest, and interesting “last words” and share some of their favorites. “Et tu Brute?”

Ep.151: Surprising Facts about the Presidents Feb 27, 2023

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Jon and Kurt decide to get patriotic, historic, and caloric–ok, not caloric, but it did fit the rhyme scheme–as they share unique, surprising stories about our 46 U.S. Presidents. From the scientifically interesting (which is the only President to hold a patent) to the physically interesting (who was the shortest President) to the curiously interesting (who was the only President to kill someone in a duel) and onwards, they unearth some pretty cool facts about those who hold our highest office.

Ep.150: Back to the Future Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

Kurt and Jon celebrate their milestone 150th episode by trying to spit out the the word sesquicentennial with mixed results. With that out of the way, the boys take a look back at...and then build on...some of their favorite topics from previous podcasts. In this episode, they pay homage and add new entries to their lists of fun phrases, God's Mistakes, misunderstood song lyrics, and much, much more. With the 175th episode just 6 months away, work is already underway to pronounce demisemiseptcentennial.

Ep.149: The New Rules Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

We have emerged out of a precedent-setting pandemic where all bets were off as to how we behaved, presented ourselves, and interacted with others. Add to this dynamic that there is now a new generation in the workspace, there is new technology to harness, and there are a ton of new ways to behave. Thankfully, the fine folks at New York Magazine have developed a list of the new rules governing today’s way to act. Jon and Kurt dive into the list and discuss the merits of these new rules while also commenting on their own ability to comply with these new rules. Spoiler alert…they both continuously flout many of them such as “don’t correct someone who mispronounces a word if you get the gist.”

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