Pros and Cons

Pros & Cons is changing up the release schedule for now. There will be somewhat of a hiatus, as there won’t be bi-weekly episodes with new topics releasing as normal. However, there were still be new music episodes of The Rotation series every few months or so. Kev and Jack give some more details around this new shift that will be ongoing for the indefinite future.

Long Beach’s own Vince Staples, known primarily as a rapper, just released a new Netflix series that stars himself. ‘The Vince Staples Show’ is loosely based on his own life growing up in the Southern California area and everything that can go down on any given day. Kev and Jack talk about some brief background on Vince’s personality and sense of humor before talking about the new show. (No spoilers until the 18 min mark)

Especially as kids, we often look up to other people as examples for who or what we want to be. But who should be considered role models – like artists or athletes – and what standards should they be held to? What responsibilities do they have? Jack and Kev talk about what goes into considering if someone is a good role model, how that changes as you get older, and where do we all draw the lines on certain actions.

A staple in music culture over the past few decades, Pitchfork started in 1996 and became known for its opinionated album reviews. The most defining feature grew to be the rating scale, going from 0-10 with a decimal point for extra precision. From the end of the music magazine run to the blog era and social media current environment, Pitchfork has continued to stay alive. Last month, it was announced that Condé Nast (who acquired it in 2015) was laying off a large group of employees and shifting the brand under GQ – leaving an unclear future ahead. Kev and Jack talk about their experience with the site, the rating system, and how it compares to YouTube reviewers like Anthony Fantano.

After initially launching in October of 2010 and being bought by Facebook for $1 billion in 2012, the app of Instagram has gone through significant changes over the past decade. Jack and Kev talk about how it went from a mobile photography community to a broader platform for everyone, including with features like IG Stories being added. Plus: In this moment, the way it’s being used to share info about Gaza and hear from Palestinian voices on the ground.

For some, the start of the calendar year is a marker to try out new routines – like with eating or exercise. But no matter when you start, it can be a tricky balance when integrating that into your lifestyle. And while physical health is a big part of it, the mental side is crucial too. Kev and Jack talk about some of their experiences and changes over time in viewing the importance of certain elements.

After a jam-packed year of music, it's time to pick the Top 5 biggest highlights and disappointments of albums. Jack and Kev look back on 2023 by choosing their personal Top 5's for both sides.

Top songs of the year playlists are also linked below:

Jack - music.apple.com/us/playlist/js-2023-top-tier/pl.u-V9D73zpT1pejkL

Kev - music.apple.com/us/playlist/2023-joints/pl.u-oZyl3XWT0q8Xo0

As a profession that has significantly changed in past decades, journalism is at a crossroads for the future. With the rise of social media, as well as A.I. technology, there’s a lot of questioning about sources of truth and information. Kev and Jack discuss where it stands right now, including examples ranging from sports to the Palestinian journalists on the ground in Gaza.

There were a lot of new albums released since the last music episode in early August, so it was only right to cover a bunch before the annual music awards that will close the year. Jack and Kev cover 21 albums in 36 mins, with some bonus shoutouts at the end. This edition features smaller and bigger artists including Jorja Smith, Andre 3000, Olivia Rodrigo, Sampha, Drake, Bakar, MIKE, Teezo Touchdown, Bad Bunny, Earl Sweatshirt, Cleo Sol, PinkPantheress, Brent Fayaiz, and more.

Connected post with links to the music projects mentioned:

https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/the-rotation-vol-3

For the annual Pros & Cons gift guide, this time the focus is on items in an affordable range – with the limit set to no more than $50 to spend. Kev and Jack each select some recommendations that fit the bill as pros, including several ideas for the home.

The World Series is playing out to determine the last team standing between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks to conclude another eventful MLB season. Jack and Kev go around the league and pick out some individual players or specific teams to talk about their year, with both new positive surprises and some brutal disappointments. Including the Dodgers and Braves getting bounced early after amazing seasons, the Yankees doing nothing outside of Judge and Cole, and exciting young star players giving a show.

In the second edition of this series around things to watch, a variety of series and movies are discussed from Barbenheimer to The Last Of Us. Kev and Jack run through some they’ve each seen so far this year and the verdicts on if they delivered. Including other examples like Bottoms, The Idol, Past Lives, The Bear, Spiderverse, Swarm, AIR, Theater Camp, How To with John Wilson, Asteroid City, Showing Up, and more. 

From music to restaurants to movies, there are a variety of types of merch to rep something you like. Or, for some, just to rock because they enjoy the design on its own. Jack and Kev talk about seeing the shift of quality in different fields, how bad it can go in the wrong hands, and how it could evolve in the future.

Check out the Pros and Cons merch collection and lookbook:

⁠https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-lookbook⁠ 

Fresh off the latest US Open tournament in New York – where 19-year-old Coco Gauff won the Women's Championship and 36-year-old Novak Djokovic won on the Men's side – tennis is having a notable moment around a new generation. Kev and Jack discuss their experience with both playing the sport and watching it, how accessibility factors into it, the scoring, the fashion, and more around the culture of it.

Originally started in 2005, and bought by Google the year after, YouTube has established itself as the home for videos. There are other more social-focused platforms like TikTok that are challenging it now, which they've implemented YouTube Shorts to counteract, but those are just a dent in the billions of active users and hours watched each day on the site/app. It can be a place for people to create their own channels, make and share their own videos, and for people to find things connected to their interests. Jack and Kev talk about their experience using it over the years, what could be improved, and why it's unique to any streaming network or social app.

While it’s a sport or activity, skateboarding also has ties to a lot of other areas like clothing and music. It's also a lifestyle that's very DIY, very creative, and takes a lot of getting back up after falling down. Kev and Jack break down some of their experience with it, how it's changed over the years, and the impact of skating on things like sneakers and hip hop.

Since the first installment of this music series in the Spring, there have been a lot of artists dropping new songs. Jack and Kev discuss projects from the past few months – covering 24 albums in 33 mins. This edition features smaller and bigger artists including Arlo Parks, Daniel Ceaser, Kaytraminé, Tori Kelly, Uzi, King Krule, Peso Pluma, Summer Walker, Dominic Fike, Jessie Ware, Travis Scott, Disclosure, and more.

Connected post with links to the music projects mentioned:

https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/the-rotation-vol-2

With the launch of Threads this past month, Meta is trying to give competition to Twitter as Elon Musk is sinking the ship. Was it successful so far? Or is it just another copycat feature effort like has been the case with Reels to TikTok or Stories to Snapchat with their IG integrations. Kev and Jack talk about initial thoughts on Threads and how Meta is doing overall with their other properties (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).

It might seem like a simple question, but what makes something a summer movie? Is it just that it has to take place in the summer? Is it just that it has to be set in a location that looks like it's warm and nice out? Is it the wardrobe of the characters? Does summer have to be tied to the idea of the story? With different elements to factor in, Jack and Kev talk about their perspective and go through a mix of movie possibilities to make sense of which are and aren't.

As the borough at the top of the city, geographically and in many other ways, The Bronx has been home to a lot of greatness. From the music (birthplace of hip hop) to the sports (Yankees) and much more, there’s no shortage of impact from BX legends. Of course, there are some downsides too – from one of the lesser beaches in NYC to it being not the best for cross-borough transportation. Kev and Jack talk about their experience in The Bronx while growing up, some favorite spots, and part of what makes the borough truly one-of-a-kind.

From a deck of cards to birthday cards to sports cards, there are many different purposes that those rectangular little objects can have. Jack and Kev talk about experiences and thoughts on examples such as playing cards with poker, business cards in a digital age, activity-based and more social modern card games, traditional greeting cards you find at the local pharmacy, character-based fictional ones like Pokémon, sports editions with athletes, and a mix of others.

One of the top streaming services made a name and content pivot this past week. HBO Max is now just "Max" on its own, as part of their merger with Discovery under WarnerMedia, HBO’s parent company. The switch has already led to a lot of push back, confusion, and light controversy. Kev and Jack talk about what the different changes are, how this impacts the HBO brand going forward, and if Max will be as good or not anymore.

As a sometimes annoying but ultimately beneficial part of life, people have different relationships to how much they exercise, which they do, and where they do it all. Jack and Kev talk about some of the variations – from the classic parts of a routine like push ups or crunches, to more cardio-based activities like running or swimming. Which are fun, which look dumb? Which are beneficial, which feel pointless?

An artist of many talents, Tyler is one of the most prolific and extensive people making things today. While he's most known for his music, he's also created lanes in areas like clothing, TV, a festival, and more. In celebration of the 200th episode of this show, Kev and Jack talk about T and seeing his evolution over the past 15 years, the stages of his discography, and how he's been an inspiration.

In a new series of breaking down the latest music releases, Jack and Kev discuss projects that have dropped this year so far. Covering 20 albums in 34 mins, this edition features smaller and bigger artists including Dreamville, Navy Blue, Kali Uchis, 6LACK, Jordan Ward, Lil Yachty, Tennis, Karol G, boygenius, Lana Del Rey, and more.

Connected post with links to the different albums mentioned:

https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/the-rotation-vol-1

Depending on the traditions you have or what your interests are, festivals can take a mix of forms. Kev and Jack talk about what they associate with the term, what are the limits of when the format fits or not, and explore more modern examples. Including discussing music festivals (Coachella, Lollapalooza, etc), film festivals (Sundance, Cannes, etc), those that combine a mix (SXSW), and even a bigger outlier of sports events (Super Bowl, World Cup, etc). However you interpret it, one thing that can be agreed on is festivals are meant to be a celebration. That being said, that doesn't mean they don't have their downsides.

The New York Yankees haven't won a championship since 2009, almost a decade and a half at this point. Following up on Aaron Judge's 62-homer spectacular run, the team re-signed him back to a major contract. They also made a couple of additions (like Carlos Rodon, one of the top pitching free agents of the offseason). However, the team is mostly similar to before. Can this be the year they turn it around and get by the Astros in the playoffs? Jack and Kev talk about where the team stands going into the season, from the lineup to the pitching arms.

As a very practical item, there are many different styles and forms that bags can be. Kev and Jack break down some of the different types – from the school days (backpacks, string bags, rolling bags) to the travel bags (duffle bags, luggage situations) to the everyday bags (plastic back in the day to now, reusable, tote bags, IKEA's classic blue bag) to Kev's take on one that's been teased since the teaser of this show (fanny packs).

In this new series around things to watch at home, anything might be explored from shows to movies to YouTube to sports and anything else. In the first edition, Jack and Kev discuss some of the things they saw over the past year – and some that they're deciding whether or not to watch still. Including series like Euphoria, Atlanta, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and more. Or movies like Top Gun, Avatar, Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Menu, Bones & All, The Fabelmans, All Quiet on the Western Front, and more. Or sports events like the recent Super Bowl LVII and '23 Australian Open. 

While it can be glorified or dramatized excessively in movies, rain is usually more of an inconvenience than anything else. You have to be more careful about what clothes/shoes you wear, carry an umbrella around if you want to stay dry, and it can limit your choice of options for the day ahead. That all being said, rain can sometimes have its advantages as well. Kev and Jack talk about the different sides and the recent nonstop rain that just hit California for almost a month.

A decade ago, one of the best selling and most beloved video games – The Last of Us – was released to the world. Now, its new adaptation airing on HBO is following up on that success. Just like the game, it's breaking records like being HBO's second-most watched series premiere in more than a decade and the viewers are only continuing to grow each week. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic U.S. and has a mass infection, though it pre-dates our own pandemic. Jack and Kev talk about both the game itself and if the adaptation is successful so far.

Choosing a symbol, typeface, figure, or shape to represent what you or your company stands for is not an easy decision. Besides the name in itself, a logo can be a major part of how a brand/company or individual presents themselves to the world. Kev and Jack talk about what can make a logo successful or not before looking at examples in areas including sports, food, cars, video games, movies/TV, and clothes.

Now an annual tradition, it’s that time of the year to pick out the biggest highlight and disappointment albums of the year. Jack and Kev break down their personal Top 5 cons and Top 5 pros that came out in 2022. 

For personal Top Songs playlists, see below: 
Jack - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/js-2022-top-tier/pl.u-76oNGdyuNXoq7b
Kev - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/2022-joints/pl.u-kv9lbZDtW4BpeW

As the biggest international sport, the World Cup is always a highly-watched event. Plus, since it only happens every four years, it makes the stakes even more intense and makes winning it that much more difficult and special. With legends like Messi and Ronaldo taking on their last ever tournament this year, but with newcomers trying to disrupt history, it's an even further elevated competition. Kev and Jack talk about the futbol/soccer debate, experience with the sport to play or watch, how the World Cup has evolved, and this year's 2022 tournament in Qatar.

With the takeover of digital and online culture, magazines have taken a bit of a back seat. But, they're not fully dead yet. From some of the bigger names still out there to small indie niche publications, there's issues being circulated. Some are just the low quality tabloid ones, but others hold it down with real art book level quality. Jack and Kev talk about their experience with magazines growing up, creating their own photo mag (Ludique), where they see the state of the industry now, and kick around some ideas.

After the first Pros and Cons edition of the Gift Guide last year, this time there are some new limitations: only items that are too expensive for what they should be worth. But even though that's an auto-con, Kev and Jack each pick out some clothes and accessories that fit the bill as pros – outside of the price – from kicks to sweaters to things for the home.

To view the images of what's mentioned: www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/overpriced-gift-guide-2022

Since the last episode at the end of August, there were two main things that happened. One was the homestretch of the home run chase of Aaron Judge, who eventually broke Roger Maris’ record of 61 for both the AL and franchise records. The other was the playoffs, which after an initial bye-round came a win in the division series and then a brutal loss (as a sweep) in the championship series. Jack and Kev talk about the highs and lows of it all, how the season was in general, and a glimpse into the offseason with Judge becoming a free agent.

Especially in big cities with millions of people, most rely completely on public transport to get around. From buses to trains, it’ll (sometimes) bring you where you need to go, and at what can be a more affordable price. But, at what cost to your time/journey? Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with it in places such as NYC, LA, DR, SF, and across the world.

From the GameCube and Wii on the console side to the Game Boy and Switch on the handheld end, Nintendo has made their mark in the video game world over the years. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences with different systems, which have been some of the best and worst, and how Nintendo compares to other gaming companies like PlayStation or XBOX.

While a lot of people fly or drive somewhere to go on vacation, there are some who decide to hit the sea instead. Cruises are a popular way to have a different type of experience while sailing around, even stopping at different places while on the go. But the question is: are they fun or lame? Kev and Jack talk about a recent experience Kev had on one, all the options there are to keep you entertained, some of the hidden downsides, and how that made an impact on the final verdict.

In a new installment of breaking down new music, Jack and Kev look at a selection of albums and EPs released from May through mid August 2022. Selects from bigger artists, like Drake & Beyonce’s dance albums, to up-and-coming musicians who should be on your radar.

The second check-in episode of the season unfortunately happens as the Yankees are going through an extended rough stretch, following an incredible start to the year initially. Kev and Jack talk about everything that’s been going wrong, how the trade deadline went, what could be changed, and vent about the state of the team overall. Plus, a brief look around the league (including Tatis, Pujols, Julio) and some early predictions for the playoffs and World Series ahead.

It’s constantly around us, but we don’t always think about the designs of the buildings and other structures that impact our environments. Jack and Kev talk about their entry-level interest in architecture, observations on different cities usage, specific pro/con buildings, the few “names” in the field, and how it impacted other people like Virgil Abloh in his work. 

After having success for a while as the OG leader of the streaming era, Netflix now is losing tons of subscribers and not having as many hits as they used to. With the release of the latest season of Stranger Things, and that show coming to an end soon, the future is arguably more unclear than ever. Kev and Jack talk about the red envelope days, it being as a platform for other network shows, the creation and development of Netflix Originals over time, and how everything has changed in recent years.

The way you decide to take photos can go many ways. Of course, most people just casually use their phones. And to be fair, the quality (especially iPhones) has really gone up to a high level in recent years. But if you’re not looking for something too clean, too digital, you might be someone who’s interested in shooting film. The format has continued to grow in popularity in recent years again and is having a resurgence. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences with it as part of their photography. It has many cons, but shooting film also brings out something special and different.

*(As a reminder, the show is now running bi-weekly going forward)

As the show transitions to a bi-weekly schedule now, it was only fitting to talk about the idea of summer vacation. Mainly focusing on the time as a kid and throughout the time in-between the school years, Kev and Jack discuss their experiences over the years. Whether it be camp, summer school, traveling, going to baseball games, being hot in the NYC subway, and some other warm weather activities.

See you every other week, from now on, for new P&C episodes!

Full ep’s of past topics from the archive mentioned:
Summer School: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-school/id1450368529?i=1000480955275
Camp: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/camp/id1450368529?i=1000446883086
Summer Desserts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-desserts/id1450368529?i=1000487173787
Fireworks: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fireworks/id1450368529?i=1000483489811

As a style of clothing that started in the ‘90s and became more and more popular over time, streetwear brings in all sorts of elements from skateboarding to hip hop. Jack and Kev talk about their experience getting into it when younger, SoHo as a central location to see different stores, and how it’s now evolved over time – especially following the efforts of (RIP) Virgil Abloh in pushing it to a more luxury and high end space in more recent years. From brands like Stüssy to Aimé Leon Dore, it's not only t-shirt graphics anymore that make it up.

In the fourth installment of the Mystery Box ongoing series, Kev and Jack pick out a few assorted mini topics to combine. Think of a set of now-outdated forms of media and communication, including one that might show up to your doorstep and one that you might display on your wall.

As a company with a lot of projects, apps, and hardware – it can be hard to even keep up with all Google does. Jack and Kev break down a bunch of the elements: Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Photos, Google Drive/Docs, Google Calendar, Google Meet, Google Chrome, Google Flights – the list goes on. Does Google do a good job, or do they try to do too much?

Some call it the most important meal of the day, some don't care for it at all. Whether you eat it or not, breakfast can set the tone for the day. Kev and Jack talk about different types of options such as cereal, pastries, bagels, more traditional choices (eggs, pancakes, etc), and some of the other random routes you can go.

As die-hard Yankees fans who grew up right near the stadium in The BX, it’s only right to start an occasional check-in on how the season is going for the Bronx Bombers. In this first edition, Jack and Kev talk about their thoughts on how the team has looked so far with their great start and what still needs to improve. From the pitching to going around the diamond and looking at the hitters, how’s the 2022 version of the Yanks looking after the first month and a half?

(*Episode recorded before the few new injury/covid updates)

Primarily in the sneaker world, but even extending to fashion in general or things like concert tickets, people buying things just to flip and resell them is a problem that has only gotten worse with time. While it was around before, the digitization and the use of bots has taken things to an extreme. It leaves everyday people, the ones actually interested in whatever it is, without a fair shot often to simply buy what they want to buy. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences, touch on the Nike vs. StockX situation, and more on how this issue has evolved over time.

They can take many forms but parks are typically thought of as havens for nature, activities, relaxing, eating, and almost anything else you can think of. However, there are also plenty of other types beyond the basic idea – such as amusement parks, ballparks, national parks, and more. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences with parks in NY/LA, as well as their brief thoughts running through other format styles.

As a hit show that originally aired in the 90s but had another life after in syndication, Fresh Prince was an important show in many ways. Not in the least for being the star vehicle for Will Smith to skyrocket his career. Now, with a new Bel-Air "re-imagination" show airing on streaming based on the original story, the show is in conversation today in a different way. Kev and Jack discuss elements of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air such as the cast, fashion, and episode topic variety.

In a new installment of breaking down new music, Jack and Kev look at a selection of albums and EPs released from January through mid-April 2022. From bigger artists to smaller ones you may not know about yet, and everyone in-between.

From school at a young age to your job when you get older, schedules can be an important part of our lives. Some we're forced into following, some we choose ourselves. But how much you want to take advantage of it or not is up to you. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences from growing up to now and how their feelings on mapping things out have changed over time.

Whether in business or in sports, rivalries can be a big deal for two sides pushing each other to be better than the other. It might be Nike vs. Adidas or it might be the Yankees vs. Red Sox, but either way they're competing against one another to come out on top. Kev and Jack talk about some examples on both sides and mini pros/cons on each.

It was not the typical offseason for baseball with a lockout that seemed like it was never going to end, a crazy class of free agents, and a handful of impactful trades. From Carlos Correa going to the Twins to Freddie Freeman going to the Dodgers and Matt Olson replacing him on the Braves, a lot of moves went down. With Opening Day starting tomorrow, Jack and Kev break down each of the different divisions in the AL and NL to look at where teams stand going into the start of the '22 season.

(*Recorded before final trades with Kimbrel, Manaea, etc.)

Instead of reacting to the Oscars itself as in past years, it's time for a different format with the "Pros & Cons (P&C) Oscars" edition. Kev and Jack look at movies from the past year and chop it up – Which were good/bad? Which are interesting enough to consider watching even just on streaming? What sounds like a waste of time? Films include a mix of indie/auteur, blockbusters, and more. 

Most people tend to think of temperatures first in relation to the weather, but there are also other key parts of everyday life it’s tied to. From swimming to eating/drinking and more, Jack and Kev talk about their preferences on each end. Plus, they compare weather inside and out between SoCal and NYC.

You'll be hard-pressed to find any artist more polarizing than Kanye West, one of the biggest musicians of the 21st century. Now, there's a new Netflix documentary 'jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy' which focuses mainly on the early come up years with tons of unseen archival footage. It takes place as he's trying to sign to the Roc and be taken seriously as a rapper, not just a producer who makes beats, and is pushing to put out his debut solo album. Kev and Jack talk about their personal history with Ye and then get into how the doc changed, if at all, their perspectives on him.

While mostly used nowadays just in school, notebooks still serve other functions at times. But at what points do they still make sense when there are similar digital equivalents (for better or worse)? Jack and Kev talk about different types of school notebooks, drawing in sketchbooks vs. on an iPad, as well as the place of a journal or diary in this time of social media.

For those who witnessed Shaun White's snowboarding runs in the Olympics and X Games at the turn of the millenium, it was sentimental to see the end of an era as he competed in his last ever Olympics competition. And after the Summer Olympics had gotten pushed back a year in the pandemic, the 2022 Winter Olympics stuck to their usual schedule with China's "zero covid" policy in place. Kev and Jack talk about Shaun White, a curler making sneakerhead history, and more about the state of the event.

Even when we’re not awake, dreams and nightmares can say a lot about what’s going on in our lives. Or can they? Jack and Kev discuss their experiences with the two variations and if they just simply fall into a Pro and Con or if they’re more grey than that seems to be.

Los Angeles and the new SoFi Stadium was the home of the 56th annual Super Bowl, the biggest annual sports event of the year (at least for the U.S). The road leading to it had crazy matchups and upsets: Josh Allen vs Patrick Mahomes, the defeat of Aaron Rodgers, another wild comeback by Tom Brady before announcing his retirement, and more. But it all came down to the hometown Rams vs the young scrappy Cincinnati Bengals and their QB, Joe Burrow, in a battle that went to the final minute. Kev and Jack talk about the playoffs, the big game, commercials, and the hip hop halftime show.

As one of the biggest social media platforms out there, Twitter has faced plenty of controversy. However, for over a decade it's still found its own digital lane. Jack and Kev talk about their experience with it, how the site/app has changed over the years, and the different aspects that really make it what it is. 

In the third installment of the Mystery Box ongoing series, Kev and Jack picked out a few random mini topics to combine. Think of a game focused around letters, think of a specific food chain around chicken, and think of what's arguably the most valuable online resource for information.

We all get our food somewhere. And when you’re getting groceries, if you have a bigger supermarket by you then you’ll probably find yourself there to get most or all of what you need in one consistent spot. But what makes a grocery store good or bad? Jack and Kev talk about their experiences, some specific examples in NY/LA, and the past/present/future of the format.

From style to functionality, glasses can serve a combination of roles. From a regular pair to sunglasses, they can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. But which are the best and worst? Kev and Jack talk about their experience wearing them, any preferences, and where things may be headed.

While streaming for TV/movies has taken over the game over the past decade, and especially the past few years, cable has managed to stick around. This is partially due to certain aspects that work better live, such as sports/news, but how long can it survive on those? Jack and Kev talk about their experiences growing up with cable, the benefits and downsides of streaming coming into play, and preferences between the two.

As one of the sports that anyone can really play, as well as one of the limited indoor options for winter, bowling is still alive and rolling. While most people would probably view it as an old school sport, it's also been turning over the years into more of a party-focused activity. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with it and the different aspects of the game – from the shoes/shirts to food/drinks and more.

After recapping a second year of quarantine music through various episodes, now it's time to narrow down to the top pros/cons. Jack and Kev look at the albums that came out in 2021 from the artists or bands they like - and discuss the ones that most delivered or disappointed. 

No place on earth says Christmas like California, right? Between the palm trees and no sign of a snow day in sight, it's certainly not what you usually see in a movie (and from the place that makes movies, that is). Kev and Jack talk about how it feels like in the greater Los Angeles area (including O.C), how it compares to NYC, and what else could possibly be done.

There's certain staples when it comes to toys, such as action figures. But with technology growing more dominant by the decade, the status of toys isn't the same as it used to be. Even in the late '90s and turn of the century, while it may not have been the peak of it, there still was a lot of fun and interesting toys being made. Whether that be Hot Wheels, Tamagotchi, Mighty Beanz, Tech Decks, and more – they had their own style and feel. Jack and Kev talk about some of the specific ones they remember, some overall types, and how they view the evolution.

Arguably the most impactful designer in the last decade, Virgil Abloh was able to bridge the gap between high fashion and streetwear. Between his own popular brand, Off White, to becoming the art director and more of Louis Vuitton's menswear, he had plenty of success in fashion. More than that, Virgil was a fixture in the culture. Especially music, with his creative work for Kanye and separately DJ'ing around the world. His collabs also included IKEA furniture and dozens of hyped Nike sneakers. Unfortunately, recently he passed away from a rare cancer on Nov 28th at only 41 years old, a total surprise to the public. Kev and Jack talk about watching Virgil's rise, the impact he had on the younger generation, and how much he accomplished while he was here.

With being fresh off Thanksgiving meals and steering into the holiday season, it’s a perfect time to talk about one of the most classic desserts for all ages: cookies. Jack and Kev give their Top 5 Pros and Top 5 Cons for the different types out there, with everything from gingerbread to chocolate chip to fortune cookies.

In a new installment of breaking down music put out during the pandemic, Kev and Jack look at a selection of albums and EPs released between late September and mid/late November 2021 across a mix of genres. From pop stars to smaller upcoming artists you may not know about yet, and everyone in-between (including the new Adele and Silk Sonic albums, to name a couple).

With the holidays coming up fast, and all the “supply chain” delays, we’re already in the midst of shopping season. Jack and Kev present the first annual P&C Gift Guide episode with a handful of pros ideas and some cons to consider as well. It’s a mix of practical, just for fun, and varying budget levels.

With the recent announcement of a name facelift to Meta, it marks (no pun) a pinpoint in time for Facebook’s history. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with the platform in its early years, how the company has evolved, and the name shift. Plus, other related topics such as The Social Network movie.

For the baseball grand finale, the Atlanta Braves took on the Houston Astros in the World Series this year. ATL finally broke their citywide sports curse, and did it against arguably the most hated team out there. Jack and Kev talk about how the playoffs led to that matchup, including a loss from their beloved Yankees early, and how satisfied they were with the rounds overall.

Shoutout to Trevor Plouffe the prophet!

It’s that time of the year again with Halloween coming up this weekend. To celebrate, why not look at the evil characters in stories either connected or adjacent to the holiday. Are they scary? Are they cool? How are they as costumes? Kev and Jack talk about 10 of the most well-known specific characters and some other general kinds you see.

As one of the most critically-acclaimed TV shows of all time, The Sopranos ran for around a decade from 1999-2007. Its impact is still being felt today, and it’s had a resurgence during the pandemic of people watching it – in particular, a younger crowd who didn’t watch it as it released in real time. Now, there’s also a new “prequel” movie, Many Saints of Newark, that just came out on HBO Max at the beginning of October. Jack and Kev discuss the show, the new film, and where it stands among the TV show rankings.

(No spoilers until 39 min mark)

With October being the spooky month around Halloween, there's several eerie superstitions that start to come into play. It's not all bad, though, there's good luck ones as well. Kev and Jack talk about if they're ever believed in them, which common ones they heard growing up, and which make the most sense.

With a full 162 game baseball regular season completing on Sunday after a shortened 60 game covid one last year, the sport is back in full swing (no pun intended). Jack and Kev look back on the 2021 MLB season with big moments like the sticky substances for pitchers and the crazy trade deadline. Then, they give their picks for who they think will win in each round of the playoffs that are starting tonight. 

* Episode a day early because of the timing for the Wild Card

LET'S GO YANKEES!

In a new edition of breaking down music put out during the pandemic, Kev and Jack look at a selection of albums and EPs released between mid/late June and early/mid September of 2021 across a mix of genres. From pop stars to smaller upcoming artists you may not know about yet, and everyone in-between.

As one of the biggest cities not just in California but in the whole country, San Francisco is well known across the world with the Golden Gate Bridge and its other appearances in movies and TV shows like Full House. With Kev fresh off a short trip up the coast from LA, and Jack having visited SF in the past, they discuss their experiences with the city. From the hills to the cable cars to the weather, how does it fall on the pros and cons scale?

It’s back-to-school time of year again, with NYC catching up to the rest of the country who has already gone back. As a result, Kev and Jack discuss one of the most crucial parts of that process: teachers. They break down personal memories and stereotypes from the different levels of school and the different subjects.

While AirPods are the latest sensation, there’s a long trail of headphones that have come before it. Even in the past couple of decades, there’s been some notable changes. Jack and Kev talk about which they’ve had from growing up to now, their opinions vs in-ear or over-ear, the Apple wired or wireless decision, and more audio ear matters.

From the doctor to the dentist, and the other kinds in-between, scheduling and going to appointments can be a hassle. Whether it's the going and waiting or the specific task you're going for, there's usually something that is not ideal. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences and which types they think of when talking about the term.

While becoming one of the biggest fashion retail outlets around the globe, Uniqlo is still in the process of expanding their American presence. The Japanese company is well established in New York City with multiple locations, but are slowly opening more stores across LA and other big cities. If you’re not aware, it’s basically a store for your essentials of clothing. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences from having the stores around in NYC and their thoughts on the products.

Over the past month or so, the latest version of the Summer Olympics took place in Japan after being delayed a year from covid. Kev and Jack talk about their feelings on “Tokyo 2020” (aka actually 2021), as well as the summer version of the international games overall. Plus, how it compares to the Winter Olympics that were discussed earlier in the year in the Winter Sports episode.

While soda was a discussion topic not long ago, it’s now time for another drink episode of a sibling option: juice (which still can rival in sugar). Jack and Kev talk about types from different fruit, specific brands, and other related drinks in the same arena that might straddle the line. 

In the second installment of a new occasional series, Mystery Box, Kev and Jack picked out a few mini summer topics to combine. The topics are a surprise, but think of beaches and the 90’s… think of childhood/teenage games… and think of a certain type of refreshing dessert.

While a lot of people still stick to rockin their regular shoes in the summer, if you want to have some more breathability and utilize the weather then you might find yourself with some sandals. Whether it be flip flops, slides, crocs, birkenstocks, or one of the long list of women’s options – your feet will be breathing in the warm air. Unless you wear them with socks, of course. Jack and Kev debate the variety of choices and which do or don’t work well.

During the hot summer months, people cool off in different ways. There’s bodies of water – like a pool, beach, or lake – are the most common. But for those feeling more adventurous, and who have a car, then their choice may be a water park. From slides and other rides to pools and games, they can give you a lot of options. Kev and Jack talk about their experiences going to them when they were younger and how they’re feeling about them now.

Comedy comes in a lot of forms. One of the ways is typically with stand up at a club or theater, which the best of are taped and released for later viewing. But in recent years, those comedy specials have started to evolve beyond just a person on stage with a mic telling jokes. Certain comedians are pushing the boundaries of what that can look like, what the jokes can take the form of, and how to present it all to the world. Jack and Kev talk about this overall and also focus on Bo Burnham’s new special “Inside” that was written, recorded, and edited completely by Bo himself in one space during the pandemic.

One of the biggest parts of our lives nowadays is, of course, our phones. But it’s been a while now since a phone meant just calling someone. It’s of course become the blanket term for the device that can do everything. Kev and Jack talk about experiences of their first phones when younger, right when smartphones were initially breaking through, to now when they’re fully established the norm.

With July 4th upon us, what better time to take an in-depth look at one of the most simple but timeless foods around: hot dogs. They are heavily associated with baseball in particular (a favorite sport of the show) so the boys are somewhat biased, but Jack and Kev talk about what they do and don’t like about the hot dog overall, different types of it, and some of the spots in NY & LA.

For the latest edition of reviewing music put out during the pandemic, Kev and Jack look at a selection of albums and EPs released between January and mid June of 2021 across a mix of genres. From pop stars to smaller upcoming artists you may not know about yet, and everyone in-between.