Join the crew as they navigate a whirlwind of kidney stones, ice storms in Florida, and the desperate search for a good boba shop while comparing pain levels from kidney stones to childbirth. Meanwhile, listeners are whisked away on a world tour of conspiracy theories, from suspicious wildfires setting the stage for smart cities to airplane antics potentially linked to "killware." As if life weren't dramatic enough, the episode wraps with impassioned debates about sipping through Starbucks lids and the relentless quest for the next thrilling TV series.

Gooch week antics kick off as Lindz and Russ tackle New Year's resolutions, including avoiding naps and reading spicy novels. The episode spirals into tangents about Squid Game spoilers, conspiracy theories involving Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger, and Florida's frigid weather. Add in debates about KFC pluralization, and you've got an unfiltered rollercoaster of insanity to start 2025.

What happens when the world of health insurance collides with a sensational crime? We tackle the shocking assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, allegedly by Luigi Mangione, and ponder the dark humor that's emerged online. We also explore the moral complexities of security for high-profile executives in controversial industries and discuss the struggles of employees seeking anonymity in the shadow of their work. Can grievances be addressed without resorting to violence? We weigh the desperation that some might feel in the tangled web of healthcare frustrations and legal systems. Switching gears, we dive into the soundtracks of our lives. We reveal and humorously compare our top five favorite artists, with Beartooth, Lizzo, and Taylor Swift taking center stage. Amidst laughter, we dissect memorable lyrics from tracks like "Paint the Town Red" and "Loving on Me" while debating the impact these songs have had on our playlists. It's a lively exchange of musical tastes and the quirks of Google's new features that promise a shared glimpse into our listening habits. Finally, we bring you a nostalgic yet critical look at the 2024 holiday gift guide. From the resurgence of childhood classics like Furbies and Tamagotchis to the more forward-thinking Disney interactive toys, we scrutinize the innovation, or lack thereof, in this year's offerings. Join us as we reflect on the year's end hustle, recording challenges, and the intriguing trends that have captured our attention.

Ever scanned a QR code on a kid's toy that sent you to the dark side of the web? We dive into that wild mishap, reminisce about party nights ending at IHOP, and debate Jake Paul's "scripted" fights. We also chat about our North Pole adventure with a possibly tipsy Santa, Turkey Day chaos, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and the mind-boggling loops of time travel movies. Join us for laughs, debates, and a cozy dose of nostalgia! Timestamps: 00:00:35 Thanksgiving Recap 00:02:13 Upgrading the Studio 00:03:02 Florida’s Weather Mood Swings 00:04:00 Family Breakfast Traditions 00:04:55 The No-Phone Family Dinner Experiment 00:05:57 Busch Gardens Christmas Town Review 00:12:12 The Great Christmas Decorating Debate 00:15:09 Toy Crazes and Mishaps 00:19:27 Late-Night Nostalgia: IHOP Meets Applebee’s 00:24:07 Movie Talk: Caddo Lake and Time Travel 00:29:41 DOGE and the New Era of Politics 00:38:04 Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Scripted or Real? 00:44:29 Riches and Morality

In this nostalgic episode, our millennial hosts start off by discussing their favorite cult classic movies like 'The Princess Bride' and 'The Breakfast Club.' The conversation becomes an absolute fangirl moment as they reveal their excitement for interviewing Johnny Rico himself, Casper Van Dien. The hosts share personal anecdotes and movie memories, leading to Van Dien joining the conversation to discuss his role in the new 'Starship Troopers VR' game and the ongoing fervor for the franchise. They delve into behind-the-scenes stories, the potential for a new series, and even throw in some friendly banter about meeting Van Dien in Venice, Florida. By the end, it's clear that fandom knows no bounds, with dreams of friendship and future nerdy collaborations on the horizon. "Starship Troopers: Continuum" is out on Meta Quest and PSVRYou can check out the Teaser Trailer here: Starship Troopers: Continuum (VR GAME - TEASER TRAILER) Guest Bio: Casper Van Dien is an American actor best known for his leading role as Johnny Rico in the 1997 science fiction film "Starship Troopers." Van Dien's career took off with recurring roles in popular TV shows like "One Life to Live" and "Beverly Hills, 90210". However, his big break came in 1997 when he was cast as Johnny Rico in Paul Verhoeven's "Starship Troopers". This role catapulted him to fame and led to other significant parts, including: Tarzan in "Tarzan and the Lost City" (1998) Brom von Brunt in Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow" (1999) James Dean in the TV movie "James Dean: Race with Destiny" (1997) While Van Dien has appeared in over 100 films and TV series, he remains most closely associated with his role in "Starship Troopers." The film has achieved cult status, and Van Dien continues to be recognized for his portrayal of Johnny Rico. Despite this association, he has maintained a steady acting career, consistently working in various genres and mediums within the entertainment industry. 00:00 Introduction and Blue Tongue Mystery 01:07 Nostalgic Cult Movies Discussion 07:29 Interview with Casper Van Dien 12:47 Exciting New Experience in Europe 13:14 Starship Troopers Revival Hopes 14:46 Memories and Family Connections 16:45 Starship Troopers Resurgence 19:30 Behind the Scenes and Personal Stories 22:08 Future Prospects and Fan Engagement 23:52 Podcast Reflections and Future Plans

In this episode, we dive into a series of humorous and engaging conversations. We start with a surprise appearance by our cat and share funny anecdotes about hiccups and sneezes. The discussion then shifts to our daughter's amusing sayings, such as calling a hornet 'sharp' and referring to toes as 'toe fingers.' We also recount a fishing trip where a gator steals our daughter's first bass. The conversation transitions to more serious topics, such as debating the appropriateness of Halloween decorations and the new sport of Power Slap versus UFC. We wrap up with excitement for upcoming shows like 'Yellowstone' and 'Squid Games,' fall fishing, and our voting experiences. Finally, we invite listeners to join us on Instagram to play Emoji Pong, adding a fun interactive element to the episode. 00:00 Unexpected Visitor Interrupts Recording 00:32 Hilarious Hiccup and Sneeze Debate 01:26 Daughter's Funny Expressions 03:46 Fishing Adventure Gone Wrong 05:17 Clothing Order Controversy 10:15 Halloween Decorations Debate 13:40 Debating Halloween Decorations 14:57 Kids and Age-Appropriate Content 16:14 Power Slap: A New Sport? 21:19 Exciting Upcoming Releases 25:05 Voting and Civic Duty 29:03 Join Us on Instagram!

Join us as we debate weather control conspiracies, swap sunburn horror stories from a pumpkin patch visit, and hilariously reminisce about childhood movie marathons. From musing over Tesla's fancy new household robot that might just break your bank, to imagining if sharks could actually fly during a hurricane. Plus, you won’t want to miss our spirited debate on trending Halloween costumes, including why dressing as a Chipotle burrito might score you free food!

Joe Gatto is an improvisational comedian, actor, and producer from the New York City borough of Staten Island. He is a former member of the Tenderloins, a comedy troupe consisting of Sal Vulcano, James Murray, and Brian Quinn, and of course Impractical Jokers Most recently, he toured for two years with his stand-up solo show “Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy” in sold out theaters across the United States, Canada and Australia. Prior to that, he has toured with the Jokers live comedy show to sold-out crowds across the world, including legendary arenas, such as Madison Square Garden in New York and the O2 Arena in London. Joe is passionate about supporting anti-bullying organizations and animal rescue initiatives. He happily advocates for the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” movement with his non-profit Gatto Pups and Friends founded in 2022 which operates on Long Island, NY focusing on mainly senior and unwanted dogs. Joe also hosts a popular comedy podcast called "Two Cool Moms" on the iHeart Radio Podcast Network where he and his co-host dispenses sage motherly advice to fans who write in with their dilemmas. Joe's links: Messing With People comedy special, out now on YouTube: https://sacksco.com/pr/joe_gatto.html Podcast: Two Cool Moms with co-host Steve Byrne which just kicked off its 2nd season via iHeartMedia/the Elvis Duran Podcast Network: https://sacksco.com/pr/joe_gatto_073024.html Comedy Tour: https://sacksco.com/pr/joe_gatto_061824.html Children's Book: Where's Bearry? is out now via Penguin https://randomhouse.app.box.com/s/tzqkhe4nmmpofof249s5zszjmfk1q1al/file/1635852675698

This episode of the Unfiltered Union dives into the absurdities and challenges of modern life, starting with the ridiculous cost of parking at Florida beaches and the frustrations that come with it. Russ and Lindz share their experiences of enjoying the beach while navigating the challenges of sunburn, sunscreen, and high parking fees. The conversation shifts to serious topics, including the importance of mental health resources like the 988 suicide hotline, and the alarming trend of fake threats made by students across the country, leading to significant police responses. They also discuss the implications of these actions on communities and the need for accountability among not only the youth but also their parents. Wrapping up, the duo humorously tackles the significance of ensuring mutual agreement on traditions like cake smashing at weddings, emphasizing the importance of communication in relationships. Takeaways: The discussion highlights the high costs of beach parking in Florida, especially for residents. The hosts express concern over the mental health implications of recent social media trends in schools. They emphasize the importance of discussing cake smashing etiquette before getting married. The potential for augmented reality glasses to replace smartphones in the future is explored. An alarming trend of students making false threats to schools is addressed, highlighting its consequences. The episode underscores the significance of awareness and resources for mental health support.

In this engaging podcast episode, Russ and Lindz discuss fun and quirky topics like enjoying iced coffee in the shower before transitioning to an in-depth interview with Brian and Kelly Estes, creators of the film 'God Bless Bitcoin.' The Estes explain their motivation behind the film, blending educational themes about the ethical implications of Bitcoin and its integration with various religious perspectives. The conversation covers the history, moral advantages, and future implications of Bitcoin as a superior monetary system, touching on economic challenges and the potential for a global transition to Bitcoin. Timestamps: 00:00 Revelations and Shower Ideas 02:08 Bitcoin Basics: The White Paper 03:27 Bitcoin's Complexities and Interview Introduction 05:02 Meet Brian and Kelly Estes 07:08 The Intersection of Religion and Bitcoin 13:42 Bitcoin's Ethical and Moral Dimensions 20:16 The Future of Money: Bitcoin's Potential 25:47 Concluding Thoughts and Resources Guest Info: Brian Estes is the CIO of Off the Chain Capital which manages the #1 performing blockchain fund in the Hedge Fund Research (HFR) Universe from 2016-2021. Brian has been a VC in blockchain for 10 years and has advised, mentored and/or financed 6 blockchain companies that have a combined value of over $50B today. In addition to running blockchain asset funds, he teaches blockchain and digital asset investing classes at University of Cambridge UK, Washington University, and Morgan State University’s Center of Blockchain and Financial Technology. Brian earned his BA in Economics from the University of Illinois, his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis with high honors, and did is study abroad at University of Cambridge and the London School of Economics. For fun Brian has been an active pilot and aircraft owner for 34 years and has over 2200 hours of flight time logged. Kelly Estes is founder and President of the Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Foundation, a non-profit that provides bridge scholarships to private high schools and colleges for high-need, high-achieving students to help break the cycle of poverty through education. Kelly has devoted the last thirty years to education as a teacher and as the Graduate Support Director of an enrichment program that provided programming and advisement in a school district where 95% of the students grew up in generational poverty. Studio | Film:  All About 360 God Bless Bitcoin Release Date: July 25th (AVAILABLE FOR FREE) Trailer | Site: ⁠God Bless Bitcoin⁠ Synopsis:  God Bless Bitcoin asks the timely question: How do we fix our broken money? Through in-depth conversations with blockchain and interfaith leaders (including Mark Cuban, Cathie Wood, Rabbi Michael Caras, Fr. Robert Sirico, Tony Hawk, Tim Draper, the film exposes the broken, unjust, and immoral nature of our current fiat-based monetary system, one that is intimately connected to the military industrial complex and the propagation of war. The film also shows how and why members of the poor and middle class feel an financial squeeze even when they work hard and lead fiscally responsible lives. God Bless Bitcoin ultimately suggests the ways in which Bitcoin can present alternatives to our current system that are more just, equitable, and peaceful.