Basma has a movie moment during a student performance at The Mint. Ever seen Pitch Perfect? Wes had a loss in the family (RIP Uncle Chuck) - we get deep about feeling and processing our heaviest emotions. Keep showing up, for yourself and your loved ones and your community. And reclaim that sense of childlike wonder! There's lots of valid reasons to be terrified of and for the future; but remember, things like joy and curiosity and imagination are loving acts of rebellion in a capitalist system, and they *do* make a difference.

Wes has a crush on a girl and sent her a DM. We'll see what, if anything, happens in the coming weeks. Basma learns that cops are allowed to lie to you during interrogation. Remember kids, the original name of the police was "runaway slave patrol" and their M.O. hasn't changed.

Do you remember Tila Tequila? Or Friendster?... Yeah, me neither... But trust me, that's for the best. More importantly, 2000s VH1 reality shows were absolutely insane. Ah, the good ol' days of competing (literally) for a celebrity's attention and affection. We used to be a proper country.

Our discussions about mental health dip into physical health as well, in the form of physical therapy. Also, you may have grown up with an emotionally immature caregiver if they prioritized obedience and control over everything. Be the person you needed when you were younger and befriend your inner child/teenager.

The recording session that yielded this episode went twice as long, so tune in next week for the second half - NEXT TIME ON D̶R̶A̶G̶O̶N̶ B̶A̶L̶L̶ Z̶ -- I mean... R.O.F.L!

Wes talks about his experience at the Less Than Jake concert. Basma got unintentionally caught up in a public spectacle while visiting the Adventuredome inside Circus Circus. And lastly... are rich people real? Meaning, are they who they purport themselves to be in real life compared to their personas?

The title is just to pop me. I'm off to enjoy a succulent Chinese meal.

Basma went to the Ren Faire, Wes got stage-dived on (luv u Piper - Roman F'N Candle!!!). He's also stoked on seeing Less Than Jake and Kill Lincoln this weekend - see you in the pit!

Feeling down? Take a leisurely stroll or pick up a new video game and get lost in the fantasy. We can't always solve all of our problems immediately, but we can take the edge off and give ourselves the gentleness we need. (And we *all* need it).

Basma works on puppet shows! For kids *and* adults, apparently. Did you know there's a puppet show called Fur and Thunder? Well you do now and I'm so sorry. Nobody likes restaurants that don't put prices on the menu. Karaoke should always be affordable. Las Vegas needs to bring back fully free parking for locals. RIP 24/7 buffets with insane after-hours meal deals. We've gone from kings and queens to CEOs and shareholders - monarchy to oligarchy. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Basma is a legit gamer now, you guys. She went to HyperX and everything. Wes hates Charlie Kirk (more like Toilet Paper USA, amirite?) and influencer culture. Remember: listen to respond, not to speak. Also, don't deadname anybody or anything except Twitter - nobody seriously calls it X. Basma kept dreaming about FouseyTube against her will. Talk about a nightmare! Meanwhile, Wes is a frequent lucid dreamer (RIP Juice WRLD) and woke himself up laughing. Do you guys have any fav celebrities that you'd legit hang out with?

Basma succeeds because *and* in spite of the stress of putting herself into challenging situations and wearing many hats. We're not saying she has ADHD but she's also not beating the allegations.

Wes' yearly hell week is in the rearview. (The horrors persist, but so do I!). Slowing things down to a leisurely stroll now. Just happy to be yappy, y'all.

And hey - yes you! - the kids are alright. Don't let the suck of adulthood rob you of your imagination and "childish" desire to enjoy the little things. I promise life doesn't have to be super serious all the time. Dare to be whimsical. Be silly. Smile intentionally. I dare you. And drink some water.

~kloveyoubye~

Ahoy-hoy!

If you're reading this, this is Wes from the past speaking to the listeners of the present and future: Hi. How are you? You look lovely today. I hope summer treated you well and that the fall has lots in store for you.

Wait, what is this episode about? Kinda nothing. This was recorded while I was neck deep in work, getting everything coordinated for the first week of student shows (psst... this is one of them!) and it definitely shines through the slapdash nature of this particular conversation.

We promise to be mildly better prepared next week and for the semester ahead.