Episodes

  • Ep.301: Zarf
    Jan 5 2026

    To celebrate the holidays and the start of a new “century” of episodes, Jon and Kurt are giving each other gifts. These gifts–meant to be shared via verbal transmission in bars, meetings, and gatherings of all sorts–are interesting tidbits of language, history, legend, and social customs. Little known facts and stories. The co-hosts share these with one another and, ergo, are packaged up for you to astound and amaze your friends and enemies alike.


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    32 mins
  • Ep. 300: What’s in a Number?
    Dec 22 2025

    Three hundred episodes. Almost nine thousand minutes. One hundred and fifty hours. That is a buttload (an actual unit of measurement – little call back there) of drivel that has been spewed forth by Jon and Kurt over the past six years. The boys invite you to join in on the celebration of obscurity and meandering esoterica as they challenge each other to give the numerical answer to many questions regarding pop culture, history, literature, song, sports, myth, etc. It’s a party and you all are invited. Er…some of you as we are capping the guest list at 300.


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    47 mins
  • Ep.299: Whoa, Jon, Whoa
    Dec 8 2025

    There is a narrative device which, when implemented, can add punch, power, and percolation to any sentence, essay, speech, play, poem. This device is called “diacope” and it is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is repeated, with one or more words in between the repetitions. It is used for emphasis, to create a memorable rhythm, and to heighten the emotional impact of a statement. For real, you tell me this, for real? (I see, what you did there, I see.) Join join and Kurt as they explore this fun and oft used tool. Rad, that is rad.



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    32 mins
  • Ep.298: He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother
    Nov 24 2025

    Ah, siblings. No one better to complain about Mom and Dad, but no one who annoys you more. A brother or a sister can get under your skin more than anyone as they know exactly what buttons to push. Sometimes, it goes too far resulting in decades long feuds or, as in the case of the very first siblings, murder. Join Jon and Kurt as they look at famous sibling rivalries in history, pop culture, and fiction. You might want to listen and marinate on your own sibling relationships before that awkward Thanksgiving dinner….


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    41 mins
  • Ep.297: Cemetery or Graveyard?
    Nov 10 2025

    Ever stop to think about two words that we usually interchangeably use to mean the same thing? Well, most of the time, there is a clear difference and distinction between the two words and we were given two of them because they mean different things. Jon decides to test Kurt throughout the episode with multiple examples. Take a listen, see how he did and compare it to your score. Then ask yourself, am I right or am I correct?



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    33 mins
  • Ep. 296: Famous Last Meals
    Oct 27 2025

    If tonight was your last night on earth, what would you choose for your final meal? Jon and Kurt look into famous last meals from historical figures, serial killers, and celebrities. What does it say about you or what do you want to send as a message? Or, do you just want to make sure you get that last chance to savor an epicurean delight? Grab your appetite and take a listen.


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    32 mins
  • Ep.295: Opinions Are Like A$&%holes
    Oct 13 2025

    Anapodoton is a rhetorical device where the main clause of a sentence is omitted, and its meaning is implied by a subordinate clause that is provided, most commonly in well-known proverbs or phrases. The implied information is easily understood and mentally supplied by the listener or reader, such as saying "When in Rome..." and expecting the listener to complete the phrase with "do as the Romans do". “If the shoe fits...” “If you can’t beat ‘em...”, etc. The listener understands the complete thought because the full phrase is familiar. Of course, Jon and Kurt thought this would make an excellent topic for an episode of Smart Drivel. “We hope for the smart..."


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    31 mins
  • Ep.294: History Mystery
    Sep 29 2025

    Jon and Kurt decide to scratch their history itch by having a conversation about some of the world’s greatest unsolved history mysteries. Of course, this being Jon and Kurt, they meander a bit off topic, but do manage to come back each time to probe and theorize what the hell happened.


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    28 mins