Hello Sicko fans.

If you are a dedicated listener you know that for a long time Joe has been struggling with chronic pain due to a hip impingement and labral tear. Basically his shit is so fucked up and it hurts all the time, and the only solution is a lot of physical therapy, which does not really solve the day-to-day pain issue.

If you have experienced chronic pain, especially pain that can peak unexpectedly and without warning, you know that it makes it extremely hard to plan things. When you hurt all over, the kind of extended mental focus that was once effortless can become a huge energy drain. Unfortunately that's sort of where we're at right now. Joe has a lot on his plate and his family and career are obviously always going to take priority over this show, and we have to be honest and recognize that he's currently in a place where he simply does not have the capability to do Sickos stuff. He's at the point where trying to play through the pain is only going to hurt him more.

We always talk about how the point of Anime Sickos is to be fun for us, and all our decisions are meant to keep it fun. Right now for Joe it has become a stressor that either makes him guilty about having to cancel recordings, or else eats up critical focus that is better spent elsewhere. I go into this detail just so you understand this is not a decision we make lightly, and one that has full support from both of us.

So, what does that mean for the show? First, I'm going to take some time off, probably a week or two. Then we are going to come back with a selection of guest co-hosts similar to when Joe was out on paternity podcast leave. After a month or two of that, we'll see where we're at. The show WILL go on--it won't be the same without Joe, but I also don't want to stop doing it! And Joe is not quitting--when he is stronger and has more focus/stamina he will return. We just don't know when that will be, so until then we'll make do.

I am probably going to keep the Tom's Record Club show going on the Patreon. I totally understand if some patrons want to cancel their pledges or if listeners are not as interested in the show now. Joe is like the funniest guy who ever lived and is much funnier than me. The thing that makes this show so special is the dynamic between the two of us. I totally understand if a version of Anime Sickos without that dynamic doesn't appeal to you. But I will keep da fire going regardless.

I thank every Sicko fan who sticks with us. Please send your love and support to Joe da God. He deserves the best and is instead beset by fucking terrors and torments and it's not fair. If you want to throw Joe a few bucks directly you can go to https://ko-fi.com/joeandersonm.