Bitter Coffey

With Darek on summer hiatus, previous guest Margo Batsie joins the show in the 2nd seat. She and Kelly take a meandering & unsupervised walk down Memory Lane. They share the somewhat recently discovered fact that they shared an orthodontist and zip code in their youth, how they both made their foray treading the boards on the legit stage as children awkwardly playing politicians, and the impact Taco Bell had on Margo’s driving skills. They break down possible reasons Tom Cruise is a frequent orphan in movies and they offer support to a woman named Michelle Obama, a newcomer to the podcast scene. Nothing really happens but a lot goes on.

In an effort to help alleviate the stress of a pandemic, we decided to meet up to record a show with the hope it would provide some sort of distraction for our listeners (and ourselves). Just days later, the world went sideways once again as a result of the tragic and senseless murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Like you, we're outraged and doing our part in this unprecedented time through protesting against police violence in our communities, raising awareness, and most importantly, educating ourselves on privilege, racism and how we, collectively, can move forward. Both of us have always had one goal in mind each time we sit behind the mic – add some levity to counter the insanity out there in the world and to make our listeners laugh. We hope we succeeded.

Darek and Kelly are joined by long-time listeners of the show, and Kelly's former bosses, Morgan and Margo. The crew reflect on drinks the size of your head, discuss the best names for groups of animals and discuss the relationship between hot dogs and friendship. Kelly tells the harrowing tale of the shuttle from hell and Morgan discloses why why's called what why is. Bells are introduced to the show to indicate a "that's what she said" moment and they do not go unused.

To close out 2019, Darek and Kelly reflect on the year that was, and look forward to what's ahead, including making a few impromptu on-air phone calls to some special guests to ask them about their favorite (or least favorite) holiday memories. Kelly shares her own most troubling holiday experience, as well as recounting her recent interaction with the "team" at Lesbian Connection.

Kelly and Darek are joined by super siblings Tim and Lisa Chang to consume and discuss carbs of every shape and size. Tim recounts the origin story of he and Darek's friendship, reveals his controversial snackfood opinions and is somewhat bemused by both the weather and people of Northern Vermont. Kelly takes issue with putting salt in coffee and the crew bask in the glow of a recent "feature" in Lesbian Connection magazine.

Bravely overcoming a serious case of "doughnut throat", our hosts chat about the resurgence of roller derby, awkward vocal tics, and trace the very short origin story of Kelly's favorite new catchphrase. Leaf couch season continues with a special shout out to Instagram's #freechairproject and the suggestion of a special new merch item. Things conclude with a deep dive into the plethora of National Something Days and a stellar cold-close.

After a bit of a newborn-related hiatus, Kelly and Darek are back to regale you with tales of their best years ever, share some significant life updates, reflect on their distinct experiences with the Champlain Valley Fair and Y2K and Kelly saddles Darek with a dodgy nickname. Along the way, Kelly shares a newly identified pet peeve and Darek gets confused about when Jim Carrey's early films came out (which he's now aware of, so there's no reason to point it out).

Our hosts are joined by rock star in attitude and profession, Gladys Douse (who also happens to be Darek's mother). Glad shares her experiences as a lifelong Vermonter who now lives in North Carolina, as well her musical journey and evolution. The group also chats about the lie that is the storied baby shower nacho bar, sun couch season, perms and so much more.

As Darek embarks on paternity leave, we close out Season 1 of Bitter Coffey with some (arguably TOO much) excitement about Winooski's upcoming road vaginas, engage in a robust punctuation debate that would damage most friendships, and with the help of guest-host Mo Citro, further explore our odd fascination with Celine Dion. At one point in the show, Kelly begins speaking in a Canadian accent that isn't detected until post-production, and we may or may not lovingly compare Darek's baby with a tuned-up bicycle. Michele encounters her first live rat and records a video of him or her running errands around town. We will be back for Season 2 after childbirth & adjustment to fatherhood, summer courses and open-mouth naps in the sun. Stay fresh this summer, Cheesebags!

On this episode of the definitely still a "comedy" podcast Bitter Coffey, Kelly hatches a plan to start a band with Darek's Mom, reads a letter from friend of the show Morgan, and our hosts offer some very dubious relationship advice. We also discover that one poor listener has been suffering through the podcast (more than most) at 1.5 speed, which leads us into the dark and disturbing world of "drunk speed". Darek also goes off on a rant about gendered baby clothing, and Kelly is chased by a literal beaver.