We all want to be a part of something! And that's bad by the way. Today we're joined by crossword afficionado Demi Adejuyigbe to talk about the brainy older sister of adult coloring books: adult word games. Are crosswords just a safe way for people in their 30s to practice being old men or are they leading to historically low literacy levels because they are replacing book-reading? Is knowing a bunch of random trivia a form of toxic information-domming? Has the New York Times lost its way? Plus: We come up with some new ideas for things the federal government can do to make streaming television more fun! 

Come to our extra-spooky HALLOWEEN LIVE SHOW at the Bell House in Brooklyn on 10/27: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/straightiolab-tickets-728339060737?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/straightiolab for bonus episodes twice a month and don't forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Crossword Puzzles" w/ Demi Adejuyigbe

StraightioLab is an intellectual podcast where smart comedians George Civeris and Sam Taggart unpack the rich, multi-colored tapestry of straight culture. In each episode, George and Sam are joined by a guest to hold a MIRROR to society and finally get to the BOTTOM of mysterious and perverse topics such as college fraternities, gender reveal parties, the military, themed restaurants, and the concept of "the holidays." Scared? Good.

Comedy

Comedy Interviews

Cole Escola has created the theater event of the year with the stunning "Oh Mary!" (moving soon to Broadway!!) and now they are creating the podcast guest appearance of a lifetime with this groundbreaking episode. We talk hotels, baby carrots, dirty cups, and what's coming to the runway this year. And let's just say that Tim Gunn voice is in full effect this episode and if that scares you then that's something YOU need to work on! Go to OhMaryPlay.com for tickets to Cole's incredible show. 

Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/straightiolab for bonus episodes twice a month and don't forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Boutique Hotels" w/ Cole Escola

This week we decide to be randomly controversial, and who better to do it with than author and critic Lauren Oyler! First we courageously wade into the Taylor Swift waters without educating ourselves one bit, and then we turn our attention to the concept of "online backlash." Sure, it's okay when it happens to other people... but what about when it happens to US?! And finally, what is the deal with all these polycules we keep reading about in our nation's leading newspapers? Is polyamory a liberating lifestyle, a tech startup, or an MLM? Are Berlin-based gay guys the only people who have it all figured out? 

Buy Lauren's book of essays NO JUDGMENT from your local bookstore, and read her Harper's cover story about the Goop cruise here: https://harpers.org/archive/2023/05/goop-cruise-gwyneth-paltrow-goop-at-sea/ 

Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/straightiolab for bonus episodes twice a month and don't forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Polyamory" w/ Lauren Oyler

Hope you're hungry because today's episode with public intellectual, Nymphowars host, and now writer/director/star of the new film Stress Positions, Theda Hammel, will give you plenty to chew on. We discuss the recently selected Chosen Twink of 2024, the trickiness of dignity in undignified spaces, and of course the relationship between shame and embarrassment. It's a big conversation because it's a small conversation, and if that doesn't make sense to you now, well, it will soon. Watch Stress Positions and actually support all Neon films because a risinig tide lifts all ships! 

Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/straightiolab for bonus episodes twice a month and don't forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Shame and Embarrassment" w/ Theda Hammel

Do NOT call HR because Sam's real-life boss Taylor Tomlinson, superstar host of After Midnight, is off the clock and ON the pod this week! Recorded mere blocks from the Oscars the morning of the big night, we chat about the lasting appeal of the Republican straight rom com, whether Jeff Probst feels isolated due to his immense talent, and the triumph of Kristen Stewart in the worlds of cinema and also culture. Plus: Does Zoey Deutch have what it takes? I guess we'll see. 

Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/straightiolab for bonus episodes twice a month and don't forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Romantic Comedies" w/ Taylor Tomlinson

Ring the Kathy Griffin alarm because the legend herself is on the podcast this week! We cover everything from catheters (both the medical device and Kathy's fan community), venture capital-funded gay vacation spots, and who is coming to Kathy's notorious dinner parties. Plus, we explore what happens when one person in a couple makes more money than the other. Let's just say that gender roles WILL jump out whether you want them to or not! Catch Kathy on her new tour "My Life On The PTSD List" (kathygriffin.net/tour) and don't forget to vote! 

Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/straightiolab for bonus episodes twice a month and don't forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Crossword Puzzles" w/ Demi Adejuyigbe

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