A viral mall interview asking simple geography questions leads Donna and Jeff down a hilarious rabbit hole about literacy in America. Is literacy just reading and writing, or have we forgotten how to think critically? From adults struggling to read aloud to schools ditching grammar lessons, this episode mixes comedy, common sense, and conversation about what we're really teaching the next generation.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hilarity-ensues--6243018/support.

Florida has earned a reputation for producing headlines that leave the rest of the country asking, "What were they thinking?" Today's episode dives into the latest installment of WTF: What The Florida?!—the story of a Texas couple who left their six-month-old baby sleeping under a beach umbrella while they took a nearly one-hour stroll. We'll unpack the bizarre decisions and consequences.  

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hilarity-ensues--6243018/support.

The FIFA World Cup has arrived, and while the games are exciting, the headlines off the field may be just as entertaining. From fans chanting about President Trump, to teams flying in their own food because they don't trust ours, the world is giving America a report card—and some of the comments aren't exactly glowing. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hilarity-ensues--6243018/support.

After more than 50 years of waiting, hoping, crying, and arguing with referees, the New York Knicks are finally champions! Donna and Jeff break down the wild championship run, the passionate fans, the unforgettable comeback, and why New York may have used every available good-luck charm to bring home a title. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hilarity-ensues--6243018/support.

What happens when someone moves into your house and refuses to leave? Today, Donna and Jeff dive into the Hulu series Squatters: Get the F...K Out of My House!, a shocking six-episode look at real homeowners battling squatters who claim everything from common-law marriage and ancestral rights to outright ownership of properties that aren't theirs. From vacant homes and nightmare tenants to bizarre legal loopholes and true-crime twists, Donna and Jeff break down each episode while sharing their own real-life experiences dealing with squatters. It's a conversation about property rights, personal responsibility, and the unbelievable stories that prove truth really is stranger than fiction.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hilarity-ensues--6243018/support.

Reality dating shows promise romance, soulmates, and happily-ever-afters—but what happens when the cameras stop rolling and the lawsuits start? Donna examines the growing number of allegations and legal battles surrounding shows like Married at First Sight and Love Is Blind. Exploring whether pairing complete strangers together and encouraging rapid intimacy creates unnecessary risks, especially for women, or if contestants simply know what they're signing up for. With signature humor and common-sense perspective, she will ask whether reality TV is really about finding love, or just manufacturing drama for ratings.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hilarity-ensues--6243018/support.

Artificial Intelligence is becoming everybody’s new best friend, therapist, lawyer, relationship coach, and personal hype squad. But what happens when AI agrees with you a little too much? Donna dives into a fascinating study from Myra Cheng and her advisor Dan Jurafsky that tested whether AI models tell people the truth… or just tell people what they want to hear.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hilarity-ensues--6243018/support.

Donna dives into America’s growing literacy and math crisis after a simple trip to the neighborhood store turned into an unexpected math intervention. From basic arithmetic to people refusing to read contracts, disclosures, or even captions longer than an Instagram post, this episode hilariously explores what happens when critical thinking disappears. T

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hilarity-ensues--6243018/support.

Donna and Jeff dive into the wild world of online reviews and ask the question everyone’s thinking: can we actually trust any of them anymore? From fake Amazon reviews and Yelp Elite perks to revenge posts, sponsored opinions, and emotional one star meltdowns, this episode explores how online ratings shape where we eat, shop, work, and spend our money. Donna shares her experience as a Yelp Elite reviewer while Jeff tells the story of a review that escalated way beyond expectations. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hilarity-ensues--6243018/support.

This week on Hilarity Ensues, Donna and Jeff unpack the shocking disappearance of Spirit Airlines. Yes, they shut down so fast they didn’t even leave a forwarding address. With rising fuel costs hitting both your gas tank and the skies, budget airlines are changing the game… and not in your favor. From Southwest ditching open seating to Frontier selling “travel dreams” that may strand you in Jamaica, the era of cheap flights might be officially over. Buckle up because the only thing going up faster than planes… is the price.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hilarity-ensues--6243018/support.