Hungry for Laughs!

Here’s a drawing of a Jersey Devil from a Philadelphia newspaper in 1909!

In episode 90, Chuck talks about cryptids! Cryptids are creatures whose existence is based mostly on anecdotal evidence—not Science! Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Chupacabra are some well-known cryptids. Chuck thinks he may have uncovered a pattern or theme with regard to certain states in the U.S.A. being home to a variety of cryptids. Have you seen a cryptid? Do you know someone who has seen a cryptid? Tell Chuck about your favorite cryptid!

Church of Santo Domingo de GuzmánPhoto Credit: Gabriella Van Leuven

In episode 89, Chuck talks over-the-phone with return guest Gabriella Van Leuven about Oaxaca! Oaxaca is a state in southwestern Mexico, and it’s the name of the state’s capital city. Gabriella and her family spent a month in Oaxaca in 2018! Indigenous cultures, the Zapotecs, the Mixtec, and others, have survived better than most others elsewhere in Mexico. Of course, there is great food in Oaxaca! Moles, tamales, chocolate, chapulines, tlayudas, and cheese to name just a few. And you can wash it all down with mezcal! Tell us about your favorite things about Oaxaca!

Darrin Stephens was played by two different Dicks!Photo Credit: Victor Mascaro

In episode 88, Chuck talks about replacement actors! It’s when an actor is replaced by another actor to play the same character. Only actors in television series are considered—and no animal actors are included! One of the most famous replacement actors is Dick Sargent who replaced Dick York as Darrin Stephens on Bewitched. Tell Chuck about your favorite television shows with replacement actors!

This is not necessarily an endorsement for SoulCycle!Photo Credit: Shawna Harris

In episode 87, Chuck talks over-the-phone with return guest Shawna Harris about indoor cycling! Shawna has been riding a bike to nowhere for years! Shawna talks about the structure and goals of an indoor cycling class; but Chuck has a friend, past guest Dave Ryan, who does indoor cycling at home. Different, well-known brands are discussed, and Chuck gives his thoughts about Peloton® commercials. Have you participated in aqua cycling? Tell us your favorite place and/or bike to ride to nowhere!

Onegaishimasu!

In episode 86, Chuck talks about aikido! Aikido is a Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei). Chuck has been a fan of aikido ever since he saw the movie Above the Law starring Steven Seagal. This martial art emphasizes blending with and redirecting an attacker’s energy. Chuck talks about aikido training and techniques and which of these techniques Steven Seagal may have used in his movies. Do you think this, or any, martial art could be used effectively in real life? Tell Chuck about your experience with aikido! Onegaishimasu!

There’s a widget in it!

In episode 85, Chuck sits down with return guest Tom Kearney to talk about Guinness®! First things first: Guinness® is a registered trademark of Guinness & Co. Chuck and Tom both enjoy a pint of Guinness! Guinness might look like a pancake syrup, but it’s not as thick as it looks. Chuck and Tom talk about the “surge and settle” that is brought to you by nitrogen. In cans, it’s made possible by a widget! Would “The Surge and Settle” be a good name for a pub? Guinness World Records are also discussed. And is Sir Alec Guinness part of the family that started this brewery? Please always let your Guinness finish cascading before enjoying! Tell us if you enjoy a pint of Guinness!

Not now, Cato!Photo Credit: United Artists/Photofest

In episode 84, Chuck talks about The Pink Panther! Most of the episode is about the British-American film franchise directed by Blake Edwards. The title comes from the name of the fictional diamond that has been stolen in the original film. There were seven sequels after the first film that were directed by Edwards. Many agree, including Chuck, that the first sequel, A Shot in the Dark, is the best of the entire series. Cato Fong may be Chuck’s favorite character of the series, but of course Peter Sellers’ Jacques Clouseau is brilliant! Despite his meticulous research, Chuck knows he has mixed up which scenes were in which movies! Yes, there were other movies made that were based on the original, but Chuck hasn’t been able to muster the strength to watch them. There is also a series of animated shorts based on this series. Tell Chuck about your favorite movies/scenes from this classic series!

See if you can pick out the folklore mentioned in this episode!Photo Credit: Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division

In episode 83, Chuck talks via Skype from Canada (That’s a first!) with Jacob Meza about folklore! Jacob is the host of the So It Is Told podcast. (Find it on iTunes, SoundCloud, and Google Play; Twitter and IG: @soitistoldcast; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soitistoldcast/) Chuck and Jacob discuss myths, legends, fables, and fairy tales. Why were these stories created? Why do they persist and continue to influence popular culture? Tell us about your favorite folklore genre and/or stories!

Do you think Chuck would get the job after making this omelette?

In episode 82, Chuck talks about omelettes! Chuck recalls eating and making omelettes ever since his oldest brother introduced them to him. The one basic rule to remember about making omelettes is that you have to break a few eggs; however, this dish is not without its controversies. The omelette may have originated in France, but versions of it exist in the United States of America, Italy, Spain, Japan, and other countries of the world. Tell Chuck about your favorite omelettes!

This is the IT department of Reynholm Industries—without Richmond!Photo Credit: Channel Four Television Corporation

In episode 81, Chuck talks over-the-phone with his nephew Jonathan and Jonathan’s wife Natalie about The IT Crowd! This Britcom had four series (seasons) and concluded with a special episode. This show follows Jen, Roy, and Moss (and Richmond) who work in the IT department of Reynholm Industries. Watch as they get into hilarious trouble with the head of the company, their fellow employees, and the outside world. Tell us about your favo(u)rite episodes! And if you don’t think this show is funny, try turning it off and on again!