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 This New Year’s mini episode skips the usual full-length conversation so the hosts can briefly ring in 2026 and connect with listeners. Dropping on January 1, they share lighthearted New Year’s resolutions: one aims to see or watch a stand-up comedy show at least once a month to prioritize joy and laughter, while the other jokingly renews an old “resolution” to never make formal resolutions again, but admits wanting to get back to healthier habits around diet and exercise.

They invite listeners to share their own resolutions via comments, email, or text, and confirm that regular episodes of I Hate Talking will resume with a full show on January 8, 2026. The tone is warm, quick, and hopeful—offering a short “happy New Year” touchpoint before the podcast returns to its usual weekly rhythm.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 This Christmas-day mini episode is a warm holiday check‑in rather than a full installment. The hosts pause regular programming on December 25, 2025 to wish listeners a Merry Christmas, acknowledging that many are spending the day with friends and family, working essential jobs, or maybe even heading to a movie theater instead of a big gathering. They invite anyone who feels alone—or just wants some company while commuting or cooking—to revisit past episodes, suggesting their November 21, 2024 episode “Under the Auspices of I Hate Talking, a New Podcast Appears” and the January 23, 2025 synesthesia episode as especially fun listens tied to favorite colors and how blue and teal often top the global “favorite color” lists.​

They also clear up a mystery from the previous episode: there never actually was a dedicated “Color of the Year 2024” episode, even though one host was sure they’d recorded it; instead, they had only researched Pantone and color popularity while preparing the earlier color-themed discussion. The update wraps with a quick programming note—no full New Year’s episode either, with regular weekly episodes scheduled to resume on January 8, 2026—and a final Christmas wish from their family to everyone listening.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 In episode 88 of I Hate Talking, the hosts revisit the idea of “color of the year” and unpack Pantone’s 2026 pick: Cloud Dancer. Instead of finding it calming or inspiring, they both react strongly against it, describing the off‑white shade as dingy, dirty, and more like a stained wall or leaky dishwasher water than a serene, billowy cloud. They also read and gently roast Pantone’s poetic marketing language about clarity, creativity, and fresh starts, noting how little it matches their actual emotional response to the color.

To frame the discussion, they introduce Pantone as both a company and a standardized color-matching system used in printing, fashion, and product design, explaining how it aims to make colors consistent across inks and materials. From there, the conversation wanders delightfully: who gets to name colors, why some design choices spark internet backlash, and whether anyone genuinely likes Cloud Dancer or if it’s being universally dragged online. They also detour into “color seasons” (like soft summer), AI-driven palette analysis, and whether couples might share similar color profiles over time. The episode closes with an open invitation for listeners to hunt down any past “color of the year” episode they may or may not have actually recorded and to weigh in on whether Cloud Dancer deserves its controversial spotlight.

Keywords: Pantone, Pantone Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, off‑white, neutral color, color naming, color marketing language, color psychology, color backlash, standardized color system, design and printing, fashion color trends, soft summer color season, personal color analysis, AI color analysis, I Hate Talking podcast, 2026 color trends.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Episode 87 of I Hate Talking dives into the surprisingly rich world of pants—sparked by the hosts’ recent closet decluttering and reflections on how many clothes a typical American household accumulates. They start with definitions and regional differences: in North America, “pants” means trousers, while in British English “pants” often means underwear and can even be slang for “nonsense” or “rubbish.” They trace the word back through “pantaloons,” to the comic Italian character Pantalone, whose too-tight breeches helped give the garment its name.

From there, the conversation branches into culture, gender, and clothing norms: who “wears the pants” in a relationship, why women historically wore dresses instead of pants, and how pockets (or the lack of them) feed modern “patriarchy and purses” theories. They touch on kilts, boys’ short pants, capris, and their family’s “Yes Day” tradition that once led to Dad in a dress—plus why he’s not planning a full-time wardrobe change. The episode closes with a look at sustainable fashion: how much clothing is overproduced, what to do with unworn items, and practical ideas like the backward-hanger trick, reselling, and donating instead of trashing.

Keywords: pants, pantaloons, Pantalone, trousers vs pants, British vs American English, pants etymology, clothing history, gender norms, who wears the pants, pockets and patriarchy, dresses vs pants, kilts, capris, short pants, sustainable fashion, clothing overproduction, decluttering, backward hanger trick, clothing donation, Yes Day, family traditions, I Hate Talking podcast.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 In episode 86 of I Hate Talking, the hosts take on the deceptively simple word “goodbye” and discover how emotionally loaded it has become in modern conversation. They unpack why “goodbye” can feel harsh or final—more like a relationship-ending period than a casual sign‑off—and contrast it with softer alternatives such as “bye,” “see you later,” and even the more cheerful “good morning.”

Digging into etymology, they explain how “goodbye” began as the devotional phrase “God be with ye,” was shortened in writing (like an old-school “BRB”), and eventually morphed into the single word used today. From there, the discussion widens into different styles of leave-taking: formal farewells, the “silent goodbye” (a.k.a. French leave/Irish exit), and how culture, personality, and even gender shape whether you feel obligated to make rounds or just slip out the door. Along the way, they share funny family stories, including accidental “I love you”s on work calls, midwestern marathon goodbyes, and a grandparent who would simply stand up from dinner and go sit in the car.

The episode closes with a self-aware twist: for them, this isn’t goodbye—just another conversation about how the words we choose reveal what we value in relationships, endings, and everything in between.

Keywords: goodbye, etymology of goodbye, God be with ye, farewell language, silent goodbye, French leave, Irish exit, social etiquette, parting phrases, good morning vs goodbye, midwestern goodbye, small talk, cultural communication, relationship endings, I Hate Talking podcast.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 No new episode this week—your hosts are taking a break to celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States! If you’re looking for something to listen to while you cook, travel, or relax, there’s a rich catalog of over 85 past episodes to choose from.

For a listener favorite, check out the 'Synesthesia' episode (Jan 23, 2025), which offers a deep dive into the fascinating phenomenon of mixing senses. If your mood leans festive, revisit 'Christmas Tide, When Will It End, and the Lost Ornaments' (Jan 16, 2025) for cozy holiday reflections. Other top listens include 'Expedition into Time-Bound Conversation' (June 20, 2024) and 'The Chaos Episode'—the very first time the hosts ditched their script.

Whichever episode you choose, thanks for being part of the I Hate Talking community. Happy Thanksgiving, and remember: it’s only through talking that we begin the journey to understanding!

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 In episode 85 of I Hate Talking, the hosts open with a milestone announcement: November marked their most downloaded month since the podcast launched, second only to their debut month. Listeners are encouraged to catch early episodes and share feedback—preferably with a dose of kindness or even pure praise!

The word of the episode is "regatta," inspired by the recent Cub Scout rain gutter regatta boat race. The hosts break down the origins and meaning of "regatta," tracing it from its Italian (and possibly Latin) roots as a contest or race, to its present-day use for boat races—whether rowing or sailing—around the world. The discussion dives into the differences between regattas, races, and familiar Cub Scout events, with fun asides about Pinewood Derby and the now-discontinued Space Derby. The episode also unpacks the distinctions between canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, exploring both their historical design and the mechanics of how each is paddled or rowed.

Expect scout stories, random nostalgia, aquatic terminology, and a spirited debate about which watercraft reigns supreme. The episode is a relatable blend of family anecdotes, scouting tradition, and word history, plus a reminder about their upcoming holiday break for Thanksgiving.

Keyword highlights: regatta, Cub Scouts, rain gutter regatta, kayak, canoe, rowboat, word origins, paddle vs. oar, water sports, scouting traditions.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Episode 84 explores Dictionary.com's controversial 2025 "Word of the Year"—the number —and the explosion of meme culture in everyday language. The hosts debate whether numerals can truly count as words, and dissect what it means for a dictionary to embrace viral Gen Alpha fads as legitimate lexicon. They unpack the origin of 67 as slang: from a rapper's lyric and TikTok trends, to schoolyards and sports memes, to its status as an in-joke that, paradoxically, includes everyone in the fun.

Alongside plenty of real-life stories (including how a scout meeting devolved into a chorus of 6-7 jokes), the couple examines the language philosophy from "Findle," asking: is a word simply whatever enough people agree that it means? The show also touches on the psychology of belonging and why nonsense fads like 67 make it easy, for a brief moment, for anyone—kid or adult—to join an inside joke. They critique the dark origins of the number as a street reference but ultimately focus on its evolution into a lighthearted, inclusive meme.

Runners-up for Word of the Year are discussed (including "agentic," "tradwife," and "kiss cam"). The episode closes by questioning what dictionaries are now and whether other viral moments will claim word-of-the-year status before December ends. As ever, listeners are invited to weigh in on whether this kind of linguistic chaos should be celebrated or scorned.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

Send us Fan Mail

 In Episode 83 of I Hate Talking, the hosts dive into the concept of "nostalgia," sparked by a listener suggestion and a memorable quote: "Nostalgia is just a longing for a time we know we can survive." The duo debates the merits and shortcomings of this definition, reflecting on whether nostalgia is more about overcoming hardships or an emotional longing for the best moments of our pasts. With personal stories about parenting, childhood memories, and once-in-a-lifetime trips, they explore how nostalgia is shaped by both triumph and struggle, and whether it applies to adulthood memories or just the carefree days of youth. The conversation draws on classic dictionary definitions and the term’s Greek roots—νόστος  (homecoming/return) and ἄλγος  (pain)—to illuminate how nostalgia has evolved from literal homesickness to a complex, bittersweet emotion. Listeners are invited to weigh in: is nostalgia just about survivable times, is it rooted in the happiest memories, or can it arise from adversity as well?

Along the way, the episode highlights the ways in which nostalgia shapes our perception of life’s eras, why certain periods or places draw us back emotionally, and whether it’s possible to intentionally create nostalgia in adulthood. As always, the hosts use humor, candid disagreement, and lively storytelling to unpack the episode’s word—concluding that through talking (and sometimes disagreeing), we begin the journey to understanding.

Keywords: nostalgia, homesickness, parenting memories, emotional meaning, Greek etymology, life reflection, bittersweet, survival, sentimental longing, Richard Greenberg quote, adult vs. childhood memories.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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  In Episode 82, the hosts take a listener suggestion and spotlight the word fetid—a recent Wordle answer—and trace its meaning, origins, and less obvious relatives. The hosts discuss both their Wordle strategies, starter words, and the minor heartbreaks and little victories that come with daily word games, before diving into vocabulary.

They explain that fetid means “having a heavy, offensive smell”—think stinky swamps, unwashed gear, or foul breath. Drawing on its Latin roots (fetidus from fetere, "to stink"), they clarify that it’s not related to words like fetish, despite some surface resemblance. They also discuss how fetid differs from putrid (which typically refers to rotting organic matter).

The conversation then shifts to Japanese slang for “uncool,” teaching listeners how ‘dasai’ or ‘janai kakoi’ offers a softer alternative to “dumb” or “gross”—and marveling at the nuance of language learning versus the bluntness of “that’s disgusting.”

Stories from a recent camping trip bring “fetid” to life—one host found the campground delightfully pristine, while the other (downwind of the septic tank) insists pockets of air were truly fetid, especially mixed with campfire smoke. A tangent about showering, towels, and sentimental childhood toys pivots the episode toward nostalgia—a mood they plan to tackle deeply next time, closing with a debate about whether nostalgia is about survival or moments of thriving.

Keywords: fetid, etymology, Wordle, Japanese slang, language learning, camping, nostalgia, vocabulary, parenting, word history.

Support the show

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.