Like Father Like Son with Brian & Will

The guys sit down to talk about the best and worst in professional sports branding. Throughout the episode they discuss best team nicknames (6:54) favourite sports logos (18:47) noteworthy uniforms (25:52) and sports branding origin stories (33:30).

The guys sit down to chat about memorable summer blockbuster movies. Brian recalls five films spanning 1975-1998. They include a killer shark (11:01) college shenanigans (22:18) eighties-style time travel (37:18) a man in black (49:57) and a classic war movie (1:03:17). Will recounts five films spanning 1999-2019. They feature a double-ended lightsaber (16:06) a dark origin story (28:38) an all-female hit comedy (43:15) a shameless reboot (56:49) and a Marvel masterpiece (1:10:09).

Brian and Will are joined by friend of the show and West Coast correspondent Mitch Mills. Mitch appeals to the Court of Unpopular Opinion by arguing that the Vancouver Canucks are the most “snakebitten” franchise in major professional sports. His argument is predicated on the team’s “true unluckiness” (16:22) a prevailing “everyone is against us” narrative (31:33) and general organizational ineptitude (49:00). Finally, Justices Totzke and Hopcraft deliver judgment on the matter (1:04:19).

Brian and Will discuss popular songs that brought critical acclaim to their original composer as well as a second artist reinterpreting them later on. They pick which version is better – original or cover – and speculate which interpretation would be more successful today and which other artists from history might do a better job. The songs debated include Stand By Me (8:21) Oh, Pretty Woman (20:51) Mrs. Robinson (35:25) The Boxer (49:35) American Woman (1:00:55) and Walk This Way (1:14:15).

Brian and Will compare years in TV comedy. After introducing key shows (6:47) they discuss favourite episodes which include Carson in the dark (18:24) an Indiana nightclub (23:10) a blues legend (27:30) Thanksgiving with “The Blitz” (30:21) the Korean War (34:40) a dirty family photo (40:13) a 50th birthday (44:55) zombie community college (50:02) a series finale (55:49) and a sophisticated Christmas party (58:44). The conversation wraps with lowlights (1:03:49) and overall legacies (1:08:04).

Brian and Will unveil the inaugural class of inductees in the “Brian Totzke Fictional Athlete Hall of Fame.” This elite group draws characters from classic sports stories and includes a US Open hopeful (7:04), a NASCAR legend (12:06) a minor league vet (17:46) the captain of a national title-winning squad (22:41) three unorthodox brothers (29:00) the most iconic fictional boxer of all time (34:00) an unlikely multi-sport phenom (39:23) and a classic cartoon character (44:15).

In Episode 6 the guys take an early look at the 2020 NFL schedule. They break down some of the most anticipated matchups of the year including rookie debuts (3:56) opening week QB clashes (8:49) new wave AFC QBs (13:02) stadium unveilings (15:36) the Bills in primetime (18:57) key rematches from 2019 (22:35) revenge games (27:51) veteran QBs (32:07) top young talent (36:15) and intergenerational matchups (38:57). The conversation is wrapped up with some way too early season predictions (41:24).

In Part 2 of Brian and Will’s deep dive into films about the mafia and organized crime, the guys review five more movies that cemented the genre in popular culture. They discuss unique qualities, memorable performances, best scenes and lines, and the overall contributions of Goodfellas (2:52) Reservoir Dogs (18:37) Casino (30:10) The Departed (45:11) and The Irishman (57:47).

In Part 1 of Brian and Will’s deep dive into films about the mafia and organized crime, the guys review five early movies that were pivotal in establishing and developing the genre in Hollywood. They discuss unique qualities, memorable performances, best scenes and lines, and the overall contributions of The Godfather (6:21) Mean Streets (22:41) The Godfather Part II (35:15) Scarface (44:58) and The Untouchables (58:18).

Brian and Will compare crucial years in music history: 1969 and 2012. After setting the stage with artists (7:47) and radio hits (20:50) they present their most important albums including The Who (26:27) alt-J (28:16) Johnny Cash (30:10) Lana Del Rey (32:07) The Rolling Stones (34:51) Taylor Swift (36:10) Led Zeppelin (38:01) Frank Ocean (41:02) The Beatles (43:43) and Kendrick Lamar (47:18). They conclude with honourable mentions (51:55) lowlights (53:45) and the legacies of 1969 and 2012 (59:56).