In this episode of Manic Joy, Dave and Reese return after a summer break to sip coffee (spiked with Kahlúa), unpack the viral Coldplay kiss cam drama, and spiral into everything from public meltdowns to AI-written student essays. Reese recounts her blood pressure saga, her obsession with internet sleuths, and the existential dread of watching your childhood idols implode. Plus: water aerobics with a beer in hand, the creeping rise of AI influencers, and a call for more humanity in a world too eager to hit “record.”

In this episode of Manic Joy, Reese unwraps one of the most thoughtful gifts Dave has ever given her—a subscription to History By Mail.

That kicks off a delightfully nostalgic conversation about Reese’s love of history, Jackie Robinson and Chock Full o’Nuts, Annie Oakley’s offer to lead 50 sharpshooters, and Johnny Cash’s presidential penmanship.

Plus, a heartfelt detour into parenting, AI, and analog joy. There’s also sock drawer drama, meatball hats, and a cocktail that tastes like dessert—because obviously.

Drink of the episode: Black Forest Martini

In this episode, Dave and Reese dive into a Florida-themed “Would You Rather?” game featuring everything from suspicious gators named Carl to crab shacks without AC.

You'll hear about Reese's girls' trip to Florida including lizard sightings, lost flip-flops, and the power of a perfectly curated poolside routine.

Plus, we debate the real MVP of Florida cuisine (Publix subs? Really?) and reflect on the proper use of ChatGPT in school and life.

This one’s got laughs, a little ranting, and a whole lot of Carl. Wait, who's Carl? You'll have to listen to find out!

Ever get in a fight over curly fries? Have a passionate opinion about the perfect fast food burger? You’re in good company.

In this episode, Dave and Reese take a no-holds-barred journey through their fast food favorites, their childhood comfort foods, and the questionable culinary choices that shaped them.

Who wins in the battle of the fries? Which burger gets a hard “nope”? And why is the Wendy’s Frosty basically therapy?

Grab a snack (we know you want to), tune in, and join the debate—just don’t bring up In-N-Out.

We warned you.

In this milestone episode, Dave and Reese celebrate their daughters getting their first cars and take a joyride down memory lane. From champagne-colored LeBarons to minivans with TVs, they share the highs, lows, and laugh-out-loud moments of car ownership—including a few dealer horror stories and the joy of finding a good one. Plus, a featured cocktail named after a classic ride: the El Camino.

What started as a chocolate martini and a trip to the auto shop turns into a full-on nostalgia spiral.

Reese unearths her original Garbage Pail Kids collection—gum long gone, value still intact—and Dave dives into the bizarre history of the cards that shocked 1980s parents everywhere.

Plus: thrift store treasures, Cadbury egg hunting, and a very special TED Talk shoutout.

Reese turns a year older and declares: Every. Body. Hurts.

From elbows to egos, nothing is safe in this birthday episode.

She and Dave sip coffee, dissect Vesper martinis, recount sticker club lore, and dive deep into the magic (and cringe) of David Blaine and the Natalia Grace drama.

It’s cozy, chaotic, and full of heart—as always.

In this meta-episode of Manic Joy, Dave and Reese take a break from their usual theme to turn the lens on the podcast itself. Over a delicious El Diablo cocktail, they dive into how AI (aka “Cathy”) helped them reflect on the show’s structure, tone, and future possibilities—from adding recurring segments like Reese’s Fun Fact or Dave’s Deep Thought, to tightening intros and bringing in surprise guest experts.

Along the way, you’ll hear heartfelt insights, spontaneous sidebars (tiny straws, dirty glasses, and people-ing woes), and a poignant realization about what this podcast really means to them—and one day, to their daughters.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or just stumbled in, this is a joyful behind-the-scenes peek at a work in progress, anchored in laughter, love, and yes—uncertainty.

Dave and Reese kick off a hilarious episode of Manic Joy by diving into the quirks and pains of modern life before heading into their most absurd childhood beliefs.

Dave shares his traumatic prank call experience and magic vanishing quarter, while Reese recounts playing work as a kid and attempting to grow cotton from cotton balls in her grandmother’s garden.

Don't miss out on the fun and surprises!

Dave and Reese kick things off discussing their week, including a windy disaster that took down a tree in their yard.

They sip on Bailey's chocolate martinis, debate the horrors of natural disasters, and their newfound obsession with Sunbasket meal kits (use the link for $90 off).

Oh, and then they delve into some random questions.

Buckle up for an episode full of laughs, rants, and unexpected tears.