Adulthood. Why do some people avoid it? Why do some people say they can't handle it? What does it mean?

After much badgering from Paul, and a 10-day trip to the Magic Kingdom, Jenny finally consents to take up authenticity. Paul's not a fan of the concept when applied to culture, thinks it's just a way to tell someone else that their taste is stupid. Jenny isn't necessarily a defender of cultural authenticity, per se, but really thinks there needs to be a concise way to call out things that are fakey simulations, like Disney World's Fake New Orleans or Fake Atlantic City.

This one is about doing stuff, which is more than just getting things done. It's finding time and energy to see friends and have fun, but also take on the projects you want to do. Sometimes it's lack of energy that gets in the way, or fear of failure. But we encourage you to find your inner Rollins.

On this episode we consider the life and art of R&B superstar R. Kelly. Helping with this Big Mac sized task are Chicago artists and scholars Jake Austen, Christy LeMaster and Edward Crouse who all particpated in R Kelly 101 along side our own Jenny Benevento. The event was sponsored by Homeroom Chicago. You'll learn about his days in high school choir, how McDonald's is his happy place, what he eats on set, and what R Kelly has in common with Wagner.

Paul's brother, Dr. Kyle Riismandel, PhD., is our first returning guest to take up one of the most divisive issues in popular music: that Canadian power-trio, Rush. Jenny isn't anti-Rush, so much as she is plagued with stereotyped impressions of the Rush fanbase that we must all discuss. But first everyone shares their favorite things and we dive into the important popular culture artifacts of rap music trading cards.

Jenny and Paul contemplate the common--but damaging--notion that "I need the thing to do the thing." Whether it's "I need a better guitar to play better music," or "I need an MBA to get a better job," they break down whether or not you actually want to do that thing, and whether or not you can just go ahead and do it.

For the Beatlesque episode #9 our guest is Cyrus Pireh, the world's greatest living electric guitar player. He joins for a discussion about being a professional artist when what you do lies outside many people's expectations, and how fear of judgment often prevents people from making music or any art. Plus, ska and blenders!

Librarian and music lover Toby Greenwalt joins Jenny and Paul to tell the story of how he was blacklisted by the College Music Journal when he was a college radio DJ and manager. Then we digress into the topic of musical taste, and how folks learn about new music and bands in a time when commercial radio is stagnant and the internet rules. We also share our favorite things of the moment.

Aside from Paul's unnatural affinity for Kip Winger, would you have any idea that he and Jenny are both metalheads? (Please, no arguments about how Winger isn't metal. That's so 1990.)

After each taking a vacation Jenny and Paul are back on the mic to tackle a topic that will probably ruffle some feathers: selflessness, and why we're not fans of it. But first we share some listener comments on our Jack White episode and reflect on Jenny's travels to Los Angeles and the L Ron Hubbard museum, and Paul's Ireland trip where he learned just how they feel about the British. Also, Micheal McKean!