SmartDrivel

The Vegas odds-makers lost their shirts on the over/under of number of Smart Drivel episodes. In fact, after hearing just the first fourteen episodes, they put their money on the under…well, guess what, dear listeners, Jon and Kurt made it to #200. Sit back and hear an all new episode celebrates the past while adding new entries for the future into some oldie but goodie categories. Thanks for being a part of the journey (so far).

Anyone who has spent any time at a Thanksgiving dinner knows the angst and joy that comes with seeing siblings interact. In this episode, Jon and Kurt discuss some intriguing, successful, dysfunctional, and world changing siblings. From Cain and Abel to the Jackson 5 and the Bronte sisters and all sorts in between, our co-hosts explore some amazing sisters and brothers. 

Stretching their word retrieval abilities, Jon and Kurt have fun in this episode by coming up with words that have ‘art’ embedded within them. Art means one thing on its own (the beautiful category of expressionism–be it paintings, sculptures, poetry, novels, music, dance, etc.), but take that word and stuff it into another, and it takes on a whole new life.

Stones. They are a big part of history (Blarney, Rosetta), fiction (Philosopher’s), music (Sly and the Family), people (Emma, Sharon), etc. Well, if stones really do have that big an impact across all of humanity, then they must be a great episode for Smart Drivel. Join Jon and Kurt as they discuss all things “stone”...and they aren’t even stoned while doing it.

Jon and Kurt decide to put their differences aside for a moment and delve into the world of famous rivalries. They find emblematic rivals in different categories: history, politics, fiction, business, sports, music, etc. Sometimes the foes just want to best the other no matter what and, other times, the world benefits from the output generated by the competition (e.g., “Let it Be” is a gazillion times better than “Silly Love Songs”). So, lay down your sword, respect your opponent,  and take a listen. 

Adam & Eve.  Romulus & Remus.  Gin & Tonic.  Bert & Ernie.  Oscar & Felix. Jon and Kurt identify, laugh, and survey just a few of the many famous pairs throughout history. It is a rollicking, fast, fun adventure.

The civilization of Ancient Greece emerged into the light of history in the 8th century BC. Normally it is regarded as coming to an end when Greece fell to the Romans, in 146 BC. What is amazing is that this long gone civilization has had an enduring impact on life throughout the centuries. Jon and Kurt investigate how the ancient Greeks still permeate our society. They discuss how we name our cars, household cleaners, fancy scarves, sports teams, sneakers and more after Greek gods despite having no connection to a long-gone dynasty. Heck, even condoms carry proud Greek heritage.

Jon and Kurt have a hankering for a conversation about that most popular, delectable, and oft imbibed elixir—beer. They discuss and are surprised at who drinks the most beer, what beer is the most popular, and then they get all confused about how the case of beer they grew up with somehow magically grew from 24 beers to 30. Pop open a cold one and have a listen.

Jon and Kurt hurt their brains in this episode as they attempt to make sense of the world of paradoxes. How can something that seems so contradictory end up being true? Youth is wasted on the young? This is the beginning of the end? The only constant is change? And then they discuss some of the classic paradox hypotheticals that have given philosophers throughout the ages the excuse to pull on their beards, opine endlessly, and feel justified that they are just hanging around the old marble city fountain all day. “All I know is that I know nothing.” Whoa. Buckle up.