Stuck in Beta Podcast

Welcome back to another episode of the Stuck in Beta podcast! This week, Josh and Greg are diving into an absolute marathon session covering the glitches of modern adulthood, 90s nostalgia, and a massive update on the 134-year-old house flip.

We kick things off with a taste test of a very questionable banana-flavored beer, talk about the wild success of a viral drawing stencil video, and run down a packed Las Vegas itinerary. Then, we get into the heavy hitters: what exactly is a “Xennial,” why growing up analog was actually a superpower, and our thoughts on the wild new trailer for the live-action Masters of the Universe movie.

Finally, we head into the “How to Fix It” workshop for a massive DIY update. From opening a literal “can of worms” with 100-year-old knob-and-tube wiring, to fighting rusty spark plugs and dealing with a haunted refrigerator, there is a lot to catch up on.

Grab a craft beer, pull up a chair, and let’s get into it!

In This Episode:

Going Viral & Vegas Bound: Greg’s YouTube channel hits a massive milestone, plus concert plans for Def Leppard, 311, and the Vegas Sphere.

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and leave a comment down below! What was your favorite toy growing up, and would you keep that $2,500 abandoned couch? Let us know!

It’s a roller coaster of an episode as Greg and Josh start with a disappointing Peanut Butter Milk Stout before redeeming themselves with a solid Brown Ale from Bluewood Brewing. Josh shares the baffling saga of a tenant who ghosted and left a fully furnished apartment behind, while Greg troubleshoots a misfiring truck and celebrates a sudden view spike on his “Half-Assed TV” channel. The nostalgia hits hard with a look back at collecting Kool-Aid points for “Wacky Warehouse” prizes, followed by a spicy taste test of Chili Chews and a vertigo-inducing chat about free-solo skyscraper climbers.

Show Notes

The Rental Saga: Josh recounts the weirdness of a tenant who ghosted and left a fully furnished unit, complete with a stocked fridge and pantry.

Pop Culture & Tech:

The return of Fear Factor and the baffling trends of TikTok.

Local Events: Apathy toward the Super Bowl (Patriots vs. Seahawks?) but excitement for the Soulard and Festus Pet Parades.

After a snow-covered week off, Greg and Josh return to the studio to thaw out with a Milk Stout from Maplewood Brewing. Josh recounts the administrative nightmare of scheduling a physical after a four-year hiatus, sparking a conversation about “old man” health maintenance and anti-inflammatory snacks. The guys break down some strange beverage news—from a potential ban on “airplane bottles” in KC to a bizarre bear-poop-infused beer collaboration—before diving into a bag of Bacon Grilled Cheese Lay’s and debating which TV theme songs are worth skipping.

Show Notes

Beer of the Week: Maplewood Brewing Fat Pug Oatmeal Milk Stout (Chicago, IL).

Health Check: Josh’s return to the doctor after four years, the struggle of finding a new provider, and the looming reality of “the box” (colonoscopies) and shingles shots.

Diet & Snacks:

News from the Cooler:

TV Talk:

Nostalgia: Remembering Budweiser Black Crown and the Platinum era.

From the loss of a family pet to the liberation of canceling a $180 subscription, Josh and Greg navigate the highs and lows of modern adulthood. This week, the guys celebrate their first official brand deal, dive into a smooth 9.5% ABV stout, and revisit the legendary hustle of Michael J. Fox—plus a deep dive into the weirdest toy of the early 90s.

The Drink & The Snack

The Beer: Horchata Yeti by Great Divide Brewing. A creamy, 9.5% ABV imperial stout featuring rice, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s dessert in a glass with zero boozy bite.

Life in Beta

Morty’s Legacy: Greg shares a touching (and unplanned) lesson in grief and resilience following the passing of the family hamster.

Pop Culture & Nostalgia

The Balzac: Remember the toy that was basically just a balloon inside a heavy-duty cloth sack? We revisit the marketing genius (and the odd name) of this 80s/90s staple.

After a two-week hiatus, Greg and Josh kick off 2026 with spilled beer and an uninvited guest (Ruby the Golden Retriever). This hour-plus deep dive covers everything from the shrinking St. Louis craft beer scene and local tornado recovery to the 1986 pop culture peaks and the final verdict on the Stranger Things finale.

What’s on Tap

The Beer: No Problem IPA – Friendship Brewing Company. A 7.7% Hazy IPA that’s citrus-forward with major nostalgic “High C” vibes.

The Deep Dive: Discussing the Closed for Storm documentary (Jazzland/New Orleans) and the parallels to the ongoing recovery in St. Louis’s Delmar neighborhood.

The “Beta” Life

Suspended Terror: Josh recounts taking the nephews to the Union Station Rope Course. A bargain at $12.50, even if it feels like a near-death experience.

Snack Test: Premium Beef Jerky with Old Bay seasoning.

New Discoveries: Why we are suddenly into shuffleboard.

Pop Culture & Nostalgia

1986 Rewind: Reminiscing about Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and the release of the Beastie Boys’ License to Ill.

Connect with Stuck in Beta

This week, Greg and Josh celebrate the holidays with Alpha Brewing Company’s He-Man-themed “I Have The Sipster” APA. Greg stresses over his ambitious plan to bake thirteen different types of cookies (plus peanut brittle!) while trying to keep his kitchen—and his kids—under control. The guys also recount a legendary trip to St. Louis icon Crown Candy Kitchen for a BLT the size of a brick and a milkshake that defies physics.

Plus: A disappointing salted caramel chip tasting, essential table saw safety tips to keep your fingers attached, and the definitive Top 5 Christmas Songs playlist (featuring Run DMC and Wham!).

Soda Wars, Crazy Drivers, and the Toys We Never Got!

Greg and Josh break tradition this week by swapping their usual craft beers for a blind taste test of holiday cranberry sodas! The guys discuss the shocking price of stadium beers, reminisce about their 30-year “Guys’ Night Out” tradition, and recount a chaotic encounter with an unhinged driver.

Also on the show: A deep dive into the “Top 5 Toys We Never Got” (featuring He-Man and Optimus Prime), a review of limited-edition White Fudge Oreos, and a candid look at their recent DIY projects—including a lighting upgrade that takes the basement from “boobs to cans.”

UPS Mishaps, Christmas Beer, and the Grinch Meal

Join Greg and Josh this week as they dive into the holiday madness and tackle the big questions: Is the McDonald’s Grinch Meal worth it? (Spoiler: It involves dill pickle seasoning!) And who keeps stealing their porch snacks without dropping off the packages? The guys break down the hilarious security footage!

Also on the menu: A review of Schlafly Christmas Ale and a segment on their DIY channel, How to Fix It Workshop, revealing their upcoming projects. Get ready for a dose of festive fun and their unique perspectives on life’s little absurdities!

Vintage Stouts, Holy Beer, and Spicy Meat!

Join Greg and Josh as they dive into the holiday spirit with a five-year-old Bourbon County Stout (if it hasn’t expired yet!) and discuss whether Goose Island’s anniversary beer gets better with age. They try Jack Link’s intriguing Mango Jalapeño Beef Jerky, discuss the surprising news that Rogue Ales is closing its doors after 37 years, and cover the controversy around Pope Francis receiving a Chicago beer. The main event? Your hosts reveal their Top 5 Winter Drinks you need to warm up right now! Plus, hear their takes on the wild new season of The Chair Company.

Busted Turntables, Hot Honey Chips, and Voltron Beer!

Join Greg and Josh for an episode packed with holiday cheer, beer reviews, and auto repair! The guys discuss their Friendsgiving leftovers, the ongoing saga of repairing Greg’s vintage turntable, and the surprising deliciousness of Mike’s Hot Honey chips. Plus, they dive deep into 4 Hands Brewing’s Voltron IPA series, debate the best Thanksgiving TV specials (including the famous Charlie Brown feast), and reveal the secret lives of classic action figures like Voltron. Get ready for some great laughs and even better debate!