Episode 40: ICEMAN ❄️

On this episode of The AstonishinglyODD Podcast, Astonish, Javy, and Chris iLL reflect on their recent weeks and dive into conversations that balance humor, insight, and real-world perspective.

The episode opens with personal updates. Javy recaps his New Year’s Eve outing with Nando Magic, shares progress on a new cartoon project featuring Navarro, and gives shoutouts to Slot-A and Jameson Brenner for their contributions. He also talks about upcoming travel plans to Iowa, Mexico, and Connecticut. Chris iLL discusses managing work stress, appreciating a custom hat and sweater gifted by his parents, and hosting a Bears game watch party. Astonish adds his thoughts on the Bears game and recent events.

Astonish then highlights a major milestone—successfully completing a demanding class and stepping into a new position. He breaks down the intensity of the program, which required maintaining a high grade average, mastering extensive city routes, and qualifying for specialized responsibilities, while showing love to his classmates and instructors.

The conversation shifts to the Chicago Bears’ playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The crew breaks down key moments from the game, including controversial play calls, Caleb Williams’ performance, the defense’s second-half improvement, and whether the team’s aggressive style of play is sustainable. They also give credit to Brandon McManus and debate the possibility of the Bears relocating to a new stadium in Arlington Heights or Gary, Indiana, weighing location, legacy, and the fan experience.

The episode closes with heavier topics, including Poo Shiesty violating parole and the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. The hosts share differing perspectives, criticize ICE tactics, discuss concerns around racial profiling, and address the controversy surrounding a GoFundMe created for the ICE agent involved. They wrap up by touching on the upcoming elections and emphasizing the importance of political awareness and civic engagement.

In this episode of The AstonishinglyODD Podcast, Astonish, Javy, Chris iLL, Jae Haze, and Hi $peed kick things off with laughs and life updates, blending humor, reflection, and real conversation the way only this crew can.

Javy shares his experience at a virtual reality sandbox playing a Stranger Things game, sparking a hilarious breakdown of Sandbox VR and how it stacks up to spots like Dave & Buster’s — including the dizziness factor and the biggest flaw of all: no food or drinks. He follows up with stories from Christmas shopping and hitting a Bears game for a friend’s birthday, while Chris cracks jokes and shows love to Javy’s animated series, giving props to the creativity and grind.

Chris then opens up about the behind-the-scenes work he’s been putting in for the podcast, talking teamwork, growth, and investing in better equipment to keep the show leveling up. Jae Haze steps in to promote his project “Mission Hill Possible,” letting listeners know physical copies are available and showing love to everyone supporting the movement.

The tone shifts as Hi $peed reflects on experiencing his first birthday without his grandfather, sharing how family support and the podcast itself have become a source of healing. That leads into a heartfelt conversation about their group chat — not just jokes and memes, but a real safe space where the crew checks in on each other and keeps it real.

From there, the episode dives into entertainment and culture. The hosts debate the Jake Paul fight and whether it was staged, break down the money behind it, and then shift into a deeper conversation sparked by Tekashi 6ix9ine and 21 Savage’s statement of “F*** the streets.” The crew unpacks what it really means to leave the streets behind, the pressure to give back, and the complicated reality of success, survival, and responsibility.

They also touch on Wiz Khalifa facing legal trouble overseas, stressing the importance of respecting laws when traveling abroad, and discuss a streamer falsely accused of assault — highlighting how damaging accusations can be even when they’re untrue.

The episode wraps with recommendations for the listeners and a smooth sign-off, closing out another honest, funny, and thought-provoking chapter of The AstonishinglyODD Podcast.

The Astonishingly Odd Podcast Episode 38, titled “Nationally Syndicated,” features Astonish, Javy (Havito), and Matt breaking down their week, Chicago Bears football, and a wide range of music and cultural topics.

The episode opens with the crew promoting the podcast’s YouTube channel and audio platforms before sampling Flossmoor Station Brewery’s barrel-aged Pawn and the King chocolate cherry beer. Javy recaps his week, including playing basketball at the Chicago Sky practice facility and debating whether he could pull off wearing Angel Reese’s signature shoes. Matt shares stories from driving Uber, searching for a new place to live, and working on an off-the-wall screenplay centered around a killer with an unusual method. Astonish talks about taking care of his sick kids while keeping up with the latest Chicago Bears game.

The conversation shifts to the Bears’ recent victory and what it means for the rest of the season, including upcoming matchups against the Packers, 49ers, and Lions. The hosts discuss Caleb Williams breaking an NFL record, along with noticeable improvements in the team’s defense and coaching staff.

From there, the episode dives into current events, including a debate about a woman giving birth inside a self-driving Waymo taxi and whether cleanup fees or star ratings should apply in situations like that. The discussion then moves into hip-hop, reacting to The Game’s claim that no West Coast rapper can out-rap him. The hosts also mention hearing about an epic rap session between The Game and King Los that took place on the app Clubhouse, sparking debate about lyrical skill, competition, and credibility.

The crew then discusses Ebro’s firing from Hot 97, his role as a longtime gatekeeper in hip-hop radio, and past decisions to withhold airplay from certain artists, including Drake. This leads into a broader conversation about separating art from the artist, using R. Kelly as an example, and examining how media and entertainment can influence real-world behavior, from music and movies to video games.

To close out the episode, Javy shares an odd fact about Switzerland’s law against owning only one guinea pig, since they are considered social animals that require companionship. The hosts wrap up with recommendations, including Nas and DJ Premier’s album Lightyears, Matt’s movie pick Sisu, and an Eddie Murphy documentary, before shouting out the listeners and thanking them for their continued support.

The AstonishinglyODD Podcast

Episode 37 of The AstonishinglyODD Podcast, titled “The Infamous…AOP,” features Astonish and Javy (Javito) holding it down with a wide-ranging conversation covering life updates, current events, sports, music, and cultural commentary.

The episode opens with Javy detailing a frustrating stretch of car trouble, including multiple trips to the mechanic for exhaust repairs and ongoing warranty issues. Astonish shares updates from the podcast team, noting Chris iLL’s day off, Hi $peed’s tonsil issues, and Reap’s behind-the-scenes artwork contributions, highlighting the crew’s continued support for one another through real-life challenges.

The conversation then shifts to sports, with the hosts reacting to the Chicago Bears’ recent loss and what it means for their NFC standings. They debate play-calling decisions, quarterback performance, and the team’s strengths and weaknesses before previewing the upcoming matchup against the Browns, acknowledging Cleveland’s improving offense and strong defense.

Moving into broader news, Astonish and Javy discuss Lane Kiffin’s lucrative job move, comparing it to Deion Sanders’ transition to Colorado, and react to the Dell Technologies founder’s initiative to set up investment accounts for children.

The episode continues with debates around sports and pop culture, including the idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Bulls, which Javy strongly pushes back on, and Barry Bonds’ Hall of Fame candidacy, sparking a larger discussion about steroids and legacy in baseball.

On the music and culture side, the hosts acknowledge Rihanna’s Anti reaching 500 weeks on the Billboard charts, while Javy calls out Spotify over ICE-related ad placements. The episode also touches on the announcement of Matrix 5, with Astonish excited and Javy remaining skeptical, as well as the backlash surrounding controversial comments made by Akash Singh’s wife.

The episode wraps up with weekly recommendations from the hosts, keeping the conversation grounded, thoughtful, and unmistakably AOP.

The AstonishinglyODD Podcast

Episode 36 of The AstonishinglyODD Podcast, titled “The Green Llama,” features Astonish, Javy (Javito), Chris iLL, Hi $peed, and guest Decay. The episode opens with the crew recapping their past week and Thanksgiving experiences, setting a relaxed tone before diving into deeper conversations.

Javy shares his Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipe, while Chris iLL describes keeping things low-key. Decay talks about a recent trip to London to visit family, including his son having his first legal beer and getting his nose pierced, which leads to laughs and cultural reflections from the group.

The conversation then shifts into Decay’s musical journey. He breaks down his early days as an artist and his time with Molemen Records, offering honest insight into creative tensions, artistic differences, and pressure to conform to specific sounds and marketing strategies. Astonish and Hi $peed add context by discussing how Molemen Records mishandled promotion during that era, including missed opportunities that affected Astonish’s career.

The crew also revisits a diss track aimed at Astonish and its impact, before moving into Decay’s current chapter as the founder of Filthy Analex Record Company, a label he launched during the pandemic. Decay explains his vision of building a platform where artists can create freely without the restrictions of traditional label systems.

Later in the episode, the group weighs in on rappers over 40 still being active, pushing back on age limits in hip-hop and highlighting artists they believe are still at the top of their game.

The episode wraps up with a quick breakdown of the Chicago Bears’ recent performance, their outlook for the rest of the season, and what the upcoming matchup against Green Bay could mean for their playoff hopes.

In Episode 35 of The AstonishinglyODD Podcast, Astonish, Javy, Chris iLL, and Hi $peed link up with Chicago lyricist Jae Haze for a sharp, funny, and inspiring conversation built around creativity, reinvention, and Haze’s new project “Mission iLLpossible.”

The squad starts the episode by catching up on their week:

• Javy talks about checking out a hip-hop string quartet and helping his brother handle a plumbing emergency.
• Chris iLL breaks down a “gent dinner” with the crew and a fight-filled weekend watching bare-knuckle matches and UFC, including Devin Haney’s latest win.
• Jae Haze shares that he’s been locked in on Mission iLLpossible while also tuning into the big fights.
• Hi $peed laughs that his week was basically just work — nothing more, nothing less.

The crew switches over to football, giving their honest take on the Chicago Bears. There’s cautious optimism, but they keep it real:

• Run defense still needs a lot of work
• Secondary is inconsistent
• Special teams continue to show up strong

It’s classic AOP energy — real Chicago sports talk mixed with jokes and debate.

The heart of the episode centers on Haze’s music journey and the creation of his latest project. Chris iLL praises the album as “rabbit hole music,” the type of project you fall deeper into the more you listen. Haze opens up about:

• His move to Atlanta and how a new environment helped rebirth his creativity
• Why artists should recreate themselves every few years
• Recording vocals on his own to stay focused and locked in
• Working with one producer per album to create a cohesive, signature sound
• His upcoming performance opening for GZA

The conversation stretches into motivation, discipline, and how to stay consistent in the grind. Haze cracks jokes with the crew, talks future videos, and name-drops more artists he’s worked with over the years.

Episode 34 of The Astonishingly ODD Podcast — “No Fronto Leaves” — brings Astonish, Javy (aka Javito), Chris iLL, Hi $peed, and special guest Vic Spencer together for one of the realest and funniest conversations of the season.

The crew kicks things off with their weekly check-in, including Javy breaking down a bizarre airplane landing that had everyone reacting. From there, the spotlight shifts to Chicago’s own Vic Spencer, who dives deep into his massive discography, his influences (Redman, Sean Price, Doom, and classic R&B artists), and how he crafted his unmistakable voice and unorthodox style.

Vic details his meticulous creative process — from handpicking the right beats to sequencing albums with purpose. Astonish gives him his flowers for rapping confidently over production most artists wouldn’t dare touch.

The episode gets even more candid as Vic clears the air on past industry tension. He explains that the situation with Mick Jenkins wasn’t a publicity stunt — it was about skill and proving a point. He highlights Cost of Victory as one of his most defining projects. Vic also speaks openly about his fallout with Chris Crack, pointing to creative imbalance, lack of reciprocation, disrespectful behavior, and the legal issues that followed their collaborations.

From there, the episode slides straight into AOP-style chaos and comedy — including the crew discussing wild smoking practices like “WuTanging” (yes, eating a lit blunt) and why they don’t rock with chasers, fronto leaves, or flavored wraps.

They also tap into current events: breaking down the Chicago Bears’ performance and debating whether John Gruden’s comments about Shedeur Sanders were genuine or just a PR move.

The crew wraps the episode with basketball talk — Steph Curry possibly leaving Under Armour, their favorite hoop shoes ever, and a conversation about the importance of having a strong support system and speaking up for yourself in the industry.

A perfect blend of humor, honesty, Chicago energy, and hip-hop culture — Episode 34 is an instant AOP classic.

On this week’s episode of The AstonishinglyODD Podcast, Astonish, Javy, Chris iLL, and special guest Navarro aka Scheme dig into stories, music history, sports talk, and everything in between.

The crew opens by catching up on their week. Javy shares a hilarious story from his trip to Arkansas — including an awkward encounter with a client proudly displaying a Trump sticker — sparking a broader convo about running into Trump supporters in the wild. He also flexes his new 3-on-3 championship trophy. Chris iLL, still fighting off sickness, uses the moment to shout out everyone who hooked him up with fresh merch. Navarro talks about a youth music workshop he recently led, highlighting how hands-on creativity can spark young artists’ imagination.

The episode then moves into a deep dive on Navarro aka Scheme’s music journey. Astonish gives Scheme his well-deserved flowers, calling him one of Chicago’s most underrated greats. They reminisce about their “biz mixtape” era with Decay and their time with Molemen Records, sharing stories from the grind, the creativity, and the underground Chicago movement. The crew reflects on the early hustle — from navigating the city’s music scene to Scheme evolving his style and eventually producing his own work.

Sports talk heats up next as the guys celebrate a big Chicago Bears win and break down Caleb Williams’ impressive performance. That transitions into a wild discussion about sports scandals, including the FBI investigating rigged UFC fights and MLB players allegedly throwing games.

The episode wraps with more music talk — from Westside Gunn getting a WWE cease-and-desist to Outkast finally being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Packed with humor, storytelling, nostalgia, and Chicago energy, Episode 33 — The Enemy is another classic from The AstonishinglyODD Podcast.

In Episode 32, the crew — Astonish, Hi $peed, Javy, and Chris iLL — sit down for a packed, two-hour conversation full of life updates, sports debates, hip-hop talk, and their signature AOP humor.

The episode opens with everyone catching up on their week.

• Chris iLL shows off a custom podcast gift he received from a friend.
• Hi $peed talks about attending a breast cancer marathon, a family birthday party, and a balloon release, all while dealing with a knee injury.
• Javy shares stories from his work trip to Pittsburgh, including visits to the Andy Warhol Museum and the Roberto Clemente Museum, plus running a 5K while he was out there.

The crew dives into sports next.

• They break down the Chicago Bears’ recent win and debate Caleb Williams’ performance and decision-making.
• They give major props to rookie running back Kyle Monangai.
• The Chicago Bulls’ winning streak sparks a discussion about team play versus relying on stars.
• World Series predictions split the room between the Dodgers and Toronto before things take a funny turn with Derek Jeter’s infamous gold thong story.

The music segment starts with Jay-Z claiming no one can challenge him in a Verzuz battle.

The crew debates potential contenders like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and DMX while discussing what really matters in a Verzuz.

They also get into:

• The current state of hip-hop versus the underground scene
• The new Big L album
• Heidi Klum and Coco Jones’ Halloween costumes
• Lil Durk’s legal issues
• NLE Choppa’s Tupac tribute

The episode wraps up with commentary on:

• The Sonya Massey case
• Rumors about Donald Trump confusing his dementia test results
• ICE allegedly targeting strippers
• And a quick discussion about Brandon Johnson

🎙️ Episode 31 | Whoadie, Wassup | The Astonishingly ODD Podcast

The Astonishingly ODD Podcast is back with another classic! Astonish, Javy, and Chris iLL catch up on their week, Chicago sports, and a nostalgic No Limit vs. Cash Money Verzuz that had the city talking.

👟 Javy kicks things off with his underrated Miles Morales costume and UL 3-on-3 championship bragging rights.

🎤 Chris iLL breaks down his Freddie Gibbs concert experience, the pettiness of Lord Bunny Rabbit, and how a $100 round of shots made him swear off buying liquor at venues.

💰 The crew reflects on the No Limit vs. Cash Money matchup — talking legacy, catalog, and what made each camp special, from Silkk the Shocker’s offbeat flow to Lil Wayne’s absence and that true Magnolia Projects energy.

🏈 Then it’s Chicago sports talk: the Bears take another tough loss behind Caleb Williams’ shaky performance, while the Bulls start strong in the new NBA season — even if defense across the league feels optional.

🃏 They also discuss Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier’s alleged illegal poker games, Ja Morant’s feud with Kendrick Perkins, and the NCAA now allowing players and staff to legally bet on pro sports.

🔥 Plus, Katt Williams clowns SGA’s Adidas shoes, Inside the NBA returns to ESPN, and “Chicken Man” goes viral after getting arrested for selling wings in prison. Chris closes out with “Those Were the Days” — a nostalgic salute to classics like the Pontiac Firebird and Dodge Viper — before Javy drops an odd fact about shrimp seeing more colors than humans. Astonish wraps the show by putting himself in violation and thanking the listeners for rocking with the crew.