The Dreyer Drive Podcast

The Dreyer Drive Podcast - Episode #021 Show Notes

Introduction (00:00:05 - 00:00:42)

Welcome to The Dryer Drive podcast, a show about siblings and the people, places, and pop culture that raised us

Today's episode focuses on Saturday Night Live

Other topics include: bats, floods, anger issues, and undermining what it takes to become a pro

Episode will end with an unhinged text message from a family member about "being special"

Sibling Chat and Childhood Stories (00:00:48 - 00:04:04)

Jacqueline discusses her 8-month-old and making silly faces to cheer her up

Ryan criticizes Jacqueline's beverage choice (iced chai with brown sugar cinnamon)

Story about Jacqueline picking up her daughter Noah from school

Noah talking about how she "cleaned four spots" on her lunch tray and discussing French fries being "her destiny"

Childhood Memories: Ketchup Milk Incident (00:04:05 - 00:07:26)

Ryan and Daniel's prank of putting ketchup in their own milk glasses to trick their mom

Mom's response: making them sit at the table until they drank it

Discussion about their family rule of not wasting food

Memory of their brother Dallin using food coloring on chicken

Dog Ownership vs. Parenthood (00:07:27 - 00:12:36)

Jacqueline complains about her new puppy Birdie while disagreeing with Ryan about comparing pets to children

Ryan maintains that having a pet is nothing like having a child

Jacqueline explains how puppies make you forget their difficult phases

Description of putting the puppy to sleep in the bathroom and not letting her husband get his keys

The Porter Family Anger Issues (00:12:37 - 00:20:14)

Discussion about the family's tendency toward immediate rage reactions

Ryan's story about punching a door during a basement flood at 4 a.m.

Jacqueline's bat invasion story: a bat flying into their bedroom from the air conditioner

Both siblings acknowledge their family's inability to process anger in a healthy way

The Great Pottery Throwdown (00:20:15 - 00:30:35)

Jacqueline introduces The Great Pottery Throwdown, a British competition show

Discussion about what objects they would make to represent their hometown of Ajax

Ryan would sculpt the painted cement pipes from Rotary Park where they played as kids

Jacqueline considers the wooden Kinsman Park sign

Story about neighborhood fights and bike theft at Kinsmen Park

Saturday Night Live Discussion (00:30:36 - 01:02:16)

Why SNL resonates with their family: matches their absurdist humor style

Canadian influence on SNL - Lauren Michaels (creator) is from Toronto

Famous Canadian cast members: Norm MacDonald, Dan Aykroyd, Martin Short, Phil Hartman, Mike Myers

SNL sketches poking fun at Canadian culture and stereotypes

Discussion of their favorite SNL era - Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Chris Kattan, Jimmy Fallon

Memorable characters: Mary Katherine Gallagher, motivational speaker Matt Foley

Jacqueline's embarrassing story of walking into glass at a client meeting and saying "Superstar!"

SNL trivia: Chevy Chase was first to say "Live from New York," worst host (Steven Seagal), etc.

Wrapping Up (01:02:17 - 01:03:37)

Ryan reads Jacqueline's text about taking everything as a compliment and a way of being told she's "special"

Jacqueline's story about yelling "I'm podcasting!" at her family

Thanks to listeners

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dreyerdrive.substack.com

The Dreyer Drive Podcast - Episode #021 Show Notes

Episode Topic: Much Music - The Canadian Music Video Channel

(00:00:05) Intro

Welcome to The Dreyer Drive podcast, a podcast all about siblings and the people, places, and pop culture that raised us

This is an episode from "The Vault" - recorded a few months ago

Episode breakdown: Utah trends, podcast talk, Much Music discussion, and the traditional unhinged family text message

(00:01:22) Utah Trends & Health Updates

Jacqueline discusses the protein Coke trend in Utah (protein powder in soda)

Health check updates: waist measurements and high cholesterol runs in the family

Discussion about Japanese food habits and eating fried foods

(00:03:23) Canadian Food Talk

Anticipation about visiting Canada for Christmas

Canadian food nostalgia, specifically Harvey's burger chain

Critique of A&W in Japan compared to Canadian versions

(00:05:16) American Drinks & Gas Station Culture

Americans love ice in their drinks

Gas station breakfast burritos and large soda containers

Car wash phobias and imagining worst-case scenarios

(00:07:45) Podcast Comparisons

Discussion about podcasts they listen to for inspiration

Tooth and Claw (animal attack podcast with sibling hosts)

Celebrity Memoir Book Club (appreciated for not holding back)

Comparison to SmartList podcast - "not a lot separating our podcast and SmartList... except their unknown is an A-list celebrity"

(00:14:39) Dad Stories

Dad's dad-joke tendencies: "Moscow is better than Pa's-cow"

Seiko being called by Ryan's ex-girlfriend's name during prayer

(00:15:57) Podcast Growth & Grassroots Marketing

Friend encounters at hockey practice: "There's one about Exeter"

"Nothing has actually breached the surface yet. It's mostly root right now."

(00:17:39) Dreyer Drive Question

If Dreyer Drive was a country, what souvenir would visitors take home?

Mom's crafts: wooden block rabbits filled with potpourri for the toilet

Fundraiser chocolate bars they secretly ate over years

(00:27:39) MuchMusic History

MuchMusic: Canada's equivalent to MTV (started in 1984)

Ryan's story of being on MuchMusic as a teen after making signs for Christina Aguilera

Building was accessible with windows to the street, making it interactive

VJs weren't given scripts, allowed to be spontaneous

(00:35:42) MuchMusic Dance Parties & Shows

MuchMusic video dance parties at schools

Jacqueline's "Milhouse" haircut moment at a dance

Electric Circus dance show memories

Canadian content laws requiring certain percentage of Canadian artists

(00:46:15) The Decline of MuchMusic

MTV launches in Canada in 2001

Napster and online access to music changes viewing habits

CTV buyout and corporate changes led to its eventual downfall

Now exists only in digital format

Last music video aired: "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce

Notable archives including Tupac's last interview

(00:55:31) Closing Thoughts & Memories

Recommendation to check out "MuchMusic Dance Mixes" (94-98) on Spotify

Pop-up Video show nostalgia

(00:58:31) Unhinged Text Message

Text from brother Jonathan: "On another note, I'm at David Suzuki's retirement party and why does he look so much like dad"

Jonathan's awkward interactions with children: "He talks to them like he's their business associate"

Dad's briefcase at church story

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dreyerdrive.substack.com

(00:00:05) Intro: Welcome to the Dryer Drive podcast - a show about siblings and the people, places, and pop culture that raised us.

(00:00:38) Episode Preview: Today's deep dive into the rivalry between Anne and Mary Boleyn, plus some classic family vacation stories and an unhinged text about southpaws.

(00:01:20) Recent Life Updates

- Seiko's busy weekend and late-night HelloTalk adventures

- A wild dating app story involving McDonald's and homely pronunciations

(00:04:00) Me Time Chat

- Different approaches to personal time

- Ryan's moongazing habits

- New puppy updates and challenges

(00:12:41) The Hotel Horror Story

- The $93 Cheyenne hotel adventure

- Multiple mysterious smells

- The Great Toenail Discovery of 2025

- The family pact to protect Andrew from the truth

(00:39:00) The Main Event: The Boleyn Sisters

- Introduction to Mary (b.~1499) and Anne Boleyn

- Their education and strategic placement at different courts

- Mary's "good time girl" reputation vs Anne's calculated approach

- The Henry VIII saga

- How it all went terribly wrong

- The creation of the Church of England

- Heads rolled (literally)

(00:57:00) Deep Thoughts on Historical Records

- How news traveled back then

- The challenges of finding accurate female historical accounts

- The surprising connection to "Greensleeves"

(01:11:41) Text of the Week

- A delightfully unhinged exchange about left-handedness

- The "chosen ones" and their special powers

- An unexpected therapy revelation

(01:15:00) Wrap-up

- Puppy screaming updates

- The psychological horror of comfort toys that look like mom

This episode features historical beheadings, hotel toenails, and proof that sometimes the party girl wins in the end.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dreyerdrive.substack.com

[00:00:05]

Intro to Dryer Drive podcast, introduction of hosts Ryan and Jacqueline

[00:00:25]

Update on podcast plans and format changes

- Moving to Season 2 in 2025

- Switching to bi-weekly episodes

- Episodes will be longer in duration

[01:01:02]

Travel stories from Porter Family Christmas

- Ryan's complicated journey with visa/PR card issues

- Jacqueline's Nintendo Switch saga at Toronto airport

- Discussion of airport experiences and family separation

[01:15:16]

Christmas gathering recap

- First full Porter family Christmas in 10-12 years

- Reflections on long-distance family dynamics

- Highlights include skating at Nathan Phillips Square

- Notable incident with Airbnb fireplace and stockings

[01:42:00]

Main Topic: TVO Children's Programming Nostalgia

- Deep dive into shows like Today's Special, Under the Umbrella Tree

- Discussion of Mr. Dressup and the revelation about Fred Rogers

- Memories of Polka Dot Door and the Polkaroo mystery

- Sharon, Lois & Bram memories

- Barbapapa discussion and its current popularity in Japan

[01:14:55]

Episode wrap-up and unhinged text segment

- Family text thread about memories of their old van

- Closing remarks and next episode teaser

Notable reveal from the episode: The Polkaroo from Polka Dot Door only appeared on Thursdays (Imagination Day), which was a surprise to both hosts.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dreyerdrive.substack.com

(00:00:05) Intro: Kicking off 2025 with some wholesome chaos

- First episode of the new year (even though we recorded it in 2024, classic)

- Promise of millennial parenting stories, celebrity crushes, and our deep dive into possibly the most absurd movie of our childhood

(00:01:34) A resurgence of the Simpsons

- Our precious 8-year-old discovering The Simpsons is way more violent than expected

- Aaron's reaction to his podcast debut (spoiler: "This is so special to me")

- The eternal struggle of whether to shelter kids or let them watch Homer strangle Bart

(00:04:02) Noa's Quest for Podcast Fame

- Noa desperately wanting to join the podcast (but timing never works out)

- The classic "I got it, Daddy" confidence of a 5-year-old

- The Great Office Wire Incident of 2024

(00:14:44) Story Time with Ryan

- Reading "Storyworthy" and realizing maybe our family thinks EVERYTHING is story-worthy

- Deep thoughts about whether eating deep-fried crispies is actually relatable content

- The art of turning mundane moments into entertainment

(00:42:12) Mac and Me: A Journey Through 80s Product Placement Hell

- The fever dream that is Mac and Me (1988)

- McDonald's accidentally funding this masterpiece

- Naked alien puppets, wheelchair cliff dives, and Coca-Cola bringing people back from the dead

- Ronald McDonald dance parties that definitely weren't in the contract

- A solid 7% on Rotten Tomatoes (which honestly feels generous)

(01:14:31) The "Maybe We Should Watch These Too" List

- Saturday the 14th appreciation hour

- Critters, Little Monsters, and other gems from our questionable childhood

- The Ernest franchise (because why not?)

(01:18:30) This Week in Unhinged Family Texts

- A hawk, a window, and some very disappointed siblings

- The great dead bird photo debate

- Proof that our family group chat remains undefeated

(01:19:42) Attempting to wrap things up with our signature indecision about whether "stay crispy" is actually our sign-off

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dreyerdrive.substack.com

(00:00:04)

Welcome to Episode 017, aka the Christmas Special that almost didn't happen because someone (Ryan) left their recording equipment in Okinawa. Classic Porter move.

(00:00:25)

Quick update: We've been MIA because Ryan's been jet-setting between Japan and Canada, which honestly feels like a flex but whatever.

(00:05:38)

The Most Epic Backpack Story Ever Told™️: Ryan gets caught in a North Face store showdown featuring:

- A very patient North Face employee

- Seiko's expert shade-throwing

- A father-in-law enabling expensive purchases

- Bonus content: Random "You! Why did you come to Japan?" references

(00:29:21)

- Christmas 2024 Expectations Discussion:

- First time ALL the Porters will be in one place (pray for everyone involved)

- Ryan's setting the bar somewhere between "magical winter wonderland" and "complete chaos"

- Jacqueline's keeping expectations lower than Dan's contribution to family labor

(00:31:10)

- That Time Mom Made Us Decorate Cemetery Headstones on Christmas Eve:

Featuring Jonathan's elementary school saxophone skills

Temperature: Freezing

Christmas Spirit Level: Questionable

Current Status: Thankfully discontinued

(00:41:21)

The Sacred Porter Family Christmas Playlist Deep Dive:

- Songs that made the cut (and the drama behind them)

- The great Little Drummer Boy debate

- That time we all pretended to enjoy "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)"

- The urban remix of Santa Baby that definitely wasn't age-appropriate

(01:04:00)

- Christmas Movie Hot Takes:

- White Christmas: Non-negotiable family viewing

- The Family Stone: Jacqueline's hill to die on

- Home Alone: Less about the plot, more about the John Williams score that lives rent-free in our heads

(01:11:37)

- The "Homemade Christmas" Revelation:

- Jacqueline drops a memory bomb Ryan completely blocked out

Features: DIY gifts of questionable utility

Highlight: A terracotta pot doll that somehow still exists

Dan's contribution: An excuse (naturally)

(01:18:08)

Unhinged Text Theater starring Jonathan:

Topic: Children, dogs, and public shaming

Context: None provided, none needed

Time between texts: Approximately six weeks

Peak Jonathan energy level: 100%

(01:20:32)

Wrap-up with promises of more Christmas content, because apparently one episode of Porter holiday chaos wasn't enough

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dreyerdrive.substack.com

Head to www.DreyerDrive.com for more episodes and bonus content!

(00:00:05) - Introduction and episode overview

- Introduction to hosts Ryan and Jacqueline

- Preview of topics: childhood punishments, sister cities, and NKOTB

(01:11) - Discussion about phone technology adaptation challenges

- Stories about switching between iPhone and Android

- Experiences with AI and children

(03:17) - Updates and corrections from previous episodes

- Clarification on podcast listener nickname: officially "Krispies"

- Correction about story involving La Flamme Bleu minivan incident

(09:44) - Stories about growing up in Ajax

- Discussion of childhood freedom and autonomy

- Memories of neighborhood adventures and mishaps

- Story about teenage car accident

(27:58) - Main Topic: Sister Cities Discussion

- Ryan and Jacqueline pick sister cities for their hometown Ajax

- Jacqueline chooses Derry, Maine

- Ryan selects Boston, discussing similarities in culture and community

(42:41) - Deep dive into New Kids on the Block (NKOTB)

- History of the band's formation

- Discussion of early success and peak years

- Examination of their decline and later reunions

- Updates on where band members are today

(1:09:44) - Unhinged Text segment

- Story about AI conversation regarding movie "Twisters"

- Humorous exchange about correcting AI's mistakes

(1:12:37) - Episode wrap-up

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dreyerdrive.substack.com

Visit www.DreyerDrive.com for more episodes and bonus content. 00:00:05 - Show Introduction

Introduction to the Dryer Drive podcast

Preview of topics including DMV stress and Alcatraz escape story

00:00:58 - Japanese Bureaucracy Discussion

Comparing modern and traditional aspects of Japanese paperwork

Stories about visa renewals and official documentation

00:06:16 - DMV & License Stories

Discussion of vision tests and driving anxiety

Stories about medical conditions and license renewals

00:27:38 - First Date Stories

Sharing awkward teenage dating experiences

Discussion of family dating rules and restrictions

00:42:54 - Alcatraz Escape Main Topic

History of John and Clarence Anglin

Details of their famous 1962 Alcatraz escape

Discussion of evidence and theories about their fate

Family stories and ongoing investigation

Connection to "Escape from Alcatraz" movie

01:07:41 - Unhinged Text Segment

Reading of Ryan's dream about church basketball

Family van memories

Closing thoughts and wrap-up

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dreyerdrive.substack.com

Visit www.dreyerdrive.com for all episodes and more!

00:00:05 - Show Introduction

Introduction to Dryer Drive podcast

Preview of Salem Witch Trials episode and other topics

00:01:06 - Opening Discussion

Stories about label makers and family dynamics

Discussion of Japanese "big pinch" situations book

00:06:16 - Personal Stories

Story about an embarrassing incident at Moab sand hill

Reflections on memorable moments that keep you up at night

00:09:59 - Health and Anxiety Stories

Experience with medical monitoring devices

Stories about panic attacks in everyday situations

Gym mishap story and public embarrassment

00:33:27 - Family Crest Discussion

Creating hypothetical family coat of arms

Discussing meaningful family symbols and mottos

Personal interpretations of family history

00:42:54 - Salem Witch Trials Main Topic

History of the Town sisters during Salem witch trials

Discussion of "spectral evidence" in trials

Details about Rebecca, Mary, and Sarah's cases

Connection to modern pop culture (Hocus Pocus)

Historical theories about what caused the hysteria

Notable descendants of the accused

01:07:47 - Unhinged Text Segment

Discussion about Torkelsons content and algorithms

Closing thoughts and wrap-up

---

The episode combines historical discussion of the Salem Witch Trials with personal stories and family dynamics, maintaining the show's signature blend of serious topics and humorous asides.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dreyerdrive.substack.com

Head to www.DreyerDrive.com for all episodes.

00:00:05 - Show Introduction

- Introduction to Dryer Drive podcast about siblings, people, places, and pop culture

- Preview of episode topics including flight stories and Super Mario Brothers

00:01:11 - Guest Segment

- Special guest Aaron joins to discuss video games

- Aaron shares his thoughts on Mario games and gaming preferences

00:04:03 - Travel Stories

- Discussion of upcoming travel plans to Canada

- Stories about traveling with young children

- Anecdote about helping passengers on flights

00:14:34 - Story About Helping a Stranger

- Ryan shares story about helping someone with mobility scooter

- Meets helpful German tourist during the experience

00:20:31 - Mario Brothers Discussion

- History of Nintendo (founded 1889)

- Evolution from card games to video games

- Origin of Mario character and name (named after storage facility owner Mario Segale)

- Development of Luigi character

- Discussion of 1993 Super Mario Brothers movie

- Overview of Mario franchise development

00:41:05 - Personal Gaming Experiences

- Family memories of gaming restrictions growing up

- Discussion of different Nintendo consoles

- Siblings' gaming dynamics and preferences

- Stories about playing Mario Kart during hospital stay

00:56:05 - Closing Thoughts

- Reflection on video games' role in sibling relationships

- Recommendation of "Final Fantasy XIV: Dad of Light" drama

- Discussion of international media

01:01:31 - Unhinged Text Segment

- Reading and discussing father's text message about "beer puke"

- Closing remarks

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dreyerdrive.substack.com