The Chimps in Charge celebrate their 200th episode by going back and picking some of their favorite moments in recording what could be seen as an inconsequential weekly conversation but, instead, becomes a snapshot into the constantly evolving perspectives of two pretty ordinary dudes who like to talk about stuff.

David and Don are joined by Frank Leyden. Frank is leaving Chicago for L.A. and gave the three an opportunity to catch up and discuss what it takes to up-end your life and move to a brand new one.

A triple anniversary. A run-in with an old Hot Wheel car with the Confederate flag painted on top from David’s childhood discovered by his son. And Don deciding, in his childless existence, that he, ONCE AGAIN, can give David parenting advice like a dog advising a nuclear scientist on the half-life of plutonium.

Joining the Gentlemen Apes is David’s brother-in-law and Army vet Lester Wang. He’s actually been to Afghanistan and gives us some insight on what it’s like to be in the army as well as his thoughts on the end of the longest war in American history.

Literate Ape is, after all, a place where writers write and readers read. This is one of those rare episodes when the boys discuss that very subject. Yes, it’s insider baseball all the way.

The Chimps skate across the putrid pond of cynicism and optimism with regard to the state of the world versus how we are trained to perceive it. Also, can Don use the term ‘Paddy Wagon’ because he’s Irish?

Don is resigned to being long dead before things really get apocalyptic climate-wise so he sets his sights on David’s parental task of preparing Harry to live through the coming disaster. Where do they derive their inspiration? Movies.

Also, FYI? “Fuckin’” is not a nice word.

What does it mean when a modern white guy is discriminated against for being a modern white guy? What does David Brooks mean when he writes about the BOBOs and is David just a very self aware version of it? How much would you pay for a watch and what does that number say about you?

This one is a mess. Did Simone Biles flake or just courageously protect her mental well being? Some stuff about Brad Pitt and ScarJo. Then a whole bunch of horseshit about the unvaccinated in America during a fucking pandemic. Maybe best t skip this one…or not?

David wants Bezos to spend money on society instead of a Phallus-shaped rocket ship. Don wonders why, if David is so adamant, he continues to use Amazon instead of going to a brick-and-mortar. Then it’s the media that’s the problem. But it comes back to Ted Lasso, so joy prevails.