The Shakes

Pat runs the show this week as his guest and friend Peter Grosz calls in from New York City. We learn a ton about writing, acting and that no one's testicles are safe around Gabe Piper.Peter's staff writing credits include Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Colbert Report, but you may recognize him from films like Stranger Than Fiction, TV shows like Veep and, of course, as the dark-haired guy sitting in a car eating tater tots during Sonic Drive-In commercials.

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Do two letters in front of your job title change that much about you? Happy Cog's VP of Design, Chris Cashdollar, discusses that transition from working creative director to VP and what, if anything, changes.Chris also educates the gang on the Ramen Rennaisance, puts his two cents in on what happens when meetings go horribly wrong and steals Joy's heart somewhere along the way.

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Nearly all people have a tendency to benchmark the things they do. How did this compare to the last time we did this? How does this idea compare to the one from this other person?Benchmarking is natural but can be a problem when we get too wrapped up in overthinking what the analysis tells us. The gang discusses how they do or don't benchmark in their daily lives as well as some things that just aren't benchmarkable. Like retrospectively racist creative writing assignments or beers with Steve Burns from Blue's Clues.

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The gang talk about Jeremy's SXSW experience as he finds comfort in his Fisherman's Friend. Pat also offers Green solutions from his college roommate for making underwear last eight days.

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Let's just get right into Joy's favorite subject: the Kansas City Royals and her, um, love for Mike Moustakas. She can go on for hours. And she did, so you're welcome for the judicious editing.

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Introducing Joy Moeller, our newest co-host! She's sassy. She's classy. And she drinks her wine from a NutriBullet. As you do.Pat, Jeremy and Joy feel out their chemistry by discussing mentorship and the "plus one" mentality.

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Darin Ross returns to the show, thereby setting his sights on becoming the Alec Baldwin of The Shakes.The gang discuss the culture of creative jealousy/hate among nerds, doing what feels right, the runaway success of Darrin's card game "SUPERFIGHT!" and Jeremy's new card game, "Hobo Molesters".

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Steps to successfully rocking a fanny pack:1. Get a fanny pack.Pat and Jeremy wrap up their "old man" series with discussions about pink eye and why Super Bowl commercials are no longer relevant. Pat reveals his latent desire for a fanny pack and the two make a date to go shopping.

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Pat and Jeremy are joined by front-end developer and aspiring NPR host Grady Noonen. We collectively wonder where the passion went and why we're so afraid to be adults.

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Pat and Jeremy had a collective low energy day. Pat's knee hurt. Jeremy's car was overheating. The mixture of all three equals a whole lot of GET OFF MY LAWN.

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