Cold Open Question of the Week: If someone gave you a box that contained everything you have lost in your life (not including family members or pets), what is the first thing you would search for?

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Hurricane Idalia: Gary updates us on the current status of the impending hurricane as he hunkers down in Pinellas Park, Fla. Landfall is expected around 8 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The McDaniels Do Pennsylvania: Gary and the fam made a quick trip up to the Keystone State for a family wedding. Gary discusses the highlights of the trip.

Death of the Slow Dance: The Honest Broker Ted Gioia thinks the slow dance might be dead because it offers too much intimacy, such as extended eye contact, for today’s young people. This is opposed to twerking, where you have your back to the other person.

RIP Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk: The 36-year-old former 2-time Universal champion, and supernatural heir apparent to The Undertaker, died of a heart attack last Thursday. Funk, a former NWA world champion, wrestled over five decades, including stints in ECW, WCW, WWE and Japan. We will discuss their influence and legacy on the business.

RIP Moon Man: Watching MTV Classic this morning, I was surprised to hear the MTV Video Music Award statuette referred to as the “Moon Person.” When is it okay to say enough is enough? Trivia Question: How many women or people identifying as non-males walked on the moon?

Gary’s News of the Weird: Smells like Snoop is playing at the US Open, and a Chicago news crew gets robbed, while reporting on the increase in robberies.

The Masked Man Show: Dave Shoemaker mentioned Weird Science on The Ringer’s Press Box podcast this week. Could it be someone is listening to TBLS?

Mail Call: A shipment arrived in the mail this week for Brian. A large volume of cocktail recipes sent from his sister, Lorraine. Obviously, someone is listening!

Cold Open Question of the Week: If you could remake the John Hughes 1985 teenage science-fantasy film Weird Science, who would you cast to play Lisa, famously played by Kelly LeBrock?

Weird Science: Gary(!) and Wyatt. Brian listened to theWeird Science soundtrack on Spotify and noticed “Eighties” by Killing Joke is strikingly similar to the Nirvana song: “Come As You Are.”

Weird Science also holds a sentimental place in Gary’s heart.

Thought provoking questions from Outkick’s Screencaps:

* When men go to take a wiz, do you pull the underwear down or use the hole?

* Is it mandatory to flip off the weight scale before it renders its final verdict?

* If you go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, do you turn on the light or not? This assumes you are able to accurately hit inside the bowl either way and not recovering from a drinking bender.

* When you go somewhere in a vehicle with your significant other, screencap members have to do the driving right? Can you mow on Thursday yet not drive the family car?

* When you celebrate a TD with a group or with friends, should you have to be back to doing only high fives or chest bumps, etc.? No more of that silly fist bump stuff right?

Tattoo You: Gary gets another tattoo. His eighth! A recent report indicates that 1/3 of all Americans now have ink. Gary and Brian take a deep dive into the demographics of skin ink.

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Republican Presidential Debate: Will be held Wednesday in Milwaukee. Trump is not participating, having refused to sign the RNC’s pledge to support the eventual nominee, he is not allowed to compete. Is this a win or a loss for the Donald?

Those scheduled to compete include:

* North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum

* Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie 

* Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis 

* Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley

* Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson 

* Former Vice President Mike Pence 

* Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy

* Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina

I listened to Vivek Ramaswamy on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast earlier this week. Brian believes the podcast will heavily influence the ‘24 Presidential election.

Debates are important. The fact Biden will not debate until a presidential debate has to be concerning. Trump is not taking part in this week’s debate. He thinks he’s too far in front of the other candidates to be bothered. Is this a troubling trend for such a big election.

Gary’s News of the Weird: A T-Rex race in Washington. A New Jersey power outage caused by a fish!

Mental Health First Aid: Attended a training session on Saturday at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Scranton, to become a certified MH first aider. 1 out of 5 Americans are suffering from a mental health issue at any time.

Dick’s Blames Shoplifters: Dick’s Sporting Goods missed 2nd quarter profits, and blames shoplifters. Apparently it has nothing to do with eliminating hunting and fishing items.

Our newly remodeled Richard’s in Scranton just re-opened. There are three giant entrances to “guard.” Good luck with that!

The Tailgators Setup Podcast: Brian and Gary have joined frequent guest John Crimella to bring listeners a weekly college football podcast. The kickoff episode will be coming soon! John already dropped three “hot takes” in our first episode. Our theme music is straight fire!

We love you for listening. Now subscribe!

Not today, Satan!

The boys work around new limitations set by Zoom, proving yet again, that Gen-Xers cannot be stopped!

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For the Fund of it All

Travel Team Fundraising: Buy a square, blah, blah, blah.

Public/Private School Fundraising: Typically sports teams, but band, academic teams.

Celebrities Fundraising for their Hometown: A network marketer, Richard Brooke, is seeking $100 each from his followers for the victims of the fire on the Hawaiian island of Maui in hopes of raising $1,000,000 in cash.

Richard Brooke responded:

I seeded this effort with $1,000 which you can see on the list. HPP, dba, Bliss Business.

In addition we have directly donated $500 to one friend, paid for flights for anyone that asked and spent 2 days organizing clothing and personal car items with others on Lanai and flying them over.

Yesterday we boated over and evacuated a family and their three dogs off the beach and back to Lanai.

We have spend most hours of every day since Weds supporting people.

The Ronald McDonald House: Donating your change.

Conspiracy Theories: Gary unveils the latest plot behind the recent Hawaiian Island fires.

Gary’s News of the Weird: Slippery prosciutto and there’s a frog in my spinach!

The People vs. Gary McDaniel: Gary recounts his recent brush with the law, which includes being pulled over by a motorcycle cop on his way to work one Monday morning.

Notary Public: Brian passed the Pennsylvania state notary public exam this past week.

Doctor, Doctor: Brian had a televisit with his doctor to discuss sleep apnea. A home sleep study is in the works for October. The doctor blames Brian’s Simpson chin and a tongue that’s too big for his mouth. Brian’s colonoscopy has also been scheduled for Friday, September 22.

Just know by you reading and/or listening to TheBrianLennonShow, we can tell you are probably in the top 10 percent of the population when it comes to intelligence and looks. Join the rest of us by becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Cold Open Question of the Week: If you had a million dollars to donate to any charity of your choice, which charity would it be?

Roughage Start: Gary’s dinner salad causes a host of problems at the beginning of this week’s show.

Come on Barbie: Brian took his niece, daughter and son to the Barbie movie on Sunday. What did he think of it?

* Motherhood

* Men vs. Women (with a side of asexuality)

* Fantasy vs. The Real World

* Mixed Messaging

* Feminist propaganda?

Excuses, excuses, excuses (Part 57): Brian heard a new excuse from a friend this week about why they couldn’t come out with him!

Portland Frank at the V-Spot: Brian and his son Joe took in the Portland Frank show on Friday night. Joe rated it a “10 out of 10.” Hear all the details, including a new shot for Gary to try!

Green Tea Shots: Brian and Gary discuss the newest shot of the year - Green Tea Shots. Brian and Gary try to decipher what’s actually in the shots.

The 3rd Annual Tom and Bob Dobreniecki Memorial Fishing Derby: Brian and his family spent Saturday at Merli Sarnoski Park hosting a fishing derby for children 15 & under, in honor and memory of Jill’s dad and uncle.

Sudden Death: Former co-worker Linda Little passed away in April. Brian found out Friday night at the bar.

WrestleMania Tix: $750 to $1,500 as part of the presale.

The show doesn’t end here! Go now to Part 2 of this episode to continue listening…

Cold Open Question of the Week: If you could have any band/artist perform at your birthday party, who would it be?

Our guests tonight are Chad Wescott and Marty Monahan, two members of the rock band, Portland Frank, which will be appearing this Friday at The V Spot in Scranton, Pa. Portland Frank is one of the newest, most popular rock bands playing in Northeast Pennsylvania. Pairing with experienced veteran players Paul Young and Johnny Jones, Chad and Marty are poised to make Portland Frank the next great band in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Portland Frank is:

* Paul Young - Guitar, Vocals

* Johnny Jones - Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar

* Martin Monahan - Guitar

* Chad Wescott - Drums and Percussion

LISTEN NOW:

How did Portland Frank come together? Chad explains how he joined Paul and Johnny on the Portland Frank project, and how Marty’s schedule finally allowed him to dedicate more time to playing music.

Age Difference: Chad and Marty talk about the age difference between them and Paul and Johnny, and the dynamic it brings to the band and its music.

Higher Standard: Chad discusses the preparation, practice schedules, and expectations Paul brings to the band and the impact it’s had on Chad and Marty’s musicianship. Marty shares a story about his first time playing with Paul.

How would you describe your sound? Not hard rock, not soft rock. Rock you don’t hear anymore.

Working with Bret Alexander: The well-known musician, famous for writing and playing with The Badlees in the mid-’90s. He has performed and played with artists such as Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, Bob Seger, The Band, The Allman Brothers, Edwin McCain, Live, and The Gin Blossoms. How is it working with him?

Song Writing: What has that experience been like? How does each member of the band contribute to the process? Chad tries to explain it as best he can.

Musical Influences: Marty talks about his early days playing piano, drums in the high school jazz band, before finally turning to guitar. Chad explains his early days learning piano from his grandmother before finally convincing his dad to allow a drum kit in the house.

Doppelganger: Gary’s friend Paul looks like he could be Chad’s oldest brother who plays football.

News of the Weird: Florida man scores a hole in one. The world’s largest Lebanon bologna sandwich.

Quick Hits: Chad and Marty share their…

* First CD I ever bought:

* Last song I’ve downloaded:

* Favorite album of all time:

* Favorite music video of all time:

* Favorite concert you’ve ever attended:

* Favorite concert you’ve ever played:

* Concert on my bucket list is:

* If I could collaborate with any musician/singer/songwriter, it would be:

* When I die, I want __________________ played at my funeral.

TheBrianLennonShow is a listener-supported podcast. To receive each new show, be sure to subscribe now!

Find Portland Frank on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PortlandFrank22

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portland_frank_music/

P.S. Chad texted after we finished recording to add his favorite music video of all time.

Cold Open Question of The Week: If you win the Mega Millions jackpot tonight, what’s the first thing you buy or splurge on?

Thank you for listening to TheBrianLennonShow podcast. Now we’d really love for you to subscribe and leave a comment about what you think of the show.

Mega Millions Jackpot: Prize soars past $1 billion for Tuesday’s drawing.

Comic Con Tampa: Gary, Shannon, Colin and his lady friend visited the spectacle that is Comic Con this past weekend. Highlights included a picture with Mark Sheppard (above), star from Supernatural, Firefly and The X-Files.

Gym Time: The McDaniels join the local gym. Gary updates us on his family’s fitness goals.

Oppenheimer: Society vs. Scientists - The government eventually turns against Robert Oppenheimer, much like members of the government and society have turned against Dr. Fauci following the COVID pandemic.

The Taxmen: Brian visited Nay Aug Park for a Beatles tribute band on Sunday afternoon.

Dickson Days: Thursday potato pancake making and Friday frying for Brian, who will be working the stand cooking the pancakes.

Party on the Patio: Michael Jackson tribute this week!

Chris Lewis Memorial Golf Tournament: Tee off 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. Brian and his son Joey played 9 holes on Sunday afternoon in preparation.

SummerSlam: Live from Detroit this Saturday night. Roman Reigns takes on “Main Event” Jey Uso.

That’s Enough Outta You: We’ll be recording with Bill Raider and Sean Kane for an upcoming episode this Sunday. Desert 10 Items

RIP Pee-wee Herman: 1980’s entertainer died this week after a private battle with cancer. Movies, television before an embarrassing arrest in 1991 following an incident in which he was caught masturbating inside a Sarasota, Florida movie theatre.

RIP Angus Cloud: Euphoria star dies at the age of 25. Did you watch Euphoria? I might watch it now.

Picture Worth A Thousand Words: Facebook memories brought up Lisa sleeping on your living room floor from 1990-something. Rollerblade, red solo cups, volleyball set?, lamp with factory plastic on the shade, etc.

News of the Weird: Bear in the hot tub, and the G.O.A.T. of hide-n-seek.

Florida’s Newest Newscaster: Aileen Hnatiuk makes her Channel 8 debut. Is Gary tuning in?

Next Week on the Podcast: Chad and Marty from Portland Frank join the pod to talk about their upcoming appearance at the V-Spot and new music on Spotify.

Be sure to wish Gary a happy birthday in the comments below!!!

Cold Open Question of the Week: The aliens are attacking, and they're targeting Scranton. What’s the one thing you save for the sake of mankind? It can be a building, a natural resource, a recipe, etc.

This week’s guest, Salvatore Pane, was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He is the author of two novels, Last Call in the City of Bridges and The Theory of Almost Everything, and a book of nonfiction, Mega Man 3. His shorter work won the Turow-Kinder Award judged by Stewart O’Nan, was nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and has appeared in Indiana Review, American Short Fiction, Story Magazine, and many other venues. He’s also written video games and graphic novels, and his textbook, Story Mode: Writing Narrative Video Games for Everyone, is forthcoming from Bloomsbury. He holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Pittsburgh and currently serves as associate professor at the University of St. Thomas. He lives with his wife and Martin Scorsese the Cat in St. Paul, Minnesota. - Autumn House Press

TheBrianLennonShow is a reader and listener-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a FREE or paid subscriber.

Scranton:

Fellow Bishop O’Hara High School (Dunmore, Pa.) alum, Class of 2003. What did O’Hara mean to you? What stays with you now these 20 years later?

Did you work at K-B Toys in Steamtown Mall? What years?

How often do you come back to Scranton?

“It was a village that knew nothing beyond its own misery…” — Natalia Ginzburg, All Our Yesterdays Is this a direct shot at Scranton?

The Book (Winner of the 2022 Fiction Prize, selected by Venita Blackburn):

Why a collection of short stories and not another novel?

Are some of these stories new/never published before?

Fatherhood? It feels like every story deals with the issue of fatherhood in some way. Was this a conscious or unconscious decision?

Inspirations for the stories? Did some of these come out of semester in Italy teaching?

Traveling to Indiana:

Any fun spots to stop on the way between Indy and Scranton?

Writing Questions:

How do you know when a short story is done?

How many stories do you write, knowing the ending, and how many do you write where you find the ending along the way?

Is plot a dirty four-letter word to you?

Pro Wrestling:

You’re living in St. Paul, which is the heart of AWA territory. Any cool AWA experiences, etc. that you’ve had while living there?

Is The Bloodline story line, have you been following that story?

Tell us about RetroMania Wrestling, the wrestling game you helped write?

Films:

Martin Scorsese: Your favorite film? I just watched Mean Streets.

Have particular films helped you through your life, as it has the narrator in “Do I Amuse You?”

The Knicks:

How do you end up a Knicks fan? Did Mr. Callejas have any influence?

The modern day NBA — Is it as bad as I think it is?

Salvatore Pane

Website: www.salvatore-pane.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/salpane

The Neorealist in Winter: https://www.autumnhouse.org/books/the-neorealist-in-winter/

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IG: @thebrianlennonshow

Cold Open Question of the Week: Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was shopping at Publix this past week. What Kind of Pub Sub Guy Are You? Gary informs us about his two favorite Publix’s subs. Brian recaps his visit to the new Jersey Mike’s on Montage Mountain today, where he enjoyed a Club Sub.

If you enjoy listening to TheBrianLennonShow podcast, be sure to subscribe to receive each new post. To support Brian and Gary’s work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Remember, no commercials!

Remembering Jerry Molloy: Brian’s neighbor from Long Island died this past week. He remembers his neighbor this week in a post.

Doctor, Doctor: Brian recaps his visit to the doctor, which includes record weight gain, and the need for a sleep study, nerve test, blood work, and a colonoscopy.

Black Dog Revue: Brian recaps his visit to this past week’s Party on the Patio at the Mohegan Sun casino. Music — meh. People — interesting. His eyes were burning in the car from all the smoke. And he receives what he thinks is the VIP treatment!

Boy Scout Camp: Brian reviews his three days in the wilderness at Camp Acahela, including an incident in the outhouse with a toilet that resembled Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Hollywood Actors Strike: Screen Actors Guild joins writers in first strike since 1970s. What does this mean for television and movies? Higher prices to customers!

Gary’s News of the Weird: An Iowa man enjoys eating pie, and another Iowan erases a pencil collecting world record.

Soccer Smackdown!: Fox moves WWE’s Smackdown to FS1 on Friday for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Who wins the television ratings? Megan Rapinoe has become a controversial figure in the world of sports — equal pay, allowing transgender players, political stances, etc. This has led one Outkick.com writer to ask, Is it un-American to root against the women’s national soccer team?

Cold Open Question of the Week: What did you buy on Amazon Prime Day?

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses: Brian’s friends use a number of excuses to avoid Party on the Patio and Black Dog at the local casino.

Document, Document, Document: A doctor’s vacation out of the country costs Brian $70 to have his son’s physical forms completed for Boy Scout camp.

All-Star Game: Gary forgets about the Home Run Derby, plans a visit to Randyland, and discussion of $120.00 parking prices.

Catan: Brian’s son Joseph introduces the board game to the household, resulting in late night games.

WrestleMania V: Brian re-watched the 1989 Showcase of the Immortals on a rainy Sunday and realized, a number of the wrestlers are dead. Meanwhile, Trump sits in the front row.

Laurel & Hardy: Brian is currently reading a book about Stan Laurel, Gary remembers a Chaplin statue in England, Diane Lane, and Gary recommends Wild Orchids.

News of the Weird: It’s smoke! It’s gnats! It’s aphids! And musical artists are about to toss their s**t!

And Just Because: Diane Lane, who appeared as Cherry Valance in The Outsiders, along with Matt Dillon. The Outsiders was the first movie my brother, Paul, recorded from HBO onto our new Betamax.

Cold Open Question of the Week: Who would you say is the quintessential American living right now?

A New Theme Song? Brian discusses one might be in the works.

HOT! HOT! HOT! Brian is sweating! Gary could not live without central air. Suffering for our art.

The Pool Table: A leisurely past time has become the bane of Gary’s existence, and the foundation of Shannon’s “Monica closet.”

4th of July Plans: Brian’s taking the ‘fam to Knoebels while Gary contemplates a trip to Peace River depending on how he feels.

Colin Begins Training: Place-kicking and punting practice begins while Gary snoozes.

Indiana Jones: Brian gives his review of the new Indiana Jones film. Hint: He’s not a fan. Meanwhile, Gary still plans on seeing it.

WWE’s MITB from London: A raucous crowd welcomes superstars like Shinsuke Nakamura, Seth “Freakin’” Rollins, and John Cena, who mentions WrestleMania in London.

The 27 Club: A party debate from Saturday’s get-together culminates into a question about Janis Joplin or Amy Winehouse.

‘Heavenly’ Birthdays: What is someone’s ‘heavenly’ birthday?

Clapping at the Movies: Brian discusses another pet peeve of his, and Gary is all aboard. Gary admits cheering at the movies, even at home.

Peach Fest: The annual “hippie” music gathering results in another death for a concert-goer, which has also become an annual tradition.

Gary’s News of the Weird: Pennsylvania needs a new state song. A Maine woman punches a bear.

TheBrianLennonShow is a listener-supported podcast. To receive every new podcast and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.