They Need a Hobby

This episode the boys team up with George Collins a comedian by night, and citizen by day. He runs his own podcast called The WHOMST Podcast. We talk about what was the best about 2020 (yeah I know...) and what was the worst (it's all perspective). We discuss how our mental health was effected by this year. The recent boxing match with one of the Paul brothers and the possibility of Mayweather stepping up for a follow up. Kunaal apparently had a hidden Mike Tyson impression and George and Lance try to convince him to take it for all the $$$. Lance and I also wanted to say thank you all for listening and please stay tuned for more guests and topics for Season 2!

Kunaal interviews (our first celebrity!) Nimesh Patel, an East Coast comedian. Nimesh co-created Zooidiots, a hilarious animated show about what happens to a zoo after the human caretakers mysteriously disappear. It is a passion project that he and his co-creator Mookie Thompson have done with other comedian collogues. He voices a Siberian tiger --Fang Diesel. It's fuckin hilarious, and has too many one-liners. Meryl Streep, Kill Bill, 2020's idiocy and and much more is referenced. Go watch it! We also discuss comics that influenced him, and how he is constantly working on his craft day-by-day. Nimesh shares a kind story writing for SNL on the Weekend Update team: "LaVar Ball on Lonzo's Year" and meeting Kenan Thompson. Thank you Nimesh :)

Check it out Zooidiots here : https://youtu.be/72MQx4Qol5M

SNL Weekend Update Sketch: https://youtu.be/LJZYoD4vXLo

Social:

@mookiethompson

@findingnimesh

The boys interview their old physical trainer Ben Sojka. Ben talks about his path from chronic illness and depression to achieving health and strength and helping others reach their goals. Nutritional mindset, journey, and fitness goals are discussed. The story of how Ben, Lance, and Kunaal became swole is told here. Instagram: @bigmac_health_and_fitness

Lance and Kunaal talk to Grain4Grain Co-founder and engineer Yoni Medhin. It is a company that is able to make flour from the leftover of barley from the brewers. This flour is unique since it contains no carbohydrates but is full of protein and fiber. This interview we discuss Yoni's journey from birth to Grain4Grain and definitely share experiences as an immigrant, person of color with him. Don't worry there is most definitely some nerdy portions and honestly was one of the most fun and honest recordings to date.

Links: 

https://www.grain4grain.com/

Instagram: @yonimedhin @grain4grain

This episode Kunaal interviews Lance on his time as a reporter and sports writer. He wrote for Webster and UMSL and even was able to interview comedy legend Artie Lange here is some of his articles: https://www.stlmag.com/topics/lance-jordan-1/

The boys also mention that Presidential "Debate."

Lance interviews Kunaal on his improvisational comedy years. This was memorable interview for Kunaal, since it brings up many memories both good and bad, that were formative for him in his ("eh kinda funny") comedy skills. There is a significant moment in the interview that we kept, wherein Kunaal pulls his shields down and truly becomes a bit more vulnerable and speaks volumes to what his experience with improv was for him both in college and afterwards. (Lance is a good interviewer!) Kunaal tells a story where he met SNL actress Kate McKinnon and the hilariously awkwardness that ensued. Correction--the Broad City Actress' name was Nicole Drespel not "Fetcho." Wanted to give a huge Shout out to the Improv Shop in St. Louis and all the respective teachers: Melanie Penn, Andy Sloey,  John Langen, Katie Nunn, and Kevin McKernan. Also if you are at SLU check out the League of Laughter or LOL. Oh and dont worry, Yakuza is mentioned.

This episode the Hobby Guys talk about a graphic novel "The Court of Owls" after the announcement of Gotham Knights which has a quiet reference to the novel in its trailer.  We summarize it, discuss our favorite parts and compare it to the animated Batman vs Robin movie that came out in 2015. Kunaal points out some systemic racism and eerie similarities to our life. Lance shares his distaste for MaTi the oddest planeteer in the Captain Planet show.

Most importantly we pay our respects to Chadwick Boseman who was an inspiration for both of us and many more.  We will miss you and carry on your legacy. Wakanda Forever.

This episode we have some flashbacks from 15 years ago about Ninja Warrior and more since G4 has teased its return. In preparing for this episode we could not neglect addressing the social progress movements that took place this summer, largely due to the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. It directly mirrors what is going on in our topic for this episode, the graphic novel "Civil War" (Marvel Comic). In this episode we flesh out the comic and how it relates with today. We don't necessarily intend this to become a political podcast but we will not shy away from our beliefs. We encourage you to keep a conversation going with your friends and family and if one feels inclined to share thoughts via email: [email protected]. Also a side note: no shade intended to those who compete in America Ninja Warrior, the Japanese show it was based upon had it's own challenges and so does its current iteration. Both require talent and determination, and do have distinct differences. Stay well out there :)

NOW FOR THE MAIN EVENT: Part 2 of the Wrasslin in the 90s (ft. Curran) who all put up their top "faces" and "heels" of Pro-Wrestling. Enjoy! Special Intro and Outro done by AmithaAudio.

The boys bring the SMACKDOWN! Special guest Curran Bajwa (Kunaal's brother) and Lance are interviewed by Kunaal about Professional Wrestling. Topics range from memorable moments, earliest moments, how it has changed since it's inception and what they could improve on. This is part 1 of a two-part episode.