Episode Overview

Podcast: Dying For Sex (Wondery)
Special Feature Episode: New Season: ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast
Date: November 10, 2025

This episode is a playful crossover introducing season three of Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast. Host James Austin Johnson (“The Grinch”) welcomes whimsical holiday chaos with comedy, celebrity guests, and riotous banter. The featured guest clip includes a lively exchange with the Jonas Brothers (Nick, Joe, and Kevin), blending their famous sibling dynamic with the Grinch’s irreverent humor. While usually focused on deep, personal journeys, in this special holiday segment, the podcast celebrates fun and family dynamics, holiday traditions, and the ever-messy notion of “heartthrobs” and “bad boys.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introductions and Setup

• [00:00–00:53] The Grinch (James Austin Johnson) introduces the new season and its star-studded lineup.
  • Explains the show's "family holiday chaos" tone.
  • Promotes the podcast as a sanity-saver during noisy family road trips.
  • Previews upcoming guests (Jonas Brothers, Mark Hamill, Gronk).

The Jonas Brothers Join the Show

• [00:53–01:22] The Jonas Brothers (Nick, Joe, Kevin) join the Grinch for a humorous, no-holds-barred interview.
  • Immediate, easy banter; playful comments about the Grinch’s lair, including jokes about mold and bad smells.
  • “I want black mold.” — The Grinch (01:05)

Jonas Brothers’ Sibling Rivalry and Dynamics

• [01:38–02:55] The Grinch probes the brothers about who is the biggest "heartthrob."
  • The brothers banter about who wins the "heartthrob" title depending on the day.
    • Nick: Modest, said to "thrive on Tuesdays" due to his Broadway career.
    • Joe: Claims to peak on weekends (“Max Heartthrob”).
    • Kevin: Receives praise from Nick as "really shining at the moment."
  • “You need some runway to get heartthrobby.” — The Grinch (02:07)
  • “Nick’s done a lot of Broadway. So Mondays were like his Sunday, you know, so Tuesday’s like first day back at work.” — Kevin (02:59)

Grinch’s Theatrics and The Bad Boy Test

• [03:12–03:56]
  • The Grinch discusses his own musical/theater past—performing a one-man show of grievances and starting “crowd work.”
  • “My clips went viral and the virus I had went viral. Everyone got sick who came.” — The Grinch (03:35)

Who’s the “Bad Boy” of the Group?

• [03:57–04:45]
  • Brothers debate “bad boy” status: Joe “can’t be tamed,” Kevin’s messy habits at the others’ homes, Nick’s occasional biker jacket.
  • Banter escalates into mock accusation of dominance—leaving cups behind as a “sign of dominance.”
    • “It's like a dog peeing on a flagpole...” — The Grinch (04:18)
    • “Reminder, I'm marking my territory.” – Kevin (04:31)
  • “I'd rather him pee on it than leave a sparkling water.” — Joe (04:36)

Musical Licenses and Pride

• [04:45–05:12]
  • Kevin clarifies he has a real motorcycle license, “just a Vespa”—delighted mockery ensues.
  • “I can't ride a motorcycle, but can wear the jacket for sure.” — Nick (04:55)

Album Talk & Whoville

• [05:12–06:08]
  • Grinch jests about their album title “Greetings from your hometown,” feigning outrage that it could reference grimy Whoville.
  • The Jonas Brothers play along, ask about visiting Whoville, and the best time of year to come.
  • “I’ve had some really nice nights around Christmastime just sort of rooting through people’s cabinets..." — The Grinch (05:30)
  • Grinch comically confesses his court-ordered podcast duty after his past Christmas spree.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 01:05 | “There was crown molding here and I said, no, you don’t understand. I want black mold.” | The Grinch | | 02:07 | “You need some runway to get heartthrobby. You need that free Saturday.” | The Grinch | | 02:59 | “Nick’s done a lot of Broadway. So Mondays were like his Sunday… Tuesday’s like first day back at work.” | Kevin Jonas | | 03:35 | “My clips went viral and the virus I had went viral. Everyone got sick who came.” | The Grinch | | 04:18 | “It’s like a dog peeing on a flagpole...” | The Grinch | | 04:31 | “Reminder, I’m marking my territory.” | Kevin Jonas | | 04:36 | “I’d rather him pee on it than leave a sparkling water.” | Joe Jonas | | 04:55 | “Can’t ride a motorcycle, but can wear the jacket for sure.” | Nick Jonas | | 05:30 | “I’ve had some really nice nights around Christmastime just sort of rooting through people’s cabinets...” | The Grinch |

Highlighted Segments (Timestamps)

| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Meet the Jonas Brothers | Opening banter & environment jokes | 00:53–01:22 | | Heartthrob Debate | Brothers debate who’s the heartthrob | 01:38–02:55 | | Bad Boy Test | “Dominance” and “bad boy” roles in the band/family | 03:57–04:45 | | Song & Whoville | Talk about new album and Grinch’s Whoville backstory | 05:12–06:08 |

Summary Tone and Style

The episode is fast, witty, and playful, with the Grinch embodying comic mischief and the Jonas Brothers gamely riffing on their own reputations. The humor is irreverent yet family-friendly, mixing classic holiday nostalgia with modern, self-aware celebrity commentary.

Takeaway

While this special doesn't delve into the signature emotional depth of Dying For Sex, it offers holiday fun and clever sibling sparring—reminding listeners that both laughter and “bad boy” antics can bring families together, especially during the chaos of Christmas.