Podcast Summary: "A Message for the Haters" | Good Guys Podcast
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Hosted by actor and writer Josh Peck alongside entrepreneur and social media icon Ben Soffer, the "Good Guys" podcast delivers engaging conversations twice a week. In the episode titled "A Message for the Haters," Josh and Ben delve into a variety of personal anecdotes, current events, and listener interactions, all infused with their characteristic humor and candidness.
1. Parenting Challenges: Sleep Training and Toddler Behavior
The episode opens with Josh and Ben discussing their personal experiences with parenting, particularly focusing on their children's sleep patterns. Ben proudly shares, “Ruby is sleeping like a rock. The man is going eight to four, and then four to eight” (00:22). In contrast, Josh talks about his son Shai’s resistance to sleep routines, highlighting the complexities of managing different temperaments among siblings. Ben adds insight into typical toddler behavior, mentioning, “these two-year-olds are bossy” (05:36), and they both empathize with the challenges parents face during this stage.
2. Hulk Hogan and the Gawker Lawsuit
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the late Hulk Hogan’s legal battle with Gawker. Josh provides a detailed recounting of the events, stating, “Gawker run the story. They show the video... Peter Thiel quietly reaches out and says, 'I'm going to be your benefactor... we are going to go take Gawker down,'” (16:14). Ben expresses his admiration for Hogan, reflecting on his contributions to wrestling and his aggressive stance against perceived injustices. The hosts discuss the impact of the lawsuit on media transparency and privacy rights, acknowledging the moral complexities involved.
3. Recent Celebrity Passings
Josh and Ben pay tribute to recently deceased celebrities, including Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osbourne, and Malcolm Jamal Warner (the actor who played Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show"). Ben remarks, “God bless him. He looked his age since he was 25. He's looked like this for 50 years” (15:44), emphasizing Hogan’s enduring presence in the entertainment industry. They also share a moment of levity while mourning, showcasing their ability to balance humor with respect.
4. Handling Negative Feedback and 'Haters'
Transitioning to the episode’s central theme, Josh addresses the concept of 'haters' and negative feedback. He shares, “Hating is not only my love language, but it's also my hate language. It's a mix of both” (02:17), highlighting his complex relationship with criticism. The hosts explore the psychological effects of jealousy and stress, with Ben asserting, “Stress will kill you and jealousy will kill you. Facts. Absolutely” (33:35). They debate the merits of engaging with negative comments versus focusing on positive interactions, ultimately deciding to introduce a segment dedicated to reading positive reviews and dismissing the negative ones.
5. Listener Interaction: Location Sharing in Relationships
In the listener segment, a 19-year-old named Lily seeks advice on whether to share her location with her boyfriend. Ben advises, “If you don't want that to be your boyfriend, okay, I do think your boyfriend of two years should have your location” (55:33), emphasizing the importance of trust and personal boundaries in relationships. Josh adds his perspective by sharing his own experiences, underscoring the balance between connectivity and privacy.
6. Food Segment: Oldest Foods in the World
The hosts engage in a fun discussion about the ten oldest foods still consumed today, sourced from fastfoodclub.com. They explore historical dishes like Asicia omentata—a precursor to the modern burger—and delve into ancient cooking methods. Notable mentions include:
- Burger: “Made with mince meats, cauliflower pepper, pine nuts and garum fish sauce” (47:56).
- Kebab: Highlighted as a staple roasted and grilled meat dish over 400,000 years old (49:02).
- Noodles and Pasta: Originating in China around 4,000 years ago (50:03).
- Pancakes: Dating back over 70,000 years with ingredients like seeds and water (50:40).
Their playful banter and mutual enthusiasm make this segment both informative and entertaining.
7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Wrapping up the episode, Josh and Ben reiterate the importance of focusing on positive feedback and building a supportive community. They encourage listeners to leave five-star reviews and engage constructively with the podcast. The hosts sign off with their trademark humor, hinting at future segments and maintaining a lighthearted tone.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Peck: “Hating is not only my love language, but it's also my hate language. It's a mix of both.” (02:17)
- Ben Soffer: “Stress will kill you and jealousy will kill you. Facts. Absolutely.” (33:35)
- Josh Peck: “We are putting ourselves out there. Let us help you to forget about your day, to have an hour away...” (31:38)
- Ben Soffer: “If you have any bad feeling in your gut as to why your significant other shouldn't, they're not right for you.” (58:22)
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Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the core discussions and content of the episode.