Podcast Summary: Good Guys – "Ben's Big Announcement!"

Hosts: Josh Peck (Actor & Writer) and Ben Soffer (Entrepreneur & Social Media Icon)
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Episode Title: Ben's Big Announcement!

1. Introduction and Banter (00:01 – 07:17)

The episode kicks off with the trademark playful banter between Josh Peck and Ben Soffer. They engage in light-hearted teasing, establishing their trademark chemistry and setting a relaxed tone for the episode. Their humorous exchanges, such as Ben declaring, “If you don't give us five stars,” and Josh responding with, “What are you nuts?” showcase their dynamic rapport and set the stage for an engaging discussion.

2. Deep Dive into Outlet Stores (11:38 – 25:02)

After bypassing several advertisement segments, Josh and Ben return to the main content with an extensive discussion on outlet shopping. They explore the pros and cons of shopping at various outlet locations, sharing personal experiences and insights.

• Outlet Locations and Preferences:
  Ben mentions favorite outlets like Tanger, Woodbury, Camarillo, and Cabazon, praising the deals available, especially at Woodbury Commons where he highlights brands like Ferragamo offering significant discounts. Josh echoes this sentiment, recounting his success stories such as acquiring a "sick pink suit from Yves Saint Laurent for like 70% off" and a "Gucci handbag marked down from $1800 to $400."

• Quality Concerns:
  The hosts express skepticism about the quality of outlet products. Josh criticizes the oversized logos and inferior materials found at outlets like Nike, stating, “The swoosh is way too big. You’re like, why do I have such a big swoosh on my leg?” Ben concurs, discussing the discomfort caused by ill-fitting garments: “And the cotton is just like... you chafe on the nipples from these blends.”

• Shopping Strategies:
  Emphasizing organized shopping, Ben advises listeners to map out their shopping list to avoid purchasing unnecessary items. He remarks, “If you go into the outlets blind, you’re in trouble. You’re going to leave there with so much shit.” Josh adds that strategic shopping at outlets for brands they trust is the key to snagging quality deals without overindulging.

• Recommendations:
  Both hosts recommend specific stores within the outlet circuit, with Ben particularly endorsing the Ralph Lauren outlet at Woodbury Commons and highlighting the importance of sticking to brands they prefer. They stress the importance of being prepared to walk out empty-handed rather than making impulse buys.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Peck (12:33): “There's no better feeling than getting a luxury deal. It just feels amazing.”
• Ben Soffer (13:32): “If you win, you win. If you lose, you have to be okay walking out with nothing.”

3. Listener Messages and Advice (40:25 – 45:29)

Transitioning from outlet discussions, Josh and Ben address listener inquiries, offering their characteristic blend of humor and practical advice.

• DUI God License Plate Issue:
  A 17-year-old listener expresses concern over her parents' custom license plate reading “DUI God,” which she interprets as “I’m the God of DUIs.” Ben humorously responds, advising her to convince her parents to change it, while Josh emphasizes the potential for increased traffic stops: “DUI God, that's so fucking punk.”

• Partner’s Sense of Time:
  Another listener seeks advice on dealing with a boyfriend who consistently arrives late, attributing it to his belief in a “15-minute grace period.” Ben advises setting boundaries, stating, “If you get anxiety around this, then he should recognize that and he should just be on time for you.” Josh reinforces the importance of punctuality to reduce unnecessary stress: “I think you should show up on time. Like, a few minutes, like, really on time is a few minutes early.”

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Soffer (40:28): “You're allowed to be, first of all, there's nothing worse than playing with somebody who's angry.”
• Josh Peck (43:47): “It's nuts. The table's right there. Let me sit. Actually, this is an enormous what do you nuts.”

4. Ben's Big Announcement: Spritz Society Expansion (25:02 – 26:57)

The episode reaches its climax with Ben Soffer’s exciting announcement regarding his venture, Spritz Society.

• Nationwide Availability:
  Ben reveals that after four and a half years of online sales, Spritz Society products will now be available in 40 states at every Target store nationwide. He expresses immense pride and excitement about this significant milestone, likening it to a “Super Bowl” moment for his brand.

• Distribution Partners:
  In addition to Target, Spritz Society’s products will be available at Harris Teeter in South Carolina, Jewel Osco in Chicago, and online platforms like Gopuff. Ben emphasizes the achievement of having his product stocked alongside major brands, stating, “It's like we're playing with the big boys.”

• Call to Action:
  He encourages listeners to try Spritz Society products at their local Target stores, thanking them for their support and expressing his enthusiasm: “If you haven't tried it yet, go into your local Target and try it. If you have, thank you for supporting.”

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Soffer (25:07): “...having my canned cocktail in every Target is like playing with the big boys.”
• Josh Peck (25:54): “So, yeah, mazel awesome.”

5. Car Discussions and Advice (26:57 – 53:07)

Following the announcement, Josh and Ben delve into a spirited discussion about purchasing new cars, blending personal preferences with practical advice.

• Choosing the Right Vehicle:
  Ben shares his indecision between models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chevrolet Tahoe, contemplating factors such as size, functionality, and aesthetics. Josh offers his perspective, commending larger vehicles like the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban for their spaciousness, especially for families with multiple children: “If you have two kids or more, kind of what you need because it's the only car that's big enough where you get a third row and cargo space.”

• Leasing vs. Buying:
  The hosts debate the merits of leasing versus buying cars outright. Josh advocates for minimal down payments to avoid financial constraints: “Ideally, nothing. Why should they hold your money?” Ben agrees, highlighting the importance of negotiating lease terms effectively.

• Auto Brokers and Insurance:
  Ben suggests using auto brokers to streamline the car-buying process, emphasizing the benefits of not paying extra for their services: “I can put you in. They make money on the other side, so you don't even pay for it.” Additionally, they recommend checking insurance rates through platforms like Insurify to secure the best deals.

• Listener Engagement:
  The discussion is enriched with listener messages requesting advice on various car-related issues, which Josh and Ben address with their characteristic humor and practical insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Peck (27:05): “I think The Chevy Tahoe is a great looking car. I think Chevy Suburban's awesome.”
• Ben Soffer (51:12): “Why should they hold your money? You could be making that.”

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (53:07 – End)

As the episode wraps up, Josh and Ben continue their dynamic interaction, blending humor with last pieces of advice. They encourage listeners to engage with their content across various platforms, reiterating their commitment to delivering entertaining and insightful discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Peck (53:07): “Listen to us.”
• Ben Soffer (53:07): “Wherever you get your podcast, watch us on YouTube, share our clips, Instagram and TikTok Mondays and Thursdays, folks.”

Final Remarks:

"Ben's Big Announcement!" serves as a testament to the hosts' ability to intertwine personal anecdotes, practical advice, and engaging discussions. Ben Soffer's milestone with Spritz Society marks a significant achievement, while their conversations on outlet shopping and car purchasing provide valuable insights for listeners. The episode's blend of humor, relatability, and actionable advice encapsulates the essence of the "Good Guys" podcast, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts seeking both entertainment and enlightenment.

Highlighted Quotes:

• Josh Peck (27:05): “If you have two kids or more, kind of what you need because it's the only car that's big enough where you get a third row and cargo space.”
• Ben Soffer (25:07): “We're playing with the big boys.”