Podcast Summary: Good Guys - "GOURD GUYS: Big Mushu's Going Meshuga"

Episode Information:

• Title: GOURD GUYS: Big Mushu's Going Meshuga
• Release Date: November 28, 2024
• Hosts: Josh Peck and Ben Soffer

Thanksgiving Plans and Culinary Preferences

The episode kicks off with Josh Peck and Ben Soffer discussing their respective Thanksgiving plans. Josh shares his excitement about spending the holiday at his mother-in-law's house, hinting at the possibility of welcoming a new addition to the Peck family. He humorously remarks, “There might be a new peck” (00:50), playing on his last name.

In contrast, Ben expresses his lack of enthusiasm for traditional Thanksgiving meals. He criticizes classic dishes, stating, “I think the Thanksgiving meal is just dreck. I think it is just crap” (01:48). Ben prefers to forgo the conventional turkey-centric feast in favor of a reservation at Ralph Lauren's Polo Bar, describing it as a “lovely meal” (03:01). This decision is rooted in his disdain for dry roast turkey and the typical side dishes like mac and cheese and green bean casserole.

Josh humorously notes, “We're a flying climb” (00:50), and both hosts agree that the traditional Thanksgiving meal often falls short of expectations. Ben further elaborates on his alternative menu preferences, emphasizing homemade bread, sweet potatoes, and a variety of vegetable medleys while dismissing the importance of turkey on the plate.

Reimagining Thanksgiving Cuisine

Josh and Ben engage in a creative exercise to design their ideal Thanksgiving menu. Josh outlines a spread that excludes turkey in favor of a diverse array of appetizers and sides:

• Appetizers: Family dip with cream cheese, mayo, and seasoned Beau Monde seasoning; baked brie with apricot jam; and a selection of crudités with homemade ranch or green goddess dressing (04:21).
• Sides: Parker House rolls with fresh butter, sweet potatoes with a maple syrup drizzle, winter vegetable medley including turnips and rutabagas, and string bean casserole.
• Dessert: Sour cream apple pie from Little Pie Company in New York, which Josh highly recommends (06:59).

Olivia, a recurring co-host, adds to the conversation by suggesting additional dishes such as a grandmother's cheese log and a honey ham, highlighting the importance of variety and personal preference in crafting the perfect holiday meal (08:06).

Authenticity of Chinese Cuisine and the MSG Debate

The conversation shifts to Chinese food, where Josh and Ben express nostalgia for authentic East Coast Chinese dishes like egg foo young and bunzao. They lament the decline in genuine Chinese offerings on the West Coast, with Ben declaring, “Josh, you can’t find good Chinese anywhere” (15:39). The hosts critique Americanized Chinese dishes—such as General Chow’s chicken and Kung Pao chicken—for straying from authentic flavors and ingredients.

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). Ben vehemently defends MSG as “the ultimate umami bomb” and criticizes the historical backlash against it, labeling it a “total witch hunt” with xenophobic undertones (16:03). Josh agrees, sharing insights about how MSG enhances the flavor profile of Chinese cuisine and lamenting the loss of its widespread acceptance.

They also mention contemporary influencers like Logan, a TikToker who advocates for MSG usage, and discuss the impacts of such endorsements on public perception. The hosts highlight the necessity of cornstarch in traditional Chinese cooking for achieving the desired sauce consistency, further underscoring the importance of authentic cooking techniques (17:04).

Listener Interaction: Vasectomy and Birth Control Perspectives

In a heartfelt segment, the hosts address a listener’s question submitted via SpeakPipe. Michelle shares her concerns about her husband’s reluctance to consider a vasectomy in the future, juxtaposed with her long-term use of birth control since age 15. She seeks a male perspective on whether her expectations are unreasonable (36:14).

Ben advises caution, suggesting that discussing such decisions before having children might be premature. He elaborates, “I think it's a little crazy to ask your husband to have a vasectomy unless he, like, demanded that you were on birth control” (38:03). The conversation delves into the complexities of birth control and vasectomies, with both hosts acknowledging the significant hormonal and emotional impacts of these choices.

Josh emphasizes the importance of open communication and mutual understanding in such decisions, sharing personal anecdotes about friends who have undergone vasectomies. Olivia contributes by discussing the adverse effects of birth control on her mental health, reinforcing the listener’s concerns about the burdens placed on women regarding reproductive control (40:11).

"What Are You Nuts?" Segment: Gripes and Gripe Points

The hosts transition to their regular segment, "What Are You Nuts?", where they humorously highlight minor pet peeves and absurdities. This episode features gripes about the inconvenience of handling Hershey's Kisses, which Ben critiques for being “too much work” compared to simply buying a chocolate bar (48:16). Josh resonates with the frustration, agreeing that peeling each Kiss individually is inefficient.

Ben shares his disdain for other trivial annoyances, like lip balm usage and unappetizing product appearances, maintaining a light-hearted and comedic tone throughout the segment. They also discuss the tediousness of the filmmaking process, with Josh expressing his frustrations about casting for his independent movie and the challenges of persuading agents to consider non-famous actors (47:13).

Promotional Segments and Advertisements

Throughout the episode, the hosts include brief promotional segments endorsing various products:

• Good Wipes: Emphasizes the importance of using superior wipes over traditional toilet paper for cleanliness, highlighting features like flushability and a variety of scents (13:33).
• Bilt Rewards: Encourages listeners to earn points on rent payments, detailing the benefits and ease of joining (12:12).
• Fatty15: Promotes a new essential fatty acid supplement, claiming it surpasses omega-3s in cellular benefits (21:48).
• Prolon: Introduces a plant-based nutrition program designed to support health and longevity by mimicking fasting states (25:45).

These segments are seamlessly integrated into the conversation, maintaining the episode's flow while providing valuable information about the sponsors.

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

In the closing moments, Josh announces his plans to take his brother-in-law out for an Italian dinner, joking about enhancing the experience by excluding Hershey's Kisses from the menu (49:06). Ben and Olivia join in the laughter, reinforcing the camaraderie and playful dynamic between the hosts.

Josh reflects on the episode's content, highlighting the balance between serious discussions and comedic relief that defines the "Good Guys" podcast. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with them on various platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and to subscribe to their podcast on popular platforms like Apple and Spotify (50:08).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Josh Peck (00:50): “There might be a new peck.”
• Ben Soffer (01:48): “I think the Thanksgiving meal is just dreck. I think it is just crap.”
• Josh Peck (03:01): “We're a flying climb.”
• Ben Soffer (16:03): “MSG is just the ultimate umami bomb and makes everything taste delicious.”
• Ben Soffer (38:03): “I think it's a little crazy to ask your husband to have a vasectomy unless he, like, demanded that you were on birth control.”
• Olivia (40:11): “I was so anxious, I ended up getting, like, diagnosed with an anxiety disorder because of it.”
• Ben Soffer (48:15): "Hershey's Kisses are nuts.”

Conclusion

In "GOURD GUYS: Big Mushu's Going Meshuga," Josh Peck and Ben Soffer navigate a variety of topics with humor and candor, from personal holiday plans and culinary preferences to deeper discussions on reproductive choices and cultural food authenticity. Their engaging banter, coupled with insightful commentary and listener interaction, provides a comprehensive and entertaining listening experience. Whether sharing personal anecdotes, addressing serious listener concerns, or poking fun at everyday annoyances, the hosts exemplify the podcast’s commitment to being the "good guys" amid a sea of voices.