Podcast Summary: Good Guys – Episode: Guys Gone WILD
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host/Authors: Josh Peck (actor & writer) and Ben Soffer (entrepreneur & social media icon)
Description: Hosted by Josh Peck and Ben Soffer, “Good Guys” delivers engaging conversations on a variety of topics every Monday and Thursday. This episode, titled “Guys Gone WILD,” delves into personal anecdotes, parenting challenges, body image insecurities, relationship dynamics, and the complexities of modern dating.
1. Travel Troubles and Airline Frustrations
Ben Soffer shares his recent experience with flight disruptions, highlighting the frustrations of unexpected schedule changes without adequate communication or support.
- [01:16] Ben: “Why would it still work with my schedule? Who sends a text like that?”
Josh Peck agrees, describing the airline's communication as “a little gaslighty” ([02:19]).
Discussion Points:
- The inconvenience of flight delays and schedule changes.
- Poor communication from airlines regarding disruptions.
- The impact of such changes on personal and professional plans.
2. Promoting Body Positivity and Addressing Insecurities
The hosts engage in a lighthearted yet meaningful conversation about body image, self-confidence, and the societal pressures men face regarding their appearance.
Josh Peck opens up about his minor insecurities related to gynecomastia and his non-invasive treatments:
- [21:05] Josh: “I feel okay, but look, I got my little tiger stripes. I have my genetically modified belly button created in a lab.”
Ben Soffer discusses his own body image journey and the importance of feeling secure:
- [22:44] Ben: “I really don't give a shit at all. I don't care at all. I think I look great.”
Notable Quotes:
- Ben: “Once the shirt's off, the shirt's off.”
- Josh: “We look great. You know, like, people are so much fatter than us.”
Discussion Points:
- The journey to body confidence and self-acceptance.
- The role of supportive relationships in fostering self-esteem.
- Societal expectations and their impact on men's body image.
3. Parenting Challenges: Potty Training and Language Development
Josh Peck and Ben Soffer discuss the intricacies of parenting, focusing on potty training and teaching children appropriate language.
Josh Peck shares his struggles with potty training his nearly two-and-a-half-year-old son:
- [15:29] Josh: “I woke him up this morning and I changed him as I do because obviously he sleeps in a diaper... What are you nuts?”
Ben Soffer highlights the importance of consistent discipline:
- [17:54] Ben: “He'll never learn if you do it this way. I'm like, yeah, but it's harder for me.”
Notable Quotes:
- Josh: “If you can keep your kid kind of pure and innocent for as long as possible, I think it's kind of the move.”
- Ben: “Life will knock them down. You don't have to knock them down.”
Discussion Points:
- The balance between discipline and compassion in parenting.
- Strategies for effective potty training.
- Preserving a child’s innocence while preparing them for life’s challenges.
4. Navigating Open Relationships and Marital Struggles
Listener messages introduce the topic of open relationships, prompting a nuanced discussion on their viability and impact on marriages.
Listener Case 1: Open Marriage Betrayal
- [34:26] Listener: A woman expresses concern over her fiancé’s inappropriate behavior in an open marriage setup, especially after her breast cancer diagnosis.
Ben Soffer advises the listener to prioritize trust and consider ending the relationship:
- [40:29] Ben: “If he can leave him, I would. And you being the daughter of this, be nice to your mom.”
Josh Peck emphasizes the potential emotional wreckage of open relationships:
- [41:11] Josh: “That's what you're putting at risk when you have kids and a family is like the wreckage how messy it can become just because you wanted to be able to sleep with multiple people.”
Listener Case 2: Unusual Relationship Dynamics
- [43:01] Listener Jordan: Questions the appropriateness of spending time with a partner in the bathroom during extended bathroom visits.
Discussion Points:
- The complexities and potential pitfalls of open relationships.
- Emotional trust and fidelity in marriages.
- The impact of personal challenges (e.g., illness) on relationship dynamics.
5. Modern Dating Challenges: The Shidduch Crisis and Dating Apps
A listener from Israel discusses difficulties in finding a partner, citing the "Shidduch crisis," and critiques the effectiveness of dating apps.
Josh Peck reminisces about the authenticity and excitement of traditional dating:
- [51:24] Josh: “There was some coworkers. And I just was like, well, I gotta. If I'm gonna do it, I gotta do it. And I was like, hi, how are you?”
Ben Soffer notes the transactional nature of dating apps as a barrier to meaningful connections:
- [50:33] Ben: “It used to be a game, right? Like, you had to actually amp yourself up, pump yourself up enough to go and talk to that girl.”
Notable Quotes:
- Josh: “It was more precious and you gave a little bit more, you tried a little bit harder.”
- Ben: “If you could give people a chance, go on a date, see if they make you laugh, and maybe you'll fall in love with them in reverse.”
Discussion Points:
- The decline of traditional courtship rituals in favor of digital interactions.
- The challenges of finding authentic connections in a swipe-driven dating landscape.
- Strategies for overcoming societal and technological barriers in modern dating.
6. Parenting Perspectives: Teaching Appropriate Language
Josh Peck recounts an incident where his son used the word "boobies" after watching an Australian kid show.
- [18:07] Josh: “I wanted to teach him. Why? It's not really appropriate that we say it, because I know that it's not such a bad word, but if he said it in front of other adults, they would kind of judge it.”
Ben Soffer praises Paige for her strategic approach to normalizing and humanizing body parts to prevent misusage:
- [19:50] Ben: “...she made it normal and serious, he won't use it again.”
Discussion Points:
- Approaches to teaching children appropriate language.
- The balance between openness and discretion in parental guidance.
- The influence of parental modeling on a child’s language and behavior.
7. Humorous Banter and “What Are You Nuts?” Moments
Throughout the episode, Josh and Ben engage in humorous exchanges, encapsulated in their recurring segment “What are you nuts?” This segment highlights their comedic takes on everyday annoyances and absurdities.
Examples:
-
[54:42] Ben: Critiques Delta Airlines’ inflight Wi-Fi announcements.
- Ben: “What are you nuts? Why do I give a shit what you're working towards...”
-
[56:10] Josh: Discusses self-checkout etiquette.
- Josh: “Imagine that you're a teenager looking for a promotion... What are you nuts?”
Notable Quotes:
- Josh: “It's how easy it is to earn a reputation, even if it doesn't reflect who you really are.”
- Ben: “It has to be fast, otherwise the game can run on 100%.”
Discussion Points:
- Everyday pet peeves and their humorous interpretations.
- The chemistry between hosts in addressing common frustrations.
- The role of humor in discussing relatable topics.
8. Audience Interaction: Speak Pipe Messages
Listeners contribute their questions and anecdotes, which Josh and Ben address with their signature humor and candidness.
Listener Message 1: Steam Room Etiquette
- [33:30] Listener C: Concerns about a fiancé using the steam room without a towel, making her uncomfortable.
Listener Message 2: Open Relationship Fallout
- [38:26] Listener D: A daughter seeks advice on her mother’s reaction to her father’s infidelity within an open marriage.
Listener Message 3: Shidduch Crisis
- [43:01] Listener E: A 27-year-old from Israel struggles with the pressures of finding a partner amidst a Shidduch crisis.
Discussion Highlights:
- Balancing humor with serious advice.
- Addressing diverse and sometimes unusual listener concerns.
- Fostering a sense of community and shared experiences among listeners.
9. Final Thoughts and “What Are You Nuts?” Wrap-Up
The hosts conclude the episode with a final round of “What Are You Nuts?” moments, reiterating their comedic take on daily nuisances and encouraging listener engagement.
Examples:
- [56:12] Josh: Critiques self-checkout efficiency.
- Josh: “Do self checkouts with like 44 items. What are you nuts?”
Closing Remarks:
- Encouragement for listeners to rate and share the podcast.
- Upcoming episodes teased for continued engaging content.
Conclusion:
In “Guys Gone WILD,” Josh Peck and Ben Soffer navigate a blend of serious and lighthearted topics, offering insights on parenting, relationships, body image, and the pitfalls of modern dating, all while maintaining their trademark humor. The episode underscores the importance of self-improvement, meaningful connections, and maintaining authenticity in an increasingly digital world.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Ben Soffer, [01:16]: “Why would it still work with my schedule? Who sends a text like that?”
- Josh Peck, [21:05]: “We look great. You know, like, people are so much fatter than us.”
- Josh Peck, [18:07]: “I wanted to teach him. Why? It's not really appropriate that we say it...”
- Ben Soffer, [19:50]: “...she made it normal and serious, he won't use it again.”
- Ben Soffer, [54:42]: “What are you nuts? Why do I give a shit what you're working towards...”
- Josh Peck, [56:10]: “Imagine that you're a teenager looking for a promotion... What are you nuts?”
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductions, and outros to focus solely on the core content of the episode.
