Josh's BIG Announcement!

Summary

Good Guys Podcast Summary: “Josh's BIG Announcement!”

Release Date: February 3, 2025
Hosts: Josh Peck and Ben Soffer
Podcast: Good Guys by Dear Media

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Introduction

In the episode titled “Josh's BIG Announcement!”, hosts Josh Peck and Ben Soffer delve into a variety of topics ranging from personal anecdotes and charitable efforts to listener interactions and heartfelt revelations. This episode, released on February 3, 2025, showcases the dynamic chemistry between actor Josh Peck and entrepreneur Ben Soffer, providing listeners with a blend of humor, sincerity, and insightful discussions.

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Navigating Political Waters

The episode kicks off with Josh addressing recent criticisms about the podcast's engagement with political topics. He clarifies, “First of all, it's not political. It's in my backyard. It's like, 10 miles away” ([01:06]). Josh emphasizes the importance of discussing issues that directly affect their lives, such as the local fires, and reassures listeners that despite perceptions, he and Ben share similar viewpoints. Ben adds depth to this sentiment by stating, “Politics are political. And the only time that we're ever going to talk about something is when we want to, because this is our show” ([02:18]).

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The Heart of Giving Back

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Josh's extensive charitable work. Josh shares his dedication to feeding the homeless, noting, “I'm out here every day just feeding the streets” ([03:59]). He highlights the operational aspects, like organizing feeds on LA's skid row and MacArthur Park, and the role his social media presence plays in supporting these initiatives. Ben commends Josh's efforts, stating, “Josh does so much charitable work. He's out here feeding these streets” ([04:52]).

The discussion evolves into the complexities of charitable giving. Ben expresses concerns about transparency in large charities: “I have problems with giving money to these huge places and not knowing where it's going” ([09:30]). Josh counters by sharing positive experiences, such as the significant donations orchestrated by his friend at the Santa Anita racetrack post-fires, underscoring the importance of community support and effective organization.

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Culinary Capers and Culinary Conversations

The hosts transition to lighter topics, showcasing their playful banter about food and cooking habits. They discuss the challenges of keeping berries fresh with kids, leading into humorous exchanges about grocery shopping and meal preparations. Notably, Josh reminisces about his early acting days, recounting a memorable interaction with Robin Williams: “Robin Williams... he was one of the greats” ([37:48]).

Ben chimes in with his culinary preferences, debating the merits of creamed spinach versus spinach artichoke dip, and sharing his own experiences with marinating wagyu beef, which drew some playful criticism from Josh ([25:20]).

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Listener Interaction: Navigating Friendships and Career Decisions

The episode features listener questions, allowing Ben and Josh to offer their perspectives on personal and professional dilemmas.

1. Freelancing vs. Consistent Employment: A listener, pregnant and contemplating a shift from a salaried graphic design position to freelancing, seeks advice. Ben advises caution, emphasizing the importance of job security and benefits during such a critical life stage: “Do not shake things up right now... insurance is important” ([40:23]). Josh echoes the sentiment, critiquing the low bonus received by the listener as a sign of instability: “$100 is worse... bonuses are taxed at 50%” ([41:25]).

2. Friendship Fallout: Another listener grapples with an ex-best friend who distanced themselves post-invitation to a wedding. Ben suggests a potential miscommunication and advises disengagement if the relationship has naturally waned: “If you don't want somebody commenting on your photo, don't be their friend” ([49:12]). Josh relates with personal anecdotes about maintaining close friendships despite physical distance, highlighting the value of low-maintenance yet meaningful connections ([54:10]).

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Josh's Heartfelt Announcement

The highlight of the episode is Josh's joyous revelation about his pregnancy. Amidst the lively discussions, Josh shares, “She's been pregnant since October” ([66:18]), expressing gratitude and excitement about the upcoming addition to his family. Ben responds with enthusiasm, pondering future scenarios of fatherhood alongside Josh: “We're walking with the strollers in tandem down Fifth Avenue” ([67:40]).

They humorously brainstorm ideas for a baby spread, blending cultural traditions with their unique flair. The conversation underscores the deep friendship between Josh and Ben, celebrating milestones and supporting each other through life's significant moments.

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Closing Banter and Future Plans

As the episode winds down, the hosts engage in playful exchanges about potential collaborations and future episode content. Josh jokes about potential non-alcoholic beverage endorsements, while Ben teases him about his unexpected baking mishaps, maintaining the show's signature humor.

The episode concludes with mutual expressions of love and support between Josh and Ben, reflecting on their journey and the importance of their friendship: “Very glad that you are married and had a baby” ([66:35]). They tease the possibility of sharing more personal stories in future episodes, hinting at a blend of heartfelt moments and comedic relief.

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Notable Quotes

• Josh Peck:
  “Do something good and don't get caught doing it.” ([03:50])

• Ben Soffer:
  “There needs to be somewhere in between [donations].” ([09:30])

• Josh Peck:
  “$100 is worse... bonuses are taxed at 50%.” ([41:25])

• Listener Question on Freelancing:
  “I feel like you have that person over. Olivia,...” ([49:12])

• Josh Peck on Friendship:
  “Ben's one of my best friends. I talk to him four times a year.” ([54:10])

• Ben Soffer on Charitable Giving:
  “You never know what somebody else is going through.” ([54:57])

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Conclusion

“Josh's BIG Announcement!” is a testament to the enduring friendship between Josh Peck and Ben Soffer, blending personal stories with practical advice and humor. From discussing the intricacies of charitable work to navigating the complexities of modern friendships and career choices, the episode offers a multifaceted look into the lives of two good guys. The heartfelt announcement of Josh's pregnancy adds a special touch, resonating with listeners and highlighting the podcast's blend of relatability and camaraderie.

For those who missed this episode, tune in to Good Guys every Monday and Thursday to catch more engaging conversations and heartfelt moments.

Transcript

[Josh Peck]

The following podcast is a dear media production. Two Jews, both big and tall. No subject too small for the good guys. A mother's dream premium podcast team. Make it your weekly routine. It's a good guys.

[Ben Soffer]

And if you don't give us five stars.

[Josh Peck]

What are you nuts?

[Ben Soffer]

What are you nuts? Yeah, we're the good guys.

[Josh Peck]

They're not the great guys.

[Ben Soffer]

We're just the good of good of the good guys.

[Josh Peck]

Is Barron Trump too tall? Yes.

[Ben Soffer]

No. The thing is, yet he's too tall. He looks. I saw. Hysterical. I'm sure you saw the same video where they made him, like, actually 45ft tall. Did you see that video?

[Josh Peck]

No.

[Ben Soffer]

I have to find it and send it to you. It's Trump and Melania. They're walking into the White House, and Barron is behind them. But they made him 50ft tall walking behind them. Oh, it's so funny. Yeah, he's tall. Jealous. Oof. That's good height.

[Josh Peck]

We touched on the inauguration last episode. First, I want to just say something. Somebody was giving us crap about us talking about the fires and whatnot. And they're like, you shouldn't get political on the show. And I felt inclined to say one thing. First of all, it's not political. It's in my backyard. It's like, 10 miles away. It's, like, affected everything. Like, so many people I've known. So, like, it would be weird to not talk about a literal fire in my backyard. But more so the beauty of this podcast, what you people don't know, you think Ben and I, we have such differing viewpoints. The truth is, we are so close on everything we think, and what's cool is a little bit of conflict. We know what sells. The truth is we go out, we eat steak together, we're laughing, we're booking more herobred spots. We have no conflict. But the beautiful thing about our relationship, I find, is that you give your opinion on something, I give my opinion on something. And if you really had to find the truth of the situation, it's probably somewhere in the middle of what both of us said, and we know that. And I think that's something that should be more embraced.

[Ben Soffer]

I completely agree. And if you don't want us to. The term political fires are not political. There's nothing. Perhaps you politicized the fire. Right, missy? But fires aren't political. Politics are political. And the only time that we're ever going to talk about something is when we want to, because this is our show. And when we want to escape, we escape. And when we want to dive in, we dive in. And that's the beauty, folks. The beauty of us having our own show. So if you had an issue with us talking about the fires, take it up with Karen. Karen.

[Josh Peck]

Karen Bass Pro Shop. Can you imagine the collapse?

[Ben Soffer]

Oh, my God. My head just exploded. My God. Karen Bass Pro Shop. That is a dream.

[Josh Peck]

Somebody call Lauren and Michael Bostic. I see a podcast.

[Ben Soffer]

I see it too.

[Josh Peck]

Karen Bass, like, having an outdoorsman series because she won't be mayor anymore.

[Ben Soffer]

No, no. She's gonna be a part of the homeless population. You're gonna feed her and feed the streets.

[Josh Peck]

Oh, my God, can you imagine?

[Ben Soffer]

But I have to say, Josh, I messaged this to you. The work that you do, I don't know if everybody knows this. And, yeah, maybe he posts about it because he wants us to know he's doing it. Okay, But Josh does so much charitable work. He's out here feeding these streets. He's there looking for an extra Nutri Grain bar. Can you give him some more non perishables? Okay? He needs non perishables for these people that are hungry. Josh is out here every day just feeding the streets. And I just have to say, Josh, bravo.

[Josh Peck]

Love you, Ben. Thank you. You and your wonderful wife are incredibly benevolent and philanthropic. And I. You're right. I would give myself. I would say one out of four posts are for me with the charity stuff. And, you know, the. My favorite quote is, do something good and don't get caught doing it. Right. It doesn't count if you tell people, oh, you'll never guess how good I was today. But these. These organizations I work with, like, feed the Streets and so on. Like, we need volunteers. It's great when people donate so that we can, you know, feed first responders, or we do four feeds a week on LA's skid row and in MacArthur Park. And, you know, having a big social media following helps support that. So a lot of times they want a shout out, and I'm happy to oblige. So, yes, I love the compliments, but I'm mostly doing it to help these organizations.

[Ben Soffer]

I feel like, though, like, there's enough sponsors, there's enough big companies. Like, there should never be the lack of non perishables at a feed the streets event that you're at. Like, these people need to pony up. Ok? Like, I'm trying to think of what sponsors we have that are in that universe, but, like, give them. Give. Donate some free snacks. Like, where they're not a sponsor. Like, where the fuck is Kind Bar? Kind Bar can't give you 9 million kind bars. They can. They can.

[Josh Peck]

I think they probably. I mean, it has been we, through my buddy Nick Antonian, some very reputable Armenians from the Valley. They created an amazing donation center at the Santa Anita racetrack, where I was for, like, the two weeks after the fires. And the amount of donations was so incredible. Like, people were so generous. So many different companies, so many people sending just truckloads, pallets of water and foods and things. And it was my buddy Nick's friend Ponch, who was, like, the head of all of it. And I don't think he appreciated that. Every time I saw, I was like, I just want to hang out with you and call it the Punch Bowl. Or, like, if you go on vacation, that would make you tropical punch. If I can tell my kids anything if I have to, like. And it'd be interesting for you to start thinking about this. I'd love to hear what you think, because you're a deeply good person. Benjamin is like, I think if I had to tell my kids, like, one thing, it would be that, you know, giving back is the COVID charge for your life. You know, totally. That's. It's kind of it. It's just like, it's the only free high I've found in life. And it will. It will set a great cycle of goodness in your life.

[Ben Soffer]

Going as Jews, we learn about it from a young age. I'm sure everybody does. But, like, I distinctly remember. I actually don't remember what my mitzvah project was, lol. But you have a mitzvah project for your bar bat mitzvah, and the whole thing is surrounding, what good are you going to do in the world and in Judaism? I wish I don't do this. I should do this. You're actually supposed to give 10% of everything you make to charity, right? 10%. And I would like to reach a place where I can do that one day. I hope to be able to do that today. I'm not doing that. I do give as generously as I feel I can, but I can't give that much yet. But, yes, giving back is everything. And when you get somebody like an appreciative person, nothing feels better. I know that's not why you're doing it, but nothing feels better. I'm going to tell a story that I never wanted to tell because I did it out of the goodness of my heart, but this city is so fucking cold. Josh. I'm on my way home two weeks ago, and I see outside of Bloomingdale's There is a homeless man whose right hand is literally purple. He's sitting on the street. His hand is fucking purple. I go into Bloomingdale's. I'm like, I'm buy this guy gloves and a scarf. I go to the men's section. Do you know that the cheapest glove in Bloomingdale's actually, guess what do you think of the cheapest pair of gloves in Bloomingdale's? Men's store brand.

[Josh Peck]

Bloomingdale's store brand. They're.

[Ben Soffer]

Yes. Yes.

[Josh Peck]

$50.

[Ben Soffer]

98.

[Josh Peck]

Wow.

[Ben Soffer]

I spent $250 on a scarf. Men's, Bloomingdale's brand scarf and gloves. I gave it to this guy. And when I tell you it was a look like from. From. God, his hands were so cold. So I'm telling this story because it also. It's important to do the right thing. It feels good to do the right thing. And it become. Can become addicting. So give. If you see a homeless man on the street, give the homeless man money. Of course not. If he looks scary, don't look him in the eye. If he looks scary to you, but if he doesn't look scary or she looks scary, give the money. Because you really don't need the $10. I'm sorry. Like, you don't give it to him or her. Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

And I would check your intellectual fortitude. Like, if you're using some intellectual justification of why I'm not going to give money because of this, I'm like. Or have you considered maybe you're just greedy? Like, yeah, whatever. You've told yourself to make it okay to not. I love Robbie Hoffman talks about this all the time. I. I love what she said on our pod, which. That her mother, when she was growing up and she talked about having huge financial struggles, and her mom would sometimes see a homeless person and give them a five, and she'd be like, a five. Like, I thought we're tight. Like, I thought we were broke. And you're giving, like, not giving just a one. You're giving a five. Like, and the mother would be like, you know, sometimes you have to, you know, give it away, even if just to remind yourself that you can. Right. Like, in this situation, you can. So I try to remember that. And I think it's actually better to give straight to the people, which is why I, like, feed the streets because we're small and scrappy than a huge charity organization.

[Ben Soffer]

This is the problem, honestly. I have problems with giving money on a link to these huge places and not Knowing where it's going. Like, I can't. I can't donate $1,000 to a random organization. But you also can't give it to one person because that just doesn't. There needs to be somewhere in between. There needs to be a place. I think that people would give so much more if they actually felt like what they were giving was going somewhere. Like, I remember, I'm sure, you know, this Wounded Warrior project, it came out that they literally, like, kept 75% of the money. Something like, something insane. So I'm giving all of this money to us veterans, families, thinking that I'm supporting them. Meanwhile, this charity is getting rich, and it only takes one bad apple to create a stigma that when you donate to a huge company with all of these important people on payrolls, that you just have no idea. So I think that the system is a little bit broken here where we need to feel confident that when we give money, it goes to the right place. And if we did feel that way, I think a lot more people would do it.

[Josh Peck]

You know what the second part of one bad apple is to saying two bad apples. One bad apple ruins the barrel.

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Josh Peck]

Ruins the barrel. Yeah, yeah. By the way, you ever seen apples in a barrel? I haven't, no. It's weird.

[Ben Soffer]

No, you know, no.

[Josh Peck]

One bad apple ruins the, you know, the display at Safeway, you know, that's what it should be.

[Ben Soffer]

Exactly.

[Josh Peck]

One bad apple skeeves you out.

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah, it's nasty. Oh, my God. A bad apple is gross.

[Josh Peck]

Bruised apple. Fuck, dude.

[Gracie Norton]

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[Ben Soffer]

It's something that I do.

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[Ben Soffer]

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[Gracie Norton]

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[Olivia]

This is Gracie Norton from the Wellness Hervey Podcast, the ultimate sanctuary for a welcoming approach to wellness. It seems like every day there's a new food we're not supposed to eat, a new cleanse to take part in, or a new workout that claims to give us a flat stomach within a week. Rather than hopping on trends, we're going back to the roots of wellness and making a home of our body, mind and soul. If you're seeking physical growth, emotional abundance, or simply a more fulfilling life, tune in to the Wellness her way podcast on November 6th. Get ready to embrace your body through all its forms and get back to the roots of wellness.

[Josh Peck]

Oh, I love sharing this with you, Ben. You are going to see with kids you're going to have to take out a home loan for berries. The amount of fucking berries that you go through with these children. Who knew these berries could be eaten so much? And I have not found a sound set of berries since I've had children. These things, they grow mold faster than you can imagine.

[Ben Soffer]

It's no good. I actually, I've been on quite the blueberry kick I have. I've been a little bit hungry at night. I'm looking for something to snack on. I started to dip my toe Josh into Greek yogurt. I like to take a little Greek yogurt, a little granola, a little honey, little berries. I might as well be eating his Snickers. That's how much sugar is in what I'm eating at night. I Two nights ago, Josh, I blacked out and I must have had like an entire pint of Faya yogurt.

[Josh Peck]

Oh my God, you're such a food.

[Ben Soffer]

Addict with like a mountain of blueberries. So much healthy. And your body was like, no, no, no. You know the pint. You know, the pint containers. I'm talk out of yogurt. I had.

[Josh Peck]

It's massive. I had a pint.

[Ben Soffer]

I looked at Claudia. I'm like, oh, my God, it's a trough. I was like, oh, my God, my stomach. My. My gas could literally kill someone.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Ben Soffer]

Like, this is terrible. Your name?

[Josh Peck]

My stomach's name. Blueberries. After that.

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah, the blueberries were no good. Blueberries were no good. Strawberries, I find, last a little bit longer. Blackberries. Yeah, the berries. It's a big, big berry kick. I love berries.

[Josh Peck]

Well, we gotta talk to somebody at Big Berry because they're making sure that these things. I mean, I'm getting 36 hours out of these things sometimes. And you always see the TikTok trends where people go, oh, you gotta wash it in half. 50% vinegar. I'd rather throw them away.

[Ben Soffer]

I'd rather. I'm not putting vinegar on my fruit. I know vinegar belongs nowhere near fruit. Nowhere.

[Josh Peck]

I know that.

[Ben Soffer]

I don't want that. That's no good. Also, the reason why they're dead when they get to you is because it probably took like two weeks for them to get to the grocery store. They sat at the grocery store for a week and then you got them. I also need farm to table.

[Josh Peck]

Well, the great Anthony Bourdain quote is when he says, I've never eaten a restaurant that. That isn't farm to table. Where else is the food coming from?

[Ben Soffer]

Well, yes, it's true, but I don't want any middleman. Farm table, quick in and out.

[Josh Peck]

I have such a routine at night to walk off my anxiety. Once my children are asleep, from like 8 to 9, I'll walk to the local supermarket in my town, which is about a mile away from my house, and I see all my friends in the supermarket and I peruse the discount cart because I want to see the damaged product. And 90% of the time, I don't get it. But then, like, sometimes I'll get a chunky peanut butter 50 off, and I'm just. I'm walking home ripping pods, eating zins, and living a great life.

[Ben Soffer]

Not you. It's so funny. I've never seen a discounted section in a grocery store.

[Josh Peck]

Oh, maybe it's not. Maybe not on the Upper east side. No.

[Ben Soffer]

By the way, in the. In New York, they just. They leave it with everything else dented. Like, fingers crossed. He buys it like, it's just open. Like they're trying to trick you. Like, the best. So funny.

[Josh Peck]

The best with kids is when you're going and. And I'll be with Max and Shai, and we'll be at the supermarket or Costco or whatever, and they'll be hungry, and. Or I'll be hungry, and I'll just rip open a package of something that's in the cart. And my son Max will be like, but papa. He doesn't call me papa. I don't know why I said that. But he'll be like, but, Mr. Peck. Like, you can't eat it. We haven't paid for it. And I'll be like, I'm gonna. I could eat all of it if I want to.

[Ben Soffer]

Like, I'm a big eatin line guy.

[Josh Peck]

Oh, yeah, babe.

[Ben Soffer]

Big eatin line. I'm also a big walking eater when it's not 10 degrees. Literally, Josh. I can't feel either of my big toes. It's that cold in this room. Like, they're frozen solid. When it's not this cold, I will go get a salad, and I will eat the salad as I walk.

[Josh Peck]

Love it.

[Ben Soffer]

You'll catch me with a bowl in my left hand, a fork in my right, and I'm eating and walking. I'd say more of my lunches are spent walking than sitting.

[Josh Peck]

Totally as it should.

[Ben Soffer]

But I always think to myself, like, am I going to choke? Is that how you find out that I died? I got a piece of salmon lodged in my throat because I was eating a salad while walking.

[Josh Peck]

Worth it?

[Ben Soffer]

I guess. So what are you gonna sit?

[Josh Peck]

I. These people when they're at Starbucks and they've got three computer monitors out, and I'm like, I know you're unhoused. How do you have this many electronics? No, but, like, and they sit and they enjoy their meal. Ugh.

[Ben Soffer]

And how do you. How do you have the time? Yeah, you have the time to enjoy meals like that in the middle of the day? You don't have anything better to do? Like, I also. I'm just an impatient person. If I can pick up five minutes, I'm picking it up.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah, my wife hates. I'm right out of the pot over the stove, three to seven minutes. And she's like, you know, I made this. Like, you could plate it. Can you. I'm like, oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know. I met. I live with Danielle Ballou, you know, Excuse me. Like, can we just eat it out of the all clad? Can we eat it out of the caraway pot page.

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah. By the way, so many burners.

[Josh Peck]

There's one meal, 19 burners. We need these many burners.

[Ben Soffer]

Oh, we've been watching. When was the last time? Have you watched Barefoot Contessa? From the beginning.

[Josh Peck]

Not from the beginning, but I've watched it for 20 years.

[Ben Soffer]

You must watch it from the beginning, Josh. First of all, Ina Garden isn't a queen. Yeah, she. She has all these gay guys over. She's kissing them all on the lips. I. I've never seen something. Poor Jeffrey, he's just there. He's sitting there in the corner while she's smooching her interior designer. But the show is unbelievable. Unbelievable. The amount of waste, though, that she has with the pots, which is what made me think of it. She will take something out of her pan, put it into a bowl, out of a bowl, into another bowl, into the other bowl, into the food processor.

[Josh Peck]

Love queen.

[Ben Soffer]

She doesn't care. She's not doing the fucking dishes.

[Josh Peck]

Ina's kissing gay men. Hold on. I'm trying to think. Could you imagine if we could just free kiss some lesbians?

[Ben Soffer]

You had to see it. I only brought it up because I was so shocked. She's like, how are you? I'm like, oh, this is cable.

[Josh Peck]

Like, oh, hello, Dale. Yeah.

[Ben Soffer]

And you see Dale like this.

[Josh Peck]

Chip and Dale are two of our oldest friends, and, boy, is Dale good at kissing. Chip loves my roast chicken, and Dale loves my lips.

[Ben Soffer]

And, oh, my God, Josh, does she love salt. She'll put salt in everything. In the vinaigrette, on the salad, on the steak, and at the very end, could use a little bit more salt. Everything needs more salt. And you know what, Josh? She's right.

[Josh Peck]

Totally.

[Ben Soffer]

Everything could use a little more salt.

[Josh Peck]

Well, you're an authority. You're a chef. So tell me if this is right. And it's another Bourdainism, but it's something I experienced the other day at this great restaurant called Sento in the West Adams district in Los Angeles. They have an open kitchen concept and part of the kitchen. My buddy Avner is the owner. It's so good. It's like Mediterranean Italian. I know that Italian is Mediterranean, technically, but not in the way you would think, but they have some incredible pastas and things. And Bourdain always says the biggest difference between going out and eating at home is a stick of butter. He's like, there is a stick of butter in your food when you go out, and that's why you like it so much. And you know Watching them cook for an hour, I was like, oh, yeah.

[Ben Soffer]

They are liberal, 1000%. I'm there watching Ina. She's making a rib roast. Josh. She took. She made her own. It's an herb butter. She. She put butter all over the whole roast. This is a big roast. She buttered the whole roast, put it into the oven. I'm positive it was the best. The best ever. It's the same thing with Luger's. I love a Luger steak. But the reason that you love a Luger steak is because they are putting a whole stick of butter on the steak. Yes, a whole stick. And that's why people always complain about kosher steakhouses. They're like, why doesn't it taste good? Because there's no butter. They don't mix milk and meat. That's why it's worse. Sorry. Somebody needs to find a suitable alternative to butter. Because it's not margarine.

[Josh Peck]

No. You could put a heaping dose of olive oil on it. The problem is, too, is that it's pre. The meat's salted for your cash root.

[Ben Soffer]

Some. Yeah. Some cuts are more salted than others. Some aren't. Like, really like a skirt. It's super salted for sure, and you need to get out the salt. But the nuances, I'm telling you, it's the butter. The butter is the real problem. That's the real problem.

[Josh Peck]

Olivia, what's like the meal? Like a date night meal or the meal that a young Ethan trying to make you swoon? Like, what would be the perfect meal for that for you?

[Ethan]

For me, honestly, like a well prepared steak. Like a New York strip, really well prepared with, like, some delicious roasted vegetables. Like, I need them seasoned well, you know, like a good. Perhaps like a crisp on. On it. I'm not entirely sure, but anything with a big steak and some roasted potatoes too on the side. That's it for me.

[Listener]

Oh, wow.

[Ben Soffer]

I'm in love. I would love a steakhouse steak. Some good sides, a green spinach, hot. A nice mashed potato, but that starving.

[Josh Peck]

But that's also the problem with traditional steakhouse places like the great Jerry G. And I've talked about this before, Jerry Greenberg of Sugar Fish and Kazunori and the genius behind all of it, he has a place called Matu in Beverly Hills, which is a steakhouse I love because, like, they do have a cream spinach. They do have some sides, but they're all super light and good. And the focus is on the Wagyu Australian steak. And it's Just not. You're not going to get your ass kicked and you'll certainly be full. But it's not the same as going to a mastro's or a Morton's where you can be eating eight pounds of butter cake and, you know, three bread baskets.

[Ben Soffer]

That sounds so good, though.

[Josh Peck]

Oh, it's so good.

[Ben Soffer]

That sounds so good. What I would do for that butter cake beyond that butter cake. Beyond it. Is it. Yeah, it's.

[Josh Peck]

Is it?

[Ben Soffer]

What's the difference between creamed spinach Josh. And spinach artichoke dip? Besides the artichoke?

[Josh Peck]

I guess, in theory, cheese. Right. There's traditionally not cheese and creamed spinach, is there?

[Ben Soffer]

I guess just heavy cream.

[Josh Peck]

Right?

[Ben Soffer]

I actually. Yeah, you're right.

[Josh Peck]

They do a roux.

[Ben Soffer]

A roux. They thicken it. Yes, they thicken it.

[Josh Peck]

Perhaps Roux McClanahan. Shout out the golden girls, perhaps.

[Ben Soffer]

And before we move off of steaks, I accidentally. People were very upset at me. I bought a wagyu and I marinated it, and people were very upset at me. The steak was fantastic. But they said, you do not marinate a wagyu. You do not. Otherwise you're not entitled to buy a wagyu. So I apologize to the culinary community that said also, fuck you.

[Josh Peck]

Ok. What the hell do they know? I will say it looked more like a rib rot. Like, it looked like a skirt steak. It didn't look like a proper.

[Ben Soffer]

It was a kosher wagyu. It wasn't this.

[Josh Peck]

Okay?

[Ben Soffer]

It wasn't this.

[Josh Peck]

It's.

[Ben Soffer]

It's funny. Cujine wrote under Snake River. I'm like, I wish.

[Josh Peck]

Same here.

[Ben Soffer]

Snake River. It's Shlomo River.

[Josh Peck]

Shlomo River.

[Ben Soffer]

It's called. It's the Dead Sea.

[Josh Peck]

It's a shunda river.

[Ben Soffer]

This episode of the Good Guys podcast.

[Gracie Norton]

Is brought to you by our friends at Mack Weldon. Folks, we know men are hard to shop for. You ask us, what do you want, honey? And we say, and nothing. And then you end up getting us something, and we hate it.

[Ben Soffer]

Okay?

[Gracie Norton]

We hate it. That's the problem, folks. The problem is we don't give straight answers. So why don't you make sure that you get us something that we're really going to love and go to Mack Weldon.

[Ben Soffer]

Okay?

[Gracie Norton]

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[Josh Peck]

Well, we should definitely get to some stories. And in the New York Post, a bride duped into marrying influence fake ceremony for followers. But it was actually an elaborate scam. Here comes the Here comes the bride. But the groom lied. Most newlyweds good get a shiny toaster or a new fat check in celebration of their holy matrimony. However, this troubled twosome just got an annulment by request of the furious bride who claims she thought that her wedding ceremony was a social media prank and not a legally binding union. He told me that he's organizing a prank wedding for his social media, the unnamed woman at 20something from Melbourne, Australia recently explained to a family court judge. To be precise, Instagram continued the bamboozled bride saying the fella had 17,000 followers. He wants to boost his content and wanted to start monetizing his Instagram page with a fake sham wedding. Turns out it was real. Real, real, real.

[Ben Soffer]

This girl is nuts. Yeah, what are you agreeing to? This is your fault. You walked in. What is it? You lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas. This guy is no Good. You agreed to marry somebody for a prank. He wasn't even famous yet. To help him go viral. What are you, nuts? You hate. Your fault.

[Josh Peck]

You get a haircut.

[Ben Soffer]

Your fault, lady. Your fault.

[Josh Peck]

Totally. And even if it was true, even if he was a successful tiktoker, like you're marrying a successful tiktoker. No, thanks.

[Ben Soffer]

No, I don't want that.

[Josh Peck]

What's next? A podcaster? Well, also in the New York Post. Want to have better sex? Find yourself a man who cries. Sex birds say catch of a lifetime.

[Ben Soffer]

I told you, Paige.

[Josh Peck]

I told you. Boys who blubber make better lovers. Turns out sobbers are better in the sack. Men who cry are the best lovers. Mariana Lazarus. Lazarus said relationship expert and author of Men Need Love Too. Oh, my God. This was, like, written from me to Paige. It's been rough. They get pregnant, all of a sudden, you don't exist anymore. That's fine. You're not allowed to say anything.

[Ben Soffer]

You did.

[Josh Peck]

I know, I know, I know. You're creating life, but I'm creating loneliness here on the couch. I could use a cuddle. Cuddle? You cuddle the baby all day. It's in you. Big baby needs up, too. The fine line between vulnerability and masculinity is the biggest challenge for men. She explained that finding a man in touch with his emotions will allow people to find the catch of a lifetime, rather than just a day. Yeah. What do you think?

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Ben Soffer]

I. Honestly, I was laughing too hard. I called. I missed the whole. I missed the whole thing. What the hell is this?

[Josh Peck]

I guess just find yourself and. And you'll be happy forever.

[Ben Soffer]

I can say kudos to Claudia. I'm a crier.

[Josh Peck]

True that.

[Ben Soffer]

I. I see a. I see a nice movie where at the end, like a. Homeward bound, I'm crying. Homeward Bound. Josh.

[Josh Peck]

Oh, my God.

[Ben Soffer]

Who is this? Dog comes home. I'm crying. I'm crying in Mrs. Doubtfire. Okay. When he loses custody of his kids, I'm crying. Okay.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Ben Soffer]

So I guess I'm good in the sack.

[Josh Peck]

We want to stay with him. What is most.

[Ben Soffer]

I want to stay with him. Daddy. I want to be with Daddy.

[Josh Peck]

This podcast sucks.

[Ben Soffer]

Oh, my God. That movie is so good. It's so good. Good. Oh, sir, I saw it. It was an angry member of the kitchen staff. Did you not tip them? It was a run by Fruiting. Also, how did they get Pierce Brosnan? Was he just in 007 or had he not done it yet?

[Josh Peck]

I don't know, but it's Pierce Brosnan. It's Sally Field, brilliant actor. I mean, Harvey Fierstein, come on.

[Ben Soffer]

No, no, no. This is. I also. I go around town, or I went around town for at least two years, shouting from the rooftops. People need to watch Mrs. Doubtfire. They did it literally, like, won an Oscar. Like, they watched it and they loved it. It was incredibly critically acclaimed.

[Josh Peck]

Ben thought he was gatekeeping Mrs. Doubtfire.

[Ben Soffer]

I fully thought for years. I was like, you guys have to watch this movie. And then I found out, like, yeah, bro, we did.

[Josh Peck]

Beloved.

[Ben Soffer]

Bro. We, bro.

[Josh Peck]

We saw it.

[Ben Soffer]

We loved it.

[Josh Peck]

It.

[Ben Soffer]

It's awesome. Yeah. Like, have you seen the Bird Cage?

[Josh Peck]

Have I seen the Bird Cage? One of the greatest.

[Ben Soffer]

Now, that movie, I'm convinced not enough people have seen. And that is a great movie.

[Josh Peck]

Everyone older than you has seen it. Right? Like, that's the hard part is I think that people. And I think that I really believe there was a. A cut off and it's people like 30 and below. Like, I think you have much more in common with people my age and up until, like, 40s and early 50s, your references are much closer than someone who's 24.

[Ben Soffer]

Of course.

[Josh Peck]

Right?

[Ben Soffer]

Because I see. Because I see one new movie every four years. I listen to one new song every four years. Everything is older. Everything. Also, though, these movies are just better. They're better. Sorry. They're much better. Nathan Lane is a stud.

[Josh Peck]

Right? Oh, the Bird Cage, which is based on one of the great musicals called La Cage aux Fo, which came out in the 70s. Brilliant. And then they turned it into a movie. I mean, and people are going to be, like, turning off the pod, because whatever. But screw you, it is Robin Williams. Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, brilliant. Diane Wiest, who plays his wife, Hank Azaria, in maybe one of the great performances ever. I don't like shoes. Okay, so good.

[Ben Soffer]

By the way, the only reason you should be turning off the podcast is to watch the Birdcage. You have my permission. You can resume it afterwards. But it's brilliant.

[Josh Peck]

And you also have to appreciate because whenever that came out, 94 or whatever, like, I'm so glad that today that two men being married and being introduced to their son's fiance's family, who's, like, from the Midwest and more in quotes, traditional, whatever. Now that just seems as natural as natural can be. And it should be. But in the 90s, that was fucking daring. Like, a movie like, that was new and it was done so well.

[Ben Soffer]

But Robin was daring. And then we can go off Robin Williams. But Robin Williams, every single movie was daring. Everything that he did, he was so funny. He was so compassionate. I'm gonna cry. It's back to being a crier. So I'm good in the sack. He's smart, he's funny, and he's dead. And that really sucks.

[Josh Peck]

He was one of the greats. And I remember. I did. You know, it's a meme that has even gone around even more, as of recently, of me cursing out a bunch of kids on a boat when I was very overweight.

[Ben Soffer]

What? Send it to me. I've never seen it.

[Josh Peck]

How have you not seen this? You're Mr. Oh, I don't know. I made this movie. I can already tell. Olivia knows.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

So it's a meme of me when I was 16 in a movie called Mean Creek. The conceit of the movie is I'm a bully. And I beat up this kid at the beginning of the movie. Rory Culkin, Kieran's little brother. And he and his older brother and a couple other kids decide, like, this bully sucks. We're gonna invite him out on this boat trip and we're gonna say it's a birthday party and we're gonna really befriend him. And then we're gonna play a really evil trick on him. And it goes really terribly. And that scene is me getting wind of the plan. And that this wasn't them trying to endear me to the group. Because as, of course, the day goes on, they find out like, I have a learning disability. I'm totally misunderstood. I don't mean it. I'm so happy to have friends in this moment. And they start to feel really bad about what's going on. But anyway, we made this movie for 300 grand. It won Sundance, it did really well. And we won a special distinction award at the Independent Spirit Awards. Cause we were all, like, between 14 and 18. And it was like these six performances of these pretty, unknown kids. So they were like, we don't know whether to give them. Put them in a category together. But then they have to beat each other to see who wins. Let's just give them the movie and their performance a special distinction award. And Robin Williams was there, and I was the one who gave the speech for the award. And I did a pretty good job. Cause I had some jokes written and I worked on it. And he came up to me and my mom after and was like, so lovely. He went on to make a joke on the stage. He was like, oh, I wanna congratulate the Mean Creek cast. And Josh Peck who will be the future ahead of Paramount. It was just like really nice. I'll never forget that my mom actually, Robin Williams came over and was schmoozing with us. And my mom goes, I'm calling my brother and Robin Williamson to say hi to my uncle, Uncle Richard.

[Ben Soffer]

It's so classic. Oh, my God, that's amazing.

[Josh Peck]

The end of the story is years later. I did another indie movie with his daughter Zelda after he had passed away. And we were just chatting and she like, somehow could see to my eyes and she was like, you love my dad, didn't you? And I was like, yeah, of course. Like, he meant so much to me. And she was like, you know, when he was doing. Maybe I won't share the story. Oh, that's a good. This is. I'll tell you, Ben, off mic and you, Olivia, you have to.

[Ben Soffer]

And then we'll turn it into an eight minute clip.

[Josh Peck]

I don't know. I. I don't know. I would have to ask her if it's okay for me to share it, but she told me awesome story about when he was in Good Morning Vietnam, like a very special story about him. And it's just innocent and interesting. I just don't know if she's ever told it publicly. But it was just, you know, she's awesome and great guy. Shout out Robin Williams.

[Ben Soffer]

Why don't we have if you. We should have her on the show? Yeah, that would be really fun. I would love that.

[Josh Peck]

She's great.

[Ben Soffer]

I, I love, I love him so much. We'd have to also talk about her, not just him.

[Josh Peck]

Yes. Should we get to a speak Pipe? Yes, if you want to leave us a message. If you want to get advice from us, ask us a question, keep it brief, brevity is key. And go to speak pipe.com goodguys this first one is from. I don't know.

[Listener]

Love listening to the podcast. You guys are hilarious. I have a question for you. I've talked with my husband at length about this, but you guys feel like the brothers I always wanted. So I want your opinion. I have worked for a company, a small company for six years. Now I'm pregnant with my first baby and wondering what I should do once baby is here. This company has had its ups and downs over the years. Now I'm working remote for this company and I have to drive to the office once a week, maybe twice. It's an hour and a half away. This past year for Christmas, I got a Christmas bonus with air quotes of a hundred dollars. And I'm just wondering if that's my sign to pursue freelance and contract work. I'm a graphic designer and have always thought about doing that, but is now the time to do that and shake things up, or should I stay with the consistent salaried income? I guess I'm wondering, am I a spoiled millennial brat that thinks that I don't have to work a consistent job to support my family and that it's selfish to take this risk right now, or should I do it because I'll be happier and potentially make more money doing freelance? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks, guys.

[Ben Soffer]

My first thought is that, boy, are you long winded. No. Okay, so you do not shake things up right now. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. You work for this company. Keep your salary. I am going to assume, I hope you work for a good employer. It sounds like you do that. That employer would give you insurance. Unless your husband gets insurance, and then maybe you can go off of his plan. But insurance is important. Don't take that for granted. And when you're freelance, you just never know. You're relying on clients, relying on them staying. It's just you. You can't slack. I feel like you in your job, you said you go in twice a week, talk to them, say, look, I'd like to work from home completely. I'm a young mom. I'm going to be able to do more if I don't have my six hours of commuting a week and see what they say. I bet you they say yes.

[Josh Peck]

And I hope you're getting paid well, because $100 gift card to Amazon after six years at a company is a dreck Christmas.

[Ben Soffer]

It's bad. It's really bad. It's almost. I was thinking that. Why'd they give her anything, right? Just say. Just say that the company can't do bonuses this year. Sorry. Like we didn't do well enough. That's a. That's a fine thing to say, but $100 is worse. It's worse. Especially because, Josh, that hundred is taxed 50% bonuses are taxed at 50% fricking government.

[Josh Peck]

And if you really want to do a shitty move, go on maternity leave and on the last week, then leave. Yeah, that's not cool.

[Ben Soffer]

But no, it depends on how big the company is. I actually think it's incredibly cool. If it's a huge company, I think it's really fucked up. If it's a small company. If you work for Google, do that all day Apple, all day. Amazon, all day. Mom and Pop. If you work for Spritz society and do that, it would be really depressing.

[Josh Peck]

If you do that while we're doing our V8 collab lunch, you are dead to us.

[Ben Soffer]

No, no.

[Josh Peck]

So by the way, with this Tom Holland making the, you know, the. The non alcoholic beer. These moments, these mocktail moments. Nonalcoholic. It's getting hot. When am I getting my collab request? This is so fucking clearly a layup. A non alcoholic Spritz Society brought to you by your boy, Josh Peck.

[Ben Soffer]

Great. We can do it. Pencil it. It's in.

[Josh Peck]

Olivia.

[Ben Soffer]

I don't believe in non. Out, Josh.

[Josh Peck]

I don't believe in it. I will finish this pod and talk about how unenthusiastic he seemed and how much of that.

[Ben Soffer]

Josh. Josh. I would rather. Do you really want a non alcoholic?

[Josh Peck]

Let's.

[Ben Soffer]

Let's talk about it. Okay? I would do it if you wanted it.

[Josh Peck]

I do.

[Ben Soffer]

I'd rather you want. Don't you want soda? Don't you want. You want something that tastes delicious? What am I making this. These non alcoholics. I don't get it, Josh. Why do you want beer that tastes like beer that doesn't get you drunk? I actually have a question. As somebody who's sober, if you had that, wouldn't you just want real beer?

[Josh Peck]

It's a great question. I come from an old school meeting where I got sober was a bunch of old school guys, 40, 50 years sober. Their feeling was. And it doesn't matter because everyone can do whatever the frick they want. Their feeling was, don't drink odules or 0% beer, especially when you're getting sober because you'll never lose the taste for it. And also, what are you going for here? It's not going to get you drunk.

[Ben Soffer]

Yes.

[Josh Peck]

So that's. I don't. But I know plenty of sober people who do. And funny enough, recently I was at a friend's house and I was at my friend's in law's house and they were like dead set on giving me a Heineken. A Heineken 0.0. And I'm like, I got 16 years sober. I don't want to offend these people. Okay, I'll have a sip. And I've had a sip here and there of zero percent for like a movie or something when it. It has to look like beer in my glass. And I was like, this is delicious. It was crisp and refreshing. But I probably wouldn't make a happier.

[Ben Soffer]

I just think it's strange. I don't understand it. And you're seeing full blown non alcoholic wine. Who wants juice?

[Josh Peck]

What about non alcoholic tequila?

[Ben Soffer]

But they don't make it Josh taste like juice. They make it taste like wine where it's bitter. Why do you want something like the tequila that you were just about to say? They make non alk that burns your chest. You're drinking this and you still have a burn. The only benefit of the burn is that you're drunk. So moral of the story, if you want to. If you like non alk, I would love to. Otherwise, let's make a soda for you. Let's make coffee for you. Let's make something that you fucking love. Let's make egg salad sandwiches to go.

[Josh Peck]

Yes.

[Ben Soffer]

Okay.

[Josh Peck]

And gas stations.

[Ben Soffer]

Let's do it. Yeah, you got me hot and bothered. The non elf thing, it just. I just don't get it. Drink soda. What's wrong with seltzer? Do you ever heard of ginger ale?

[Josh Peck]

Love? Ugh. Have you ever had the Canada Dry zero calorie ginger ale?

[Ben Soffer]

Of course. Unbelievable.

[Josh Peck]

Take me away.

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah, especially you put do the cranberry version. You ever have the cranberry?

[Josh Peck]

Fabulous.

[Ben Soffer]

Unbelievable. I have a distinct memory. My grandma would buy it by the the big bottle and we'd sit in Queens at her table and we'd drink that red 40 and my mom would wonder, why haven't you gone to sleep?

[Josh Peck]

I miss her.

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah, she's been dead a long time. Yeah. Good woman.

[Josh Peck]

Next one.

[Olivia]

Hey, Ben and Josh, your theme song is so amazing. The first time I heard it, I rewinded your intro and listened to it again because it's so freaking good.

[Ben Soffer]

Yes, Josh.

[Olivia]

I also wanted to say that I recently watched a clip of Joan Rivers in an interview, and she said something along the lines of, life can be hard. If you can laugh to make it easier, do it. And if you can make someone laugh, it's like you're giving them a vacation. I feel like you guys do that for me and wanted to say thank you.

[Ben Soffer]

Oh, my. Also, oh, my God, you might think.

[Olivia]

My idea is nuts, and that's okay, but what if you change the name Speak Pipe to Food for Thought?

[Ben Soffer]

I love this woman. By the way, another thing. Speak pipes. Okay, leave us compliments. Okay, yeah, come on, we'll play them.

[Josh Peck]

I had to share that with you.

[Ben Soffer]

Although I think it was amazing. And everybody's probably like, what are these guys nuts? Playing a compliment out loud? No, we don't get them enough. You guys just consume. Consume. It's. It's never. How are you, it's. What can you do for me today? Okay. How are you, Ben and Josh? You know, we're pretty great. But we're better now that we heard that lovely compliment that we made her day better. That's why we do it. It has nothing to do with the money. It's to make her day better. Just her. Honestly, Josh, we should stop running ads. We should stop putting this on the RSS feed. We should just do it for her. Me, you, and her in the living room. An hour, two hours a week. As long as we make her happy.

[Josh Peck]

I would have nothing else.

[Ben Soffer]

Nothing else matters.

[Josh Peck]

Next one from I don't know.

[Listener]

Hi, guys, fellow moron here. I wanted your opinion on whether or not I'm being dramatic or petty in this situation. So I have an ex best friend who I had been a part of key moments in their life, like them getting married. I gave a speech. I was the first friend to meet their firstborn son and several other key moments. Then when it was my turn to get married, she ended up saying saying no to being a bridesmaid and did not attend the wedding, didn't send a card, nothing. So after I asked her to be a bridesmaid, I hadn't heard from her since then. Now it's been over a year since I got married and I'm pregnant and I posted about it on Facebook. She commented on it, congratulating me. I liked everybody else's comment except for hers. I did not acknowledge the message because I just feel like it's rude to not talk to me for over two years and then comment congratulating me on my baby as if she's my friend still. So I guess I'm just wondering, do you guys think I'm dramatic or petty? Am I overreacting or am I justified in my actions?

[Ben Soffer]

I think you have too much time on your hands. Look, I'm sorry. And if Olivia, Josh, you guys disagree with me, let me know. I think that this woman severely misread their friendship. If you invite somebody to be your bridesmaid, ok, you could think that you guys are really close and they could say yes, but maybe they just weren't that close. It seems very strange to me or you or you offended her in some way. There's no way that all of a sudden she just cuts off communication for absolutely no reason. And then if you don't want somebody commenting on your photo, don't be their friend. It was this Instagram, be private and unfollow them or don't let them follow you. Like, I don't, I don't understand. I think get over it, Olivia.

[Ethan]

I think that I've just noticed this like with my like aunts and my mother. Like some, some of them have had instances with friends that they've had since they were like in middle school. And those friendships have ended for a number of different reasons. But one that I know happened was jealousy and not being able to. Some relationship issues. But nobody did anything wrong really. But anyway, all that to say it sounds like something happened that offended this friend or perhaps maybe there was something that came up or that she didn't disclose to you. But I think that it's really so. It's really self centered, I do think to comment something like that but not reach out personally after that much time. And it doesn't seem fair to say that publicly without ever giving an explanation for what the reason to say no to such a big life event and then just turn around and never speak again. It seems really weird.

[Josh Peck]

No good. No good. I love it actually.

[Ben Soffer]

I mean, I do have experience with it. I have a friend who was a groomsman at my wedding. I was not asked to be a groomsman at his wedding, but I recognized that when I got married we were much closer than when he got married.

[Josh Peck]

Sure.

[Ben Soffer]

Like, I don't know if that's the same situation, but two years is a long time. And it also kind of sounds like this girl was just. She was upset that she wasn't included or that the girl just declined and didn't say anything. It doesn't sound like she ever asked her why. Like she didn't do what you did. What you did would piss me off. Somebody's upset at me. Tell me why you're upset at me and then we can never speak again. But tell me, tell me what I did wrong.

[Josh Peck]

At least closure.

[Ben Soffer]

But if she never even asked, that's weird too. And maybe the girl just like. I don't know, maybe it's just like it sounds to me like it could just be like crazy miscommunication, like you never know what somebody else is going through. Maybe she declined, God forbid, because her grandmother passed away, she couldn't go and she forgot all about it and she went to the funeral and you know, they just weren't really that close anymore and they lost touch. And then she saw that she had a baby, so she wrote congrats, like you never know what somebody else is going through and thinking. I'm not saying that that's the situation, but without asking, you'll never know.

[Josh Peck]

Right?

[Ben Soffer]

How stupid would she feel? She goes to that girl, she's like, by the way, what the fuck happened two years ago where you declined? Oh, I'm so sorry. My mother was hit by a car. How fucking stupid would she feel? God forbid.

[Josh Peck]

It's a hard. No, it's a hard balance. Olivia, tell me what you think. I, like, not that I had very, like, meaning, you know, super long term relationships before my wife, but the one or two girls that I dated before my wife, like, we would break up and I was the one who instigated the breakup. And I like them as people very much. And I would always feel bad and like, their birthdays would be three or six months or even a year after we broke up. And I would ask friends, I'd be like, can I, like, wish them a happy birthday or can I, like, send them flowers? And unanimously, people are like, fucking no. Like, leave them alone. You broke up with them. It's hurtful. Like, of course, right? And like, and like, I have a buddy who I went to high school with and his name's Crazy Steve. And no, I'm kidding. But I have, like, buddies who I was like, we were thick as thieves throughout as teenagers and in our 20s, and then we've totally lost touch. And like, I've seen from afar that he had a baby and he's married and he moved and I'm like, so happy for him. But it would be, you know, I want to say, I'm so happy for you, dude. I love you, man. Like, even though we never see or we'll talk to each other, but, but it'd be too weird to reach out, I think.

[Ben Soffer]

So maybe I'm that person because I see an event from somebody that I was really close to a full blown decade ago where I feel in my heart I'm so unbelievably happy that you are married and you had a baby. And I'm sorry that we lost touch, but I still love you. Yeah, like, we're not friends anymore, but just because we're not, nothing happened. At least from my perspective. And like, you have those people that you grew up with that you just love. Like, I, I, if I, and if I saw them, I would want to give them a huge hug. Maybe that's just me. Maybe they want to, like, they, maybe they don't want to hug me if they saw me, but I don't know.

[Josh Peck]

But isn't it great? But then there are those great friends. Like, I would say it was like you and I before we started the pod Were like, we would talk quarterly or if you were in LA or I was in New York, we would make sure to have a meal. And it was great. Like, I love you and I love seeing you, but it was like. And I believe that if we didn't do the pod, like, we probably would have grown closer. But, like, I think we could have had that forever. Where it's totally. Ben's one of my best friends. I talk to him four times a year. You know what I mean?

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah, I do. I do. And those are the best types of friends. Totally. Those are the low maintenance friends. Those are the ones that understand. It comes back to what I said before. Like, you never know what somebody else is going through. Like, some people are so neurotic and selfish that they can't think that the reason why. Maybe you have an attitude problem is because you're going through something, not because you hate me. Like, I hate that. I hate that with people like, oh, oh. You didn't respond to my text. What? Like, like, I didn't respond to your text. Not because of you. I didn't respond to your text because I was clearly. I was busy. I was doing something. It was an accident. Call me tomorrow. I'll pick up. Like, yeah, when those people that are just like. And I have these people too, where they just like, they always assume that you're angry at them.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Ben Soffer]

And it's like, no, man, life's busy. I'm not angry at you.

[Josh Peck]

Shout out. Funny you say that. It reminds me of my good buddy who's one of my best friends who listens to the pod, you know, who you are and who. Recently I couldn't get back to him for a day and he was feeling slightly emo and said, hey, not sure if I did anything. And I'm like, you did it. I just have children. Love you. I will call you asap. But he recently has told me that he's been dating girls who when they are canoodling, they have asked to film their canoodles and they leave his face out. He's pretty laissez faire. He doesn't mind. And I think it's 100%. They are filming it for only fans. And he's like, no. I'm like, I don't think that's a new kink. I think they're monetizing hooking up with you.

[Ben Soffer]

He had. He has multiple girls doing this.

[Josh Peck]

More than one or two. Olivia, love your thoughts.

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah, he's probably meeting them at like an OnlyFans luncheon and he's like, it can't be. No, it's impossible.

[Josh Peck]

He's meeting them at the AVNs.

[Ben Soffer]

No, they're definitely doing it for them. No, dude, it's multiple girls doing it. They all know each other and you're on the Internet.

[Josh Peck]

No, but, like, on date. Yeah, maybe they have a Reddit forum.

[Ben Soffer]

But, like, they must have a Reddit form.

[Josh Peck]

Whatever. On only fans or not only fans. On. On, like dating apps. I'm so old. You think the word is out?

[Ben Soffer]

Yes, absolutely.

[Josh Peck]

Oh, my absolute.

[Ben Soffer]

Josh. Gosh. Can we call him? Multiple girls are asking him separately to film sex.

[Josh Peck]

Can we call him? Yeah, call him. They won't hear you, Ben. But. But whatever, I'll. I'll relay. Oh, my God. Oh, well, we're gonna know who it is now. Oh, my God, my dog. Okay, listen, you're on the podcast right now. Feel free. I can cut this out. Do we have permission to record you?

[Dave]

Are you kidding me? Waiting for this moment.

[Josh Peck]

Okay, Ben, are you hearing this? Yes.

[Ben Soffer]

Okay, he can't hear me, right? He.

[Josh Peck]

You can't hear Ben. We don't. We're not that technologically sound yet, but I brought you up in a vague way, and when.

[Ben Soffer]

Put him into your headphones.

[Josh Peck]

What? Flip.

[Ben Soffer]

You can put his around.

[Josh Peck]

Okay, but. Okay, I don't know. Hold on. I'm gonna try to make it so that Ben can hear you can hear Ben. Hold on, hold on. Oh, my God. Jesus Christ. What the is happening? Oh, my God. Hold on. This is a big moment. Okay, I can't hear anything anymore. What is happening? No, you're funny. You're funny, Dave. Okay, I just want. Okay, Ben, talk for a sec.

[Ben Soffer]

Well, give him context.

[Josh Peck]

Josh, can you hear him? No, you can't. Right? Right? No. Okay, I'm gonna relay. I'm gonna relay. Okay, okay, here we go. All right, so really quickly, Dave, I told Ben that you have been going out on dates with girls and canoodling with more than one girl who has asked to film you guys hooking up. That's.

[Dave]

That's. That's accurate. That's accurate.

[Josh Peck]

Okay. And I think it's because they are recording it and monetizing the canoodles for their only fans. And Ben said you're clearly on a message board or like the word is out. Like this isn't a coincidence.

[Dave]

Oh, my God, like what? Like Reddit or something.

[Ben Soffer]

He's being hunted. You're being hunted, dude.

[Josh Peck]

Ok, Ben, you talk and I will repeat.

[Ben Soffer]

Ok? You are being hunted. You're being not normal.

[Josh Peck]

Not normal.

[Ben Soffer]

You think that you're just so lucky that you just find all these women that want to film having sex with you.

[Josh Peck]

You think you're so lucky you just found all these women who want to have sex with you? You. No.

[Ben Soffer]

On camera.

[Dave]

I don't know. I think it could be some type of Gen Z revolution. And I'm not trying to, like, corner myself in the age range I'm dating, but, like, I don't know.

[Ben Soffer]

It's only in the past, like, two.

[Dave]

Years that it's been happening. Like, it's insane. And I'm not even talking about, like, the second or third day once we get to know each other. Like, first time. First time we're hooking up. Like, hey, like, I've always wanted to.

[Ben Soffer]

Film, like, yeah, dude, the word's out.

[Josh Peck]

Ben says, yeah, dude, the word's out.

[Dave]

Where in which the word would be out? Like Loveline or on Reddit. I actually had a girl tell me that they looked me up on Reddit to see if there was any bad stories. So maybe it's in the same message board.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah, maybe. Maybe it's old school. Maybe it's on, like, a bathroom wall.

[Dave]

Did then connect the dots from the previous episode about your mystery.

[Josh Peck]

Ben.

[Ben Soffer]

Sorry, sorry. Hang on. Yeah, sorry. My TikTok account was just hacked. Claudia texted me, so.

[Josh Peck]

Oh, you've been hacked.

[Ben Soffer]

I've been hacked. How do I. How do I change my password when.

[Dave]

I ask them to send me the video? They don't do it.

[Josh Peck]

They won't send you the video. Like, they.

[Dave]

I'm like, let me get a copy. And they're like, it's like.

[Josh Peck]

Here. Ben's dealing with his TikTok account being hacked. Because people are sick. People are sick. So I'll let Olivia weigh in on this. What do you think that. That these. These floozies aren't sending in the videos?

[Ethan]

It's not right that they're not sending you the video. You are in it. You're participating. You should have access to that footage as well. It's like a huddle highlight, like, from, you know, like, the football players. They have, like, their tapes from the previous game. Like, you gotta watch it again. No, I have no idea why they would be doing that. Or, like, what the. Like, where. Like, what you said it's happening on the first date.

[Dave]

Yeah, like. Like, not the first date, but the first. In the first hookup.

[Josh Peck]

Yes.

[Ben Soffer]

Like.

[Dave]

Like, it'll be the first time.

[Ben Soffer]

We're.

[Josh Peck]

We're.

[Dave]

Does that mean sexual with each other? And, like, they're like one film, and I'm like, sure, like. But there's a number of issues with it, which is one, like, if they are doing only fans, it's like, I want residuals. And two, it's like, that's my property too, because I'm 50 of this.

[Ben Soffer]

This.

[Dave]

This production.

[Josh Peck]

Dave, will you come in. In person and we can do this the right way? Because I. I really think we need to do this the right way and make this a whole segment and maybe bring in some experts. I love you. Goodbye. Okay, now. Oh, I'm sorry. Only fans isn't as interesting as your hacked Tick tock account. Go, Ben.

[Ben Soffer]

I wasn't hacked.

[Josh Peck]

I just hung up on my friend.

[Ben Soffer]

I just changed my password frantically. I wasn't even hacked. And I don't even understand. Claudia texted me. She's like, ignore Maddie, my sister. Respectfully blank. You're not being hacked. I'm like, what?

[Josh Peck]

Hey, bae. Well, that's your.

[Ben Soffer]

What do you.

[Josh Peck]

Nuts. Wait, what do you mean, week? What?

[Ben Soffer]

Wait, no. My sister commented on my last TikTok, and somebody wrote back, thanks, heart, for your love and support towards my career, Sweetheart, Kindly message me privately to chat. I definitely was hacked, but that's if.

[Josh Peck]

They commented on your. Your thing that maybe that's just like an impersonator in a. In one of those accounts that look just like your real account. Click on it. Okay. It might go to an unverified fake.

[Ben Soffer]

Oh, that's interesting.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Ben Soffer]

Oh, you think I have. Oh, okay. All right, Whatever. Sorry, folks. Sorry.

[Josh Peck]

You made it.

[Ben Soffer]

My God. Holy crap.

[Josh Peck]

Unhinged.

[Ben Soffer]

Wow. This is a. This is an amazing episode, Josh. This was fantastic. When we still have. What are you nuts?

[Josh Peck]

Would you want that to be your. What are you, nuts?

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah, that's my. What are you, nuts? Was I hacked? Was I not hacked? I missed all the. All of kid David. We're here talking about him having sex on camera. I'm trying. I'm changing my TikTok account frantically. That's. That's nuts. What are you nuts?

[Josh Peck]

He'll come in in person. My. Yet again, another wonderful thing that I can't wait to just have gripes about with you when you have your beautiful child. Baruch hashem. Baruch hashem. Kids birthday parties. You pay per head kids. When they get to my son's age, 5, 6, 7, it's assumed they have siblings. When you are invited to a children's birthday party and it says on the invitation, we kindly ask you not to bring siblings. If you bring said sibling when on the invitation it says, we kindly ask, leave your little, your little nebbish child at home. Turn on cocomelon, give him some, some fruit snacks and leave the little pisser at home. Figure it out. Or I know what the. Oh, here we go. Oh, Josh is gonna get beat up because what if. Well, what are we going to do with the other child? What if we don't have anyone to watch the other child? You drop off the child who's been invited and then you take the little whippersnapper and you sit in the car with them. How about that? They don't get to enjoy the festivities. They were not invited. It was said you cannot come. What are you nuts?

[Ben Soffer]

It's nuts. It's nuts. It's like it's. No, of course it is. It's like if I was invited to a wedding and I decided to bring my sister Claudia and my sister's fiance.

[Josh Peck]

Yes.

[Ben Soffer]

No, I was invited. This is nuts. Just because they're all young, who knows? It's still an inaccurate count for pizza. Kids are gonna be hungry. Kids are gonna be hungry. Okay, it's inaccurate. Maybe you paid per head for the laser tag or for the Charles Entertainment Cheese.

[Josh Peck]

Or for.

[Ben Soffer]

Or for Dave and Buster's. They run out of tickets, scooters, anything. You can't just show up if anything. Josh, call ahead, say hi. I know that it says on the invitation, no siblings. I would really appreciate it if the sibling could come. And then if you want to be a cocksucker, you can say no, but because they asked you no, you're probably going to say yes.

[Josh Peck]

We set precedents. And listen, I'm sorry, there's no room at Charles Entertainment cheese for little Aiden.

[Ben Soffer]

No, too young, too young. That's another thing. Be age appropriate, okay? Be age appropriate. This is 6 year old's birthday party. Don't throw in your 2 year old randomly. What are they gonna do?

[Josh Peck]

Listen, my wife and I, we did not specify for my son Max's birthday because we wanted the siblings to come because we've got it like that. But something got it like that, Ben.

[Ben Soffer]

Takes home some don't got it like that. Folks, this is.

[Josh Peck]

This is the.

[Ben Soffer]

In that episode. Excuse me.

[Josh Peck]

Oh my God.

[Ben Soffer]

If not so bad, I'll do a quickly, I'll do it quickly. If not five stars.

[Josh Peck]

What?

[Ben Soffer]

Do you not listen to us on Apple, Spotify, wherever you get your podcast.

[Josh Peck]

Watch us on YouTube, share our clips.

[Ben Soffer]

Watch our YouTube shorts, TikTok and Instagram Mondays and Thursdays, folks, we will see you next time. Go take a big Whiz.

[Josh Peck]

Wait, wait, are you still recording on your side?

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah. Yep.

[Josh Peck]

Okay. You still recording on this side? Huh? Okay, everything's up. Okay. This will be for a separate episode, but I figure whether we want to air it or not, it'll be fun to have it recorded. Ben, Paige is pregnant. Yes.

[Ben Soffer]

Excellent. Oh, that's so exciting.

[Josh Peck]

Thanks, guys.

[Ben Soffer]

How far along are we?

[Josh Peck]

She's been pregnant since October. But we didn't want to say anything because you guys are having your first, and we didn't want to, like, take anything away from you guys.

[Ben Soffer]

Oh, my God, that is so exciting.

[Josh Peck]

Thanks. Thanks, guys.

[Ben Soffer]

Oh, my God.

[Josh Peck]

I know. I could cry. We're both fathers. We're so lucky then.

[Ben Soffer]

So many kids. So many kids. I can't believe that you kept it. It is amazing. This is amazing. And now we need to give Paige flowers for, like, a million. A million episodes. But that is.

[Josh Peck]

I don't know, like, she's starting to show. So we. We've started to really tell people and, you know, again, I just wanted you to have your moment because having your first is so special. And I don't know when we'll air this, but I thought it'd be fun to just have. And we can throw it on an episode whenever we have it then.

[Ben Soffer]

This is a great YouTube short.

[Josh Peck]

Oh, my God. This is the best one. Now we just have to figure out how to extend it to eight minutes so we can do mid roll ads. Oh, my gosh. If I have another boy, it's gonna be. We're not gonna find out the gender because we don't. We don't ever find out. So.

[Ben Soffer]

Yeah. Until a nurse ruins it. Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

Oh, my God. It's definitely going to happen, but it's. It's wild.

[Ben Soffer]

I'm so happy for you. I'm so happy for you both. I'm so excited.

[Josh Peck]

I mean, can you believe this? You and I, you know, we're walking with the strollers in tandem down fifth Avenue.

[Ben Soffer]

No. It's unbelievable. We're gonna need a bus.

[Josh Peck]

I know.

[Ben Soffer]

We're gonna need a bus. It's great.

[Josh Peck]

I mean, I'm just glad you're giving birth first so I can fly in for the bris. I love a spread. Oh, my God. If you. You haven't eaten till you've been to a good. You know, and you.

[Ben Soffer]

And you know, I. Putting out a spread. Oh, man, am I putting out a spread.

[Josh Peck]

Walk us through. Because I'm down to make this eight minutes. Walk us through the spread for your child's wrist. Listen I'm gonna.

[Ben Soffer]

VH means my child.

[Josh Peck]

Care for three children. I'm nervous.

[Ben Soffer]

God willing, Josh. Nervous. God willing. BH we have a bris. We have a bris. You're gonna walk in. You're gonna walk in the moil. Snip cry. Done. We're getting to the spread. Done. I'm for. During that, though, I'm gonna give a wonderful speech. Wonderful speech. Name the baby. You're gonna hear me talk about the baby's name, why we chose it, how important family is to us, how thankful I am for our friends, how thankful I am for this life, this baby, upbringing, etc. It'll be wonderful. Then we're gonna move over and we are gonna go for the spread. Okay? We are talking first and foremost. There will be an omelet station. Okay? You can make your own omelet. It.

[Gracie Norton]

We're then going to move over.

[Ben Soffer]

There's going to be like, some classic hot dishes. We'll have like a French toast, we'll have a pancake, etc. But in the middle, this is a bagel bar like you've never seen. We're talking everything. We're even going to throw in the bialis, but we're talking plain, sesame, poppy, everything. Onion, garlic, bialis, maybe a butterfly like.

[Josh Peck]

The chocolate fountains, you know? And you just do a quick drive by.

[Ben Soffer]

Yes, a drive by. Butter up your bagels. So we're talking every type of cream cheese you can imagine.

[Josh Peck]

Maybe you do bagel spin art. Okay, hear me out. Ooh, ooh. Throw the bagel on the machine. You shoot me with cream cheese from every angle.

[Ben Soffer]

I love it. I love it. And you never. And we'll throw in a couple of nice pieces of beautiful lox. Josh.

[Josh Peck]

Oh, God. Gorgeous.

[Ben Soffer]

We're going grav lox, which is lox with dill. We're going regular lox. We're going pastrami lox.

[Josh Peck]

Okay?

[Ben Soffer]

Thinly sliced vegetables. Every vegetable you can possibly think of. Of course, we're going to have one of those rotating toasters. Yes, there will be toasted bagels, if you want toasted. None of this hard, cold shit, okay? And then we're going to have tuna. We're going to have whitefish. We're going to have herring. I'm not a herring guy. Maybe you are. Some sable, some beautiful pickled.

[Josh Peck]

No one's a herring guy who's been born after 1970.

[Ben Soffer]

But the herring will be there in case you want.

[Josh Peck]

It doesn't have to be. What. What grandparent are you supplying the herring for?

[Ben Soffer]

Just whoever Shows up, whoever's there, somebody's gonna need a herring. And then you're. And then we're gonna have a gorgeous just table of desserts. We're talking everything from black and white cookies to eclairs to. We're doing rainbow cookies. I demand a rainbow cookie.

[Josh Peck]

Love a rainbow cookie.

[Ben Soffer]

I demand it. And then, of course, a hot coffee bar.

[Josh Peck]

I like things delicious and also show I'm an ally.

[Ben Soffer]

Yes. You know, rainbow cookie.

[Josh Peck]

Yes.

[Ben Soffer]

Hot coffee, iced coffee bar. Both of them. And of course, a fresh squeezed juice station. Josh, would you like fresh squeezed orange? Or perhaps you'd like to go something more tropical and try our fresh squeezed mango juice.

[Josh Peck]

No. Fresh squeezed mango juice. What are we in the Turks and Caicos?

[Ben Soffer]

That's right.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Ben Soffer]

We are fresh. We are.

[Josh Peck]

I thought you were gonna say fresh grapefruit juice, which, you know, could kill me. I'm on cholesterol meds.

[Ben Soffer]

But it also imagine. Oh, my God, the heartburn from a sip of fresh grapefruit juice.

[Josh Peck]

I love grapefruit juice. You do a 50. 50 grapefruit orange split. Take me away.

[Ben Soffer]

It is just. It's delicious. My favorite, cranberry orange. Now that's a drink. You know, you go 80% orange, Josh. 20% cranberry. You feel like you're in the Bahamas.

[Josh Peck]

Or my healthy soda option, which is a club soda with a splash. I'll do a. I'll do a splash of any juice. Apple cranberry. Have you ever had pog juice?

[Ben Soffer]

No. What's pog?

[Josh Peck]

Passion fruit, orange, guava.

[Ben Soffer]

Delicious.

[Josh Peck]

Yes.

[Ben Soffer]

Ooh, I'm all in. I love that.

[Josh Peck]

And then maybe next to the juice bar, you have a station because it's a Jewish event called, like, the prilosec station, the tum station, you know?

[Ben Soffer]

Yes. We're also gonna have tattoo removal in case somebody made a mistake.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah. Sponsored by Deuteronomy.

[Ben Soffer]

We're gonna. We're gonna have a buyer own plot table where you can. You can sign your will and pick your stone.

[Josh Peck]

Love it.

[Ben Soffer]

And of course, we're gonna have somebody signing you up for the bang. My Chase bank rep will be there. He's there to sign you up. I don't get a commission, Nothing.

[Josh Peck]

Yes, he's there.

[Ben Soffer]

Just in case.

[Josh Peck]

Just in case, we'll have a raffle for a new Lexus. Yeah. This clip has done more bad things for the Jewish race.

[Ben Soffer]

We have perpetuated more stereotypes with I'm pregnant. And all of a sudden we got to Jews in the bank.

[Josh Peck]

There goes our sponsor on this one. I guess this clip isn't sponsored by AG1.

[Ben Soffer]

It might be. It could be. You never know. Are we at eight minutes?

[Josh Peck]

Yeah, I think we are. Anyway. Benjamin, I love you. I'm so.

[Ben Soffer]

I love you.

[Josh Peck]

Darn happy for you. And I'm happy for us. We're. We're so darn happy for you.

[Ben Soffer]

This is your moment. Stop congratulating me. This is you.

[Josh Peck]

This is our lives moment. Because they are incredible. It's. It's no easy task. And I have three children now. My life is over. So that's it.

[Ben Soffer]

No, Josh, your life is. Your life is just beginning.

[Josh Peck]

It's gonna be bh. Well, we'll see. BH. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.