Good Guys – LIVE from the US Open!
Podcast: Good Guys (Dear Media)
Date: August 22, 2025
Hosts: Josh Peck & Ben Soffer
Theme: A live, spontaneous, and comedic podcast from the US Open, blending tennis talk, food, New York culture, and personal anecdotes, all delivered with the hosts’ signature banter and energy.
Overview
Josh Peck and Ben Soffer bring their sharp wit and chemistry to the US Open for a special live episode, weaving together observations about tennis, food (especially the US Open’s legendary snacks and drinks), fashion in the stands, and the quirks of New York sports culture. They riff on everything from airline mishaps to ball boy glory, offering a blend of genuine sports fandom and classic Good Guys humor. The episode, sponsored by Vital Proteins, highlights personal stories, audience interaction, and playful segments aimed at both tennis newbies and long-time fans.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
Live from the US Open – Setting the Scene
- The excitement and novelty of recording live at a major sporting event (00:51).
- “First podcast ever at the US Open. Did you know that? Biggest crowd ever.” – Ben (02:18)
- Audience engagement; playful chants for both Josh and Ben to kick off (00:32).
Observations on US Open Culture
- Noting the attractiveness and energy of tennis fans: “Tennis fans... you guys are attractive, lively... fit as a fiddle!” – Josh (01:40)
- Questioning what jobs allow people to attend an event at 10AM on a Tuesday (01:54).
- Vibes likened to being at an airport or “on the tarmac”—amplifying the event’s bustling atmosphere (01:34, 30:41).
Vital Proteins & Product Tasting (On-Stage Sponsorship)
- Playful, honest plug of Vital Proteins’ new ready-to-drink (RTD) shake:
- “Let’s do a live taste test, right? If you know me, I don’t lie. They call me Josh the Honesty here. I’m a walking polygraph.” – Josh (03:10)
- “That’s delicious… L’Chaim.” – Ben (03:25)
- Product banter: praising collagen’s (supposed) impact on hair, nails, and skin; riffing with the crowd about protein needs (03:34).
Travel Anecdotes & Airline Mishaps
- Josh tells a story of a faulty plane panel and post-crisis ice cream sundae bar:
- “Right as we took off, the entire top panel above us fell... But what was redeeming was they did an ice cream sundae bar.” – Josh (07:29)
- Discussion of whether vaping should be allowed on planes, segues into the history of “no smoking” signs (07:59).
New York & US Open Food Traditions
- Banter about US Open eats: chicken nuggets with caviar, steak sandwiches, and the famous “Honey Deuce” cocktail:
- “Chicken nuggets, caviar, creme fraiche... Money doesn’t exist here, okay? It’s like Disney World for tennis.” – Ben (29:23)
- Audience crowdsourced recommendations; lamenting the forced etiquette after receiving freebies (e.g., the tip for ‘free’ ices) (21:15).
- Debate over best ice flavors (grape vs. peach) (22:01).
Tennis & Personal Histories
- Ben’s deep affection for the sport: “We’ve been to the US Open, like probably 10 times. This is like a New York staple.” (12:33)
- Josh’s childhood at tennis camp: “As a 12-year-old overweight boy... I would be so winded that I would have to lay down on the court.” (16:36)
- Warm acknowledgment of partners and family, and the juggling act of new fatherhood (06:02).
Fashion at the US Open
- Comparing athleisure wear to high-style outfits: “There were some people in wool Chanel suits... What is the fashion for the US Open? Is it like Wimbledon?” – Josh (14:15)
- Ben always ready for a match: “I’m always ready for a game of tennis. What am I expecting? Naomi Osaka goes down and they slot me in?” (14:39)
Tennis Knowledge & Fandom
- Discussion of favorite players (Tiafoe, Alcaraz, Coco Gauff) and tennis physiques: “You have these pillars; they stand on tree trunks, then slender uppers.” – Josh (16:08)
- Playful enactment of being the loved one of a tennis champion at match point (18:14).
New York Boroughs & Local Faves
- Playful debate on Queens as an ‘underrated borough’ and listing Arthur Ashe Stadium, Citi Field, Parkside as key draws (20:57).
- Anecdotes from Parkside, Corona Ices, and local color (21:15).
Tennis Drinks and Other Sports
- The Honey Deuce phenomenon:
- “The Honey Deuce is, first and foremost, the most delicious cocktail in the whole world.” – Ben (26:05)
- “US Open did $13 million in just Honey Deuce sales!” – Ben (26:34)
- Brainstorming signature cocktails for other sports events, e.g., “Masters Margarita” (27:15).
Ball Boys, Heat, and US Open Gripes (“What are you, nuts?”)
- Josh’s gripe: “It’s outdoors. What are you nuts? We have roofs.” (35:13)
- Ben’s: Ball boys are an overrated, thankless job for “prestige but no pay.” (35:50)
Food, Fast Food, & Rituals
- Discussion of victory meals, referencing tennis documentaries and Andy Reid post-Super Bowl burger (33:24).
- NY-centric debate: In-N-Out, Shake Shack, White Castle (but not the clams!), and the risks of adventurous eating (34:06).
The Classic Good Guys Wrap-Up
- Signature sign-off with mutual appreciation, New York love, and a call for listeners to rate and follow the show (36:58 onwards).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Audience Energy:
- “Tennis fans... attractive, lively, fit as a fiddle!” – Josh (01:40)
- On Being the First Podcast at the US Open:
- “First podcast ever at the US Open. Did you know that?” – Ben (02:18)
- On Live Product Testing:
- “If you know me, I don’t lie. They call me Josh the Honesty here.” – Josh (03:10)
- “That’s delicious. L’Chaim.” – Ben (03:26)
- On Personal Tennis History:
- “As a 12-year-old overweight boy...I would be so winded that I would have to lay down on the court.” – Josh (16:38)
- On US Open Weather:
- “It’s not so hot. It’s actually quite lovely. Lovely, beautiful breeze.” – Ben (13:24)
- “If you catch the U.S. open 7pm in there, it’s like 109. You feel sweat dripping straight into your crack.” – Ben (13:43)
- On the Honey Deuce:
- “US Open did $13 million in just Honey Deuce sales!” – Ben (26:34)
- On Food Freebies:
- “Do you understand how inconvenient it is to be given a free five dollar ices?” – Ben (21:34)
- On Ball Boy Prestige:
- “What prestige? Unpaid. You get yelled at. You’re running around, standing in the heat. I’d rather be a patron.” – Ben (35:26)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Live crowd warmth, opening banter: 00:32–01:19
- Observations on tennis fans & weekday crowd: 01:40–02:17
- Vital Proteins product tasting: 03:10–03:42
- Josh’s airline mishap & in-flight sundae bar: 07:11–09:11
- Tennis playing backgrounds and personal stories: 16:36–17:30
- US Open food highlights (nuggets & caviar, famous cocktails): 29:18–29:44, 26:05–27:16
- “What are you nuts?” segment: 35:00–36:56
- Wrap-up and sign-off: 37:34–38:22
Overall Tone & Style
High-energy, quick-witted, and self-deprecating, with a distinctly New York Jewish humor. The hosts frequently riff and improvise, play off each other’s stories, and toss in pop culture, athlete, and brand references for flavor. The tone is welcoming to both dedicated fans and newcomers and always keeps the live audience at the center.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This episode embodies Good Guys’ trademark humor, candid storytelling, and New York-rooted celebration of sports, food, and everyday quirks—all heightened by the live setting of the US Open and the hosts’ chemistry. From playful product testing and childhood tennis confessions to debates over local ices, steak sandwiches, and the joys and hazards of being a US Open ball boy, Josh and Ben’s energy and affection for their audience shine through. Whether you’re a tennis diehard, foodie, or just along for the banter, this episode offers a front-row seat to the camaraderie and comedy of a legendary NYC event.