Podcast Summary: Good Guys – "Pool Sharks and Horse Girls" (January 30, 2025)

Hosts: Josh Peck & Ben Soffer

1. Navigating Los Angeles: Congestion Tax and Commuting Challenges ([00:18] – [11:12])

In the opening segment, Josh Peck and Ben Soffer delve into the intricacies of commuting in Los Angeles amidst chilly weather conditions. Ben shares his frustration with the cold, highlighting how it affects his daily travel habits. The conversation swiftly transitions to the impact of the congestion tax on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.

Key Points:

• Congestion Tax Mechanics: Ben explains the day-to-day financial implications for rideshare drivers, noting that while drivers charge passengers a $4 congestion fee per trip, Uber only pays a $9 daily tax. For drivers completing multiple trips, this results in a significant profit margin exceeding the actual tax expense.

• Alternative Transportation Preferences: Both hosts express their dissatisfaction with rideshare services. Josh advocates for traditional taxis, while Ben prefers driving himself, even if it means risking parking fines.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Soffer ([00:21]): "What are you nuts?!"
• Ben Soffer ([01:39]): "Why? We have it?"
• Josh Peck ([05:00]): "It's super smart."

2. Strategic Parking and Avoiding Tickets ([02:12] – [11:12])

Continuing their discussion, Josh and Ben brainstorm strategies to minimize the risk of getting pulled over while navigating the city's parking regulations.

Key Points:

• Risk Assessment: Ben embraces a proactive approach by strategically parking near potential tow zones, accepting the likelihood of occasional fines to save time. Conversely, Josh shares his experience with using the Fast Track LE lane, which adjusts fees based on traffic conditions and the number of passengers in the vehicle.

• Legal Insights: The hosts touch upon advice from attorney Hugo Lord, emphasizing the importance of complying during traffic stops to avoid complicating legal situations.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Soffer ([02:44]): "Getting towed is no good."
• Josh Peck ([06:25]): "Comply now, fight later."
• Ben Soffer ([07:06]): "What's the problem?"

3. Pool Halls vs. Bowling: A Social Sport Showdown ([16:05] – [22:00])

After a brief interlude, Josh and Ben shift gears to discuss their experiences with pool halls and bowling alleys, advocating for the former as a more engaging and socially interactive activity.

Key Points:

• Social Dynamics: Ben recounts a family outing to Amsterdam Billiards, praising his mother's unexpected prowess as a "pool shark." He highlights the communal atmosphere of pool halls, where players can converse and interact more freely compared to the individualistic nature of bowling.

• Equipment Preferences: The hosts humorously debate the quirks of bringing personal equipment to pool halls, with Ben noting the rarity of players bringing their own pool balls, while Josh appreciates the quality of professional pool sticks.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Soffer ([16:05]): "Pool, very underrated."
• Josh Peck ([18:40]): "Great time. No, no, no. Definitely not."
• Ben Soffer ([19:29]): "That's a lifetime guarantee."

4. Planning the Ultimate NYC Walk ([24:00] – [30:02])

Josh and Ben embark on a lively discussion about organizing a comprehensive walk through New York City, aiming to capture the city's essence while enjoying diverse culinary experiences.

Key Points:

• Route Mapping: The duo considers walking from Battery Park up through various neighborhoods, stopping at iconic eateries like Joe's Pizza and Golan Heights. They discuss meal planning to sustain energy throughout the journey, opting for portable snacks like herobread hand holders.

• Engaging the Community: Encouraging listener participation, they invite audience suggestions for additional stops, fostering an interactive and community-driven planning process.

Notable Quotes:

• SelgamingJosh Peck ([26:17]): "We're going to start up and go down. We're going to end in Battery Park at night."
• Ben Soffer ([27:57]): "This is brought to you by Herobred."

5. Fashion Faux Pas: Inauguration Outfit Critique ([34:09] – [38:11])

The conversation takes a turn towards fashion and social media dynamics as Josh and Ben react to Whitney Cummings' remarks about Lauren Sanchez's inauguration attire.

Key Points:

• Social Media Reactions: Whitney Cummings publicly critiques Lauren Sanchez's white Alexander McQueen pantsuit, particularly focusing on the peekaboo lace bra. While Sanchez gracefully accepts the feedback with a heart emoji, Josh and Ben express mixed feelings about the criticism.

• Public Perception: The hosts debate the validity and impact of public figures mocking each other's fashion choices, reflecting on the broader implications for personal style and public image.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Soffer ([35:05]): "I'm so rich. And all that I care about is if daddy Jeff cares."
• Josh Peck ([35:14]): "I agree. I thought it looked like watching Zuckerberg, Bezos, Elon up there."

6. Controversial Acts: Self-Performed Vasectomy ([38:05] – [44:05])

In a surprising and eyebrow-raising segment, Josh and Ben discuss a shocking event where a surgeon performed a vasectomy on himself and documented it on social media for educational purposes.

Key Points:

• Ethical Concerns: The hosts express disbelief and concern over the appropriateness and safety of such a procedure being performed and broadcasted without medical supervision.

• Personal Grooming: The discussion naturally flows into personal grooming habits, including shaving and waxing, with Ben sharing his routine and contemplating more extensive grooming practices.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Peck ([38:11]): "He's a doctor."
• Ben Soffer ([40:40]): "But I do want to get fully waxed one day."

7. Listener Stories: "What Are You Nuts?" Segment ([45:20] – [54:03])

Wrapping up the episode, Josh and Ben engage with listener-submitted stories, humorously identifying the "nuts" in various everyday scenarios.

Key Points:

• Dryer Dilemmas: A listener recounts incidents where important clothing was lost due to faulty dryer replacements, prompting debates on responsibility and common sense.

• Restaurant Etiquette: Another story highlights patrons overstaying their welcome at restaurants after paying their bills, leading to frustration and comedic takes on proper dining etiquette.

• Miscellaneous Gripes: Additional anecdotes include overpriced club sodas and the inconvenience of handling excessive small bills, all met with the hosts' signature banter and lighthearted judgment.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Soffer ([48:05]): "He's nuts. It's not her fault, totally."
• Josh Peck ([49:33]): "I do something I would do."
• Ben Soffer ([53:05]): "That's your attention span. What are you, nuts?"

Conclusion

Throughout "Pool Sharks and Horse Girls," Josh Peck and Ben Soffer offer a blend of insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and comedic interactions. From dissecting the challenges of urban commuting to navigating social interactions in pool halls and beyond, the hosts engage listeners with relatable content and entertaining banter. Their ability to weave humor into everyday topics makes for an engaging and enjoyable podcast experience.

Notable Feature:

• Interactive Engagement: The episode encourages listener participation through the "What Are You Nuts?" segment, fostering a sense of community and interaction among the audience.

Recommendation: For those interested in urban lifestyle topics, social dynamics, and lighthearted humor, "Good Guys" – "Pool Sharks and Horse Girls" is a compelling listen that balances practical insights with entertaining storytelling.