Podcast Summary: Good Guys – Episode "The REAL Founding Fathers"
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Host/Authors: Josh Peck and Ben Soffer
Introduction
In this engaging episode of the Good Guys podcast, hosts Josh Peck and Ben Soffer dive into a variety of topics surrounding the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. From culinary preferences and family dynamics to safety tips and cultural discussions, Josh and Ben offer a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful conversations that resonate with listeners gearing up for Independence Day.
Preparing for the Fourth of July
Family and Celebrations
Josh and Ben kick off the episode by celebrating America's birthday, humorously noting the ubiquity of babies in their lives:
Josh (00:26): "Happy birthday, America. It's July 3rd, almost 4th. Ben's got a baby. Josh has got a baby. Everybody got a baby. We got babies, baby."
Culinary Choices: Pasta Salad Debate
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the quintessential Fourth of July dish: pasta salad. The hosts engage in a light-hearted debate over the ingredients and preparation methods, emphasizing the importance of traditional mayonnaise-based recipes over alternatives like olive oil or mustard-based versions.
Ben (01:37): "Is it mayo based? That's first of all what I need to know."
Josh (04:42): "Okay, so the o' Brien famous macaroni salad includes black olives, salt and pep mayo. Pimento. Pimento, my boy. I'm telling you, it sounds a little crazy."
Personal Updates and Pre-taping
Amidst the culinary chatter, Josh shares personal news about the upcoming arrival of his third child, highlighting the balance between personal life and podcast commitments.
Josh (01:56): "By the way, good name choice for my third child that's coming that's already here. But we're pre-taping."
The Role of ChatGPT in Personal Life
Enhancing Personal Communications
Josh and Ben explore the integration of AI, specifically ChatGPT, into everyday tasks like writing wedding vows. They discuss the benefits of using AI to refine personal messages while maintaining their authentic voices.
Ben (03:11): "I will write something totally myself and then I'll throw it in ChatGPT and I'll just say, make this sound better."
Josh (03:34): "They're thinking of things. That you haven't thought of 100%. They just know how to."
Mayonnaise Showdown: Traditional vs. Vegan
Nutritional Comparison and Preferences
The duo delves deeper into the mayonnaise debate, comparing traditional mayonnaise with vegan alternatives like Vegenaise. They discuss nutritional content, taste preferences, and brand loyalties, offering listeners a comprehensive look at their favorite condiment.
Josh (06:10): "I think you are wrongly attributing Vegenaise with healthier. It really isn't."
Ben (07:00): "I just have to say, I know that there's like an age old debate. Josh. People love dicks. Dicks, Dukes, Hellmann's. And if you live in a different coast, maybe it's best foods."
Historical Insight: Origin of Hellmann's Mayo
Olivia, a recurring voice in the podcast, contributes by shedding light on the history of Hellmann's mayonnaise, connecting it to cultural and immigrant influences in America.
Olivia (07:35): "Hellman's mayonnaise is named after its creator, Richard Hellman, a German immigrant who opened a delicatessen in New York City in 1905."
Cultural and Family Insights
Origins of Delis and Jewish Influence
Josh and Ben discuss the cultural significance of delis in America, particularly the Jewish influence on this culinary staple. They explore how Jewish immigrants adapted and popularized deli foods, blending German and Eastern European traditions.
Josh (09:23): "But maybe we brought the bagels to it. But I'm trying to think of what's, like, uniquely Jewish at a deli a knish."
Ben (09:56): "We love a good smoked meat, we absolutely love a delicious soup. Like these are just foods that are ingrained in Jewish culture."
Celebrity Heritage: Jason Biggs
The conversation takes a turn towards celebrity culture as they discuss Jason Biggs' heritage, debunking assumptions about his background.
Ben (08:25): "He sounds like a German Jew. He gets a pass."
Josh (08:36): "Not even close. Is he Greek? Just like a Catholic kid from Jersey."
Fireworks Safety and Statistics
Injury Rates and Safety Tips
As Fourth of July approaches, Josh and Ben emphasize the importance of fireworks safety, sharing alarming statistics and personal anecdotes to highlight the risks associated with fireworks.
Josh (17:14): "Americans spend almost $10 billion on food for every 4th of July."
Josh (18:06): "In 2023, 9,700 people in the US were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks injuries. And eight reported deaths."
Personal Safety Measures
The hosts discuss practical safety measures, including proper handling of fireworks and the potential consequences of mishandling.
Ben (19:21): "I have problem with. I have problems with non full fat mayonnaise."
Josh (19:35): "They don't make sour pickles the way that they do at delis in grocery stores."
Parenting Tips: Managing Sun Exposure
Protecting Newborns from the Sun
Ben shares his approach to safeguarding his newborn, Ruby, from excessive sun exposure, sparking a discussion on best practices for infant skincare and sun protection.
Ben (25:44): "He’s gorgeous. Beautiful. He's growing. He's bh. A beautiful, plump boy. Because my wife is just killing it with the feedings."
Josh (26:00): "Well, I think that's true of all kids all the time. Like, yeah, you don't want them to get blasted by sunlight."
Celebrity Updates and Entertainment News
Cruz Beckham vs. Brooklyn Beckham Feud
The hosts touch upon recent tensions between Cruz Beckham and his brother Brooklyn Beckham, fueled by Cruz's public mocking of Brooklyn's career choices on TikTok.
Josh (36:10): "Cruz Beckham mocks brother Brooklyn for his many short lived careers as family feud rages on."
Ben (36:46): "Yeah, oh no. All right. Well, I guess that's what happens when you grow up with a ton of cash."
David Beckham's Watch Collection
Josh shares an interesting tidbit about David Beckham's penchant for collecting high-end watches, leading to a deeper conversation about luxury timepieces as investments.
Ben (37:00): "One of the better habits to have because they increase in value as long as he doesn't lose them."
Josh (37:32): "They control the value of it. That's like saying why doesn't the US just print more money to eliminate its debt?"
Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley's Date Night
Ben and Josh comment on Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley's romantic outing in London, supporting Miley Cyrus's new film.
Josh (43:30): "They walked hand in hand into the Odeon Theater in London."
Ben (44:27): "They had to ask him to leave the stage. What are you nuts?"
Bianca Sensory's Edible Fashion
The hosts briefly discuss Bianca Sensory's provocative edible candy bra and underwear set, expressing mixed feelings about the blend of functionality and aesthetics in celebrity fashion.
Josh (45:44): "An absolute, like, knockout, right?"
Ben (46:03): "She's just always so naked. I like when there's a little bit of mystery involved."
Interactive Segment: Listener's Question
Dog Peeing on Private Lawns
Olivia calls in with a question about increasingly common yard signs prohibiting dogs from peeing on lawns. The hosts analyze the validity and implications of such signs, considering environmental and neighborhood dynamics.
Olivia (46:50): "I have been noticing an increasing amount of little yard signs that say something along the lines of, no dog pee in this lawn. Is that nuts?"
Ben (47:40): "If your dog is peeing in an actual lawn, it's no problem at all. It probably, like, it's fertilizer."
Josh (48:31): "It's also just not public property. It is private fair."
Moment of the Week
Ben's Ulnar Nerve Update
Ben shares a personal health update regarding his recurring ulnar nerve issues, adding a touch of vulnerability and relatability to the conversation.
Ben (24:22): "The ulnar nerner nerve is back. Give us an update on Ruby."
Fun Segment: Price is Right Game
Guessing the Price of Luxury Bags
In a playful competition, Ben challenges Josh and Olivia to guess the price of an exclusive Hermes ashtray Ben purchased, highlighting the complexities of luxury brand acquisitions.
Ben (41:57): "This is a non crazy bag, right? Like they have like ostrich skin and all that crap. Kelly Gold Hardware."
Josh (42:14): "Kelly Ripa. Kelly Rowland. Got it."
Ben (42:36): "If you go over. You're wrong, right?"
Ben (42:48): "I paid 14,000 for the bag and if you Google that bag right now, it's going for 32,000."
Conclusion
Josh and Ben wrap up the episode by reinforcing the importance of respecting neighborhood rules, maintaining personal boundaries, and embracing the light-hearted moments that make the Good Guys podcast a favorite among listeners. Their blend of humor, personal stories, and relatable topics ensures a memorable and enjoyable listen for all.
Ben (50:25): "Stevia in the raw. How aggressive of a name for a sugar substitute."
Josh (50:40): "The only thing I'm bougie about. So nice."
Ben (50:52): "What are you nuts? Yeah. Like, how aggressive of a name for a sugar substitute."
Notable Quotes:
- Josh (00:24): "We're the good guys."
- Ben (01:48): "Pasta salad is mayo based. And if you're not using macaroni, I'm sorry, you're fucking up."
- Ben (03:08): "Do you think one day somebody will get a brand deal from, like, a ChatGPT?"
- Josh (07:44): "Richard Mile. What's that?"
- Ben (16:26): "Where's your chili gonna come from?"
- Olivia (46:50): "Is that nuts, or am I nuts for thinking it's nuts?"
This episode of Good Guys delivers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of Fourth of July preparations, cultural discussions, personal anecdotes, and listener interactions. Josh Peck and Ben Soffer's chemistry and candid conversations make it a standout episode, offering valuable insights and laughter in equal measure.