Podcast Summary: Hey Riddle Riddle – Episode #361: "The Crab & I"

Release Date: June 18, 2025

1. Beachside Banter and Riddle Stings (00:00 – 04:00)

The episode kicks off with the hosts—Adol Rifai, Erin Keif, and John Patrick Coan (JPC)—engaged in a playful and chaotic conversation at the beach. The trio humorously debates the metaphorical idea of being "stung by a riddle," with Aaron Keefe exclaiming at [00:36] "Oh, guys, I got stung by a riddle." This leads to a series of witty exchanges about absurd scenarios involving riddle stings and the nonsensical idea of peeing on someone to alleviate pain. Erin (Adol) clarifies their quirky bond by mentioning, at [01:35], "JPC and I did just get matching knuckle tattoos. On my right hand it says kiss. On the left hand it says piss." The segment sets a lighthearted and improvisational tone for the episode.

2. Skill Acquisition and DIY Adventures (05:00 – 10:00)

Transitioning from beach antics, the conversation shifts to personal development and DIY projects. Aaron shares his ventures into beauty maintenance, detailing his efforts to perform gel manicures and dye his own hair blonde. At [05:38], he mentions, "I am learning how to do all beauty maintenance stuff at home." The hosts humorously critique his new skills, with JPC quipping at [06:00], "Are you cutting your own hair? I gotta say, it's fine. It saves you 30 bucks." This segment highlights their camaraderie and ability to humorously support each other's endeavors.

3. Local Business Reflections and Community Ties (10:00 – 15:00)

The hosts delve into a discussion about local businesses, lamenting the closure of a cherished neighborhood restaurant. Adol reminisces about, at [11:28], "we had one and we tried to go there the other week... it's permanently closed." They reflect on the challenges facing traditional storefronts in the modern era, touching upon the enigmatic survival of niche stores like a sewing machine repair shop. This conversation underscores their connection to the Chicago community and the changes impacting local businesses.

4. Hot Takes and Riddles Segment (15:00 – 24:00)

Introducing a new interactive segment, JPC presents a "Hot Takes" episode inspired by listener submissions. Initially mislabeled as riddles, the hosts correct the format to genuine controversial opinions. At [12:35], Adol defines a hot take: "Hot takes would be like, Pringles is the best chip. Tim Duncan is the best player of all time." They attempt to craft hot takes, leading to humorous failures and creative attempts, such as Adol’s pun-laden scene simulation of the Scopes Monkey Trial, blending historical events with absurd twists.

5. Muppet-Inspired Humor and Creative Scenes (17:00 – 24:00)

The conversation takes a whimsical turn as Adol expresses admiration for the Muppets' signature mouth scrunching at [17:29], sparking a playful exchange about mimicking Kermit the Frog. This segues into improvised scene simulations, including a parody of the Scopes Monkey Trial involving a monkey declaring, "God is dead," and ensuing absurd interactions. These segments showcase the hosts' improvisational skills and their ability to infuse humor into educational topics.

6. Advertisement Break (31:00 – 34:00)

Mid-episode, the hosts humorously navigate sponsored content for Squarespace. JPC laments his website woes, leading Adol and Aaron to deliver tongue-in-cheek endorsements for Squarespace, blending genuine promotion with their characteristic humor. Notably, at [31:21], Adol states, "Squarespace gives you everything you need to offer services and get paid all in one place."

7. Pop Culture Linking Game: "Pop Chain Riddles" (35:00 – 60:00)

Post-ad break, the hosts engage in a high-energy pop culture linking game inspired by Anthony Burch's "Pop Chain Riddles." Aaron explains the rules at [44:47], "You have to link Pop Culture Works... using a shared word or syllable." The game involves connecting movies, TV shows, and other media through overlapping words or themes. Examples include:

• Children of Men → Men in Black Widow

  • Adol explains the connection: "Children of Men. Men in Black Widow."

• The Fly → The Ring (Lord of the Flies → Lord of the Rings)

  • This challenging linkage showcases their deep knowledge of pop culture and quick thinking.

The game continues with creative and sometimes convoluted connections like "Girl Interrupted → The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo → Dragon Ball Z" and "Goodfellas → Coyote Ugly → The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." These exchanges highlight their expertise in media trivia and their ability to entertain through intellectual play.

8. Listener Voicemails and Olive Opinions (60:00 – 66:00)

Engaging with their audience, the hosts read and respond to voicemails. A notable submission at [60:43] discusses the divisiveness of olives on pizza. Aaron shares his evolving stance: "I did not like olives on pizza. But I hated olives growing up. And then I'd say in the last two years I've grown to love olives." The conversation becomes a lively debate on olive preferences, with Adol lauding specific types like Castle Castellaventrano olives and JPC expressing a love for both black and green olives.

9. Final Plugs and Closing Remarks (66:00 – End)

As the episode winds down, the hosts promote their Patreon page and upcoming projects. Adol mentions her new comic book, "Super Claws," and encourages listeners to support their endeavors through Patreon at [64:58]. They also recap important links and thank their audience for tuning in, maintaining their signature humor and enthusiasm.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Keefe [00:36]: "Oh, guys, I got stung by a riddle."
• Adol Rifai [01:35]: "JPC and I did just get matching knuckle tattoos. On my right hand it says kiss. On the left hand it says piss."
• Aaron Keefe [05:38]: "I am learning how to do all beauty maintenance stuff at home."
• JPC [12:35]: "Hot takes would be like, Pringles is the best chip. Tim Duncan is the best player of all time."
• Adol Rifai [17:29]: "I really like when Muppets do it when whoever's operating, they scrunch their mouth."
• Adol Rifai [60:43]: "There's an old thing that people who are meant to be together, one of them loves olives and one of them hates olives. So it sounds like you're with your soulmate."

Conclusion:

Episode #361, "The Crab & I," of Hey Riddle Riddle masterfully blends humor, improvisation, and intellectual challenges. From beachside antics and DIY adventures to engaging pop culture games and listener interactions, the hosts deliver an entertaining and insightful episode. Their ability to weave together diverse topics while maintaining a cohesive and lively atmosphere ensures that both regular listeners and newcomers find the content enjoyable and engaging.