Hey Riddle Riddle Podcast Summary
Episode: Patreon Preview #317: Penguin Baseball Draft Season Two w/ Janet Varney & Casey Toney
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Hosts: Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, and John Patrick Coan
Guests: Janet Varney & Casey Toney
The latest Patreon Preview of the Hey Riddle Riddle podcast delves into the whimsical world of Penguin Baseball League (PBL) as the hosts discuss the upcoming Season Two Draft. This episode, featuring guests Janet Varney and Casey Toney, expands on the dramatic events that transpired in the first season, introduces new characters and teams, and sets the stage for an exhilarating new season. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the episode's key discussions and insights.
1. Recap of Season One and the Boston Waddlers' Triumph
Aaron kicks off the episode by reminiscing about the inaugural season of the Penguin Baseball League, highlighting the unique twist where penguins play baseball with eggs as balls. He proudly mentions, "Aaron's team, the Boston Waddlers, ended up winning the whole she" (00:02).
Casey confidently declares his intent to win again: "And I'm gonna win again this year. Bitch." (00:27), sparking a playful banter among the hosts about team rivalries and competitive spirit.
2. The Tragic Disappearance of Penguins
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around a "massive, tragic accident" that led to the disappearance of all penguins from the first season (00:41). The hosts clarify that the penguins "went away" rather than died, introducing an air of mystery and setting up the stakes for the new season.
Eren questions the fate of a notable penguin character, Wyldstyle the Horny Penguin, leading to an explanation that "Wild Style of the Horny Penguin was more a title than a person" (02:00). This moniker's longevity is compared to Gallagher's persona continuity, adding depth to the league's lore.
3. Expansion to All Bird Species and Legal Challenges
The hosts reveal that due to social pressure and union influences, the ownership group decided to "open it up to all birds" this season (02:34). This inclusive move sparks excitement but also legal complications, as they hint at being involved in a lawsuit without delving into specifics.
Eren elaborates on the consequences of the hypothetical lawsuit: "Not only did we lose all the Penguins, but we also each lost controlling shares in our original teams. All of our original teams now have new players" (03:15). This development introduces new dynamics, with original teams like the Boston Waddlers now under different ownership, such as Caroline Kennedy.
4. Introduction of New Owners and Teams
The episode introduces several new team owners, including notable figures like Dan Brown and Caroline Kennedy. Aaron humorously questions Dan Brown's association: "Is Dan Brown a Chicago guy?" (05:14), to which it's clarified that "Dan Brown is a citizen of the world" (05:29).
Casey adds depth to Caroline Kennedy's character, revealing her as JFK's daughter and a poet, which adds an intellectual flair to the PBL's ownership roster (05:32).
5. The Chaos with the Gen Twos and Snow Hens of Toledo
John Patrick Coan (jpc) narrates the disbandment of the Gen Twos team due to chaos involving great white sharks near the Golden Gate Bridge (06:27). This event leads to protests from the Sharks wanting to join the league, introducing potential new conflicts for Season Two.
Taylor shares an anecdote about the Snow Hens of Toledo, explaining how Wild Style ran amok, leading to her dismissal: "He was like a cum tornado. And I'll let you fill in the blanks of what that means" (08:17). This colorful description underscores the unpredictable nature of the league's characters and events.
6. Building New Teams and Expanding the League
Despite the setbacks, the hosts emphasize resilience. Eren encourages listeners with, "All that to say we all landed on our feet. We've spun up brand new teams" (08:39). The league is expanding to include nine teams, with all original owners establishing new principal ownerships, ensuring a fresh and dynamic second season.
Notable Quotes
- Casey Toney: "And I'm gonna win again this year. Bitch." (00:27)
- Eren: "They can fly, but the rules of penguin baseball are still the rules." (03:08)
- Aaron: "Do you Know another Dan Brown?" (05:16)
- Taylor: "He was like a cum tornado. And I'll let you fill in the blanks of what that means." (08:23)
7. Humor and World-Building
Throughout the episode, the hosts weave humor and intricate world-building elements, referencing fictional shows like Shark Happy Days and playful nods to real-world entities. This blend of satire and creativity keeps the conversation engaging and entertaining, showcasing the hosts' improvisational skills.
Conclusion
The Patreon Preview #317 episode of Hey Riddle Riddle sets an exciting tone for Penguin Baseball League's second season. With new teams, ownership changes, and unresolved mysteries surrounding the penguins' disappearance, listeners are left eager for more episodes detailing how these dynamics unfold. The hosts successfully blend humor, storytelling, and character development, making this preview a compelling listen for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Transcript Reference:
<a name="transcript"></a>Time-stamped excerpts from the podcast transcript were used to highlight key moments and quotes throughout the summary.