Macrodosing: Favorite Things Christmas Special
Hosts: PFT Commenter & Arian Foster (Barstool Sports)
Guests/Panel: Megan Making Money, Chaps, Graham, Mad Dog, Big T, etc.
Release Date: December 23, 2025
Overview
In this laidback and festive holiday special, the Macrodosing crew gathers around for a "Favorite Things" episode. The hosts and rotating cast members share their top gift recommendations, memorable Christmas stories, and quirky traditions. Listeners call in with their own favorite things and holiday hacks, and the group debates crucial questions like: "What are the best and worst holiday rivalries?" and "What makes a perfect cat name?" The episode is filled with nostalgic, funny, and heartwarming moments—all delivered in classic Macrodosing banter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Getting in the Holiday Spirit (02:52)
- The set is decorated with tinsel and a tree; Mad Dog even dresses up as a Christmas tree.
- The premise: everyone shares their favorite new thing (gift, gadget, tradition, hack) and last-minute gift ideas.
2. Arian's Panama City "Favorite Thing" (03:38–09:24)
- Arian’s dog, currently away at training, is a top contender, but the dog isn’t "human-ready."
- “He’s away right now getting trained… he’s not human ready yet.” – Arian (03:58)
- Shares his experience traveling to Panama City:
- Heartbreaking poverty: kids soliciting money outside clubs.
- Disappointing hotel food, but a hidden five-star sushi spot saves the day.
- The trip inspires Arian to learn Spanish:
- “That’s on my bucket list... This year I’m gonna lock in and learn Spanish.” – Arian (08:53)
3. Megan Making Money: Meaningful (and Heated) Gifts (10:03–14:20)
- Recalls her dad gifting the family cigarettes to symbolize quitting smoking, only for him to relapse the next day:
- “He said... for Christmas I’m gonna quit smoking for you guys. So he let us throw the cigarettes in the fireplace… And then the very next morning... he’s just finishing off the carton.” – Megan (11:32)
- Hot tip: Rechargeable heated slippers are a game-changer:
- “If anyone has not gotten rechargeable heated slippers... that’s a good call.” – Megan (11:52)
4. Chaps’ Top Pick: The Ultimate Snowblower (14:36–21:22)
- Chaps obsesses over the Toro 721E snowblower after a back-breaking storm.
- “35ft of throwing snow… It’s all electric start, but it's gas.” – Chaps (15:34)
- Neighborhood hero fantasy: clearing sidewalks, earning neighborly gratitude texts.
- Snow tech advice: “Buy the more expensive sh*t because it's gonna last longer.” – Chaps (20:16)
- Shameless nostalgia: The Huffy Mudslinger bike, his favorite childhood gift.
5. Dog Training Deep Dive (22:17–25:35)
- Chaps helps Arian select a puppy from a reputable breeder.
- Tips: Feed dogs once daily for longer life and better digestion.
- “If you feed them one time a day, they’re gonna be better.” – Chaps (24:00)
- Use food as training motivation, rapport-building.
6. Gift Giving & Love Languages (26:05–29:52)
- Arian reflects on not growing up with Christmas/gifts:
- “Never really got gifts... first Christmas I celebrated was at 22, 23.” – Arian (26:47)
- First adult gift: Krispy Kreme donuts from grandma.
- Big T boasts about his gifting prowess: “I think I’m great at giving gifts… I'll take care of it.” – Big T (28:33)
7. Home Run Gift: The Golf Glove Organizer (30:00–34:45)
- Graham introduces the “Platypus” golf glove holder:
- Preserves gloves, holds tees/ball markers, customizable.
- “You put the glove over top… and it keeps it fresh… I’ve had gloves that last, like, three months.” – Graham (31:23)
- The group collectively vows to buy one immediately.
8. Bonus: Family Traditions—"Find the Pickle" (37:14–40:28)
- Graham shares the German tradition of finding a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree for a prize.
- Sibling rivalry and a running leaderboard immortalize the fun.
9. Group Recommendations & Life Hacks
- Soft ice nugget makers (“game changer” for home drinks) – Big T & PFT (44:46)
- L’Occitane Shower Oil: Hydrates and smells great; makes an excellent women’s gift – Mad Dog (46:17)
- Adult Coloring Books: A digital detox alternative; “very therapeutic” – Mad Dog (48:25)
- Rest Ever Cool Sheets: “The best sheets I’ve ever had… cool to the touch.” – Big T (50:56)
10. Listener "Favorite Things" Voicemails (55:02–88:13)
- Battery Daddy: Organized battery toolbox (55:02)
- Heated Toilet Seat: “Best present I got… next level shitting.” – Dan from Philly (63:08)
- Headlamp: For grilling, working on cars, and walking the dog (85:01)
- Countertop Baby Bottle Dishwasher: “Nothing I use more that has been more good.” – DJ from Wisconsin (87:19)
- Lottery/Future Bets as Stocking Stuffers: Keeps the fun going past Christmas (79:21)
11. Name That Cat: Brainstorming Pet Names (55:47–62:38)
- Panel struggles to agree on cat names; proposals include Chester, Gene, Dakota, Patch, George, Issa.
- “Never name your cat Chester.” – Arian (56:33)
- “I think for cats, I like just the most basic human names. Like, this is Frank, this is Mike.” – Big T (61:29)
12. Holiday Rivalry Bracket (66:22–77:18)
- Debate: What are the Michigan-Ohio State, Yankees-Red Sox of holidays?
- Christmas vs. Thanksgiving: “Big brother, little brother.”
- Most heated: Memorial Day vs. Fourth of July
- “Most people are one or the other… That’s the number one—Michigan, Ohio State.” – Big T (67:01)
- Easter vs. Halloween (or Valentine’s Day): For best candy-giving holiday.
- Boxing Day, Presidents’ Day, and more get dissected for American vs. non-American rivalry status.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On gift giving:
- “I do enjoy giving more than getting… What a time it is to be washed. I love it. I'm in a great season of my life.” – Arian (29:18 & 29:30)
- On gifts that miss the mark:
- “We all open it, and they're all packs of Marble Lights… the very next morning he's just finishing off the carton. He never quit smoking.” – Megan (11:32)
- On snowblowers:
- “I’m addicted to neighbor thank-yous.” – Chaps (16:24)
- On unique but practical gifts:
- “Get a headlamp… it helps me see what I’m doing, hands-free.” – Craig from VA (85:01)
- On traditions and family competition:
- “Every year we hunt for the pickle… my brother Wyatt, he hasn’t won in 12 years.” – Graham (37:54)
- On pets:
- “Shout out Chaps… was an integral part of me getting my new dog… He was just sitting there… we just happened to email them that day, and it all worked out.” – Arian (22:17)
- On cat names:
- “George the cat? Hate you.” – Arian (61:52)
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 03:38 – Arian’s Panama City story & language goals
- 10:03 – Megan’s Christmas cigarette gift & heated slippers
- 14:36 – Chaps: The quest for the perfect snowblower
- 22:17 – Inside scoop on puppy raising (thanks, Chaps!)
- 26:05 – Gift giving and the evolution of love languages
- 30:00 – Golf glove organizer: best practical golf gift
- 37:14 – Christmas pickle rivalry tradition
- 44:46 – Game-changing kitchen gadgets (ice makers, etc.)
- 48:25 – Mad Dog’s cozy/relaxation essentials (shower oil, coloring books)
- 55:02 – Voicemails: Favorite listener gifts (Battery Daddy, heated toilet seats, headlamp, etc.)
- 66:22 – Holiday rivalry championship bracket
- 85:01 – Headlamp: The unsung hero of winter chores
- 87:19 – Baby bottle dishwasher & mini dishwasher debate
Final Thoughts
This "Favorite Things" episode delivers a treasure trove of practical gift ideas, real-life hacks, and hilarious banter about family, pets, and deeply held holiday opinions. Whether you’re shopping for a minimalist snow hero, a cozy maximalist, or just looking to inject new traditions into your family, this episode offers a lighthearted guide for making the most out of the holiday season—with plenty of laughs along the way.
Happy holidays from the Macrodosing crew!
(See you January 6, 2026!)