Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast - Episode 524: Tricker Treat (feat. Steve Gerben & Chris O'Connor)
Release Date: October 24, 2024

Hosts: Matt McCusker & Shane Gillis
Guests: Steve Gerben & Chris O'Connor
Description: Join Matt and Shane as they navigate through a whirlwind of hilarious anecdotes, engaging discussions, and insightful conversations with special guests Steve Gerben and Chris O'Connor. This episode, titled "Tricker Treat," dives deep into personal stories, the intricacies of golf, Halloween preparations, and a spirited debate on politics, all delivered with the trademark humor that makes this podcast a standout.

1. Introduction and Guest Absence (00:00 - 00:20)

Shane opens the episode by welcoming listeners and noting the absence of Matt, who is presumably busy with other commitments.

• Shane: "Hello, everybody. We're back. The three of us. I guess McKeever couldn't make it." [00:00]

2. Golf Stories and Anecdotes (02:21 - 07:05)

The conversation shifts to golf, where Steve shares his recent experiences on the course, including a notable birdie.

• Steve: "I made a birdie." [05:51]
• Shane: "You were feeling it." [06:28]

Chris also shares a heartwarming moment about having dinner with his father, highlighting personal connections outside the spotlight.

• Chris: "We ate hot dogs. Yeah."
• Shane: "You and your dad ate hot dogs together? Yeah."

3. Dream Stories Discussion (07:22 - 08:09)

Shane expresses his nostalgia for Matt's dream stories, prompting Chris to recount a particularly vivid and chaotic dream he had.

• Chris: "I woke up and I was like, I don't know how I'm going to explain. What happened last night?" [07:33]
• Shane: "I miss dream stories." [07:05]

4. Halloween Costume Planning (08:41 - 16:20)

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to planning Halloween costumes. The trio brainstorms various ideas, ranging from classic characters like Frankenstein to creative and humorous outfits.

• Shane: "I'm going to come as like, Ben Franklin or something." [13:58]
• Steve: "That's a good way to mix in the spectacles." [14:03]

They discuss the logistics of setting up costumes and the challenges of originality, ultimately deciding on playful and collaborative outfits.

• Shane: "It's gonna exciting. Yeah. Look at this guy. 10ft tall." [39:00]

5. Show Recaps and Behind-the-Scenes (15:22 - 24:19)

The guests reflect on recent shows, sharing backstage moments and interactions with other comedians like Brian Regan.

• Chirs: "Chris killed the show." [15:48]
• Shane: "Yes, brother." [18:48]

Steve recounts a memorable encounter with a pitcher from the Phillies, adding a layer of camaraderie and humor to the conversation.

• Shane: "You guys got to discuss pitching from the mound." [16:48]

6. Political Conversations: Russian Collusion and Trump (30:10 - 37:39)

The discussion takes a more serious turn as the group delves into the topic of Russian collusion, the Mueller report, and the political landscape surrounding former President Trump.

• Shane: "Do you think it's okay for a political candidate to use the intelligence agencies to accuse another candidate of being a Russian spy?" [30:37]
• Chris: "I think everything in the Mueller report, I stand by." [30:43]

They debate the implications of political maneuvers and the role of media in shaping public perception, highlighting differing viewpoints among the hosts and guests.

• Shane: "That's ridiculous." [32:34]
• Steve: "The prosecution of Trump in New York for trying to get a loan... that's like, well, it's Obama... setting a precedent." [36:20]

7. Personal Anecdotes and Humor (38:06 - 55:13)

The trio shares a series of personal stories that range from childhood memories to funny encounters at country clubs. These anecdotes provide a glimpse into their lives outside of comedy and podcasting.

• Shane: "Went trick or treating... saw a guy in a full gorilla costume..." [48:37]
• Steve: "I had a big crush on my second grade teacher." [50:10]

8. Ad Read: Prize Picks (44:11 - 47:35)

A mid-episode advertisement promotes Prize Picks, a platform for real-money sports action. Hosts Shane and Chris humorously engage with the ad content, integrating it seamlessly into the conversation.

• Shane: "What do you think of that? You just pick more or less on at least two players for a shot to win up to 100 times your cash." [45:04]

9. Closing Remarks and Future Plans (83:19 - 86:15)

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts discuss upcoming events, including Halloween parties and future podcast topics. They reflect on the day's conversations and tease future episodes.

• Shane: "Next week, Kylo is sick..." [83:26]
• Chris: "We'll just do a month." [23:52]

Notable Quotes

• Shane on Handling Responsibilities:
  "If you're gonna have something, you gotta handle a lot." [00:21]

• Steve on Golf Enthusiasm:
  "If you love golf, that feeling of connecting with the drive and watching the ball sail, it's just it." [05:31]

• Shane on Political Integrity:
  "Do you think it's okay for a political candidate to use the intelligence agencies to accuse another candidate of being a Russian spy?" [30:37]

• Chris on Personal Growth:
  "I think if you pursue the intellectual, what are you gonna give a speech?" [76:03]

• Shane on Friendship Dynamics:
  "Matt's intellectual stuff is personal. It's a personal journey." [75:34]

Conclusion

Episode 524 of Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast offers a blend of humor, personal stories, and thoughtful discussions. With guests Steve Gerben and Chris O'Connor, the episode navigates through the lighter aspects of life, such as golf and Halloween preparations, while also delving into more serious political debates. The inclusion of relatable anecdotes and the interplay between hosts and guests create an engaging listening experience that captures the essence of what makes this podcast a favorite among its audience.