Podcast Summary: MBMBaM 755: Getting Crowded at Funny Beach

Release Date: March 24, 2025
Title: My Brother, My Brother And Me – MBMBaM 755: Getting Crowded at Funny Beach
Hosts: Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy

1. Opening Disclaimer and Introduction (00:00 - 01:08)

The episode kicks off with Griffin McElroy's trademark humorous disclaimer:

Griffin (00:00): "The McElroy brothers are not experts and their advice should never be followed. Travis insists he's a sexpert, but if there's a degree on his wall, I haven't seen it. Also, this show isn't for kids, which I mention only so the babies out there will know how cool they are for listening. What's up, you cool baby?"

Following Griffin’s introduction, Travis and an unknown singer contribute to a playful and quirky opening sequence, setting the comedic tone for the episode.

2. Discussion About "Wicked" (01:08 - 04:12)

Justin McElroy opens the core content of the show by addressing a topical subject— the movie Wicked. The brothers engage in a humorous debate about whether to discuss the film or pivot to their ongoing Max Fun Drive. Griffin employs a vivid metaphor to illustrate his preference:

Griffin (01:40):
"I stand before a road diverging in the wood and before one path is a bunch of dirty fucking footprinted trash and mud and dog shit and grime. And there's a sign right there. It says this way to talk about Wicked."

Griffin (02:00):
"And the other way, get this, there's money laying everywhere. And it says this way to do your pledge break for the drive that only lasts one more."

Travis initially expresses interest in discussing Wicked but soon echoes Griffin’s concerns about the priorities, leading to a consensus to focus on their fundraising campaign.

3. Max Fun Fund Drive Promotion (04:12 - 05:37)

As the conversation steers towards the Max Fun Drive, the brothers passionately advocate for listener support. Justin emphasizes the importance of the community’s contributions:

Justin (04:57):
"If you go to maximumfund.org/join, you can see all the details and see all the GIFs and see all the stuff. But the important thing is, this is the time of year we come to you and say, hey, if you like these shows, we would really like your help in making them possible. It is funded by you. And that's the reason we've been able to do this for over a decade."

Travis adds logistical details and encourages listeners to verify their membership status due to potential credit card changes:

Travis (05:37):
"If you think you're a member but you're not sure, cause of credit card changes over the last year, double check."

4. Listener Question: "Better Elliot" Nickname (12:31 - 17:11)

A listener named Nick Nameless from Naperville submits a question regarding workplace dynamics:

Justin (12:29):
"My name is Elliot. I've been working at the same company for 11 years, but I've changed departments a few years ago. Since changing departments, I've climbed up the ladder. Last summer, my old boss hired a new employee for my old job, and his name is Elliot. To be polite, I gave him the nickname Better Elliot so that I could keep Elliot nice. After a few months of calling him Better Elliot, my coworkers told me he's not the Better Elliot. He embellished a bit too much on his resume, and he isn't getting along with his team, and he's taking a bunch of time off from work. The problem I face is, should I keep calling him Better Elliot? And that's from Nick Nameless in Naperville."

Griffin’s Response:

Griffin (13:26):
"I think there's a smooth transition out of it where one day you make him spill a big jug of water right on his pants and you say, 'More like Wetter Elliot.'"

The brothers humorously dissect the dilemma, offering exaggerated but entertaining strategies to handle the awkward nickname situation. Justin suggests subtle shifts in the nickname to reflect the coworker's performance, while Travis and Griffin contribute with imaginative and comedic solutions, ultimately recommending a straightforward approach:

Justin (14:30):
"Elliot's foibles are your problem. I got out of that stinko department."

5. Segment on Chicken Wings and Driving Safety (22:10 - 31:32)

Transitioning into a practical advice segment, a listener from Canada poses a question about eating chicken wings while driving in heavy traffic:

Justin (22:10):
"Am I good? I'm alone in my vehicle but surrounded by other drivers in bumper to bumper traffic. And this is from commuter in Canada. So I should start by saying I don't know Canadian law."

The brothers delve into the complexities and safety concerns of multitasking while driving. Griffin emphasizes the cultural acceptance of being sloppy with food in the U.S., while Justin relates this to the current decline of chicken wing establishments:

Justin (23:00):
"Another thing about chicken wing culture in the States is that I meant to tell you guys, the BW3 is at the mall. Closed."

They humorously discuss the hypothetical repercussions of eating messy wings while driving, incorporating slapstick humor and exaggerated scenarios to illustrate potential dangers.

6. Fund Drive Continued and Stretch Goals (34:21 - 49:15)

Returning focus to the Max Fun Drive, Griffin and Travis outline the benefits of supporting the network, highlighting exclusive content and community perks:

Griffin (34:21):
"We could use your help in continuing to make and grow these shows. Because of the support we've gotten from you all, we've been able to make this, first of all, our full-time jobs for a long time now."

Travis elaborates on membership tiers and incentives, encouraging listeners to upgrade and support with additional contributions:

Travis (20:10):
"As Griffin said, you can also upgrade. Maybe you've been $5 for a while now. You'd be $10. You've been $10 for a while. You can move up to 20."

The brothers reinforce the symbiotic relationship between creators and listeners, stressing the sustainability of their content through listener support.

7. Fake McDonald’s and Minecraft Happy Meals Advert (51:37 - 60:34)

In a satirical twist, the McElroy brothers create a mock advertisement for a fictional collaboration between McDonald's and a Minecraft movie, blending absurdity with parody:

Justin (51:37):
"So there is the normal kids Happy Meal, which we all love and revere, but now we've got a Minecraft movie meal."

Griffin and Travis join in the playful mockery, inventing elaborate and humorous product descriptions that merge fast food with gaming elements:

Justin (55:20):
"Families and our youngest fans can also enjoy a Minecraft movie Happy Meal featuring one of 12 film-inspired toys."

This segment showcases the brothers' comedic prowess, blending pop culture references with over-the-top product promotions for comedic effect.

8. Final Notes on Fund Drive and Upcoming Streams (61:37 - 63:59)

As the episode nears its end, the brothers reiterate the importance of the Max Fun Drive, sharing their gratitude and detailing upcoming streaming events:

Griffin (61:52):
"Seriously, thank you all so much. Help us reach our... we have more stretch goals coming that are going to be enticing."

Travis announces their tour dates, encouraging listeners to engage with their live events:

Travis (63:44):
"Next week we're on tour. Yes. Go to McElroy family or go to Bit Ly McElroytours to get your tickets..."

9. Closing with Humorous Bits (64:10 - 64:35)

The episode concludes with the brothers' signature playful banter and a reprise of the opening song snippet, leaving listeners entertained and amused:

Justin (64:10):
"Maximum fun."

Griffin (64:35):
"A worker owned network of artist owned shows supported directly by..."

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Community Support is Vital: The McElroy brothers emphasize the importance of listener support in sustaining independent podcasting, highlighting how the Max Fun Drive funds their content creation and allows them to maintain creative freedom.

• Humor as a Tool for Engagement: Throughout the episode, humor is employed not only for entertainment but also to discuss practical topics, such as workplace dynamics and driving safety, making advice more relatable and enjoyable.

• Creative Content Production: The mock advertisement segment underscores the brothers' ability to blend creativity with satire, showcasing their unique approach to content production that resonates with their audience.

• Enhanced Listener Interaction: By addressing listener questions and incorporating submitted content, the show fosters a strong sense of community and engagement, reinforcing listener loyalty and involvement.

Notable Quotes

• Griffin on "Wicked" Decision:

  "And I'm looking at that one." (02:05)

• Justin on Max Fun Drive:

  "It is funded by you. And that's the reason we've been able to do this for over a decade." (04:57)

• Griffin on Handling "Better Elliot":

  "It's not going to kill you to call a poor employee Better Elliot." (13:26)

• Travis on Chicken Wing Culture:

  "If you were here in the States, I'd say, yeah, 100% yummy. Down." (23:38)

• Justin on Supporting Independent Media:

  "I like when my media cares about people. I like when the stuff I make is beholden to the people who listen to it and not to big money corporate interests or the government." (47:18)

• Griffin on Listener Support:

  "We are not asking you to just do this for free. The bonus content, if you've never heard it, is wild." (48:38)

Conclusion

MBMBaM episode 755, "Getting Crowded at Funny Beach," exemplifies the McElroy brothers' blend of humor, insightful advice, and community engagement. Through discussions ranging from movie critiques to workplace dilemmas and playful satirical ads, the episode highlights the importance of listener support in sustaining creative endeavors. Notably, the ongoing Max Fun Drive serves as a pivotal theme, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between content creators and their audience. This episode not only entertains but also reinforces the value of supporting independent media, making it a memorable entry in the podcast's extensive catalog.