Episode Summary: MBMBaM 758: Ostrichhood
In episode 758 of My Brother, My Brother and Me titled "Ostrichhood", hosts Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy navigate a series of unconventional questions and humorous topics. From the feasibility of humans riding ostriches to the ethical dilemmas surrounding the resurrection of dire wolves, the brothers deliver their trademark blend of witty banter and offbeat advice. This detailed summary captures the essence of their discussions, notable insights, and concluding thoughts.
1. Can Humans Ride Ostriches?
[02:00 - 05:00]
The episode kicks off with Travis posing a whimsical yet earnest question: "Can human beings ride ostriches?" The brothers explore the practicality and ethics of such an endeavor.
-
Travis McElroy contemplates the concept, sharing his sleepless night pondering over ostrich riding:
"It doesn't seem like a human being should be able to ride it."
[02:46] -
Justin McElroy humorously references pop culture, debating whether a cowboy from a cartoon rides an ostrich:
"I think Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I mean, I think it's a cowboy."
[02:09] -
Griffin McElroy adds to the skepticism, highlighting the physical limitations and ethical concerns:
"No one's gonna let their kid in there with that giant bird of prey. No way."
[04:32]
The discussion culminates in the idea of creating a "boyhood style movie" featuring ostrich riding, blending their creative impulses with the ongoing banter.
- Travis McElroy proposes a movie concept:
"Where they start with like a 30 pound kid... riding the ostrich."
[05:38]
2. Resurrecting Dire Wolves: Ethical Implications
[08:00 - 12:00]
Shifting gears, the brothers delve into a hypothetical scenario where a company claims to have resurrected dire wolves. They dissect the feasibility and ethical ramifications of such an endeavor.
-
Justin McElroy introduces the topic with skepticism:
"That's fucked, right?"
[09:05] -
Travis McElroy questions the authenticity and scientific backing:
"Outside experts are more cautious... We're gluing things onto them to make them worse?"
[09:24] -
Griffin McElroy emphasizes the potential dangers and ethical concerns:
"Wolves are killer, right? We love wolves... why are we gluing things onto them to make them worse?"
[10:28]
The brothers humorously critique the press release's language and the absurdity of genetically modifying wolves to resemble fictional dire wolves.
- Justin McElroy sarcastically paraphrases the company's claims:
"We painted them and we're calling this a W in our book."
[09:59]
3. Listener Question: Scriptwriting Beyond He-Man
[15:00 - 21:00]
A listener, Scripty from SC, seeks advice on encouraging a co-worker to diversify their scriptwriting beyond fan scripts about He-Man. The brothers brainstorm creative alternatives.
-
Travis McElroy suggests reimagining characters with inclusive names:
"Boy Guy muscle chant muscle... Prince Muscleton."
[16:20] -
Justin McElroy emphasizes originality while acknowledging the challenge of moving away from established characters:
"Maybe it would be nice to create our own Creative Commons characters."
[16:17] -
Griffin McElroy offers humorous takeaways, poking fun at He-Man's legacy:
"It seems pretty busted. It seems like a semi nude royal man who transforms with a magic sword."
[21:03]
The discussion highlights the importance of creative freedom while navigating the constraints of copyright and fan expectations.
4. Advice on Building a Website
[32:00 - 35:00]
Travis seeks guidance on establishing a personal website, expressing his dreamy ideas but lacking the technical know-how.
-
Travis McElroy shares his vision:
"I'm an idea man... I'm willing to offer you guys each $500 to build me a website."
[32:31] -
Justin McElroy provides practical advice, recommending user-friendly platforms:
"Squarespace does make that really easy... they'll give you the templates to make it look great."
[33:10] -
Griffin McElroy humorously downplays the offer:
"Do you know how tight money is for me, Juice?"
[33:39]
The brothers balance Travis's lofty aspirations with Justin's grounded suggestions, advocating for accessible solutions like Squarespace to turn ideas into reality.
5. Cooking and Meal Promotions: Marley Spoon
[34:00 - 37:00]
Addressing another listener concern about meal preparation, the brothers discuss the challenges of cooking amidst busy schedules and promote a meal kit service, Marley Spoon.
-
Justin McElroy shares his positive experiences with Marley Spoon:
"They've got recipes you can make in 15 minutes... something with a lot of nutrition."
[35:00] -
Griffin McElroy humorously claims exclusive taste preferences:
"I'm only eating... Martha Stewart's best bean and cheese enchiladas."
[35:43] -
Justin McElroy promotes the service with a special offer:
"Head to MarleySpoon.com... use code MYBROTHER for up to 27 free meals."
[36:47]
This segment blends genuine advice on meal prep with promotional content, highlighting convenient solutions for listeners' everyday problems.
6. Conversing with an Olympian at a Wedding
[24:00 - 28:00]
A listener, Admire from Apple Apalachicola, asks for tips on engaging with a semi-famous Olympian attending their wedding. The brothers explore imaginative and humorous scenarios.
-
Justin McElroy expresses concern over competitive instincts:
"How am I going to beat these people to the buffet?"
[23:46] -
Griffin McElroy speculates on the Olympian's competitive nature, referencing Michael Phelps:
"If you didn't know, Michael Phelps... he saved your bride."
[25:57] -
Travis McElroy humorously envisions awkward interactions:
"It's no problem... And it's like, Phelps, I didn't lead."
[26:09]
The discussion playfully navigates the tension between admiration and competitiveness, offering light-hearted advice on managing interactions with high-achieving individuals.
7. Humorous Product Analysis: Pizza Caviar
[38:00 - 49:00]
In a satirical review, the brothers dissect a fictional Pizza Hut product called "Pizza Caviar," blending absurdity with sharp wit.
-
Griffin McElroy questions the product's appeal and practicality:
"Pepperoni flavored water and agar agar based caviar style pearls... That's like tapioca."
[39:29] -
Justin McElroy mocks the press release's language:
"This is a specific craze, Travis. Caviar bumps refer to putting caviar in your hand... similar to a joke press release."
[40:10] -
Travis McElroy and Griffin McElroy continue to lampoon the concept, highlighting the over-the-top nature of the product:
“Caviar bumps are out. Tinned fish is in. Now it's caviar lines...”
[40:23]
"I want pizza pills and pepperoni sprays."
[49:07]
This segment exemplifies the brothers' ability to transform mundane topics into hilariously critical examinations, entertaining listeners with their creative mockery.
8. Conclusion and Promotions
[50:00 - 52:22]
Wrapping up the episode, the brothers promote upcoming events, merchandise, and acknowledge contributors.
-
Justin McElroy announces appearances at conventions:
"We're going to be at Dragon Con in Atlanta... Harmony House, Ren Faire."
[50:34] -
Travis McElroy highlights merchandise and charitable contributions:
"Including a Mickey Mackerel spinner pin. And 10% of all merch proceeds this month will be donated to the National Immigration Project."
[50:50] -
Griffin McElroy thanks Montaigne for the theme song and wraps up with humorous fear declarations:
"Maximum fun. A worker-owned network of artist-owned... journey."
[52:22]
The episode concludes with the brothers reinforcing their community engagement and maintaining their characteristic humorous tone.
Notable Quotes:
-
Travis McElroy on ostrich riding feasibility:
"It doesn't seem like a human being should be able to ride it."
[02:46] -
Justin McElroy on resurrecting dire wolves:
"That's fucked, right?"
[09:05] -
Griffin McElroy on creative scriptwriting:
"Boy Guy... Prince Muscleton."
[16:20] -
Justin McElroy promoting Marley Spoon:
"Head to MarleySpoon.com... use code MYBROTHER for up to 27 free meals."
[36:47] -
Griffin McElroy on Pizza Caviar:
"Pepperoni flavored water and agar agar based caviar style pearls... That's like tapioca."
[39:29]
This episode of My Brother, My Brother and Me continues to deliver the McElroy brothers' unique mix of humor, creativity, and unconventional advice, ensuring listeners are both entertained and thoughtfully engaged.