Sunday Papers w/ Greg and Mike – Episode 299

Release Date: February 1, 2026
Hosts: Greg Fitzsimmons and Mike Gibbons

Episode Overview

In this lively and irreverent episode, Greg Fitzsimmons and Mike Gibbons deliver their weekly comedic breakdown of the news, interspersed with personal anecdotes, listener letters, standup stories, and recurring bits from their friendship. They riff on everything from bomb cyclones and the psychology of bombing on stage to the rise of new parenting trends, musical discoveries, and absurd news stories. The tone is loose, witty, and playful—anchored in self-deprecating humor and banter. The episode also features philosophical musings on parenting, an ethical quandary, and their ongoing mock feud with the city of Philadelphia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Weather Woes and Bomb Cyclones

• [01:00-02:36]
  Mike and Greg commiserate about the seemingly endless January weather:
  • Greg notes, “January feels long this year. Everyone's going through it.”
  • Mike riffing on “bomb cyclones,” jokes about bombing on stage:

    “I was a bomb cyclone ... a lot of air coming out of my mouth, circulating and hurting people.” (02:00, Mike)

  • Both discuss the vulnerability of stand-up comedy—the sting of bombing never really fades, regardless of experience.

The Sting of Rejection in Comedy & Writing

• [02:50-04:57]
  • Greg draws a parallel to sales:

    “When I bombed, they ain't buying me. When my cousin doesn’t sell paper, they just didn't buy paper. But with comedy, not buying you feels personal.” (04:04, Greg)

  • Writers, too, take it personally when their jokes are cut, comparing it to keeping "points on the board".

Standup Community Generosity: Rocky LaPorte

• [05:40-07:39]
  • Greg promotes a GoFundMe for comedian Rocky LaPorte, who is recovering from an accident. Supporters shout-out:

    “Lane from Denver gave $100. Tammy Winston gave $50. Alex Haynes gave $35. Tommy Hoskins gave $20.” (06:09-06:16, Greg)

  • Extended bit about mailing a “koozie” to a donor in Port Jefferson, NY, showcases the hosts’ playful approach to fulfilling their promises.

Musical Interludes: Marcus King, MonoNeon, Chris Dave

• [10:05-12:58]
  • Mike recounts a night seeing Marcus King, bassist MonoNeon, and drummer Chris Dave at the Blue Note:

    “MonoNeon—he wears a giant neon yellow knit jacket, pants, and a knit mask with goggles. He was phenomenal.” (11:14, Mike)

  • Greg muses: “Take any of the rock songs we love and put them in the hands of these monsters—jazz guys are next level.”

Parenting Trends: FAFO Parenting vs. Gentle Parenting

• [28:03-33:50]
  • Discussion about the rise of "FAFO Parenting" (“F*** Around and Find Out”):

    “Advocates say it teaches independence and consequences. Critics say it relies too much on fear. Listen, it's better than how I was raised, which was ‘forget you have kids’!” (29:24, Greg)

  • Both recall childhoods where independence was the norm (“I used to hitchhike home, bus to train to bus, almost two hours a day. My parents never picked me up.” (30:06, Greg)).
  • Reflection on the parenting crossroads of discipline, respect, and stubborn pride.

Audience Critiques and Corrections

• [14:11-19:16]
  • Listener corrects previous episode's inaccurate Golden Globes nomination costs:

    “Submitting costs $500; marketing packages can reach $75,000.” (15:28, Mike reading correction)

  • Discussion about Ben Shapiro's award-baiting billboards and the economics of awards campaigning.
  • Jackie Robinson anecdote: Greg tells a story about Robinson bunting up the first baseline to plow through a racist first baseman, highlighting his athleticism and courage.

Notable News Stories:

FAFO Parenting

• [28:03-34:18]
  • Viral examples: Mom throwing daughter's iPad out the window; another mom turning off porch lights on her child for a FAFO lesson.
  • Hosts reflect on effectiveness and pitfalls—how sometimes “let them suffer the consequences” backfires on the parent.

“Josh” Is the New “Karen”

• [37:03-41:19]
  • Social media is roasting “Joshes”—now seen as the new annoying male archetype.
  • Mike: “It sounds like this concept was made up by young Karens.”

Philadelphia Man vs. Florida Man

• [51:56-55:32]
  • Greg tries to read lighthearted "Philly man" stories in the vein of “Florida man”—but finds only grim headlines.

    “No one's having sex with a vacuum in Philly—they might be, but it can't even make the front page.” (54:07, Greg)

Florida Man News

• [48:55-50:12]
  • Story of “Oviedo man arrested after sexual performance with a vacuum cleaner.”
  • Greg: “How long is the extension cord on this vacuum?”

Make America, Florida/Philly Segment

• Continued affectionate mockery of Florida and Philadelphia as epicenters of American absurdity.

Ethical Question:

• [45:05-48:52]
  • Listener asks: “I let my wife have an affair; do I need to console her now that it's over and she’s grieving?”
  • Mike advocates a tough-love approach:

    “No revenge sweeter ... it shows you didn't care that much in the first place.” (45:36, Mike)

  • Leads into a personal discussion of heartbreak and maturity.

Sports & History Quiz

• [56:08-61:04]
  • Bill Belichick Hall of Fame snub and super bowl count.

    “He waited 49 years for his girlfriend to be born. He can wait one more year for the Hall.” (58:15, Mike reading a meme)

  • Greg quizzes Mike with historical trivia (Edgar Allen Poe, Oprah, Beatles rooftop concert).

Listener Letters & Comedy Caption Contest

• [61:11-66:53]
  • Suggestions for live shows, Philly rebuttals, and “thought for the day” quotes (“I stand for honesty, equality… said by none other than Ellen ‘Josh’ DeGeneres.”)
  • “Comedy Caption Contest” winner: Chris, for an inside show reference.

Cartoons & The Funnies

• [67:00-72:25]
  • Discussion of classic comic strips: Blondie, Hagar the Horrible, and modern Onion headlines.
  • Norm Macdonald’s hall pass joke quoted as an example of his genius (“…my wife’s was our gardener and his son.”).

Memorable Quotes

• On Bombing in Standup:

  “There is nothing better ... to have just a sweet bomb where you go down hard. It reminds you of what you’re so afraid of, and then you get out of it and it’s just as bad as it’s always been.” (02:08, Mike)

• On Writing Rejection:

  “You write your best stuff, send it in, don’t even hear back—you’re like, yeah, well, that was me.” (04:12, Greg)

• On Parenting:

  “Remember to be the parent. Because I have definitely gone down to my kids’ level ... and I don’t think my dad knew that advice.” (33:11, Mike)

• On Philly News:

  “I can’t do Philly man. Sorry. I’ll find somewhere else next week.” (55:32, Greg, after reading a string of grim headlines)

• On Ethics of Comforting a Cheating Spouse:

  “No revenge sweeter ... shows you didn’t care that much in the first place—they’re a double loser!” (45:36, Mike)

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• Standup Bombing & Performer's Ego: 01:43–04:57
• Rocky LaPorte GoFundMe & Koozie Bit: 05:40–09:38
• Music Night (Marcus King, MonoNeon, Chris Dave): 10:05–12:58
• FAFO Parenting, Gentle Parenting Debate: 28:03–34:18
• "Josh Is the New Karen" Segment: 37:03–41:19
• Florida Man/Vacuum Story: 48:55–50:38
• Ethical Question - Consoling a Cheating Spouse: 45:07–48:52
• Philly Man News Headlines: 51:56–55:32
• Sports & Belichick: 56:08–58:31; History Quiz: 59:01–61:04
• Listener Letters: 61:11–63:55
• Comedy Caption Contest & The Funnies: 63:57–72:25

Concluding Notes & Tone

• General Tone: Relaxed, self-aware, and gleefully tangential. Much of the episode is built on callbacks, inside jokes, and good-natured ribbing between Greg and Mike, with a constant undercurrent of humility.
• Listener Engagement: Frequent direct addresses and shoutouts to listeners, an open invitation to contribute corrections and participate in on-air games.
• Plugged Upcoming Shows: Greg promotes tour dates in Austin, Sacramento, Philly, and more, plus appearances on Joe Rogan and Kill Tony.
• Cartoons & Observational Humor: Ends as always with the “funnies”—classic comic strip breakdowns and a contest for the wittiest caption.

For fans: This episode is packed with classic Greg and Mike chemistry, behind-the-scenes glimpses of comedy life, and wry social commentary, making it an essential “Sunday Papers” listen.
For newcomers: The episode’s unscripted banter, relatable honesty, and blend of news with comedy offers a taste of what sets this show apart in the crowded podcast world.