The BOB & TOM Show Extra: Influential Pets, Laser Light Shows, & Ants

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Hosts: The BOB & TOM Show | Cumulus Podcast Network
Episode Title: B&T Extra: Influential Pets, Laser Light Shows, & Ants

Introduction

In this episode of B&T Extra, Christopher hosts listeners with a blend of humor and insightful discussions, diving into three main topics: influential pets dominating social media, the resurgence of laser light shows commemorating Pink Floyd's iconic album, and groundbreaking research on ants detecting cancer. True to the show's signature style, the conversation is laced with witty banter, notable quotes, and engaging anecdotes that make complex topics accessible and entertaining.

1. Influential Pets: The Social Media Moguls

The segment kicks off with an exploration of the world's wealthiest and most influential pets, a topic that fascinates animal lovers and social media enthusiasts alike.

• Top Pet Earners:

  • Jif Palm the Pomeranian:
    Pat Godwin introduces Jif Palm, a pomeranian earning an astounding $32,906 per social media post with a follower count of 10 million. Pat remarks, “Jif Palm’s resume includes two Guinness World Records and an appearance in Katy Perry’s music video for 'Dark I See'” (04:47).

  • Nala Cat:
    Securing the second spot, Nala Cat boasts earnings of $14,419 per post and an impressive following of 4.3 million. Josh Arnold humorously comments on Nala's charming appearance, saying, “She looks like an Italian American guy going out to a nightclub in New Jerseys.” (06:11)

  • Doug the Pug:
    Finishing the top three, Doug the Pug earns $12,890 per Instagram post with 3.8 million followers. Josh adds a playful observation, “Doug wears a crown sometimes, kind of like that Biggie Smalls album cover.” (07:58)

• Discussion Highlights:

  • Monetization of Pets:
    The hosts discuss the surprising monetization avenues for pets, debating whether pets should be seen as brands and the ethical considerations involved. Tom jests, “Maybe get your cat on OnlyFans—Would that be considered kitty porn?” (07:54)

  • Social Media Impact:
    Pat emphasizes the genuine effort behind these social media accounts, stating, “They’re working,” to debunk misconceptions that pets simply inherited wealth. (05:16)

  • Audience Engagement:
    The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, with Tom lamenting his own underdog pet's lack of online fame, “I think my cat should have... You’re leaving money on the table,” highlighting the competitive nature of pet social media.

2. Laser Light Shows: A Tribute to Pink Floyd’s Legacy

Transitioning from pets to music, the episode delves into the revival of laser light shows honoring the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon."

• Event Details:

  • Anniversary Celebrations:
    Planetariums nationwide are commemorating the album’s milestone with special laser shows that blend Floyd’s music with stunning visuals of the solar system. Pat explains, “The music will be played with visuals of the solar system and beyond.” (09:14)

  • Controversy Over Design:
    An updated logo featuring a rainbow has sparked debates. Josh mentions, “They did an updated logo, and it said 50. And in the O, there was the rainbow, and it looks like the rainbow flag,” noting the public's varied reactions. (09:30)

• Hosts’ Reflections:

  • Nostalgia and Modernization:
    Tom reminisces about the prevalence of laser shows in the '80s, “When I was like 15, 16, you could go and... they were everywhere.” (10:11)

  • Cultural Impact:
    The hosts discuss how these shows not only honor the album but also introduce it to new generations, blending old-school vibes with contemporary technology.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Josh quips, “People thought they were making a political statement,” addressing misunderstandings about the logo’s symbolism. (09:36)

  • Christy adds humorously, “I’d go to one of these. I hope they have one,” encapsulating the excitement surrounding the event. (11:01)

3. Ants as Cancer Detectives: Revolutionary Research

Shifting focus to scientific advancements, the episode highlights a groundbreaking study where ants are trained to detect cancer through urine samples.

• Study Insights:

  • Research Findings:
    Pat shares, “Researchers are hopeful cancer sniffing ants have the potential to act as efficient and inexpensive cancer biodetectors.” (13:55)

  • Methodology:
    The study involved training ants to recognize specific chemical signatures associated with cancer, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional diagnostic methods.

• Hosts’ Reactions:

  • Skepticism and Humor:
    Tom initially expresses doubt, “No, they can’t,” but later engages in a humorous tangent about medical procedures, alleviating the seriousness with lighthearted banter. (12:49)

  • Appreciation of Innovation:
    Despite the jokes, there’s an underlying appreciation for the potential impact of such research on early cancer detection and healthcare affordability.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Pat emphasizes the study's significance, “Scientists have discovered ants can be trained to detect cancer in urine,” underscoring the innovative nature of the research. (12:49)

  • Christy humorously comments on the specificity of ant training, “He texted... He got in a car accident because he was trying to send that,” blending the topic with relatable humor. (14:26)

4. Additional Highlights

Beyond the main topics, the episode touches upon a variety of other news and humorous anecdotes:

• Eco-Friendly Innovations:

  • Cow Dung-Powered Tractor:
    Pat discusses a British company's development of a tractor fueled by cow dung, highlighting its environmental benefits and practical challenges. Pat notes, “The liquid Methane powered T7 vehicle reportedly has as much power as a diesel, but with significantly less emissions.” (11:06)

• Jay Leno’s Accident:

  • Motorcycle Mishap:
    An update on Jay Leno’s serious motorcycle accident is shared, detailing his injuries and the circumstances leading to the incident. Pat reports, “Leno was knocked off a motorcycle Jan. 17 by a wire strung across a parking lot...” (17:12)

• Sea Spiders' Regeneration:

  • Intriguing Biology:
    Pat reveals a study where sea spiders can regenerate lost anuses and sex organs, sparking fascination and humor among the hosts. Tom humorously remarks, “These are aliens,” reflecting the otherworldly nature of the creatures. (15:23)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the varied topics discussed, from the lucrative lives of pets on social media to the nostalgic resurgence of laser light shows, and the promising future of ants in medical diagnostics. Their blend of humor and informative dialogue ensures that listeners are both entertained and enlightened, encapsulating the essence of The BOB & TOM Show Extra.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “The highest earning pet in the world is a pomeranian known as Jif Palm, who allegedly makes $32,906 per social media post.” — Pat Godwin (04:47)

• “I think my cat should have... You’re leaving money on the table,” — Tom (07:54)

• “Pat Godwin: Scientists have discovered ants can be trained to detect cancer in urine.” — Pat Godwin (12:49)

• “These are aliens.” — Tom (16:19)

• “Leno was knocked off a motorcycle Jan. 17 by a wire strung across a parking lot...” — Pat Godwin (17:12)

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and the hosts' unique humor, making it valuable for both regular listeners and newcomers to The BOB & TOM Show.