Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show

Episode: Will Mike D Be a Rotten Tomatoes Critic? & Veggie Meals & Snacks Ideas
Date: August 30, 2025
Host: Premiere Networks
Main Guests: Morgan & Mike D.

Overview

This episode of The Bobby Bones Show's "Best Bits" features Morgan and Mike D. fielding listener questions in a lighthearted, relatable conversation. The main thread covers Mike D's quest (and eventual disillusionment) with becoming a Rotten Tomatoes critic, insights into making vegetarian and vegan meals/snacks, personal transformation stories, running and injury recovery, quirky daily habits, and creative ideas for sustainability in running gear. The style is conversational, humorous, and warm, with a focus on authenticity and lived experiences.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Mike D’s Rotten Tomatoes Dream – Why He Let Go

Timestamps: 03:17–04:27

• Mike D. shares he’s abandoned the goal of becoming an official Rotten Tomatoes critic, describing repeated unsuccessful applications and opaque criteria:

  • "I applied for three, maybe four years straight, and I don't even think they take applications anymore." (03:19)
  • He suspects it's a closed circle and doubts that "real people" get in, calling the process "all a sham."

• He only trusts the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and now prefers to log his own reviews on Letterboxd, keeping his perspective undiluted.

• Morgan playfully suggests he should deep-dive on the conspiracy thread to unravel Rotten Tomatoes’ vetting.

2. Mike D’s Review Process

Timestamps: 05:04–06:51

• Mike D.: Always takes notes during movies for his podcast, using phone dark mode so as not to disrupt others.

  • “I'll always write the title of the movie and all my random thoughts...weird camera angle, awkward facial interaction...” (05:13)

• For big blockbuster movies (Marvel, Spider-Man), he may only jot a couple of notes, relying more on memory and pure fan experience.

• Morgan nods to the pressure of making movie-watching at times feel "like a chore" for a reviewer.

3. Vegetarian & Vegan Meal and Snack Ideas

Timestamps: 07:00–10:28

• Mike D. loves tofu-based meals:

  • “I think with some seasoning and mixing it with things...it absorbs all the flavor.” (07:06)
  • Suggests air frying tofu with spices and avocado oil for crunch: “To me, it is my version of a chicken nugget.” (07:41)

• Snacks: Dates are a favorite, plain or with peanut/almond butter: “I think I'm the only person I've ever met that loves dates.” (08:19)

• He distinguishes between "weekday snacks" (e.g., PopCorners for crunch) and "weekend snacks" (dates with peanut butter, as a treat).

• Morgan: Leans toward Mexican food for vegetarian meals — breakfast enchiladas, sweet potato enchiladas, smoky black bean & mango guacamole tacos. Also loves mixing nuts from Trader Joe's into custom trail mixes.

4. Foods Missed Since Going Vegan

Timestamps: 10:45–11:53

• Mike D.: Only truly misses “a pepperoni pizza” from his pre-vegan days: “There's just something about that crunch of a pepperoni.” (11:40)

  • Has had vegan pizza but says: “It doesn’t really taste the same. There’s just something about that crunch…”

• Morgan: Five days into dietary change, she already misses chocolate and sweets.

5. Posting About Personal Transformation

Timestamps: 17:13–22:02

• Listener question: Why doesn’t Mike D. post "before and after" transformation photos?

  • He used to do this “five years or so” after his weight loss but now feels disconnected from his old self.
  • “I don't think I've made it a conscious thing to not post old pictures…but I think I haven't really done a, like, 'here's me 10 years ago, here's me now.'” (17:21)

• There’s a period (2011–2013) with almost no photos because he avoided being photographed due to insecurity.

• Morgan encourages sharing for the sake of inspiration: “People want people being real and authentic, and I think that's a very real part of your story.” (20:07)

• Mike D. reflects that his journey was easier in his 20s and wishes he highlighted the impact of age on weight loss more.

6. Running Injuries and Recovery

Timestamps: 22:02–26:56

• Mike D.'s annual tumbles: "I'm a really good faller. I know how to fall where I'm not going to injure myself." (22:25)

  • Advises against trying to catch yourself to avoid breaking a wrist, favoring a roll instead.

• Injury prevention: Now stretches before every run — especially important after 30.

• Distinguishing hurt vs. injury: "You're always going to hurt a little bit. But if you're really injured…what I do is the hop test…if anything hurts when you high knee, you should not run." (25:42)

• Morgan jokes that she always feels a little “hurt,” runner or not.

7. Massage & Recovery Quirks

Timestamps: 26:56–29:04

• Mike D. admits, “I can't do massages, I can't stop laughing.” (27:02)
• Morgan insists he should try a massage (perhaps a 30-minute one), and suggests communicating about his ticklishness.
• Mike D. wishes for a “baking rolling pin” for his body: “I just need to be…flattened out and cranked out.” (29:03)

8. Running Shoes & Sustainability

Timestamps: 29:19–32:14

• Mike D. enjoys putting “wear and tear on shoes” and rotates two pairs (long run/support and cushy/recovery).

  • Each lasts about 300–500 miles; two pairs last longer.

• Morgan pitches a business: recycle old running shoes like Toms/Bombas. Mike D. notes Nike makes some shoes out of recycled materials but isn't sure how much they use old running shoes.

• Both agree most old running shoes are too gross to donate, but a legit recycling program would be ideal.

9. Fun Habits & Personal Rituals

Timestamps: 09:15–09:31

• Mike D. shares quirky habits:
  • Different mugs for different days
  • Specific fork use
  • Assigning objects for daily routines
  • “I have a Friday mug, I have a Saturday and a Sunday mug. I have a specific fork I have to use every day.” (09:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"I applied for three, maybe four years straight...it led me to believe they don't really accept anybody."
— Mike D. on Rotten Tomatoes critic rejection (03:19)

"...the only thing I really miss is like a pepperoni pizza. Like, I haven't had a pepperoni pizza in probably over 10 years."
— Mike D. on going vegan (11:03)

"I'm really good at doing...maybe it's like a gymnastics move...you kind of roll into it."
— Mike D. on falling safely during runs (22:28)

"I have different things assigned to different days in different times all throughout my life."
— Mike D. on daily rituals (09:15)

"I can't do massages, I can't stop laughing."
— Mike D. on his ticklishness (27:02)

"I love putting wear and tear on shoes because I see people, like, running influencers...their shoes are never dirty. That's not fun."
— Mike D. on honest running gear (29:19)

Important Timestamps

• 03:17–04:27 — Mike D's Rotten Tomatoes application experience
• 05:04–06:51 — Movie review process and notetaking
• 07:00–10:28 — Vegetarian/vegan meals and snack ideas
• 10:45–11:53 — Foods missed since going vegan
• 17:13–22:02 — Transformation photos & authenticity in sharing journey
• 22:02–26:56 — Running injuries, mental recovery, and stretching tips
• 26:56–29:04 — Massage, rolling pin analogy, ticklishness
• 29:19–32:14 — Running shoes, sustainability, and recycling ideas
• 09:15–09:31 — Quirky personal routines

Tone & Style

• Conversational, upbeat, and honest
• Occasional self-deprecation and humor (especially from Mike D.)
• Both hosts are supportive, candid, and enjoy quirky tangents

For New Listeners

This episode provides a mix of real talk, advice, and fun rapport between Morgan and Mike D. Listeners get unique insight into podcasting/movie-reviewer life, plant-based eating hacks, candid thoughts on health and transformation, practical running wisdom, and the charm of quirky daily rituals. The episode is accessible and connecting, with plenty of personality and valuable takeaways.