United and Ignited

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: The Book Lisp — "United and Ignited"

Release Date: June 29, 2026
Hosts: Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna

---

Episode Overview

On this special "fifth Monday" bonus episode of The Book Lisp, hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna take a relaxed break from their book club format. Instead of their regular book discussion, they riff on upcoming book picks, live events, summer plans, and—most prominently—a deep, comedic, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Jon provides a unique perspective as a former professional athlete, reflecting on the cultural impact and joy the tournament has brought to the U.S., its international visitors, and himself.

---

Key Discussion Points

1. Upcoming Podcast and Patreon Book Picks

• [00:36–01:37]
  • August Main Pick Announcement: Sarah teases and later announces the August book club pick as Gray After Dark by Noelle Ihli, a psychological survival thriller.
  • July Patreon Short Story: The Replacement by Liv Constantine, to be discussed on July 15th.
  • July Main Pick Reminder: Summer Sisters by Judy Blume, Jon's pick.
  • Patreon Details: $5/month, video episodes available, no spoilers until week 4 of the month.

2. Sarah's Upcoming Stand-up Comedy Dates

• [02:09–03:19]
  • Sarah shares her upcoming comedy tour stops, plugging shows in Irvine, Las Vegas, Nashville, Illinois, Columbus, and Albany.

3. Jon's Sports and Life Updates

• [03:36–04:12]
  • Jon talks about the Portland Pickles baseball team ("Pickles" games remain fun despite a tough season).
  • The hosts joke about the Grateful Dead-themed event, "Grateful Dill," at a sold-out Pickles game.

4. World Cup 2026 in North America: A Transformative Tournament

• [04:12–16:26]

  • Personal Excitement: The duo recounts plans to attend Canada vs. ??? match in LA (now, "Los Angeles Stadium" due to World Cup sponsor blackout).

  • Cultural Observations: Jon addresses skepticism leading up to the tournament—media, especially European, predicted failure, citing American ignorance of soccer and unwelcoming attitude.

  • Incredible Atmosphere:

    • Every major star (Mbappe, Haaland, Messi, Ronaldo) has performed.
    • Fans from across continents are celebrating together, forging unexpected friendships and joyous moments at games and even at unrelated MLB matches ("the Scots overtook Fenway Park"—[07:35]).
    • Americans are being recognized as incredibly welcoming, contrary to stereotypes.
    • "This whole thing should just be like a postcard from the US because it's… one of the most beautiful things this country has ever given out to the rest of the world." —Jon ([09:41])
    • Japanese and Iranian teams setting examples of respect (cleaning stadiums, locker rooms, leaving thank-you notes—[11:18]):
      • "The Japanese, they all bring garbage bags. They clean the stadium because they’re so thankful."
      • "Iran… after, just basically a love note: ‘Thank you for welcoming us.'"
    • "I have not proven to you that I deserve these chips." Jon humorously recounts a Japanese visitor’s response to complimentary chips at a Mexican restaurant—[11:44]

  • Reflections on Media and Unity:

    • Jon: "We come to Texas and we have the greatest time in our lives...The local college learns their national anthem and plays it. The orchestra plays it. It’s...like, this is... one of the most beautiful things this country has ever given out to the rest of the world. And I think it’s so cool." ([09:41])
    • On fan unity: "It’s like when you were a kid...those cousins you never got to see because your parents didn’t get along...Now...we get to play with each other. We love each other." ([12:15])

  • Facilities and American Stadiums:

    • Pre-tournament, critics called NFL stadiums "shit"; now visitors are in awe of the venues and atmosphere—[13:11]

  • Role of Alcohol in Social Bonding:

    • Jon half-jokingly ponders if alcohol is the secret to international harmony and sporting fun:
      “Alcohol, yes, it has caused a lot of problems, but it’s caused a lot of good...Alcohol’s caused a lot of good.” ([16:15])

5. Personal Catch-up and Forthcoming Vacation

• [17:01–20:57]
  • Sarah and Jon discuss their upcoming trip to Cabo for their 10th anniversary.
  • Jon is also officiating a mass wedding/renewal event for the Pickles in Portland (July 11th), and they riff on what he should wear—suit vs. Pickles tank top.

6. Jon’s Charity Event Anecdote

• [21:08–25:22]
  • Jon details playing in a high-priced charity golf tournament, sharing his philosophy of “feeling out” the group vibe before letting loose.
  • Long rounds, lots of drinks, and a big, fun, slow-moving event:
    “These tournaments take seven hours. All of seven hours to golf, which is, like, oh, my God.” ([24:03])

7. August Book Club Pick Announced

• [25:53–28:45]
  • August Main Book: Gray After Dark by Noelle Ihli, a psychological survival thriller inspired by a true story.
    • Synopsis: A biathlete’s Olympic dreams end in an accident; she takes a job at a remote lodge and is abducted, leading to a fight for survival.
    • “Right up my fucking alley.” —Sarah ([27:48])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On cultural unity at the World Cup:
  • "This whole thing should just be like a postcard from the US because it's...one of the most beautiful things this country has ever given out to the rest of the world." —Jon ([09:41])
  • "It’s like when you were a kid and there was those cousins that you never got to see because your parents didn’t get along...Now this is what happens when we get to play with each other. We love each other." —Jon ([12:15])
• On American hospitality:
  • “...All these Brits come here and they're like, these are the most welcoming people. I’m having the greatest time of my life. I have been lied to from the media...our entire lives, we've been lied to.” —Jon ([08:54])
• On the importance (tongue-in-cheek) of drinking:
  • “Just be totally honest with yourself. Alcohol, yes, it has caused a lot of problems, but it’s caused a lot of good. And you’ve seen it the last 16 days. Alcohol’s caused a lot of good.” —Jon ([16:15])
• Comedic interlude: Jon’s “chip debt” story:
  • “I have not proven to you that I deserve these chips yet. I have not proven to you that I can pay for these chips. And it’s like, dude, it just comes at the table.” —Jon ([11:44])
• Sarah’s summary of their approach:
  • “No full book spoilers until the end of every month, the last Monday of every month or the fourth Monday of every month.” ([28:16])

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Patreon Book & Upcoming Main Picks: [00:36–01:37], [25:53–28:45]
• Sarah’s Stand-up Tour Plugs: [02:09–03:19]
• World Cup Discussion: [04:12–16:26]
• Unity & Cultural Observations: [08:54–12:47]
• Stadiums & Event Critiques: [13:11–14:12]
• The “Alcohol Brings Us Together” Riff: [15:02–16:26]
• Cabo Vacation & Anniversary: [17:01–20:57]
• Pickles Mass Wedding Planning: [19:14–20:57]
• Jon’s Charity Golf Anecdote: [21:08–25:22]
• August Book Announced: [25:53–28:45]

---

Tone and Style

• Playful, bantering, and candid. Sarah and Jon are irreverent, warm, and share both genuine reflections and comic bits.
• The conversation flows between deep, thoughtful observations on world events and light, everyday banter about life, books, and marriage.

---

Summary

This bonus episode of The Book Lisp is a joyful, funny, and unexpectedly profound look at how books, sports, and shared experiences unite people. With the 2026 World Cup as a lens, Jon and Sarah reflect on current events, their own plans, and the goodness that can unfold when the world gathers together—with or without the help of a little “lubrication.” Book lovers will want to catch up on the next reads (Summer Sisters, Gray After Dark, The Replacement), sports fans will appreciate the “on the ground” perspective, and everyone will enjoy the duo’s chemistry and heart.

Transcript

[A]

Hi, I'm Sarah Colonna.

[B]

And I'm John Ryan.

[A]

And you're listening to the Book List. The Book List.

[B]

The Book Lisp.

[A]

Oh, that's right. You're listening to the Book Lisp. Hello and welcome to the Book Lisp with John Ryan and Sarah Colonna. It's a bonus Monday in June because we've already done the four weeks and the fourth week is the Big Book Review. So today is just a whatever day. So fifth Monday, and we'll just talk about what we want to talk about.

[B]

Yes, we will.

[A]

And I do have. I'm going to announce my August pick a little early for everybody, just as a little bonus for listening today. And our Patreon. I'll tell you that in a minute. Maybe I'll. Maybe I'll tell you it midway through. Make you guys listen. Make you guys listen to our nonsense. And our Patreon July pick, I will tell you now, is the Replacement by Liv Constantine. I've read a lot of good things about it, Patreon. Short stories are usually very quick, usually free on at least on Amazon. And fun, fun way to discover new authors or read something short by an author you already like. That's only $5 to join our Patreon. And then those reviews are on the 15th of every month. So July 15th will be the Replacement by Liv Constantine. And on the 5th and the 25th, we do other just silly Patreons. They're all available as video if you want to watch them that way. What do you got in your hand there, John?

[B]

I'm just marking. I'm taking down last month's pick, the Kill for Me, Kill for you and putting up this month's pick, the Replacement by Liz Constantine. Because I keep track of it on top of my computer because I've been hitting the head a lot of times.

[A]

Okay, but while you were hitting the head, once more because Kill for Me, Kill for you was the. Was the regular book.

[B]

I know. But then on the left side I have Summer Sisters by Judy Blume.

[A]

I see. Oh, I see. And so when I tell you the August book, I see what you're doing.

[B]

Then I'll write it. On this one that I have Mark

[A]

August, he's showing me a Post it note. You guys can't see it, unfortunately. But if this was on Patreon, I guess you could see it because we do do videos over there, however unprofessional it is. But. Hi, guys. Welcome to the fifth Monday of June. We are. Oh, by the way, if you are here. Yeah, the Fifth Monday of June. So you still have time if you're in the Orange county area. July 2nd, this coming Thursday, I'm at the Irvine Improv One show only at 8pm it's gonna be so fun. August 3rd through the 9th, I am at Brad Garrett's comedy club at the MGM in Vegas. New dates. August 27th, I'm at the City Winery in Nashville. Very excited about that. September 24th through the 26th, I'm at Batavia, Illinois at the Comedy Vault. Amazing club. Maybe one of my favorites. And I just added three fatty bone dates. One is Columbus, one is Albany, one is. What's the third one?

[B]

Oh, Albany.

[A]

And those dates will be on my web. They might already be on my website by the time you hear this, but if not, just keep an eye because they'll be up soon. John, tell the people. Tell the people what's going on in your life.

[B]

Well, the World cup is what's going on in our life. My life. We also have the Pickles playing right now. We're not doing that well this season.

[A]

The games are still super fun. Everyone's going.

[B]

Sold out game tonight, the Grateful Dill.

[A]

This is Friday. We're recording this on Friday, June 26th. You already missed the Grateful D. Yeah, but you should have been there.

[B]

It's Grateful Dead night, but we call it the Grateful Dill and it sells out very quickly. Yeah, but. And then, you know, we're loving the World cup, babe.

[A]

We're loving the World Cup. So by the time you guys hear this, we would have already gone. Who knows what would have happened? But John did, actually.

[B]

Canada won.

[A]

That's what he's. That's what we're manifesting. John went ahead and we stocked and stocked tickets. And so this is Friday, June 26th. On June 28th, we are going to SOFI to see Canada play. And it's truly John, as John said, a once in a lifetime experience. Correct?

[B]

Yes, but it's not called SoFi. It's called Los Angeles Stadium.

[A]

Right. During this, they can't have any sponsors announced. So it's like Seattle Stadium, Los Angeles Stadium, Philadelphia Stadium, New England Stadium. Is that what they did for.

[B]

No, they went Boston Stadium.

[A]

Boston Stadium, Yeah. Okay.

[B]

Even though it's like an hour away from Boston, but.

[A]

Yeah, but still. Yeah. This is World Cups. Very exciting. I have. I'm very excited that we're going on Sunday in two days. Even though you guys are listening to this after it'll. We'll recap it a little bit when we kick off. July, which is the Summer Sisters. Summer Sisters by Judy is our July book. Don't forget. So that's John's pick. So we'll. We'll talk a little bit about our experience at the World cup while we discuss the kickoff of July. Don't forget, there's no spoilers until week four, so you can listen along no matter where you are in the book. Tell me, tell. Just. I feel like this is a good opportunity since it's the fifth Monday and we don't have a book to discuss and we can kind of do whatever the f. We want for you to talk to people who would. Just about your thoughts on the World cup as a professional athlete. Just about all the.

[B]

I have a lot of thoughts. So leading up to this World cup, they said it was going to be the worst World cup ever. They said America was not ready. America was not ready. They said the fans here don't understand soccer, football as they call it in most countries. Um, they're not friendly people. The atmosphere is going to be shit. Everything's going to be shit. That's what all the media outlets, even the American outlets started picking up on this. But especially in Britain, they started saying, this is going to be shit. There was some outlets saying, if you as a Brit, you're not wanted there, you're going to go to Englewood, you have a 50% chance of getting shot at. Was being reported in some places. So with all this, we're only. We're on day 16 right now as we talk about this, and some people don't realize it's the tournament's 39 days. Like we're just getting started and it already has been, they said, the greatest World cup ever. Not just on the field. Every star, Mbappe, Holland, Messi, Ronaldo, every star has shown up like it is. Like it's crazy on the field. It's been a 10 out of 10. And all this stuff you've been watching about, the. The different countries masked up like, you know, the. The Koreans hanging out with the Mexicans in Mexico, them just having the greatest time ever. The Scots people, the Scotland people coming to Boston and just taking over Boston, and the people in Boston just falling in, absolutely in love with them. They went to. They overtook Fenway Park. Did you see this?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

All the Scotland fans, they overtook Fenway park and we're just going crazy. They have no clue about baseball. Brits have no clue about baseball. They're going crazy. For every out they're singing, they're chanting, they turn off the music, they keep on singing. Fans from Boston said it was more fun than the. When the World Series was there. It is everywhere you go, everything they.

[A]

Oh, you mean they went to a baseball game?

[B]

Yes. They took over the park. Like, just all Scots. It's like 12,000 Scots in this park, and they're just freaking. Go crazy. And then when. When they. When Scotland played in Miami. Did you see this? They go to Marlin Park. Marlin. Watching a game in Marlin park is like watching a game at your local park. There's 3,000 fans there. It's brutal. The Scots come in, 12,000 Scotland fans overtake the stadium and. And just go crazy. They're going crazy over routine fly balls. They got the bagpipes going. They're singing every song. And the fans there said it was the funnest Marlins game they've ever been to. All the people from Miami, I love that. The whole thing has been so great. And most of the time, I'd be like, you know what? Like, you guys, maybe Americans don't realize, but throughout the world, you're mostly hated. You're not loved people. You really aren't. They say you're selfish. They say you're rude. They say you're unwelcoming. And now I realize from this, because all these people are saying that all these Brits come here and they're like, these are the most welcoming people. I'm having the greatest time of my life. I have been lied to from the media in Scotland, in England, in. Wherever we're from, our entire lives, we've been lied to. We come to Texas and we have the greatest time in our lives. The people are so welcoming. We go to Lawrence, Kansas. Algeria goes to Laurel, Lawrence, Kansas, where you cannot imagine two groups of people more opposite than the people from Lawrence, Kansas, and Algerians. And they freaking stay up till three in the morning. The entire town welcomes them. The. The local college learns their national anthem and plays it. The orchestra plays it. It's. The whole thing is like, this is.

[A]

Oh, that's so cool. I didn't know all that.

[B]

Yeah. This whole thing should just be like a postcard from the US because it's. It's one of the most beautiful things this country has ever given out to the rest of the world. And I think it's so cool. And I'm not American, but it's the proudest I've ever been to live here, I'll say that. Yeah, all these people are coming here, and then there's so many small things. Like they have a guy from Japan trying Texas barbecue for the first time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And she's like, oh, my God, this is the greatest thing ever. Or this one guy wrote, um, oh, now series give me recommendations on Texas barbecue here.

[A]

This guy wrote a couple guys went that, like, host some podcast and they were like, texas or North Carolina barbecue, and then like, whatever. We like both. Why does it have to be one or the other? It's all so good. Anyway, go ahead. Sorry.

[B]

Yeah, this guy the other day, this guy from. I forget it was in Germany or wherever, he wrote, I don't know where you are, but if you ever see this restaurant called the Texas Roadhouse Drive, drop everything and go, right now. It's the greatest food you'll ever have. I was like, I'm starting to see, like, all these things that we take for granted. All these people are coming here and are so thankful for and loving so much that it's just like, such a beautiful thing. And then you see, like, Iran plays here, which there's a lot going on with Iran. They come here, they play, they all the players clean up the entire locker room after and then leave a note to the US After. Just basically a love note, like, thank you for welcoming us, blah, blah. The Japanese, because of their. Their beliefs or whatever, after every game, they clean the entire stadium themselves.

[A]

Oh, that's crazy.

[B]

So they all bring. They all bring garbage bags. They clean the stadium because they're so thankful for what we. What other people have given them. And there was another thing. These, the Japanese, they went to the. A Mexican restaurant for the first time and they brought out chips and salsa to the table. And the guy said, we didn't order these. He goes, oh, no. The guy goes, of course. He goes, dude, it comes at the table. He goes, what have I done to deserve this?

[A]

Well, that's how I feel every time I get a couple of chips and sauce. To be honest.

[B]

He's like, in my country, every gift that I give contains a debt, so I have to be able to repay this gift. And I have not proven to you that I deserve these chips yet. I have not proven to you that I can pay for these chips. And it's like, dude, it just comes at the table. There's so many things like that. And so usually I would say, you know what, all these people that were, like, saying it was going to be shitty like you. But no, I'm saying, like, all the media members that pumped all this into everyone's head saying was going to be like you guys.

[A]

Because, you see, I know these people

[B]

come over and how beautiful this thing is. Someone put it best. Someone said, well, all these countries, like, coming together, the Scots and the Americans, the Koreans and the Mexicans. It's going all around North America. All these countries, like, hanging out after games, just getting along so well. Someone said, it's like when you were a kid and there was those cousins that you never got to see because your parents didn't get along. That's what's happening right now. We always thought that we couldn't go see those cousins because our parents don't get along, the government. And now this is what happens when we get to play with each other. We love each other.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I just think the whole thing has been so beautiful.

[A]

Yeah. And. And, yeah, not just the media, obviously. Politicians all around, all sides. All the things. Yes. Create discourse. And so it's really. It is really cool that just civilians and people that just want to enjoy it and the people that play the game are just coming together and enjoying it. So. Yeah, that. I mean, I can't wait.

[B]

I know another big thing is these people were told that, like, all these stadiums suck. All these stadiums are NFL stadiums. They all suck. We have. We have in Britain, in England, we have proper soccer stadiums. You guys are going to go there and then all these people are going, like, I have to apologize. These stadiums are incredible. We've been lied to. Again. We've been lied to. These stadiums are incredible. I mean, Sarah, you've been to almost all these stadiums. When you go into Texas Stadium, it's something to look at. Like, it's a really impressive thing. When you go into Seattle, as they said about the atmosphere is going to be shit. All these players on the US and the teams they play, they're like, this was the greatest atmosphere we've ever played in front of. These are all guys that play over in Europe. Like, this was the greatest atmosphere we've ever played in front of. It's wild.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I think this is really putting, like, us on the map in terms of soccer. People like, oh, wait, these guys do know what they're talking. These fans do. There are. They are knowledgeable. They do love this game. All their facilities are legitimate, their players legitimate. This is, like, really, really cool.

[A]

That's awesome. Yeah. And I think. I mean, and that. That thing about, like, oh, the stadiums are shit. I mean, everyone's competitive when it comes to sports and want to crap on the other countries or the competitors, like venues and whatnot. But. And they shouldn't. It should just be. Can't wait to see what it's like. Or. But like you said, it's just what they've heard. And then they go there and the commentators go there and their broadcasters go there and they see it and they're having a great time and. But, you know, just like we have. I mean, in other countries, when we go to. We, like you just went in Germany, when you went to go see soccer there and you were like, there was maybe the greatest experience of my life. It was so different than here. So I think getting to see culturally just the. Just the different ways everyone enjoys it is really cool, for sure.

[B]

I will say this. This might be a controversial thing and maybe it doesn't have to do with this tournament at all, but if. If you don't drink because you don't want to drink or because something religious or you used to drink and now you quit, I mean, all the power to you. I love that. But I'm scared of this new generation who the whole generation doesn't drink. Because if you look at it really honestly, just be very honest. How are. Is all this coming together? How are the Scots partying with the Americans having the greatest time of their lives? How is the Koreans and Mexicans? What's the common denominator? What are they all doing?

[A]

You're saying they need to get lubed up.

[B]

They're all drinking. I'm just saying none of this happens without alcohol people. And I'm not promoting drinking. And I'm not saying don't drink if you don't drink. Awesome. I'm just worried about the next generation because I think there's going to be a World cup in 20. What year are we in right now? 2034. And the Scots are going to come and they're going to be like, well, we don't drink anymore. And the people from Boston be like, good, we don't either. What do you want to do? And, like, I don't know. And then it's done. There's none of this. There's none of this.

[A]

The good. But yeah, I'm just saying it is funny.

[B]

Just be totally honest with yourself. Alcohol, yes, it has caused a lot of problems, but it's caused a lot of good. And you've seen it the last 16 days. Alcohol's caused a lot of good.

[A]

Oh, a PSA. You'll never see that, John. Alcohol. It doesn't.

[B]

Until I'm the Prime Minister of Canada.

[A]

Yeah, that's a good. I like that. I like all your FIFA talking points. I like all your. I didn't know a lot of the things that he had just said because I was like, save it for the podcast. I don't know. I mean, we've been watching a lot and John's been watching more, of course, and then now we get to go to the game, which we'll report back on, which I can't wait for. But that was good. I didn't know a lot of those details.

[B]

Well, you're welcome.

[A]

Now, how are you feeling about our upcoming vacation on July 4th, we're headed to Cabo for a week, basically. Right. For our 10 year anniversary. I know that a lot of you know that we just put Zacapa recently and no, we don't normally go twice in a row this quickly, but the first time we went was for Chris Frangello's birthday. Even though he did.

[B]

We went to celebrate his birthday without him.

[A]

Yes. Which everyone. You guys know that story already. But we're going back for our anniversary. Four weeks. We'll do a lot of reading for my.

[B]

Hold on. For my 45th birthday, I would like Chris to go to Cabo and celebrate it. I'm not going, but I just. I would like him as a payback, I would like him to go to Cabo and celebrate my birthday.

[A]

That's a really funny idea. We should say we should write him tonight and go, hey, here, here's John's birthday dates. Book yourself a room at such and such hotel. And then he'll be like, oh, you guys gonna be there? No, we just want you to go. You go celebrate over John's birthday and pay for it.

[B]

We won't be there, but you celebrate my birthday over there.

[A]

But have a good time. No. What are you looking forward to it? Do you have, like, books lined up to read? What's your situation?

[B]

I am looking forward to it. I feel like it's coming up faster than I thought. I haven't even thought about it until the last few days when we started talking to our concierge about booking us our dinners and whatnot. And I am very much looking forward to it. I need to get. I need, I need a little vacation away from my life, which is a vacation.

[A]

It's not. You've been going back and forth a lot. You're in Seattle for that golf tournament, which I know isn't quote unquote work, but you're still representing the Seahawks. You've been going to Portland a bunch for, for all three of your teams. The, the Pickles, the Bangers and Cherry Bombs. And then when we get back from Cabo, you're going right Back to Portland for more pickles etc. And he's marrying people. In case you guys didn't know, in case you're in Portland. John is. They're trying to beat the record for the most people married during a baseball game. We don't know what the record is, do we?

[B]

No, we're just gonna make it up. Marriage. I think it's not a VAL renewals as well.

[A]

You could also, I think. Yeah, I think they opened it up to VAL renewals too. Just in case people were scared to have their wedding at Walker Stadium under the Portland Pickles.

[B]

I am licensed. It cost $50. I am licensed. But just as a backup, I'd probably go to city hall to make sure it's official. I would. I wouldn't quite trust the documents that I'm going to give you that I printed off my computer at home. Okay. I want. I want you to get really make sure that this is official.

[A]

So, yeah, I think it's official. I was official the same way you were. So now are you going to wear. What are you going to wear when you. So he can. He can either marry you or renew your vows like said, sign up@portlandpickles baseball.com. it's July 11, correct. We get back the 10th, and then he's leaving to go do that on the 11th. What are you gonna wear?

[B]

I've been debating that. I think I should just go full suit.

[A]

That's a suit. And like a. I feel like. Yeah, wear something. Pickles.

[B]

I know I was gonna wear like a pickles tank top and like dress pants or something, but I don't know what direction I should go with this.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

What do you think? Do you have any input on this?

[A]

I mean, I think that you should wear a suit to make it formal, but it's also Portland in July. It's been a little humid, a little warm.

[B]

Can I swear? Like a suit jacket with a pickles tank top underneath.

[A]

Well, can they make you a. You know how they have like the. The fake tux shirts? Can they make you one of those with, like, Dylan down the middle? Can't officially crank that out really fast.

[B]

Probably not.

[A]

Oh, well, it was a good idea. You have to admit.

[B]

It is a great idea.

[A]

Okay, so that's what you can do. July 11th. What else do you want to talk about, John?

[B]

This one I want to talk about. We. So I went. I did this security event the other day, and so these people pay the chair, the charity golf tournament. So these four sums, they pay like a ton of money. I Think they paid, like, 30 grand or something to play in this golf tournament. Then everyone gets, like, a player with them. And I played with these. These two men, these two women, and the one woman was, like, a huge fan of ours, and she's very excited, which was very nice. And so I went. And, like, whenever you do this stuff, whenever you go to dinners, like, in my position or your position, but especially, like, as an athlete for the last. I've been doing this for last 23 years, 25 years, including college, you really have to feel out your group. Does that make sense?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Like, I've gone to dinners before. When I was younger. I'm like, I'm getting drunk, and there's like, it's a Tuesday night, sir. You know, I mean, like, you have to, like, play to the people you're with. I've been a bowling tour. Like, if they want to do shots and have fun, I'm having shots and doing fun. And so I. I take that attitude all the time. And so I think that one of the women, which is very kind, and she was like, just wanted to party, but I was like, I'm gonna. I'm gonna wait for four holes and kind of see what this group wants to do. And then later, she's like, oh, it kind of took you. It was like, at first, you're kind of a bore. Took you a while to get going. I was like, well, like, I'm feeling you guys out a little bit. Yeah.

[A]

And also, I'm here representing the team. Like, I have to kind of go.

[B]

Even if you drink, you got to keep your shit together.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I was like, if there's this group gonna drink, are they gonna, like. No. You know what I mean? Like, you have to kind of play along with what they want to do.

[A]

Right. But you're also not the dancing monkey or whatever. Like, you're not like me here.

[B]

No, no, no. I'm saying if you go with a group and it's like a. This is. The tournament's on a Monday morning. And, you know, they're like, well, we're not drinking. I'm like, okay, yeah, obviously, I'm not. I'm not drinking either, dude. Like, we're just. We're talking politics. We're talking. Not politics. We're talking. We're talking football. Yeah. You know what I mean? You have to play along with what your group wants to do a little bit.

[A]

Right? So I did. You did?

[B]

So I had. I felt it out then after about the fourth hole, when they all had about three Drinks each. I was like, okay, this group wants a drink, so I'll have a couple drinks.

[A]

Did you have fun?

[B]

Yeah, it was fun. It was just.

[A]

You said it was a really beautiful place, right?

[B]

Oh, it was gorgeous. Yeah, it was a Cascadia Golf Club. There's like two golf courses. There's like right in the mountains. So it was just beautiful, beautiful day. And they. This tournament, like, they did it up like it was like a big deal, huge thing. But these tournaments also, they take seven hours. Like, seven hours of golfing is a long time.

[A]

It's a really long. How long?

[B]

I was golf with my buddy the other day. If you're in a private course, like 3:15. If you're in a public course, like 4:15 to 4:30. But this is like seven. All of seven hours to golf, which is like, oh, my God.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

Then there was an after party. And then there was a party. And there's an after party for the party, which I attended.

[A]

An after. After party.

[B]

35 minutes of the one party.

[A]

Yeah. John wrote me. He's like, listen, I. I went in. Wasn't for me. Everybody was drunk. Lots of like, more power to him. They spent the money to be here, but lots of people. Yeah. It's not for you now.

[B]

I went back to the bar and drank by myself. That's for me and you.

[A]

And you're watching some World cup, right? Yes. What is so. Sorry. Sorry. When it take. Why does it take seven hours? Because they have a thing at every hole, like, celebration.

[B]

Usually you'd have like one, maybe two foursomes at every hole. When you're going through a golf course

[A]

on a normal day, foursomes at every hole.

[B]

And now you have. You have two. Yeah, you have. Okay, you have two, five sums in every hole. So you just have like 36. You like 180 golfers on the course all at the same time. Shotgun star. And it just. It just takes forever because you're waiting. Sometimes you're waiting for 20 minutes to start of the hole. I think they had like 12 different bartenders, like 12 different bars on the course. They had food every third hole. They had just like everything. So everyone was drinking. Everyone. It was so ever. It was so fun. Everyone having fun. No one really cared that much about the golf, but it just made for a very long round.

[A]

Okay. Yeah, sounds like it.

[B]

I'll go back.

[A]

I know you will. You enjoy all those things.

[B]

And you were talking about our trip. You're talking about a trip to Cabo.

[A]

Yes. I was just saying if you're excited. I haven't really, like, stocked books. I will go ahead and tell you guys that I have picked the August pick, which I can't believe I'm saying August. Reminder that your July Patreon short story is the Replacement by Liv Constantine. We do those on the 15th of every month. And the 5th and the 25th. We do Brandon podcasts.

[B]

Liv or Liz?

[A]

Liv. Did I say Liz?

[B]

No, but I think I heard Liv.

[A]

I might have said Liz. Liv Constantine, the Replacement by Liv Constantin is your July Patreon short story. Your August pick for Sarah's regular. What is it called? Book lisp Psychological thriller is Gray After Dark by Noel Eiley. I H L I I made sure I googled her name three times, three different videos to make sure I said it right.

[B]

What's her name?

[A]

I was going to say Noelle. N O E L L E. My middle name's Noelle, but N O E L Hers is N O E L L Eiley I H L I It's called Gray After Dark. And I picked this because a really good I've read a book by hers that I really love called Ask for Andrea, but I didn't want to pick that because I had already read it and sometimes I do like doing ones I've already read. But now there's like a follow up to Ask for Andrea called I forget what, but people might be reading that if they already read as for Andrea. So I wanted to pick one that wasn't currently sort of like, I don't know, it's from 2024, so it's not super new and it's not super old. But I really like to Ask for Andrea, so I'm excited to read another book by her. It's got great reviews, lots of action on Goodreads. So Gray After Dark by Noel Eiley. It's going to be something we're reading together. It's a psychological series survival thriller about Miley, a biathlete whose Olympic dreams are shattered by an accident, leading her to take a job at a remote Idaho lodge where she is abducted by survivalists and must use her skills to escape captivity in the wilderness. Right up my fucking alley.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Wow. And it's inspired by a true story of Carrie Swenson. So I don't know that story, but I will Google it. I didn't know it was inspired by True Story until just now, to be honest. Actually, I think I saw that in some Goodreads Mem mentioned, but it is based on the real life of D abduction of Carrie Swenson. I don't know that story. So I will look for all of it. And I'm excited to read it, and I hope you guys are, too. And if you've read it already, just listen along with us or reread it and reread along with us and all the things. As you know, we don't do any full book spoilers until the end of every month, the last Monday of every month or the fourth Monday of every month. But that's the, that's August. We're on Summer Sisters by Judy Blum right now for July. That's where we're starting off next week, right?

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Very excited about that. Okay, that was a short and sweet little bonus Monday podcast, but do you have anything else to say, John?

[B]

No, I'm, I'm pumped for the World Cup. I'm pumped for our trip to Cabo, and I'm pumped to hang out with you after this.

[A]

We will check in on you guys from Cabo. And Yeah, on the 5th, that's the day after we get to Cabo. So we'll have a. That's a Patreon that we'll have up for you guys then. See you there or see you next Monday for the July kickoff. Talking about topics inspired by Summer Sisters. But no spoiler until the last week.

[B]

I already got a lot of topics.

[A]

Perfect. Okay, we'll see you next week.

[B]

Bye.

[A]

The book list, the book lisp. The book list, the book lisp. The book lisp.