Podcast Summary: The Commercial Break – "Whip It This Thanksgiving!"

Release Date: November 27, 2024

Hosts: Bryan Green & Kristen Joy Hoadley
Title: Whip It This Thanksgiving!
Description: In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, Bryan and Kristen delve into their personal holiday experiences, societal issues surrounding food and obesity, the impact of media portrayals of extreme obesity, festive traditions, and current events related to media personalities and social platforms. True to their improv-comedy and candid style, the hosts blend humor with critical insights, making for an engaging and thought-provoking listen.

1. Commitment to Holiday Episodes

The episode kicks off with Bryan announcing their decision to continue producing new episodes throughout the holiday season, emphasizing their dedication despite the busy time.

Bryan Green [02:33]: "We are going to be producing brand new episodes of The Commercial Break this entire holiday season."

2. Thanksgiving Meal Disasters and Turkey Troubles

Bryan and Kristen share their mutual dislike for turkey, recounting past Thanksgiving mishaps, including food poisoning experiences. Bryan humorously laments his failed attempts at cooking turkey, highlighting the shift from traditional to alternative holiday meals.

Bryan Green [13:13]: "This year we are braving the wilds yet again. We are going back to the traditional Thanksgiving meal and we will see how it all works out."

3. Reflections on "My 600 Pound Life" and Obesity in America

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the reality show "My 600 Pound Life." Bryan critically analyzes the portrayal of obesity, attributing it to factors like the accessibility of cheap, high-calorie foods and societal issues. He underscores the complexities behind extreme obesity, moving beyond mere body shaming to address deeper psychological and economic factors.

Bryan Green [07:34]: "Here's the shame on us as a society is that we have allowed the big industrial food complex here in America to get us to a point where you don't have to have a lot of money to fill your belly with thousands and thousands of empty calories a day."

4. Thanksgiving Festivities: Parades and "Best in Show"

The hosts discuss traditional Thanksgiving events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the AKC Kennel Club's "Best in Show." Bryan humorously connects these festivities to the iconic mockumentary film "Best in Show," appreciating its comedic take on dog competitions.

Kristen Joy Hoadley [17:31]: "It is very festive."

Bryan Green [19:53]: "It's just really funny to me. Oh, that movie comedy."

5. Conspiracy Theories and Media Critique: Alex Jones and The Onion

Bryan delves into the recent acquisition of Infowars by The Onion following Alex Jones's extensive legal troubles. He critiques Alex Jones's reputation as a conspiracy theorist and discusses the broader implications of misinformation.

Bryan Green [27:00]: "Alex Jones is a noted conspiracy theorist... He has Infowars. He is this guy who claimed that some of these school shootings were simply black flag attacks."

Kristen Joy Hoadley [30:42]: "I can't wait."

6. Social Media and Platform Decisions

The conversation shifts to the deplatforming of The Commercial Break from Facebook. Bryan expresses frustration with the platform, labeling it as ineffective and cluttered with bots and irrelevant content, thereby explaining their decision to focus their energies elsewhere.

Kristen Joy Hoadley [32:43]: "Like we've been posting there anyway."

Bryan Green [32:50]: "We are no longer on Facebook."

7. Personal Anecdotes on Nitrous Oxide and Whippets

Bryan shares personal stories from his past involving the misuse of nitrous oxide (whippets) obtained from whipped cream cans. He reflects on the dangers and regrets associated with this behavior, highlighting a moment of self-pride in overcoming the habit.

Bryan Green [34:19]: "I was so proud of myself because I was like, nah, you're too old for that, Brian. You got kids now. You don't need to do that."

8. A Civic Presentation Gone Awry

A standout segment features Bryan recounting his experience attending a school civic presentation where the mayor delivered a highly partisan and inappropriate speech. The mayor's rant about the influence of technology and the assertion of religious values in a non-parochial school setting left Bryan and attendees uncomfortable.

Bryan Green [46:33]: "I felt that it was completely inappropriate... It drove me up a wall."

Kristen Joy Hoadley [55:42]: "Jeez."

9. Closing Thoughts and Final Insights

As the episode winds down, Bryan and Kristen wrap up their discussions with reflections on the ongoing holiday season, blending humor with their characteristic candidness. They encourage listeners to engage with their content across various platforms and hint at upcoming episodes continuing through the holidays.

Kristen Joy Hoadley [61:40]: "Best to you."

Bryan Green [61:42]: "Best to you out there in the podcast universe."

Notable Quotes:

• Bryan Green [07:34]: "Here's the shame on us as a society is that we have allowed the big industrial food complex here in America to get us to a point where you don't have to have a lot of money to fill your belly with thousands and thousands of empty calories a day."

• Bryan Green [27:00]: "Alex Jones is a noted conspiracy theorist... He has Infowars. He is this guy who claimed that some of these school shootings were simply black flag attacks."

• Bryan Green [34:19]: "I was so proud of myself because I was like, nah, you're too old for that, Brian. You got kids now. You don't need to do that."

• Bryan Green [46:33]: "I felt that it was completely inappropriate... It drove me up a wall."

Conclusion:

"Whip It This Thanksgiving!" offers a blend of personal anecdotes, societal critiques, and humorous takes on holiday traditions. Bryan and Kristen navigate through heavy topics like obesity and misinformation while maintaining their signature comedic flair, providing listeners with both entertainment and insightful commentary.