Podcast Summary: The Nightly

Episode: Ever Seen Anyone Look Cool With a Backpack?

Date: January 13, 2026
Host: Mat (A) & KP (B), Hatch Podcasts

Main Theme & Purpose

This cozy late-night episode finds Mat and KP riffing on quirky inventions and the universally awkward look of backpacks. Set in the relaxed, slumber-party atmosphere typical of "The Nightly," the conversation takes listeners through pop culture references, humorous pitches for new products, and playful banter—all designed to help you unwind, smile, and ease into sleep.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Travel Tales and Regional Chains

• Mat and KP compare local chain food experiences.
  • KP recounts the comfort of familiar East Coast favorites like Dunkin’ Donuts during a recent trip home (01:16).
  • Mat reflects on how, unlike the U.S., the UK's food and drink culture doesn’t vary much between towns (01:29).

2. The Perils of Exclusive Comedy Gigs

• Mat shares a story of performing in a strange, posh London restaurant.
  • Uncertainty and a suspiciously intimidating doorman set up an almost comically tense entry (02:04–02:39).
  • KP jokes about the idea of a robber in a ski mask stealing Mat’s joke book and becoming famous, complete with disguise (03:05).

3. Dragon’s Den vs. Shark Tank

• The hosts discuss the origins of these entrepreneurial TV shows.
  • A lighthearted debate about whether the British "Dragon’s Den" or U.S. "Shark Tank" is the better name and concept (04:00–04:49).
  • Memorable quote: “I do think Dragon’s Den is...the better title.” – Mat (04:19).

4. Half-Baked Invention Ideas

KP’s “Paint Gutter” (Painting Innovations)

• Frustration with painting home walls breeds a bold “gutter” idea to speed up coverage: pour paint straight down the wall, with a gutter at the bottom to collect the excess (06:37–08:28).
• Mat acts as the “fixer,” suggesting a gutter at the top, not the bottom, for more even coverage (09:14–09:39).
• The comedic spiral continues, with KP’s willingness to offload the idea, and Mat poking holes in its practicality, i.e., mess, waste, and paint thickness concerns (08:01–12:10).
• Quote: “I do not like this idea. Guys, take this off my hands. Please, someone buy this so I do not have to think about this one anymore.” – KP (08:05)

KP’s “Subscription Paint Kits”

• An idea for “pigment boosters” to extend leftover paint; could come as a monthly subscription, resulting in a glut of paint chores (11:31).

“Oil Jello Shots” (Disposing of Cooking Oil)

• Commentary on thickening oil with store-bought packets, and the realization it’s probably just gelatin—leading to the silly notion of “oil jello shots” (13:02–14:20).

Mat’s “Backjack” (Backpack-Jacket Hybrid)

• Main pitch: The episode’s title question launches Mat’s big idea.
  • Pitch: Most people never look cool in a backpack and weight distribution is bad for posture (15:00–15:50).
  • Enter the “Backjack”: a stylish overcoat/peacoat/trench with built-in, distributed storage (15:55–16:23).
  • KP approves, noting how modern tech is smaller and backpacks are outdated (16:24–17:52).
  • Ideally water-resistant, comes in various designs/colors, possibly even with hidden umbrella slots (17:10–17:26).
  • Humorous suggestions expand it into all sorts of clothing, even “swimwear with laptop pockets and bath mats with secure storage” (19:01–19:40).
  • Quote: “Oh, look, I’ve got a whole ham. How are you gonna take it home? Put it in the Backjack.” – Mat (21:02)

5. The Art of Ruining Good Ideas

• KP delightfully trashes Mat’s sound pitch with deliberately unworkable “bath mat storage” (19:01–20:10).
• Mat plays along, joking about “Backmat–insurance” for ruined laptops, and the progression: “There is no such thing as a bad idea… do you know what, KP? I take it all back.” (20:10–20:22).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [03:05] KP: "It'd be kinda nice if a robber in a ski mask stole your joke book. And then later you see him still in the ski mask, just sort of getting famous off of all your jokes."
• [04:19] Mat: “I do think Dragon’s Den is... the better title.”
• [08:05] KP: “I do not like this idea. Guys, take this off my hands.”
• [13:02] KP: "They sell these packets... it makes it into like a big hunk of, you know, gooey, solid. And then you can just throw that in the trash."
• [15:16] Mat: "Have you ever seen anyone look cool with a backpack?"
• [21:02] Mat: "'Oh, look, I've got a whole ham. How are you gonna take it home? Put it in the Backjack."
• [20:10] Mat: "There is no such thing as a bad idea." and then: "Do you know what, kp? I take it all back. There is such thing as bad ideas."
• [21:52] B: "I really like that. I'll invest a million in that. It's been burning a hole in my pocket anyway, this million. So I'm happy to give it away."
• [22:27] B: "I'm investing a million dollars into my sleep right now. I'll talk to you next time."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro, travel stories: 00:41–01:44
• Comedy gig & suspicious restaurant: 01:48–03:01
• Shark Tank/Dragon’s Den discussion: 04:00–05:07
• Parlour games and TV show adaptations: 05:07–05:46
• Business ideas segment starts: 06:08
• KP’s half-baked painting inventions: 06:37–12:10
• Oil jello shots tangent: 13:02–14:20
• Mat’s “Backjack” pitch: 15:00–17:26
• Deliberate “ruining” with bathmat storage: 19:01–20:10
• Expanding the concept—festivals, swimwear: 21:09–21:40
• Wrap-up & goodnights: 22:27–22:34

Overall Tone & Language

The episode is playful, dry, and gently self-mocking. The hosts lean into brainstorming silly but oddly practical solutions, trading affectionate roasts and imaginative rabbit holes. The conversation is punctuated with UK and US pop culture nods, and it feels like a friendly brainstorm gone astray—perfectly in step with the Nightly’s mellow, cozy vibe.

For Listeners Who Haven't Tuned In

You’ll emerge with a smile, a longing for a Backjack, and possibly a lingering suspicion that there really are bad invention ideas—but they’re fun to dream up with friends before bed.