You Should Know Podcast – Episode 173: "THE MAN IN THE WOODS!"

Release Date: July 14, 2025
Host: Peyton Hardin
Co-Host: Cameron Kennedy
Produced by: Wood Elf Media

1. Welcome and Tour Announcements [00:51 – 02:28]

Peyton Hardin opens Episode 173 with enthusiasm, expressing gratitude towards their nearly 900,000 listeners and sharing exciting news about their upcoming tour. The co-host, Cameron Kennedy, rejoins the studio, bringing back the familiar dynamic that fans cherish. Peyton announces their first international show in Toronto, Canada, marking the duo's first venture outside U.S. soil. They also tease their plans to traverse the entire East Coast, emphasizing their eagerness to connect with listeners face-to-face.

Notable Quote:
Peyton [02:27]: "In two days we'll be doing our first international show. We are going to Toronto, Canada, Ontario, Canada."

2. Personal Check-In and Banter [02:28 – 06:18]

The hosts engage in light-hearted banter, discussing their weeks and reminiscing about past episodes. The conversation shifts to the topic of February being the "best" month, leading to a playful debate. Cameron argues that February is the worst month due to its short length and typically poor weather in Texas, while Peyton counters by highlighting its significance with Black History Month and Valentine's Day.

Notable Quote:
Cameron [05:50]: "February is the worst month."
Peyton [05:29]: "Can I make a case of why February is the best month?"

3. Tipping Housekeepers Debate [30:04 – 33:27]

A significant portion of the episode delves into a humorous yet thought-provoking discussion about tipping housekeepers in hotels. Peyton shares a personal fear stemming from frequent interactions with housekeepers during hotel stays on tour, pondering the security implications of their access. This leads to a broader debate on the ethics and practicality of tipping small change versus larger sums.

Notable Quotes:
Peyton [32:25]: "They're doing it easy, bro."
Cameron [33:16]: "You're on the record saying you don't like change. You don't want change."

4. Scary Childhood Story: "The Man in the Woods" [64:03 – 70:21]

Cameron recounts a harrowing childhood experience where he and his friends were chased by a man wielding a hatchet in the woods after hearing a girl's scream. The tale is vivid, describing the fear and adrenaline as they attempted to escape. This story adds a suspenseful and personal touch to the episode, showcasing the hosts' ability to blend humor with genuine life experiences.

Notable Quote:
Cameron [66:58]: "He has a hatchet in his hand, and he's running after us with a hatchet. And we're like, I don't know if we were trying to be just like, whatever, but we were just like."

5. Pickleball Conspiracy Theory [54:11 – 63:02]

In a humorous twist, Peyton introduces a wild conspiracy theory suggesting that the sport of pickleball was created by Big Pharma to target the elderly, leading to increased insurance sales through injuries. The duo debates the origins and explosive popularity of pickleball, with Peyton insisting on its manufactured surge while Cameron counters with practical observations about its genuine growth and appeal.

Notable Quotes:
Peyton [56:02]: "Pickleball is big pharma."
Cameron [58:43]: "They literally sat there with their tin foils and their little finger strings pulling the world. They made pickleball?"

6. Food Challenges and Live Show Antics [73:34 – 89:55]

The hosts transition into discussing various restaurant food challenges, evaluating their feasibility and sharing their reluctance to participate. They spotlight challenges like the Big Texan Steak Ranch's 72-ounce steak challenge and Natalie's Thai Cuisine's "Inferno Bowl," emphasizing the extreme nature of these feats and their incompatibility with their eating habits.

Amidst the discussion, Peyton shares humorous anecdotes from live shows, including mishaps like accidentally hitting microphones with teeth and wardrobe malfunctions involving tight pants. These stories highlight the chaotic yet entertaining aspects of touring, fostering a relatable connection with their audience.

Notable Quote:
Peyton [77:00]: "How many gallons is that?"
Cameron [81:39]: "Every time y' all drive past a pickleball court and you see a little old white lady, look at her and she'll be a lizard. I'm telling you, she's gonna see."

7. Community Engagement and Patreon Highlights [75:04 – 92:16]

Peyton and Cameron encourage listeners to engage with their growing community on Patreon, showcasing how fans have formed groups that attend live shows together. They emphasize the strength and camaraderie within their Patreon community, sharing stories of meetups and collective experiences that enhance the podcast's familial feel.

Additionally, the hosts invite listeners to recommend local food challenges for future tour stops, promising to feature and attempt the most intriguing suggestions. This segment underscores their commitment to interactive and audience-driven content.

Notable Quote:
Peyton [91:03]: "If your cities have a food challenge, an infamous spot, something that there's a hall of fame, whatever. Tag us. Put in the comments. DM it to us."

8. Wrap-Up and Final Remarks [89:55 – 90:03]

As the episode nears its conclusion, Peyton and Cameron reiterate their excitement for upcoming shows and express heartfelt gratitude towards their audience. They tease future content, including exclusive Patreon material, and encourage continued support and participation from their listeners.

Notable Quote:
Cameron [92:16]: "Confuse the casuals, get your good karma. We absolutely love you, Toronto."

Conclusion

Episode 173 of the "You Should Know Podcast" offers a blend of humor, personal storytelling, and engaging debates, all anchored by the genuine friendship between Peyton Hardin and Cameron Kennedy. From discussing the quirky rise of pickleball to recounting childhood fears and navigating the logistics of touring, the hosts provide listeners with an entertaining and relatable experience. Their commitment to building a strong community and involving their audience ensures that each episode remains fresh and interactive.

Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, Episode 173 delivers a rich tapestry of conversations that highlight why Peyton and Cameron's dynamic continues to captivate nearly a million subscribers.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Peyton [02:27]: "In two days we'll be doing our first international show. We are going to Toronto, Canada, Ontario, Canada."
• Cameron [05:50]: "February is the worst month."
• Peyton [05:29]: "Can I make a case of why February is the best month?"
• Cameron [32:25]: "They're doing it easy, bro."
• Peyton [33:16]: "You're on the record saying you don't like change. You don't want change."
• Cameron [66:58]: "He has a hatchet in his hand, and he's running after us with a hatchet. And we're like, I don't know if we were trying to be just like, whatever, but we were just like."
• Peyton [56:02]: "Pickleball is big pharma."
• Cameron [58:43]: "They literally sat there with their tin foils and their little finger strings pulling the world. They made pickleball?"
• Peyton [91:03]: "If your cities have a food challenge, an infamous spot, something that there's a hall of fame, whatever. Tag us. Put in the comments. DM it to us."
• Cameron [92:16]: "Confuse the casuals, get your good karma. We absolutely love you, Toronto."