Stay Cool, Geek

In this conversation, the hosts delve into the complexities of midlife crises, particularly focusing on the dynamics of neighborhood parties and social interactions. They explore the reluctance many feel towards attending such gatherings, the awkwardness of small talk, and the challenges of connecting with neighbors. The discussion also touches on the importance of socialization for mental health, the avoidance of controversial topics, and the role of music in creating a welcoming atmosphere at social events. In this lively conversation, the hosts delve into the nuances of social gatherings, from curating the perfect party playlist to navigating food choices and awkward conversations. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences at parties, discussing everything from the importance of hygiene in food presentation to the art of exiting a conversation gracefully. The discussion also touches on the complexities of male greetings, the struggle with remembering names, and the challenges of socializing in

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the current state of the DC film and TV universe, focusing on recent releases like Joker 2 and upcoming projects under James Gunn's leadership. They explore the implications of box office performances, casting choices, and the overall direction of the DC franchise, while comparing it to Marvel's success. The discussion also touches on audience expectations and the future of iconic characters like Batman and Superman.   00:00 The State of the DC Universe 02:55 Joker 2 and Its Impact 05:57 James Gunn's Leadership and Future of DC 08:59 The Green Lantern Series 12:00 Casting Choices and Character Development 15:01 Comparing DC and Marvel 18:02 The Future of Batman in the DC Universe 21:12 Audience Expectations and Box Office Realities 23:55 Final Thoughts on DC's Direction

In this episode, Coop and Derek delve into their shared experiences with music, baseball, and the iconic film 'Field of Dreams.' They explore the emotional connections tied to the film, the impact of family traditions in collecting, and the nostalgia associated with their youth. The conversation also touches on the significance of memorable performances and how these experiences shape their perspectives on life and relationships. In this engaging conversation, Derek and Coop reflect on their memorable experiences at the Field of Dreams, celebrating Derek's 18th birthday with friends and the unexpected encounter with author William Kinsella. They explore themes of nostalgia, the magic of coincidences, and the emotional connections tied to family and baseball. The discussion also touches on the significance of creating lasting memories and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones as they navigate the complexities of life and legacy. 00:00 Introduction and Musical Disagreements 02:59 The Emotional Co

In this engaging conversation, Coop and Derek reminisce about their most memorable concerts, sharing personal stories and insights about the artists that shaped their musical journeys. They discuss the emotional connections formed through live music, the significance of first concerts, and the impact of iconic performances. The conversation also touches on the evolution of bands, the importance of shared experiences, and the challenges of capturing moments through photography at concerts. With humor and nostalgia, they reflect on their past experiences while looking forward to future concerts and the memories yet to be made. 00:00 Concert Memories: A Journey Through Time 03:01 Defining Memorable Concerts 06:01 First Concert Experiences 08:49 Influential Artists and Their Impact 12:00 The Power of Live Music 14:58 Concert Etiquette and Experiences 18:12 Unique Concert Experiences 20:58 The Emotional Connection to Music 23:58 Podcasting and Music Conversations 26:48 The Importance of Shared Experiences 29:52 Me

In this engaging conversation, Coop and Derek explore the nuances of friendship, midlife transitions, and the vibrant world of music fandom. They reflect on their long-standing friendship, the challenges of navigating midlife crises, and the joy of attending concerts. The discussion delves into the identity tied to music fandom, particularly the dynamics between different fan bases, such as Phish and Ween. Additionally, they touch on the complexities of parenting in the digital age, emphasizing the balance between guidance and independence for their children. 00:00 Reconnecting with Old Friends 03:03 Navigating Midlife Changes 06:04 The Concert Experience 08:58 Music Fandom and Identity 12:00 The Phish vs. Ween Debate 15:00 Parenting in the Digital Age

In this conversation, the hosts discuss their collections of cards, comics, and action figures. They introduce a new segment called ‘Five Cards, Five Comics, Five Figs’ where they each share five items from their respective collections. They also discuss the prices and value of these items. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss their recent purchases of collectible items, including action figures and trading cards. They talk about the appeal of specific characters and the potential value of these items in the future. They also touch on the debate surrounding the first appearance of certain characters in comic books. The hosts express their opinions on the possibility of a Gambit movie and the popularity of the character. Overall, they share their excitement for collecting and the nostalgia associated with these items. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss their favorite collectibles and hobbies, including action figures, trading cards, and concerts. They talk about the value

In this conversation, Coop and Weasel discuss Weasel's experience opening a box of Star Wars cards and hoping to get a valuable autograph. Weasel explains the concept of hits in card collecting and the excitement of finding rare cards. He shares his disappointment when he receives an autograph from a relatively unknown actor instead of a major Star Wars character. The conversation highlights the gambling aspect of card collecting and the unpredictability of the hobby. In this conversation, Weasel shares his experience opening Star Wars Chrome cards and getting multiple Clem Andor autograph cards, which he finds disappointing. He decides to open another box and miraculously gets another Clem Andor autograph card. Weasel then discusses his plan to complete the base set and sell the duplicates and parallel cards. Coop shares his recent experience buying a collection of comics and toys from a fellow reseller. He talks about the challenges of making quick decisions and the importance of being friendly with other r

In this conversation, Coop and Bart discuss the upcoming Universal theme park, Epic Universe, and their excitement for the different themed areas, including Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and Universal Monsters. They share their favorite classic monsters and their love for Halloween Horror Nights. They also touch on other Halloween events like Knott's Scary Farm and Six Flags Fright Fest. 00:00 Introduction and Surprise at Universal's Epic Universe 01:22 Exploring the Themed Areas 10:46 Anticipation for Universal Monsters Land 19:09 Expectations for the Design of the Monsters 21:52 Excitement for Halloween Events 23:41 Discussion of Other Halloween Events

In this conversation, Coop and Bart discuss their top five attractions at Epcot. They share their personal preferences and memories associated with each attraction. The attractions mentioned include Living with the Land, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Test Track, Spaceship Earth, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. They also briefly mention other attractions like Soarin' and Grand Fiesta Tour. The conversation ends with a discussion about Universal's Epic Universe theme park.

The conversation revolves around the theme park news announced at D23. The main topics discussed include the new attractions and lands coming to Disney theme parks, such as the tropical theme land in Animal Kingdom, the Monsters Inc. Land in Hollywood Studios, and the villains land in Magic Kingdom. The hosts also express their opinions on the lack of theming in recent Disney attractions, particularly in Galaxy’s Edge. They compare Disney’s approach to Universal’s fan service and discuss the importance of original storytelling. In this conversation, Coop and Bart discuss various topics related to Disney theme parks, including Star Wars, Villains Land, and the Muppets. They express their disappointment with the Star Wars sequels and the missed opportunities in Galaxy’s Edge. They also discuss the potential for a Villains Land and the need for more immersive experiences in the parks. The conversation touches on the upcoming Avengers campus and the possibility of the Muppets being removed from the parks. They en

In this conversation, Coop and Bart discuss Bart's recent ADHD diagnosis and how it has affected his life. They also talk about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and their changing opinions on Epcot at Disney World. Bart reflects on his love for Epcot despite his disappointment with recent changes. He feels a strong emotional connection to the park, especially Spaceship Earth, which reminds him of his grandfather. Coop shares a similar sentiment, as his youngest child insists on riding Spaceship Earth with him. They discuss the unique and odd aspects of Epcot, such as the World Showcase and Club Cool. Bart recommends visiting the Morocco Pavilion and trying the Casa beer and slushy drink. They also mention the Mexico Pavilion and its special drink. They dismiss the criticism of adults enjoying Disney without children and encourage embracing one's own enjoyment. 00:00 Introduction and Midlife Crisis 04:01 Anxiety During the Pandemic 08:02 Changing Opinions on Epcot 12:57 Embracing Change and Growt

The conversation revolves around Coop’s experience hosting a garage sale and Weasel’s tactics for buying collectibles at garage sales. Coop shares his strategy of advertising the garage sale as a comic book sale and targeting serious comic book buyers. He also discusses the importance of building anticipation and using various online platforms for advertising. Weasel shares his tactics for negotiating prices at garage sales, including asking about other items before negotiating for the item he really wants. They also discuss the dynamics of garage sale interactions and the camaraderie among collectors. Weasel also shares his approach to buying sports cards and collectibles, focusing on specific players and prospects. In this conversation, Coop and Weasel discuss their experiences with buying and selling collectibles, including sports cards and comic books. They talk about their strategies for finding valuable items at garage sales and conventions, as well as their successes and failures in investing in collec

In this conversation, Coop and Weasel discuss the topic of grading collectibles, specifically sports cards, comics, and action figures. They cover the main grading companies, such as PSA, CGC, and AFA, and explain the purpose of grading as a way to establish the value and authenticity of collectibles. They also discuss the factors that go into grading, such as condition, centering, and print quality. The conversation touches on the cost of grading, the importance of getting valuable items graded, and the potential risks of counterfeiting and alteration. They also briefly mention the grading of other items like VHS tapes and video games. The conversation concludes with a discussion on buying and selling collectibles, including fair market value and the percentage resellers typically pay for collections. 00:00 The Purpose and Process of Grading Collectibles 01:49 The Main Grading Companies 03:01 Factors Considered in Grading Collectibles  05:12 The Cost and Value of Grading  06:41 Risks 10:26 Grading Other Item

The conversation covers various topics including current interests, Game of Thrones, action figures, the Brat Pack, and personal reflections. The hosts discuss their current interests, including TV shows like House of the Dragon and Earthworm Jim. They also talk about their preferences for action figure brands and their disappointment with the quality of recent figures. The conversation then shifts to the Brat Pack and the documentary about them, with a focus on Andrew McCarthy's perspective. They also touch on the idea of reflecting on past decisions and the possibility of moving to different locations.

During the conversation, the hosts discuss the top three things they did during COVID. They talk about hobbies and activities they picked up, such as baking, golfing, and smoking meats. They also mention their involvement in selling action figures, writing screenplays, and collecting and selling sports cards and comic books. The hosts share their experiences and the joy they find in these side hustles. They also touch on the challenges and interactions they’ve had with people in these communities. 00:00 Exploring New Hobbies and Activities During COVID 08:20 Finding Joy and Purpose in Side Hustles 19:21 Building Communities 23:55 Challenges and Fulfillment in Side Hustles

The big news of the week is the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The hosts have mixed reactions to this news, with one being excited and the other being skeptical. They discuss the potential storyline and how RDJ’s return could work. They also talk about the challenges of making a good Fantastic Four movie and the difficulty of portraying a stretchy superhero. Overall, they express their interest in seeing how the Russo brothers handle the film and the rest of the cast. 00:00 Robert Downey Jr. Cast as Dr. Doom 03:00 The Potential Storyline 06:43 Casting Choices 09:03 Confusion and Apathy Towards the MCU 10:48 Excitement for the Russo Brothers 11:16 Lack of Confidence in the Fantastic Four Reboot  13:40 Track Record of Fantastic Four Movies 14:31 The Difficulty of Portraying a Stretchy Superhero 1 15:37 The Challenge of Making a Good Fantastic Four Movie

In this conversation, Coop, Hod, and Weasel discuss Hod’s midlife crisis and his passion for collecting action figures. They talk about Hod’s involvement in a band, his recent purchases, and the emotional attachment he has to certain figures. They also touch on topics like the controversy between cloth and plastic accessories, the value of action figures, and the reactions of others to Hod’s collection. The conversation ends with a discussion about a nine-foot animatronic werewolf Hod recently acquired.  00:00 Introduction and Jad’s Midlife Crisis 02:34 Jad's Recent Purchases and Emotional Attachment 06:06 Cloth vs Plastic Accessories 09:45 The Extent of Jad's Action Figure Collection 1 13:28 The Shift to Preordering and Scalping 17:29 Reactions to Jad's Collection

Welcome to Stay Cool, Geek. How’s your mid-life crisis going? Are you running around aimlessly trying to dodge all the various daily challenges that come at you, out of nowhere, and with no end in sight? We’re in an looping Robotron 2084 simulation. And as we try endlessly to be the hero of our own story, helping those around us and ourselves- all we really want to do is dig through an old box of comic books, play some online games with friends, watch a mindless movie, go to a convention, or see an old band that’s past their prime relive their glory for two hours underneath the falling sun with someone next to us that gets us. If that sounds like you, welcome. Welcome to Stay Cool, Geek. -CooperstownKurt aka “Coop:”