John Branyan's Comedy Sojourn Podcast

In this episode of the Riff Session, we engage in a light-hearted conversation that spans various topics, including our upcoming trip to Madagascar, cultural exchanges during mission trips, and humorous discussions about classic monsters like vampires and werewolves. We also touch on survival strategies in a zombie apocalypse and share our experiences with extreme weather and ice fishing. In this engaging conversation, we explore various themes ranging from seasonal activities and childhood memories to the humorous aspects of pain and the science of humor measurement. We share personal anecdotes about winter activities, school seasons, and encounters with fire ants, leading to a discussion on the Schmidt Pain Index and the nature of humor in everyday life. The conversation culminates in a humorous critique of advertising, particularly focusing on Palmolive commercials and the absurdity of using dishwashing liquid for hand care.

Hey, Neighbor! Don't mind The Podcast Ninja, with one foot out the door.  He would much rather be watching the Pacers Game 7 than sitting at the table.  (And, truly, he has done a LOT of communicating this week, so he has earned it.) Shout out to the China Compass podcast on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! Luke and Missionary Ben recorded their Final Game predictions and have plans to recap the whole series soon. Next:  Women in basketball. Is it a good thing to "have each other's back" by beating the crap out of your opponents?  Nobody condones violence... but they totally do! Finally:  Are women actually more LOYAL to their tribe than men?  Luke isn't convinced. But C.S. Lewis once wrote about the "intense family patriotism" of the wife/mother...   Contact The Comedian, John Branyan, by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com    

Hey, Neighbor! Hand things to babies when you want them to fling them to the floor.  Next, congratulations to the protesters for braving the flood and keeping all the kings away from America. Later, Michael Tate of the Newsboys issued a public apologiy for grievous sin.  Why do we keep getting surprised by celebrity culture producing these sorts of scandals?    In a similar vein, what would cause a teenager to tag along with his irresponsible buddies on spring break to Panama City?  Maybe it's the same lack-of-thought when a boy makes a pass at a girl who's engaged? Make sure you stay at least long enough to hear John sing about Captain Crunch... Contact the the Comedian John Branyan on the Fight Laugh Feast network by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com.  

In this engaging conversation, we explore themes of performance anxiety, the challenges of gardening, and the unexpected lessons we've learned from both. We share humorous anecdotes about our experiences with plants and dive into the unique foods we've encountered across different states, all while emphasizing the importance of perseverance and creativity. We also delve into the quirky and often bizarre world of regional dishes across the United States. We explore unique food names, the origins of strange culinary combinations, and engage in humorous debates about what qualifies as 'weird' food. From discussing the infamous cotton candy burrito to the peculiarities of southern cuisine, our dialogue is packed with laughter and insightful commentary on food culture. Later, we explore various culinary delights and local eateries in Indiana, including the oddities of gravy bread, the infamous Cone Palace, and the upscale Italian spot Posterific. We share funny stories from our childhood, reflecting on nostalgic e

Hey, neighbor, go listen to Luke and Missionary Ben on the China Compass podcast! (Ben is a fellow podcaster on the Fight Laugh Feast Network!)  Ben and Luke have a chat about basketball that never would have happened if Ben hadn't invited Luke to host his podcast... Then: Luke recaps the NBA finals game that made him leap out of his chair.  And 9-year-old Emmi has been wondering whether marriage is really worth the steep cost... Later:  John shares the MAJOR mistake that all of his comedy-writing students always make. (Spoilers: they only brainstorm 2 or 3 associations intead of hundreds. You need HUNDREDS!)  Let us share a couple more examples of hilarious associations made by beloved family members. Do you have a question or comment for Comedian John Branyan or his (probably even more hilarious) family?  Email us at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com . 

In this engaging conversation, we explore various themes including musical practice, insights from the Christian Comedy Association, the quirks of surveillance work, and the importance of making wise choices in life. We also discuss the value of listening to podcasts over other distractions and delve into humorous discussions about everyday items like a propane torch kit and Quaker Oats. Our conversation is filled with laughter, insights, and a light-hearted approach to serious topics. In this episode, we engage in a humorous and insightful discussion about various topics, including the challenges of weeding, the debate over all-purpose tools, the claims of broom technology, and the evolution of playground equipment. We explore the practicality and effectiveness of different tools while infusing our conversation with wit and banter. In this conversation, we explore various themes related to technology, communication, and cultural references. We discuss how technology is portrayed in media, particularly in sci

Neighbor, do you have ANY idea what sort of sports they're getting into Over the Pond?  Let us tell you... Then, PDA--but not public displays of affection.  This is a super mysterious neurological problem where people don't like being told what to do.  Later: Have you seen the movie "Rounders" with Matt Damon.  It's either a brillian tragedy or the worst movie ever made.  Write to tell us which you think it is.   (Also--when was the last time you saw someone reading a physical newspaper?)   Contact John Branyan, the Comedian, at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com . 

Man, we had a blast diving into this chat about robotics, AI, and all that nostalgic stuff that just hits us right in the feels. We were cracking up, talking about how robots and AI are sneaking into our everyday lives—think self-driving cars or that Roomba zipping around our floors. We got to joking about what the future’s gonna look like with all this tech, laughing about how we might end up arguing with our toasters someday. And those old commercials? Oh man, we were losing it, swapping memories of jingles that still live rent-free in our heads. Then we went full-on memory lane, swapping stories about the quirky origins of peanut butter and our love for snacks like Oreos—yep, we’re the ones twisting ‘em apart for that creamy center. It got us thinking about how food, especially cookies, shaped our childhood vibes, like sharing one was a total power move at school. We even chuckled about the physics of food collisions, picturing cookies crumbling in epic lunchroom battles. We w

Our real-life friend Kyrsti is at the table today, Neighbor! Is there any substitute for Real Life Community?  The answer is NO!  But we spend 50 minutes talking about why... Also, the PodNinja found a video that proves we were too hard on him last week. Listen as he brings more evidence to prove we ARE in the middle of a cultural shift, by golly! Email the Comedian's family (and friends!) at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com

In this episode, we engage in a humorous and insightful conversation that begins with our light-hearted cover of the theme song. We delve into the surprising topic of George Washington's ponytail, exploring historical hairstyles and their significance. We then shift to discussing Washington's strict rules of civility, particularly regarding punctuality and manners for guests. Finally, we tackle the absurdity of modern food definitions, particularly tacos, highlighting how the meaning of food items has evolved over time. Our episode blends humor with historical insights, making for an entertaining and thought-provoking listen. In our lively conversation, we delve into the complexities of food identity, particularly focusing on tacos and their various interpretations. We explore the cultural nuances of Mexican cuisine, the impact of American adaptations, and the humorous misunderstandings that arise from culinary terminology. We also touch on the painful experiences associated with hygiene products from our chi

Hey, Neighbor! Why do YOU think there's an unopened package of ping pong balls on the McKinney's table? The possibilities are endless, when you think about it...Next:  The Peaches decided to unfollow a Prolife Blogger who doesn't talk much about Prolife causes anymore. His new focus is talking about racism.  Which begs the question: doesn't he owe some Progressives/Liberals an apology for coming late to this party?Later: How much does a person's opinion change from election season to election season?  We can't name a single person (whose hand we are able to shake) who has changed positions on any major issues lately.   We can name a handful of celebrities, who we don't actually know. Plug in with your Real World community, Neighbor! If the YouTube commenters are telling you "get a new church" then keep the church and ditch the YouTube "community."  Contact The Comedian John Branyan by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com , especially to send us your special uses for ping pong balls!

In our usual chaotic fashion, we've been riffing on everything from the sheer impossibility of whistling when someone's watching (seriously, why does that happen?) to the absolute treasures (and occasional horrors) you can unearth at Goodwill. Then, because we're classy like that, we dove headfirst into the puzzling world of puzzles – are they worth redoing? Do they actually make your family like you more? The jury's still out. But hold onto your hats, because things got delightfully weird when we stumbled upon a Danish birthday thing involving cinnamon. Apparently, if you're still flying solo at 25, your pals think the appropriate response is to coat you in the stuff. It's like, their version of a gentle nudge? Anyway, we couldn't help but compare that to our own charmingly awkward American birthday traditions, like the classic butt-smack (ouch?) and those cards that are just aggressively sarcastic. Honestly, we got to thinking about how these bizarre rituals even start and why we keep doing them. It's

Since you're our neighbor, you probably noticed that John has been landscaping THE PUDDIN' out of his lawn!  This has involved digging, chicken poop, and a bunch of wildflower seeds... But not a robotic lawnmower (yet). Then, John was SHOCKED to discover that his beloved daughter (The Peaches) took a turn toward Feminism this week.  You'll never guess what she said to blow his mind.  Later, The Pod Ninja (Luke) literally falls asleep while his wife his talking...  That's not an exaggeration or punchline.  He literally nods off while recording.  Happy Mother's Day, Neighbor!  To contact the Comedian, John Branyan, or the rest of this family, simply email nextdoor@johnbranyan.com 

In this engaging podcast episode, the speakers explore various themes including the misconceptions surrounding Christianity and acceptance, the absurdity of movie portrayals versus real-life reactions, and the humor found in everyday situations. They also discuss the potential for reimagining traditional practices like bullfighting in a comedic light, and the idea of adding unpredictability to sports for entertainment. Through humor and insightful commentary, they highlight the absurdities of life and the importance of finding laughter in serious topics. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore various themes surrounding childhood experiences, including the necessity of trauma for growth, humorous comparisons between matadors and luchadores, sibling dynamics illustrated through a pot pie debate, and the psychology of envy in adulthood. They also delve into the distinctiveness of the Cybertruck, questioning societal perceptions of uniqueness and desirability.

Neighbor, we have a solution for you if you don't like to drink water. Just drink Kool-Aid and call it "water!" How much "stuff" do you need to add to water before you can't call it "water" anymore?  And exactly how much liquid is there in "a squeeze?" We tackle these important questions--and we share a couple great snack options if you like eating entire cloves of garlic...  Then: The Internet is all a-buzz because a lady used a racial slur on a kid. So how much attention should we pay to WHATEVER outrage is sweeping the internet.  And when should we just turn off the phone? Contact the Comedian's family by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com  

While Juan is roaming the countryside, Hans Fiene joins Luke and John. Hosts delve into various topics ranging from the unfulfilling nature of salads to the complexities of carbonated water preferences. They explore the nuances of iced tea, the fascination with different types of salt, and even the surprising origins of white sand beaches. The discussion takes a humorous turn as they ponder the ethics of archaeology and the concept of geocaching in the afterlife. Finally, they tackle the futility of lawn care and the lack of middle-ground options in pain management, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging tone. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into various topics ranging from the intense pain of kidney stones and the controversial use of pain relief drugs, to the unique experience of online education and the quirks of daily life. They humorously compare the challenges of high school to those of prison, and reflect on the impact of modern technology on personal relationships and nav

Oh, dear, we're poised to be misunderstood with this one...    First of all, welcome.  But not VERY welcome. Then: The concept of Artificial Intelligience has given us some Big Thoughts--linking back to controversial topics that have landed us in trouble before.  Are there creatures walking around who LOOK like "humans," but are actually soul-less...and therefore NOT "people?" This question understandably makes Luke very uncomfortable, and we spend most of the episode trying to make him feel better.  But eventually, we get to the point: that AI isn't human, and we've found a new way to make it tell hilarious jokes...but only when it's not "trying." Contact the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com to weigh in!

In this conversation, the hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from humorous anecdotes about music and Beethoven's unique methods to deeper discussions about faith, the role of Pope Francis, and the nature of Catholicism. They also reflect on the significance of Jesus' resurrection and share personal insights on parenting and the challenges of raising children. In this lively conversation, the hosts explore various themes related to parenting, food, and the peculiarities of animals. They discuss the joys and challenges of parenting, the idea of mini dairy cows, the oddities of chickens, and the differences between fresh and store-bought eggs. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they delve into the unpleasant smells of chicken houses and the science of odors. They also reflect on Easter traditions and the concept of feasting, leading to a discussion about food festivals and seasonal produce. In this lively conversation, the hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from the quirky delights of a pork

John had a pretty shockingly small crowd at his most recent show.  But--he was in the same room with real human beings, and that's happening less and less these days! The future of stand-up comedy seems to be uncertain. But, good riddance, amiright? Why did people EVER want to watch someone be funny?  That's super weird, when you think about it. Then: what makes The Peaches laugh?  Oh, kid quotes, for sure. And also forcing loved ones to try things that are unreasonable bad-tasting.  Later: social media skews our perception of reality. It shows us more of what we're already clicking. But what about the people who are fighting racism? Are they spending too much time sitting on busses with Crazy Guys? Contact John Branyan and the rest of The Comedian's Family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com...  

The hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from nostalgic references to the classic show Dragnet, to discussions about fishing laws, the struggles of sea turtles, the behavior of killer whales, and the unique migration patterns of crabs. They also delve into culinary curiosities, debating the edibility of various unusual foods and the experiences of trying new things. The conversation is light-hearted and filled with humor, making it an enjoyable listen for anyone interested in nature and food. In this lively conversation, the hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from the taste of raw and sweetened coconut to the unique Japanese method of wood preservation known as Shoshugiban. They discuss the practicality of flooding a restaurant with clean water as a protective measure and share humorous anecdotes about dining experiences. The conversation also touches on MIT's booby trap tradition and the complexities of sharing music preferences among friends, highlighting the intersection of personal privacy and