The Jocular Pugilists
Episodes
250 episodes
The Unwritten Rules of Restaurants: Who’s the Rude One Here?
Going out to dinner used to be simple: sit down, order food, eat, pay, leave.Apparently, we’ve made it much more complicated.What happens when your friend shows up 25 minutes late? Do you wait to order—or are the appetizers...
Why Are Things So Damn Expensive?
Groceries. Housing. Insurance. Taxes. It seems like everything costs more—and everyone has an explanation for why.But what if we’re diagnosing the problem with the wrong data?In this episode, we dig into some of the most popular c...
Second Chances: Who Deserves One—and Who Absolutely Doesn’t?
We love a good comeback story. Rocky gets knocked down? We’re cheering for him to get back up. But when someone hurts us? Suddenly, redemption gets a whole lot more complicated.This week on The Jocular Pugilists, P...
When do you tell a friend the truth—even if it risks the friendship?
From The Jocular Pugilists ArchivesPhil ran into some technical issues this week, so we’re reaching back into the archives to bring you one of our favorite conversations. Whether you’re hearing it again or discovering it for the f...
Technology That Brings Us Closer Together
We're constantly told that technology is making us lonelier, more distracted, and less connected. But is that the whole story?In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, Tomas and Phil explore the other side of the conversation. Fro...
Why Rocky Is STILL the Greatest Underdog Movie Ever Made
Nearly 50 years later, Rocky still inspires audiences around the world—not because Rocky Balboa wins, but because he refuses to quit.In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, Phil and Tomas dive deep into the film that ch...
Learning to Fly: Watching Our Children Take Flight
The Next ChapterA trip to Savannah turned into something neither of us expected.Watching Gabriel begin his journey at SCAD and prepare for his solo trip to Japan made us realize that one of life’s greatest challenges isn’t ...
The Music We're Embarrassed to Love
Journey, Styx, Hall & Oates, ABBA, Toto, Billy Idol, Foreigner, Steely Dan, John Williams, Bugs Bunny classical music—nothing is safe when The Jocular Pugilists take on the hilarious shame and secret joy of guilty pleasure music.In t...
The Geography of Happiness: Where Can You Live Your Best Life?
Every year, millions of people ask the same question: Where should I live? Whether it’s rising housing costs, changing tax laws, remote work, natural disasters, healthcare, or simply the feeling that there might be a better life somewh...
Budapest: Puszi, Pálinka & the World’s Most Suspicious Salad
The Jocular Pugilists take an international field trip to Budapest, where the water comes in shot glasses and the showers require an instruction manual.Fresh off a work trip to the Hungarian capital, the crew gets into Budapest’s Buda-ve...
SpaceX IPO: Rocket Ship or Bubble?
Everyone seems to have an opinion on SpaceX. Some see the company becoming the backbone of global communications, space transportation, and even future off-world industries. Others see a company valued on dreams rather than profits. Tomas and P...
Is intermittent Fasting Everything They Promise?
Intermittent fasting has been praised as a breakthrough for weight loss, better health, sharper focus, and even longevity—but does it really live up to the hype? In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, the guys dig into the promises,...
Making Friends After 30
Making friends as an adult can be surprisingly difficult. Between work, family responsibilities, busy schedules, and the routines of everyday life, many people find that building new friendships after 30 takes far more effort than it did in the...
The Jocular Pugilists Day 1
Join us as we re-visit the very first episode of the Jocular Pugilists.“Ouch that hurt. Sure, I asked what you thought, but I didn’t want to know the truth.” How honest can you really be with someone and how do certain relat...
Los Angeles at a Crossroads: The 2026 Mayoral Race
Los Angeles may be at a crossroads.This week, the Jocular Pugilists dive into the 2026 LA mayoral race through the eyes of Phil, who recently spent time canvassing door-to-door for a little-known candidate and got a firsthand lo...
Weird Social Rules We All Follow (For No Reason)
Why do we text before calling, face forward in elevators like NPCs, and panic when someone sees the “typing dots”… but never replies? In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, we dive into the weird, unwritten social rules
Catalina Island Travel Guide… Honest and Slightly Unhinged
What do you get when you mix a chewing gum billionaire, roaming buffalo, overpriced Bloody Marys, and a suspiciously fast “time-warp” hike? Welcome to Catalina Island—and another slightly unhinged episode of The Jocular Pugilists
Savoring the Foods We Love (But Won’t Admit): A Culinary Confession
Do you ever feel guilty about your food cravings? From Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to Belgian chocolates, join the Jocular Pugilists as they dive into the delicious world of guilty pleasures. Discover why we crave what we do and how to enjoy it ...
The Unintentional Cult of Personality: Purpose-Driven Influence
What if the people who change the world… never meant to?This episode dives into the unintentional cult of personality, exploring how some individuals became iconic figures simply by being true to their purpose—not by seeking fam...
The Wild Ride of Radio, Rants & Rogue Geniuses
Before podcasts, before Spotify, before your uncle started one no one listens to… there was radio—and apparently, a whole lot of drama, stolen credit, and questionable business ethics.In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists
Southern Comforts: Savannah a Dream or Just a Vacation?
Join us on a journey through the heart of Savannah as we explore whether this charming Southern city is more than just a picturesque getaway. We’ll dive into the unique experiences, vibrant cocktail spots like The Bamboo Room and Savoy Society,...
The Painful History of Pet Peeves
Why does something as small as chewing too loudly… or not using a turn signal… feel like a personal attack?In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, Phil and Tomas dive into the strange, hilarious, and surprisingly revealing world...
The Greatest Heist in History: Uncovering the Formula of How the Rich Stay Rich
Join the Jocular Pugilists as they delve into the fascinating history of income tax and unravel the strategies the wealthy have used to maintain their fortunes. Discover the loopholes, the pivotal moments, and the ingenious methods that have al...
Fun with Pharmaceuticals! Happy Commercials, Terrifying Side Effects
In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, Phil and Tomas take a deep dive into the bizarre world of pharmaceutical advertising—from catchy jingles and dancing actors to disclaimers about infections, organ failure, and even death.A...