The Jocular Pugilists
Episodes
243 episodes
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...
Travel as a Time Machine
As we plan a summer trip, a simple question leads to a bigger conversation: what happens when you try to share a place that once meant everything to you?In this episode we talk about childhood travel, returning to places years later with...
The Most Important TV Show in American History?
In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, Phil and Tomas explore a groundbreaking television series that somehow managed to make audiences laugh while confronting the brutal realities of conflict. Blending sharp humor with moments of rea...
Surprising Cover Songs! The Good the Bad and the Unlistenable
Some cover songs honor the original.Some reinvent it.And some… should never have happened.In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, Phil and Tomas dive into the wild world of surprising cover songs — from jaw-droppin...
Drops of God, Wine and Re-releases
After talking about how difficult it is to find content we truly love, we stumbled on something fun and engaging: the Apple TV+ series Drops of God. The show blends history, adventure, and the art...
Why is it So Hard to Find Content We Actually Love in the Age of Endless Media?
Why do we keep rewatching The Office, MASH, or Frasier… when we have access to everything?In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, Phil and Tomas unpack why finding content we genuinely love ...
Groundhog Day, Déjà Vu, and the Science of Feeling Stuck
Why does Groundhog Day feel so unsettlingly familiar? Is déjà vu a glitch in the brain… or something more? And why do so many of us feel like life itself is stuck on repeat?In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists...
Calm in the Storm: Stay Unshakeable in an Over-Triggered World
Why do tiny annoyances feel like personal attacks? Why does your brain hijack reason the moment stress hits? And how do the calmest people in the room always seem to win?In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, ...
What Motivates You: From Purpose to Passion
In this episode, Phil and Tomas move from their usual lighthearted banter into a thoughtful discussion about New Year’s goals and the motivations behind them. They explore intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, the challenge of balance, and how ch...