Men In Gorilla Suits

It seems one can't go more than a day without seeing somebody react to something out of a backlash reflex. Why, you might even be saying, "I am tired of sweeping generalizations like that!" -- backlash responses are not that common! (Thank you for proving our point.) We all push back for so many reasons...or at least enough to put together an episode of Men in Gorilla Suits about backlash. * * * We begin by talking about our earliest memory of backlash -- and then move on to something we once liked, but no longer do, because of a backlash reaction. We chat about why we think people push back at things over time. After that, we discuss whether or not we've experienced backlash over something we liked or did. How important is backlash to politics -- and even society? We talk about that a bit. We also devote a bit of time to how social media has affected backlash. We also discuss ways in which backlash is dangerous...as well as awesome -- and we talk about something we'd like to see face backlash. Sometimes back

Because the last couple episodes have been loaded later in the week, we figured we'd load this one early. Here's why: Sometimes we record episodes and, while making the damn thing, we know it's going to be a bit better than most episodes. Sometimes we're actually funny; other times, we're quick to thoughts and sound like we know what we are doing. Sometimes, we are very open about things -- maybe even too open for some. This episode might be a bit of all those things as we talk about something not unknown to the world: anxiety! * * * We begin with this: have we ever had problems with anxiety? (That anxiety is this week's topic, the answer should be pretty evident.) After that, we talk about the first person we knew who struggled with anxiety. Find out what makes us panic...and if we've ever had all-out panic attacks. Then we talk about how we deal with anxiety. We're guessing we all know somebody who struggles with anxiety to various degrees. We chat about what we do to try to help those people...and then dis

This Men in Gorilla Suits Classic episode is about aging... As you read this sentence, you're getting older. Now you're even older than when you started reading this entry. You can step away and turn your head, hoping to not be reminded that you are aging, but time marches on. Forward... Always... This week, we're talking about aging! We begin by talking about the first time we realized that childhood was temporary -- that one day we would become adults. But aging is not all bad...we discuss the first time we were aware of our bodies aging in positive ways. After that, though, we talk about some negative things we're felt or experienced as we've aged. We also talk about age-related problems we've noticed...and age-related problems that scare us. Hundreds of years ago, we'd probably be dead by now. We devote some time to the positive and negative effects of longer lifespans in modern times -- and then talk about how old we want to live to be. We also chat about some benefits of getting older and whether we c

From a young age, most of us heard advice. Maybe some of it was actually good. But there comes a time when, later in life, you've either figured things out or you're simply not going to. And there are enough people doing marginally better than you who love to tell you and others how to live life...because they aren't doing such a great job with the adulting thing themselves. Knocking you makes them feel better about their lives. And then there's us, two guys who offer one bit of advice at the end of every show. We don't expect you to take it, though...as you'll hear, we're not the biggest fans of advice... * * * Christopher is headed into the storms of East Texas for the annual writing retreat he does with a friend. So, in an effort to get the episode out, here's what we discuss this week: What is the first advice you remember hearing? Why do you think people like giving advice? How do you go about giving advice? Do you like receiving advice? What's the best advice you've ever received? What's the worst advi

This Men in Gorilla Suits Classics episode goes back to Episode 55: Urban Legends... * * * The stories often seem too perfect ("...and then the doberman was choking...on the burglar's finger!"); the reassurance it's fact is shoddy at best ("I'm serious -- it's true! It happened to my cousin's best friend's boss' daughter's tuba instructor!") The urban legend. What is it that makes some stories endure for lifetimes, and how does the Internet play a part in their spread today? That's what we're talking about this week. We begin the episode by discussing the most recent urban legend we've heard; in Christopher's case, it was told the night before recording this episode, proving that far-fetched stories are definitely not a thing of the past. In fact, we discuss how we live in the golden age of half-truths and bogus stories; in part, because they are so easy to share through social media. After discussing why we believe urban legends are so easy to spread, we talk about how urban legends can still endure when sit

On February 7, 2013 we decided to do something on our own: start a podcast. In that time, we've started other shows, made things, and learned new stuff. With access to so much information, it's fairly easy to learn the basics of even difficult repairs and builds. Maker culture seems to hang in the air; we, as a species, simply like making and repairing things. Consider the many TV channels dedicated to home improvement. Hell, there's a channel called DIY. DIY is not simply an 80s punk ethic. Every day, so many people make and repair things on their own...or with the help of a community of like-minded people. Doing it yourself is the topic of this week's show. # # # Here's what we talk about this week: When's the first time you did something yourself that someone else usually did for you? Do you consider yourself DIY? Is DIY synonymous with thriftiness? Are all DIYers cheap? What's the coolest DIY project you've ever seen? The worst? What was the thing you tried to do yourself that you really shouldn't have?

Oh, hello there, you wonderful, magical being, you. What's that sour face for -- don't believe us? You are magical...and...if you have just $99.99 to spare for our 20-cassette self-help system, you'll realize your full potential! Don't buy it, and continue to be miserable: the choice is yours. Salvation is just a credit card number away... This week, we're all about self help! Now, we should clarify that there's nothing wrong with wanting to better yourself...even pay for help if needed. It's just, if you're going to take that step, it would seem a professional therapist might be a bit better than someone making up a pile of bullshit about how quantum physics works in an effort to sell you on yet another self-help system... We begin the episode by talking about what image comes to our minds when we mention "self help." Then, we discuss whether or not any self-help book or system has ever helped us. After that, we leap into self-help things we've been subjected to in some manner. (It's probably pretty clear at

A very busy week, so we'll get right to it. This week we are talking about being childless... * * * Here's what we talk about (Shawn made Christopher seriously laugh so hard he cried in this episode): Who was the first childless couple (or person) you knew? Did it strike you as strange that they didn't have children? When you were younger, did you think you'd have children when you got older? We are both childless. Are you childless by choice or because of biological issues? Have you encountered people who INSISTED you'd have children? (And how did you react?) Have you ever been told, "But you can still adopt?" Do you think your life lacks anything with the absence of children? What are some advantages (and disadvantages) of not having children? Millennials in America have been knocked for things as ridiculous as a decline in sales of bar soap. And a BIG criticism is they are not having children as much as previous generations. Why do you think that is? Is it greedy to not have children? Why do you think som

We once stepped back in time for this classic episode... And, for those of you wondering, "When will Christopher be done with his damn book?!" it's flowing...but new chapters are happening as well. So...who knows. (But words are piling up!) * * * This isn't a boring history lesson, or an episode chock full o' trivial things like, "Hey, did you all know the first person to kill at the Battle of Hastings -- in 1066 -- was a juggler?" (

If you've lived in Dallas long enough, you see a certain pleasure in this episode about Texas being #214 (the classic Dallas area code). But is Dallas indicative of the Lone Star State, or for a true taste of Texas does one need to gaze upon a field of longhorn cattle? Is Ft. Worth more "Texas" than San Antonio, or must we all bow before the capital of Austin? Or is Texas something else entirely? This week we're talking about Texas in all its glory (well, most of its glory). Like any state, it has its problems -- but a place so large really is like a country unto itself full of many wonderful things... * * * We begin with a simple topic: when did we first move to Texas? We each moved to Texas young enough to have experience with Texas public schools. Find out if we were impressed with the educational quality of the schools we attended. After that, we chat about the various parts of Texas we've lived in...and visited. Keeping with that theme, we also devote time to the best town in Texas in which to live...and

Welcome to Men in Gorilla Suits Classic: an old episode as Christopher finishes a book...and while Shawn gets even more buff at the gym. Oh, sure, Shawn might play the humble card and be like, "No big..." but he's lifting closer to 20 tons a night than 15 -- enough that Christopher started lifting puny weights on work breaks today. Speaking of that Christopher guy...thanks to all those who understand that him finishing his book is important. He really hates missing a week of Men in Gorilla Suits. In fact, he ALMOST posted the episode recorded a couple days ago and was then about to email Shawn saying, "If we get back to getting things done by mid-week and even double up on episodes, we can stick to the weekly thing!" Because this IS a pretty impressive unbroken chain. At the very least, you get this old episode... Thanks for understanding... * * * Ah, to live the life as a National Hockey League rover, or to entertain the cigar-rolling masses as a Lector. To pump gas or serve as the director of photography o

6:00 a.m. You wake up in the dark. You don't want to get out of bed. You move in silence to the kitchen to remedy all that ails you with coffee. Ah, the afternoon. The morning's coffee has worn off. Some return to coffee, but many others resort to tea. Tea and coffee are the most popular drinks in the world following water. (And, some will argue, behind milk.) But even before sodas and juices, coffee and tea are kind. Coffee and tea often fuel the Gorillamen, so...we dedicate this week to the beverages of the gods... * * * Before we get to coffee and tea, though, a quick note. After 213 episodes, we're temporarily moving Men in Gorilla Suits to an every-other-week schedule. Christopher is moving his other podcast, Not about Lumberjacks, to an every-other-month schedule as he gets his current novel into readable shape. To allow him a bit more focus, we're adjusting the Men in Gorilla Suits schedule until Christopher is done with the book. And then things will resume as usual. * * * What we discuss this week:

Men in Gorilla Suits started with an idea: "We should do a weekly podcast." Then we came up with a variety of names...just random things that sounded cool. Shawn liked Christopher's idea to call the show "Men in Gorilla Suits." And that triggered an idea in Shawn: to name every episode beginning with "Last Seen..." as though we are not only Men in Gorilla Suits, but FUGITIVES ON THE RUN in Gorilla Suits. That's it...that's the idea behind it all. Well, that and, "We can just talk about a geeky topic a week..." Of course, that idea could have gone nowhere without effort. But 212 episodes into the show, we're finally talking all about ideas! * * * Here's what we discuss this episode: What's the first original creative idea you remember having? Where do you get your ideas? Do you do anything with most of your ideas? I've heard people say the ideas are the important part (i.e., I have the idea, you write the book, and we split the profits!). Do you agree? How important are ideas? What's the best idea you've ever

A list of the weird things we talk about this week...as we talk about...weirdness: When did you first become aware of weirdness or weird people? Have you ever been called weird? Do you think you're weird? I've met people who try to be weird. What would motivate a person to be weird – and does weirdness for the sake of weird work for you? Who is the weirdest person you know? What is the weirdest thing you've ever experienced? Why are people attracted to weird things? What are some of your favorite weird things? Describe yourself when you were at your weirdest? Can weird things ever become normal or even mainstream? Over time, have you become more normal or more weird? (Why?) Will there come a point where nothing is weird anymore?

This week's talking points: What was the first talent you discovered you had? What was the first talent you wish you had? Can talent take the place of hard work and practice? Can hard work and practice eventually trump talent? Who is the most talented person you know? Who is the hardest worker you know? Is there one that's better than the other (talent vs. hard work)? Which do you possess more of? Talent Or work ethic? Is it better to be lucky than good? Is it better to be good than prepared? Is it better to be prepared than trained? What's one talent you'd like to develop?

Busy week this week, but there was still time to turn us into Dumbledore and Snape for the episode art! Here's what we're talking about this week: Fan fiction! * * * When did you first become aware of fan fiction? Why do you think people create and consume fan fiction? Do you consume much fan fiction? Why or Why not? Have you written fan fiction? If you could only write fan fiction -- and only from one property at that -- what would you choose to focus on? Fan fiction has a bit of a reputation as being sub-par writing. Do you find that to be true? More than a couple writers have taken issue with fan fiction from their work...while others don't care. As a writer yourself, where do you stand on that? How much does emotion play into the success of a work of fan fiction? All right, let's go there. Slash/shipping/whatever we're into this year. What's up with that?! A lot of people have consumed fan fiction and not known it. Any examples of mainstream pieces of fan fiction. What's your favorite work of fan fiction

Christopher might be writing this from Earth-13. But in Earth-27, Shawn is Christopher...but he might be a minotaur in a trenchcoat who starred in Earth-975's version of Highlander. Because really, that's all I (I mean Shawn) has ever aspired to being (and doing). But in Earth-4,285,792, everything happened exactly like this, but Christopher is a black lab hoping you believe that Shawn is a minotaur. The best thing about Earth-4,285,792? Obama is still president...and Abe Vigoda is still alive. (Almost as great as Earth 7,926, where Abe Vigoda is president!) This week, we're talking about other dimensions... * * * We kick it off talking about our understanding of the Mandela Effect, and then jump to discussing if we believe in parallel universes/multiverse theories. Find out how we conceive alternate realities, and find out if we believe we are all moving among different realities all the time. Then we talk about something we can prove is real: stories about alternate realities. (At least in the dimension/rea

In honor of talking about architecture this week, we share with you the framework this episode was built upon: When did you realize there was this thing called architecture? What is your favorite thing about architecture? Your least favorite? Do you have a favorite architectural period? When? What are some of you favorite architectural works (or even architects)? Neither of us live in architectural masterpieces, but...there are cool things about where we live. What are some of your favorite architectural aspects of your home and neighborhood? If money and location were no issue, what would your dream home look like? Does architecture matter? i.e. Why make something visually appealing vs. simple boxes? Has the architecture of a place of employment ever affected the way you looked at work? Places like Dubai are known for its architecture. But can such grand places be sustained for decades to come? Amazon filed a patent for floating distribution centers. How do you think advances in technology will affect archi

Friday, it even snowed in Texas. (It was enough that many blow-hards who ignored recent days in the low to mid 80s are saying, "Haw haw haw, to much for climate change!") Much of the nation, all the way down to Florida, is in the grip of cold and snow and ice. It seemed like a good time to talk about winter. * * * We kick this week off talking about the first winters we remember, and then leap to where winter ranks for us compared to other seasons. After that, we talk about the worst -- and best -- winters we remember. Sticking to best and worst, we also share our favorite winter memory...as well as a winter horror story. Find out the coldest winter weather we've ever experienced...and what we like most -- and least -- about winter. We discuss how winters have changed for us since childhood before chatting about some of our favorite winter activities...and the winter activities we aren't so fond of. And we wrap it all up with why we love (or hate) winter. You're probably cold and maybe even snowed in; it's a

According to many people, 2016 was a dumpster fire. A lengthy election season in the US and a bunch of dead celebrities didn't help matters. Others didn't see it as bad. For our first episode of Men in Gorilla Suits of 2017, we take a look back at the year that was... * * * We begin with how we rang in 2016. From there, we jump right to our best memory of 2016. A lot of celebrities died in 2016. We talk about the celebrity death that hit us hardest -- and then we chat about how we plan to deal with the results of the 2016 election this year...and beyond. We discuss things we discovered in 2016, and then devote some time to our favorite -- and least favorite -- things about the year. We talk about things we brought into our lives in 2016...and some things we shed. After that, we talk about our favorite accomplishments of the year...and chat about some of the trips we took. As nice as it is looking back, we like to end by looking toward the future. We wrap up the episode with our feelings about 2017 holds. How