Jj Meets World

JJ and Tucker break down the origins of TMNT as a gritty comic parody, how it was sanitized into a cartoon juggernaut, and why the toys, arcade games, movies, and NES ports still matter. Along the way, they revisit formative childhood memories, rank Turtle video games, defend the Jim Henson live-action films, and unpack why the first movie still holds up.

Catherine O'Hara was one of the most singular talents in comedy history. From her groundbreaking work on SCTV, to unforgettable performances in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, A Mighty Wind, Best in Show, and her iconic turn as Moira Rose on Schitt's Creek, O'Hara shaped generations of comedy lovers. In this episode of JJ Meets World, we reflect on Catherine O'Hara's life, career, collaborations with legends like Eugene Levy and John Candy, and the subtle brilliance that made her one of the greatest actors of all time. We also share personal stories, deep cuts from her filmography, and her powerful eulogy for John Candy—an extraordinary tribute from one remarkable artist to another. This episode is dedicated to celebrating Catherine O'Hara's legacy, her generosity as a performer, and the indelible mark she left on comedy, film, and television. 00:00 Intro & Dedication to Catherine O'Hara 01:10 Why Celebrity Deaths Can Matter So Deeply 02:28 Schitt's Creek and the Pandemic Era 03:24 Eugene Levy, John Candy, and L

In this episode of JJ Meets World, JJ confronts the horrifying realization that his butt may be slowly disappearing—or worse—may have never fully existed in the first place. What begins as a legitimate inquiry into "gluteal amnesia" and dead butt syndrome quickly devolves into medical speculation, evolutionary theories, puberty metaphors, Ren & Stimpy muscle transplants, and the unsettling possibility that JJ's butt is simply hiding somewhere inside his body waiting for the right moment to drop. For more episodes of JJ Meets World, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit http://www.jjmeetsworld.com/ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld Merch Shop - https://shop.spreadshirt.com/jj-meets-world Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jj-meets-world/id1367045742 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0L9IGvJuUjFK0UOR9AIF5u YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh1WZrpC-XE57mRzi1bzPow Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iwnpufw6f5qromxbbw6pq3

Board games are supposed to bring people together—but some of them feel more like intellectual flexes than friendly competition. This week, JJ and Tucker dive deep into the board games that secretly say more about you than the game itself. From Scrabble's smug superiority complex, to Monopoly house rules that feel suspiciously like modern economics, to a surprisingly revealing game of Guess Who, the conversation spirals into stereotypes, pop culture, childhood nostalgia, and why modern board games are having a full-on renaissance. Along the way, they unpack: Why Scrabble feels like someone trying to prove they're smarter than you How Guess Who accidentally becomes a psychological profiling tool The evolution of Monopoly boards (and why Fargo might have messed one up) Carmen Sandiego, Anne Hathaway, and heist-movie logic Dead birds, Mr. McGregor, and childhood trauma The Olympics lottery, obscure events, and cheering for the flag   00:00 – Please put your clothes back on (intro) 01:08 – The board

Tucker and JJ return to familiar territory—Applebee's—to discuss chain-restaurant loyalty, imaginary (but very tempting) Applebee's credit card perks, and the long-term psychological impact of good ranch dressing.  Along the way, JJ pitches a Wikipedia project cataloging Applebee's limited-time cocktails, debate restaurant bathroom strategy, relive questionable waxing decisions, attempt to flesh out the lore of Principal Pamplemousse, and then they close with an unexpectedly philosophical breakdown of Humpty Dumpty. As always, it's food, culture, discomfort, and ideas—served generously. 00:00 – Applebee's traditions and chain-restaurant loyalty 02:00 – Ranking Applebee's cocktails & the Wikipedia idea 06:00 – Imaginary Applebee's credit card perks (and why they'd work) 10:30 – Waiters, managers, and long-term Applebee's relationships 15:00 – Nose and ear waxing: results, pain, regret 21:00 – Ranch dressing as a culinary equalizer 22:30 – Why great bathrooms build better businesses 25:00 – Principal Pam

In this episode of JJ Meets World, JJ and Tucker talk about recurring anxiety dreams, starting with the classic "actor's nightmare" of being unprepared, missing costumes, or forgetting lines just moments before going on stage. The conversation touches on other stress dreams, including missed obligations and the unsettling experience of returning to high school as an adult who no longer knows the rules, before moving into reflections on memory and nostalgia. They explore the lasting influence of childhood roles like crossing guards, principals, and janitors, the moments of kindness—or silence—that linger for years, and how empathy, regret, teenage relationships, and pop culture memories, such as seeing How the Grinch Stole Christmas as a cast, can become permanently woven into personal history and resurface when you least expect them. Support the Podcast / Donate https://jjmeetsworld.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld Merch Shop https://jjmeetsworld.com/shop Apple Podcasts (Leave a 5-Star Review)

JJ walks through how he unexpectedly became the concessions mastermind for a high school theater production—and what running a real concession stand actually teaches you about marketing, pricing, psychology, and human behavior. The conversation breaks down why movie theater popcorn works, how scent and presentation drive impulse purchases, and why simplicity in pricing moves lines faster. JJ explains how he designed a concessions setup that felt intentional, handled cash flow and card payments, optimized inventory night-to-night, and accidentally sparked a turf war with another concessions operation in the same building. Along the way, the episode touches on advertising psychology, branding instincts, crowd flow, impulse buying, volunteer logistics, and how small operational choices—tablecloths, lighting, smell, signage—change the way people perceive value. It's a practical, funny case study in applied marketing, retail fundamentals, and the unintended consequences of doing something too well. For more episod

Why do some Christmas movies only get better as we grow older? In this holiday episode of JJ Meets World, JJ Gordon and Tucker Lucas dive deep into the Christmas movies that shaped their childhoods — and why films like Home Alone and A Christmas Story land completely differently as adults. They explore: Why Home Alone remains endlessly rewatchable (and why the sequel actually works) The surprising emotional depth of A Christmas Story when viewed through adult eyes How A Christmas Story Christmas became one of the most underrated holiday sequels ever made The power of nostalgia, memory, and "magical" Christmas moments Whether Santa Claus is a person… or a job Why snow in movies is harder to fake than you think Holiday movies that understand family, loss, and time passing 00:00 Intro & Christmas Movie Traditions 01:12 Most-Watched Christmas Movies: Home Alone 02:35 Why Home Alone 2 Actually Works 04:30 The Home Alone LEGO Set & Holiday Obsessions 08:15 Why A Christmas Story Was Hard to Watch as a Kid

The crew dives headfirst into a mystery that no homeowner wants to face: a house smelling like it's been sprayed by a skunk. What starts as a bizarre and embarrassing odor problem turns into a deep exploration of HVAC systems, air exchangers, furnace filters, and a little-known issue called Dirty Sock Syndrome. Along the way, JJ breaks down how skunk smells can travel through ventilation systems, how mold and dirty evaporator coils can mimic those odors, and why regular HVAC maintenance—like filter changes, MERV ratings, UV lights, and seasonal servicing—actually matters. There's also a crash course in central air conditioning, energy efficiency, and what first-time homeowners should realistically expect when upgrading their systems. For more episodes of JJ Meets World, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit http://www.jjmeetsworld.com/ Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld Merch Shop – https://shop.spreadshirt.com/jj-meets-world Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

In this episode of JJ Meets World, JJ and Tucker break down the massive news shaking the entertainment industry: Netflix has announced a planned $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. — bringing HBO, DC, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and decades of iconic film and television history under one company.   The conversation takes listeners on a nostalgic but deeply analytical journey through the evolution of streaming, starting with Netflix's early days as a DVD-by-mail service, through the death of video stores, the rise of binge-watching, and the explosion of subscription media. JJ and Tucker unpack how Netflix used viewer data and analytics to rewrite Hollywood business models, the dangers of corporate consolidation, and what happens when creators, audiences, and entire libraries become disposable for tax write-offs.   They dive deep into: The cancellation and tax write-off of films like Batgirl and Coyote vs. Acme What this merger means for HBO Max, DC films, and Warner franchises Why Netflix owning the Wa

In this festive episode of JJ Meets World, JJ and Tucker dive into the unwritten rules of office Christmas parties, the art of planning unforgettable events (without becoming a party tyrant), and the real danger of losing a king-sized Snickers bar in your own house. From Mad Men, The Office, and Office Christmas Party (2016), to the genius of Sam Richardson, the team explores how pop culture shapes our expectations for holiday gatherings. You'll learn why the worst sin is hosting an office party AT the office, why drink tickets beat open bars, and how a toy poodle could (almost) steal Christmas. This episode also includes.

In this episode, JJ and Tucker take listeners on a zig-zag journey through holiday traditions, turkey disasters, childhood money memories, coin collecting, unclaimed property treasure hunts, and pop culture nods from West Wing, Salute Your Shorts, Mother, and In & Out. For more episodes of JJ Meets World, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit http://www.jjmeetsworld.com/ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld Merch Shop - https://shop.spreadshirt.com/jj-meets-world Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jj-meets-world/id1367045742 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0L9IGvJuUjFK0UOR9AIF5u YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh1WZrpC-XE57mRzi1bzPow Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iwnpufw6f5qromxbbw6pq32rsya Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jjmeetsworldpodcast/

In this episode of JJ Meets World, JJ and Tucker dive head-first into holiday food, bizarre culinary experiments, JJ's attempt to pitch a Hallmark-style movie, Tucker's terrifying contact-lens mishap, and the ambitious beginning of Tucker's 2025 Zordon cosplay build. The guys also get deep about creativity, regret, future goals, and how your 30s sometimes feel like a decade-long boss battle. JJ recounts his theater pilgrimage to New York (including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and the duo shares stories about ghosts, grandparents, adoption, and being alone for the holidays. For more episodes of JJ Meets World, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit: https://www.jjmeetsworld.com Patreon — https://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld Merch — https://shop.spreadshirt.com/jj-meets-world Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jj-meets-world/id1367045742 Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/0L9IGvJuUjFK0UOR9AIF5u YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh1WZrpC-XE57mRzi1bzPow Go

JJ and Tucker have moved into a brand-new studio… and immediately realized how expensive it is. To keep the show alive, they take on a roster of sponsors — including a Wisconsin bear-only law firm, a political anti-bee awareness initiative, cyborg crime-fighters from 3092, and more. Along the way, JJ questions whether he missed his true calling as a rancher. Between Yellowstone binges, City Slickers nostalgia, and a dream of opening JJ's Hog Heaven™, the boys explore what ranch life could really look like… including spring-loaded shovel-pitchfork hybrids and steamed-mug-on-the-porch energy. They also discuss: • Their "sales training" at a Courtyard by Marriott • Movie talk — Glengarry Glen Ross, Alec Baldwin, Sneakers, and more • The Council of Tuckers • The ethics of giving yourself a nickname • Why JJ is furious at quarterback J.J. McCarthy For more episodes of JJ Meets World, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit: https://www.jjmeetsworld.com Patreon — https://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

JJ and Tucker dive into how the U.S. government shutdown and SNAP funding freeze affect families across Fargo and beyond — and what you can do right now to help your neighbors fight hunger. At the time of this recording, the U.S. government has shut down — and SNAP benefits have stopped reloading, leaving millions of Americans wondering how to afford their next meal. In this powerful episode, JJ and Tucker explore the real-world impact of food insecurity, focusing on the Fargo–Moorhead community and the incredible work being done by the Great Plains Food Bank and the Emergency Food Pantry. You'll learn how local families are coping, why cash donations often go further than canned goods, and how small acts — like rounding up at the register or organizing a workplace food drive — can make a massive difference. Below are a few organizations that could use your help. Great Plains Food Bank - https://give.greatplainsfoodbank.org/?give=J3E759EN  Emergency Food Pantry - https://emergencyfoodpantry.com/ Church's Unit

JJ and Tucker record their first episode in their brand new studio! Plus, we get JJ's thoughts on "I Like Me", the 2025 documentary about the legendary John Candy. For more episodes of JJ Meets World, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit http://www.jjmeetsworld.com/ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld Merch Shop - https://shop.spreadshirt.com/jj-meets-world Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jj-meets-world/id1367045742 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0L9IGvJuUjFK0UOR9AIF5u YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh1WZrpC-XE57mRzi1bzPow Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iwnpufw6f5qromxbbw6pq32rsya Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jjmeetsworldpodcast/

In memory of Delray K. Dvoracek, AKA Madd Frank. For more episodes of JJ Meets World, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit http://www.jjmeetsworld.com/ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld Merch Shop - https://shop.spreadshirt.com/jj-meets-world Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jj-meets-world/id1367045742 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0L9IGvJuUjFK0UOR9AIF5u YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh1WZrpC-XE57mRzi1bzPow Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iwnpufw6f5qromxbbw6pq32rsya Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jjmeetsworldpodcast/

We live in the age of convenience, and it's costing us a pretty penny! For more episodes of JJ Meets World, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit http://www.jjmeetsworld.com/ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld Merch Shop - https://shop.spreadshirt.com/jj-meets-world Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jj-meets-world/id1367045742 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0L9IGvJuUjFK0UOR9AIF5u YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh1WZrpC-XE57mRzi1bzPow Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iwnpufw6f5qromxbbw6pq32rsya Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jjmeetsworldpodcast/

Also includes chatter about JJ's trip to Universal Studios, and how cool it would be if smoking came back! For more episodes of JJ Meets World, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit http://www.jjmeetsworld.com/ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld Merch Shop - https://shop.spreadshirt.com/jj-meets-world Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jj-meets-world/id1367045742 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0L9IGvJuUjFK0UOR9AIF5u YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh1WZrpC-XE57mRzi1bzPow Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iwnpufw6f5qromxbbw6pq32rsya Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jjmeetsworldpodcast/

JJ gives his two cents about fundraising. For more episodes of JJ Meets World, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit http://www.jjmeetsworld.com/ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld Merch Shop - https://shop.spreadshirt.com/jj-meets-world Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jj-meets-world/id1367045742 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0L9IGvJuUjFK0UOR9AIF5u YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh1WZrpC-XE57mRzi1bzPow Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iwnpufw6f5qromxbbw6pq32rsya Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jjmeetsworldpodcast/