10 chapters across the catalog
The world of competitive giant pumpkin growing has created a niche market where a single seed with "outlandish genetics" can cost $349. Gardeners across the globe compete for the title of the world's largest pumpkin using advanced agricultural science. The hosts find the drama and high stakes of the sport to be a uniquely American phenomenon.
A listener report describes a "Tri-State Short & Long Barrel Safety Meetup" in Indiana, where attendees engaged in target practice with pumpkins. The event featured a raffle for Old Crow 86 whiskey, a recommendation from the show's hosts. The note emphasizes the importance of community connections and teaching traditional skills to younger generations.
The final segment featured a culinary tip regarding pumpkin seed oil, a specialty common in Slovenia. The oil is touted for its potential benefits for prostate health and is recommended as a dressing for ripe tomatoes when combined with balsamic vinegar and fleur de sel. The show closed with a series of audio clips and a final call for listener support.
A viral video features a young woman crying and screaming insults at Donald Trump, whom she calls a "fucking orange pumpkin." She claims Trump "cost her her dad," implying that her father's support for the former president has destroyed their relationship. The segment highlights the extreme emotional distress and family fractures caused by the current political climate.
A health tip from Slovenia suggests that regular consumption of pumpkin seed oil may support prostate health. The hosts discuss the culinary uses of the oil and the price differences between industrial and gourmet versions.
Billy Corgan, Shape-shifting, and Howard Stern
Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan appeared on The Howard Stern Show and claimed to have witnessed a person "shape-shift" into a non-human form while sober. Corgan remained vague about the details but insisted the transformation was intense and acknowledged by the other person. Howard Stern joked about women "transforming" when they take off their makeup.
The Pumpkin and the Pantsuit, Children's Election Indoctrination
A new children's book titled "The Pumpkin and the Pantsuit" aims to explain the 2016 election results to children through a "cautionary tale." The book is criticized as a tool for political indoctrination that victimizes children with the anxieties of adults. Customer reviews on Amazon are highlighted, including one where a child expresses a desire to be the "purple pantsuit."
Adam Curry highlights two examples of "native advertising" embedded in an ABC News broadcast. The segments featured a "news" update on Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte ingredients and a story about the recovery of Papa John's founder John Schnatter’s stolen Camaro. Curry argues these are paid placements disguised as human interest stories.
Joni Ernst Hog Castration Ad, Charlie Rose, Starbucks Native Advertising
Iowa Senate candidate Joni Ernst gained national attention for a campaign ad featuring her experience castrating hogs. Meanwhile, Charlie Rose is criticized for running what appears to be "native advertising" for Starbucks' new "Frappuccino Mini" as a news item. The hosts argue that major news networks are increasingly selling out their segments to corporate interests.
Thanksgiving Traditions, Heirloom Pumpkins and Personal Plans
Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the Thanksgiving edition of the podcast from Austin, Texas and a bunker in Washington State. Dvorak describes his family's preparation of a pumpkin pie made from an heirloom pumpkin that resembles a squash. Curry discusses his plans to spend the holiday alone in Austin while his co-host hosts a large family gathering.
