Episode 38 - Empowered

There are two ways to find things out – the easy way, or, the focus of this episode, The Hard Way. Rafael Orduna learns that alcohol and allergies don’t mix, Lisa Curry discovers her front tooth missing, and Kevin McGeehan learns the mortifying cost of convincing his mother to purchase a pornographic magazine.

The theme of this episode is Empowered, three stories of people doing things they would never normally do. Danny Lobell fulfills a lifelong dream at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, Nicole Williams strikes while the iron-bodied Olympic swimmer is hot, and Kevin McGeehan experiences the short lived fulfillment of every waiter’s fantasy.

The theme of this episode is The Lengths We Go…specifically to impress or woo the opposite sex. Danny Tuch ends up in the hospital after flirting goes horribly awry, Griffin Gundle makes a bold move that completely backfires, and Kevin McGeehan drives nine hours in an unsuccessful attempt to lose his virginity.

The theme of this episode is Embarrassment, three stories of discomfort and chagrin. Laura Keller has her family history splashed across MSNBC; NASA scientist, Josh Willis fails to convince a roomful of people about the effects of Global Warming; and Kevin McGeehan looks like a big ol’ dummy in front of his celebrity crush.

The theme of this episode is Surprise, three stories of something unexpected. Kyle McGrath witnesses a man pop a misguided and expensive question, Sam Fierstein has his world turned upside down, and Kevin McGeehan tells the story of a guy he calls Boner Move.

The theme of this episode is On the Road, two stories of people Kerouac-ing across the U.S. Amanda Egge takes a trip with Mr. Brownstone and Kevin McGeehan gives an impromptu musical performance in Portland, Oregon.

The theme of this episode is advice – that thing we love to give, but don’t always take. Jeff Perreca seeks counsel from his no-nonsense father, Alex Franklin gets post-breakup dating tips from a friend, and Kevin McGeehan rejects the guidance of a D-bag.

The theme of this episode is drugs, stories of horse tranquilizers, potent edibles, and one-night stands. Jay Michel recounts the effects of Ketamine, Chelsea Spirito learns how much is too much, and Kevin McGeehan is the hapless victim of a street con.

The theme of this episode is Growing Up, featuring stories of white flight, lady skateboarders, and obtrusive man hugs. Josh Willis learns that Catholic guilt and illegal fireworks don’t mix; Diana Levy refuses to admit she broke her ankle, and Kevin McGeehan deals with a man crush that went just a little too far.

In observance of the one-year anniversary of the podcast, this episode features Kevin McGeehan’s one-man show FOUR ACES, told in its entirety. In October of 2009, U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained Kevin when a dog smelled an illegal substance on his body. He was taken to a back room and thoroughly and embarrassedly searched. One Customs Agent, a man who threatened incarceration found Kevin’s journal buried deep in his backpack. The Agent began reading it and soon discovered a startling connection between the two of them. The Customs agent completely changed his tune and made it his goal to get Kevin released without charges. FOUR ACES is the story of what he read in that journal.