A Close Shave

Episode 4 - Jack and Rob delve into the world of dystopian fiction, and struggle to discern it from today's current reality. Did Germans really used to measure height in blocks of cheese? What do you call someone who could really use a slap? Rob almost cuts his finger off in his flat and ponders the emergency responder system in Berlin.

Episode 3 - Jack and Rob reflect on seeing Iggy Pop, Sex Pistols, and Nine Inch Nails concerts and the bizarre experience of attending big box shows vs. seeing your friends’ band at a DIY space. Why are people in the punk scene so obsessed with collecting records? The definitions of the German words “Jein” and the mystery of “Fremdschamen”.

Episode 2 - Jack and Rob discuss the nuances of religious holidays in Germany. Jack gets a new pair of sunglasses before a deep dive into the wild world of wine. Why is there stigma to drinking wine in a punk bar? Is the twisty-mustached plaid-shirt clad barkeep strong arming you into IPAs? What is a Treppenwitz and a Viereck?     

Episode 1: Jack and Rob return for Season 3 to discuss the origin and allure of trilogies in film and music. A deep dive about boots. What is it about the number 3 that permeates human culture? Why don't underage kids drink at shows anymore? How can you make something worse by trying to make it better? 

Episode 10B: Rob and Jack wrap up Season 2 with a recap of their experience being some of the only non-Italians seeing CCCP Fedeli Alla Linea's reunion show in Berlin, and talk about the essence of what it means to be a Berliner. How long do you have to live in Berlin before you can say you’re from there? What makes living in the city different from anywhere else?

Episode 10A: Jack and Rob do a remote visit to Dresden, a baroque architecture adorned city in Southeast Germany! As they take nearly a solid hour to leave Berlin, they discuss the nuances of driving in Germany and the U.S. A brisk walk through the historic Altstadt district, and a tour the Deutsche Hygiene Museum. Part 1 of a 2 part series.

Episode 9: Jack and Rob dive deep into the records currently spinning on their turntables, as well as the mysterious and forgotten world of reading books. Is it cool these days not to read? What is a space opera? Why does Rob hate books with maps? Should you sleep with someone if they don't have a library in their home? What'chu readin' for? 

Episode 8 - Jack and Rob recant their adventures going to see the Cockney Rejects in Berlin. Why doesn't Jack doesn't like crying in public? What happens when punks and skins try to unite? Can you separate art from the artist? What are brass tacks and where do they come from? 

Episode 7: Jack and Rob share some stories about German words and the follies of learning a foreign language, which leads them into the world of their beloved and departed friend Kyle Palmer. Our hosts reminisce over both hilarious and heartbreaking stories, and discuss the nuances of grief and how to deal with monumental loss. 

Episode 6: Jack and Rob do the unthinkable and try out a live episode! When is it appropriate to wear shorts? What is the line between a roommate and a significant other who lives with you? A horror story about a roommate turned mermaid, the day of infamy when Jack locked himself in a bathroom and passed out, Silky Smooth the landlord, and Jack makes a crucial correction.  Recorded in conjunction with Podfest Berlin's residency at Selina Hotel in Mitte, in front of an audience of dear friends and hotel staff.