S7EP02 - Lauri Stars a War with Amazon

The Tea returns with digital picture frame warfare, musical theater arguments, therapy talk, jury duty panic, and a major life update from Lauri and Star. Joe announces a possible release schedule shakeup for the network before the conversation immediately derails into stories about Aura Frames, family photo sabotage, and relatives secretly re-uploading pictures to each other’s digital displays. Joe also tells the story of his mom accidentally setting a screenshot of her phone as her lock screen and becoming convinced her phone had stopped turning off. Later, Joe shares how he used AI to edit a family baseball photo by adding a giant beer in front of his mom — who famously doesn’t drink — and then convinced her to send the picture to friends anyway. The group also spirals into a full conversation about RENT, Chicago, movie musicals, “singing-through” theater productions, and which celebrities somehow became lifelong obsessions after one good performance. Jay opens up about starting therapy again following a recent death in the family, leading to a surprisingly sincere conversation about anxiety, coping mechanisms, mental health, and the strange ways people process trauma. Meanwhile, Lauri gives an update on her ongoing jury duty saga and reveals that she and Star are officially beginning the adoption process, including attending orientation and discussing what kind of child they may eventually adopt. The episode also includes: Joe panicking over a handicap placard investigation at Angel Stadium A fake cop car causing freeway paranoia Stories about old coworkers and former Redline regulars A deeply cursed discussion involving sperm donation A possible ghost encounter involving a little girl sneezing in an empty house Plus: Russian orphan jokes, AI trolling, baseball stories, and the usual chaos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening. Wherever you are, we’re glad you’re here. This week on The Tea, the conversation goes everywhere. Joe, Jay, and Laurian catch up on Vegas trips, weddings, commercial shoots, and the ongoing challenge of making friends as adults. Along the way, stories spiral into high school memories, family moments, and a few situations that are almost too ridiculous to believe. Jay shares highlights from a bachelor party in Vegas, working on a commercial with a very well-trained beagle, and unexpectedly making a new friend on set. The group reflects on how hard it is to build new friendships outside of work and what that looked like back in high school. Joe recounts a memorable (and slightly traumatic) experience volunteering as a “patient” for medical students, where he had to lie still while being evaluated in ways he definitely did not expect. A simple Starbucks order turns into a full breakdown when “venti” becomes confused for the name of a drink, leading to one of the episode’s most absurd and relatable moments. Laurian gives an update on writing a TV pilot with her dad, including a creative process that raises some serious questions about how scripts are actually supposed to be written. The conversation turns to how long it really takes to write something good and what it means to just start creating. The episode also includes a tattoo dilemma involving a baby portrait and whether to update it to better reflect reality, sparking a surprisingly thoughtful discussion. Jay is now on the hunt for a new car after learning his current one may not be worth repairing, while Laurian enjoys a low-key spring break focused on rest and recovery. From awkward memories to completely chaotic misunderstandings, this episode is classic The Tea: loose, funny, and full of moments that somehow feel both ridiculous and familiar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Tea, Joe, Lauri, and Jay cover everything from questionable hotel hygiene to Dairy Queen disasters, with plenty of detours into pop culture, fast food, and DMV chaos along the way. What starts as a simple catch-up quickly spirals into stories about bachelor parties, emotional support furniture, and a truly unhinged Blizzard experience. Jay’s Vegas Bachelor Party Recap Jay shares highlights from a surprisingly low-key bachelor weekend in Las Vegas, including a glowing recommendation for Cirque du Soleil’s O—and a not-so-glowing review of the El Cortez hotel, complete with toenails and mystery grime. The Great Chair Debate Jay attempts to offload a luxurious leather chair, sparking a surprisingly intense discussion about furniture, comfort, and whether a chair needs to “go to a good home.” DMV Meltdown Story Jay recounts a wild encounter at the DMV involving a customer disputing her listed weight on her license, leaving the employee visibly shaken—and raising the question: when is honesty worth the drama? Justin Timberlake & Celebrity Downfall The hosts react to newly released body cam footage from Justin Timberlake’s DUI, focusing less on the scandal and more on how unexpectedly uncool it all feels. Dairy Queen Deep Dive A full conversation unfolds about Blizzards, dipped cones, and the iconic upside-down test—culminating in Lauri’s chaotic drive-thru story where she grabs the ice cream instead of the cup. Fast Food & Regional Favorites The group debates Farmer Boys, Dutch Bros, Jack in the Box, and the strange cultural crossover between Morrissey fandom and Mexican communities in LA. TV Talk: Will & Grace, Reboots & Sitcom Logic Lauri leads a passionate discussion about Will & Grace, including the reboot, character dynamics, and sitcoms that bend reality for comedic effect. Life Updates & Feeling Stuck Joe opens up about feeling isolated and stuck in a routine, leading to a conversation about getting out of the house, reconnecting, and breaking out of a funk. This episode is classic The Tea: loose, conversational, and full of unexpected tangents that somehow all connect. Whether it’s DMV drama, fast food nostalgia, or sitcom deep dives, the chaos feels right at home—and proves that sometimes the best stories come from the most random places. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Tea wherever you listen to podcasts. For bonus content, extended conversations, and exclusive episodes, check out our Patreon. Stay connected and keep sipping ☕ Episode HighlightsFinal ThoughtsFollow & Support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, the hosts cover everything from questionable therapy sessions to a genuinely terrifying AI scam, along with Laurie’s week of food poisoning, workplace chaos, and an upcoming sketch show. Joe and Jay revisit Laurie’s experience with “Scribbles,” a therapy setup that raises more questions than answers. Between the lack of accreditation and surprise meditation tactics, they try to figure out what’s actually going on—and whether it’s helping at all. Joe then shares a disturbing real-life story involving his parents, who received a phone call from someone using his voice, claiming he had been arrested after a fatal car accident. The scam nearly convinced them to send bail money, leading to a larger discussion about AI voice cloning, privacy, and how easily these schemes can fool people. Laurie walks through her own ordeal this week, which included getting sick at work, throwing up, being wheeled through school in front of students, and a frustrating urgent care visit. After getting food poisoning twice, she realizes the likely culprit was oatmeal she had saved and reheated over multiple days. The group also gets into doctor pet peeves, workplace absurdities, and how easily things spiral when communication breaks down. Jay teases a future story about a recent Vegas trip, while Laurie plugs her upcoming sketch show with the team “Moxie” at the Pack Theater in Los Angeles. As always, the episode balances real-world anxiety with chaotic humor, moving quickly from unsettling to ridiculous in classic Tea fashion. Be sure to subscribe, follow, and share the show, and check out our Patreon for bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe and Lauri are back behind the microphones for another lively installment of The Tea, serving up sharp observations, personal anecdotes, and plenty of side-quests along the way. As always, the conversation flows freely—moving from pop culture commentary to personal stories and the kind of candid back-and-forth that makes The Tea feel like eavesdropping on two friends catching up over coffee. From unexpected detours in the conversation to moments of laugh-out-loud honesty, this episode captures the signature rhythm of the show: quick wit, storytelling, and the occasional tangent that somehow becomes the best part of the discussion. Joe and Lauri dive into the week’s happenings and what’s been on their minds since the last episode. The conversation veers into classic Tea territory with personal stories, commentary, and plenty of playful shade. A few hilarious conversational detours remind listeners that sometimes the best moments are the ones you don’t plan. Joe and Lauri reflect on everyday frustrations and observations with their usual blend of humor and blunt honesty. The episode closes with the kind of off-the-cuff banter that longtime listeners know and love. Episode 4 delivers exactly what listeners expect from The Tea: unscripted conversation, candid opinions, and a steady stream of laughs. Whether they’re dissecting the absurdities of everyday life or simply riffing off each other’s stories, Joe and Lauri keep things entertaining from start to finish. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Tea wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, The Tea goes fully in-person as Joe, Jay, and Lauri record together from Jay’s soon-to-be former apartment in Glendale. What starts as a casual hangout quickly spirals into moving chaos, medical mysteries, jury duty drama, and one truly unforgettable encounter with a swarm of cyclists. With Jay preparing for a move, the group dives into packing, downsizing, and the surprisingly low emotional attachment to six years of apartment living—while somehow turning a simple refrigerator into a major plot point. Episode Highlights Jay’s Big Move Packing, donating, and figuring out what stays, what goes, and what ends up in someone else’s garage. The Refrigerator Situation A casual conversation about appliances turns into a full-blown redistribution plan involving Joe’s family. Cassandra Energy Joe compares himself to the cursed Greek prophet no one believes—and honestly, the evidence supports it. Lauri vs. The Cyclists A routine grocery run turns into chaos when Lauri accidentally drives into a massive group of bicyclists… and responds exactly how you’d expect. The Gas Pump Incident Lauri drives off with the gas hose still attached. Yes, really. Yes, it cost money. Medical Corner with Lauri Acid reflux, lip rashes, foot issues, eye mites, and the ongoing struggle of navigating doctors and referrals. Jury Duty Breakdown Jay shares his first real jury selection experience, including a front-row seat to some questionable lawyering. Joe’s Metro Adventure Joe embraces public transit, only for his parents to immediately assume the worst possible scenario when his car isn’t in the driveway. Live Call to Mom Joe calls his mom mid-episode to revisit her theory that he drove himself to the hospital during a heart attack. Final Thoughts This episode is classic The Tea: three friends in the same room, talking over each other, derailing every topic, and turning everyday situations into full-blown chaos. From gas station disasters to bike gang confrontations, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most dramatic stories come from the most ordinary days. Follow, rate, and subscribe for more episodes of The Tea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once the count-off hits, the show officially begins—and immediately veers into classic Tea territory. From streaming service chaos and workplace absurdity to Disneyland exclusivity myths and deeply relatable family dysfunction, this episode proves that structure is optional but opinions are not. Joe kicks things off with a proper intro and reflects on the strange ritual of “starting a show” after already talking for nearly an hour Hulu household rules spark panic, family group chats, and a surprisingly useful Disney+ workaround Laurie reveals how she managed to score years of free Hulu after being let go from customer service—and why it felt justified Jay shares a night out at Otterpop and debates whether dancing until 2 a.m. is still possible in adulthood A detailed breakdown of a Club 33 Disneyland visit, including plaids, private tours, and food that may not justify the hype Joe explains how Disney quietly lowered the value of Club 33 and what members used to get back in the day Everyone agrees the most exciting part of Club 33 might actually be the bathroom A deep spiral into Christmas gift trauma, family raffles, Amazon wishlists, and the emotional politics of “just give me money” Laurie recounts years of gift-giving frustration and why batteries became the safest request The episode ends with shared realizations about generosity, expectations, and why receiving gifts can be just as stressful as giving them This episode captures The Tea in its fully formed state: conversational, sharp, self-aware, and deeply human. It’s less about headlines and more about the quiet (and loud) ways adulthood complicates everything—from streaming passwords to Disneyland dreams to Christmas morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a… false start, The Tea officially kicks off its 2026 season with a proper reset—and from there, things settle into classic Tea form: messy group dynamics, holiday fallout, travel disasters, bodily mishaps, and deeply unnecessary details shared far too freely. Joe, Jay, and Lauri reunite for the real beginning of Season 8, picking up with stories that spiral quickly and never quite come back under control. The Afterthought Christmas Dinner, Revisited The group breaks down the saga of planning the annual Afterthought holiday dinner—why picking a restaurant became an ordeal, how past dining trauma still looms large, and why certain venues are now permanently cursed. Parking, waitstaff, vibes, and unresolved grudges all make an appearance. Dining Etiquette & Social Friction From navigating group tables to post-dinner sidewalk debriefs, the hosts unpack how food, space, and personalities collide when Afterthought gathers in public—and why the after conversations are sometimes more revealing than the meal itself. Jay’s Cruise Ship Chaos Jay recounts a recent cruise vacation that takes a sharp turn during an adults-only newlywed-style game show at sea. What begins as playful entertainment ends in shocking physical comedy, crowd-wide gasps, and one of the most upsetting public incidents imaginable—complete with blood, confusion, and applause that absolutely should not have happened. Lauri’s Christmas From Hell Lauri shares a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day story that escalates from overindulgence to full-blown gastrointestinal catastrophe. Dairy plays the villain, and the consequences ripple through family gatherings, travel delays, retail misfortune, and a personal reckoning with food choices. Unexpected Life Lessons Between cruise ship injuries, holiday sickness, and questionable coping strategies, the group reflects—briefly—on aging, tolerance (both physical and emotional), and the thin line between “funny story” and “too much information.” Looking Ahead to 2026 The episode closes with updates on what’s next: travel plans, work shifts, new routines, and cautious optimism for a year that has already proven unpredictable. Joe Jay Lauri Season 8 starts not with a bang—but with a do-over, followed by exactly the kind of unfiltered storytelling The Tea does best. If this is how the year begins, buckle up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this lively conversation, the hosts discuss their personal lives, including apartment hunting, creative ideas for TikTok, and the cultural implications of cosmetic procedures. They also share humorous anecdotes about their recent dining experience at a restaurant, highlighting their food choices and interactions with friends. The dynamic between the hosts showcases their unique personalities and relationships, making for an entertaining and engaging discussion. In this lively conversation, the hosts share their dining experiences, discussing food choices, interactions with friends, and humorous anecdotes from their recent gathering. They delve into the dynamics of ordering food, the impressions made by fellow diners, and the late-night antics of neighbors, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone. In this conversation, Lauri shares her experiences with noisy neighbors and the ineffective responses from the police. The group discusses the challenges of living in an apartment complex, using humor to cope with frustrating situations. Lauri recounts a late-night confrontation with her neighbors, while Joe shares a humorous cooking mishap involving a phone mix-up. The conversation reflects on the absurdity of everyday life and the importance of respect in shared living spaces. In this conversation, Lauri shares her experiences navigating school life, focusing on the challenges of access and the ingenious solutions she has developed, such as her extensive keychain. The discussion transitions into a personal story about attending a protest, highlighting the importance of friendships and expectations in social situations. The conversation wraps up with reflections on priorities and the dynamics of relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Joe, Jay and Lauri engage in a lively discussion that begins with light-hearted banter and transitions into deeper topics such as celebrity drama, generational reactions to controversies, and the concept of 'imprinting' from Twilight. They explore the absurdity of fame and public perception while sharing personal anecdotes and humor throughout the conversation. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various personal topics including the significance of birthdays and anniversaries, the responsibilities that come with being part of a wedding party, the dynamics of friendship in relation to weddings, and the challenges of aging and family health. They also share lighthearted moments and personal anecdotes, creating a relatable and engaging dialogue. In this episode, the conversation flows from a light-hearted discussion about food, specifically the Big Kahuna sandwich, to the complexities of planning a Fatchlerette party. The group navigates scheduling challenges and personal updates, sharing insights into their lives and future plans. The dynamic between the friends showcases their camaraderie and humor, making for an engaging and relatable episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices