The Shakes

Pat runs the show this week as his guest and friend Peter Grosz calls in from New York City. We learn a ton about writing, acting and that no one's testicles are safe around Gabe Piper.Peter's staff writing credits include Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Colbert Report, but you may recognize him from films like Stranger Than Fiction, TV shows like Veep and, of course, as the dark-haired guy sitting in a car eating tater tots during Sonic Drive-In commercials. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do two letters in front of your job title change that much about you? Happy Cog's VP of Design, Chris Cashdollar, discusses that transition from working creative director to VP and what, if anything, changes.Chris also educates the gang on the Ramen Rennaisance, puts his two cents in on what happens when meetings go horribly wrong and steals Joy's heart somewhere along the way. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nearly all people have a tendency to benchmark the things they do. How did this compare to the last time we did this? How does this idea compare to the one from this other person?Benchmarking is natural but can be a problem when we get too wrapped up in overthinking what the analysis tells us. The gang discusses how they do or don't benchmark in their daily lives as well as some things that just aren't benchmarkable. Like retrospectively racist creative writing assignments or beers with Steve Burns from Blue's Clues. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The gang talk about Jeremy's SXSW experience as he finds comfort in his Fisherman's Friend. Pat also offers Green solutions from his college roommate for making underwear last eight days. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Let's just get right into Joy's favorite subject: the Kansas City Royals and her, um, love for Mike Moustakas. She can go on for hours. And she did, so you're welcome for the judicious editing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Introducing Joy Moeller, our newest co-host! She's sassy. She's classy. And she drinks her wine from a NutriBullet. As you do.Pat, Jeremy and Joy feel out their chemistry by discussing mentorship and the "plus one" mentality. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Darin Ross returns to the show, thereby setting his sights on becoming the Alec Baldwin of The Shakes.The gang discuss the culture of creative jealousy/hate among nerds, doing what feels right, the runaway success of Darrin's card game "SUPERFIGHT!" and Jeremy's new card game, "Hobo Molesters". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Steps to successfully rocking a fanny pack:1. Get a fanny pack.Pat and Jeremy wrap up their "old man" series with discussions about pink eye and why Super Bowl commercials are no longer relevant. Pat reveals his latent desire for a fanny pack and the two make a date to go shopping. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pat and Jeremy are joined by front-end developer and aspiring NPR host Grady Noonen. We collectively wonder where the passion went and why we're so afraid to be adults. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pat and Jeremy had a collective low energy day. Pat's knee hurt. Jeremy's car was overheating. The mixture of all three equals a whole lot of GET OFF MY LAWN. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jeremy is having an off day, and guest John Kreicbergs steps in to perform an intervention and get the show back on the right course. Random acts of podcasting, indeed. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dean "Clean" Sabatino calls Pat and Jeremy to discuss DIY audience-building, life with The Dead Milkmen, Pat's addiction to ABBA and THUNDERSHEET.Incidentally, our new theme song is composed and performed by Dean. Thank you, Dean, for helping us sound legit. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pat and Jeremy have old friend and American Copywriter co-host Tug McTighe on the couch. We talk about the sweet freedom of being young and single, video games, nerddom, video games, Shia LeBouf and video games. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're joined by Leah Reich to discuss research, cars, communication and teen boy advice.If you've ever wondered about that data port in your car and what it's good for, this episode will send you down the right path to figuring that out. Wow. Creativity and auto care. This show is branching out! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pat and Jeremy are fascinated by guest Tim Smith. How can a guy become a successful freelance web designer, developer and podcaster at 21? Why are Pat and Jeremy still not successful anythings at 40?Most importantly, for what product does Tim think Indiana Jones would make a good spokesperson? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There are few things we love more than absurdity, things that are double black, farts and chores. Somehow, Paul Armstrong has figured out a way to weave all of those things into a tapestry that he drapes himself in and parades through the courtyards of the Internet. Or something like that. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Let’s tackle some feel-good topics in quick succession, shall we? Layoffs and loyalty, how The Crazy Ones is too much Robin Williams even for Robin Williams and how the Killing Kennedy website feels like you’re next for a magic bullet. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Friend of the show Celeste Lindell drops by Mom's Basement to talk about bands, Aqua Net, cats and keeping your company's social media from sucking as bad as it probably does. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We visit with Kevin Hoffman about better ideas, better meetings and Viking Death Metal. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Live from the Fan Appreciation Party sponsored by Squarespace, at 8183 Studio in Kansas City, October 17, 2013.What a great turnout we had for our party. In this episode, we reconnect with Quinn on a wall, get the scoop on Boston Poopy Pants Times and then discuss the state of interactive advertising with the audience. You'll just have to imagine all this happening with free beer and barbecue in your lap. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.