Pants Optional

Welcome back to the Stuck in Beta podcast! We’re trying to beat the miserable Midwest heat by complaining about it—and Josh is beating it by showing up without his headphones (and maybe his pants). To cool off, we crack open a Logboat High Tide American Wheat and a 4 Hands Contact High while trying to figure out the ultra-sweet BTS Brown Sugar Pancake Oreos.

This week, we get a little introspective as we dive deep into the psychology of late-night overthinking, the difference between “worrying” and “ruminating,” and share a few simple grounding techniques to get your brain to finally shut up. From there, we pivot to setting up investment accounts for the kids, react to a wild NBA playoff blowout, and go all-in on pop culture. Josh gives a glowing review of the new Masters of the Universe movie, while Greg breaks down his recent watchlist, including House of the Dragon, Widow’s Bay, and a deep dive into Michael Jackson documentaries. We also take a trip 40 years back in time to debate the top-grossing summer movies of 1986. Finally, in Shop Talk, Josh shares the terrifying electrical discoveries he’s making while rewiring a 140-year-old rental house, and Greg gives a quick update on his struggling summer tomatoes.

Show Notes: The Tasting Corner Beer 1 – Logboat Brewing Co. – High Tide American Wheat Beer 2 – 4 Hands Brewery – Contact High Snack – Oreo BTS Brown Sugar Pancake

Episode Highlights Surviving the Summer: We air our grievances about the 90% humidity and the stark difference between morning and evening running weather. The Ruminating Mind: Why we can’t stop replaying old conversations at 2 AM and how dwelling on the past differs from worrying about the future. Grounding Techniques: Breaking down the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory method to help get your mind off the things you can’t control. Investing for Kids: A look at setting up tax-advantaged investment accounts for children to give them a financial head start before they turn 18. NBA Playoffs: Reacting to the Spurs blowing a massive 29-point lead and watching a wild fourth-quarter comeback in Game 4. Pop Culture Catch-Up: Josh and Peter loved the new Masters of the Universe release (praising Jared Leto’s performance as Skeletor). Greg discusses Zach Galifianakis’s new gardening show, House of the Dragon, Widow’s Bay, Severance, and reviews a few Michael Jackson documentaries. Summer of ’86: A nostalgic look back at the top-grossing summer movies from 40 years ago, including Top Gun, The Karate Kid Part II, Back to School, Aliens, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Shop Talk (Electrical & Tomatoes): Josh is tackling a massive DIY project by rewiring a 140-year-old rental house (and using AI to help learn the ropes!). Meanwhile, Greg gives an update on his slow-growing seeded tomatoes versus the thriving established plants he bought at Home Depot. Upcoming Plans: Trying to figure out a location for a podcast field trip in June before Greg’s kids visit for July and August.