Guys Of A Certain Age

He’s baaaack.  But don’t be afraid!  It’s not Jason, it’s Wes Shelton.   Back for the umpteenth time and The Guys are always happy to have him.  It’s springtime at the studio, which means there was a frost last week, and Jay is baring his pale legs in shorts this week.  Mississippi listeners understand.  Since spring in Mississippi can be like summer anywhere else (minus the frost, perhaps), The Guys are already preparing for grilling season.  But what does “prep” actually mean when it comes to the equipment?  That’s why they call on Wes, Griller of a Certain Age and expert in all things outdoor cooking. Wes has tips for all the grills, and even a few tips on some new party foods that are bound to please everyone at your Guys of a Certain Age summer binge-listening cookout.   Also in this episode, Jay is overwhelmed a bit by all the movie and tv trailers that came out this week, because it means there are even more things he wants to watch.  Robbie is watching the same number of screens, but it’s all on Apple TV’s F1 race coverage.  Plenty to watch, plenty to listen to, plenty of time to get your grill ready for summer.  

It’s a nerd!  It’s a plane!  Nope - it’s an actor.   An actor who happens to have super powers.  Or a superhero who happens to be an actor.  Either way, it’s Wonder Man, Marvel’s latest streaming series.  The Guys all recommend it, but be aware: this is not your typical superhero show.  People with powers? check.  Sidekicks with witty repartee? check.  Dastardly villains? It kinda depends on how you look at it.  But it also has celebrity cameos, family drama, and a genuine Knight Bachelor who steals the show. And it’s easily binge-able so go binge it before you listen, because spoilers abound. Geeks of the Week get special recognition this week as one of The Guys is now an official Apple Developer (hint: it’s not Jay.)  Robbie throws a Hail Mary (but not under the bus), Art quotes one rogue director, and Jay takes over the obits department this week, honoring one of the most famous nerds in Holly-Nerd history.  This episode is a true wonder.  

Ya’ know how Jay is always Geek-of-the-Weeking about travel spots he’d love to go to but probably never will?  (At least until the right SPONSOR comes along…) Well, this week it’s the other way around - he’s telling Art (and all the listeners, of course) about his recent trip to the edge of the galaxy.  Or more specifically, Galaxy’s Edge.  At Walt Disney World, in Florida - not outer space.  (Though there are similarities.)   He reviews the Rise of the Resistance. gives tasting notes on his Ronto Wrap and blue milk, recounts his granddaughter’s summons to The Way, and calculates the ratio between time spent in line vs time actually on a ride.  It’s not a hopeful number, but a good time was had by all, anyway.   In this week’s Geeks, it’s trailer time: Spider-Noir and the full (we think) Supergirl.  It looks to be a fun spring and summer for superhero fans.  Unless you are the regrettable supervillains known as Death Battalion.  If that’s the case, beware of Mr. Scarlet and (cringe…) Pinky.  

Just when you thought things couldn't get any stranger, Robbie and Art discuss the final season of Netflix's hit series, Stranger Things, starring a group of kids who are almost old enough to qualify as hosts of our podcast. Was it a satisfying conclusion to the series? Who are the breakout stars?  Hear our thoughts on this episode or face the wrath of Vecna. Geeks of the Week include internet fans "Weaving" rumors of a new actress taking on the role of Harley Quinn, (Darth) Maul being reanimated in an upcoming series, and thoughts on the latest Westeros offering from HBO Max.

Before this episode gets too regrettable—even villainous—The Guys bring news from the world of geekdom. Art joins Jay's travel planning service and suggests a Disney-Star Trek (you read that right: Trek, not Wars) mashup show somewhere in Seattle. Robbie asks Siri about her underlying software and, after a virtual slap, she confesses that she's now Googling it. Jay reveals the source of the face behind Yoda and discovers a makeup artist who might just have the highest Geek Index yet. But go away, you should not. After a brief respite, Jay is back with a Regrettable Roundup of Supervillains you've probably never heard of and will likely soon forget: Bloor, Brickbat, and Colossus. Oh my. Watch out for sketchy want ads, flying gaseous bricks, and Plantaliens.

With the announcement of Apple TV’s recent agreement to make movies and TV (and probably some money) based on Brandon Sanderson’s prolific fantasy books, the attention of The Guys turns to the only streaming service that tastes good ala mode.   Whilst they  wait for the Mistborn movie to arrive, there is plenty more to watch that is already beloved.  Ted Lasso is coming back, For All Mankind returns, and some of us haven’t even watched Pluribus yet.  Apple TV seems the place to be for geeks, with or without the  Plus.   In Geeks of the Week, Jay - who declared himself “Lord of the Guys” - tells of a classic coming to the BBC but isn’t sure how to watch it from the USA.  Robbie catches everyone up on the 2025 list of movies the Library of Congress thinks they should watch.  And Art shares news of the passing of comics artist Sal Buscema. Grab a piece of hot apple pie and listen.  

No toys were harmed in the making of this episode, but the feet of many fathers worldwide have been temporarily damaged in the night due to the toys discussed.  Its time to talk Legos.   With the introduction of Lego’s new Smart Brick play system, it seemed a good time to bring in someone with a literal trunk full of Legos and who also happens to work with children, repeat guest Jacob, son of Jay.  The last episode he joined was all about board games…anyone see a pattern here?  With Art doing day job things in another studio or office or meeting room, Jacob joins Robbie and Jay to talk all things Lego: the new system, the company’s long history, and favorite sets of the past.   Before Jacob dialed in, Robbie and Jay took a look at some new shows streaming and on the horizon, including the Knight of the 7 Kingdoms and it’s audacious premiere numbers, and an animated series re-animating the being formerly known as Darth Maul.  Watch your step with this episode, there are bricks everywhere.  

It should come as no surprise to listeners that The Guys like to eat.  But in this episode they go beyond talking about eating, and actually munch on the air.  It’s the first “live” Guys of a Certain Age taste test!   Thanks to Santa Coblentz, Robbie brought a box of Krispy Kreme donut-flavored Jelly Belly jelly beans to try.  And thanks to Jay’s obsession with all things Oreo, The Guys experience a throwback of sorts to Oreo’s Thanksgiving Dinner-Inspired flavor set.  At least one flavor they definitely wanted to throw back.   But before they began their on-air culinary experience, they did lead off with some Geeks of the Week.  Guess who’s back?  Lara Croft, but this time in a series.  Stan Sebastian is also back - or he might be - but this time as a DC character.  And for those who want to go back to the Mos Eisley Cantina, Nashville may have your answer.  Listen hungry!

(Technology is great until it is corrupted, which is what happened to the original file of perhaps the greatest GOCA episode in history.  The Guys had to reach back into their memory banks - a real stretch - to recreate this moment in history.  Success?  Probably not, but please listen anyway.) 2025 closed with a sad note for movie lovers with the loss of Rob Reiner, and for early sci-fi TV fans with Gil Gerard’s last ride into the stars.  (On the bright side, Dick Van Dyke is 100 years old and having a Jolly Holiday.)  But before The Guys go into their Rob Reiner Retrospective, they lead off with a Geek of the Week or three.  Jay shares a Florida Man headline, but this time it’s Legos.  Art brings the obits, with commentary on the loss of Buck.  And Robbie is looking forward to his new computer as early as 1982.   Rob Reiner’s passing was certainly a tragedy, but The Guys celebrate his career as actor, director and producer with a chat about their favorite Reiner films (there is definite overlap). As it turns out, they CAN handle the truth. No meat-heads in this bunch.  That would be inconceivable.  

Art joins Robbie in the studio for the first podcast recorded in 2026! Hopeful news starts our Geeks of the Week: Evangeline Lilly announces plans for improvement following a fall that left her with brain damage. Billy Joel appeared with a tribute band in Florida after his brain disorder caused him to cancel shows. Wishing both continued healing. Robbie shared that the Hulu app would soon be integrated into the Disney app. Is this a harbinger of things to come with other mega apps? After the break, the guys discuss the upcoming slate of Marvel projects, various movies and shows that lead up to Doomsday, a film that should be the biggest Marvel event since Endgame. Familiar faces are back, and it could be a tough time for Dune 3, which launches the same day, unless fans make it a Dunesday double feature

In a quick episode recorded in the limbo days between Christmas and New Year's Day, Robbie and Art share a couple of quick geeks and discuss some of the gifts that Guys of a Certain Age appreciate. In geek news, we mark the passage of a cultural icon and the news that Apple continues to be the leading streamer of quality sci-fi content with the upcoming Neuromancer series.   And as for gifts for geeky geezers, you can't go wrong with pizza and pickleball. Listen to this episode to find out exactly what that means.

If ever there was a power-packed year-in-review podcast episode, this is bound to be one of them.  Robbie so enjoyed quizzing Jay last week that Art gets the full treatment.  Jay passed with limping colors and expectations are high for Art.   Jay celebrates college football bowl season with a special turkey leg, all the Guys are scouring their Star Wars poster collection to see if they have anything worth 3.8 million, and the original original (maybe) Star Wars movie is coming back to the big screen.   And if that weren’t enough excitement, The Guys share their favorite podcasts (aside from this one), books, movies and TV/streaming series from 2025.  It’s time to buckle up and binge watch, listen and read.  

It’s the end of the year review, but with a twist.  Jay is subjected to a Geek Quiz to see if he cuts the mustard with his geek cred after multiple years of soaking in knowledge from Art and Robbie.   Will he pass and enjoy a lunch from Robbie and an extension of his co-host contract?  Or is his future in jeopardy?  (Can a guy of a certain age even be expected to remember things?) Take the quiz yourself along the way to see how you rate as a long time listener (or a future listener!)   Meanwhile, Jay and Robbie lead off with Geeks of the Week, including a new (and stranger) thing premiere/finale that Netflix is doing, an interesting update to Mad Men streaming, and a rumor about a Marvel actress making the leap to DC.  You heard it here next!

YouTubeTV and Disney have reached an understanding so the Guys no longer have to jump through hoops to watch sports, but what are they watching when their favorite teams aren't playing? This week Robbie and Art give an update on what shows (or "content" as the cool kids call it) are currently taking up their time. Some of the offerings include a historical drama, a sci-fi offering and a spy family sequel, and a series on cabin life on YouTube. We also mention a favorite way to "Ring" in the holidays with a  couple of favorite movie franchises. Geeks include a sequel to War of the Worlds (that Art found in one of Jay's old Popular Mechanics) a Super attic find, and where a certain Stranger Things actress is heading next.

It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas.  And when, exactly, is it okay to start listening to Tiny Tim’s playlist of Tinsel Tunes?   Robbie and Jay tackle the tough issue of timing: can you listen to Jingle Bells prior to Thanksgiving?  Or will Grandma get run over by a reindeer if you get ahead of the game?  Then, once it is allowable to listen, what style is preferred?  Jay promotes his subscription music service and Robbie runs through the seemingly endless list of Christmas music channels on SiriusXM.   Art was out enjoying a potluck (did he get the better end of the deal?), but the remaining Guys had Geeks of the Week, of course.  Jay is grateful he got his personalized Funko Pop figure before the company goes out of business, and will probably have to rely on eBay to complete his collections.  R obbie takes listeners through the trials and troubles of the Walking Dead lawsuits (can zombies sue?), and shares news of yet another potential streaming service takeover that could shake up the whole game.  Listen and sing along: this one is Holly Jolly.  

It’s here, it’s finally here!  That’s right, this episode marks the return of the JRSU, aka Jay’s Regrettable Segment Universe.   With the completion a few months back of the sometimes mostly weekly-ish segment highlighting the characters in the Jon Morris book, The League of Regrettable Superheroes, listeners were left to wonder, “What will happen next?  Will Jay ever get to speak again?”  Well, wonder no more.  Robbie discovered that Mr. Morris was something of a prolific super-profiler with multiple books of similar ilk.  And he bought them all.   Enough regrettable supervillains, sidekicks, and heroes to keep the JRSU alive and well until at least the 2030’s.  And for three Guys from the 1900’s, being that busy for that long will be a true accomplishment.   Listen as they kick off the Legion of Regrettable Supervillains with a bit of history and a three-villain profile.  Four if you count the mute mummified ape…and we’re not talking about Jay.  

This episode is so full of podcast excellence it’s hard to put into words.  But there are a lot of words in the episode itself.   Thanksgiving is coming, so there is talk of turkey and fun things to do with dressing on the day after.  There are multiple Geeks of the Week from all the Guys, including the most amazing (or terrible) Oreos ever to be invented and on the way to Jay’s house, a multitude of non-human and particularly Trekkie obituaries of a sort from Art, and advice from Robbie about even more shows he’s somehow watching despite having at least half a dozen jobs.   After the break, they revisit the polite discussions YouTubeTV is having with Disney that are keeping The Guys from watching SEC football on what was their live TV streamer of choice.  Even that sentence had a lot of words.  

This episode is sure to send the listener to The Dreaming, but not for the usual reasons.  Art is out taking a nap, which is appropriate, as Jay and Robbie discuss Season 2 of The Sandman, Neil Gaiman’s Netflix exposition of his award-winning comic.  Sadly, Season 2 may be the final season.  The video version was faithful to the comics, the story was compelling, the visuals were fantastic, and the characters (as well as the actors who played them) were fascinating.  If ever a show went out on top, this is the one.  No sleeping here, but definitely dreaming that more seasons might show up later.  In this week’s Geeks, Jay takes us on a journey to Notting Hill for lunch and a stroll in a bookstore it would be hard for him to leave.  (It’s not a travel bookstore, by the way - he’s just a boy, standing in front of a cook, asking her to feed him.)  Robbie talks of exits: Dr. Who from Disney, Sheridan from Paramount, and Disney (along with hopes of watching college football on ESPN over the weekend) from YouTubeTV.  It’s a big show - don’t sleep through it.  

Wes Shelton, one of GOCA’s most frequent guests, is back… but is it even grilling season?  Well, it is if Wes is around.  He joins Robbie and Jay in the studio to talk about grilling for the holidays.   Thanksgiving approaches, which means turkeys will be smoked, fried, roasted, and otherwise prepared for feasting, and much of that can (and should) be done outdoors on grills, eggs, etc.  Or perhaps a duck?  Maybe pheasants?  And even in Mississippi, it will eventually get cold outside.  How does that affect smokers working low and slow?  Wes has ideas, answers, tips, and more for the holiday outdoor cooking enthusiast.   In this week’s Geeks, Robbie takes Art’s usual role in sharing a notable obituary for Barbara Gips, while Jay takes the listeners on a tour (in past tense, unfortunately) of the latest iteration in snack food-based nightclubs.  As it turns out, in space, no one can hear you crunch Cheez-Its.  

With Jay still on his magical mystery tour and Halloween upon us, Robbie and Art share some of their favorite memories of spooky seasons past. Some of these stories have been shared before, but it's always good to hear the cautionary tale of homemade werewolf makeup. They also share their top 3 essential scary-ish movies. Geeks of the week include saying so long to a rock legend who knew a thing or two about makeup and costumes, an artist who was the John Williams of movie posters, and, as F1 races to its Apple TV debut, the latest Tron movie has quickly brought the franchise to an end.