Digest

The McElroy brothers, Justin, Travis, and Griffin, engage in a humorous discussion about the possibility of their podcast, "My Brother, My Brother, and Me," receiving a Michelin star. They analyze the criteria for Michelin stars and determine that their podcast falls short in areas like decoration and physical space. However, they propose a unique solution: "audio food." They describe imaginary dishes, such as a "mousse bush" and a "chicken carcass" that only exists in a parallel universe, to create a sensory experience for the judges. The brothers also discuss a listener's question about a mystery can of food in their workplace breakroom, offering various solutions, including a live-streamed can opening event. The episode concludes with a discussion about the upcoming release of the sixth graphic novel from "The Adventure Zone: Balance" campaign, "The Suffering Game," and a reminder to check out their other projects, including their tour dates and merchandise.

Outlines

00:00:00

Podcast Michelin Star Aspirations

This Chapter explores the McElroy brothers' humorous idea of their podcast, "My Brother, My Brother, and Me," receiving a Michelin star. They analyze the criteria for Michelin stars and determine that their podcast falls short in areas like decoration and physical space. However, they propose a unique solution: "audio food." They describe imaginary dishes, such as a "mousse bush" and a "chicken carcass" that only exists in a parallel universe, to create a sensory experience for the judges.

00:01:43

Podcast Efficiency and Conjunctions

This Chapter delves into a discussion about improving the efficiency of the podcast. Travis suggests tightening each episode to 15 minutes, leading to a debate about whether to say less "shit that isn't funny" or to start dropping conjunctions. The brothers engage in a playful exchange about the use of conjunctions and the importance of snappy dialogue.

00:03:24

Michelin Star Criteria and Audio Food

This Chapter continues the discussion about Michelin stars, focusing on the criteria for awarding them. The brothers analyze various factors, including decoration, formality, and wine lists. They ultimately decide that their podcast can't compete in traditional categories and propose a revolutionary approach: "audio food." They describe imaginary dishes in detail, aiming to create a sensory experience for the judges.

00:08:02

Off Menu and Michelin Stars

This Chapter explores the concept of Michelin stars for podcasts, suggesting that "Off Menu" might be the first podcast to receive one. The brothers discuss the difference between "Off Menu," which features real food, and their podcast, which creates imaginary dishes. They argue that their approach, based on imagination, makes them more deserving of a Michelin star.

00:08:52

The Appetizer and Main Course

This Chapter continues the "audio food" concept, with Justin describing an imaginary appetizer, a "pop rocks scrub" served on a macaron. Travis then describes the main course, a "dried up turkey from Christmas vacation" that makes a loud noise and desiccates itself when cut open. The brothers' imaginative descriptions highlight their playful approach to the Michelin star challenge.

00:11:38

Michelin Star System and Podcast Distribution

This Chapter explores the Michelin star system's criteria for awarding stars based on the distance a diner is willing to travel. The brothers propose a unique distribution strategy for their podcast, involving a flash drive on a pole in the middle of the city, requiring listeners to physically visit a specific location to access the content. They also discuss the possibility of receiving a quarter of a star for being "worth picking up your phone."

00:13:28

The Mystery Can of Food

This Chapter addresses a listener's question about a mystery can of food in their workplace breakroom. The brothers offer various solutions, including putting a long expiration date on the can, buying a new can and switching the labels, and organizing a live-streamed can opening event. They also discuss the importance of eating whatever is in the can if it's opened.

00:21:15

Navigation and Siri

This Chapter explores a listener's frustration with their partner's insistence on using Siri for navigation, despite the listener's belief that they are a better navigator. The brothers discuss the psychological aspects of being told what to do while driving and the potential for resentment. They also explore the idea of using an Apple Watch to receive subtle navigation notifications, but acknowledge the potential for misfires and anxiety.

00:28:22

Ad Reads and Square Space

This Chapter focuses on the brothers' ad reads, which they consider to be their most prestigious podcast award. They discuss their love for Square Space and their commitment to delivering high-quality ad reads. They also share a humorous anecdote about Justin's prom date and Square Space's role in his life.

00:31:12

Whisker Bot and Litter Robot

This Chapter features an ad read for Whisker Bot and their Litter Robot. The ad read highlights the benefits of the Litter Robot, including its automatic cleaning function and its ability to track cat weight. The brothers also discuss the humorous aspect of watching the Litter Robot in action.

00:33:33

Primer Podcast and CityPop

This Chapter focuses on the brothers' podcast, "Primer," which explores music from outside the English-speaking world. They discuss their first season, which covered Japanese CityPop, and their plans for a second season about a new genre. They also encourage listeners to support the podcast through donations.

00:34:27

The 64-Ounce Water Bottle

This Chapter addresses a listener's question about bringing a large 64-ounce water bottle to a new job. The brothers offer various solutions, including disguising the bottle as moonshine or using it as a water cooler for meditation. They also discuss the potential for social awkwardness and the possibility of encountering a "big bottle Bob" at the new job.

00:40:25

McDonald's Garlic Sauce and Jujutsu Kaisen

This Chapter features a humorous discussion about a press release for McDonald's new special grade garlic sauce, inspired by the anime "Jujutsu Kaisen." The brothers are amused by the press release's lack of detail about the sauce itself and its focus on character breakdowns from the anime. They also discuss the absurdity of the press release's target audience, someone who has never watched the anime but is interested in collectible lids.

00:50:03

Capitalism and Childhood Memories

This Chapter explores the connection between childhood memories and fast food toys. The brothers discuss how they associate certain movies with specific toys from McDonald's and Burger King. They also share their experiences with finding old toys and the nostalgia they evoke.

00:52:28

The End of the Episode

This Chapter marks the end of the episode, with the brothers acknowledging their efficiency and precision in delivering the content. They also remind listeners about their upcoming tour dates, the release of their new book, "The Suffering Game," and their other projects.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the McElroy brothers' plan to get a Michelin star for their podcast?

  They plan to create an "audio food" experience for the Michelin judges, describing imaginary dishes in detail to create a sensory experience.

• What is the mystery can of food in the listener's workplace breakroom?

  The listener doesn't know what's in the can, but they want to find out. The McElroy brothers offer various solutions, including a live-streamed can opening event.

• Why is the listener frustrated with their partner's insistence on using Siri for navigation?

  The listener believes they are a better navigator and finds Siri's directions intrusive and disruptive to conversations. They also feel resentful at being told what to do while driving.

• What is the connection between McDonald's garlic sauce and the anime "Jujutsu Kaisen"?

  McDonald's has partnered with "Jujutsu Kaisen" to launch a new special grade garlic sauce, featuring collectible lids with characters from the anime. The brothers find the press release humorous and absurd, particularly its lack of detail about the sauce itself.

• What is the listener's concern about bringing a large water bottle to a new job?

  The listener is worried that their co-workers will think it's weird and that they will be judged for their frequent bathroom breaks. They also worry about encountering a "big bottle Bob" at the new job.

• What is the listener's experience with finding old toys and the nostalgia they evoke?

  The listener finds old toys from their childhood and experiences a surge of nostalgia, remembering the specific movies or shows they were associated with. They also share their experience with their child finding old toys and the joy it brings.

• What is the McElroy brothers' advice for the listener who wants to find out what's in the mystery can of food?

  They suggest organizing a live-streamed can opening event, where everyone in the office can gather around and watch. They also emphasize the importance of eating whatever is in the can if it's opened.

• What is the listener's frustration with Siri's navigation directions?

  The listener finds Siri's directions intrusive and disruptive to conversations, especially during long drives. They also feel resentful at being told what to do while driving.

• What is the McElroy brothers' solution to the listener's navigation problem?

  They suggest using an Apple Watch to receive subtle navigation notifications, but acknowledge the potential for misfires and anxiety. They also discuss the need for a more obsequious AI that can deliver directions in a less intrusive way.

• What is the McElroy brothers' opinion on their ad reads?

  They consider their ad reads to be their most prestigious podcast award, taking pride in their ability to deliver high-quality and entertaining ad reads.

Show Notes