Adam Gets Pied in the Face

Send us Fan Mail In episode 89 of I Hate Talking, the hosts return from the holidays with a full conversation centered on the word aplomb—a fitting term for confidence, balance, and maintaining composure under pressure. After tracing its French roots (à plomb, “according to the plumb line”), they explain how it evolved to describe someone poised and self-assured even in demanding situations. The discussion cleverly ties the literal idea of a perfectly vertical plumb line to the metaphorical steadiness required to face challenges “with aplomb.”That sense of balance sets up the second half of the episode: a funny, chaotic, and good‑natured retelling of their Cub Scout fundraising pies‑in‑the‑face tradition. From pie counts to safety goggles to why shaving cream beats whipped cream (for hygiene and safety reasons), listeners get an inside look at how this messy annual ritual brings joy to the pack—and how the hosts handle it with both humor and, of course, aplomb. The episode wraps with reflections on living in the moment, capturing memories, and debating the best (edible) pies, leaving listeners smiling and maybe craving dessert instead of shaving cream.Keywords: aplomb, word meaning, etymology, French origin, poise, confidence, scouting traditions, Cub Scouts, fundraising, shaving cream pies, leadership, humor, holiday return, I Hate Talking podcast. Support the show---Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.