Episode 199: The One About Thin Boy Summer

Cold-Open Question of the Week: If you had to live in one of the two remaining World Cup countries, which one would you choose? Spain or Argentina?Canadian Wild Fires: Our neighbors to the North and their wildfires are giving Brian and his Northeast Pennsylvanian’s smoke-filled skies and a sepia-toned tinge. This has become an annual event in NEPA.World Cup Updates: Brian continues to marvel at the reception the World Cup is receiving here in the United States, by evidence of some of the numbers the Fox telecasts have brought in.* USA-Belgium Ratings: the most-watched non-NFL sports event since 1994 Winter Olympics with the Tonya vs. Nancy storyline* Soccer Development: There’s been controversy brewing about development of players in the United States, ranging from former USMNT defensemen and current Fox commentator Alexei Lalas, “Entertainment Tonight” host Kevin Frazier and former USMNT member Eric Wynalda. * If given the chance, do you think you’d be able to score on a penalty kick at the World Cup? (41% of American men under 30 believe they could.) Thin Boy Summer:Ozempic Divorce: Colin Cowherd has a theory that Ozempic/GLP-1 medications will be leading to more older men and women filing for divorces. His theory is gaining momentum with the recent divorces of Jelly Roll and now one of Gary’s favorite comedians, Tom Segura. Are we in the midst of “Thin Boy Summer”?Beautiful Mind: Is Brian seeing floaters? Spirits? Animals?Alzheimers: A new blood test is available that may help predict if healthy people are likely to develop Alzheimers.* Would you want to know?Bowling-flation: Brian’s complaints about the cost of bowling have taken the internet by fire. Apparently a private-equity company, Lucky Strike, has bought out local bowling alleys and increased the prices. Taco Bell: The company is under investigation over the explosive diarrhea parasite outbreak.Watch TheBrianLennonShow on Substack:Gary’s News of the Weird:Sponsored by Rapp Brewing CompanyTonight: Santa in summer; peanut butter floor.SQZ-A55: Brian found this story about a Florida woman on X today. Is this a real story or AI?This Week’s Food Truck Schedule: * Friday, July 17: 313 Tacos & Tamales 4-8 p.m.* Saturday, July 18: Closed for Private Party until 4 p.m.* Sunday, July 19: Beat the Heat Summer Special $5 Beers ALL DAY!; The Hangry 5 2-6 p.m.RIP:Carol Molloy: Brian’s neighbor growing up, passed away this month. Mrs. Molloy was like having another mom. Her house always smelled delicious, and Brian’s famous chili recipe is her chili recipe.From her daughter, Anne’s Facebook post:She was the best Mom. I will miss our laughs because we had so many of them together, but most of all I will miss hearing her laugh, she had the absolute best laugh, it was contagious. Mom, you are forever loved and forever missed. Until we meet again. I love you, mom.George Gill: Brian’s former co-worker and former Loudoun Times-Mirror business editor, died unexpectedly. George was known for frequent Facebook updates with his beloved tuxedo cat, JJ, along with weekly recaps of his bowling endeavors, a sport he took back up in the last few years.Gill reported and was responsible for the Times-Mirrors business section from 1994-2006. He won Virginia Press Association top awards for business and financial news coverage and page design.Bonnie Tyler: The singer, known for hits "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "Holding Out for a Hero," died on Wednesday. She was 75. Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero,” appeared on the soundtrack to the 1984 film “Footloose”; it later appeared on Tyler’s sixth studio album, “Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire.”While the song was only a top-40 hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 34, it grew in popularity over the years thanks to its use in a variety of commercials and movie trailers, including the trailer for “Guardians of the Galaxy” and the 2026 film “Masters of the Universe.” I believe it was also featured in one of the “Shrek” movies.Sam Neill: The Jurassic Park star, who resembled Brian's Uncle Kenny, died at 78.What We’re Watching:Gary: “Lucky” on AppleTV and the latest episode of “House of the Dragon” on HBO.Brian: The Housemaid starring Sydney Sweeney. The World Cup on Fox.Before We Go: Brian has a meeting tomorrow.TheBrianLennonShow is a listener-supported production. To receive each new podcast and support Brian and Gary’s work, consider becoming a FREE (it doesn’t cost you anything) or paid subscriber. Get full access to TheBrianLennonShow at thebrianlennonshow.substack.com/subscribe