PAFO - Pond Around and Find Out

The episode opens in chaotic fashion—mic issues and a guest introduction that takes a few detours before landing. Once things settle, Chris, Zoe, and KG welcome Charlie Marlow and quickly dive into a mix of NASCAR talk, media stories, and off-the-cuff banter. The early conversation centers around NASCAR culture, including driver rivalries, fan reactions, and memorable moments—like Matt Kenseth’s controversial championship run and the lingering grudges between drivers that somehow never die.From there, the episode expands into Charlie’s background in sports media, including covering races, traveling for major events, and his transition from traditional TV into the digital content world with Kenny Wallace. There’s a thoughtful discussion about how media consumption has changed—why podcasts and YouTube are replacing radio and TV for many people—and how even longtime broadcasters are being forced to adapt (whether they like it or not).The middle of the episode is where things really open up. Charlie shares personal stories ranging from covering the Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup run in Boston to his unexpected connection to actress Adrianne Palicki from high school. The group also swaps stories about relationships—how Charlie met his wife at Double D’s karaoke bar, the reality of dating in your younger years, and how life priorities shift over time. As the conversation winds down, it pivots into more grounded territory—real estate investments, the challenge of making rental properties profitable post-COVID, and a surprisingly honest discussion about gambling addiction and its impact. Even with the humor and randomness throughout, the episode lands on a mix of practical insight and real-life perspective, proving you can joke about just about anything while still saying something meaningful.Sponsored by McKelvey Insurance Grouphttps://www.mckelveyins.comWatch and subscribe to the Pondoff’s Anonymous Network on YouTube.

Chris, Jeff, Zoë, and KG react to the first episode of PAFO Plus, where Iggy Strode reviews the PAFO crew after watching each week’s episode.Naturally, that leads to KG considering his own follow-up show where he reviews Iggy’s review show, which means PAFO may now be trapped in a podcast feedback loop forever. A review of a review of a show that already barely knows where it’s going? Sounds about right.The crew also talks about the aftermath of the three-and-a-half-hour Tim McKernan episode, TMA fan page shrapnel, Reddit, Iggy’s return to radio, and whether anyone on this show actually knows what day anything comes out.Zoë shares the story behind singing “Rise Up” at Drug Church, including show choir, grief, foster family heartbreak, and why the song became less of a “f*ck you” and more of a “f*ck yeah.” From there, the episode spirals into late Domino’s pizza, Ron having a tough day at the office, the kid in pajamas waiting for pizza, dirty sodas at QT, Stand By Me, Dirty Dancing, Movie Boy envy, sober karaoke, TMJ, and whatever else somehow made sense in the room.The episode also closes with Chris remembering Elsa, a young woman he loved deeply, who battled leukemia for ten years and left behind a legacy of strength, sass, and perspective.Sponsored by McKelvey Insurance Grouphttps://www.mckelveyins.comSponsored by Watch and subscribe to the Pondoff’s Anonymous Network on YouTube.

This week on PAFO, Chris, Jeff, Zoë, and KG sit down with Tim McKernan for a long conversation about radio, risk, audience loyalty, and what it takes to keep a show going over time. They talk about how PAFO found its voice, why some shows last and others don’t, and what Tim has learned from years of building in public.They also get into the mess of “1380 The Woman,” why ratings don’t tell the whole story, and why revenue matters a lot more than bragging rights. Tim opens up about betting on himself, putting his house on the line, and the week he thought he had lymphoma before learning it wasn’t cancer after all. From there it moves into Artie Lange stories, New York near-misses, public criticism, loyal listeners, KG’s fake thigh tattoo, and the difference between the loudest people and the people who actually show up.Follow Tim / TMA:X: x.com/TMASTLInstagram: instagram.com/tma_stlThe Morning After: 101espn.com/shows/the-morning-after-stlTMA site: tmastl.comThe Tim McKernan Show: tmastl.com/podcasts/the-tim-mckernan-showCatch Tim on The Morning After weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on 101 ESPN.After the Morning After starts Monday, April 27 and features Tim McKernan, Doug Vaughn, Jackson Burkett, and PA Network family member Iggy. It airs Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon on 105.7 HD2 and on the TMA YouTube channel.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Sponsors06:00 The Evolution of the Podcast11:55 Mental Health and Recovery Stories17:53 Behind the Scenes of Podcasting24:01 Business Models in Radio and Podcasting30:49 The Bubba the Love Sponge Controversy38:25 Media Misrepresentation and Personal Struggles45:51 Health Scares and Their Emotional Toll51:45 The Relief of a False Alarm01:02:43 Navigating Professional Growth Amidst Adversity01:09:23 The Evolution of Media and Personal Connections01:21:27 Engagement to a Stripper01:27:20 The Complexity of Social Interactions01:32:30 The Weight of Celebrity and Accessibility01:39:02 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Career01:47:17 The Thrill of Performance and Personal Growth01:53:32 Missed Opportunities and Career Reflections02:00:05 Interventions and the Weight of Responsibility02:07:54 Breaking Stereotypes: Conversations with Adult Stars02:19:17 The Power of Community and Audience Engagement02:24:57 Navigating the Challenges of Broadcasting02:30:12 The Evolution of the Show and Its Audience02:35:48 The Future of Podcasting and Community Engagement02:54:25 Unexpected Encounters and Revelations03:01:11 Reflections on Relationships and Personal GrowthThanks to our sponsors…McKelvey Insurance Groupmckelveyins.comLightSource Psychotherapyfindyourlightsource.com

This week on PAFO, the conversation starts loose and stays that way. The group gets into meds, allergies, barbecue, bad haircuts, and KG recovering from a brutal stomach bug before the episode turns toward heavier stuff. Chris talks about a hard week in the recovery community, the reality of loss, and why making space for families dealing with addiction and mental health actually matters.From there, it swerves the way PAFO always does: KG explains how an AI-generated Cardinals song he wrote ended up getting played at Ballpark Village, Jeff talks about the new PAFO website now being out in the world, and the crew gets into studio upgrade ideas, HomeGoods planning, dating-app nonsense, “no, LOL,” church music, DTF St. Louis, and whatever else they can get their hands on. It’s funny, scattered, personal, and very true to how this group actually talks.Big thanks to our sponsors:McKelvey Insurance GroupIf insurance has ever felt confusing or overwhelming, McKelvey Insurance Group keeps it simple. They compare options from multiple providers to help find coverage that actually fits. No pressure. No jargon. Just real help.Website: https://www.mckelveyins.comCall Evan McKelvey: 618-623-0080LightSourceWe’re also proud to partner with the great people at LightSource. What do we need when we’re in the dark? Sometimes it’s simply just a LightSource.Website: https://findyourlightsource.comChapters:00:00 Introduction and Light Banter05:02 Mental Health and Medication Discussion06:33 Personal Updates and Life Events10:21 Food and Culinary Experiences15:55 Creative Processes and Music18:52 Family Dynamics and Relationships25:04 Home Renovation and Living Spaces35:03 Website Development and Sponsorships43:09 Pop Culture References and Media Discussions53:55 Creative Collaboration and Challenges56:05 Celebrity Preferences and Changing Opinions01:00:02 Comedy and Cultural Commentary01:03:00 Personal Experiences and Anecdotes01:06:20 Navigating Relationships and Social Dynamics01:09:48 Humor in Dark Topics01:13:50 Corporate Culture and Critique01:17:20 Public Perception and Celebrity Culture01:20:07 Food, Family, and Local Culture01:23:53 Reflections on Education and Society01:28:02 Celebrity Dinner Guests and Trust Issues01:32:02 Jokes, Controversies, and Misunderstandings01:34:59 Everyday Life and Personal Stories

"Happy Chris, Happy Life"This episode of PAFO, the crew goes everywhere... Zoë talks about returning to social media and what that means for her mental health, the group gets into Easter weekend reflections, sports, dating-app chaos, honesty in intimacy, mall nostalgia, addiction, recovery, therapy, medication, and the kind of conversations most people usually avoid.It’s funny, messy, honest, and unexpectedly real.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Sponsorships02:20 Mental Health and Social Media Awareness07:00 Easter Reflections and Community Support09:59 Sports and Personal Connections17:57 Humor and Personal Experiences with Products23:07 Navigating Relationships and Expectations26:02 Honesty in Intimacy28:11 Breaking Taboos in Sexual Conversations31:05 Dating Dynamics and Personal Experiences35:15 The Farmer from Hinge: A Unique Encounter39:03 Swipe Left: Dating Preferences and Dealbreakers44:46 Girls in the City: Embracing Life's Challenges47:31 Girls in the City: A Lifestyle Choice49:44 The Return of Mall Culture55:08 Urban Decay and Abandoned Spaces58:45 Courage in Sharing Addiction Stories01:01:11 Generational Trauma and Addiction01:05:09 The Science of Addiction and Potential Treatments01:10:06 The Role of Community in Recovery01:12:20 The Intersection of Medication and Therapy01:17:01 Podcasts: A New Form of Entertainment01:21:34 The Power of Compelling Content01:24:04 Engaging with the Audience01:25:00 Humor and Authenticity in Conversations01:28:32 Weekend Plans and Personal Stories01:29:21 Consumer Rights and Business Practices01:36:35 Navigating Change in Business Models01:41:03 Personal Anecdotes and Humor in Healthcare01:45:39 Closing Thoughts and Community EngagementSponsorsMcKelvey Insurance Grouphttp://mckelveyins.com/Light Sourcehttp://findyourlightsource.com/

"Secret Cheeseburgers"This week on PAFO, the crew gets into the potty pedal fallout, Home Goods addictions, concerts, old school R&B, random compliments, phone mixups, and the kind of off the wall stories that somehow turn into real conversations. Chris, Jeff, Zoë, and KG bounce between funny nonsense and real life stuff, talking through sadness, family health stress, recovery, kindness, self-control, and the weird little things that stick with you.They also get into drinking memories, movie blind spots, baking phases, tres leches cake, secret cheeseburgers, social media consistency, content creation, community events, dating apps, self-care, and the ridiculous price of concert tickets. It’s all over the place in the best PAFO way... funny, messy, honest, and weirdly relatable.Sponsored by McKelvey Insurance Grouphttps://www.mckelveyins.com/Sponsored by LightSourcehttps://findyourlightsource.com/00:00 The Potty Pedal Controversy12:21 Home Goods Addiction and Self-Control16:18 Concerts and R&B Nostalgia22:26 Unexpected Conversations and Misunderstandings25:13 The Joy of Random Compliments32:16 Identifying with Recovery and Alcoholism37:31 The Power of Random Acts of Kindness40:10 High School Memories and Drinking Challenges49:19 Cultural References and Movie Gaps01:04:07 Baking Adventures and Midnight Snacks01:12:03 The Art of Tres Leches Cake01:18:57 Social Media and Content Creation Challenges01:22:06 Reflections on Drinking and Driving01:40:28 Community and Cultural Events01:44:28 Dating Apps and Self-Care01:51:45 Concert Ticket Pricing and Experiences

"Have I Told You About My Idea for the Potty Pedal?"This week on PAFO, the crew gets into old radio stories, wrestling talk, dating apps, weird first date energy, getting stood up, sending flowers too soon, TikTok, mansplaining, pet peeves, pop culture, sports, and a bunch of everyday annoyances that somehow turn into full blown debates. It has that loose Friday hang feel the whole way through, but there’s still plenty in here about rejection, perception, public judgment, and how people read each other completely wrong.They also get into The Sopranos, country music, K-pop, Charlie Woods, The Bachelorette drama, spa vs. fly fishing, feature dancers, Sabrina Carpenter, March Madness, beeping fridges, dustpan problems, and a very serious conversation about why the world still has not invented a better way to lift a toilet seat. It goes all over the place, in a good way, and by the end it somehow lands on business ideas, prayer in a parking lot, and Kurt getting welcomed even further into the PAFO fold.Sponsored by McKelvey Insurance Grouphttps://www.mckelveyins.com/Sponsored by LightSourcehttps://findyourlightsource.com/00:00 Intro and sponsorships02:47 Paffo vs. P.A.F.O., wrestling talk, and The Sopranos10:05 TMA overlap, radio stories, and internet rumors20:01 Cameos, fan fest talk, and the whole vibe of the show28:11 Dating apps, kink discourse, and a chaotic dinner invite35:02 Flowers after one date, Bermuda, and getting shut down hard45:05 Predator catcher videos and why internet vigilante stuff gets messy46:28 Zoë jumps back in, TikTok comes up, and the social media talk starts49:09 Mansplaining insurance and sponsor talk55:17 Fish, cooking, and the start of the pet peeves lane59:03 Country music, guilty pleasures, and K-pop talk01:05:02 Hard no’s, marriage talk, and some very weird kink conversation01:10:04 Charlie Woods, golf talk, and sports opinions01:11:50 Pet peeves officially begin01:18:04 My fridge beeps, smoke alarms, and household chaos01:23:50 The Bachelorette cancellation and public outrage01:35:51 Spa vs. fly fishing and vacation choices01:40:05 Feature dancers, old interview stories, and club talk01:45:24 Clayborne nightmares and more guilty pleasure talk01:50:01 Sabrina Carpenter, pop music, and Grammy debate02:02:00 Dustpans, Shark Tank ideas, and the potty pedal invention02:10:04 March Madness, college basketball, and sports chaos02:15:04 The yellow scream pillow, getting prayed for in a parking lot, and wrap up02:18:58 Kurt gets welcomed as an official PAFO cohost

Kurt Garner is back, and this one covers a little bit of everything... dating, flirting, mixed signals, ghosting, rejection, body language, chemistry, and all the weird little ways people try to figure out whether somebody is actually into them or if they just talked themselves into it. Chris, Kurt, and Zoë get into first dates, awkward moments, physical touch, humor, vulnerability, and the difference between being nice and actually being flirty. It’s funny, honest, and loose, but there’s real stuff underneath it too, especially when they get into connection, confidence, and how annoying it is when people leave the loop open.Then it goes wider in that very PAFO way... friendship vs. romance, therapy, feet, spa talk, dream jobs, creating opportunities, childhood heroes, memorable encounters, Alaska stories, youth sports, coaching, and March Madness. It feels like friends hanging out, but there’s still a lot in here about taking chances, being real, and trying to make sense of people, sports, and life without pretending to have it all figured out.Sponsored by McKelvey Insurance Group and Light Source, LLC Psychotherapy.McKelvey Insurance Grouphttps://www.mckelveyins.com/Light Source, LLC Psychotherapyhttps://findyourlightsource.com/00:00 Introduction and Sponsorships06:01 Teaching Challenges and Personal Anecdotes13:53 Emotional Responses and Astrology18:03 Sexual Tension and Dating Insights22:28 Flirting Signals and Body Language25:43 Navigating Physical Touch and Boundaries27:41 The Role of Humor in Attraction29:21 Friendship vs. Romance: The Dating Dilemma31:30 Vulnerability in Dating and Rejection32:18 The Importance of Connection and Community36:05 Self-Care and Personal Growth40:09 Exploring the Foot Fetish Phenomenon45:16 Creating Opportunities and Following Dreams52:18 Navigating Romantic Encounters54:46 The Anxiety of Ghosting56:39 Dental Dilemmas and Personal Stories01:00:14 Reflections on Childhood Heroes01:06:30 The Impact of Professional Athletes01:11:32 Memorable Encounters with Icons01:17:11 Life Lessons from Alaska01:21:46 Summer in Alaska: A Unique Experience01:22:52 The Midnight Sun and Its Effects01:23:55 Historical Context: Alaska's Acquisition01:24:30 Cultural Insights: Eskimo Kisses and Relationships01:25:51 The Two-Headed Woman: A Curious Encounter01:26:52 Exploring Pleasure and Identity01:29:54 The Nature of Threesomes and Consent01:35:10 Curiosity About Life and Death01:36:40 Pet Peeves and Sports Talk01:38:05 March Madness and College Basketball Dynamics01:45:17 Coaching Philosophy in Youth Sports01:47:49 The Importance of Ice Time for Kids01:49:36 Mental Aspects of Sports Performance01:51:30 The Shift from Playing to Watching Sports01:56:20 March Madness and Its Cultural Impact02:02:08 Humor and Controversy in Sports Discussions

"It's Hard to Be Curious and Well-Postured at the Same Time"Former NHL enforcer Cam Janssen joins Chris, Jeff, and Zoë on one of the busiest days of the hockey calendar, NHL trade deadline day, and delivers one of the most honest, wide-ranging, and genuinely hilarious episodes PAFO has ever put out.Cam has been one of the most recognizable faces in St. Louis hockey media since his playing days with the New Jersey Devils and Blues, and his work off the ice, including regular visits to IRC (Illinois Recovery Center) to connect with clients in treatment, says just as much about who he is as anything he ever did on it. This episode goes everywhere: addiction and Suboxone, the mechanics of how substances hook you, what it's actually like fighting strangers in minor league arenas when nobody cares, Lake of the Ozarks chaos, billet family dynamics, trade deadline Blues talk, Adderall, dogs, the Olympics, and Zoë asking an NHL enforcer how to win a street fight.Cam is one of those guests who makes a two-hour conversation feel like 20 minutes. Whether he's breaking down the simplicity of how addiction starts, going line-by-line on the Blues' inconsistent season, or telling a boat story that will make you never want to be on the water at night, he holds the room every single time. Co-host of The Cam & Strick Podcast with NHL insider Andy Strickland, Cam is as comfortable talking recovery as he is talking hockey, and this episode is proof of both.00:00 It's Trade Deadline Day, Baby, and Cam Is Here03:01 You're One of Us: Cam on Recovery, IRC, and Why He Keeps Coming Back05:40 You Can Get That at the Gas Station Real Easily07:53 Bonfires, Pickup Trucks, and Stealing Your Parents' Beer10:17 I Should Feel Bad for That, but That's Kind of Funny12:59 No Guy I Know Ever Gave a Damn If You Had a Hundred Thousand Followers14:54 Sometimes It Gets a Little Too Extreme: Billet Families Explained19:49 Get Rid of Old: Trade Deadline Blues Talk and What St. Louis Fans Actually Want27:22 Don't Change Your Life Because You Get a Girl Pregnant at a Young Age30:13 The Inconsistencies Have Been Astronomical This Year34:29 Everybody and Their Right Mind Has a Podcast39:18 I'm Good at Commercials and Voiceovers. I Could Be a Scary Villain.42:37 You Got a Lot of Moms, Don't You: Zoë's Story and the Village Around Her49:23 I Feel Like Superman for a Little Bit There52:18 Slow the Fuck Down Now Motherfucker: The Lake of the Ozarks Boat Story55:30 She Was Born the Year We Were Already Grown Men56:16 The Berserker From WWF Just Followed Me on Twitter58:12 I Rather Just Be Normal: Cam's Suboxone Story01:02:26 I'm in Albany and I Have to Fight Guys I Don't Even Know in Front of 500 People01:10:51 Cocaine Is Adderall: Breaking Down the Drug Nobody Talks About Honestly01:17:57 I'm Glad I Got Traded to the Blues. It's the Best Thing in the World.01:20:06 Grab Their Nutsack and Bite Their Neck: Cam's Self-Defense Masterclass01:21:30 Willow and Luna Are My Babies: On Dogs, Home, and Staying Put at 4101:22:32 I'm the Only One Who Gives Out Compliments at These Skates01:27:37 Joy Dunne, Matthew, Brady, Clayton Keller: St. Louis Put Gold Medalists on the Map01:30:22 A Guy With $40 Million Would Date a Girl Who Works at McDonald's01:36:02 The Door Is Always OpenFollow Cam: @cam_janssen25Listen to The Cam & Strick Podcast: camandstrick.com | @camandstrickSponsors: McKelvey Insurance Group - mckelveyins.com | LightSource Psychotherapy - findyourlightsource.com

"I Had to Jump Off the Roof of a Mexican Strip Club"PAFO | Featuring Kurt GarnerChris and Zoë are joined by Kurt Garner, co-host of TMA Radio in St. Louis and legacy interviewer at Sound Story, for a wide-ranging conversation about dating in recovery, attachment styles, app culture, and why sobriety doesn't just change your relationship with alcohol. It changes the entire pond you're fishing in.06:00 — Sound Story and Kurt's WorkKurt talks about his work with Tim McCernan at Sound Story, preserving family stories as digital heirlooms. The conversations he's witnessed there set the tone for everything else that follows.19:57 — Serial Putt Shack GuyKurt breaks down his 55+ first dates, his date journal, and why activity-based first dates beat dinner every time. He is unashamed. Zoë is skeptical. The debate is respectful but real.25:29 — The Vodka IncidentOn a recent first date at Putt Shack, Kurt accidentally drank vodka. As in, a bartender handed him the wrong drink. As a person sober 4.5 years. He had to decide whether to reset the clock. He did not.35:59 — The Mexico Story (Part 1)Kurt's Tulum trip takes a turn when a travel companion brings something through customs they absolutely should not have. The local police notice. What follows involves negotiation in Spanish, an ATM run in the back of a cop truck, 8,000 pesos, and the film Coco on Disney+. Kurt's fluency in Spanish was, it turns out, very load-bearing.45:46 — The Mexico Story (Part 2)There was an earlier Mexico trip. It involved a roof. That is all we will say here.01:09:08 — The App LandscapeHinge, Bumble, Tinder, Feeld, and Lucid (yes, there's a sober dating app). Kurt has opinions. Zoë has questions. Everyone has a take on when to delete them.01:34:54 — Attachment Styles, Anglerfish, and the Guinea Pig RuleKurt is anxiously attached. Zoë is avoidant and working on it. She also spent eight years in an on-and-off situationship with someone she calls "anglerfish guy" and has a firm policy about not dating anyone who has never been married. She is not trying to be anyone's guinea pig.02:03:46 — The Pond Becomes an OceanKurt reflects on how addiction shrank his dating world to a dirty puddle. Recovery blew it open into something vast and unexpected. One of the more quietly beautiful moments of the episode.02:06:52 — The Back NineBeing 40+, divorced, and figuring out what the second half looks like. Kurt is honest about the scarcity mindset that creeps in and the work it takes to push back.02:19:37 — Granny's 90thKurt's grandmother is turning 90. She has firm opinions about tattoos and birthday money. He bought full-sleeve temporary tattoos from Amazon. It is going exactly as you'd expect.SponsorsMcKelvey Insurance Group | Independent agency, no pressure, no jargon. Compare options from multiple providers to find coverage that fits you. Quote or policy review at mckelveyins.com or call 618-623-0080.Light Source Psychotherapy | Belleville, IL. findyourlightsource.comLongStory Coffee | Small batch artisanal roaster out of Belleville, IL. Light in the Dark roast available at longstorycoffee.comRecorded at the Illinois Recovery Center / McKelvey Insurance Studios.

This week on the show, we sit down with Lern from 105.7 The Point and KSHE 95 for a conversation that starts with Halloween chaos and somehow lands on grief, accountability, codependency, and the phrase “You Human Compost.” What unfolds is part radio industry deep-dive, part therapy session, part existential spiral — in the best way. Lern opens up about losing her dad at 21, carrying years of shame over not being there in his final moments, and the unexpected medium reading that helped her finally let go. We talk recovery culture, mental health, bullying, feminism, and what it actually means to take accountability in a world that avoids it at all costs.We also get into green burial, hydro cremation, human composting laws, AI data centers, nuclear power, rage rooms, and the strange comfort of dark humor when talking about death. If you’re into real conversations about grief, mental health, addiction-adjacent stories, radio life, and personal growth — with zero pretense and plenty of laughs — this one’s for you.Follow Lern:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lernvsradio/X (Twitter): https://x.com/lernvsradioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lernvsradio/105.7 The Point: https://www.1057thepoint.com/KSHE 95: https://www.kshe95.com/Timestamps:00:00 – Halloween Preparations and Celebrations03:59 – Transitioning to New Opportunities in Radio10:04 – Exploring Personal Stories and Family Dynamics17:04 – The Impact of Codependency and Substance Use22:06 – Navigating Grief and Loss22:42 – Navigating Mental Health Medications24:14 – The Impact of Cancer on Family Dynamics26:28 – Confronting Grief and Anticipatory Loss30:20 – The Weight of Regret and Missed Opportunities39:55 – Finding Closure Through Mediumship43:13 – The Role of Accountability in Healing46:46 – Unraveling Fears and Death Awareness49:01 – The Intersection of Personal Stories and Professional Journeys51:50 – Bullying, Mental Health, and Community Support56:01 – Music, Culture, and Personal Connections59:58 – Navigating Online Discourse and Feminism01:06:59 – Empowerment, Allyship, and Female Solidarity01:08:48 – Navigating Challenges in the Industry01:10:12 – The Future of Leadership: Gender and Identity01:11:33 – Reflections on History and Humility01:13:30 – The Audacity of Change01:14:41 – The Impact of Technology on Humanity01:16:01 – Sustainability and Data Centers01:19:44 – The Role of Nuclear Power in the Future01:23:10 – Honoring a Legacy: Remembering Jeff Burton01:29:51 – Celebrating Achievements in Broadcasting01:32:59 – The Healing Power of Animals01:35:58 – Navigating Family Dynamics and Relationships01:39:56 – The Role of Music in Emotional Expression01:44:00 – Channeling Anger: Rage Rooms and Emotional Release01:50:02 – Compassion in Recovery and Social Work01:55:55 – Reflections on Family and Privilege02:01:50 – Navigating Relationships and Resentments02:07:46 – Conversations About Death and Legacy02:12:50 – Community Engagement and Nonprofit WorkThanks to our sponsors… McKelvey Insurance McKelveyINS.com and LightSource Psychotherapy findyourlightsource.com

This week the crew covers everything from coffee cups that say “one day at a time” to whether bowling or mini golf should be legally banned as first dates. There’s strong stances on peeing strategy, Reddit rabbit holes, tipping culture, and why some dates require an emergency exit plan. Somewhere between Mardi Gras warnings (“Keep your shirt on. No drinks from strangers. Don’t pee outside.”) and debates about Grammy snubs, the conversation does what it always does — wanders confidently into chaos and somehow lands on something real.Underneath the jokes, there’s a surprisingly honest stretch about friendships, grief, and how many people you can actually count on when things get heavy. Five good friends might be the max. Sleep matters. Anxiety is real. And sometimes first dates, subreddits, and even certain conversations… just drag on for freaking ever. It’s loose, it’s layered, and it’s very PAFO.00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship 01:06 Casual Banter and Coffee Shop Conversations 03:00 Tipping Culture and Customer Interactions 05:55 Experiences with Service Industry and Closing Times 08:59 Massage Experiences and Personal Stories 12:04 Tribute to a Late Friend and Foot Fetish Fridays 14:59 Music, Singing, and Personal Connections 20:58 Reflections on Music and Community 21:13 Music Connections and Community Engagement 22:58 The Grammys: A Reflection on Awards and Recognition 29:03 Personal Reflections: Vulnerability and Accountability 34:59 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth 40:01 Curiosity and Nosiness in Relationships 43:30 The Value of Close Friendships 44:36 Navigating Grief and Loss 50:08 Legacy of Brian McKenna 56:56 Awareness and Advocacy in Health 01:01:20 Reflections on Birthdays and Celebrations 01:07:08 Mardi Gras Adventures and Cautionary Tales 01:12:36 The Impact of Fentanyl: A Mother's Heartbreaking Story 01:19:25 Accountability and Justice in Tragic Circumstances 01:22:18 The Changing Landscape of Substance Use Among Teens 01:27:13 Pain Management and the Dangers of Opioids 01:39:04 Exploring Online Communities and Subreddits 01:42:51 Debating Iconic TV Show Endings 01:45:04 Revisiting Classic TV Shows 01:46:24 Pet Peeves in Dating 01:49:21 Ideal First Date Experiences 01:55:54 Navigating Blind Dates and Expectations 01:56:30 Picnic Breakup: A Comedic Tale 01:59:04 Blind Dates and Awkward Introductions 02:00:00 Dating Preferences and Shallow Expectations 02:01:49 First Dates: Weddings and Wrestling 02:03:54 Mental Health and Giving Away Possessions 02:10:08 Understanding Depression and Stigma 02:11:55 Podcasting and Personal Stories Thanks to our sponsors… McKelvey Insurance McKelveyINS.com and LightSource Psychotherapy findyourlightsource.com

This one somehow swings from completely unhinged oversharing to genuinely powerful recovery talk without ever slowing down. The crew kicks things off with chaotic group-chat drama, bodily horror stories, and the kind of sentences that make you question whether microphones should legally exist—before pivoting hard into real conversations about boundaries, burnout, sleep, and what it actually takes to stay sane around other humans. Just when you think it can’t get weirder, someone casually admits to sleepwalking crimes and the vibe fully commits to beautiful disaster territory.Then the heart shows up. A deep dive into sober living, community support, reentry challenges, and the real mechanics of recovery grounds the chaos in something meaningful—without losing the jokes about TV, movies, body image, tech frustrations, gambling, and wildly inappropriate strip-club humor. It’s messy, honest, occasionally profound, and still somehow hilarious… which is basically the most accurate description of this show.00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship06:08 The Dynamics of Group Chats and Communication12:00 Understanding Social Interactions and Boundaries18:08 Reflections on Sleep and Recovery23:00 The Launch of Sober Living Homes27:32 Building a Supportive Community29:34 Challenges in Reentry and Recovery31:56 Community Support and Overcoming Stigma33:18 The Role of Law Enforcement in Recovery35:06 Addressing Women's Needs in Recovery38:21 Creating Safe Spaces for Families41:43 Collaborative Efforts for Healing43:02 Designing a Welcoming Environment52:25 Character Discussions and Show Favorites55:04 Bridgerton and Its Reception57:57 The Impact of Disturbing Content59:58 Movie Experiences and Preferences01:01:59 Food and Movie Theater Experiences01:04:00 Horror Films and Personal Reactions01:07:00 Sports and Cultural Commentary01:11:11 The Importance of Reflection and Lists01:14:00 Personal Preferences and Red Flags01:18:32 Body Image and Social Norms01:20:00 Communication and Personal Hygiene01:22:43 Cultural Perspectives and Personal Growth01:27:22 USB Frustrations and Tech Peeves01:29:34 Weekend Plans and Social Dynamics01:32:02 Super Bowl Anticipations and Cultural Commentary01:35:38 Understanding Swerve and Social Interactions01:36:47 Gambling Addiction Awareness and Personal Stories01:41:38 Strip Club Experiences and Humor in Recovery01:44:27 Insurance Insights and Support SystemsThanks to our sponsors… McKelvey Insurance McKelveyINS.com and LightSource Psychotherapy findyourlightsource.com

Title: “I Dare a Mother****** to Try”Winter storm outside, Jeff missing in action, and Chris + Zoë running the “CNZ show” like two caffeinated goblins trapped in a snow globe.This episode starts with shoveling trauma and YouTube hater energy, then spirals into: kindness as a weapon, church-language culture wars,psych meds transparency, gout body-horror, and why “being curious” doesn’t mean you stop threat-assessing weird vibes in parking garages.Chris tells the story of getting dragged on a community Facebook page (recovery stigma, misconceptions, the usual) and responding withabsolute grace instead of keyboard violence — which somehow leads to a new employee and a reminder that sometimes you don’t have to matchsomeone’s mess with more mess.Meanwhile Zoë breaks down the whole “worship leader” vs “church band” thing, why words matter, and how people hear wildly different thingsdepending on their church baggage. Then we hit the meds segment (honesty + chaos), followed by Chris explaining gout in a way that will makeyour bones itch. From there: safety tools, robbery stories, and the eternal battle between curiosity and not getting yourself murdered.The back half gets surprisingly real: Taylor University, chapel bands, navigating polar-opposite worldviews, and how living around people youdisagree with can either harden you into a judgment machine or force you to grow up a little.Also: sponsorship talk, because capitalism still exists even when it’s icy.Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction and Winter Storm Check-in03:52 Community Engagement and Misconceptions06:55 Handling Online Criticism with Kindness09:51 Personal Reflections on Communication12:56 Exploring Worship and Community Dynamics21:53 Curiosity vs. Judgment in Conversations27:50 Mental Health and Medication Discussion31:53 Navigating Anxiety and Medication34:38 Understanding Gout and Its Impact38:08 Managing Health and Aging41:32 Safety and Self-Defense Strategies45:14 Experiences with Robbery and Personal Safety47:07 Reflections on College Life and Community53:08 The Journey to Higher Education57:43 Finding Common Ground in Diverse Perspectives01:06:15 Exploring Sponsorship Opportunities01:11:24 The Journey of Singing and Performance01:16:10 The Impact of Music and Personal Expression01:22:34 Navigating Relationships and Personal Identity01:31:55 Art and Recovery: A Creative OutletSponsored by McKelvey Insurance (https://www.mckelveyins.com/) and LightSource Psychotherapy (https://findyourlightsource.com/).

Sponsored by:McKelvey InsuranceLightSource PsychotherapyAnother week, another descent into barely-controlled chaos with Chris, Zoë, and Jeff. This episode kicks off with busted mics and ends with some unexpected tenderness—but not before detouring through lactate enzyme math, email hoarding, biblical hookers, and deeply cursed impersonations. There’s family stuff, adoption stuff, insurance talk (but the good kind), and way too much honesty about what lives in our camera rolls.If you’re easily offended… you’re probably already gone. For the rest of you: enjoy the mess. 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 03:01 Health and Wellness Discussions 06:00 Texting and Communication Boundaries 09:00 Mental Load and Time Management 12:01 Email Management and Hoarding 15:00 Pop Culture References and Personal Stories 18:01 Sponsorships and Business Insights 24:46 The Perception of Insurance Agents 26:46 Building Trust in the Insurance Industry 29:47 The Evolution of Podcasting and Show Names 32:37 The Role of Supportive Relationships 36:10 Navigating Authority and Expectations 40:31 The Importance of Communication in Relationships 43:37 Reflections on Adoption and Family Dynamics 52:09 Navigating Relationships and Social Dynamics 55:02 Media Consumption and Trigger Warnings 57:21 Exploring TV Shows and Cultural References 01:01:00 Personal Stories and Humor in Everyday Life 01:09:31 The Intersection of Humor and Serious Topics 01:18:23 Cigarette Culture and Social Interactions 01:21:26 Music and Community Connections 01:22:36 Religious References and Gender Discussions 01:24:30 Family Dynamics and Personal Relationships 01:26:08 Self-Awareness and Communication Challenges 01:31:23 Barista Experiences and Customer Interactions 01:44:19 Pet Peeves and Sponsorships 01:45:05 Impersonations and Accents 01:46:27 Respect and Public Behavior 01:47:52 Weekend Plans and Snowstorms 01:49:43 Dog Stories and Neighborhood Life 01:51:54 Authenticity and Self-Expression 01:52:44 Pride and Personal Experiences 01:54:51 Cultural Identity and Humor 01:57:05 Family Heritage and Ancestry 02:02:30 Community Support and Healing

Hell yeah—welcome to PAFO, proudly spewed into the world by the Pondoff’s Anonymous Network. This is the official launch of PAN’s second show, and the mission is simple: Pond Around and Find Out.The format? Unhinged. The hosts? Half healed and fully caffeinated. The vibe? Pure mayhem.No guests this round—just Chris Pondoff, Jeff Allen, and Zoe Mendenall throwing down on everything from grief and God to trauma, boundaries, and pizza guy drama. Zoe’s got a list and a spray for every occasion, Chris is preaching the gospel with an f-bomb every five words, and Jeff—God bless him—is just trying to finish a damn thought without getting hijacked by tangents, tears, or full-on derailments.This isn’t a therapy podcast. It’s a life podcast. Sometimes recovery gets name-dropped, sometimes Jesus does too, and sometimes it’s just three people screaming about manscaping and misinformation. Guests will show up in future episodes—not because they fit a category, but because they fit the conversation. Sometimes that overlaps with recovery or mental health, sometimes it doesn’t. Think fourth mics, wild cards, and the kind of people you end up stuck in a parking lot conversation with for two hours. No bios, no spotlights—just real talk, straight into the madness.This is PAFO. Buckle the fuck up.CHAPTERS (aka the PAFO Breakdown):00:00 – Welcome to the Madness (PAFO is Born)05:58 – Death, Grief, and Gathering Shit That Matters11:52 – Pizza Boy Drama and Diagnosing the Dominos Dude18:03 – New Year, New Digs, Same Damn Chaos23:08 – Boundaries, Bullshit, and Emotional Gymnastics27:01 – Weed Isn’t Sobriety and Other Unpopular Opinions31:06 – New Shows, New Voices, Same Broken Hosts39:21 – AI Boyfriends, Chat Therapists, and Deadly Tech45:12 – Bitch, Badass, or Both? Power, Labels, and Learning50:02 – WTF is Truth Anymore?51:40 – Dads, Deadbeats, and Digital Detox55:31 – Why Pet Peeves Should Come with a Muzzle01:01:28 – Boundaries or Avoidance? Let's Call It Out01:06:11 – Therapy: Go or Don’t, But Don’t Fake It01:10:38 – Should We Do Ads or Just Cry?01:12:19 – Why Crying Might Save Your Damn Life01:15:12 – Humor: The Only Weapon We’ve Got Left01:17:35 – Ghosts, God, and Spiritual WTFs01:19:30 – Social Media, Recovery, and the Shit We Keep Scrolling01:21:40 – Can You Joke About Trauma? Asking for a Friend01:32:22 – Birthday Banter and Bullshit Sessions01:33:27 – Resolutions No One Will Keep01:35:20 – Skincare, Sorority Vibes, and Girl Shit01:37:20 – Manscaping, Manhood, and Misc. Mayhem01:39:50 – The Bachelor, Bible Trauma, and Bullshit Theology01:41:57 – When Faith Feels Like a Lie01:43:31 – Cynicism, Christ, and Church Trauma01:46:03 – Redefining Spirituality Without Bullshit01:50:37 – Death, Grief, and Making It Make Sense01:52:39 – Talking Shit, Sharing Shit, Healing Shit01:56:24 – Peace Out, Pals (For Now)Sponsored byMcKelvey Insurance – get covered, save cash: https://www.mckelveyins.com/LightSource Psychotherapy – because “just get over it” isn’t therapy: https://findyourlightsource.com/

PAFO which stands for Pond Around and Find Out is the most unfiltered corner of the Pondoff’s Anonymous network. If the main show is about recovery, honesty, and growth, PAFO is where all the side conversations finally get a microphone.Formerly known as The F*ck Around Show, PAFO started the way a lot of good ideas do…by accident. It came out of moments before and after recording, when the pressure was off, the structure disappeared, and the conversations drifted into stories, arguments, jokes, half baked theories, cultural observations, and the kind of honesty that usually gets edited out. Eventually it became obvious that this wasn’t noise…it was the show.PAFO isn’t built around guests, segments, or a tidy mission statement. Some episodes are funny, some get surprisingly reflective, some spiral into chaos, and some just hang out in the gray space between seriousness and nonsense. It’s a place where hosts can talk about life, relationships, mental health, pop culture, faith, doubt, recovery adjacent topics, or whatever else happens to land in the room that day. Sometimes it matters a lot. Sometimes it absolutely doesn’t. Both are kind of the point.There’s no promise that PAFO will make you better, fix you, or teach you anything. What it does promise is honesty without polish and conversation without an agenda. It’s imperfect on purpose. It allows for humor without being cruel, vulnerability without forcing depth, and disagreement without turning into a fight. The tone can change mid sentence, and that’s not a bug…it’s the format.Calling it PAFO was a way to grow up just enough without losing the spirit of what the show has always been. It’s still about f*cking around, just with a little more self awareness. You’re invited to listen in, laugh when it’s funny, sit quietly when it’s not, and maybe recognize yourself in the mess somewhere along the way.PAFO lives under the Pondoff’s Anonymous network, but it stands on its own as the place where the rules loosen, the filters drop, and nobody pretends to have it all figured out. If you like your podcasts honest, occasionally reckless, and very human…you’re probably in the right place.