Roderick on the Line

The Problem: That’s fighting the last war. (Recorded on Monday, March 30, 2026.)

The Problem: It was like fighting a dumb bear that thinks you’re playing. (Recorded on Monday, March 23, 2026.)

The Problem: John didn’t have his good glasses on. (Recorded on Monday, March 16, 2026.)

The Problem: John didn’t make it this far because there was any plan. (Recorded on Monday, March 9, 2026.)

The Problem: By the time the world comes around, you’re not in charge of it anymore. (Recorded on Monday, March 2, 2026.)

The Problem: You can’t assign specialness. (Recorded on Monday, February 23, 2026.)

The Problem: We were slender then. (Recorded on Monday, February 16, 2026.) Links “Against the Wind” — Bob Seger (1980) — “What to leave in? What to leave out?” Dave Nanian — Mastodon post about his original ’81 copy — the friend who sparked the dB’s conversation The dBs — “Black and White” (Repercussion, 1982) Don Dixon — “Girls L.T.D.” — solo track from the guy who co-produced early R.E.M. Sneakers (band, ~1975) — early NC power pop band featuring Dixon, Easter, and Stamey before they were famous Movies with Mikey — “But, did you knowwww?” Richard Hugo — “Degrees of Grey in Philipsburg” Candide — Voltaire (1759) — third episode running where Merlin has mentioned Cunegonde Claudine Longet — French singer who shot Olympic skier Spider Sabich; married to Andy Williams “Spicks and Specks” — Bee Gees (1966) — Merlin: “one of the purest pop songs ever written” “You Give a Little Love” — These crazy kids and their pies. From Bugsy Malone (1976) Marshall Brodien’s TV Magic Cards — Merlin bought his trick cards at Walgreens Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) — Roderick cites Cameron Crowe on the film’s tragic subtext about being pressured to lose virginity Groundhog Day (1993) — “what a fucking great movie”; Ned Ryerson as “one of the all time great character actor appearances” Nut Tree (Vacaville, CA) — roadside attraction with amusement park and small airport; Roderick and his dad flew there in a small plane

The Problem: cats are not afraid to send a message. (Recorded on Monday, February 9, 2026.)

The Problem: John took an impact (Recorded on Monday, February 2, 2026.)

The Problem: John had to enter the order portal. (Recorded on Monday, January 26, 2026.)

The Problem: John doesn’t see an apple. (Recorded on Monday, January 19, 2026.)

The Problem: They just want you mad. (Recorded on Monday, January 12, 2026.)

The Problem: His family was run on guilt. (Recorded on Monday, January 5, 2026.)

The Problem: There are people who always want to know things. (Recorded on Monday, December 29, 2025.)

The Problem: it was the nadir of hand chocolate. (Recorded on Monday, December 22, 2025.)

The Problem: All the people with taste died. (Recorded on Monday, December 15, 2025.)