StraightioLab

What better way to welcome in spooky season than with the return of our dear friend, advertising executive Julio Torres! Julio and Sam walk George through their new millennial food startup before Julio launches into his message for all the restaurants out there obsessed with reservations: Why not try living in the moment for a change! It's a call to arms so radical it might just work. Plus: The complicated politics of "after-work drinks," the dos and don'ts of business Zooms, and one final analysis of that one scene in the Katy Perry documentary. This time we really get to the bottom of it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, George and Sam overcome extreme obstacles (weird internet) to break the story on what's REALLY happening at boutique hotels with noted anthropologist Hannah Einbinder. It seems that darkness (in the form of forced socializing) bubbles just underneath the chic, 21+ surface. Plus, George and Sam provide stunning conclusions to the rat and a pigeon plotlines that animal activists can't seem to get enough of, Hannah unveils her complicated history with water polo players, and a case is made to privatize...well...everything! Call your reps and let's change the world! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, StraightioLab favorite Naomi Ekperigin finally returns to the pod, not as a guest but as a host, replacing both Sam and George forever. But first, she has an important message for listeners everywhere: ALL teenagers are straight, no matter WHAT Euphoria would have you believe! We talk adolescent rebellion, high school politics, and that one kid everyone hated for no reason (he's now a CEO!). Plus: What constitutes a straight vacation? What are Sam's travel tips for the college student on the go? What do we REALLY think about Richard Linklater? And finally: Are Sam and George daddies or babies? The answer will shock and disgust you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buckle up, buttercup cause this week Sam and George are joined by free speech warrior and fearless masculine presence John Early. Using their first amendment rights, the three dive into only the most controversial topics including the human instinct to fear fingernails, the death of culture via independent film, and the utter sadness of fermentation. Plus, you won’t believe who they want to silence! And for all the aspiring podcast guests out there, John shares a special trick that could fast track you to the coveted spot. It's time to teach the children! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pack your bags, because we're going to grad school... and NOT the useless kind! Nymphowars co-host, polymath, and public intellectual Theda Hammel joins Sam and George to dive into some of the most radioactive topics of our time: What is the endgame with cultural criticism? What exactly does Bjork want from the global community? Are straight guys getting gayer because of Instagram Reels? Plus: We investigate whether the medium is the message, or if that's just a harmful stereotype, Sam pitches a new dystopian sci-fi movie that's going to set the internet ablaze, and Theda gives the definitive cultural history of lip-syncing. Up is down, straight is gay, and God? Is dead! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first official episode of season three, George and Sam gab wistfully about missing each other’s company, Munchausen as an artistic practice, and The Chromatica Ball. Then, they are joined by network sisters Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang to address the two pillars of straight comedy: awkwardness and randomness. Is being awkward and random a response to fearing the unknown? Can you be one without the other? Was the movie Juno a slay? Plus: Everyone gets in touch with their feelings — for the last time EVER. Welcome back to the lab! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hootie-hoo, glamour girls! Forgetful Girl Summer is officially OVER, and Ad Supported Girl Fall starts now! It's time for season three of StraightioLab, the only podcast about straight culture hosted by two random gay comedians, and one thing's for sure: George and Sam are once again speaking. They welcome back old listeners and welcome IN new ones as they attempt to explain what it is exactly that's going on here. The lab is back in session...and it did NOT pass the safety inspection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate the end of Season 2, we once again drop the bit and answer your questions as earnestly as we possibly can. There are tears, there are laughs, and there's even a Big Announcement. Who ever said two gay cancers can't have it all? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time to officially kick off Forgetful Girl Summer, and who better to do it with than the ORIGINAL Glamour Girl, StraightioLab All-Star Nori Reed! And let's just say a LOT has changed since she was last on. After announcing an exciting new Pride partnership with a brand that means a lot to all of us, Nori gabs about her experience being a successful creative/businesswoman in the entertainment industry, and what that means for the queer community at large (spoiler: it's a game changer). Then things get serious, Nanette-style, as we assess the national mood. Don't forget to submit questions for next week's Earnestness Bonanza by Wednesday at 12pm EST at [email protected] and buy tickets to our next live show, Friday July 8th at the Bell House! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/straightiolab-tickets-348215932227See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In space...no one can hear you podcast...and that's only the beginning of why we're not going there! in this ep, ocean-advocate Alison Leiby comes on to provide enough negative press on space to shut down NASA once and for all. But this episode knows no bounds and also covers a laptop-based economy, shrimp's inner beauty, and the George and Sam remember their deep disdain for each other.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

StraightioLab officially enters the stan wars as we welcome our first ever guest whose fan army DEMANDED her appearance on the show via a viral social media campaign (two emails). Luckily she is a dream guest who manages to do something many have failed at — making us think. On today's agenda: The streaming service Netflix and its various algorithmically created movies and television series; the allegedly human woman Gal Gadot; George's continued failed attempts at becoming a nightlife fixture; and of course, Este Haim. Watch Fire Island on Hulu, and buy tickets to our next live show at the Bell House HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/straightiolab-tickets-348215932227See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Charlie Bardey makes his long-awaited return to the pod and lets just say he's not impressed (McKayla meme) with the concept of being impressed. But despite it all, we uncover the truth behind "nonprofits," provide an official ranking of all of cinema, and George makes a pitch for a way to save the world. Mission accomplished! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are a Pitchfork queen, STOP reading NOW. Music skeptic Matt Whitaker joins Sam and George to investigate why bands kind of fell off after 2010. George and Sam both recount their surprising band-adjacent pasts before addressing the following questions: Does Haim count as a band even though they're sisters? Why is it "boy band" but then "girl GROUP"? Why do some solo performers have names that sound like bands? Do little machines that go "beep boop" count as instruments? Plus: A new pop girlie enters the conversation, and everyone temporarily forgets how to string together words.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode asks you, the listener, to look inward and really, truly ask yourself if you know what consulting is. If the answer is "yes", this episode asks you to take that definition and toss it into the garbage because it is wrong. With the help of Sarah Hagi, the boys find the truth about consulting, the type of BF's that come with the field, and how much the show Billions means to the consulting community. In fact, this whole episode is dedicated to that beautiful, vibrant community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money makes the world go round? We'll be the judge of THAT, sweetie. International finance expert Mo Fry Pasic joins the boys to break down what went wrong in the global economy — and how we can fix it. Plus: Is being surprised by connection straight? Are airline points fan fiction? Did George once see Robyn at an IHOP? It's even LESS likely than you think!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

StraightioLab consulting producer Celeste Yim returns to the pod this week to get the boys back on track to hosting America's #1 podcast. For the first time ever, they unpack a fan-picked topic: dichotomies (shoutout to Katie), which mostly involves trying to define what a dichotomy is. Plus, is George the villain? Is Sam problematic? Does this episode get earnest? I actually heard yes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Dan Licata joins the boys to discuss the last taboo in our culture. After he recounts a tragic shit-based incident, the panel discusses a variety of questions, including: Which bodily functions are gay and which ones are straight? Is the porta potty the only space that can never be queered? Can you be "regular" but remain punk-rock? Plus: Sam gets nostalgic for World War II and George loses all speech after conjuring an especially vivid image.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She's serving body AND face... and her name is Timothée. Long-time Chalamet scholar Rachel Kaly joins Sam and George to delve into his ascent, and what it means for the state of social justice around the world. Plus: We come up with a new idea for how the economy could work. And it's NOT sustainable!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the pod it's lil devil's only as River L. Ramirez joins Sam to co-host this ep on Lucifer himself. An array of damning topics are covered from dream roles on And Just Like That to the actually cool personality George's presumed kidnapper. Stick around for the end of the ep for real biblical scripture as told by a standup comedian (and yes, we WILL be charging a two-drink minimum!) Praise HIM. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today the boys welcome former investigative journalist Melissa Rich on the pod to uncover the sordid TRUTH about game night. But like any investigation, it's all about asking the right questions. Questions like...can games be a commentary? Can society itself be a game? And is being in your thirties a gateway drug to enjoying games and generally being calm? Plus, like any good journalist, Melissa reveals a new catchphrase that will leave you breathless. Let the games begin! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, built-in microwave owner Alex English enters the lab for a far-ranging conversation about which appliances are gay and which ones are straight. Plus: What is the deal with male relatives? Is Cold Stone Creamery "where it all began"? And finally, is the casual/formal binary the last taboo in our society? Well no, but you get it...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this rare, hyper-raw installment of StraightioLab, George and Sam are humbled and even humiliated at the landmark of hosting this podcast for two years. To celebrate the occassion, they ask each other some tough questions and look back on the trials and tribulations of having a military-funded podcast about two gay guys unpacking straight culture. Thanks to all our listeners and thanks to the defense budget for keeping us going. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Hey man, good to see you." We are sorry if reading that sentence incited violent flashbacks. On today's episode, we are joined by Dave Mizzoni to investigate what exactly one is meant to do when being faced with such a greeting, specifically with one's dainty, untrained hands. Plus: Is the word "puberty" disgusting? Is Halsey European? How many casualties has the Madonna biopic bootcamp claimed so far? We are on the ground, and it's NOT looking good. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this vulnerable episode of StraightioLab, recreational baker John Reynolds overcomes adversity in the form of a hangover to deliver one of the top 5 podcasts of all time. But per usual, this episodes raises more questions than it answers. Questions like...are things said off-mic off-limits? Who funds us? And are we happy? Sound off with your top five moments!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a momentous day for the entertainment industry, New York Magazine's diner-at-large and ABC's future Bachelorette (fingers crossed) Tammie Teclemariam finally makes her comedy debut! And fellas, you better watch out, because she's getting controversial. We contemplate such questions as: What are men? What are we allowed to call them? Are gay men also men? Do they know? Plus: Tammie finally explains wine to George and Sam, and Sam comes up with an intriguing new policy proposal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this groundbreaking episode of StraightioLab, Natalie Rotter-Laitman joins Sam and George to explore the penis straw and how best to engage with bachelorette culture. Plus, George pitches a historical fiction film that was greenlit in the room, Sam invents a new style of gay bar, and Natalie uses her humanities background to make sense of the raw data surrounding the pop star P!nk. Thank god for the humanities!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Sam is away, the girlies will... talk about their own mortality! While Sam is M.I.A. for shocking reasons that are revealed on air, our first ever guest co-host Ayo Edebiri joins George to ask some difficult questions. Is "being random" liberal or conservative? Are intergenerational friendships the key to a happy life? Why are funerals so sad? Is Ayo's Greek fetish problematic? And finally: ARE we okay? Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to... Let's just say THAT. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the boys finally address one of the pillars of straight culture with genius guest Grace Freud. Grace breaks down her experience in the military training camp, designer popcorn MLM, and glamping cult known as “The Scouts,” and we ask the question on everyone’s mind: Must we accept being oppressed in order to go on little trips? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on StraightioLab, Sam and George are joined by former Bostonista Kenice Mobley to bring the fashion industry to its knees. We discuss Ann Taylor as a fear-based clothing option, then we look at it as a feminist source of empowerment, and then one more time as an embodiment of the upper middle class. And we once and for all figure out the difference between New York and LA. About time!!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the boutique podcast StraightioLab, Sam and George welcome investment banker Benito Skinner on to dive into the wonderful world of entreprenuership. This episode opens up a whole marketplace of ideas with thoughts like...is business drag? Should twinks be doctors? And are we a gay podcast or a living critique of the concept of gay podcasts? Only God knows!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She's finally here, boys! Intellectual powerhouse Sarah Squirm joins Sam and George to unpack the cultural legacy of the subversive feminist art project known as the Jackass franchise. Gender politics, self-harm, trigger warnings, the failures of television criticism, the field of linguistics... it is ALL addressed. This episode is the podcast equivalent of jumping off a bridge into alligator-infested waters while your boys look on. For your own safety, do NOT try this at home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Sam and George get into their backlash era with girlie turned grown woman Rachel Sennott. No one leaves unjokerfied as they get into what merch their families have, whether lies are still a relevant form of humor, and why your internal goth teen will always shine through in family photos. When you listen to this ep? You're family to us. And we SHOULD have matching tees. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, there's no way around it: It's time for our bi-annual call-in show where we earnestly answer your listener questions for two increasingly caffeinated hours. Happy New Year from our family to yours! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Year's spirit is so powerful, so undeniable, that Sam and George can't help but be sincere as they talk about self-improvement with Shalewa Sharpe in today's ep. Bad moods? We're leaving them in the past. You think you're Jeremy Strong? Wrong. You're Katy Perry. Valid criticisms? Not on our watch. Listen and learn! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an episode that industry analysts are calling the "crossover event of the millennium," Who? Weekly's Lindsey Weber joins the boys to talk about a little show/franchise/immersive endurance art project called Sex and the City. Fresh (and still raw) from watching the first episodes of "And Just Like That," we break down Carrie Bradshaw's post-Covid New York, the show's groundbreaking "politically confused podcaster" representation courtesy of Tony Award winner Sara Ramirez, and Brady Hobbes having to carry the entire "Sex" part of the title on his horny little back. So raise your cosmos and hit that play button ladies, because over here at StraightioLab HQ, there is always one more story to tell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Max Wittert returns to the pod this week and Jokerfies our beloved program. What is just a bit? What is reality? Is this at all listenable? These are just some of the questions that this episode raises. So if you've been finding life to be a bit too easy, listen to this episode and experience raw, unedited humanity and decide for yourself if any of us deserve a second chance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an episode that is as groundbreaking as it is riddled with technical difficulties, LA theater community survivor Ruby McCollister joins the boys for some good, old-fashioned social theorizing. What is the one thing all men want? Is society "the ultimate boyfriend"? What does your favorite Gatorade flavor say about your gender identity? And finally, do you guys like Succession? Plus: By popular demand (maybe), more talking about religion. And this time, it's personal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Sam and George welcome intellectual powerhouse and vomit artist witness Brittany Carney on to bring us a topic that is so simple on the outside, but so rich on the inside: Apples. What follows is a fever dream of galaxy brained leaps and connections that could kill you if you aren't in a mentally stable place. So, be warned, listen at your own risk, and DON'T come crying to us when you can't unsee apples everywhere you look. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week everyone does psychoanalysis on one another, and we all walk away with some frightening insights. But what are they? Husky-voiced Broadway star Jared Goldstein joins Sam and George to talk about the impossibility of ordering a beer, the beauty of a 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, and the ever-expanding umbrella of LGBTQ (it now includes some straight people). Are you feeling uncomfortable? That is good, actually. Or maybe not... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod, George and Sam welcome Jamie Loftus on and aim destroy each other’s reputations by diving into the Taylor Swift discourse. The only thing able to break the gravitational pull of Taylor is the rich topic. Our take (spoiler alert) is that you should quit social media, but also you probably can’t and therefore shouldn't, but also books about how social media is bad are just as bad as social media itself and, in fact, bring into question the whole point of books. What's not clicking?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our illustrious guest Danielle Perez may have gone to high school with Meghan Markle, but that does NOT define her! Danielle joins the boys to talk all things chain restaurants — which ones are men, which ones are women, and which ones smash the binary? Plus: George comes clean about being sad, Sam dishes about his first celeb sighting, and Danielle makes a shocking pandemic confession. So check in with the hostess (she's wearing a yellow tie), settle into your booth, open up your 500-page menu, and press that play button!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on StraightioLab, Sam and George find themselves in new territory after hearing each other’s Saturday morning sexy hookup voices, challenging the professionalism of this now for-profit podcast. Plus Andrea Long Chu joins to explain the MCU, as well as an exciting new theory about how time makes lesbians of us all, and to tell the boys of the various micro aggressions they’ve committed simply by having a podcast. There are no post credit scenes in this episode, but we did consult with the military before releasing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blending in... but to what end?! Today Sam and George are joined by industry heavyweight Devon Walker to talk all things camo: Is the military problematic? Was Cadet Kelly complicit? What's the deal with hunting? Plus, an in-depth discussion of pay disparities in Hollywood, Whoopi Goldberg's dating history, and the OFFICIAL ranking of which famous comedians have the flattest asses. Listen NOW before it gets taken down, and don't forget to subscribe to our brand new PATREON at patreon.com/straightiolab!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's good girl gone bad week on the pod as Sam and George welcome the kind-eyed Brian Bahe on to show us his dark side. Tensions rise and friendships are tested all over a little soap and water. Needless to say, everybody involved will be a pothole girl from here on out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World traveler and recent Covid survivor Charles Rogers joins Sam and George to dish about what the Hell is going on in America's, as well as Italy's, airports. We cover the pitfalls of ageism, the impossibility of a gay President, and the semiotics of road signs, before taking aim at two communities we have heard just about enough from: expats and "third culture kids." Put up your tray tables, make sure your seats are in the upright position, and prepare for take-off! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the first official episode of season 2, the boys bring Macy Rodman to the pod to explain the Joker-style origins of Neil Patrick Harris. Plus, there's a deep dive into what problematic characters were in the original Sex And The City scripts, some talk of exciting upcoming projects on NBC, and Sam and George stoop to a place they never thought they would and plug Macy's album "Unbelievable Animals." How the mighty have fallen! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam and George kick off season two with an announcement that season two is starting. Welcome back, glamour girls! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hootie-hoo to all our beloved investors! As we all enjoy the last few weeks of the state-mandated global StraightioLab summer hiatus, we thought we would offer a little treat to our hungry little listener pigs: an episode of one of our favorite podcasts, Celebrity Book Club, hosted by past Straightio guests Steven Phillips Horst and Lily Marotta! Read more from Steven and Lily below—if you dare. Celebrity memoirs aren’t like normal books—they’re fun! Join comedians Steven Phillips-Horst (@gossipbabies) & Lily Marotta (@lilyblueyez) as they rifle through the diaries of drug-addled starlets, oddly obsessive restaurateurs, brass-knuckled female realtors, and boring gay politicians’ even more boring gay husbands, finding fertile ground for searing cultural insights and juicy gossip. Martinis not included. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we KEEP answering listener questions about ourselves for ANOTHER hour! Cliff girl summer hiatus starts now, see you in the fall!!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are throwing irony out the window to EARNESTLY answer listener questions about ourselves. Boring-heads rise up, This episode is for you!! (And stay tuned for part two coming on Thursday)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.