Music & Arts Episodes

Send us a text 🎙️ This week, Mike and Darin are hanging out with the amazing Rick Miller from Southern Culture on the Skids! 🍗🍌 Grab some fried chicken and banana pudding, and crank up the volume! 🎶 Big shoutout to Rick for letting us use SCOTS tunes in this episode. Don't miss out—visit www.SCOTS.com! 🤘 #SouthernCultureOnTheSkids #LinkWray #TheCamelWalk #DearMrFantasy #WeirdAl Support the Show.

Join Mike and Darin on this special episode of Irritable Dad Syndrome as they review the Hootie & the Blowfish and Collective Soul concert! 🔥 Plus, don't miss the heated debate: Should walnuts be in brownies? Also featuring chats about Jim Henson, Ron Howard, the importance of blowing your nose, and discovering if you have your own podcast. Kick off your shoes, relax, and enjoy the fun! 🌟 #HootieAndTheBlowfish #CollectiveSoul #EdwinMcCain #JimHenson #RonHoward #Costco Support the Show.

Mike and Darin welcome guest J Ryan, who brings with him one of the wildest stories ever told on the show: how he ended up with David Letterman’s actual microphone from the Ed Sullivan Theater. The conversation covers Letterman history, late-night television, comedy writing, and the strange paths careers can take. J Ryan shares stories from his time working in entertainment and how obsession, opportunity, and bad decisions sometimes collide in unforgettable ways. This episode blends comedy, TV nostalgia, and genuine storytelling into one of the most memorable guest appearances in IDS history.

In this episode, Mike and Darin confront an uncomfortable realization: they may have unknowingly borrowed a joke that wasn’t theirs. What follows is a surprisingly honest and funny discussion about comedy, originality, and how bits can sneak into your brain without permission. The guys talk about joke theft, famous comedians, and the awkward moment when you realize something you thought was original absolutely wasn’t. There’s also a look at stand-up comedy, radio history, and how influence works whether you like it or not. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes peek at how comedians think—and overthink—their own material.

Mike and Darin rant about music lyrics, corporate decision-making, and how marketing departments continue to invent words that absolutely don’t need to exist. From Old Navy rewards programs to brand loyalty that borders on cult behavior, nothing is safe. They also share stories from past jobs, questionable video production decisions, and moments where someone clearly didn’t understand the assignment. The episode blends workplace humor with pop culture frustration and plenty of side tangents. If you enjoy watching logic slowly collapse under the weight of bad ideas, this episode delivers.

Music debates take center stage as Mike and Darin argue about Metallica albums, band T-shirts, and whether people wearing them actually know the music. From Ride the Lightning to Master of Puppets, no opinion goes unchallenged. The episode also includes Easter candy excess, Peeps hangovers, and the strange joy of buying far more sugar than any adult should reasonably consume. There’s even a discussion about movies, pop culture gatekeeping, and the fine art of throwing misinformation into conversations just to see who notices. It’s loud, nostalgic, and unapologetically Gen X.

Mike and Darin tackle one of life’s greatest mysteries: what actually happens inside a TJ Maxx. From questionable clothing purchases to retail behavior that makes absolutely no sense, this episode leans hard into everyday absurdity. They also talk about Record Store Day, extended warranties, and how consumer culture manages to confuse, irritate, and exhaust people all at the same time. Along the way, new words are invented, old words are misused, and logic is thoroughly ignored. If you enjoy stories about shopping disasters, aging frustrations, and the slow unraveling of sanity, this one’s for you.

This episode kicks off with a serious moment as Mike and Darin talk about a friend who survived a major car accident—and immediately pivot into imagining a future where he now has a “vibranium ankle.” From there, the conversation spirals into debates about Conway Twitty, whether non-country fans actually knew who he was, and why certain musicians feel way bigger in our memories than history might suggest. The guys also talk cars, homeownership frustrations, and the universal truth that HVAC systems never work the way you’re promised. It’s heartfelt, ridiculous, and exactly the kind of episode that sums up Irritable Dad Syndrome.

OK here's what you need to know about this episode of Irritable Dad Syndrome Mike sounds exactly like the sandworms in Dune: Part Two Darin loves the AMC customer service bot There's a website about bent carrots and it's not really about bent carrots, if you know what I mean Listen to hysterical, uncensored outtakes from this episode by joining patreon at www.irritabledadsyndrome.com #MICHAELMCDONALD #DUNEPARTTWO #AMC #BENTCARROT #BACON #CATAN #ROOTBEER Support the Show.

Darin just made it to the Guinness World Records! Let's unpack that. Also, we're chatting about Dune Part 2, Moby Dick, Dr. Pepper flavored Peeps, and a shop stocked with more than 40,000 holsters! You're in for a treat with this episode! #BrickeysComedyClub #GuinnessWorldRecord #Dune2 #MobyDick #HermanMelville #DrPepper #Peeps #dunepart2 Support the Show.

On this week's episode, Mike went back to Las Vegas to see his favorite band again and all kinds of crap went wrong!. Darin says "Yeah" a whole lot. We shouldn't sell ourselves short... it's still a really good episode. #U2 #THESPHERE #LASVEGAS #HERTZ Support the Show.

Get ready for a real treat this week on our podcast! Mike and Darin are thrilled to welcome Craig Augenstein, the producer behind Vibraflux's latest album! New to Vibraflux? They're a group of talented young musicians who started an epic album in the late 1900s. Due to one wild turn of events after another, the album only just got finished last year. The journey of this album's creation is a story you won't want to miss! Tune in to this week's episode! #Vibraflux #JohnsonCity #WelcomeTo1979 ...

Catch the latest episode where Darin faces off with a garage mouse - spoiler alert: It doesn't go as planned. 🐭 Also, who can explain the kids wearing shorts in winter trend? ❄️🩳 Mike's dropping a bombshell of an idea... Rage Against the Machine for kids! 🤘🎸 Tag your listening buddy and tune in for some fun! 📻💕 #MouseTrap #WinterFashion #TaylorSwift #RATM #Dune2 Support the Show.

When did you learn to how to blow your nose? Mike and Darin never dreamed when they created this podcast that they would discuss that question. The boys also talk about how Mike got conned into seeing Hootie and the Blowfish, the most tasty burger recipe of all time, and why is it so hard for kids to put the cereal box back in the pantry? Oh, and one more thing - Darin thinks Peppermint Patty is a little bitch. Don't miss this episode of Irritable Dad Syndrome - recorded in glorious stereo! ...

For the first time in the history of Irritable Dad Syndrome, our broadcaster Dave Lay is with us in the studio! While Mike was having a blast in Vegas and Darin was enjoying himself in New York, Dave Lay found himself knee-deep in cranberries in the lively state of Rhode Island. Intriguing, isn't it? The IDS trio also talks about a hotel without soap and a woman who mistook Darin for a car thief at Kroger. This episode quickly becomes chaotic. However, you won't want to miss it as there's a we...

This week, Mike and Darin had an amazing chat with beloved radio icons Chris and Janeen from WGRR in Cincinnati. These two are more than just co-hosts, they're a married couple who've perfected the art of living and working together without getting on each other's nerves. They spilled the beans about some of the kindest and not-so-kind celebrities they've encountered throughout their careers. The episode was such a blast and didn't require any censoring! To top it all, Chris and Janeen are ur...

In today's episode, we're wondering - what ever happened to Rick Rossovich? And speaking of wonders, have you given Magic Spoon Cereal a taste test? Darin crossed paths with a gas station wine aficionado, while Mike's concert companion might have overindulged a bit. Plus, Darin shares his take on the movie 'Fall' and we delve into Mike's fear of sea creatures, inevitably leading us back to the Loch Ness Monster discussion. Prepare for a rollercoaster of fun that's beyond your wildest imaginatio...

In this exclusive mini-episode, Mike & Darin don't hold back as they discuss their genuine thoughts on HBO's name change to MAX. Seriously, what were they thinking? 🤦‍♂️ #HBO #MAX Support the Show.

For a brief moment, Mike and Darin unintentionally engage in a serious conversation about AI, ChatGPT, and the possibility of allowing artificial intelligence to create their show (would it be better?) Back in the day, Mike used to miss the first five minutes of every 80s movie, leaving him clueless about what was happening in Krull, Yor, and more! Mike experienced Star Wars on a tiny 5-inch black and white TV, while Darfin's shows were interrupted by the Oak Ridge Boys and Conway Twitty. Last...

On this episode, Mike and Darin are thrilled to welcome the legendary Shadoe Stevens! Join us as Shadoe shares his incredible journey, from replacing Casey Kasem on American Top 40 to his near-death experience on a safari, and kissing Joan Rivers. You won't want to miss his latest project - the captivating radio drama, Mental Radio. Trust us, you have to hear it to believe it! And as a bonus, Mike finally gets to geek out with a fellow Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fan (and - the episode i...

#HEYWOODBANKS #TOAST #BIGBUTTERJESUS #BOBANDTOM Legendary comedian Heywood Banks talks to Mike and Darin about the inspiration behind Toast, Big Butter Jesus and several other classic comedy songs! Talking to him was a thrill and a delight. We really hope you enjoy this episode. All audio clips and original songs were used with permission by Heywood Banks. Support the Show.

This episode has twice the Mike for the same low price. Mike Chisholm from The Letterman Podcast sits in with Mike and Darin to review the Disney+ special with Bono, The Edge and David Letterman. Please listen to this episode or you will hurt our feelings. #BONO #THE EDGE #LETTERMAN #U2 #DISNEY+ Support the Show.

So what's your favorite color of album to listen to? This week the boys go into great depth on that subject plus other animals hooked on cocaine, Darin's incredible computer problems, the season finale of Last of Us, and what to do when your rabbit starts to hump things. Oh boy this is a good un! #U2 #songsofsurrender #rabbits #humping #lastofus #cocainecat Support the Show.

On this week's show, the boys talk about The Banshees of Inisherin, moustaches, Yellowstone, and 1923. Plus! Mike pissed off the U2 Facebook group (well, one person in the U2 group), and the KroBar closes too early! If you miss this episode, we'll call the authorities. #u2 #bansheesofinisherin #yellowstone #1923 Support the Show.