Personal Adventures Episodes

Family road trips continue as Mike and Darin discuss the disappointment of arriving at an attraction only to find it closed—specifically, a rock museum no one was that excited about to begin with. The episode spirals into stories about vacations, food stops, roadside attractions, and the way corporate America quietly replaces everything weird and interesting. There’s also plenty of discussion about parenting, expectations vs. reality, and how kids somehow survive these trips without losing their minds. It’s a perfect companion to Episode 216 and a great example of how minor inconveniences turn into lifelong grudges.

Mike and Darin reunite after time apart and immediately unleash vacation horror stories. From flight delays and screaming kids to the kind of stress that only travel can provide, this episode documents what happens when everything goes wrong. They talk about airports, hotels, power outages, wildlife encounters, and the crushing realization that vacations rarely go the way you imagine. Along the way, they reflect on why travel chaos somehow makes for the best podcast material. If you’ve ever returned from a trip needing another vacation, this one will feel painfully familiar.

Send us a Text Message. This week, we catch up with Chris and Lisa Hughes. Remember them? They're the couple who proposed marriage on our podcast. They've returned to our studio to discuss how their families reacted to the proposal. Also, we talk about tomato sandwiches, whale penises, Johnny Cash doing laundry, Chris' short time working at Google and which of our patrons has the most punchable face. Thanks for listening to Irritable Dad Syndrome... now 100% gluten free #GOOGLE #REDHOTC...

Send us a Text Message. Previously available only to Patrons - we've (re)jiggered this classic Bonus Episode for all to enjoy! Join the boys as they discuss how Rocky 4 is really a musical, the man who fell asleep during a job interview, getting kicked in the face, the time Darin's kid pooped all over the floor in a public restroom and the best story ever about a homeless man who thought he saw a beaver! Note: This episode has been censored for public listening. Thanks. We hope you enjoy the s...

In this week's episode, Darin had his first-ever encounter with a major fan of the show in the wild! Additionally, he and his wife Libby are considering a career in professional grocery bagging. Mike made the choice to let his young, impressionable son watch Goodfellas, believing it to be more suitable than The Godfather. Don't miss Darin's review of the Southern Culture on the Skids concert... SPOILER ALERT: they announced they will be guests on this podcast!! It's a fantastic day to tune in...

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.

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.

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.

On this week's episode, was Darin reading an adult novel in the airport? Plus, Mike goes deep in conversation about why bananas don't taste like they're actually supposed to. And Darin finally saw John Wick 4. You don't want to miss his review Don't forget to tune in next week for our 200th episode and go to our website to buy a shirt! #THECANADIANMOUNTED #PLANESTRAINSANDAUTOMOBILES #BANANAS #CHICAGO #BOBNEWHART #UNITEDAIRLINES #BISCOFFCOOKIES #RAMBO #JOHNWICK4 Support the Show.

On this week's episode, the boys talk about legendary actor, M. Emmett Walsh, who NPR described as "Ham-Faced." Why would they do that? Plus, can somebody explain why Mike's KIA is acting all screwy? and Darin let his family watch one of the greatest comedies of all time... Better Off Dead! Listen to this podcast with someone you love and don't forget that you owe us two dollars! #MEMMETTWALSH #NPR #THEJERK #FLETCH #RAISINGARIZONA #BETTEROFFDEAD #GRUMPYOLDMEN #KIA #CARX #WOMPERS #DAVIDSEDARIS...

Mike shares a throwback tale about a neighborhood cake shop that had to improvise when they ran out of an ingredient. The result? The most epic birthday cake ever! Enjoy this Thursday Bonus Episode! #ThrowbackThursday #SanfordAndSon #Grady #MichaelJackson #BirthdayCake Support the Show.

Remember that guy who knows everything about game shows? That's our pal, Adam Nedeff and we're thrilled to have him back on Irritable Dad Syndrome! Adam joins us to talk about his newest masterpiece "Gong This Book" that tells you everything you've ever wanted to know about The Gong Show, Chuck Barris, The Popsicle Twins and more. Adam also gives us the inside scoop on other great moments in game show history, and the elusive Moth Man that once haunted West Virginia. Ooooooh scary! We promise...

Join us for an encore presentation of one of our favorite episodes ROBOMONKEY! It's packed full of incredible classic stories... including a black Mexican dildo, dentists talking about movies and the most epic comeback of all time! But wait... there's more! We threw in a brand new story in the middle... and Mike and Darin count you down to the new year at the end! What better way to close out 2023 than with your best friends at Irritable Dad Syndrome! Happy New Year! #MEXICO #STRESSDREAMS #A...

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! ...

An episode for the record books, folks - this one is NOT one to miss! Don't forget this epic moment! Mike just nailed his first Call of Duty Warzone win! Also, in a cheeky twist, Darin traded Halloween sweets with kids using hilarious snaps of Cameron. Mike can't escape those targeted ads for Rhode Island visits. Wishful thinking: Gas stations along the highways should consider staying open past midnight. Fun fact from a Kroger visit: Despite speaking Spanish, Cubans, Mexicans, Dominicans and...

Last week's episode didn't end when we hit "stop." Mike and Darin continued the conversation with Dave Lay off-air! Check out this special bonus episode! #RUSH #IRONMAIDEN #irritabledadsyndrome Support the Show.

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...

If you've never been hustled by Mickey Mouse, watched a lady pee next to a hot dog cart, nearly gotten tea-bagged by a stranger, or walked past a person shooting up in the street... then you should go on vacation with Mike and Darin! Just last week, they shared their experiences of watching U2 at The Sphere and mingling with the crew from The Late Show with David Letterman. This week, our heroes will delve into the other intriguing incidents they encountered during their travels in New York and...

Darin hit up NYC for an epic party with all the legends who've worked with David Letterman. Meanwhile, Mike jetted off to Vegas for a U2 concert at the awe-inspiring Sphere. Stay tuned as they spill the details on these unforgettable life moments! #Letterman #U2 #RupertJee #Sphere #HelloDeli #AchtungBaby #WorldWidePants #u2UV #NewYork #LasVegas #EdSullivanTheater #lasvegas #newyork #msgspherelasvegas Support the Show.

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...

#u2uvsphere #nickofferman #u2 It's been weeks of us trying to get Nick Offerman to join us on Irritable Dad Syndrome, and guess what? He finally replied to our messages! In addition, Mike is set to see U2 at the Sphere and he's hoping they'll play their songs in a specific sequence - or else the fans might not be too pleased. Along with this, we'll be discussing sick dogs, unhappy bunnies and offering some tips for those dealing with back taxes. Trust us, you don't want to miss this episode - ...

On this week's episode, Darin's wife Libby had to have back surgery... and wow,,, pain medicine sure will make you say some crazy things. Plus snakes, race horses, Pee Wee Herman, Sinead O'Connor and Discount Tuesday! Huge thanks for all your downloads and support! #OXYCODONE #UCBEARCATS #PEEWEEHERMAN #SINEADOCONNOR #DISCOUNTTUESDAY Support the Show.

Can you believe someone let their kid play a kazoo in a roller coaster line?! 😂 Also, catch Darin's wild drivers license renewal story and Mike's Spiderverse insights on this week's hilarious and mind-blowing episode of Irritable Dad Syndrome! 🎢🕷️🚗 #Spiderman #KingsIsland #RollerCoaster #Caseys #EmersonDrive Support the Show.

In today's episode, join Mike & Darin as they discuss hilarious tales about their silly dogs 🐶 and rant about the new, annoying gas station in town ⛽ Plus there's a special cameo you won't wanna miss! 🌟 #Dogs #Caseys #Wompers #Taquitos Support the Show.