IDS #252 - Peacocks and Porcupines
Episode 252 of Irritable Dad Syndrome begins with disaster recovery: the guys explain how a “banger” episode was lost due to audio catastrophe, a fictional staff firing, and why quality control (usually) matters. From there, it’s classic IDS spiral energy.
Mike and Darin debate vinyl vs CDs (snobs vs convenience), revisit a mind-bending mirror illusion from TikTok, question whether the Illuminati tried recruiting the podcast, and declare the word “besmirch” too ridiculous for real conversation.
Also inside:
A peacock reportedly loose in the neighborhood (or government bird psy-op?)
Hotel room paranoia: do you hide your toothbrush?
The return of Kroger Story of the Week featuring rain songs, aisle encounters, and “pot-sized spaghetti” controversy
Bee “nature documentary” interruption ethics
KISS “retirement” skepticism and Gene Simmons monetizing literally everything
It’s meta, absurd, music-nerdy, grocery-store sociology, and mild conspiracy thinking — exactly the IDS formula.
🎙️ They fired a fictional employee, got recruited by the Illuminati, and argued about spaghetti length. Just a normal week.
Episode 252 opens with an apology and an explanation: last week’s episode sounded like it was recorded inside a lawnmower, leading to the on-air “termination” of imaginary audio engineer Carl.
Then the show goes fully off the rails:
-
Vinyl vs CD debate: artwork vs practicality, “appointment listening,” and why Darren was right
-
TikTok mirror illusion that broke Darin’s brain
-
Future episodes teased: Towel Day & guest Adam “Native”
-
Returning to Allison’s podcast and promising to derail it with Breaking Bad talk
-
An actual Facebook message inviting IDS to join the Illuminati (seriously)
-
The word besmirch officially placed on notice
-
Smurf lore no one asked for
-
Neighborhood peacock panic + coyote theories
-
Hotel toothbrush hygiene paranoia
-
Living large in a hotel room = M&Ms + Diet Dr Pepper
-
Kroger Story of the Week: rain soundtrack, aisle meet-cute, favorite cashier Paul, and “pot-sized spaghetti” outrage
-
Bees interrupted mid-romance
-
KISS “final” shows that are not final + Gene Simmons selling $15k roadie experiences
Also: multiple callbacks, fake sponsors, and meta jokes about their own technical incompetence.
A celebration of chaos, friendship, music snobbery, and grocery stores.
