We have (by 'we' I mean 'ME') technical issues still. Bad sound quality and flaky microphones but we perservered. I'll be working to get these issued solved by next week... Some Lines To Listen For "There's no finite amount of ideas." "You guys hate mothers." "I can connect these dots easily." "Is it really okay now?" "I was just fascinated by that…

Hey, Neighbor! Please send your messages of shame for Luke to: nextdoor@johnbranyan.com . There are many things we can abide, but removing the cream cheese frosting from the middle of a pumkin roll is NOT one of them... Next: Grandpa John and Grandma Lori bought the annoying gifts this year. But there was PLENTY of music at Christmas! We love singi…

The Youngest Branyan Sibling is home--but we don't remember what we were going to talk about. (We DO remember how to speak a little Spanish, though...) Later: Andrew is not going to miss 2024 very much, because it has been treating him roughly. Here are several out-of-context bullet points to tell you how bad Andrew's move to Missouri has gone: --G…

Maybe one of the worst shows I've ever done! How will I ever recover?! I'll tell you... Chapters 00:00 The Christmas Episode and Promises Made 05:58 Audience Dynamics and Energy Levels 12:04 The Importance of Good Introductions 18:01 Reflections on Comedy and Audience Engagement 24:54 The Art of Crowd Work 35:54 Overcoming Difficult Audiences 41:37…

The McKinney Kids appeared in THE "A Christmas Carol" this weekend... Tis the season to LIE TO YOUR KIDS! There won't be a problem, provided everyone gets together and agrees to tell the SAME lie! (The social worker said so.) Then: Luke and John endured a fairly brutal show this week. It wasn't the audience's fault! But they just didn't feel like l…

00:00 Improved Connectivity and Upcoming Show Plans 05:58 The Nature of Goals and Divine Assistance 11:55 The Challenge of Setting Big Goals 18:02 Possum Adventures and Life Reflections 24:04 The Nature of Memory and Awareness 30:31 Radar Detectors: The Illusion of Control 36:14 The Psychology of Speeding and Arrival Times 44:19 Hiccups: The Body's…

We played disc golf today. But we aren't going to talk about that! The Comedian got an email from a random phone number...asking whether it's appropriate for Christians to buy a violent video game for a disadvantaged kid as a Christmas gift. So... let's talk about Church Giving Trees! (You know what those are, right, Neighbor? Those trees where you…

Video is available Here: https://youtu.be/P2GrMNTpz28 Sound Bites "Can you imagine?" "It was a former cat." "Every goal requires God." In this conversation, we explore a variety of themes ranging from the challenges of pet loss and burial, cultural dilemmas in ordering food, the implications of AI in customer service, to the complexities of setting…

Hey, Neighbor! This begins the busy season... We had two thanksgivings, Christmas Decorating, and a baby shower packed into the same weekend. Then, John got the best Christmas newsletter ever. (Yes, really!) If you must send Christmas newsletters to everybody you know, make sure they contain HILARIOUS KID QUOTES. Later: One of John's friends just b…

Here's a vague outline of this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Nuts and Bolts 03:01 The Art of Comedy and Writing Techniques 06:02 Teeth Grinding and Dental Humor 09:03 Exploring Music and Generational Changes 12:01 Christian Music in Public Spaces 16:12 Exploring Rural King: A Unique Shopping Experience 18:22 The Incongruity of Muzak in Stores 20:4…

Hey, Neighbor! Luke felt led to pray for his Unbelieving co-worker--but he wonders if he prayed the right way? Also, should we just ask for "God's Will" to be done every time, or is that kind of a cop-out? Later: A woman's 10-year-old daughter suddenly stopped walking, and she wants to help you learn how to buy crutches for your child as well. (Tha…

Sound Bites "I hate rye chips, yeah." "I hate joy." "Must be nice to afford hamburger." "Boy, it's great to have cutlery." "I'm trying to express my joy." "Freedom doesn't wait." "I've never had to say a fun fact." "I just don't want to get scammed." "I have a limited experience." "The internet is forever." Themes Wintery Mix and Snack Preferences …

Allow us to do a birthday party recap, Neighbor! Emmi Jane successfully turned nine years old, with only a small "Freak Out" involving tiny food and glue... This wasn't the first time Emmi lost her mind a little bit! Later: Is every 11-year-old boy exactly the same??? Pretty much. And finally: John told the Internet that boys play with Lego differe…

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 05:51 The Dominance of Christmas Music 11:04 Commercializing Thanksgiving Music 18:13 The Culinary Adventures of Warthogs and Iguanas 25:53 Thanksgiving Foods: The Unwanted and Unusual 32:21 The Weight of IQ: Family Dynamics and Social Awareness 40:50 The Lunchroom Legend 51:04 The Hot Pocket H…

It's a SCANDAL, Neighbor! Our 11-year-old boy was the target of racist insults at school... You won't believe the audacity of that 3rd grade bully. But that's nothing compared with the text message that is causing grown women to FEAR FOR THEIR BABIES. Tune in to laugh with us about the state of the country post-election--and to rejoice that the old…

In this conversation, the hosts explore various themes surrounding holiday decorations, particularly wreaths, and the cultural significance of Thanksgiving. They delve into the absurdity of certain holiday traditions and the role of food in celebrations, while also reflecting on the uniqueness of American holidays compared to global practices. In t…

Hey, Neighbor! Our Australian friend, Jasmine, has left the table--but her visit was so refreshing! She went Trick-or-Treating for the very first time, and it led to discussions about whether Satan's Holiday can be redeemed... (When is it appropriate to decorate with skulls.) Next: The Peaches shares her theory that "The Nightmare Before Christmas"…

Sound Bites "Sometimes people die and they don't tell you." "I think the best way to go would be on top of an asteroid detonating a nuclear device." "Do you gather everybody together under the pretenses of something else?" "Let's get the parasites." "Are you gonna stop eating red dyed food now because you know that it's coming from a bug?" "Cereal,…

Sorry this episode is a tad late, Neighbor. We're enjoying this week with our friend from Australia, Jasmine! Listen to the playful chatter for awhile... Then, help us determine the difference between a Friend and a Fan!Av John Branyan

Sound Bites "I'm actually... You can't see the sweat, but I've got two little sweat marks on my shirt." "I brought the incredibly funny Lisa Gilbert who has a Dry Bar special out and what's it called? All the Time Tired." "No outside carry-in food, drink or ice cream products. That's literally what it said." "That sounds like barbaric to me. That s…

We have an important question for you today: when you travel, do you unpack your suitcase and put things in the hotel dresser??? And speaking of traveling, the Peaches has a HOT TIP for packing clothes for lots of kids! Then: here's a sermon illustration you probably should NOT use... and an example of the world's worst Humor Sermon. Later: Put on …

Imagine our shock and horror when we realized this gem had been skipped over! It's here now and that's all that matters. "Why have we never seen a book written from the opposite perspective?" "Men don't mind being objectified. That's every man's dream." "In this dystopian future, men would be content with their role as sex slaves." "Kids start to a…

Welcome to the table, Neighbor. Is there anything more manly than mowing your lawn? Modern gas cans suuuuuuuck. And also--if you have a bald baby girl, just put a bow on her head when you're going out! It will be a courtesy to strangers in public... To contact The Comedian's Family, email nextdoor@johnbranyan.com .…

Sound Bites "I made a sound, a pretty girly, feminine sound." "He was clinging to my arm as I tried to get him off." "Hornets are the jerks of the animal world." "There aren't very many cool injuries though, really." "Yeah, or you were trying to like rescue somebody from like, you know, push a car out of the street or something." "I don't ever want…

The McKinney's have BIG NEWS. (So, here's an obscure quote from an old movie... do you recognize it?) We chat about all the horn-tooting compliments we've received this week. Then: John shares another example of "men can't win" with the Feminists, no matter what they do. Later: You get to hear the advice that John shared with a Highschool-age Peach…