In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Josh Kaplan—one of the voices behind the podcast Friends Talking Shop. Josh shares how three finance industry veterans turned late-night conference chats into a hilarious and relatable show that’s now over 85 episodes strong.
We dive into Josh’s Philly sports fandom, his 15-year journey playing in an adult street hockey league, and how he juggles podcasting, family, and a full-time career. The conversation also explores social media struggles, viral moments, and unexpected documentary obsessions.
Highlights include:
• How Friends Talking Shop got started • Podcast dynamics: Dave the host, Omar the wildcard • Street hockey stories (and injuries) • Growing on Instagram with help from the kids • Favorite shows from Love is Blind to Dr. Pimple Popper
Whether you’re over 50 or just feel like it, this episode is a fun, relatable ride.
Timestamps
00:00 Episode 23 Show Intro 07:22 Street hockey league: gear, injuries, and adult camaraderie 13:12 The Stretch Zone 20:40 Internships, sticker fails & early career mishaps 22:23 How Friends Talking Shop was born around a fire pit 26:24 Omar the wildcard: single life, eccentric style, and spontaneity 30:12 Josh’s “social media vault” strategy and posting tips 38:35 Why podcasting should always be for fun 48:51 When TikTok turned into a battlefield over “Jingle Bells” 54:45 Streaming picks: Jay & Pamela, Baylen, Love Is Blind, Lincoln Lawyer 1:03:28 Karen Read case – the local true crime twist 1:07:59 Show Wrap Up
Links & Mentions:
🎙️ Friends Talking Shop Podcast 🥃 Deacon Whiskey (FTS sponsor) 📺 Jay and Pamela on TLC 📺 Baylen Out Loud on Max 🧘 Stretch Zone 🔔 Controversy over Jingle Bells Fun Fact (Tik Tok) 🤢 Dr. Pimple Popper 📺 The Trial of Karen Read 🎵 “I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died” by Riley Green
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