What a Joke of an Episode

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 Episode Milestone and Word of the Day

• The hosts discuss the significance of reaching episode 60, debating whether 50 or 60 is a more exciting milestone.
• The featured word is "rubric." They explore its meanings:
  • In education and structure: a checklist or set of criteria to fulfill a purpose.
  • In liturgical context: instructions for how a religious service should be conducted, not the service itself.
  • As a category: grouping ideas under a broader concept.
• The etymology of "rubric" traces back to the Latin "rubeus" (meaning red), through Old French and Middle English, to modern English. The term originally referred to red text used for instructions, distinguishing them from the main text.

Personal Connections and Humor

• The hosts joke about the similarity between "rubric" and names like "Ruben," referencing personal anecdotes.
• They note that Latin writers used "rubeus" strictly for the color red, not for the modern checklist meaning. The transition to the modern sense comes from the use of red text for important instructions.
• The podcast itself follows a "rubric" for its structure (intro, word of the day, topic discussion).

Discussion on Humor and Comedy Preferences

• The hosts discuss their differing senses of humor:
  • One enjoys situational and slapstick comedy, citing examples like "A Mighty Wind," "Best in Show," and "Spinal Tap."
  • The other prefers humor that connects with personal interests or experiences, such as music-themed comedies.
• They share a family joke and reflect on how their children inherit or develop their own comedic styles.
• The conversation touches on sharing favorite shows (like "The Righteous Gemstones"), considering whether to recommend them to others, and the importance of shared experiences in enjoying certain types of humor.

Anecdotes and Relationship Dynamics

• The episode includes stories about their early relationship, such as a humorous incident after wisdom teeth removal, highlighting the nuances of finding each other funny and how humor plays a role in their marriage.

Overall Theme

The episode weaves together the exploration of a single word ("rubric"), its history and usage, and personal stories about humor, demonstrating how language, structure, and comedy intersect in both their podcast and daily lives.

Want to buy the book mentioned in the episode, find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Dumb-Eyes-Stories-Simpler/dp/1538768461/

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.