The Absurdities of Travel, Doors, and… Crickets?

In this hilariously absurd episode of The Absurdists, hosts Marlo Anderson and Mary Murphy take us on a whimsical journey through their recent experiences and quirky observations. Marlo shares stories from his recent travels to London and Paris, offering a unique perspective on everything from international McDonald’s menus to cross-cultural miscommunications. The episode kicks off with Marlo’s adventures in Europe, where he had a run-in with the famed Chicken Big Mac, but the real fun starts when he discusses his perplexing experiences with common courtesy. Is chivalry dead? Well, Marlo certainly feels like it might be, after opening doors for strangers in London, only to be berated for his kindness. The duo explores the awkward nuances of human interactions, such as when it's appropriate to hold a door open and how people react to simple gestures of politeness. The discussion then takes a dive into one of life’s great mysteries: Why do we say “bless you” when someone sneezes but not when they cough? Mary uncovers the fascinating origins of this centuries-old tradition, revealing an unexpected link to pagan beliefs. As always, the pair’s humorous banter makes even the history of sneezing a laugh-out-loud moment. But the absurdity doesn’t stop there! Marlo and Mary also tackle the curious dilemma of elevator etiquette. Do you engage with strangers or pretend they don’t exist? And why does striking up a conversation in an elevator feel more absurd in some cultures than in others? They share funny stories from their travels and dissect the bizarre nature of human behavior in these confined spaces. The episode wraps up with a surprising twist when Mary reveals her recent foray into trying crickets – yes, you read that right – during a tequila tasting in Mexico. Who knew crickets could taste like pistachios? But beware of the legs and antennae that get stuck in your teeth! If you’ve ever wondered about the culinary delights of insect-eating or are simply curious to hear how tequila can make even crickets taste good, this episode is for you. Highlights from Episode 9: Marlo’s London & Paris Adventures: From Chicken Big Macs to door-holding mishaps. Cultural Differences in Courtesy: When does holding the door open turn into an absurdity? The History of “Bless You”: A surprising look into the pagan roots of this common phrase. Elevator Etiquette: Should we engage, ignore, or just look at our phones? Mary Eats Crickets: A tequila-fueled adventure in Mexico, complete with crunchy snacks. Whether you're looking for a good laugh, a quirky travel story, or just want to hear the latest absurdities from Marlo and Mary, this episode has it all! Tune in now to The Absurdists Episode 9 and embrace the absurd with us!