Skull Session with Mike and Rich

Mike Hussey and Rich Tierney

Welcome to Skull-Session, where longtime friends Mike and Rich bring you a unique blend of humor, insight, and incredible stories. Having met while working together at Ground Zero, their bond is unbreakable, and their experiences are vast. Join them as they explore a wide range of topics, from health and fitness to military experiences, life lessons, relationships, and more. Each episode features extraordinary guests—ordinary people who have achieved remarkable things. Mike and Rich dive deep into their stories, offering valuable advice and plenty of laughs along the way. Tune in for engaging conversations that inspire, entertain, and provide a fresh perspective on life’s many adventures. Whether you’re looking for motivation, a good laugh, or just some great company, Skull- Session has something for everyone.

  1. Sep 11

    Remembering 911 20260911

    Twenty-five years later, the 9/11 story still isn’t the one most people think it is. Mike Hussey and Rich, both 9/11 veterans and first responders, revisit Ground Zero from the inside—the chaos, the work, the people, and the details history keeps flattening into a simple headline.What really happened after the towers fell? Not just the sirens and smoke, but the construction crews, electricians, operating engineers, cops, generators, trailers, barges, and the brutal day-to-day reality of keeping the site moving. Mike and Rich break down the jobs they were sent to do, how the cleanup actually worked, and why so much of the official memory misses the massive construction effort that made everything else possible.You’ll hear: How both men ended up working downtown after the attacksWhat the site looked and smelled like in the first days and monthsWhy the slurry wall, PATH tubes, and buried infrastructure became criticalThe strange mix of free-for-all chaos, urgency, and improvisationStories about the morgue, police trailers, the Marriott, and the World Financial CenterHow celebrity visitors, fake responders, and opportunists showed up at Ground ZeroMike and Rich also talk about the long tail of 9/11—the memorials, the “never forget” ritual, the medical testing, and the lingering anger over how little outsiders understand about what the workers on the pile actually lived through.It’s part remembrance, part correction, and part raw reunion between two men who were there when the city broke.Essential listening if you want the untold Ground Zero perspective—not the polished version, but the one told by the people who showed up, stayed, worked, and carried it with them for decades.

  2. Aug 14

    Raccoons, Robbie Williams and Bridge Jump 20260814

    A THC drink gone wrong, a Brooklyn Bridge jump that somehow ends in survival, and a Tampa pharmacy scandal that exposes just how broken the pill pipeline got. If you like your news with zero filter and a lot of laughs, this one goes everywhere fast.Mike Hussey and Rich turn Episode 19 into a ride through the weirdest, funniest, and most unsettling headlines of the week. It starts with Robbie Williams, a nose, and a rock that allegedly wasn't what it looked like, then veers into Florida chaos, raccoon islands, invasive lizards, and the kind of wildlife stories that sound fake until they're not.You'll hear them break down: The rise of THC drinks in liquor stores and how easy it is to accidentally overdo itDrink-spiking jewelry from a University of South Florida inventor designed to detect common club drugsThe eerie Brooklyn Bridge jump that became a rare survival storyThe massive opioid operation tied to a Florida pharmacist and why the numbers are staggeringThe expanding weirdness of South Florida, from monitor lizards to raccoon islands to shark encountersRich and Mike also get into the bigger picture behind all the chaos - why more people are swapping booze for THC, how people actually get hurt by fake pills and spiked drinks, and why some of the most out-there local stories are the ones that reveal the most about where things are headed.This one is perfect for anyone who likes unfiltered banter, local-news absurdity, and two guys making sense of a world that keeps getting stranger. By the end, you'll be laughing, shaking your head, and probably sending one of these stories to a friend.Speaker coverage: Mike Hussey and Rich each drive the conversation, with Mike bringing the sharp, rant-heavy takes and Rich bringing the headlines, details, and back-and-forth that keep it moving.

  3. Jul 17

    Rats, Quakes and AI 20260717

    Most of the world’s gone nuts, and we’re HERE for it. From Florida’s unstoppable python invasion to New York skyscraper chaos, and political chaos in Belfast—these stories aren’t just news, they’re a full-blown circus with no VIP pass required. Ready to laugh, shake your head, and maybe wonder if the apocalypse is just Tuesday’s weather report?Our latest wild ride delves into the Florida python hunt — think giant snakes with a $10,000 prize for the most caught. Meanwhile, New York’s buildings are collapsing like your unbalanced Tinder dates, and the city’s union workers are blaming the non-union guys for structural disasters. Plus, a quick jaunt across the Atlantic to Belfast, where the only thing more brutal than the weather is the local fight over migrants and power plays.You’ll discover: the crazy lengths folks go to control invasive species, the shocking truth about skyscraper safety (or total lack thereof), and why global chaos looks suspiciously like a reality TV show. We break down the absurdities of AI in modern life—even AI pets and AI stand-up, because apparently, we’re running out of original ideas—and peek into how governments are turning the world’s vulnerable into a never-ending social experiment.And if you think it’s all just funny stories—think again. Miss this episode, and you might miss the chance to see how close we are to “Mad Max” territory with a side of “The Office.” Perfect for conspiracy enthusiasts, disaster lovers, or anyone who just wants a good laugh while questioning everything.Get ready; the world’s a crazy place. But with us, it’s also pretty damn entertaining.

  4. Jul 3

    Tall ships, 250th and Scribble Dog 20260703

    Most Americans could barely name where the Declaration of Independence was signed—let alone know the two future presidents who actually signed it. But hey, no worries, because this episode is about owning your history and learning how clueless we actually are about our own country’s wild past. Think you know your founding fathers? Thought so. Prepare for some jaw-dropping facts, hilarious takes on modern ignorance, and a reminder that if we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it — preferably with fireworks and tall ships.We break down how our ancestors survived plagues, fevers, and wars, and how today's kids couldn't tell you the Bill of Rights from a Google search. You’ll discover why George Washington was a total lunatic, how Salt Lake City’s Mormon roots turn into mountain biking paradise, and why saltwater crocodiles are basically the raccoons of the animal kingdom—dangerous and constantly underestimated. Plus, we dish on the absurdity of modern TV, fake news, and how the only thing more overrepresented than lesbians on screen is the latest in pharma commercials with side effects that sound straight out of a horror movie.Why does it matter? Well, if you don’t know your history, you’re flying blind—like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions. This episode is perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh, wants to up their American trivia game, or just needs a reminder that the American experience is pretty damn wild, but we've been doing it for 250 years. So, whether you're barbecuing in Brooklyn or watching fireworks from your balcony, this one’s your must-listen to get fired up about your country’s crazy (and awesome) story.And don’t worry—there’s even a trivia quiz that’ll test whether your knowledge is as sharp as your 4th of July grill skills. Trust us, you’ll walk away smarter, and maybe even less clueless about how a bunch of colonists decided to throw a barbecue that changed the world. Fireworks recommended, but not included.

  5. Jun 19

    Streetlights, Sharks, Cougars and Chaos 20260619

    Crikey! Ever wonder what the government isn’t telling you about secret bio labs, crazy animals turned pets, and the chaos raining down at Knicks parades? Buckle up — this episode’s got more wild stories than a barrel of honey badgers.Rich and Mike dig into declassified bio research, revealing how Ukraine’s laboratories could have been preparing some seriously nasty pathogens — forget cancer cures, we’re talking hemorrhage and fever viruses that make COVID look like a mild headache. If you think the world’s nuts now, these insider clues will make you question everything about our “normal.”Then, we pivot to the chaos of New York after a Knicks game, where sirens, helicopters, and riot cops become the city’s new soundtrack. Meanwhile, out west, a retired Air Force colonel peacefully tests a B-52 and—poof—it's reduced to smoldering wreckage. Did someone hide UFO tech? Or is this just another episode of "Florida man meets military snitch"? Stay tuned.And animals — or should I say, the freakiest pets ever? Honey badgers attacking house dogs, mountain lions stalking barn goats, and the global invasion of giant pythons turning Florida into a real-life Jurassic Park. Hell, even turkeys are staging egg ambushes because those invasive pythons are laying nests everywhere. Don’t get me started on ginormous, billion-dollar T-Rex purses — yes, moneybags, a real fossilized dino accessory for your closet.Plus, a deep dive into the wild world of high-end watches, fake designer bags, and how people are paying hundreds of thousands for bling that looks like leftovers from the dinosaur era. Spoiler: No one really knows what that half-million-dollar T-Rex purse is made of, but hey, if you’ve got the cash, why not go prehistoric?Whether you're into conspiracy theories, street chaos, or just love animals going totally bonkers, this episode is a rollercoaster you’ll want to ride — no seatbelt required. Perfect for curious minds, animal lovers, or anyone who enjoys a good laugh at how crazy the world’s getting.So hit play, and remember: in a world this wild, it’s hard to tell what’s fake, real, or just plain nuts. Stay weird!

  6. Jun 5

    Rabid Beavers, Airport Shaving and the I-95 Golf Cart Grand Prix 20260605

    Most people assume cavemen only knew how to club stuff, but a 1,300-year-old Viking sword suggests they may have been just as into ancient dentistry as we are today—minus the fancy tools and anesthesia.In this wild ride of an episode, Skull & Skull dive headfirst into viral beaver attacks, the bizarre world of beaver-themed branding, and the insanity of modern travel that involves cutting toenails in airports, driving bulldozers in mud-filled projects, and the real dangers of flying out of control at 80 mph. Want to hear why a rabid beaver might be the next horror flick? Or how drinking from a prehistoric sword can make your dentist blush? Yeah, we got that.You'll discover: The hilarious (but terrifying) viral videos of beavers biting teenage daredevils and the rabies scare that followedThe secret origin story behind Bucky’s beaver mascot and how ancient Vikings might’ve been the original tooth-fixersThe crazy history of Florida’s railroad tunnels, oyster-boat epic drives, and why flying in some "budget" airlines is worse than a horror movieThe absurdity of cave diving, free climbing without ropes, and why your next vacation might just involve checking your sandals before you leaveThe wild tales of transport chaos: runaway buses, soccer-mom golf cart escapes, and police officers who do their best with bicyclesPerfect for anyone fed up with airport shenanigans, tired of conspiracy theories, or just craving some jaw-dropping stories to make you grateful for modern life—this episode is a rollercoaster of laughs, lunacy, and lost Viking relics.And if you ever wondered what it’s like to find a 1,400-year-old sword in Norway or see a beaver sink its teeth into viral fame, this is your listen. Warning: Side effects include uncontrollable laughter and a newfound appreciation for not messing with beavers or free solo climbers. Hit play and get ready for a crazy journey through the bizarre, the historic, and the downright stupid.

  7. May 1

    Fat burn, military dogs and barrel rolls 20260501

    Most people are just one weird moment away from losing their minds — or stealing a jet just for kicks. Episode 14 of Skull Session dives into the wildest, most jaw-dropping stories you’ve ever heard: from a guy stealing a plane in Seattle to a military dog saving lives in Iraq, and a billionaire cloning a kid just to have spare parts. Yeah, you heard that right.We explore the psychology of mental illness through the bizarre story of Richard Russell, a baggage handler turned jet hijacker, who proves that sometimes, all it takes is one bad day to turn life upside down. Plus, Richard Russell’s story is more than just a stunt—it’s a stark reminder that you never really know what’s going on inside someone’s head, even if they’re married with kids.You’ll discover: How a regular guy learned to fly a jet on video games and why mental health matters more than you think.The shocking world of military dog training — how Belgian Malamutes are now key players in war zones.The ins and outs of betting on marathons, with a dash of world records and how athletes actually make their money.How dangerous airport security really is and why we should all keep our situational awareness on point.Sick stories of animal cruelty, including disturbing details about monkey abuse and twisted online chat groups.Why it matters: because the world isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Ignoring the deeper issues—be it mental illness or system failures—can have devastating consequences. On the flip side, tight stories like these open eyes and show us how humans and chaos collide in the most unexpected ways.Perfect for thrill-seekers, conspiracy enthusiasts, military buffs, or anyone who enjoys a healthy dose of “what the hell just happened?” hit play, and consider yourself warned: reality is stranger than fiction. Remember, stay alert, keep your head on a swivel, and never underestimate the psycho next door.Guests’ credentials? Just a couple of regular guys bringing you the craziest real stories—no resumes needed, just shock and awe. Buckle up — this episode is one wild ride!

About

Welcome to Skull-Session, where longtime friends Mike and Rich bring you a unique blend of humor, insight, and incredible stories. Having met while working together at Ground Zero, their bond is unbreakable, and their experiences are vast. Join them as they explore a wide range of topics, from health and fitness to military experiences, life lessons, relationships, and more. Each episode features extraordinary guests—ordinary people who have achieved remarkable things. Mike and Rich dive deep into their stories, offering valuable advice and plenty of laughs along the way. Tune in for engaging conversations that inspire, entertain, and provide a fresh perspective on life’s many adventures. Whether you’re looking for motivation, a good laugh, or just some great company, Skull- Session has something for everyone.