Not Your Average Holiday

Akshay and Matt
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Hobbies
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast where random holidays get the main character treatment! Every single day deserves a celebration, and we seek out the bizarre traditions, historical events not taught in school, and unusual community gatherings to fill your calendar with adventure!

Episodes

  1. May 26

    We Thought It Was Luddite Day... It Wasn't | Paper Airplane Day

    What happens when Luddite Day accidentally becomes Paper Airplane Day? Apparently… a full-blown trip back to simpler times, schoolyard chaos, and very serious aerodynamic research.In this episode, Akshay confidently walks in thinking it’s Luddite Day (it is not), and suddenly we’re spiraling into:✈️ epic plane stories🏫 schoolyard nostalgia and how we passed the time before phones📵 what it actually means to “reject technology” in a modern world📜 the surprising history behind the Luddite movement🧠 why paper airplanes might be the perfect symbol of freedom, simplicity, and rebellion📐 and yes… the secret sauce to our personal paper airplane strategiesFrom Ned Ludd smashing knitting frames to folding the perfect dart that hits the ceiling fan just right—this episode connects history, humor, and folded notebook paper in a way that probably shouldn’t make sense… but somehow does.So the real question is:Are we building better tech… or just forgetting how to fly paper?Drop a comment:What was YOUR best schoolyard pastime? And do you still remember your paper airplane design?🎧 New episodes available now.✈️ Full episode link in bio.Music in this episodeBe Quiet - KashidoThe Day After Tomorrow - Maya BelsitzmanAdventures (Creative Cut) - djnooneRACE IT - PlayerZeroDancin in the Tub - Family KushMilky Way - Roie ShpiglerFriends on the Way - Assaf AyalonSunshine - Creative Cut - Acoustic - Day DreamersCircle of Life - Short version - LetraIts the 80s Triumphant Retro Logo - Callum DonaldsonSources in this episodeHistory.com (A&E Networks) – Who Were the Luddites? https://www.history.com/news/who-were-the-ludditesWorld History Encyclopedia – Luddite https://www.worldhistory.org/Luddite/Joseph Needham, Science and Civilisation in China, Vol. 4: Physics and Physical Technology (Cambridge University Press)Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Kite History Resources (https://airandspace.si.edu)Leonardo da Vinci, The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, ed. Jean Paul RichterBritish Library – Leonardo da Vinci Manuscripts Collection (https://www.bl.uk)Royal Aeronautical Society Archives – Sir George Cayley Papers (https://www.aerosociety.com)Library of Congress – Wright Brothers Collection (https://www.loc.gov)David McCullough, The Wright Brothers (Simon & Schuster)René J. Francillon, Lockheed Aircraft Since 1913Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Early Flight & WWII Training Materials (https://airandspace.si.edu)The Great International Paper Airplane Book by Jerry Mander, George Dippel, Howard Gossage (1971)NASA – Beginner’s Guide to Aeronautics (https://www.nasa.gov/aeronautics/)Guinness World Records – Paper Aircraft Records (https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com)Red Bull Paper Wings Official Competition (https://www.redbullpaperwings.com)#LudditeDay #PaperAirplanes #NostalgiaTrip #SchoolyardStories #TechVsTradition #PodcastComedy #SimpleTimes #ThrowbackCulture

    35 min

  2. May 19

    The Most Important Object in the Universe | Towel Day

    What can a towel teach you about you? The vibe for this one is a bit different—in the best way. This week, Matt and Akshay celebrate Towel Day, honoring the late Douglas Adams. What starts as a holiday about innocent, fluffy towels quickly becomes something more thoughtful than expected. This episode leans introspective, exploring life, the power of shifting perspective, and how to handle the unexpected things that threaten to derail your entire galaxy—while still delivering the jokes and moments you’ve come to expect. Think of it like a good movie: a little more heart, a little more meaning… and still plenty of laughs when you need them. __________________Sources & References Towel Day & Hitchhiker’s GuideWho Was Douglas AdamsLifestyle Changes for Heart HealthCleveland Clinic: How Often to Wash TowelsAdams, Douglas. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Pan Books, 1979.Gaiman, Neil. “Douglas Adams Obituary,” The Guardian, 2001Remembering Douglas AdamsNBC News Tribute Song Credits / Music Dancin in the Tub — Family KushJust Candy — Just for KicksMaps Without Names — RisianHallow — Stephen KeechThe Barrenness of a Busy Life — BENJADeparture — Stephen BeddallLimitless — Stephen Beddall__________________ There are 52 weeks in a year. How are you celebrating this one? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday and follow on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Join Matt and Akshay for weird stories, bad jokes, and unique celebrations every week. #TowelDay #DouglasAdams #HitchhikersGuide #NotYourAverageHoliday #PodcastLife #WeirdHolidays #LifeLessons #ComedyPodcast #GeekCulture #IntrospectiveHumor #FluffyThoughts

    29 min

  3. May 12

    Why Do Only Chickens Get Dances? | Dance Like a Chicken Day

    Do you really not want to be like a chicken? What do you have against ducks? This week, Akshay and Matt celebrate Dance Like a Chicken Day, the one holiday where you’re fully encouraged to briefly ignore all dignity and let your feathers fly. In this episode, they: Dive into the surprisingly strange origins of this wedding dance floor staple Draft the next animals that deserve their own dance craze Reflect on their own public humiliation… sorry, dance histories If you’ve been waiting for a sign to flap your wings in front of your boss this week, this is it. Consider this episode your official permission. Legal Disclaimer: This podcast is not liable for any resulting dance parties or cease and desist letters stemming from your newfound dance confidence. _________________ References/Sources https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-oddities/the-birdie-song-how-a-swiss-wrote-the-most-annoying-song-of-all-time/90561194 https://web.archive.org/web/20100203225653/http://www.kjrh.com/mostpopular/story/josef-hardt-mr-oktoberfest-dies/EJL2iD5uEUmaoFVihieG7g.cspx https://stagemusiccenter.com/music-school-blog-winchester-acton-ma/2020/9/4/accordion-history-fun-facts-and-benefits-of-learning https://www.cacklehatchery.com/20-weird-and-wonderful-facts-about-chickens/ Music Credits “Dancin in the Tub” — Family Kush “And He’d Say OO-La-La Wee Wee” — Pietro Deiro “Linger” — Marshall Usinger “Jaan” — Sharabina __________________________ Listen now and celebrate something weird this week. There are 52 weeks in a year—how are you celebrating this one? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday and follow along on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Join Matt and Akshay for weird stories, bad jokes, and uniquely questionable holidays every week. Hashtags #DanceLikeAChicken #ChickenDance #FunnyPodcast #ComedyPodcast #WeirdHolidays #HolidayPodcast #NotYourAverageHoliday #PodcastClip #NewPodcast #Humor #ComedyContent #WeeklyPodcast #CelebrateAnything #RandomFacts #LightheartedContent

    28 min

  4. May 5

    Where Do Lost Socks Actually Go? | Lost Sock Memorial Day

    There are many theories on where lost socks end up ranging from the strange to the downright unbelievable, but one thing is certain... we have all mourned a lost sock and someday will mourn one again. This week, Matt and Akshay celebrate Lost Sock Memorial Day, a holiday dedicated to honoring those we’ve lost over the past year — specifically, the single socks that vanished without explanation. Think the “In Memoriam” segment of the Oscars… except instead of celebrities, it’s the quiet disappearance of your once-proud sock collection.From the depths of the Sock Drawer of Despair, they explore surprising sock facts, the strange history of socks, and a series of increasingly questionable theories about where missing socks actually go. Including, yes… sock-stealing gremlins with suspicious motives.They also investigate whether this is just laundry chaos… or something far more organized than we’d like to admit. Sources / References • https://www.blacksocks.com/en-us/pages/sock-loss https://nationaltoday.com/lost-sock-memorial-day/ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/socks-market https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH7AW8xUGD0 https://thesocksource.com/blog-title-5/ https://www.ransomspares.co.uk/blog/news/history-of-the-tumble-dryer.htm https://news.samsung.com/global/sock-horror-mystery-of-missing-socks-is-solved-scientists-reveal-why-socks-go-missing-in-the-wash-and-how-likely-it-is-to-happen https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/05/06/spells-curses-and-ways-to-see-the-future/ https://news.gallup.com/poll/692738/paranormal-phenomena-met-skepticism.aspx https://www.britannica.com/event/Black-Sox-Scandal https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shoeless-Joe-Jackson https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/jackson-joseph-jefferson-wofford/ https://www.omnicalculator.com/everyday-life/socks-loss-index Song Credits / Music Dancin in the Tub — Family KushInvestigation — Max HThe Worrisome Winding Path — Quinten CoblentzBurning the Silence — Role ShpiglerMoonrise — Piotr Hummel There are 52 weeks in a year. How are you celebrating this one? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday and follow on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Join Matt and Akshay for weird stories, bad jokes, and unique celebrations every week.

    24 min

  5. Apr 28

    Is it the shoes...? | Two Different Colored Shoes Day

    Two Shoes, One Risk: The stories behind our biggest chances Every day is full of tiny risks, just waiting for you to step out into them. This week, Matt and Akshay celebrate National Two Different Colored Shoes Day, a holiday dedicated to one simple act of courage: wearing mismatched shoes as a reminder that you’re capable of taking on risks of any size. Along the way, they share some of the biggest risks they’ve taken in their own lives and the challenges they’re still working up the courage to face. Are you ready to feel slightly motivated… and maybe slightly judged by your own comfort zone? This episode might be exactly what you need. Also, fair warning: brace yourself for an overwhelming amount of soul-lifting background music. We regret nothing. Sources / References https://www.nationaltwodifferentcoloredshoesday.com/founder Song Credits / Music Dancin in the Tub — Family Kush Signs of Life - Zac Nelson Fall - Naski The Obscure Truth - Alon Ohana infinite dreams - Out of Flux There are 52 weeks in a year. How are you celebrating this one? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday and follow on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Join Matt and Akshay for weird stories, bad jokes, and unique celebrations every week.

    25 min

  6. Apr 21

    Plumbing Curses and Bad Decisions | Hug a Plumber Day

    There is no greater truth than everybody poops. This week, Matt and Akshay celebrate the people who make it possible for the rest of society to politely pretend that isn’t true. From unclogging disasters to keeping clean water flowing, plumbers do the dirty work that keeps modern life running smoothly. That’s right, this episode is all about the unsung heroes we honor on Hug a Plumber Day. Along the way, Matt and Akshay dive into the surprisingly fascinating history of plumbing, the massive impact plumbers have on public health and modern civilization, and some of the most famous plumbers (real and fictional) to ever pick up a wrench. If you are lucky, they may also share a few personal plumbing mishaps that may or may not have required professional intervention. The episode wraps up with a party game you might be tempted to bring to your next dinner gathering. Just don’t blame us if your friends never invite you back. Sources / References Holiday Background National Day Calendar – Hug a Plumber Dayhttps://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-hug-a-plumber-day-april-25 World Plumbing Council – World Plumbing Dayhttps://www.worldplumbing.org/worldplumbingday/ History of Plumbing Plumbing Manufacturers International – Plumbing Timelinehttps://www.safeplumbing.org/about-pmi/timeline This Old House – History of Modern Plumbinghttps://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/99977/history-of-modern-plumbing Famous Plumbers & Cultural References Benjamin Franklin Plumbing – Famous Plumbers in Historyhttps://www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/dallas/blog/2017/february/the-most-famous-plumbers-in-history Action Jackson Plumbing – Famous Plumbers You May Not Knowhttps://www.actionjacksonplumbing.com/blog/plumbing-company/10-famous-plumbers-you-may-not-know-about Mandurah Plumbing & Gas – Famous Plumbers Around the Worldhttps://mandurahplumbingandgas.com.au/exploring-the-wonderful-world-of-famous-plumbers The Gentlemen Plumbers Calgary – A Short History of Mariohttps://www.thegentlemenplumberscalgary.com/calgary-help-a-short-history-of-mario WTOP – Why Super Mario Became a Plumberhttps://wtop.com/entertainment/2020/09/surprising-reason-nintendo-made-super-mario-a-plumber-35-years-ago/ Fun Facts & Plumbing Trivia Angi – Common Plumbing Problemshttps://www.angi.com/articles/plumbing-problems.htm Call NuBlue – Plumbing Facts Plumbers Want Homeowners to Knowhttps://callnublue.com/blog/15-plumbing-facts-plumber-wants-homeowners-to-know/ Big B Home Pro – Random Plumbing Factshttps://www.bigbhomepro.com/blog/10-fun-random-plumbing-related-facts/ Call Dixie – Wild Facts About Plumbinghttps://calldixie.com/blog/5-wild-facts-about-the-world-of-plumbing/ Caccia Plumbing – Fun Plumbing Factshttps://cacciaplumbing.com/blog/fun-facts-about-plumbing/ Song Credits / Music Dancin in the Tub — Family KushEminence Landscapes (Pizzicato Version) — Ian PostFamous (Instrumental Version) — BalloonPlanetUntil Dawn - Jeremy Chontow There are 52 weeks in a year. How are you celebrating this one? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday and follow on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Join Matt and Akshay for weird stories, bad jokes, and unique celebrations every week.

    20 min

  7. Apr 14

    Forgive Your Ex... Or Don't. | Ex-Spouse Day

    Even the worst ex might have taught you something… eventually. So isn’t it time to forgive them? Or at least bring a fresher story to therapy this month? This week, Akshay and Matt celebrate a holiday all about breakups, baggage, and the people who left us. They dig into heartbreak, revisit the chaos of past relationships, and explore whether forgiving an ex is actually healing… or an aggressive form of personal rebranding. Along the way, they share ways to celebrate this surprisingly thoughtful holiday, unpack what our past relationships can teach us, and ask the important question: is this day truly about growth, gratitude, and moving on, or just dollar-store ice cream trying its best to patch over the scars of first love's end? Never fear! This episode is actually way more positive than this description makes it sound, and this holiday might become one of your new favorites. So yes, maybe we should thank God for every broken road… because somehow it led you straight to this podcast. Sources / References https://koonsfuller.com/articles-news/National-Ex-Spouse-Day Song Credits / Music Dancin in the Tub — Family Kush Before You - Instrumental Version — Max Billion Tempesta — Steven Beddall There are 52 weeks in a year. How are you celebrating this one? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday and follow on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Join Matt and Akshay for weird stories, bad jokes, and unique celebrations every week.

    23 min

  8. Apr 7

    Every Playlist Tells a Story | 8-Track Tape Day

    Did 8-Tracks invent the modern playlist? The modern playlist didn’t start with Spotify… it started with a plastic brick in your car dashboard. Akshay and Matt celebrate a holiday honoring the granddaddy of the modern playlist: 8-Track Tape Day. Along the way, they explore the 8-track’s surprisingly long-lasting cultural impact, share some of their own magical musical moments, and explain why Space Jam might actually be the soundtrack of love. This week’s celebration definitely doesn’t skip a beat… even if the tape occasionally does. Sources / References https://www.accio.com/business/best_selling_8_track_tape_all_time• https://everpresent.com/8-track-tapes-vs-cassette/Recording Industry Association of America – U.S. Sales DatabaseCrews, Andrew D. – From Poulsen to Plastic: A Survey of Recordable Magnetic Media• Despagni, Anthony J. – Some Help From Debussy For the Hassled Driver (New York Times)Harrington, Richard – The Record Industry Goes to War on Home Taping (Washington Post)Palmer, Robert – The Pop Life; Cassettes Now Have Material Not Available on Disks (New York Times)Salmans, Sandra – Sales of Records on the Rise (New York Times)Mitchell, Larry G. – AMC Muscle Cars (MBI Publishing) Song Credits / Music Breaking into a Secret Government Facility by Jakub Pietras Dancin in the Tub — Family Kush Connection - Alternative version — EVOE Mountaintops — Father of Kindness There are 52 weeks in a year. How are you celebrating this one? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday and follow on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Join Matt and Akshay for weird stories, bad jokes, and unique celebrations every week.

    20 min

  9. Mar 31

    Pillow Fight Club

    Diplomacy has failed. The feathers are flying. Welcome to Pillow Fight Day. This week, Matt and Akshay explore a holiday where the bedroom meets the battlefield: Pillow Fight Day. In a war of thread counts and flying feathers, nothing is off limits—from war cries to highly questionable mattress-based military strategy. The unleashing of deeply buried rage and aggression has never had such a cozy celebration. ___________________ Sources /References: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/international/international-pillow-fight-day-first-friday-in-aprilhttps://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/various/international-pillow-fight-daySong Credits / Music: Dancin in the Tub by Family KushZero Hour - Creative Cut by Letra________________ There are 52 weeks in a year. How are you celebrating this one? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday and follow us on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Join Matt and Akshay for weird stories, bad jokes, and unique celebrations every week!

    26 min

  10. Mar 24

    Step 1: Invent a Holiday. Step 2: Celebrate It

    Every day can be a reason to celebrate, even if it’s a holiday you invent yourself! Join Matt and Akshay on a journey through the weird celebrations that make life awesome. In the inaugural episode of Not Your Average Holiday Podcast, we explore the joy of celebrating unique and wacky holidays. Let’s dive into why holidays matter, share our personal reflections, and maybe even create a few new holidays. Also, don’t miss Akshay’s attempt to salvage his childhold trauma by reclaiming the game of MASH - Holiday style. Sources / References: Wellcat – Holidays Song Credits / Music: Dancin in the Tub by Family KushGalaxy Groove by Yarin PrimakThere are 52 weeks in a year. How are you celebrating this one? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday and follow us on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Join Matt and Akshay for weird stories, bad jokes, and unique celebrations every week!

    19 min

  11. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Not Your Average Holiday | Official Podcast Trailer

    There are 52 weeks in a year. How are you celebrating this one? Welcome to Not Your Average Holiday, a podcast where every week we dive into the strange, the surprising, and sometimes even the meaningful holidays hiding on the calendar. Hosted by Akshay and Matt, each episode explores the stories behind unusual holidays, how they started, and the fun ways you can celebrate them. We apologize in advance for any random, mostly-related, long-winded tangents along the way. The celebration starts March 24. New episodes every Tuesday. If you like random trivia, unexpected history, and finding small reasons to celebrate life, this podcast is for you. Follow now on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A podcast where random holidays get the main character treatment! Every single day deserves a celebration, and we seek out the bizarre traditions, historical events not taught in school, and unusual community gatherings to fill your calendar with adventure!

Information

  • Creator
    Akshay and Matt
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Akshay and Matt
  • Show Website
    Not Your Average Holiday