Stuck in Beta Podcast

Greg & Josh
  • 5.0 (2)
  • HOBBIES
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Remember when life didn't require constant updates? Gen Xers Josh and Greg sure do. Welcome to Stuck in Beta, the weekly podcast for everyone navigating the glitches of modern adulthood. Join them as they dissect the latest in TV and movies, explore baffling pop culture trends, and react to interesting news. Each episode also features a craft beer review, a taste test of weird and wonderful snacks, and the highly-anticipated weekly Top 5 list on just about any topic imaginable. If you appreciate a healthy mix of 90s nostalgia and present-day confusion, grab a drink and tune in. It's a hilarious and honest look at the feeling that we're all just one patch away from figuring it out.

Episodes

  1. Wiffle Barricade

    APR 14

    Wiffle Barricade

    Episode Description: In Episode 206 of the Stuck in Beta podcast, Greg and Josh are forced to record directly on a phone after the technology gods strike Josh with a brutal run of bad luck—starting with his 8-year-old laptop completely dying. They kick off the show with a super-sized snack segment, testing out the new McDonald’s K-Pop demon hunters “Huntrix Meal”. Knowing Milly is a huge fan of the song “Golden,” the guys had to test out the Ramyeon McShaker fries, the purple Demon Sauce, and the sweet & sour Hunter Sauce. Since Easter is right around the corner, they also try out festive Snickers Eggs. For Beer Thirty, they crack open an American-style Cream Ale from Missouri’s Public House Brewing Company. Later, the guys talk about the new McDonald’s coming to Herky, Josh’s pricey Best Buy replacement run, a DIY storm drain barricade to save the neighborhood wiffle balls, and catching Nick Hexum on a bluegrass tour. Plus, a check-in on Game of Thrones and the movie Project Hail Mary. Show Notes: Tech Curses & Phone Recordings The Black Screen of Death: Recording from a phone this week after Josh’s 8-year-old laptop completely died right when he went to turn it on. The bad luck resulted in an $1800 Best Buy trip, closely following another recent tech disaster where his phone completely crapped out. Snacks & Golden Arches The Huntrix Meal: Reviewing the new McDonald’s K-Pop demon hunters collaboration. The guys test out the Ramyeon McShaker fries, the gel-like purple Demon Sauce, and the sweet & sour-style Hunter Sauce. Herky Arches: Discussing the new McDonald’s location opening up in Herculaneum right behind the Dairy Queen. Easter Treats: With Easter this weekend, the guys do a quick taste test of Snickers Eggs. Beer Thirty Public House Cream Ale: Sipping on an American-style Cream Ale (5.3% ABV) out of Missouri’s Public House Brewing Company. Neighborhood DIY & Concerts Wiffle Barricades: A brilliant neighborhood DIY hack: building a barricade using wood and car ramps over the storm drain in the cul-de-sac to stop the kids from losing their wiffle balls during an all-time pitcher game. Bluegrass 311: Recapping the Nick Hexum concert, where the 311 frontman performed bluegrass style around a single, old-timey microphone. What We’re Watching Checking in on the progress of finally finishing Season 1 of Game of Thrones. Reviewing the Ryan Gosling sci-fi movie Project Hail Mary.

    1h 3m

  2. APR 4

    Toilet Extraction

    In Episode 205 of the Stuck in Beta podcast, Greg and Josh kick things off by recapping their sweltering Opening Day trip to see the St. Louis Cardinals rally for a 9-7 win against the Rays. The guys pop open a 9-year-old cellared Terrapin Chubby Bunny stout for Beer Thirty before diving into some major DIY plumbing disasters. Josh details the nightmare of fixing a rotted floor and a running toilet at his mother-in-law’s house—a leak creatively “fixed” with a network cable and a Lysol wand—alongside the damage left by the “Ghost Renter” at his rental property. Later, they recover with a bag of Sweet and Salty Caramel Bugles, talk about an upcoming The Urge and Less Than Jake concert, and review a slew of streaming shows including Hijack, Extracted, and the Beard Meets Food YouTube channel. Wrapping up the show, Greg runs through his upcoming “How To Fix It” project backlog. Show Notes: Opening Day & Cellared Regrets Cardinals Comeback: Recapping a 93-degree Opening Day in St. Louis, escaping the massive crowds at Ballpark Village, hitting Four Hands and Central Tap, and watching the Cards snap their Opening Day losing streak. Beer Thirty: Cracking open a cellared 2017 Terrapin “Chubby Bunny”. The guys test out the 8.5% ABV S’mores Imperial Milk Stout and discuss the unfortunate metallic flavors that develop when a beer ages a little too long. Rental Rehab & Spring Projects Toilet Extraction: Josh details the massive water leak and rotted floor at his mother-in-law’s house. The culprit? A DIY flapper fix using a network cable and a Lysol cleaning wand stuck at the bottom of the plunger. The Ghost Renter Returns: Josh shares another toilet leak disaster that rotted the floor at his own rental property, courtesy of the infamous Ghost Renter. Lawn & Garden Updates: Greg discusses his spring prep, including throwing down Sunday’s Iron Boost lawn care product, germinating indoor seeds, and prepping 20-gallon fabric potato planters. Snacks, Streaming & Upcoming DIYs Snack Down: The guys try Sweet and Salty Caramel Bugles, agreeing they taste just like caramel corn, and reminisce about Frank Barone’s love for Bugles on Everybody Loves Raymond. Ska & Punk: Getting hyped for an upcoming concert featuring 90s favorites The Urge and Less Than Jake. What We’re Watching: Reviewing the Idris Elba Apple TV+ thriller Hijack, the wilderness survival show Extracted, watching classic Fear Factor episodes, and diving into the massive eating challenges on the Beard Meets Food YouTube channel. Shop Talk Backlog: Greg previews his upcoming project list, which includes a vehicle rotor and brake pad job, and replacing a dryer vent hose.

    1h 21m
  3. Ghost Renter

    MAR 25

    Ghost Renter

    In Episode 204, Greg and Josh bring you a super-sized pop culture and nostalgia-packed release from Half-Assed Productions. The guys crack open a tropical IPA for Beer Thirty and dive into the ultimate Easter candy showdown before tackling the underwhelming Pointfest lineup. Josh details his upcoming 311 Cruise and his survival story of sitting through a bizarre, belly-baring Zoom scam pitch just to score a free vacation. Plus, a deep dive into Marvel movie trailers, NOFX legal drama, a tribute to the legendary Chuck Norris, and a wild “Shop Talk” segment featuring Josh’s rental property floor repairs and the mystery of the “Ghost Renter” who paid for a house for three years without ever moving in. Show Notes: Beer Thirty & The Snack Down Tropical Vibes: Cracking open the Flamingo Dance Party Tropical IPA (6.5% ABV with Mosaic and Sabro hops) and reminiscing about Urban Chestnut Zwickel and Boulevard classics. Chocolate Egg Face-Off: The ultimate holiday candy taste test: Jif Chocolate Eggs vs. Reese’s Chocolate Eggs. Cruises & Cons Cruisin’ with 311: Josh books his 9th voyage on the 311 Cruise to Jamaica and Grand Cayman, sparking a debate on porthole versus balcony rooms. The Zoom Scam: Josh’s quest for a “free” cruise leads to a high-pressure Zoom pitch for a $10,000 wholesale travel club, featuring a very persistent, belly-baring salesman and a swift kick from the virtual meeting. Local Happenings & Spring Projects Main Street Pub Crawl: Breaking down the $70 price tag, the colored bracelets, and the nine participating stops for the Tanglefoot Pub Crawl happening right here in Festus. Spring Prep: Greg shares his spring lawn care plans using the Sunday subscription system and discusses his indoor gardening setup with grow lights for his tomato and pepper seeds. Music, Movies & Nostalgia Pointfest Letdown: Reacting to Staind headlining the festival and mourning the golden era of 90s alt-rock festivals. Festival Conflicts: Plotting a potential road trip to Chicago to see the 90s alt-rock band Failure, only to realize it perfectly conflicts with the local pub crawl. NOFX Drama: Breaking down the post-tour legal battles within NOFX following the premiere of their 40 Years of F—ed Up documentary. Trailer Park: Analyzing the new Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer, the upcoming Daredevil season, Chris Evans returning in Avengers: Doomsday, and the Sadie Sink/Jean Grey rumors. RIP to a Legend: Remembering the life and the epic 196-episode Walker, Texas Ranger run of Chuck Norris. Top 5 Cartoon Theme Songs: A nostalgic dive into animated intros, featuring Denver the Last Dinosaur, The Flintstones, DuckTales, and M.A.S.K. Shop Talk & The Ghost Renter Flooring Nightmares: Josh details the grueling process of ripping up the floor and leveling out a high spot in his rental property. The Ghost Renter: A wild real estate story about a tenant who moved out to care for her sick mother but continued paying rent for three full years without ever living in the house.

    1h 30m
  4. Gravy Beans

    MAR 16

    Gravy Beans

    Welcome to Episode 203 of the Stuck in Beta podcast! This week, Josh returns from a massive 14-day marathon trip to Las Vegas, proving you actually can survive two weeks in the desert. He’s back with stories of seeing Def Leppard at Caesars, celebrating 311 Day, hiking Mt. Charleston, and experiencing the mind-blowing 160,000-speaker technology inside The Sphere. Meanwhile, Greg is celebrating a massive channel milestone: hitting over 1 million views on a single YouTube Short! But we pull back the curtain on the harsh reality of creator monetization and reveal exactly how underwhelming that payout actually is. In the Snack Taste Test, things take a dark turn. We brave the 2026 Easter novelty release from Frankford Candy: KFC Colonel’s Favorite Jelly Beans. While the Sweet Corn flavor is passable, the Fried Chicken and Gravy flavors taste exactly like old, burnt cooking oil. We also dive into some massive theme park news, discussing the Cedar Fair and Six Flags merger. With 48 parks now under one umbrella and several being sold off to a Kansas City company, we debate what the loss of the DC Comics and Warner Bros. licenses will mean for classic rides like Batman and Mr. Freeze. Grab a Trader Joe’s Barrel-Aged Stout and settle in! In This Episode: The Vegas Survival Guide: Def Leppard, 311 Day, The Sphere’s haptic seats, and why the West Grand Canyon is charging $25 for bad roast beef. Tech Glitches: Josh’s phone completely bricks itself on day three of his trip—and why putting it in the freezer only worked for 30 seconds. KFC Jelly Beans Taste Test: Sweet Corn, Fried Chicken, and Gravy jelly beans. It goes exactly as poorly as you’d expect. Theme Park Drama: Breaking down the Six Flags merger, park sales, and the new Hard Rock Cafe guitar hotel. YouTube Reality: Greg hits 1 million views on a Short and reveals the true $20 payout. Pop Culture Catch-Up: Michael J. Fox’s insane Back to the Future work ethic, Survivor hitting Season 50, the return of Scrubs, Russell Crowe in Unhinged, and Apple TV’s Shrinking. Music: Discovering the “Punk Hop” sounds of The Co-Defendants. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and let us know in the comments: What is the worst jelly bean flavor you’ve ever tried?

    1h 51m
  5. Analog Anxiety

    MAR 4

    Analog Anxiety

    Welcome back to another episode of the Stuck in Beta podcast! This week, Josh and Greg are diving into an absolute marathon session covering the glitches of modern adulthood, 90s nostalgia, and a massive update on the 134-year-old house flip. We kick things off with a taste test of a very questionable banana-flavored beer, talk about the wild success of a viral drawing stencil video, and run down a packed Las Vegas itinerary. Then, we get into the heavy hitters: what exactly is a “Xennial,” why growing up analog was actually a superpower, and our thoughts on the wild new trailer for the live-action Masters of the Universe movie. Finally, we head into the “How to Fix It” workshop for a massive DIY update. From opening a literal “can of worms” with 100-year-old knob-and-tube wiring, to fighting rusty spark plugs and dealing with a haunted refrigerator, there is a lot to catch up on. Grab a craft beer, pull up a chair, and let’s get into it! In This Episode: Going Viral & Vegas Bound: Greg’s YouTube channel hits a massive milestone, plus concert plans for Def Leppard, 311, and the Vegas Sphere. Beer – 4 Hands Brewery: We try the “Fat Elvis Absence of Light” peanut butter and banana beer (spoiler: it tastes like cheap bubblegum). The Toy Takeover: Why Ruby the Golden Retriever is forcing a new household toy-storage strategy. Music & Local Fun: Rumors of a new Tomahawk album, Mike Patton’s wild career, and reviewing the Game Show Battle Room in Chesterfield. Snack Time – Hostess Mini Donettes: Testing out the limited-edition Carrot Cake and Churro donuts. Pop Culture & Trailers: Reacting to Jared Leto as Skeletor in the new He-Man movie, The Mandalorian & Grogu, and why Toy Story 5 looks deeper than expected. The “Xennial” Micro-Generation: Discussing the “Oregon Trail Generation” (1977-1983), The Anxious Generation, and how growing up without smartphones shaped our independence. 134-Year-Old House Rehab: The $2,500 abandoned couch, repairing the “flying carpet” window rot, and discovering ancient knob-and-tube electrical wiring. The DIY Backlog: ChatGPT strategy fails, cleaning out a garage that smells like a dead animal, fixing a fridge that randomly loses power, and a brutal battle with a rusty V6 spark plug. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and leave a comment down below! What was your favorite toy growing up, and would you keep that $2,500 abandoned couch? Let us know!

    1h 25m

  6. FEB 12

    Peanut Bitter

    It’s a roller coaster of an episode as Greg and Josh start with a disappointing Peanut Butter Milk Stout before redeeming themselves with a solid Brown Ale from Bluewood Brewing. Josh shares the baffling saga of a tenant who ghosted and left a fully furnished apartment behind, while Greg troubleshoots a misfiring truck and celebrates a sudden view spike on his “Half-Assed TV” channel. The nostalgia hits hard with a look back at collecting Kool-Aid points for “Wacky Warehouse” prizes, followed by a spicy taste test of Chili Chews and a vertigo-inducing chat about free-solo skyscraper climbers. Show Notes Beer 1: Left Hand Brewing Peanut Butter Milk Stout. Verdict: Smells like peanut butter but tastes like artificial, bitter dark chocolate. Beer 2: Bluewood Brewing Battle Stag “Cherokee Street” Brown Ale. Verdict: A malty, nutty, and roasty redemption from the first round. The Rental Saga: Josh recounts the weirdness of a tenant who ghosted and left a fully furnished unit, complete with a stocked fridge and pantry. Half-Assed Productions: Greg’s “Half-Assed TV” channel gets a sudden boost from a vintage Rotadraw toy review. Garage Logic: Troubleshooting a truck that shudders at 50mph—is it the spark plugs or the ignition coils?. Snack Review: Target’s “Chili Chews”—strawberry bites with a spicy kick that are surprisingly addictive. Pop Culture & Tech: The return of Fear Factor and the baffling trends of TikTok. Josh’s struggle to recover his Facebook and email accounts. Wonder Man review and why Iron Man 3 is better than you remember. Watching Alex Honnold climb Taipei 101 and the anxiety of Free Solo. Local Events: Apathy toward the Super Bowl (Patriots vs. Seahawks?) but excitement for the Soulard and Festus Pet Parades.

    1h 24m
  7. Nature Calls

    FEB 4

    Nature Calls

    After a snow-covered week off, Greg and Josh return to the studio to thaw out with a Milk Stout from Maplewood Brewing. Josh recounts the administrative nightmare of scheduling a physical after a four-year hiatus, sparking a conversation about “old man” health maintenance and anti-inflammatory snacks. The guys break down some strange beverage news—from a potential ban on “airplane bottles” in KC to a bizarre bear-poop-infused beer collaboration—before diving into a bag of Bacon Grilled Cheese Lay’s and debating which TV theme songs are worth skipping. Show Notes Weather Report: Surviving the 8-10 inches of snow in Festus, MO, and the joy of two consecutive snow days. Beer of the Week: Maplewood Brewing Fat Pug Oatmeal Milk Stout (Chicago, IL). Verdict: A solid 5.9% ABV with notes of dark chocolate and coffee. Perfect for a cold day. Flashback: Realizing they reviewed a similar Horchata Yeti almost 10 years ago. Health Check: Josh’s return to the doctor after four years, the struggle of finding a new provider, and the looming reality of “the box” (colonoscopies) and shingles shots. Diet & Snacks: Josh’s attempt at the “Bobby Approved” anti-inflammatory diet (avocado oil and Clancy’s chips). Snack Review: Lay’s Bacon Grilled Cheese chips. (Verdict: Surprisingly good). News from the Cooler: Kansas City’s potential ban on small liquor bottles and single cans to curb litter and crime. Weird Brews: The Columbia Sportswear x Breakside Brewery collaboration “Nature Calls”—a beer made with water filtered through… bear poop? TV Talk: Greg’s Top 5 TV Theme Songs (and the ones you always skip). Thoughts on The Sopranos (too long?), Severance (too slow?), and the unnerving nature of The Big C. Nostalgia: Remembering Budweiser Black Crown and the Platinum era.

    53 min

  8. JAN 28

    Balzac Blues

    From the loss of a family pet to the liberation of canceling a $180 subscription, Josh and Greg navigate the highs and lows of modern adulthood. This week, the guys celebrate their first official brand deal, dive into a smooth 9.5% ABV stout, and revisit the legendary hustle of Michael J. Fox—plus a deep dive into the weirdest toy of the early 90s. The Drink & The Snack The Beer: Horchata Yeti by Great Divide Brewing. A creamy, 9.5% ABV imperial stout featuring rice, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s dessert in a glass with zero boozy bite. The Snack: Righteous Felon Meat Sticks. The guys put these to the test to see if they live up to the hype. Life in Beta Morty’s Legacy: Greg shares a touching (and unplanned) lesson in grief and resilience following the passing of the family hamster. Cutting the Cord: Josh breaks down why he finally axed Amazon Prime after a shipping disaster and realized the $180 annual fee just wasn’t adding up. The Big Win: We’re officially sponsored! We discuss our first brand deal—a $200 partnership for a specialized electrical diagnostic tool. ????? Pop Culture & Nostalgia The Balzac: Remember the toy that was basically just a balloon inside a heavy-duty cloth sack? We revisit the marketing genius (and the odd name) of this 80s/90s staple. On the Bookshelf: A look at Michael J. Fox’s memoir, Future Boy, and the unbelievable story of how he filmed Back to the Future and Family Ties at the same time. Top 5 Comfort Movies: The definitive list of movies that feel like a warm blanket, featuring Dumb and Dumber and Mallrats.

    1h 26m
  9. Suspended Terror

    JAN 14

    Suspended Terror

    After a two-week hiatus, Greg and Josh kick off 2026 with spilled beer and an uninvited guest (Ruby the Golden Retriever). This hour-plus deep dive covers everything from the shrinking St. Louis craft beer scene and local tornado recovery to the 1986 pop culture peaks and the final verdict on the Stranger Things finale. What’s on Tap The Beer: No Problem IPA – Friendship Brewing Company. A 7.7% Hazy IPA that’s citrus-forward with major nostalgic “High C” vibes. Industry News: A look at the closing of Minglewood (Cape Girardeau) and Friendship Brewing’s Wentzville location. The Deep Dive: Discussing the Closed for Storm documentary (Jazzland/New Orleans) and the parallels to the ongoing recovery in St. Louis’s Delmar neighborhood. The “Beta” Life Suspended Terror: Josh recounts taking the nephews to the Union Station Rope Course. A bargain at $12.50, even if it feels like a near-death experience. Snack Test: Premium Beef Jerky with Old Bay seasoning. New Discoveries: Why we are suddenly into shuffleboard. Pop Culture & Nostalgia 1986 Rewind: Reminiscing about Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and the release of the Beastie Boys’ License to Ill. Stranger Things: Did the Duffer Brothers stick the landing? We break down the series finale and the strategic holiday release. Connect with Stuck in Beta Hosts: Greg & Josh Topic: Life, Tech, and the 80s/90s nostalgia that keeps us updated.

    1h 38m
  10. Holiday Jams

    12/23/2025

    Holiday Jams

    This week, Greg and Josh celebrate the holidays with Alpha Brewing Company’s He-Man-themed “I Have The Sipster” APA. Greg stresses over his ambitious plan to bake thirteen different types of cookies (plus peanut brittle!) while trying to keep his kitchen—and his kids—under control. The guys also recount a legendary trip to St. Louis icon Crown Candy Kitchen for a BLT the size of a brick and a milkshake that defies physics. Plus: A disappointing salted caramel chip tasting, essential table saw safety tips to keep your fingers attached, and the definitive Top 5 Christmas Songs playlist (featuring Run DMC and Wham!).

    1h 32m
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Remember when life didn't require constant updates? Gen Xers Josh and Greg sure do. Welcome to Stuck in Beta, the weekly podcast for everyone navigating the glitches of modern adulthood. Join them as they dissect the latest in TV and movies, explore baffling pop culture trends, and react to interesting news. Each episode also features a craft beer review, a taste test of weird and wonderful snacks, and the highly-anticipated weekly Top 5 list on just about any topic imaginable. If you appreciate a healthy mix of 90s nostalgia and present-day confusion, grab a drink and tune in. It's a hilarious and honest look at the feeling that we're all just one patch away from figuring it out.

Information

  • Creator
    Greg & Josh
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 half-assed productions
  • Show Website
    Stuck in Beta Podcast