The Brand X Podcast

John Jamingo, Deuce, and Joe
The Brand X Podcast

This is a hangout podcast where three friends get together for lunch and day drinking once a month to discuss the growing stupidity in the world.

  1. Bullying, Mr. Softee, and Quitting a Job

    4D AGO · BONUS

    Bullying, Mr. Softee, and Quitting a Job

    Welcome to a vintage episode of the Brand X Podcast! Originally broadcast on May 18, 2016, this episode is packed with classic storytelling, candid conversations, and a dose of nostalgia. Hosts John Jamingo and Deuce kick things off with a look back at their week – including John’s fun guest stint on another comedy podcast. This week, the guys get real about quitting jobs, tough boss decisions, and the complicated etiquette around giving notice – complete with personal tales from both sides of the employer-employee divide. They reminisce about the childhood thrill of chasing down the Mr. Softee ice cream truck, funny mailbox mishaps, and how those carefree days compare to raising children today. The conversation then takes a thought-provoking turn into the world of bullying—then versus now—as John and Deuce discuss old-school playground justice, the changing definition of bullying, and a new approach in Wisconsin that aims to hold parents accountable for their kids’ bad behavior. Rounding out the episode is a lively discussion on the quirks of American politics, with theories about the Clintons, presidential primaries, and a few wild news stories—including Yoko Ono’s surprising claim about Hillary Clinton. Along the way, they keep things light with sidebar stories, plenty of laughs, and genuine rapport that shows why Brand X is a listener favorite. Settle in for a trip down memory lane, some serious talk, and plenty of laughs as the Brand X crew brings you their unfiltered take on everything from quitting jobs to ice cream memories, bullying, and beyond. - [00:00:05] Introduction and vintage episode setup - [00:00:32] Banter about Seattle weather and Three is Comedy Podcast - [00:01:43] News of the week and podcast recording stories - [00:02:08] Nephew’s dilemma about quitting a job without notice - [00:03:40] Employer/employee relationships and quitting etiquette - [00:05:10] Younger employees' attitudes toward work and references - [00:09:33] Managing employees and firing experiences - [00:09:58] Mr. Softee topic: Jingle composer’s passing and ice cream truck memories - [00:13:13] Childhood ice cream stories and mailbox prank - [00:16:24] Mailman’s reaction to melted banana split prank - [00:18:26] Discussion: Wisconsin fining parents for kids’ bullying - [00:20:33] Bullying definitions and changes over time - [00:21:50] Is there an upside to bullying? Handling bullies growing up - [00:23:44] Childhood fights, standing up to bullies, and personal anecdotes - [00:30:18] Bullying now: group dynamics and modern issues - [00:31:47] Role of families and parenting changes in bullying - [00:33:13] Parenting styles, helicopter parents, and letting kids grow up - [00:34:37] Podcast promo break: Classy Little Podcast - [00:36:41] Politics: Discussion of Hillary Clinton, Trump, Bernie Sanders, and elections - [00:41:11] Trump’s business-government conflicts and government contracts - [00:43:08] Halliburton, government work, and conflict of interest - [00:44:03] Election scenarios: independent runs and youth vote - [00:45:16] Primary voting age and debate about 18 vs. 21 - [00:49:25] Primary scheduling, state rights, caucuses vs. primaries - [00:52:00] How caucuses work, Democratic vs. Republican process - [00:53:36] Superdelegates, party control, and election frustration - [00:55:02] Kennedy-Nixon debate, media influence, and visual politics - [00:56:03] Populism, Bernie Sanders’ support, and superdelegates - [00:57:21] 1992 election, Ross Perot, and electoral consequences - [00:57:38] Listener feedback, podcast recommendations, and in-jokes - [00:58:34] Returning to topic: Yoko Ono and Hillary Clinton rumor - [01:00:32] Yoko Ono's press statement about...

    1h 9m
  2. The Essence of Herb | Episode 132

    6D AGO

    The Essence of Herb | Episode 132

    In this lively episode of the BrandX Podcast, hosts John Jamingo and Deuce are joined by the long-awaited return of Maak, along with Diane, who provides background commentary and laughter. The conversation kicks off with stories about retirement, including Maak’s recent transition into retired life and reflections on what it means to leave the workforce after decades on the job. The episode's heart dives into hilarious and sometimes outrageous stories from their years in sales, particularly focusing on their interactions with a cast of memorable colleagues and bosses—most notably, their eccentric former boss Herb. Tales of office politics, “inner circles,” and questionable management decisions are exchanged, with the hosts’ signature banter and good-natured roasting. Throughout, the group shares laugh-out-loud anecdotes: from Herb’s penny-pinching ways and awkward attempts at office camaraderie to sales reps skirting the rules, “milk runs,” and the infamous “crew work” trips to the Jersey Shore. Stories about office romances, misguided attempts at matchmaking, and the hazards of team dinners (including Herb pocketing cash and double-dipping expenses) paint a vivid picture of the quirks and camaraderie that shaped their office culture. Amidst the laughter and tales of misadventures, the episode also touches on personal growth, the bonds of long-term friendship, and the way nostalgia colors memories. It’s a mix of behind-the-scenes antics, workplace wisdom, irreverent humor, and storytelling only old friends can pull off. Topics: [00:00:25] Reunited hosts and the return of Maak; Diane joins as background commentator  [00:01:07] Maak discusses early retirement and the adjustment period  [00:04:11] Introductions to old workplace characters and division “inner circles”  [00:07:12] Workplace legends: flaky sales reps and unique colleagues like Lafrieda and Becker  [00:12:13] Remembering classic boss Leo’s “thanks a lot” retirement speech  [00:16:04] Office politics and prepping for management evaluations  [00:17:41] Clandestine support during workplace reviews  [00:19:04] Unfair relocation offers and refusing bad deals  [00:20:39] Herb's obsession over expense money and attempts to control staff  [00:22:26] Office matchmaker fails: Herb gives out Diane’s number secretly  [00:25:09] Anecdotes about workplace gambling syndicates  [00:27:17] Odd part-timers and infamous “milk runs” in sales territories  [00:31:00] Sales ethics: homegrown business strategies and stretching rules  [00:35:00] Cigars, product placement, and consignment sales tricks  [00:43:34] Chain-store dealings: schmoozing clients and time-wasting meetings  [00:46:56] Herb's micromanagement and backhanded praise  [00:54:01] Sales scams: forced overstock and strong-arm tactics  [01:08:21] Infamous office coffee recipe and breakroom rituals  [01:11:39] Workplace health woes: stress, diabetes, and getting older  [01:20:02] Podcast rage quit story and viral “donut donut donut” sound bite  [01:34:41] Social geography: North, Central, and South Jersey debates  [01:43:36] Listener call-in featuring the Duchess  [02:12:54] Discussion about hosting and producing independent podcasts  [02:43:38] Classic “Herb story”: the Crab Trap dinner scam[02:51:01] Reflections on decades of friendship, office social life, and closing thoughts

    3 hr
  3. Social Media, Auto Correct & Embracing Your Inner Grumpiness

    MAY 11 · BONUS

    Social Media, Auto Correct & Embracing Your Inner Grumpiness

    Welcome back to the Brand X Podcast! In this vintage episode from May 11, 2016, hosts John Jamingo and Deuce dive into a hilarious and relatable mix of everyday annoyances and nostalgic observations. Kick back as John shares his “grumpy old man” adventures, from enduring parking lot gridlock on Mother's Day—complete with two clueless security guards—to unleashing the power of Twitter when customer service falls flat. Deuce adds his flavor, reflecting on how social media has transformed how we talk, connect, and—sometimes—argue while recounting his reluctant adoption of smartphones and the epic autocorrect fail story you’ll have to hear to believe. The duo also riffs on the modern decline of discourse, swapping stories about political clashes on Facebook, debates about personal boundaries, and their gripes with pushy solar salesmen. In addition to the laughs, they get nostalgic about how things used to be done—letters to the editor, face-to-face disagreements, and finding common ground even when opinions differ. Whether you’re struggling with autocorrect, sick of traffic jams, or embracing your inner grumpiness, this episode will make you laugh and maybe even nod in agreement. So, tune in for a blend of banter, sharp commentary, and a good dose of old-school personality. - Brand X Podcast intro and hosts’ banter [00:00:05] - Getting haircuts and Mother’s Day supermarket chaos [00:00:49] - Traffic gridlock and security guards mishandling parking [00:01:24] - ShopRite, customer service complaints, and using Twitter for results [00:07:09] - Social media platforms and reluctance to join Twitter [00:12:25] - Facebook, reunions, and classmate anecdotes [00:17:34] - Dealing with toxic people and cyberbullying on Facebook [00:20:11] - Political polarization and business refusing service over politics [00:24:20] - Friendships despite political differences; social media’s effect on discourse [00:26:00] - Letters to the editor and anonymity online [00:27:17] - The coarsening of public debate due to social media [00:30:10] - Outrage culture and the overreaction to public mistakes [00:31:38] - Liberal vs. conservative views; intolerance and protests [00:32:53] - Aggressive environmental/solar sales pitches [00:34:01] - Rudeness in business and lessons in customer service [00:36:13] - Podern Family and podcast cross-promotion [00:38:01] - Smartphone learning curve and old-school tech nostalgia [00:41:03] - Autocorrect mishaps and hilarious texting fails [00:42:28] - Deuce’s friend’s “why are you so fat?” autocorrect story [00:45:05] - Drawing art for podcast episodes and social media headers [00:50:57] - Wrapping up and social media plugs [00:52:24]

    55 min
  4. So Back to Dog Breeding | Episode 131

    MAY 2

    So Back to Dog Breeding | Episode 131

    John Jamingo, Deuce, and Joe reunite for a wide-ranging, offbeat conversation brimming with personal stories, hot takes, and unscripted laughs. The episode opens with a humorous tribute to comedian Ruth Buzzi and a discussion of classic TV nostalgia, including reflections on the cast of “Gilligan’s Island.” The hosts swap tales about their love–or lack thereof–for cats and dogs, segueing into the quirks of pet ownership and the personalities of different animals. Podcast production and technical mishaps get plenty of airtime, with John recounting behind-the-scenes challenges and bantering with Deuce about control freak tendencies and the chaos of remote recording setups. The trio delves into wild road rage stories, famously spotlighting a viral incident involving a woman defecating on a car during a Delaware County traffic altercation. They pivot to talking about age-gap relationships, the dynamics of dating as older men, and the absurdities of gold-digging rumors. The hosts also debate cooking preferences—from ketchup on tacos to pineapple on pizza—and share regional food opinions. Riffs on generational divides, woke culture, energy policy, and nostalgia for classic cartoons round out the episode, punctuated by playful jabs and self-deprecating humor. Episode’s topics: The “death” and legacy of comedian Ruth Buzzi; hoaxes and classic TV references Reminiscing about “Gilligan’s Island,” Alan Hale Jr., and 1970s-80s television Discussion of pet ownership—cats vs. dogs, poodle stories, and animal personalities Podcast production mishaps: recording technology frustrations, remote setups, and microphone placement Behind-the-scenes podcast editing, co-hosts’ quirks, and “control freak” tendencies Viral Delco road rage incident: a woman defecating on another woman’s car Obituaries and the (dark) humor in how death is announced Age, dating, and relationships: age gap couples, gold diggers, and personal dating “boundaries” Debates over food traditions: ketchup on tacos, pineapple on pizza, mayo and ketchup on cheesesteaks Fast food memories: Taco Bell, Burger King, Jack in the Box tacos Musings on wokeness, cancel culture, generational differences, and social media Electric cars, energy policy, and the politics of “going green” Prescription drug frustrations, bureaucracy, and healthcare gripes Reflections on classic cartoons: “Popeye,” “The Flintstones,” “Jane Jetson,” and “South Park” Podcast community shout-outs and changing trends in indie podcasting Lighthearted banter, sound board gags, and recurring in-jokes among the hosts Social Media Links: Website: https://www.podpage.com/the-brand-x-podcast/  Twitter: https://x.com/brandxpod  Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7690921 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandxpodcast  Everybody Wang Chung Video (Check Out The Bass Player) https://youtu.be/BoXu6QmxpJE?si=KxkovZNRZq7Qyaaa South Park Soulless Gingers: https://youtu.be/-nA54LxibLI?si=xzZru_FD_HHjRAiy

    2h 12m
  5. The Big Malarkey | Episode 130

    APR 18

    The Big Malarkey | Episode 130

    Welcome to another laugh-out-loud episode of the Brand X Podcast! In this unfiltered and freewheeling session, your hosts John, Deuce, and Joe reunite with stories, banter, and sharp opinions on everything from workplace impersonations to the wild world of lottery winnings and the complexities of free speech. The crew dives headfirst into hilarious memories—like customizing lawnmowers and imitating co-workers’ voices—before pivoting into heated debates about political hot topics, the boundaries of protest, and the state of American education. They don’t shy away from controversy, tussling over the realities of lottery taxes, the logic (or lack thereof) in government and media, the enduring appeal of learning skills on YouTube, and even the etiquette of teaching kids to read an analog clock in the digital age. As always, nothing is off-limits: from pool and poker debates to passionate sports trash talk, and the ever-present shadow of political wildfire alongside hearty cheesecake-fueled laughter. Whether you’re tuning in for the punchlines or the sincere, in-depth discussions, this episode is packed with candid thoughts and honest talk that make the Brand X Podcast stand out from the crowd. So grab your drink of choice, settle in, and get ready for three hours of spirited discussion that’s as unpredictable and entertaining as ever! The guys riff on imitating voices at work, comedic affectations, and the origins of family impressions.A debate erupts over free speech absolutism, protests, and what constitutes protected speech in the United States.Deuce breaks down the reality of lottery taxes, common misconceptions about tax brackets, and the pitfalls of workplace lottery pools.The trio tackles the role of YouTube and technology in education and learning, with a challenge to make a viral “how to read an analog clock” video.Heated discussions unfold about politics, Trump, immigration, tariffs, the media’s manipulation, and the dangers of moving too fast (or too slow) in fixing what’s broken.

    2h 44m
4.2
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

This is a hangout podcast where three friends get together for lunch and day drinking once a month to discuss the growing stupidity in the world.

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