The conversation takes a cosmic turn as the guys analyze the bizarre behavior of Comet A/I (Atlas). From its mysterious "anti-tail" to its unexplained non-gravitational acceleration, the hosts debate why the scientific community seems to be downplaying its unique characteristics. This leads to a larger social commentary on the current state of information in 2026, with the crew drawing eerie parallels between modern headlines and films like Idiocracy and Don’t Look Up. They discuss the "hoax of affordability" and the frustration of being told to ignore the data right in front of your eyes.

Wrapping things up with some true Midwestern "grit," the trio discusses the unique winter culture of floating ice bars and the high-stakes risks of driving trucks onto frozen lakes. Mike shares some harrowing stories of Minnesota ice safety, which sparks a broader debate on American close-mindedness and the necessity of travel to gain perspective. Whether it’s debating the geography of the equator or reminiscing about the legendary "Mr. Oinge" in Elko, this episode is a quintessential mix of pop culture, conspiracy, and regional banter.

Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome to 2026: The State of the World
03:19 – New Year’s Recap: Die Hard and 15th Birthday Parties
04:09 – Gaming Interlude: Goober Dash and the Multitasking Myth
07:34 – Boy Scout Memories and Knot-Tying Skills
09:32 – The Launch of MTV: "Video Killed the Radio Star"
12:18 – The Golden Era: Remote Control, TRL, and The Real World
16:41 – The Decline of Music Television and the YouTube Shift
21:33 – Headbangers Ball and Heavy Metal Memories
23:30 – Star Trek History: Gene Roddenberry’s Complicated Genius
25:40 – The Desilu Funding: How Lucille Ball Saved the Federation
28:13 – "Don't Kill Spock": The Infamous Fan Death Threats
31:19 – The Mystery of Comet A/I (Atlas) and its "Anti-Tail"
34:52 – Idiocracy, Don’t Look Up, and Modern Information Hoaxes
39:27 – Floating Ice Bars and Ice Fishing Safety
45:06 – Driving on Frozen Lakes: Minnesota vs. Washington
48:19 – Crossing the Equator: A Geography Check
49:37 – The "Close-Mindedness" of America and the Need to Travel
52:49 – Elko, Ely, and the Legend of "Mr. Oinge"
55:40 – Sign-off and Website Info

Sponsored By:

• Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order! · Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15
• The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.
• RCF Exteriors: Cut Wood. Not Corners. RCF Exteriors specializes in Window and Door installation across the South Puget Sound region. RCF Exteriors is a customer service orientated company with 20+ years experience in window and door installation. Our efficient and knowledgeable team is dedication to making sure you are satisfied with not only the final product but throughout the entire installation process. Email: rcfexteriors@gmail.com Phone: 253-446-8854

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek (TV Series 2021–2022) - IMDb — Chronicles rare and fascinating details of how "Star Trek" began, where it's been, and how it's going where no television series has gone before.
• MTV Stopped Playing Music Videos. Someone Built a Site to Bring Them All Back. - RVA Mag
• MTV Channels Going Offline Like They Began, with 'Video Killed the Radio Star'
• Star Trek | Official Site
• Star Trek - Wikipedia
• CIA Will Neither Confirm Nor Deny Records on 3I/ATLAS
• Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS isn't an alien spacecraft, astronomers confirm. 'In the end, there were no surprises.' | Space
• Fire department 'sets the record straight' on Sleeping Bear Dunes rescues
• Warning sign at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan. It took me about 30 min to climb : r/pics
• List of brothels in Nevada - Wikipedia
• Nineteen Eighty-Four - Wikipedia

1:59 – Justin gives his review of the SPICE show, a local benefit event to raise funds for the TUPAC foundation. He gives props to Denetta and Carol, creators of the event, how users can donation to the foundation and events they have coming up. Jeff talks about his dinner after the show at the Harmon Taproom, the guys welcome comedian Amani back, this time as a guest co-host of the show, and they discuss Amani’s love of UFC.

14:50 – Amani gives his review of the most recent UFC fight, Tony’s return to fighting after his 6 month hiatus due to injury, the heavy weight fight, and the brawl that happened post Khabib and Conor fight. They discuss various crowd fights in other sports that have broken out over the years, a return of Joseph Malik for a catch up, Amani fills Joseph in on how he’s involved with GCP and where people can find him in the area.

30:57 – Joseph talks about what’s been going on with his book since he joined them last time, the benefits of independent publishing, and what type of creative process he uses when writing. Joseph talks about learning how to do what most of the characters in the book do in order to write a better book, being a part of a panel at Norwescon discussing celestial navigation, different types of readers that have reached out to him after reading his book, and how he handles negative reviews.

43:18 – Joseph talks about setting out to write a fantasy action thriller hinged on technical details, how his research led to the stories, his recent trip to Ice Land and Sweden, and the deals you can get to fly to Ice Land from Ice Land air. He talks about touring a tower in Belgium, his second book, The New Magic, how it relates to Dragon Tale, and what in his books he has pulled from history.

56:48 – Amani asks Joseph about how he picks the endings of his books, Amani read a section from one of them, and they discuss Wrath of the Khans covered on an episode of Dan Carlin’s, Hardcore History. Joseph tells the guys where people can find his books, him and Scott talk about growing up in Elko, Nevada, the mining boom there in the 80’s, and the recent fire at Lamoille Canyon.

Thanks Joseph for joining the guys again to catch up and filling them in on your latest book!

Special Guests: Amani Taylor and Joseph Malik.

Sponsored By:

• Wizard's Keep Games: Building Community Through The Power Of Games. Stop by and check out the weekly events. Commander, D&D, Friday Night Magic, It all happens at Wizard's Keep Games in Renton. 17148 116th Ave SE Renton WA, 98058
• The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Joseph Malik – Writing and Fighting
• Amani Taylor — Amani Taylor - Comedian
• Amani Taylor on Facebook
• Joseph Malik Books on Amazon