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

From hotdish vs. casserole debates to Costco rage, forgotten gifts, and the strange appeal of ice-fishing bars that deliver drinks by snowmobile, this episode is packed with relatable holiday regret and classic GCP banter. It’s laid-back, funny, and exactly the kind of conversation that happens when friends sit down with coffee after a long night out.

If you’ve ever overcommitted during the holidays, questioned your life choices at Costco, or wondered why people willingly live somewhere that makes 26 degrees feel “warm,” this one’s for you.

00:00 – Cold Open Chaos
Hangover Sunday energy kicks in with weather talk, rambling intros, and the crew easing into the episode.

03:30 – Pacific Northwest Flooding
Discussion of heavy rain, flooding, and how the PNW handles “extreme” weather compared to other regions.

07:45 – Regional Disaster Comparisons
Comparing floods, hurricanes, and winter storms — and which ones people think they’re prepared for.

12:10 – Hobby Farms & Animal Rentals
The conversation drifts into hobby farms, renting goats and sheep for land management, and why everyone secretly wants a farm.

18:00 – HOA Goats & Landscaping Logic
Using animals to clear land sounds ridiculous… until it actually makes sense.

22:30 – Holiday Shopping Panic
Forgetting what gifts you already bought, last-minute shopping stress, and the fear of missing something important.

28:10 – Mall Trips Right Before Christmas
Why the mall is the worst possible place to be during the holidays — and why people keep going anyway.

33:45 – Costco During the Holidays
Costco chaos, overbuying, and immediate regret the moment you walk through the door.

39:30 – Midwest Winters Explained
How extreme cold reshapes daily life, expectations, and what people consider “nice weather.”

45:00 – Ice Bars on Frozen Lakes
Fully operational bars and restaurants built on frozen lakes — including snowmobile delivery and ice roads.

52:20 – Ice Fishing Culture
Ice houses, fishing setups, and why drinking on a frozen lake somehow feels normal.

58:40 – Hotdish vs. Casserole Debate
A deeply serious discussion about terminology, Midwest food culture, and culinary loyalty.

1:05:30 – Holiday Regret Sets In
Reflecting on overcommitting, holiday exhaustion, and realizing everyone feels behind this time of year.

1:11:00 – Hangover Sunday Wrap-Up
Final thoughts, laughs, and the crew easing out of the episode in true GCP fashion.

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
• 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
• 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:

• Damage from record flooding in Washington state is profound, with more on the way, governor says - OPB — The extent of the damage in Washington state is profound but unclear after more than a week of heavy rains and record flooding, Gov. Bob Ferguson said Tuesday, as more high water, mudslides and power outages were in the forecast.
• Flooding in Washington
• 2025 Pacific Northwest floods - Wikipedia
• The MN Ice Bar Series 2025-2026 – Minnesota Ice — Embracing winter one ice bar at a time The MN Ice Bar Series was born from a desire to turn Minnesota winters into a season of opportunity and joy for local businesses and their communities.
• Where to Find Heated Patios, Ice Bars and Igloos This Winter | Explore Minnesota
• Don't Be a Bitch (Or You Won't Get Stuff for Christmas) - Clownvis Presley - YouTube
• Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe
• Hotdish - Wikipedia — A hotdish (or hot dish) is a casserole that typically contains a starch, a meat, and a canned or frozen vegetable mixed with canned soup.