Key Takeaways

The New Year’s Illusion: How parents use early countdowns to trick their kids into going to bed early.
90s TV Deep Dive: A hilarious look back at shows like Elimidate, Singled Out, and In Living Color.
The "Teatro ZinZanni" Saga: Mike shares his experiences with dinner theater and the mysterious "Mr. PP’s Clubhouse."
The Future of AI: A serious (and slightly terrifying) discussion on AI’s power consumption and whether the universe itself is just a "natural version" of AI.

Timestamped Chapters

[01:40] Introduction and the search for a live ball drop.
[03:50] Time zone confusion: Why does Canada get New Year’s before the US?
[07:05] Discussion on "Grinds" coffee pouches and nicotine alternatives.
[11:35] 2026 Resolutions: From having more fun to avoiding felonies.
[19:15] Watching the Arc de Triomphe light show in Paris.
[21:10] The redacted Epstein files discussion.
[26:50] Nostalgia Trip: Carson Daly, Dick Clark, and 90s dating shows.
[38:15] Rick Moranis and the potential for a Goonies 2.
[43:50] The dinner theater experience: Teatro ZinZanni.
[62:30] AI Deep Dive: Google Gemini, power bottlenecks, and simulation theory.
[69:40] Lucid dreaming and state checks.
[77:00] Final New Year’s toast and sign-off.

Sponsored By:

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• 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:

• MR. P.P.'S CLUBHOUSE - Teatro ZinZanni Seattle — You’re invited to play with your food at Mr. P.P.’s Clubhouse
• New Year's Eve - Wikipedia — New Year's Eve in the Gregorian calendar refers to the evening—or commonly the entire day—of the last day of the year: 31 December.
• Lucid dream - Wikipedia — In the psychology subfield of oneirology, a lucid dream is a type of dream wherein the dreamer realizes that they are dreaming during their dream.
• ElimiDate - Wikipedia — ElimiDate is an American reality television dating show in which one contestant chooses between four contestants of the opposite sex by eliminating them one by one in three rounds. On August 11, 2006, it was announced that the show would not be renewed for the 2006–07 season due to low ratings,[1] and it went out of syndication after September 5, 2006.
• Blind Date (American TV series) - Wikipedia — Blind Date is an American dating game show. The show was originally hosted by Roger Lodge from 1999 until 2006, and was later hosted in narration by Nikki Glaser from 2019 until 2020.
• Singled Out - Wikipedia
• InsideAI - YouTube — AI news, features, safety, jailbreaking and social experiments
• AI Might Let You Die to Save Itself | Lawfare — In recent simulations, leading AI systems blackmailed their human users—or even let them die—to avoid being shut down or replaced.
• AI system resorts to blackmail if told it will be removed — Artificial intelligence (AI) firm Anthropic says testing of its new system revealed it is sometimes willing to pursue "extremely harmful actions" such as attempting to blackmail engineers who say they will remove it.

During the second part of the podcast, the guys chat about New Year's Eve plans, Scott Topics, Is It Tacoma, and their plans for 2023.

00:00 – The group starts the podcast by discussing their New Year resolutions, Justin talks to Cheryl Rux, and Cheryl talks about how Light Art Tacoma came to be. She talks about the benefits of light art, the live events happening this week, and what they’re planning for next year. She talks about the candle-lit maze, Justin talks about being a part of one of the performances, and the astonishing Lelavision performance.

22:45 – Justin gives a shout-out to local libraries, Cheryl talks about the regrowth of venues in the community post-Covid, and Justin talks about the casserole feast happening on New Year's Eve. He talks about people being able to listen to them live, Jeff’s recent technology issues, and chats about the upcoming Puget Sound Plunge on Jan 1st. Derek joins the conversation, Justin talks about recent events in his area, and Scott shares his appreciation for the podcast.

47:33 – Justin talks about the pizza he’s going to be ordering for the New Years' celebration, poses the question on if they need a drink of the night, and the group discusses their favorite drinking games. Justin reflects on a time he and Brogan played drunk Monolopy at a past Norwescon, Derek talks about when he stopped playing drinking games, and Justin shares his one 2023 resolution.

72:30 – The group discusses the article Scott shared for the Scott Topics, Justin poses questions on the guy that dresses as a dog, and dives into their favorite game, Is It Tacoma. He reads off each of the headlines, each of the guys guesses which article they think is actually from Tacoma, and Justin reveals which one is the luck winner. They talk about the recent snow that hit Buffalo, New York, discuss plans for 2023, and Justin gives a shout-out to people who were listening live.

Special Guests: Cheryl R and Derek G.

Sponsored By:

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• 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.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• About – TACOMA LIGHT TRAIL — The Tacoma Light Trail uses light art to bring light to dark times, to lift up diverse voices and bring the community together through things we all share – truth, hope, justice, peace – symbolized by light.
• Performance – TACOMA LIGHT TRAIL
• Tacoma Light Trail | Facebook — A free winter light art festival in downtown Tacoma.
• Husband and Strife - YouTube
• About HusbandAndStrife - Twitch — HubbDex and Str(w)ife tend to spend most weekends playing games together. Now they look to entertain you with co-op games, trash talking competitive games, and more in a way that only a couple married gamers could.
• Wolf Suit [Custom-made for personal order] | Zeppet — We created a wolf suit for a personal order.
• Animal Masks for “Parallel World Comedy: The Planet of the Except Apes / The Planet of the Except Apes Ⅱ” | Zeppet — BLAST created animal masks for “Parallel World Comedy: The Planet of the Except Apes” broadcasted on NHK BS Premium.
• Man spends $15K on collie costume to live as dog — A Japanese man is going viral after spending more than $15,000 on a hyperrealistic costume, so he could fulfill his lifelong dream — of becoming a dog.
• Footprints in snow lead police to man who drove through fence in stolen van – KIRO 7 News Seattle — Footprints in the snow led police officers to a man accused of driving through a fence at a SODO business in a stolen van.
• Police searching for suspects who backed car into Tacoma smoke and beer shop | KIMA — Police are searching for suspects who backed a car into a business in Tacoma on Tuesday morning.
• Homeless woman in Pittsburgh scooped up by heavy equipment machine during clean-up – KIRO 7 News Seattle — A homeless person in Pittsburgh living in a tent was inadvertently scooped up by a heavy equipment machine that was cleaning the area.

00:14 – They kick off the episode counting down the Midwest New Year, they talk about the explosions in each of their neighborhoods, and each share what they're drinking. Justin talks about 2021 being the year he became a hockey fan, the Kraken plans to unveil their mascot on Jan 1st, and plans for this episode. They talk about the crazy snow that started around Christmas, Scott talks about traveling to work in the snow, and Justin shares who is responsible for shoveling sidewalks in Tacoma when it shows.

30:15 – Justin talks about the opening of the Red Dog You Pour It Pub, Scott shares one of his 2022 resolutions, and Justin talks about the places that closed in Tacoma over the past year. They make plans to tour a pickle factory, Justin reflects on the trip to Spokane for GCP's tour of Buddy Boy Farm, and they talk about visiting Oly this year. Justin talks about the Cosmic Cross-Fade plans, Scott talks about t-shirts in the making, and Justin talks about the opening of Chi-Town Pizza that will be bringing Chicago-style pizza to Tacoma.

60:37 – Justin sends a Happy New Year to the Mountain Time states, they welcome Tacompton Files, and he talks about the people cruising around in his neighborhood. Justin talks about his visit at Winco where the cashier called someone out for being on the phone while in line, Tacompton discusses how many of the loud sounds are fireworks and how many are gunfire, and Scott talks about the unlucky lottery. Justin talks about a friend having a pipe going through his windshield on the freeway, gives a shout-out to the New Year's Resolution channel on Discord, and his friends reference to 2022 as duces.

90:21 – Tacompton Files suggests GCP plans a road trip to Vegas, Justin reveals which news article is from Tacoma, and they begin the countdown to the Westcoast New Year. Jeff dives into Jeff's Capades, Justin turns to coaster questions, and each one talks about where they would want their ashes sprinkled if they were cremated. Scott shares Brogan's wish to be shot into outer space, talks about the mushroom casket, and they finish out the show talking about what was something extraordinary they did this year, something they persevered this year, and what they're looking forward to in 2022.

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

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Links:

• Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) / Twitter
• Angry Seattle, slowly melting (@angryseattle) on Twitter — I'm the city of Seattle, Washington, USA. And I'm pissed off!
• Sue Kidd, Author at Dine Pierce County — Dine Pierce County is managed by Sue Kidd, a career food journalist.
• Dunagan Irish Pub & Brewery on Facebook — Handmade , Small Batch , Organic , Independent , Craft Beer
• Chicago deep dish pizza coming to Tacoma area - Chi Town Pizza opening in 2022 - Dine Pierce County — Chicago deep dish pizza coming to Tacoma area – Chi Town Pizza opening in 2022
• Best restaurant openings of 2021 in Tacoma & Pierce County – a year in review
• CHUNGCHUN RICE HOT DOG IN SEATTLE, WA
• The New - Park Avenue Books on Facebook — Park Avenue Books has been a family friendly used bookstore for many years and is now under new ownership.
• Suspect arrested after attempted carjacking directly across from Tukwila Police Station — Tukwila Police are reporting that just before 3 a.m. Tuesday morning, Dec. 7, 2021, a 31-year-old male from Seattle attempted to carjack a KFC delivery truck at gunpoint at the KFC located directly across from the Tukwila Police Station that was full of officers doing their reports and other administrative tasks.
• Tacoma ferry boat turned luxury live aboard home is for sale | Tacoma News Tribune — This Tacoma ferry became a luxury home and still runs. It can be yours for $825,000
• Armed with assault rifle, Pierce County man prepares to battle 'lizard people' — A 55-year-old Eatonville man armed himself with an AK-47 and a pistol over the weekend to battle "the lizard people," the Pierce County Sheriff's Office said.
• mushroom casket - Google Search — A coffin made from mushroom mycelium can biodegrade within two months.

00:16 – The show kicks off with Justin doing the east coast 2021 count down, Brogan talks about the drinking excursion he had already embarked on that morning, and Justin reflects on the year for GCP and the guests they have had on. He talks about goods things that have happened during this chaotic year, they talk about 2020’s most popular podcast, and each one shares what their New Year’s Resolutions are.

29:39 – Justin shares what he got from his wife for Christmas, they continue the conversation about their New Year’s Resolutions, and talk about what a benefit it has been to interact with listeners this year. Friend Derek talks about what’s been up with Rolling Misadventures, shares what’s coming in 2021 for the show, and his resolutions for 2021. Justin gives and RIP to places that have closed in the PNW, they talk about new places that have opened, and Justin explains what a Ring Group is.

68:19 – Rusty shares his New Year’s Resolutions, Justin talks about his trip last year to Colorado, and what he loves about Denver. He explains what the Denver restaurant, Casa Bonita, has to offer, Brogan shares how long it takes his hot dog roller to heat up dogs, and Justin talks about the new restaurant in Tacoma, Manic Meatballs. They talk about the new Wonder Woman movie, Brogan shares that there are still some Founders Mugs up for grabs, and announces GCP’s unofficial new sponsor.

97:19 – Justin talks about writing off Postmates, Rusty talks about his recent bad experiences with delivery providers, and Jeff explains what the cause of his recent hike in Comcast bill was. They express their love for Buck Chuck, talk about how many times Rusty has joined the podcast, and discuss the drugs they give their pets. They reflect on 90’s movies, Rusty offers to build Justin a panic room, and they close 2020 out giving shout outs to the favorite local businesses and people.

Special thanks to all of the GCP patriots and listeners for your support!! Happy New Year to you!!!

Special Guests: Derek G, Michelle R., and Rusty.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Dine Pierce County
• Unique Bakery on Facebook — A Pastry with Personality. Family-owned French Pastry bakery. Veteran owned.
• Casa Bonita, the Denver, Colorado-area Mexican restaurant from "South Park" — The definitive guide to Colorado’s world-famous Mexican restaurant.
• Manic Meatballs on Facebook — Fast, fun, family friendly food. Can we say Swedish Meatballs? Mashed potatoes, gravy and homemade applesauce. Yes, please!
• Ubereats 76 Soup and Salad House Delivery Online — 76 Soup and Salad House

02:26 – Justin shares how listeners can find them online, they talk about the Grit City Podcast brainstorming get away to Ocean Shores, and the peach infused Vodka drink they enjoyed while hanging out there. Each shares if they have tried a tequila worm in the past, the Ocean Shores tap Ocean Pours, and the Tacoma sub Reddit post ‘Memos on 6th’.

19:27 – Conversation goes to Scott breaking his knee, the Boot To Boot, and whether or no Justin should get a breathalyzer machine for his bar. Justin talks about riding the scooter back, Scott and Becca comment on the accident, and they talk about their interview with Streetball Supe on Episode 64. Scott talks about what was going through his mind when listening to Streetball Supe talk about getting attacked with an ax, they talk the bigfoot podcast, and Justin introduces drunken playbacks.

34:36 – Jeff suggests they release drunken version of previous podcasts, Justin talks about the nerf war at his 40th birthday party, and the kind crows that return nerf darts they have found in the neighbor’s yard to their house. He talks about the controversy around their Flat Earth episode, Scott suggests Jeff animates the drunken remakes, and they embark on the drunken version of the Boot To Boot episode.

48:47 – Drunken replay goes to the Tacoma Sirens episode, Justin talks about what’s coming up in 2020, and mentions their upcoming conversation with Peace Bus Tacoma. He encourages users to let them know what they are interested in hearing in the upcoming year, Boot To Boot Number Two, and Scott shares their latest review.

Special Guests: Becca and Michelle R..

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Ocean Pours Tap Room in Ocean Shores — Serving premium beer, wine and cider in Ocean Shores, WA.
• Memos on 6th — I am usually not sober when I order food from there.
• Bigfoot Field Researchers Episode — On this episode, Nathan Bronis and Kirk Brandenburg, members of The Bigfoot Field Research Organization, join the guys to talk about their investigations into reports of Bigfoot sightings
• The Grit City Podcast: Flat Earth with Mark Sargent — Mark Sargent on the Flat Earth theory.
• Tacoma Sirens Episode — The Tacoma Sirens join the guys to talk about women’s rugby group.