The tech talk continues with a look at how AI is already reshaping entertainment—from Greenland-themed GTA 6 trailers to high-end transcriptions and the "magic tricks" of search algorithms. The hosts weigh the "cool factor" of futuristic tech like eVTOL flying cars at the Olympics against the gritty reality of a job market where office workers and creative professionals alike face obsolescence. Amidst the chaos of the digital future, Mike also settles the debate on Minnesota’s geography, jokingly labeling the region as "Southern Canada" while discussing the unique logistical challenges of living in the northernmost state of the lower 48.

Turning to matters closer to home, the team shares a heartfelt call to action for the Tacoma community regarding a local favorite. They discuss the devastating fire at Side Piece Kitchen and the long road to recovery for its owner, Hailey, following a severe kitchen accident that resulted in major burns. This powerful segment serves as a vital reminder for listeners to check their fire extinguishers and establish household fire drills. The episode wraps up with a wild recap of Super Bowl prop bets—including the legendary striker who turned a field run into a $50,000 payday—and a final plea to support the local entrepreneurship and "standing with Hailey" through her recovery.

Show Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Valentine’s Day Blues and Space Needle Clichés
06:36 – The "Fans Only" Debate: Digital Cam Sites vs. Legalized Prostitution
12:09 – AI Transcriptions, Greenland GTA 6, and Porn Translations
14:09 – The 18-Month Deadline: Microsoft’s AI CEO on White Collar Jobs
17:14 – Will AI Kill Creative Jobs? The Value of Human Boredom
20:12 – Pop Music vs. AI Art: The Coming Culture Shift
25:40 – Flying Cars at the Olympics: The Future of eVTOL Vehicles
30:53 – Engineering Wing Stress and Homemade Harriers
35:13 – Local Spotlight: Standing with Hailey and the Side Piece Kitchen Fire
39:14 – Home Safety 101: Fire Extinguishers, Flash Burns, and Drills
46:41 – The Hotline: A Mysterious "Inspirational" AI Voicemail
52:15 – Super Bowl Sunday Recap: Striking for $50k and Prop Bet Odds
55:40 – Gladiators and Sports: The Ultimate Political Distraction
58:52 – Seattle Parade Crowds and Greasing the Light Poles
01:01:21 – Southern Canada: The Unique Geography of Minnesota
01:03:04 – Final Call for Support: Standing with Hailey through Recovery

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:

• Fundraiser for Dante Hernandez by Maggie Turney : Standing with Hailey Through Her Recovery
• The Grit City Podcast: GCP: Side Piece Kitchen
• Side Piece Kitchen
• Microsoft AI CEO: AI to Automate Most Office Work Within 12–18 Months
• Microsoft’s AI boss says AI can replace every white-collar job in 18 months — ‘We’re going to have a human-level performance on most, if not all, professional tasks’ | Tom's Hardware
• Microsoft AI chief gives it 18 months—for all white-collar work to be automated by AI | Fortune
• Instagram
• GTA 5 in Greenland - Reimagined by AI (Not Genie 3) - YouTube
• Google Gemini Just Made GTA 6 BEFORE GTA 6! - YouTube
• Pivotal | Home
• Alpine Vertical | VTOL Hybrid Vertical Take-off & Landing
• 2026 Super Bowl: Shirtless, Would-Be Streaker Apprehended on Field

01:45 – The guys talk about how long it’s been since they’ve chatted, Brogan talks about what area in Louisiana he’s at, and the amazing bars that are in his area. He gives a shout-out to Joe at Zee Zees, discusses his new job, and his sighting of his first outdoor cockroach. Jeff talks about what made The Villages in Florida famous, dreams of moving there minus one limitation, and Brogan talks about Louisiana’s stance on legalizing Marijuana.

16:24 – They discuss the importance of proper punctuation in advertising, who represents the gangster in the billboard, and Brogan talks about a sign in the area that encourages people to throw bottles at it. They discuss ideas to incentivize the sign, and Brogan declares who would win in a fistfight between Baton Rouge and Tacoma.

31:02 – Brogan shares why people should check out The Thing when cruising through eastern Arizona, Jeff talks about it being his first roadside attraction, and they both express the good vibe that the place gives off. Brogan expresses his love of Austin, Texas and talks about Baton Rouge having one of the highest murder rates in the country.

44:07 – Scott discusses his recent visit to Northwest Trek with his wife, the guys make plans to visit Brogan in Baton Rouge, and Scott talks about how much he enjoyed the recent GCP meet-up at The Berliner Beerhall. Jeff reflects on the conversation at the Camp Bar, Brogan speaks of Louisiana’s southern hospitality, and Jeff shares ideas for future GCP meet-ups.

Sponsored By:

• 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.
• 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

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Intro by We Wept
• Zee Zees - Bar & Grill in LA
• Some Kind of Heaven (2020) - IMDb
• St. John #5/Camp ACE (@hiv_prevention_mobsters) — A church with 30yrs dedication in this HIV fight! FREE HIV/STD testing, condoms & Narcan!
• Locations - Buc-ees — The Costco of truck stops!
• The Thing (roadside attraction) - Wikipedia — The Thing (a.k.a. The Thing Museum) is an Arizona roadside attraction extensively advertised by signs along Interstate 10 between El Paso, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona.
• Nothing Bundt Cakes
• Bear’s Restaurant | Covington LA | Facebook
• Side Piece Kitchen | Tacoma WA | Facebook

01:53 – The guys share what they’ve been up to so far the day of recording, Derek talks about what’s been up on the GCP Discord, and trophy plans for this year's Putt Stuff. Jeff proposes a new business idea to help protect commuters, Justin reflects on early morning commuter traffic, and Jeff shares what helped ease his while driving to and from work.

18:46 – Justin talks about shifting away from new metal to curb his rage, spring cleaning, and reveals that people can bring their own additional items to smash at the Rage Room at Brainy Acts. He talks about the amazing Call to Haul service offered by the City of Tacoma, Derek talks about digging into the Tacoma Trivia game, and how the game was funded.

35:50 – Derek talks about the company that made the game, Jeff dives into the conspiracy behind why there were so many games based on cities in the PNW, and Derek tests the crew's Tacoma knowledge. Justin encourages board gamers to check the local Goodwill’s soon for donated games, he kicks off Is It Tacoma, and each of the guys guess which article is from Tacoma.

52:25 – Justin reveals which article was based in Tacoma, where the other articles were from, and Justin gives a shout-out to the amazing guests from Side Piece Kitchen. He expresses his excitement for what Side Piece Kitchen has going on in March, Jeff talks about the upcoming guests at the Crypticon convention, and they close out giving props to the crew that’s tuning into the show live.

Sponsored By:

• Grim Workshop: Grim Workshop specializes in the making and using of ultralight, reusable, and wearable everyday carry tools. Perfect for a standalone ultralight survival kit that you can keep on hand at all times or as an addition to an existing survival kit to remove unwanted weight. A Family Owned and Operated Company Grim Workshop is proudly family owned and operated deep in the heart of Texas
• Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer! CRAFT BEER FOR YOU! Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste? At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours. Every day: 11am - 10pm 27116 167th Place SE Suite 108 Covington, WA 98042
• 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

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• As military veteran recovers from I-5 shooting, community raises funds for 'new normal' | king5.com
• Rage Rooms - Brainy Actz Escape Rooms — You are allowed and encouraged to bring your own additional items at no additional charge to be smashed. Pre-approval is required by our staff prior to starting your experience.
• Opossums glow pink under UV light, SC wildlife experts say | The State
• KHHO - Wikipedia
• After Midnight on CBS — After Midnight, inspired by the Emmy Award-winning series @midnight, is the smartest show on television about the dumbest things on the Internet.
• Cold War-era missile found in garage of Washington state home | AP News — An inert rocket of the type used to carry a nuclear warhead has been found in the garage of a home of a deceased resident in Washington state, police said.
• Toddler gets stuck after climbing into a claw machine looking for a toy in Australian shopping mall | AP News — Australian police came to the aid of a 3-year-old boy after he became trapped inside a claw machine at a suburban shopping mall.
• Tacoma store owner chases would-be robber away with machete – KIRO 7 News Seattle — There was an attempted robbery in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood that took a shocking turn on February 5.
• Crypticon Seattle › Largest Fans of the Macabre in the NW

01:27 – Justin expresses his excitement to be sitting down with the Side Piece Kitchen crew, Hailey gives the back story on the restaurant, and Justin shares his love of their pickle cheesecake. Hailey talks about the intention of the business, the decision to leave her job, and where the concept came from. Dante talks about the decision to make it a brick-and-mortar, Hailey talks about her love of the area, and the amount of money they got from Kickstarter.

18:43 – Hailey reveals their March of Madness plans that are in collaboration with other Tacoma businesses, their grassroots advertisement, and Ivan talks about how he got involved with Side Piece. Hailey gives a shout-out to the chef who was her mentor when she was getting started in the industry, Ivan shares his love of the inspiration he gets from others he works with, and Justin drops Coaster Questions.

37:13 – Ivan talks about the next restaurant knock-offs that are in the works, Hailey talks about the Frisco Freeze collab that’s happening in March, and they reveal their verdict on the GFuel Pickles. Hailey talks about the genres of food that are missing in Tacoma, they talk about the late-night food options that are missing in the area, and Hailey shares the thought process on the design of the inside of the restaurant.

58:06 – The group wishes Hailey’s mom a Happy Birthday, Justin gives tips to people on how to ensure they get biscuits when visiting Side Piece, and Hailey encourages people to not show up at any businesses 15 minutes before it closes. She expresses how much they care about providing customers with high-quality products and ensuring customers have a wonderful experience during their visit.

Thank you all for joining the crew, we look forward to checking in with you again soon!

Special Guest: Side Piece Kitchen.

Sponsored By:

• 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:

• BRUNCHIN' IN TACOMA | SIDE PIECE KITCHEN — Banging Biscuits & Dank Cheesecake
• Side Piece Kitchen | Tacoma WA | Facebook
• Frisko Freeze, iconic Tacoma burger and shake joint, is sold | Tacoma News Tribune

00:07 – Justin opens up this episode with a tip on how to paint your walls, Derek talks about what caused his hangover, and Scott shares his discovery of the newfound pickle shot. Justin talks about the mistakes night in Spokane, Odd Otter's latest, and community biz shifts. Scott talks about the great Odd Otter vibe, Justin expresses his love of the area it’s in, and comments on the haps of Side Piece Kitchen and Buddy’s Chicken and Waffles.

16:12 – Justin talks about Side Piece Kitchen and Buddy’s Chicken and Waffles recent collaboration, shares the deets on Best of Washington pressuring Side Piece Kitchen for advertising sales, and the guys give their review of the experience. Scott goes deep into cyberpunk dystopia, Side Piece Kitchen’s social media hustle, and the hype for this summer's Putt Stuff return.

29:25 – Justin talks about the most recent Tacompton Files Podcast episode that covered the recent armed robbery in Gig Harbor that led to a police chase to Titlow, Jeff talks about the new options of Fruit Roll-Ups, and Justin discusses Tacoma animal antics that happened at their old house. He talks about the return of the raccoon posy and Scott and Jeff talk about the value opossums bring to the world.

46:58 – Jeff warns Justin of animal gang wars potentially breaking out in his backyard, Scott's got the scoop on opossums, and why capybaras and alligators hang out. Jeff talks about his new Rubik’s Cube finding, how it works, and the key he found to get the colors right. Justin talks about debating getting back in on the Blood Bowl Game and they share their love of Galactic Druid Treats and they share their love of Galactic Druid Treats.

Sponsored By:

• Grim Workshop: Grim Workshop specializes in the making and using of ultralight, reusable, and wearable everyday carry tools. Perfect for a standalone ultralight survival kit that you can keep on hand at all times or as an addition to an existing survival kit to remove unwanted weight. A Family Owned and Operated Company Grim Workshop is proudly family owned and operated deep in the heart of Texas
• 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

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• I Love Tacos LLC (@ilovetacos253) • Instagram
• The Coaster | Puyallup WA | Facebook
• Odd Otter Brewing Company | Facebook — Taking Dry January to a whole new level! WE ARE BACK and otterly thrilled to continue our tradition of serving the oddest beer in Tacoma. Thank you for all of the kind messages over the last few weeks. It reminds us how truly amazing our community is. This would not have been possible without your support.
• Off Day Beer and Wine | Tacoma WA | Facebook — Off Day has changed ownership and we're thrilled to be serving all from Tacoma and beyond. New changes will be comin' and we promise it'll be for the better. Cheers!
• Side Piece Kitchen | Tacoma WA | Facebook — Happy Sunday y’all! I apologize for inviting you to a petty party last night when in all actuality it was an engagement party! (Social media engagement) Law 39 says to “stir up waters to catch fish.” We did that and got far more followers/engagement than we would have if we paid someone who literally has 15 TIMES more followers than we do. (111k) Thank you for playing my game @best.ofwashington. I see you were able to provide a list of local places who’ve benefited from your services “slightly” as one of your reviews noted. Happy Sunday!
• THE TACOMPTON FILES - YouTube — We mostly post Tacoma crime shit.
• Huge police response?? : r/Tacoma — Armed robbery in Gig Harbor that led to a police chase down to Titlow.
• Episode 4: A chase, a 40mm, and a tumble. Scanner audio by Tacompton Files — This podcast is to discuss crime related issues around the Tacoma area. We will be doing (approximately) a weekly wrap up of the happenings. Listen on Spotify Send voice message
• Nutria - Wikipedia
• Rubik's Edge — The 3x3x1 Cube is a single layer problem solving puzzle toy. Its simplicity makes it great for beginners who want to build up skills to solve the iconic 3x3 Rubik’s Cube.
• Silver King Games & Hobby | Tacoma WA | Facebook — Blood Bowl is going strong in Tacoma!

00:00 – The episode kicks off debating the significance of mentioning when they experience echoes while recording, Justin shares how people can listen to them live, and talks about The Tacoma Light Trail. He shares the different events that happen during the festival, Erik joins them live from the Tacoma Double Header Soccer game, and Justin issues a correction and open invite to Side Piece Kitchen.

17:49 – Justin expresses that GCP is a Juggalo-inclusive place, shares what’s on the Side Piece Kitchen menu, and Scott talks about Kia Boys making national news. He talks about Kia’s selling like crazy right now, they talk about interest rates being currently high, and Scott encourages Justin to join him on the train ride into Seattle.

35:51 – Jeff encourages the OG to step in and give the Kia Boys a reality check on where may be headed, Scott talks about the MLM scheme behind criminal gangs, and gives a shout-out to Nicks Handmade Boots. Justin affirms he’s a blue-collar creative, gives props to StreetBeefs Scrapyard, and reflects on one of his fave dive bars from the past.

52:25 – Justin talks about the new sports bar The Penalty Box opening in Lakewood, Scott expresses his love of Justin's transformation, and Justin talks about their upcoming guests. He expresses his love of freeze-dried Milk Duds, Scott talks about things in the works with Galactic Druid Treats, and Justin talks about the other guests they’ll be talking to soon.

Sponsored By:

• Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer! CRAFT BEER FOR YOU! Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste? At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours. Every day: 11am - 10pm 27116 167th Place SE Suite 108 Covington, WA 98042
• Grim Workshop: Grim Workshop specializes in the making and using of ultralight, reusable, and wearable everyday carry tools. Perfect for a standalone ultralight survival kit that you can keep on hand at all times or as an addition to an existing survival kit to remove unwanted weight. A Family Owned and Operated Company Grim Workshop is proudly family owned and operated deep in the heart of Texas
• 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 Grit City Podcast: GCP: Friday Night Hangout - Goodbye 2022! ~ Tacoma Light Trail — On this special episode, Justin first converses with Cheryl Rux, local artist and art coordinator from the Tacoma Light Trail.
• TACOMA LIGHT TRAIL – Light art downtown. — A free winter festival of light art in downtown Tacoma. Outdoor performances. Dragon Parades. Lumens concerts, Lighted Bike Ride and more.
• Tacoma Galaxy - Tacoma Stars
• BRUNCHIN' IN TACOMA | SIDE PIECE KITCHEN — GETTIN' BAKED SINCE 2022 JOIN US AT OUR BRICK AND MORTAR 4704 s oakes st | tacoma wa
• Parents concerned about their children's safety after latest 'Kia Boyz' incident near Tacoma middle school | king5.com
• Nicks Handmade Boots - Best Work Boots for Men and Women
• RCF Exteriors
• The Grit City Podcast: Streetbeefs Scrapyard — This time, the guys get the chance to talk with Steve Hagara, founder of Streetbeefs Scrapyard.
• Galactic Druid Treats | Facebook
• Don't Be a Bitch (Or You Won't Get Stuff for Christmas) - Clownvis Presley - YouTube

00:00 – The guys explore Discord’s new Soundboard, Justin talks about their birthday excursion, and the people they had join them. He talks about where they threw axes at, the layout of the building, and Scott expresses the importance of practicing axe throwing to become proficient at it. Justin talks about the axe-throwing games that were there, the cost, and the other events that were happening the same day in the area.

17:35 – Derek talks about the underground shows he’s attended back in the day, Justin talks about going to Puget Sound Pizza after axe throwing, and his love of karaoke. Derek talks about the type of pizza he had, Justin reflects on the last time he did karaoke at Puget Sound Pizza, and where they ended up finishing off the birthday bash at.

34:30 – They guys talk about their love of dill pickles, Justin talks about wanting to get into pickling different vegetables, and using sauerkraut when cooking sausage on the Trager. He talks about the delicious peppered jelly his mother in law made, Scott talks about his love of hard boiled eggs, and the crew talks about when Putt Stuff is happening.

51:45 – Justin talks about the haps of Porch Fest, when this years one is going on, and shares information on how people can sign up their band or their porch. Scott reflects on going last year, the people he saw during the event, and bars in the area to hit up while at the event. Justin talks about GCP’s triumphant return to Crypticon, who he met up with at last years event, and how the parties are setup there.

Sponsored By:

• Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer! CRAFT BEER FOR YOU! Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste? At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours. Every day: 11am - 10pm 27116 167th Place SE Suite 108 Covington, WA 98042
• 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

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Axe Academy - The Best Axe Throwing Venue in Tacoma, WA
• Puget Sound Pizza — Puget Sound's Best Pizza & Karaoke! Pizza, Salads, Sandwiches & more. Dine-In, Pick-Up & Delivery in Tacoma & Spanaway
• Side Piece Kitchen | Tacoma WA | Facebook
• Crypticon — Crypticon Seattle is overjoyed to welcome the stars of the classic Night of the Comet, Catherine Mary Stewart and Kelli Maroney, to the convention this May!!!
• Porchfest Tacoma — Porchfest is a free, walkable music festival where front porches become musical stages for one magical afternoon.