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  • 110 Taking Care Of Business

    110 Taking Care Of Business
    2025/05/06
    The Setlist of Life

    In this casual afternoon episode of "The Setlist of Life," the hosts Leslie, Kirsten, Christine, and Aaron gather to chat about their current song "Taking Care of Business" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO). The conversation meanders through various topics in a friendly, relaxed manner.

    Leslie shares her accidental discovery of Eddie Rabbit songs on Spotify, which leads to a discussion about the singer who died in 1998. Aaron mentions having a guitar signed by Kenny Chesney, and the group discusses BTO's hits beyond "Taking Care of Business."

    Christine talks about using her free time after finishing her class to organize 23 years of household items while watching "The Four Seasons" on Netflix. The hosts discuss their children finishing college semesters and summer plans.

    The conversation shifts to a "Dolly For Sue" car magnet that needs to be relocated as a local business moves locations. Leslie then introduces a philosophical question about dragons, wondering if they might have existed since dragon stories appear in many distinct ancient cultures. This leads to a nostalgic discussion about childhood fears from movies like "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and "The Wizard of Oz."

    Aaron poses two questions to the group: things they don't do that most people do, and things they do that most people don't. The hosts reveal that Christine and Aaron don't drink coffee, Kirsten doesn't watch award shows, and Aaron backs his car into his garage (which most neighbors don't use). This leads to conversations about energy drinks, garages with car lifts, and European parking garage elevators.

    The episode takes a more somber turn with a discussion about pet ashes and what to do with them, before ending with mentions of college decision day and some final thoughts about afternoon podcast recordings versus their usual evening sessions.


    Quotes:


    1. "I think it's weird that adults go around giving each other trophies. I'd rather have a Starbucks card. Don't give me a trophy or a medal. Give me five bucks." - Leslie on award culture
    2. "Multiple civilizations who hadn't crossed paths yet have the dragon. Different civilizations in different parts of the world talk about dragons... Why wouldn't they come up with different animals if there wasn't a dragon?" - Leslie questioning whether dragons might have existed
    3. "Caffeine doesn't give you energy. Caffeine just quiets the chemical that makes you sleepy... It's not giving you energy. It's just making you feel that you're not tired." - Discussion about caffeine effects
    4. "I think different topics pop into our head in the afternoon than they do in evening." - Reflection on how timing affects their podcast conversations
    5. "The process has started. Well, the process started six months ago. The process has continued. Accelerated." - Christine on the ongoing effort to declutter her home

    The episode captures the warm, freewheeling conversation of long-time friends sharing stories, asking philosophical questions, and discussing life's peculiarities in an engaging, natural manner.

    thesetlistoflife@gmail.com


    Chapters:


    00:00 Introduction to the Band and Song Choice

    03:52 Personal Updates and Reflections

    10:07 Conspiracy Theories and Dragons

    17:00 Childhood Traumas and Movie Discussions

    19:48 Questions and Personal Preferences

    27:48 The Chicken Jockey Phenomenon

    29:33 Social Media Disconnect

    31:30 Driving Habits and Quirks

    36:36 Unique Personal Practices

    42:40 Dealing with Pet Loss

    51:06 Decision Day and Celebrations
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    56 分
  • 109 Like The Weather

    109 Like The Weather
    2025/04/29
    Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Setlist of Life podcast, the group catches up after various trips and share travel stories. The conversation begins with a brief discussion about the song "Like the Weather" by 10,000 Maniacs before transitioning to talk about the spring weather, pollen issues, and sunburns. The majority of the episode features Kirsten sharing details about her recent European trip to Milan, Budapest, and London, including family connections in Hungary, cultural experiences, and attending football (soccer) matches. Other topics include TSA experiences, spring break activities, and Christine's academic pursuits.Detailed SummaryThe gang begins by discussing the 10,000 Maniacs song "Like the Weather," with Christine mentioning her love for Natalie Merchant and her album "Ophelia." This leads to a conversation about the current spring weather—beautiful but problematic due to heavy pollen.Kirsten shares extensive details about her recent European trip:Started in Milan, Italy where they visited the Duomo cathedral and attended a football matchTraveled to Budapest, Hungary where they took a food tour and tried traditional Hungarian foods including goulash and palinka (a strong fruit-based alcoholic drink)Met with relatives in a small Hungarian town called Siafolk on Lake Balaton, confirming family connections through old letters and photographsObserved contrasts between beautiful older architecture and Soviet-era concrete buildings in HungaryEnded the trip with a Crystal Palace football match in London, which provided an authentic British experienceBriefly stopped in Iceland during their return journeyChristine shares her spring break experience, which involved driving approximately 2,500 miles with her son Joey, visiting various northeastern locations including Erie, Vermont, and Boston while listening mostly to rock music. She also mentions attending "Urinetown," a dark comedy play performed at a college.Christine discusses her upcoming internships—one at Shenandoah starting May 19th and another remote position with Invisible Histories, an LGBTQ archiving program based in Alabama. She also mentions considering PhD programs.The episode includes a humorous anecdote from Leslie about an uncomfortable TSA encounter in Miami and Aaron shares a story about unique Easter decorations in Pennsylvania.5 Valuable Quotes"The weather is crazy... I'm ready for it to just stay like this. I think we're there. I think we are." - Discussion about the transition to spring weather."Like they're laughing about the way we do things... They were like, 'Is it true that you guys grill food in a parking lot before games?' Yes, yes it is." - Kirsten sharing how Europeans view American tailgating traditions."We like to do food tours when we can in wherever we go, if possible. It was like a walking food tour, you know, stopping at different restaurants." - Kirsten on her preferred way to experience local cuisine while traveling."I'm learning that I'm older than... it's different when you're 20 years old and you were raised with computers... And it's going to continue to move very fast. That's the problem right now, is that it's consistently too fast." - Aaron on the challenges of technology while pursuing education later in life."I am so shocked at just the difference between a high school play and a college play... I mean, it's like going to see a Broadway play... the talent was phenomenal." - Christine discussing the quality of the college production of "Urinetown."5 Key TakeawaysCultural Immersion Through Sports: Attending local sporting events (like Kirsten's Crystal Palace match) can provide authentic cultural experiences that typical tourist attractions don't offer.Family History Connections: Kirsten's visit with Hungarian relatives demonstrates how family history research can lead to meaningful international connections and deeper understanding of cultural heritage.Food Tours as Travel Strategy: Several hosts mentioned food tours as an excellent way to experience local cuisine and culture when visiting new places.Weather Transitions: The conversation highlights how rapidly changing spring weather affects daily life, from enjoying outdoor activities to dealing with pollen allergies.Lifelong Learning Challenges: Christine's comments about her academic pursuits reflect the unique challenges faced by adult learners navigating technology and education systems designed for younger students.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Musical Nostalgia02:45 Weather Talk and Seasonal Changes05:59 Travel Adventures: Milan and Budapest08:52 Experiencing Football Culture in London12:01 Culinary Experiences Across Europe18:05 Travel Mishaps and Airport Anecdotes27:40 Travel Tales: Adventures in Budapest39:18 Family Connections: Discovering Ancestry41:42 Cultural Insights: Life in Hungary44:47 Easter Memories: A Unique Celebration48:28 Theatrical Experiences: Urinetown and Beyond53:06 Future Endeavors: Internships and Projects
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    57 分
  • 108 Roam

    108 Roam
    2025/04/15

    This episode of The Setlist of Life begins by jokingly lamenting the absence of bandmate Cow Bell Chris, who chose to attend the Frozen Four college hockey playoffs over the podcast recording.

    The main topic of conversation revolves around travel. Kirsten is embarking on a European trip to Milan, Budapest, and London, partly for a soccer game and partly to meet distant relatives in Hungary, including a mysterious "Granny" she's never met. Leslie is heading to Miami with her youngest son for a relaxing pool and golf trip. This travel theme leads to discussions about European food, particularly Hungarian goulash and pickled foods.

    A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a humorous anecdote about Leslie's recent phone mishap. Due to a Costco phone deal and a misunderstanding about phone colors and activations, Leslie's daughter accidentally received Leslie's's new iPhone, and vice versa. This resulted in Leslie being without a phone for three days and having to drive to Pennsylvania to retrieve it. This experience highlights our dependence on smartphones and the unsettling feeling of being disconnected.

    The phone story naturally transitions into a discussion about doomsday prepping. Leslie reveals her "doomsday tub" with solar phone chargers, and the conversation expands to generators, water purifiers, and even a family zombie apocalypse plan with Pennsylvania as a central meeting point. Aaron, initially skeptical, is gradually drawn into the conversation, and Kirsten expresses interest in starting her own doomsday box.

    The episode lightens up with a dad joke submitted by listener Charlie and then moves into a personality quiz involving choosing which pets to abandon in a forest scenario. The quiz results are humorously analyzed, revealing insights into the bandmates' values regarding ambition, courage, stability, and playfulness.

    Kirsten then shares a pleasant experience of tulip picking at a local farm, describing the beauty of the tulip fields. This leads to a brief discussion about lavender fields and the possibility of lavender picking.

    Finally, Leslie recounts a funny story about her son JJ and a school-wide email prank. A student emailed all the "James" in the school suggesting they "fight it out" for the name. While intended as a joke, the school principal took it seriously, leading to a humorous misunderstanding and JJ having to explain the situation to the vice principal.

    The episode concludes with farewells as Leslie and Kirsten prepare for their respective trips, and a promise of a travel report in the next episode.


    5 Key Takeaways:


    1. Embrace the Unexpected: The episode celebrates spontaneity and embracing the unknown, whether it's traveling to meet distant relatives or navigating a phone-less few days. Leslie's "go big or go home" vacation philosophy encourages listeners to step outside their comfort zones.
    2. Technology Dependence is Real: Leslie's phone mishap vividly illustrates how reliant we've become on smartphones and the surprising sense of isolation and vulnerability experienced without one. It prompts reflection on our digital dependence and the value of basic preparedness.
    3. Humor is Essential: The podcast uses humor throughout to navigate everyday life, from travel mishaps to school email pranks. The dad joke and the personality quiz lighten the tone and emphasize the importance of laughter and lightheartedness.
    4. Preparedness Provides Peace of Mind: The doomsday prepping discussion, while somewhat humorous, touches on a genuine desire for security and control. Having basic emergency plans and supplies can offer comfort and a sense of readiness, even if the scenarios seem improbable.
    5. Personality Quizzes Can Be Fun (and Slightly Insightful): The personality quiz, though lighthearted, sparks a conversation about personal values and self-reflection. It highlights how even simple activities can offer glimpses into our own motivations and priorities.

    Chapters


    • 00:00 Introduction and Musical Guests
    • 02:58 Travel Plans and Family Connections
    • 05:51 Adventures in Food and Cultural Experiences
    • 09:10 Spring Break Plans and Family Dynamics
    • 12:14 Technology Troubles and Phone Mishaps
    • 19:53 Doomsday Prepping and Emergency Preparedness
    • 26:55 Pop Culture References and TV Shows
    • 36:16 Resourcefulness in Survival Stories
    • 39:57 Listener Engagement and Community Connection
    • 40:25 The Joy of Dad Jokes
    • 41:54 Psychological Tests and Self-Discovery
    • 54:29 Flower Picking Adventures
    • 01:00:04 Humor in School Life and Creative Pranks
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    1 時間 11 分
  • 107 The Joker

    107 The Joker
    2025/04/08
    This episode of The Setlist of Life podcast is a lighthearted and conversational exploration of dad jokes, aging, career paths, and band dynamics, all interwoven with personal anecdotes and humorous banter.The episode kicks off with the band performing "The Joker" by the Steve Miller Band, but quickly pivots to the planned theme: dad jokes. The band members share a series of groan-worthy dad jokes, ranging from puns about rainbows and bagels to chemistry and math jokes. This segment establishes the episode's playful and informal tone.The conversation then meanders into other topics, sparked by a recent AARP magazine cover featuring Rob Lowe. This leads to a discussion about Rob Lowe's autobiography, his optimistic outlook despite a wild past, and his connection to the "Brat Pack" era. They discuss the Andrew McCarthy documentary and the negative impact the "Brat Pack" label had on some actors, contrasting it with Rob Lowe's seemingly unfazed perspective. A surprising anecdote about Rob Lowe being regularly on the 9/11 "dry run" flight adds an unexpected serious note.The topic of aging surfaces again when Christine receives an invitation to a "55 plus" community event, sparking humorous outrage about being prematurely targeted. This transitions into discussions about job applications and unusual job recruiter emails, including a particularly absurd offer to become a funeral planning educator in Fargo, North Dakota. This segment highlights the often-bizarre realities of job searching and targeted advertising.The conversation circles back to humor with more dad jokes, showcasing the band members' personalities and comedic timing. This segues into a discussion about other content shared in their group chat, including videos of musician Jacob Collier. They admire his musical talent but critique his fashion sense and vocal style, leading to a humorous Simon Cowell impersonation. They also touch on the TV show "The Pit," set in Pittsburgh, and its graphic nature and attempts at local authenticity (specifically the Pittsburgh slang "yin"). This showcases their shared cultural interests and critical perspectives.A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to personal life updates. Aaron mentions his son's birthday celebrations, prompting a nostalgic trip down memory lane about elaborate kids' birthday parties they've hosted in the past, ranging from Percy Jackson and Indiana Jones themes to sewing and cupcake bake-offs. This offers a glimpse into their parenting experiences and creative party planning.The conversation naturally shifts to band dynamics and they discuss the challenges of teenage bands, creative differences, focus, and the need for direction. This contrasts with Dolly for Sue's own band history, reminiscing about their formation, past members, and memorable venues like the 9:30 Club. They humorously consider a reunion with past members.Christine shares exciting news about her library internship at Shenandoah University, focusing on music scores and library science. This highlights her passion for libraries and music and her career progression. This leads into a discussion about books and audiobooks, reading preferences, and the importance of narrator voice in audiobooks. They debate audiobook vs. physical book experiences and preferences.The podcast genre itself becomes a topic of reflection, with Leslie wondering if "slice of life" is an appropriate description for their meandering conversations. They acknowledge their unplanned, spontaneous style and speculate about their audience. They ponder the unpredictable nature of their podcast and its potential appeal.Finally, they touch upon holiday traditions, specifically St. Patrick's Day and Easter food. Leslie had planned a St. Patrick's Day food segment which didn't happen, leading to a humorous discussion about corned beef spring rolls and other themed foods. This transitions to Easter candy, jelly beans (especially Brock's jelly beans), Peeps, and the Washington Post Peeps diorama contest. This segment ends with the band enthusiastically deciding to create their own Dolly for Sue Peeps diorama, tying together creativity, humor, and band identity.The episode concludes with a lighthearted outro and a mention of Lola, Kirsten's dog, who was snoring throughout the recording, adding to the podcast's informal and homey atmosphere.5 Highly Valuable and/or Thought Provoking Quotes:Leslie on Rob Lowe's optimism: "Like he just sees everything through rose colored glasses. Like he talked about bad stuff, cause a lot of bad stuff happened and mostly because he was into drugs and alcohol and running around in Hollywood when he was 20... But he looks at it through such rosy glass, like even when he tells his stories..."Value: Highlights the power of perspective and optimism, even when reflecting on challenging experiences.Leslie on funeral planning education: "The one service everyone will use is funeral services or at least recession proof. There's ...
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    1 時間 15 分
  • 106 People Are Strange

    106 People Are Strange
    2025/04/01

    In this episode of the Set List of Life, the bandmates discuss their musical influences, memorable movie soundtracks, and share humorous stories about a tour guide named Brandon. They also reflect on their concert experiences, particularly attending a Dream Theater show, and explore upcoming concerts they are excited about, including the Black Keys and Heart. In this lively conversation, the hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from upcoming concerts and music events to the genius of Jacob Collier. They delve into the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty, the mysteries surrounding the pyramids, and the challenges of the Barkley Marathons. The discussion also touches on personal reflections about life, time, and the quirks of alarm clocks, creating a rich tapestry of insights and entertainment.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction

    06:52 Memorable Movie Soundtracks and Their Impact

    14:04 Brandon's Stories: A Tour Guide's Life

    20:09 Concert Experiences: Dream Theater and Audience Dynamics

    29:54 Upcoming Concerts and Music Recommendations

    33:59 Concert Highlights and Upcoming Events

    39:24 The Genius of Jacob Collier

    41:52 The Scale of Time

    43:38 Symbolism of the Statue of Liberty

    45:33 Mysteries of the Pyramids

    48:37 The Barkley Marathons: A Race Like No Other

    56:23 Alarm Clocks


    thesetlistoflife@gmail.com
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    1 時間 7 分
  • 105 Long Story Short

    105 Long Story Short
    2025/03/18

    In this episode of The Set List of Life, the band discusses their song choice, 'Long Story Short' by Taylor Swift, and shares personal stories, including family connections and humorous anecdotes. They delve into the impact of technology on music and communication, explore various scams, and recount the bizarre story of 'Rent a Hitman'. The conversation takes a spooky turn as they share ghost stories and experiences from a recent ghost tour. In this episode, Kirsten shares a humorous and entertaining account of a ghost tour led by a quirky guide named Brandon. The conversation explores the amusing misadventures during the tour, including Brandon's forgetfulness and the various ghost stories he shared. The discussion also touches on the healing power of visualization and personal anecdotes about life lessons learned through experiences. The episode concludes with reflections on the nature of ghost stories and the importance of humor in life.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to the Band and Song Choice

    03:11 Exploring Technology and Music

    06:08 Personal Stories and Family Connections

    08:59 Scams and Unusual Events

    11:47 The Bizarre Case of Rent a Hitman

    18:00 Ghost Stories and Paranormal Experiences

    31:26 Brandon's Ghost Tour Adventures

    36:04 The Unforgettable Brandon

    41:04 Ghostly Encounters and Reflections

    47:31 Healing Through Visualization

    52:51 Life Lessons and Ghost Stories


    thesetlistoflife@gmail.com

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    1 時間 2 分
  • 104 Billy Don't Be A Hero

    104 Billy Don't Be A Hero
    2025/03/04

    In this episode of the Set List of Life, Aaron, Kirsten, and Leslie discuss various topics ranging from their musical endeavors to personal stories about injuries and support. They explore the unique attractions of Pigeon Forge, delve into the complexities of learning Mahjong, and discuss the concept of culinary musicals. The conversation also touches on the prevalence of scams, highlights from the SNL music special, and reflections on iconic figures like Gene Hackman. Finally, they discuss the role of platforms like Patreon in supporting creators. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore various themes including celebrity greetings, fan engagement through platforms like Cameo and Patreon, the fun of game nights with family-friendly versions of Cards Against Humanity, and the excitement of live performances and concerts. They also discuss the rising popularity of women's sports and the importance of community engagement in entertainment.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Dolly Foursue and Their Music

    03:10 Injuries and Support: A Personal Story

    06:03 Exploring Pigeon Forge: A Unique Destination

    08:48 Learning Mahjong: A Complex Game

    11:54 Culinary Musicals: A Unique Concept

    14:56 Scams and Awareness: A Discussion

    18:09 SNL Music Special: Highlights and Reflections

    20:50 Remembering Icons: Gene Hackman and Others

    24:07 Patreon and Supporting Creators: A New Era

    30:10 Celebrity Greetings and Fan Engagement

    32:51 Game Night Fun: Cards Against Humanity

    40:00 Musical Adventures and Live Performances

    52:01 Concerts and Upcoming Events

    58:00 Women in Sports and Community Engagement


    thesetlistoflife@gmail.com
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    1 時間
  • 103 All You Need Is Love

    103 All You Need Is Love
    2025/02/18

    In this episode, the bandmates discuss their plans and feelings about Valentine's Day, sharing personal traditions and experiences. They reflect on childhood memories of Valentine's Day celebrations, including making boxes for receiving cards. The conversation shifts to nostalgic movie memories, particularly focusing on what films were number one at the box office during their childhood. The discussion then transitions to SNL, sharing favorite musical performances and memorable skits. Finally, they explore the thrill of extreme sports and the adrenaline rush associated with activities like bungee jumping and wingsuit flying. In this lively conversation, the hosts engage in a fun musical trivia game, reminiscing about classic songs and their personal experiences with music. They share concert memories, discuss upcoming events, and enjoy a light-hearted game of music snippets. The conversation flows into personal anecdotes, including a humorous story about a cat in a shed, and wraps up with reflections on their time together and future plans.


    Chapters


    00:00 Valentine's Day Preparations and Reflections

    04:06 Valentine's Day Traditions and Family Activities

    08:07 Childhood Valentine's Day Experiences

    11:52 Movies and Nostalgia: Box Office Memories

    19:51 SNL Memories and Musical Performances

    27:45 Extreme Sports and Thrill-Seeking Adventures

    37:32 Musical Trivia and Nostalgia

    41:34 Concert Memories and Live Performances

    48:43 Upcoming Concerts and Music Events

    56:00 Fun with Music Snippets

    01:02:20 Personal Stories and Anecdotes

    01:07:55 Wrap-Up and Future Plans


    thesetlistoflife@gmail.com
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    1 時間 11 分