Current Affairs Episodes

Send us Fan Mail Gas jumps. War headlines get louder. Work is a mess because the crew is short. And somehow, on a quiet porch, we still find time to laugh about a bird trying to join the show. That is the vibe today: real life first, big news second, and a music rabbit hole that makes the heavy stuff easier to carry. We talk through rising tension around Iran and what it means when leaders start throwing around threats to hit infrastructure. Then we follow the money trail into oil markets an...

Send us Fan Mail We hang out on the porch and let the week unfold, from overtime stress and rough headlines to a music rabbit hole that brings the 80s back with a modern edge. Along the way we laugh at band names, call out overplayed songs, and end with a food rant that somehow turns into philosophy. • porch time chat about work, overtime and a new boss learning the ropes • quick reactions to Hawaii flooding and ongoing Middle East conflict • discovering Confess from Sweden ...

Send us Fan Mail World news is heavy, and sometimes the only honest way to talk about it is from a front porch with a friend and zero pretending. We kick things off with what’s happening around Iran, the fear of escalation, the anger over violence against protesters, and the question nobody can dodge: how do you respond without signing up for another forever conflict. That spirals into a blunt border security debate, assimilation, and why “moderate” feels like a dying word in American politic...

Send us Fan Mail A coworker leaves after years and suddenly the day feels off, even if the work still gets done. That’s where our porch talk starts: the “missing piece” feeling, the way crews change, and how you can be happy for someone’s next move while still bracing for the chaos their absence might cause. From there, we do what we do best and follow the conversation wherever it goes. A loose wolf dog stealing attention during an Olympic event turns into a bigger riff on why sports are bet...

Send us a text Tariffs might sound like the economic equivalent of watching paint dry, but Mike and Tom transform this seemingly dry topic into an entertaining deep dive that challenges conventional thinking. Our budget economists tackle Trump's controversial trade policies with their signature no-holds-barred approach, arguing that while tariffs may cause short-term pain, they're already yielding results as countries rush to the negotiating table. Vietnam has offered to remove all tariffs, Ind...

Send us a text Ever wondered how a dog can survive the wilderness for 28 days or how an apple tree might save a house from a mudslide? This season finale of the MT Alternative Podcast promises to warm your heart and tickle your funny bone as we recount incredible tales of resilience from Asheville's mountain communities. Despite the ongoing struggles with water shortages, the spirit of these communities shines through, and we encourage thoughtful donations to support their needs. As we close out...

Send us a text Who would have thought macaroni and cheese could lead us into a wild ride through the chaos of inexperienced quarterbacks and the woes of an offensive line? After a brief hiatus courtesy of Hurricane Helene, we're back with tales from workday decisions and unexpected Walmart adventures. We then navigate the vast universe of movie soundtracks, kicking off with the legendary Star Wars scores and uncovering hidden gems. There’s laughter, curiosity, and perhaps a nostalgic tear or two...

Send us a text What if the government's response to natural disasters isn't as effective as we think it should be? This episode of the MT Alternative Podcast explores that very question as Mike and Tom tackle the aftermath of hurricanes Helena and Milton. We venture through the hard-hit areas of the southern United States, from Asheville to the battered towns of Spruce Pine and Marion in North Carolina. The devastation is profound, disrupting entire communities and industries, and we find oursel...

Send us a text What happens when a hurricane takes an unexpected inland detour? Join us on the latest episode of the MT Alternative Podcast as we recount our whirlwind experiences with Hurricane Helena's impact on North Carolina and the East Coast. From battling through treacherous commutes and enduring days without power, we share our personal stories of chaos and highlight the remarkable resilience demonstrated by communities banding together in the storm's aftermath. While we faced our own ch...

Send us a Text Message. Can music push societal boundaries and provoke strong reactions? Discover the fascinating intersection of politics, music, and pop culture as we explore the latest antics of RFK Jr. and the amusing yet perplexing protests at the DNC. Mike and Tom tackle the hard-hitting topic of double standards in political scandals, comparing Trump's legal battles to controversies involving figures like Bill Clinton. We wrap up this segment with a heartfelt reflection on a touching spee...

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered what it's like to come face-to-face with a bear in a motel parking lot? Join us as Tyrone, filling in for Daniel, dives into Tom's wild Tennessee adventure and the unexpected wildlife encounters in Cades Cove. We also chat about the growing touristy vibe of Gatlinburg, compare it to the calm of Shenandoah, and explore the pros and cons of beach versus mountain vacations. Plus, Mike shares the challenges of his upcoming long drive to visit his mom, sprinkled ...

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered what would happen if a political event took a turn for the absurd? Brace yourself as we dig into Kamala Harris' eyebrow-raising appearance that involved twerking and an awkward Southern accent, and contrast it with Donald Trump's martial patriotic vibes. Our unique comedic synergy shines as we break down these spectacles, all while sharing some hearty laughs about our upcoming beer-fueled adventure trip. It's a rollercoaster of serious commentary and light-h...

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered why some tales of political blunders sound too funny to be true? Get ready to question everything as we kick off our latest episode after a brief hiatus! We share some hearty laughs over Biden’s classic slip-ups and Kamala Harris’s mystifying motivational speeches. With our signature blend of comedy and commentary, we explore the unpredictable world of politics, reflecting on the chaos of work and end-of-month madness. Plus, don't miss our shoutout to Bill f...

Send us a Text Message. Ever found yourself laughing at the absurdity of inheriting a phone number? Join Mike and Tom as they recount their hilarious and sometimes frustrating experiences with misdirected messages and calls meant for the previous owner. From unexpected birthday wishes to confusing work policies, enjoy our humorous exploration of the daily annoyances we all face. We'll have you nodding along and chuckling at the ironic twists and turns that come with simply owning a phone. But t...

Send us a Text Message. Get ready for an episode that’s hotter than the Fourth of July, both in temperature and in topic! Mike and Tom launch into the holiday spirit with a fiery debate about global warming, spurred on by the relentless heat wave gripping the nation. You’ll hear us question the media's obsession with climate change and even ponder the peculiar case of the long-tailed kangaroo rat’s habitat needs. The climate talk naturally transitions into a serious critique of Joe Biden's recen...

Send us a Text Message. Can advanced disguise technologies fool even the most observant eyes? Join us for an eye-opening discussion as we analyze a peculiar video of Joe Biden, diving into the world of hyper-realistic masks demonstrated by CIA master of disguise, Joanna Mendez. We reflect on her ability to deceive President Bush in the '90s and speculate about the cutting-edge advancements of disguise technology today. Could today's political figures be employing similar tactics? This thought-pr...