The Jocular Pugilists take an international field trip to Budapest, where the water comes in shot glasses and the showers require an instruction manual. Fresh off a work trip to the Hungarian capital, the crew gets into Budapest’s Buda-versus-Pest personality split, Danube views, towering history, weirdly efficient yellow-cab Ubers, and the terrifying math of paying 5,000 forints for a salad. There is also a crash course in Pálinka—the 50% alcohol “finish it or we’re enemies” drink—and a Hung...

Everyone seems to have an opinion on SpaceX. Some see the company becoming the backbone of global communications, space transportation, and even future off-world industries. Others see a company valued on dreams rather than profits. Tomas and Phil step into the ring to debate the biggest IPO ever, discussing Starlink, Elon Musk, reusable rockets, lock-up periods, valuation, and whether SpaceX could actually be the opportunity of a life time. Let us know what you think. Email Phil or Tomas at:...

Intermittent fasting has been praised as a breakthrough for weight loss, better health, sharper focus, and even longevity—but does it really live up to the hype? In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, the guys dig into the promises, pitfalls, and practical realities of fasting windows, skipped breakfasts, late-night cravings, and the science behind it all. Is intermittent fasting a sustainable lifestyle shift, or just another wellness trend dressed up with a clock? Tune in as the Pugilists...

Making friends as an adult can be surprisingly difficult. Between work, family responsibilities, busy schedules, and the routines of everyday life, many people find that building new friendships after 30 takes far more effort than it did in their younger years. In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, Tomas and Phil explore the challenges of making and maintaining friendships in adulthood, share personal stories about the connections that have shaped their lives, and discuss why meaningful...

Join us as we re-visit the very first episode of the Jocular Pugilists. “Ouch that hurt. Sure, I asked what you thought, but I didn’t want to know the truth.” How honest can you really be with someone and how do certain relationships dictate your level of truthfulness? Join our intrepid reporters as they try to uncover the truth behind Honesty while lying to each other the whole time. For more fun, go to: https://thejocularpugilists.com/ Let us know what you think. Email Phil o...

Los Angeles may be at a crossroads. This week, the Jocular Pugilists dive into the 2026 LA mayoral race through the eyes of Phil, who recently spent time canvassing door-to-door for a little-known candidate and got a firsthand look at what Angelenos are actually talking about beyond headlines and social media. Along the way, the conversation takes its usual strange detours: Tomas losing weight and realizing his ancient bargain-bin T-shirts are now hanging off him like one of Marlon Brando’s i...

Why do we text before calling, face forward in elevators like NPCs, and panic when someone sees the “typing dots”… but never replies? In this episode of The Jocular Pugilists, we dive into the weird, unwritten social rules that somehow run our lives—and question who made them in the first place. From old-school etiquette to modern-day nonsense, we break down: Why calling someone without texting first now feels like a crime The anxiety of the “three dots” text bubble (you know...

What do you get when you mix a chewing gum billionaire, roaming buffalo, overpriced Bloody Marys, and a suspiciously fast “time-warp” hike? Welcome to Catalina Island—and another slightly unhinged episode of The Jocular Pugilists. Phil thought he was getting a normal birthday weekend. Instead, Stacy secretly put together a surprise trip to Catalina Island — complete with ferries, golf carts, ocean views, old Hollywood vibes, and an island that somehow feels both frozen in time and strangely f...

Do you ever feel guilty about your food cravings? From Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to Belgian chocolates, join the Jocular Pugilists as they dive into the delicious world of guilty pleasures. Discover why we crave what we do and how to enjoy it without the guilt. Tune in for a fun, flavorful journey! Let us know what you think. Email Phil or Tomas at: [email protected] And check out our website at: thejocularpugilists.com

What if the people who change the world… never meant to? This episode dives into the unintentional cult of personality, exploring how some individuals became iconic figures simply by being true to their purpose—not by seeking fame. We contrast purpose vs. popularity—and ask a bigger question: in an AI-driven world where there’s less we have to do, will we finally discover what we’re meant to do? Let us know what you think. Email Phil or Tomas at: [email protected] And check...