Laughter Included

Aliens, Ghosts… and Our Vanishing Co-Host?!

Ricky’s missing. Lights. Woods. No texts back. So John taps guest host Drew while producer Matt rides shotgun as the guys launch the first episode under the new name—and dive straight into aliens, UFOs, and ghost stories (plus a Phoenix trip, a brutal round of golf, and bar trivia redemption).
From frat-house sky zigzags to Starlink “train” sightings, abduction hot spots, and the eternal debate—haunted house overnight or alien abduction if you’re guaranteed to survive?—this one’s peak dad-brain curiosity with plenty of laughs, skepticism, and just enough creep factor to keep you listening.
Highlights include:
• Ricky’s mysterious disappearance — was he possibly abducted by aliens?• Starlink vs. real UFO sightings• Our favorite alien movies• More ghost stories and a creepy sleep paralysis moment• Another round of Can You Name ’Em — Alien & Ghost Edition• Alien abduction or night at a haunted house — what would you choose?
Whether you’re into the paranormal, dad humor, or just love a wild story, this episode delivers.
Timestamps:
00:00  Ricky’s Gone — Possible Alien Abduction?01:34  The New “Laughter Included” Era02:35  The Catch-Up: Phoenix Trip, Bad Golf, Trivia Win06:22  Matt’s Bowling Comeback & Weekly Updates07:08  Main Topic: Do You Believe in Aliens?08:57  Frat-House UFOs, Starlink, and Desert Lights14:02  Time Travel, Lost Civilizations & Big What-Ifs18:02  Favorite Alien Movies & Pop-Culture Encounters20:07  Ghosts & Spirits — Who Really Believes?23:30  Creepy Encounters: Sleep Paralysis & Dorm Hall Voices31:03  Game Time: Haunted States & UFO Hot Spots41:01  Would You Rather — Haunted House or Alien Abduction?
Links & Mentions:
SpaceX Starlink satellite “train” explainerNavy/UAP (“Tic Tac”) declassified videosRendlesham Forest incident (UK)Cash–Landrum incident (Texas)Signs (2002)Life After People (History Channel)
 
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Ghost Video, Halloween Chaos & When Kids Go Solo

It’s the Halloween edition, and the dads are in their bag: childhood chaos with eggs and shaving cream, Costco candy temptations, the big-bowl etiquette dilemma, and a heated candy draft—Reese’s vs. Kit Kat vs. Snickers. Ricky relives an emotional NHL homecoming, Matt’s bowling team nosedives, and John debates when kids can finally trick-or-treat without a parent shadowing them.
We also trade scariest-movie picks and Matt drops the story of a ghost caught on camera in an old New England house—plus a rapid-fire “Can You Name Them?” on top candies, festive states, and horror films. If you’re a 35–60 dad who loves laughs, nostalgia, and a little spooky…this one hits.
Highlights include:
 • Ghost video that still freaks us out • Best vs. worst Halloween candy debate • When kids can trick-or-treat alone • Bruins captain homecoming emotion • “Can You Name Them?” Halloween edition • Green screen…exposed (for real)
Stick around for timestamps to jump right to the good stuff.
Timestamps:
00:00 Halloween Edition Intro & Setup01:33 The Catch-Up: Orlando Trip & Missing Disney03:02 Ricky on Bruins Captain’s Emotional Return07:24 Matt’s Bowling Team Slump & Jersey Debate10:39 Halloween Memories: Eggs, Shaving Cream & Chaos14:16 Favorite Candy Showdown & Massachusetts’ Surprising #118:37 Big Bowl Etiquette: Take One or Handful?19:29 Why Trick-or-Treating Has Declined21:29 Scary Movies: Then vs Now24:36 Matt’s Ghost Story That Freaked Everyone Out31:04 “Can You Name 'Em?” Halloween Edition Game39:54 Mailbag: Trick-or-Treat Age & Green Screen Reveal
Links & Mentions:
The Ouija BoardThe Exorcist (1973)Hereditary (2018)The Conjuring (2013)The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)The Ring (2002)Ancient Aliens on History Channel
 
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The Truth About Guys’ Nights and Marriage Guilt

New studio energy! In this episode, a recently married producer joins the table as we trade real-world marriage tactics for dads—how to balance guys’ nights, video games, and being present at home. We also tackle the New England apple-picking debate, swap bee-sting mayhem, and confess why the show took a two-month break.
Before the wrap, we hit rapid-fire sports lists, from the NFL’s oldest franchises to the cities with the most championships—great bar-stool ammo for Sunday football. Keep listening for the funniest bowling-league banter you’ll hear all season.
Highlights include:
• The “equal time” marriage rule for nights out• Video-game confessions (Warzone & Borderlands 4)• Bee allergy story that ended in an ambulance• Apple-picking: worth it or waste of time?• Oldest NFL teams & title-rich cities trivia
👉 Stick around to hear Matt’s first-day hazing, the great “guys-night” marriage debate, and one of the most hilarious bowling-league stories ever told.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & Welcome to Episode 3402:41 The Catch-Up: Fall, Family & Fairs05:45 Bowling League Drama & Big Ball Bag Jokes08:33 Marriage Rules for Guys’ Night Out12:40 Gaming Confessions & Wife Tolerance Levels17:00 Follower Mailbag: Showers, Hiatus & Apple-Picking26:57 Sports Trivia Showdown30:00 Wrap-Up & Matt’s First Show After-Party
Links & Mentions:
The Makeshift Project (on TikTok)The Topsfield FairCall of Duty: WarzoneBorderlands 4Scott Boras (on Instagram)
 
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We’re Back from the Dead: Fall Favorites & Theme Park Upsells

After a short break, we’re back with a dad-focused catch-up. From the softball team’s unlikely run from last place to the finals, to Ricky’s ongoing knee drama, this episode has plenty of laughs, stories, and real-life dad grit.
Then we get into theme parks—the rising costs, confusing upsells, and the strategies that actually work. From Disney’s Lightning Lane to Universal’s new Epic Universe, we lay out what’s worth the money, what isn’t, and the one sneaky hack you need to know. If you’re a dad planning a family trip—or just love a good rant—you’ll want to hear this.
Highlights include:
• Softball finals recap & team awards• Ricky’s knee replacement decisions• Fall favorites: football, cider donuts, and lots and lots of leaves!• Disney & Universal upsells explained• The ride-hack every dad should know
This episode blends family life, fall traditions, and theme-park survival tips into a mix that every dad can relate to.
Timestamps:
00:00 Show Intro: Back from Summer Break & Softball Finals Run02:00 Ricky’s Knee Injury and Surgery Decisions06:30 Johnny’s Mid-Week Health Scare10:20 Fall Favorites: Football, Donuts, and Family Traditions14:40 Pumpkin Spice, Streaming Sports, and Seasonal Rants20:00 Dealing with Leaves, Lawns, and School Traffic26:00 The Real Costs of Disney & Universal Trips30:00 Lightning Lane, Upsells, and What’s Worth Paying For34:00 A Sneaky Ride Hack That Actually Works37:00 Alcohol in the Parks, St. Louis “What If,” and Wrap-Up
Links & Mentions:
Disney Lightning Lane PassesUniversal Express PassThe Best Apple Cider Donuts on the North ShoreNason's Stone House FarmWhat's Happening - Doobie or Not Doobie: Part 1 + 2
 
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Caught on Kiss Cam: CEO’s Life Explodes

In this episode, Johnny Mack and Ricky G are back with relatable dad-life hilarity, diving into two major themes: the pain of picking the wrong checkout line and the viral Coldplay kiss cam scandal that cost a CEO his job and marriage.
From RFID tech and self-checkouts to brutally honest takes on surveillance culture and viral justice, this one’s got it all. Plus, Ricky falls in love—with a cooler. You’ll laugh, nod your head, and maybe rethink your next shopping trip.
Highlights include:
• Choosing the wrong checkout line (again)• The Igloo cooler that stole Ricky's heart• Magic Bands and the future of shopping• Coldplay’s viral kiss cam chaos• Is viral justice fair… or dangerous?
Whether you’re a middle-aged dad or just hate the express lane roulette, this episode hits home.
Timestamps:
0:00 Episode intro & summer studio updates1:25 Follow us on social + send us topics2:57 Ricky reconnects with a lifelong friend4:00 Epic travel stories and phone photography tips5:24 The great checkout line debate6:49 Why choosing a cashier is a gamble7:53 Costco vs Stop & Shop efficiency9:21 Ricky's Walmart cooler purchase story10:48 RFID tech & Disney Magic Bands13:02 Self-checkout vs honesty tests14:03 Bag charges & the return of free bags14:39 Magic Band data tracking & China parallels16:09 Should stores just remove checkout lines?17:58 Kiss Cam scandal: the Coldplay incident20:10 Who’s to blame—camera guy or the cheaters?22:04 Ring cam reveals Eddie Haskell moments23:05 When viral shame goes too far24:38 Classic viral moments: David After Dentist, Janet, etc.25:59 Chris Martin, Gwyneth Paltrow & Modern Family27:26 Actor from Boardwalk Empire shoutout28:44 Final wrap-up & listener engagement call
Links & Mentions:
Igloo IMX Cooler (Ricky's New Favorite)Boardwalk Empire Actor: Bobby CannavaleDisney Magic Bands Overview
 
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Tackle Football Brawls, Brady Debates & Backyard Feasts - w/ Joe Carpineto

In this episode, we dive into childhood chaos, cooking traditions, and parenting curveballs with Joe Carpineto—a longtime friend of Ricky G and a true Revere original. If you grew up throwing full-contact hits in the street, this one’s for you.
From thorn bush tackles and dodge-the-bully plays to giant pig roasts and navigating his son’s diabetes and celiac diagnoses, Joe’s stories are raw, hilarious, and totally relatable. Oh—and we finally settle the Brady vs. Belichick debate. Maybe.
Highlights include:
• Brutal backyard tackle football stories (with thorn bushes)• Wild catering gigs and Italian family feasts• Parenting through diabetes, celiac disease, and teenage chaos• Sub and pizza shop debates across Boston• Hot takes on Brady, Belichick, and Star Wars• Music and movie breakdowns from Guy Ritchie to The Beatles
Get ready to laugh, argue, and maybe crave a steak and cheese.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Episode 31 Begins!00:29 - HP Printer Rant and Canon Upgrade03:27 - Guest Intro: Joe “Vish” Carpineto06:05 - Tackle Football Brawls in Revere10:06 - Hallway Baby Bonnet Story12:33 - Childhood Pranks & ATC Mischief16:44 - Joe: ChatGPT Before ChatGPT17:00 - Learning to Cook with Grandma20:04 - Joe’s Most Stressful Catering Job24:00 - Parenting Through Type 1 Diabetes & Celiac Disease28:10 - Boston’s Best Steak and Cheese Subs32:44 - Pizza Talk: Bianchi’s, Regina, Santarpio’s34:26 - Soccer: Yes or No? A Dad Debate41:12 - Brady vs. Belichick: Who Gets More Credit?47:11 - Star Wars: Overrated or Iconic?50:17 - Guy Ritchie, Wes Anderson, and More54:17 - Best Band Ever? Joe Makes His Case
Links & Mentions:
La Caja China pig roasting boxThe Bear (FX)New Deal Fruit - Deli & SubsTed Lasso on Apple TV+
 
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Guest Vent Mode: ON (Crossover with the VentThis Podcast)

In this special crossover episode, John and Rick join forces with Chris and Paul from the VentThis Podcast for a wild ride through dad life, streaming disasters, and household rage moments only a parent could understand.
From the pain of empty shampoo bottles to the betrayal of dry cereal and missing toilet paper, this episode is a hilarious look at the everyday chaos we all pretend not to lose our minds over.
Highlights include:
• The art of dad venting• Streaming cliffhangers that never pay off• Petty household frustrations every dad will relate to• Party guests using the curtains for… WHAT?!• TV shows we loved—and those that failed us
Buckle up—this is middle-aged madness at its finest.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 – Episode 30 Begins!00:39 – Intro: Meet Chris and Paul from VentThis  01:17 – How The Mack & G Show Started  04:12 – Are Dads Too Soft? A Parenting Debate  06:46 – The Great Empty Package Vent  08:09 – Shampoo Bottles, Sneaky Tricks, and TP Theft  11:18 – Kids’ Wasteful Habits (and Dad Solutions)  12:45 – Big Toothpaste, Big Shampoo, Big TP  15:02 – The Curtain Incident at a Teen Party  19:01 – Who Leaves One Sip of OJ?  20:00 – Cereal Without Milk: A Dad Tragedy  21:06 – Rick's Ice Water with Oreos Controversy  27:02 – Streaming Shows That Lost Us  30:45 – Great Shows That Didn’t Get Renewed  32:59 – Weekly Drops vs Binge Releases  36:43 – White Lotus: Brilliant or Overrated?  39:51 – Modern Family, Sitcoms, and Dad Comfort TV  41:12 – Phil Dunphy = Johnny Mack?  42:04 – VentThis Call-In Challenge
 
Links & Mentions:
VentThis Podcast on YouTube  VentThis InstagramNight Sky (Amazon Prime)White Lotus (HBO)
 
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Backyard Pools, Cookouts & Summer Chaos

In this summer-themed episode, Johnny Mack and Ricky G crack open the cold drinks and dive into their favorite warm-weather memories. From old-school pool days and Red Sox on the radio to grilling hacks and public water park trauma, this episode is packed with dad-life stories and relatable laughs.
They also explore what summer looks like today—whether it’s SharkTivity apps, fighting over thermostat settings, or debating the true MVP of dessert: slush or ice cream.
 
Highlights include:
• Hitting at Fenway Park (with an audience!)• Classic 1980s pool and beach traditions• Thermostat wars & lawn mowing rituals• Water park horror stories (flip-flops required)• Ice cream vs. slush: the ultimate dad decision
Fire up the grill and join us for a laid-back episode full of nostalgia, honesty, and laughs.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & green screen experiment01:41 Recap: Vent This podcast appearance02:39 Upcoming collab: The Midlifers podcast04:00 Johnny hosts Father’s Day trivia04:40 Ricky hits at Fenway Park06:26 Local softball league kickoff07:26 Childhood pool stories & summer freedom09:20 River Beach, Biankey’s pizza, and Kelly’s chowder12:04 Cape Cod vacations & pond swimming14:28 Summer baseball burnout & AC battles18:00 Slip ‘n slides, sprinklers, and city hydrants21:00 Pet memories: Tiger the special cat24:00 Red Sox radio nostalgia & Pedro/Clemens26:39 Favorite summer songs: Will Smith, Van Halen, Go-Go’s30:38 Adult summers, Cape trips & SharkTivity34:09 Jaws trauma & favorite shark movies35:00 Softball brotherhood in Boxford36:21 Cookout vs. BBQ: the real difference37:03 Hamburger or hot dog?38:17 Ice cream vs. slush debate41:00 Mowing the lawn = dad therapy43:02 Renting pools & Airbnb drama47:23 Public pool horror & Action Park documentary50:22 Grilling favorites: sausages, steak, and toasted buns55:00 “Make you a plate” meaning & grilling hacks1:02:02 Hot dog tips, fried bologna & watermelon tricks1:04:30 How to support the show & what’s next
 
Links & Mentions:
Class Action Park Documentary (HBO)Sharktivity App – Atlantic White Shark ConservancyFriends Talking Shop PodcastThe Midlifers Podcast
 
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We Lived Through This… But Our Kids Never Will

In this episode, Johnny Mack and Ricky G get nostalgic—and a little fired up—as they look back at “Things We Don’t Do Anymore.” From payphones to floppy disks and Blockbuster to pen pals, this is a dad-centric trip down memory lane packed with laughs, gripes, and the occasional sentimental moment.
They also debate which old-school habits we actually miss… and make bold predictions about what today’s kids will never do by the time they’re our age.
 
Highlights include:
• Growing up with landlines and dial-up modems• Forgotten school projects like pen pals and microfiche• Renting VHS tapes and the smell of a video store• Walkmans, Scholastic Book Club, and printed maps• What will our kids stop doing in 30 years?
Stick around for classic dad commentary, retro reflections, and what’s next for The Mack & G Show.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Episode 28 Begins!02:08 Midlife Podcast Collaboration Tease04:25 Action Hero Bracket Preview05:56 Today’s Topic: Things We Don’t Do Anymore07:30 Payphones, Car Phones, and Corded Landlines10:42 Kids Taking Over CarPlay & Music Battles14:34 Pen Pals & Childhood Disappointments18:01 Scholastic Book Club & Book Nostalgia20:05 Physical Maps, AAA TripTiks & Navigation Memories23:30 Traveler’s Checks, Paper Tickets, and Phone Books26:00 Typewriters, Microfiche, and Floppy Disks31:12 Blockbuster, VHS Rentals & LaserDiscs33:33 Developing Film & Disposable Cameras35:30 CDs, Vinyl, and Record Stores37:28 Going to the Movies & Marvel Obsession42:20 What Our Kids Won’t Do in 30 Years46:54 Things We Miss vs. Glad Are Gone50:00 Sneak Peek: Upcoming Guests & Action Hero Bracket51:07 Patreon Plug & Final Sign-Off
 
Links & Mentions:
The Midlifers on YouTubeGary Gulman (Ode to the Discman)Gary Gulman (The Greatest Smartphone Story Ever Told)Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking
 
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Jimmy Marra’s Journey from FedEx Nights to Hardscape Days

In Episode 27 of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Jimmy Marra—founder of JMarra Hardscapes and full-time FedEx driver—who’s juggling a booming backyard business, fatherhood, and life in the suburbs.
We dive into Jimmy’s journey from basic landscaping to launching his own hardscaping company. He shares the chaos of raising four sports-crazed kids, balancing side hustles with a demanding day job, and the DIY spirit that led him to install fiberglass pools and build outdoor kitchens. Along the way, we get into neighborhood beefs, tricky customers, lawn care tips, and how his dad inspired his work ethic.
Highlights include:
 • How Jimmy launched JMarra Hardscapes • Balancing FedEx work with his own business • Raising 4 kids in youth sports chaos • Installing fiberglass pools & outdoor kitchens • Crazy customer stories & neighborhood disputes • Lawn care tips for beginners • Fatherhood lessons and dad frustrations
Whether you’re a suburban dad, backyard project junkie, or just love hearing how regular guys grind and grow—this one’s for you.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Episode 27 Cold Open05:12 Meet Jimmy Marra, Hardscape Pro & Dad of 407:08 Sports Chaos Raising Four Athletic Kids10:41 Why Lacrosse is Replacing Baseball13:04 From FedEx at 2:30 AM to Running a Business16:34 Mama Bear Moments That’ll Hit Home24:36 The Wildest Backyard Pool Build Story32:08 Backyard Golf Retreat for the Win37:15 Lawn Tips Every Dad Should Know44:22 Moles, Chipmunks & Backyard Battles53:14 How Jimmy Handles “Scope Creep” with Clients58:48 His Son’s Excavating Biz and Proud Dad Moment
 
Links & Mentions:
🧱 JMarra Hardscapes on Facebook🚜 Marra Excavation on Instagram🏛️ The Residence on Netflix💧 Rain Bird Irrigation🌱 Home Depot Overseeder Rental
 
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