Podcasting, Street Hockey & Train Wreck TV – w/ Josh Kaplan

In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Josh Kaplan—one of the voices behind the podcast Friends Talking Shop. Josh shares how three finance industry veterans turned late-night conference chats into a hilarious and relatable show that’s now over 85 episodes strong.

We dive into Josh’s Philly sports fandom, his 15-year journey playing in an adult street hockey league, and how he juggles podcasting, family, and a full-time career. The conversation also explores social media struggles, viral moments, and unexpected documentary obsessions.

 

Highlights include:

 • How Friends Talking Shop got started
 • Podcast dynamics: Dave the host, Omar the wildcard
 • Street hockey stories (and injuries)
 • Growing on Instagram with help from the kids
 • Favorite shows from Love is Blind to Dr. Pimple Popper

Whether you’re over 50 or just feel like it, this episode is a fun, relatable ride.

 

Timestamps

00:00 Episode 23 Show Intro
07:22 Street hockey league: gear, injuries, and adult camaraderie
13:12 The Stretch Zone
20:40 Internships, sticker fails & early career mishaps
22:23 How Friends Talking Shop was born around a fire pit
26:24 Omar the wildcard: single life, eccentric style, and spontaneity
30:12 Josh’s “social media vault” strategy and posting tips
38:35 Why podcasting should always be for fun
48:51 When TikTok turned into a battlefield over “Jingle Bells”
54:45 Streaming picks: Jay & Pamela, Baylen, Love Is Blind, Lincoln Lawyer
1:03:28 Karen Read case – the local true crime twist
1:07:59 Show Wrap Up

 

Links & Mentions:

🎙️ Friends Talking Shop Podcast
🥃 Deacon Whiskey (FTS sponsor)
📺 Jay and Pamela on TLC
📺 Baylen Out Loud on Max
🧘 Stretch Zone
🔔 Controversy over Jingle Bells Fun Fact (Tik Tok)
🤢 Dr. Pimple Popper
📺 The Trial of Karen Read
🎵 “I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died” by Riley Green

 

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