Gooch week antics kick off as Lindz and Russ tackle New Year's resolutions, including avoiding naps and reading spicy novels. The episode spirals into tangents about Squid Game spoilers, conspiracy theories involving Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger, and Florida's frigid weather. Add in debates about KFC pluralization, and you've got an unfiltered rollercoaster of insanity to start 2025.

What happens when the world of health insurance collides with a sensational crime? We tackle the shocking assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, allegedly by Luigi Mangione, and ponder the dark humor that's emerged online. We also explore the moral complexities of security for high-profile executives in controversial industries and discuss the struggles of employees seeking anonymity in the shadow of their work. Can grievances be addressed without resorting to violence? We weigh the desperation that some might feel in the tangled web of healthcare frustrations and legal systems. Switching gears, we dive into the soundtracks of our lives. We reveal and humorously compare our top five favorite artists, with Beartooth, Lizzo, and Taylor Swift taking center stage. Amidst laughter, we dissect memorable lyrics from tracks like "Paint the Town Red" and "Loving on Me" while debating the impact these songs have had on our playlists. It's a lively exchange of musical tastes and the quirks of Google's new features that promise a shared glimpse into our listening habits. Finally, we bring you a nostalgic yet critical look at the 2024 holiday gift guide. From the resurgence of childhood classics like Furbies and Tamagotchis to the more forward-thinking Disney interactive toys, we scrutinize the innovation, or lack thereof, in this year's offerings. Join us as we reflect on the year's end hustle, recording challenges, and the intriguing trends that have captured our attention.

Ever scanned a QR code on a kid's toy that sent you to the dark side of the web? We dive into that wild mishap, reminisce about party nights ending at IHOP, and debate Jake Paul's "scripted" fights. We also chat about our North Pole adventure with a possibly tipsy Santa, Turkey Day chaos, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and the mind-boggling loops of time travel movies. Join us for laughs, debates, and a cozy dose of nostalgia! Timestamps: 00:00:35 Thanksgiving Recap 00:02:13 Upgrading the Studio 00:03:02 Florida’s Weather Mood Swings 00:04:00 Family Breakfast Traditions 00:04:55 The No-Phone Family Dinner Experiment 00:05:57 Busch Gardens Christmas Town Review 00:12:12 The Great Christmas Decorating Debate 00:15:09 Toy Crazes and Mishaps 00:19:27 Late-Night Nostalgia: IHOP Meets Applebee’s 00:24:07 Movie Talk: Caddo Lake and Time Travel 00:29:41 DOGE and the New Era of Politics 00:38:04 Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Scripted or Real? 00:44:29 Riches and Morality

In this nostalgic episode, our millennial hosts start off by discussing their favorite cult classic movies like 'The Princess Bride' and 'The Breakfast Club.' The conversation becomes an absolute fangirl moment as they reveal their excitement for interviewing Johnny Rico himself, Casper Van Dien. The hosts share personal anecdotes and movie memories, leading to Van Dien joining the conversation to discuss his role in the new 'Starship Troopers VR' game and the ongoing fervor for the franchise. They delve into behind-the-scenes stories, the potential for a new series, and even throw in some friendly banter about meeting Van Dien in Venice, Florida. By the end, it's clear that fandom knows no bounds, with dreams of friendship and future nerdy collaborations on the horizon. "Starship Troopers: Continuum" is out on Meta Quest and PSVRYou can check out the Teaser Trailer here: Starship Troopers: Continuum (VR GAME - TEASER TRAILER) Guest Bio: Casper Van Dien is an American actor best known for his leading role as Johnny Rico in the 1997 science fiction film "Starship Troopers." Van Dien's career took off with recurring roles in popular TV shows like "One Life to Live" and "Beverly Hills, 90210". However, his big break came in 1997 when he was cast as Johnny Rico in Paul Verhoeven's "Starship Troopers". This role catapulted him to fame and led to other significant parts, including: Tarzan in "Tarzan and the Lost City" (1998) Brom von Brunt in Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow" (1999) James Dean in the TV movie "James Dean: Race with Destiny" (1997) While Van Dien has appeared in over 100 films and TV series, he remains most closely associated with his role in "Starship Troopers." The film has achieved cult status, and Van Dien continues to be recognized for his portrayal of Johnny Rico. Despite this association, he has maintained a steady acting career, consistently working in various genres and mediums within the entertainment industry. 00:00 Introduction and Blue Tongue Mystery 01:07 Nostalgic Cult Movies Discussion 07:29 Interview with Casper Van Dien 12:47 Exciting New Experience in Europe 13:14 Starship Troopers Revival Hopes 14:46 Memories and Family Connections 16:45 Starship Troopers Resurgence 19:30 Behind the Scenes and Personal Stor

In this episode, we dive into a series of humorous and engaging conversations. We start with a surprise appearance by our cat and share funny anecdotes about hiccups and sneezes. The discussion then shifts to our daughter's amusing sayings, such as calling a hornet 'sharp' and referring to toes as 'toe fingers.' We also recount a fishing trip where a gator steals our daughter's first bass. The conversation transitions to more serious topics, such as debating the appropriateness of Halloween decorations and the new sport of Power Slap versus UFC. We wrap up with excitement for upcoming shows like 'Yellowstone' and 'Squid Games,' fall fishing, and our voting experiences. Finally, we invite listeners to join us on Instagram to play Emoji Pong, adding a fun interactive element to the episode. 00:00 Unexpected Visitor Interrupts Recording 00:32 Hilarious Hiccup and Sneeze Debate 01:26 Daughter's Funny Expressions 03:46 Fishing Adventure Gone Wrong 05:17 Clothing Order Controversy 10:15 Halloween Decorations Debate 13:40 Debating Halloween Decorations 14:57 Kids and Age-Appropriate Content 16:14 Power Slap: A New Sport? 21:19 Exciting Upcoming Releases 25:05 Voting and Civic Duty 29:03 Join Us on Instagram!

Join us as we debate weather control conspiracies, swap sunburn horror stories from a pumpkin patch visit, and hilariously reminisce about childhood movie marathons. From musing over Tesla's fancy new household robot that might just break your bank, to imagining if sharks could actually fly during a hurricane. Plus, you won’t want to miss our spirited debate on trending Halloween costumes, including why dressing as a Chipotle burrito might score you free food!

Joe Gatto is an improvisational comedian, actor, and producer from the New York City borough of Staten Island. He is a former member of the Tenderloins, a comedy troupe consisting of Sal Vulcano, James Murray, and Brian Quinn, and of course Impractical Jokers Most recently, he toured for two years with his stand-up solo show “Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy” in sold out theaters across the United States, Canada and Australia. Prior to that, he has toured with the Jokers live comedy show to sold-out crowds across the world, including legendary arenas, such as Madison Square Garden in New York and the O2 Arena in London. Joe is passionate about supporting anti-bullying organizations and animal rescue initiatives. He happily advocates for the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” movement with his non-profit Gatto Pups and Friends founded in 2022 which operates on Long Island, NY focusing on mainly senior and unwanted dogs. Joe also hosts a popular comedy podcast called "Two Cool Moms" on the iHeart Radio Podcast Network where he and his co-host dispenses sage motherly advice to fans who write in with their dilemmas. Joe's links: Messing With People comedy special, out now on YouTube: https://sacksco.com/pr/joe_gatto.html Podcast: Two Cool Moms with co-host Steve Byrne which just kicked off its 2nd season via iHeartMedia/the Elvis Duran Podcast Network: https://sacksco.com/pr/joe_gatto_073024.html Comedy Tour: https://sacksco.com/pr/joe_gatto_061824.html Children's Book: Where's Bearry? is out now via Penguin https://randomhouse.app.box.com/s/tzqkhe4nmmpofof249s5zszjmfk1q1al/file/1635852675698

This episode of the Unfiltered Union dives into the absurdities and challenges of modern life, starting with the ridiculous cost of parking at Florida beaches and the frustrations that come with it. Russ and Lindz share their experiences of enjoying the beach while navigating the challenges of sunburn, sunscreen, and high parking fees. The conversation shifts to serious topics, including the importance of mental health resources like the 988 suicide hotline, and the alarming trend of fake threats made by students across the country, leading to significant police responses. They also discuss the implications of these actions on communities and the need for accountability among not only the youth but also their parents. Wrapping up, the duo humorously tackles the significance of ensuring mutual agreement on traditions like cake smashing at weddings, emphasizing the importance of communication in relationships. Takeaways: The discussion highlights the high costs of beach parking in Florida, especially for residents. The hosts express concern over the mental health implications of recent social media trends in schools. They emphasize the importance of discussing cake smashing etiquette before getting married. The potential for augmented reality glasses to replace smartphones in the future is explored. An alarming trend of students making false threats to schools is addressed, highlighting its consequences. The episode underscores the significance of awareness and resources for mental health support.

In this engaging podcast episode, Russ and Lindz discuss fun and quirky topics like enjoying iced coffee in the shower before transitioning to an in-depth interview with Brian and Kelly Estes, creators of the film 'God Bless Bitcoin.' The Estes explain their motivation behind the film, blending educational themes about the ethical implications of Bitcoin and its integration with various religious perspectives. The conversation covers the history, moral advantages, and future implications of Bitcoin as a superior monetary system, touching on economic challenges and the potential for a global transition to Bitcoin. Timestamps: 00:00 Revelations and Shower Ideas 02:08 Bitcoin Basics: The White Paper 03:27 Bitcoin's Complexities and Interview Introduction 05:02 Meet Brian and Kelly Estes 07:08 The Intersection of Religion and Bitcoin 13:42 Bitcoin's Ethical and Moral Dimensions 20:16 The Future of Money: Bitcoin's Potential 25:47 Concluding Thoughts and Resources Guest Info: Brian Estes is the CIO of Off the Chain Capital which manages the #1 performing blockchain fund in the Hedge Fund Research (HFR) Universe from 2016-2021. Brian has been a VC in blockchain for 10 years and has advised, mentored and/or financed 6 blockchain companies that have a combined value of over $50B today. In addition to running blockchain asset funds, he teaches blockchain and digital asset investing classes at University of Cambridge UK, Washington University, and Morgan State University’s Center of Blockchain and Financial Technology. Brian earned his BA in Economics from the University of Illinois, his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis with high honors, and did is study abroad at University of Cambridge and the London School of Economics. For fun Brian has been an active pilot and aircraft owner for 34 years and has over 2200 hours of flight time logged. Kelly Estes is founder and President of the Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Foundation, a non-profit that provides bridge scholarships to private high schools and colleges for high-need, high-achieving students to help break the cycle of poverty through education. Kelly has devoted the last thirty years to education as a teacher and as the Graduate Support Director of an enrichment program that provided programming and advisement in a school district where 95% of the stud

In this episode of Unfiltered Union, hosts Lindz and Russ are joined by the talented David Arquette to discuss his latest film, "The Good Half," which explores heavy yet important themes like grief and the dynamics of a blended family. Arquette shares insights into his character Rick, portraying him as an outcast who is part of some intense on-screen arguments. They also delve into Arquette's storied career, covering topics from his iconic role in "Scream" to wrestling triumphs, and even a humorous Coke commercial with his ex-wife, Courtney Cox. --- Guest Info: David Arquette Actor, producer and retired professional wrestler. The youngest of five, David Arquette was born in Winchester, Virginia and is part of the illustrious Arquette family, whose work has spread over several generations. His parents, Lewis Arquette, an actor, and Brenda Denaut (née Nowak), an acting teacher and therapist, had 4 other children: Rosanna Arquette, Richmond Arquette, Patricia Arquette, and Alexis Arquette, all actors. His paternal grandfather, Cliff Arquette, was also an entertainer. David's mother was from an Ashkenazi Jewish family (from Poland and Russia), while David's father had French-Canadian, Swiss-German, and English ancestry. Like his siblings, Arquette started working at an early age, and his first major role came as Luke Perry's character's best friend in the hit film Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992). But his major break both personally and professionally didn't come until 1996 when he was cast in the slasher flick Scream (1996) starring opposite close friend Drew Barrymore, Neve Campbell and more importantly Friends (1994), with Courteney Cox who he married in San Francisco in the summer of 1999. Scream (1996) earned worldwide success and acclaim as did Arquette for his role as lovable simple cop "Dewey". His role proved to be so popular that in the original script his character was meant to die, but due to test audiences response to Dewey the script was changed and he returned for both Scream 2 (1997) and Scream 3 (2000). Usually known for his goofiness in more mainstream roles, his greatest performances and reviews have come for his indie films such as Johns (1996), Dream with the Fishes (1997) and The Grey Zone (2001). David and wife Courteney Cox reside in LA and produce their own DIY show Mix It Up (2003) because of their love for home improvement.

In this lively episode of the Unfiltered Union Podcast, Russ and Lindz catch up on their 4th of July celebrations, discussing the nostalgic fun of sparklers and favorite holidays. They explore the generational divide in basic skills like counting coins while enjoying humorous banter. The discussion takes a serious turn as they ponder smart people versus societal trends, and dive into hurricane conspiracy theories and the science of weather patterns. The episode includes a passionate analysis of Stranger Things, with predictions for the series finale, and an examination of SpaceX's role in bringing down the ISS. Russ and Lindz wrap up with thoughts on smartphone addiction, the feasibility of tiny homes for the homeless in Tampa, and some lighthearted debates on random topics.

In Episode 50 of Unfiltered Union, Russ and Lindz, who claim 76 years of wedded bliss despite being just 35, navigate the wild ride of launching their Substack, their daughter's fearless ear-piercing despite a needle phobia, and the "yee-haw" crisis in modern country music. Sprinkled with laughter, they debate streaming service woes, Cowboy Cheerleaders, and the questionable morality of posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms. They even squeeze in some mall nostalgia and spontaneous dream analysis, making it an unfiltered quirky adventure from start to finish.

In this episode of Unfiltered Union, Summer Collins dives into her passion for coral restoration and the importance of mentorship through paid internships. The discussion covers the threats to coral reefs, such as climate change and microplastics, as well as efforts to protect ocean ecosystems. Russ and Lindz also explore consumer and corporate roles in tackling plastic pollution and highlight Summer's upcoming wildlife trip to Costa Rica and her science communication projects. Guest Info: Summer Collins Writer/Science Communicator/Marine Biologist/Ocean Advocate My background prior to becoming a coral biologist is microplastics research and sea-turtle rehabilitation. After relocating to the keys, I have had the opportunity to be on the forefront to restore our local reefs while also running a science communications page, publishing my first book, mentoring marine science students, and now hosting wildlife trips worldwide. My passion is inspiring future marine scientists and sharing my knowledge of our oceans. https://summerscientist.com/ https://www.instagram.com/summer.scientist?igsh=MXV4bWR6enh6ZzJ0eA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Want more of the show? Check out all of our links below: Website - https://www.unfilteredunion.com

Join Russ and Lindz on this episode of Unfiltered Union where they dive into everything from the crazy housing market and the struggles young folks face today, to deep chats about mental health and some pretty wild ideas about what to do for their funerals. They also get into a heated debate over Taylor Swift's Florida song, share funny gator stories, and tackle the pros and cons of renting vs. buying a home. Plus, hear about Russ’s amusing sunburn remedies and their quirky thoughts on surviving Florida's heat. It's a mix of serious talk, laughs, and a bit of everything in between. Don't miss it! --- Want more of the show? Check out all of our links below: Website - https://www.unfilteredunion.com

In this episode, we have a fascinating interview with Kaleigh Grant, also known as Kay. Kay takes us on a journey from her upbringing outside Philadelphia to becoming a renowned shark expert in Hawaii. She sheds light on the crucial role sharks play in the ecosystem and the various threats they encounter, including overfishing and plastic pollution. Kaye underscores the significance of adopting sustainable practices such as using reef-safe sunscreen and reducing single-use plastics. Through her company, Kaimana Ocean Safari, she actively works towards connecting people with the ocean and advocating for conservation. --- Guest Info: Kayleigh Grant Founder – Captain – Lead Safety Diver Kayleigh “Kay” grew up outside of Philadelphia with a deep love and longing for the ocean and curiosity of its inhabitants. Kay has a Bachelor of Science in Ecotourism & completed the Marine Option Program at the University of Hawaii, as well as a shark specialty course with Queensland University and Cornell University. She’s been living in Hawaii for 12 years and was able to further her love of the ocean and learn invaluable information about safety and sharks from the amazing team at One Ocean Diving from 2015-2020. Kay has guided ocean goers of all walks of life at home in Hawai’i, as well as around the globe with her Kaimana Expeditions. Kay is passionate about connecting people to the ocean in a deeper way and inspiring others to change their daily habits to better benefit the natural world. Onboard Kay will teach you how to properly interact with animals, safely interact with sharks, the importance of cutting out single-use plastics, which sunscreens are safe for the reef, and more! Website - https://www.kaimanaoceansafari.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mermaid.kayleigh/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kayleighnb Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mermaid.kayleigh --- Want more of the show? Check out all of our links below: Website - https://www.unfilteredunion.com

In this episode, we delve into a fascinating discussion with our guest, Elias Moskona, who generously shares his personal journey of self-discovery and mental health improvement through the lens of psychedelics. Elias opens up about his experiences and the profound impact psychedelics had on his well-being. We explore the nuanced topic of using psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, discussing the benefits and considerations involved. Our conversation highlights the crucial elements of set, setting, and integration in creating safe and meaningful psychedelic experiences. Together, we address the stigma surrounding psychedelics, the legal landscape, and the promising potential they hold in revolutionizing mental health treatment. We stress the importance of responsible use and the necessity of professional guidance when embarking on such transformative journeys. --- Guest Info: Elias Moskona Growing up in a conflictive household in Venezuela, life always felt safer in my own head. When I left my home to study abroad, I did not realize that along with my belongings, I was bringing with me invisible wounds of trauma, and all the coping mechanisms I had learned as a kid. It took a miserable college experience, moving countries again, a marriage and a divorce, a wonderful therapist and my discovery of psychedelics as tools for mental health, for me to start piecing together the puzzle that held the answers to who I was. Today I can say that putting in the effort to find myself was the single most meaningful decision of my life, and I reap the benefits of it on a daily basis. Website - http://www.curasanajourneys.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/curasanajourneys/ --- Timestamps: (00:00:28) Introduction to the Unfiltered Union podcast and guest, Elias Moscano, sharing his transformative journey with psychedelics for mental health improvement. (00:08:29) Discussion on the importance of therapy in mental health journeys and the decision to seek therapy for addiction and behavioral challenges. (00:14:36) Exploration of the use of psychedelics in mental health, pronunciation of the business name 'Curasane,' and the significance of set, setting, and integration in psychedelic experiences.(00:32:05) Analysis of the impact of psychedelics on self-discovery, decision-

In this provocative episode of Unfiltered Union, Russ and Lindz tackle the insidious world of taxation, the looming specter of global conflict, and the cultural impact of entertainment. They kick things off with a tongue-in-cheek PSA on tax deadlines, segueing into a deep dive on the potential outbreak of World War III. The duo dissects the escalating tensions in the Middle East, the role of the US and UK, and the implications of Iran's recent actions. The conversation then takes a turn into the realm of pop culture, exploring the gritty adaptation of the "Fallout" series and the cinematic spectacle of "Dune II." They debate the merits of staying true to source material and the challenges of translating complex narratives to the screen. As they pivot to the lighter side, Russ and Lindz share their emotional connection to the beloved children's show "Bluey," reflecting on themes of change and family dynamics. They speculate on the future of the series and the impact of character development on their own lives. Finally, the episode delves into the controversial world of fast fashion, highlighting the success and ethical quandaries of Shein. They confront the uncomfortable truths of consumerism, cheap labor, and the struggle to reconcile convenience with conscience. --- Timestamps: (00:00:22) Introduction to the Unfiltered Union podcast and discussion of taxes due on April 15th (00:01:16) Conversation about world events including potential conflicts and involvement of countries like the US and UK (00:06:54) Review and discussion of the TV show 'Bluey' and its impact on the hosts and their family (00:32:57) Consumer habits and overconsumption(00:33:25) Discussion on water intake recommendations (00:34:22) Factors influencing water needs --- Want more of the show? Check out all of our links below: Website - https://www.unfilteredunion.com

In this whirlwind episode of Unfiltered Union, Russ and Lindz navigate the chaotic waters of rebranding, riveting guest encounters, and the unfiltered realities of the entertainment industry. They kick off with a candid reflection on their recent guests, from Bitcoin sage Chris Reavis to Sergio Halabi with his ancient civilization revelations, and the insightful Reverend Katie O'Donnell. The conversation takes a darker turn as they delve into the harrowing documentary "Quiet on Set," exposing the underbelly of childhood stardom and the systemic abuses in Hollywood. From there, they shift gears to share their amusement park escapades, detailing the highs and lows of their family adventures across Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, and SeaWorld. The thrills of touching dolphins (or "large pickles," as their daughter would say) are weighed against the frustrations of overcrowded parks and subpar food experiences. The episode crescendos with a discussion on "sleep divorce," pondering the pros and cons of snoozing separately for the sake of restful nights. And in true Unfiltered Union fashion, they cap it off with a Kid Rock tweet that's as outrageous as it is hilarious, leaving listeners with a taste of the unapologetic, uncensored spirit that Russ and Lindz bring to every show. --- Timestamps: (00:03:12) Rebranding and guest recaps (00:11:45) The dark side of Nickelodeon and child stardom (00:22:33) Amusement park adventures and annual pass experiences (00:39:27) The concept of "sleep divorce" (00:42:15) Kid Rock's controversial tweet --- Want more of the show? Check out all of our links below: Website - https://www.unfilteredunion.com

In this episode, Russ and Lindz interview Chris Reavis, an expert in making complex topics easy to understand. They discuss Bitcoin investing and its potential to create generational wealth. They also touch on the benefits of Bitcoin over traditional currencies and the impact of Bitcoin on energy usage. The episode discusses the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining and the potential benefits it can bring to the energy grid. Chris shares insights on the use of flared gas for Bitcoin mining and the importance of holding your own keys in the cryptocurrency world. The conversation also touches on the guest's upcoming book, "Boost Your Bullsh*t Resilience At Work", and dealing with work-related challenges. --- Guest Info: Chris Reavis Website: https://aintent.com X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/avidintent Boost Your Bullsh*t Resilience At Work pre-launch offers: https://thebsbook.com/ --- Want more of the show? Check out all of our links below: Website - https://www.unfilteredunion.com

In this episode, we dive deep into the mysteries of ancient civilizations, the construction of pyramids, and near-death experiences. Our guest, Sergio Halabi challenges the mainstream narrative and sheds light on the inconsistencies in the traditional explanations. Join us as we explore the fascinating theories that suggest the involvement of an advanced ancient civilization in the construction of the pyramids. Our guest also delves into the intriguing idea that the pyramids served as energy conductors, harnessing unknown forces. Additionally, we discuss common themes in near-death experiences, such as out-of-body travel and a profound sense of overwhelming love. Sergio encourages listeners to question the official narrative and embark on their own journey of understanding. Join us for this thought-provoking episode as we unravel the mysteries of ancient civilizations and near-death experiences. --- Guest info: Sergio Halabi An independent researcher originally from Lebanon, currently living in Bahrain, focusing on ancient civilizations, mythologies, ufology and conspiracy theories as well as a spiritual investigator into the beyond and the paranormal, studying NDEs and OBEs and the nature of reality. Website - https://sergiofx.wixsite.com/paradigmshiftpodcast Paradigm Shift Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6EoqGIHn8VM6Vf6eYep0Nw Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/paradigm.shift.experience/ --- Timestamps: (00:00:22) Introduction to the Unfiltered Union podcast (00:00:53) Introduction of Sergio Halaby and his research interests (00:01:30) Sergio's journey in the realm of research (00:03:39) Discussion on the control of knowledge and history (00:06:38) The importance of understanding history and connecting the dots (00:10:08) Discussion on the construction of the pyramids and their builders (00:24:32) The theory that the pyramids were transmitters of energy (00:38:18) Common themes in near death experiences and out of body experiences (00:47:06) Differentiating between information and conspiracy theories (00:48:15) Challenging indoctrinated beliefs (00:49:33) The importance of sharing knowledge ---