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Smart Drivel

Smart Drivel

"Two intelligent gents accidentally teaching the masses about history, etymology and everything in-between! You'll laugh and learn, and come out with some smart drivel to take to your next party (virtual or otherwise)!"

Recent Episodes

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S2E12: Memento Mori
12
July 6, 2026

S2E12: Memento Mori

In this episode, Kurt puts Jon on the hot seat with a simple game: Was this famous person a Stoic...or not? Winston Churchill. Queen Elizabeth II. Napoleon Bonaparte. Amelia Earhart. Marcus Aurelius is too easy, so don't expect any freebies. Along the way, they separate Stoicism from simply "having a stiff upper lip," talk about why this 2,000-year-old philosophy has suddenly become fashionable again, and discover that being calm under pressure isn't the same thing as being a Stoic. It's a histo
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S2E11: The Secret Histories Hidden in Everyday Words
11
June 22, 2026

S2E11: The Secret Histories Hidden in Everyday Words

In this episode, the boys follow a trail of words that turns out to be a lot stranger than expected. Why does bankruptcy involve a broken bench? Why is malaria named after "bad air"? What does a medieval orphanage have to do with the surnames Esposito and Innocente? And how did the word "nephew" accidentally give us "nepotism"? Along the way, we'll visit Siena's claim to Rome's founding myth, step outside the cathedral to discover the original meaning of "profane," and uncover the forgotten stor
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S2E10: The Unforgettable Smell of Play-Doh
June 8, 2026

S2E10: The Unforgettable Smell of Play-Doh

Did you know that smells, besides being the strongest door to memories, can be trademarked? As can sounds? Jon and Kurt discuss examples of these as well as smoking tigers, irony, Pocahontas, and the story behind the marathon being 26.2 miles.
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S2E9: Jim Dandy
9
May 25, 2026

S2E9: Jim Dandy

Jon and Kurt go all Magellan on you this episode and discuss geographic oddities sure to blow your mind. That, and somehow Wilt Chamberlain and poutine make appearances. Oh, and Blue Swede sang “Hooked on a Feeling” not “Ride Captain Ride.” That was Blues Image. Kurt apologizes.
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S2E7: Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
7
May 11, 2026

S2E7: Mayday, Mayday, Mayday

Jon and Kurt are back with a new episode that explains the origins of “mayday”, delves into men’s new need to keep up a “hot style,” what it means to age, and well just some other drivel that attempts to lay in some smart.
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S2E7: The Greatest April Fool's Pranks (redux)
7
April 27, 2026

S2E7: The Greatest April Fool's Pranks (redux)

Jon and Kurt decided to capitalize on the fact that they recorded this episode in April and put out a topical discussion about pranks. They found historical jokes centuries old that fooled many middle agers (not someone in their 50s, but someone who lived centuries ago) and some that got the masses hook line and sinker in the 20th century. And lots in between. Give a listen and get inspired for the next April Fools Day. Maybe you will find one worth repeating (but we advise against trotting out
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Reviews

Laugh while you learn

"Fun, witty banter by two very bright, hilarious guys. They discuss a variety of interesting and thought provoking topics each week. I learn something every time I listen. And I laugh every time I lis…"

AJFlanigan | Aug. 18, 2020

Engaging and Enlightening

"Absolutely love Smart Drivel. Really interesting topics covered, and Jon and Kurt approach each one with their signature blend of humor and intelligence. Each episode is the perfect length, so you ca…"

JOHNBLUMENTHAL | July 17, 2020

5 Stars - fantastic podcast

"These two rock. Love their podcast. I always look forward to the next episode. They are both very humorous, kinda smart :) but always entertaining. They clearly have a blast doing it together and you…"

38 Off | July 10, 2020
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