Top Shelf Stories

Send us a text

Jay shares his concerns about his 12-year-old son being bullied at school, prompting a candid discussion about generational approaches to handling bullies and what parents can do when their children are targeted.
• The hosts share personal experiences with bullying from their childhoods
• Discussion of different strategies to counter bullies, including the "Eight Mile" approach of owning insults
• Debate about whether each generation gets progressively "softer" than the last
• Tony shares a story about being hit by a friend's father and his grandfather's reaction
• The group explores how physical discipline has evolved across generations
• Jay details his son's situation and the steps he's taken to address the bullying so far
• The hosts weigh whether teaching a child to fight back is effective or potentially harmful
• Consideration of whether "killing with kindness" works or just makes a target appear weaker
• Acknowledgment that today's bullying extends beyond school through social media and technology
• The consensus that at some point, standing up to bullies may be necessary, even if uncomfortable
"Beat the shit out of your bully." - A controversial but heartfelt closing thought from Tony as the hosts wrap up their discussion of this challenging parenting situation.

Send us a text

We dive into Chris's epic weekend house party that evolved into a 24-hour rager, complete with barbecue, fire pits, and an Umphrey's McGee concert adventure.
• Chris hosted an all-day party that transformed from a pre-concert gathering to a sunrise after-party
• The crew traveled to the Riverside Theater via city bus, where Chris befriended and smuggled a stranger named Isaac into the concert
• Tony experienced his first Umphrey's McGee show and shares his honest impressions as a first-timer
• The group reminisces about the dangers of flipping through CD binders while driving compared to today's voice-activated music
• Party highlights included outdoor fire pits, projector setups, and guests partying until sunrise despite the time change
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Top Shelf Stories wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content.

Send us a text

Tony shares his harrowing experience flying back from Orlando with his 11-year-old son who has severe flight anxiety and his fearless 4-year-old who enjoyed tormenting his brother.
• Tony's family vacation to Orlando included theme parks, Legoland, Disney, and daily trips to Universal CityWalk
• The flight to Florida experienced one bad drop that triggered his son Chase's severe flight anxiety
• Chase spent the entire week asking about turbulence and the safety of their return flight
• A major storm delayed their return flight and created scary visuals at the airport with palm trees bending and tornado warnings
• The return flight experienced constant turbulence, causing Chase to have multiple panic attacks
• The situation reached its peak when Chase vomited, and the bag spilled all over Tony, Chase, and the floor
• Flight attendant provided rubber gloves, napkins, and a garbage bag for Tony to clean up the mess himself
• Despite the traumatic flight experience, the family has another flight planned for later in the summer
• Tony contrasts his sons' personalities - his anxious 11-year-old versus his "absolute savage" 4-year-old who enjoys tormenting his brother

Send us a text

This episode explores the humorous differences between being a boy dad and a girl dad, showcasing the unique challenges and experiences each face. Through lighthearted anecdotes and serious reflections, we discuss parenting strategies, responsibility, and the chaos of raising children.
• Comparison and humor in the dynamics of boy dads vs. girl dads
• The physical and chaotic nature of raising boys
• Experiences during playdates and sleepovers
• Importance of teaching kids about responsibility
• Utilizing perception of choice in parenting
• Balancing strictness and flexibility as a parent

Send us a text

Ever found yourself waiting endlessly for a date who just won't show? We kick off with a humorous debate on how long to wait for someone who's running fashionably—or unforgivably—late. With a wink and a nudge, we draw parallels between dating punctuality and the unpredictable schedules of delivery services. Our chat takes a playful turn as we contemplate the possibility of meeting someone new while waiting, peppered with laughter and some sage advice on relationship boundaries along the way.
Speaking of boundaries, ever rocked a couple's costume that was a bit too shocking for the room? We share a hilarious story about being the odd plugs and sockets out at a party, leading to a spirited discussion on the nuances of party etiquette and the art of being fashionably late. Join us as we navigate the awkwardness and hilarity of social gatherings, where double dating and balancing commitments become a fun game of who wore it best—and who showed up last.
But the laughs don't stop there. Remember the days when eating in front of a date felt like a high-stakes performance? We dive into the quirky fears of dating life, from surviving on crackers to the nostalgia of long diner nights with endless coffee refills. With tales of friends hustling autographs and living out of cars, we wrap up with a heartwarming yet comical reflection on the past, and a nod to those unforgettable online date waits. Join us for an episode filled with laughter, nostalgia, and stories that promise to leave you smiling till the very end.