Join the crew as they navigate a whirlwind of kidney stones, ice storms in Florida, and the desperate search for a good boba shop while comparing pain levels from kidney stones to childbirth. Meanwhile, listeners are whisked away on a world tour of conspiracy theories, from suspicious wildfires setting the stage for smart cities to airplane antics potentially linked to "killware." As if life weren't dramatic enough, the episode wraps with impassioned debates about sipping through Starbucks lids and the relentless quest for the next thrilling TV series.

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.